Month: April 2023

Have you ever stopped for a moment to think about how much you use your shoulders? As long as you’re upright, it’s almost like they are in constant motion. Paragon Orthopedic Center would like you to consider the stretches that could prevent injuries and hopefully put off shoulder issues that come with overuse. Stretching provides flexibility, increases your range of motion, reduces the chance of injury, and can improve your posture. Please note that if you have pain, you are not stretching correctly, or there is possibly another issue within your shoulder. Stretches should be gentle and sustained. Paragon Orthopedic Center is here for you for your shoulder needs, if you have concerns about your shoulders. Check out these helpful shoulder stretches and tips with photos from Harvard Health:

4 stretches to keep your shoulders in shape – Harvard Health

We had some fun celebrating Brandon, Alisa, and Jodi recently at Paragon with a strawberry angel food cake. Jodi was camera shy for the photo op with the cake, but she was there for some sugar! Please wish these lovely people a happy birthday if you see them in the clinic!

Marijuana use is on the rise around our country, and with more older people seeking to use it, attention needs to be paid to the risks for this population. Some seniors seek to use it for sleep, anxiety, or as an alternative to conventional medicines for ailments of the later years of life, but are not aware of what can happen as a result of taking it. The Wall Street Journal looked into this important subject and likely everyone can benefit from the knowledge. Metabolism gets slower as the body ages. The effects of marijuana can linger longer in seniors and the adverse effects of it can lead to accidents. The general advice is to first make sure your healthcare professional knows in order to assess any drug interactions with current medications, and start with a low dose, increasing slowly as needed to minimize being overcome by the possible side effects. THC-induced dizziness can lead to confusion, falls, and injuries. Marijuana interferes with some prescribed medications, so open honesty with your healthcare provider is essential. Be mindful of these risks to avoid unintended consequences that could be life-altering.

If you are a senior or have an older person in your life who uses marijuana or CBD products, read more here:

Marijuana Has Special Risks for Older People – WSJ

“I‘m too tired,” “I feel like just staying put,” or “I don’t have time.” These are just a few excuses why you won’t get some exercise, even if it’s getting out the door to walk around the grocery store. Moving is a choice, but the choice not to move could have major repercussions on your health. Paragon Orthopedic Center encourages some form of exercise daily for a reason: so you can be the best you can be. It’s a slippery slope: not moving leads to weight gain, your bones become weaker, your joints are stiffer, your immune system is weaker, and your risk of serious diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, goes way up. This is a bad direction for anyone. You can reverse course!

The Mayo Clinic has seven benefits to exercise, to give you some reasons to counter any tendency to stay put.

1. Exercise controls weight
2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
3. Exercise improves mood
4. Exercise boosts energy
5. Exercise promotes better sleep
6. Exercise puts a spark back in sex
7. Exercise can be fun and social!

Click below to read more about these seven benefits plus exercise suggestions to get you started. With the Southern Oregon forecast predicting some warmer temperatures, go for a brisk walk and enjoy the benefits!

Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity – Mayo Clinic