What's Arm Wrestling got to do with it???

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. by appointment in the Outpatient Therapy Dept at Sun Towers

This month, we are screening for heart disease and stroke along with balance! Grip strength may provide clues to heart health per Howard LeWine, M.D., Chief Medical Editor, Internet Publishing, Harvard Health Publications: A strong or weak hand grip carries more than just social cues. It may also help measure an individual’s risk for having a heart attack or stroke, or dying from cardiovascular disease. As part of the international Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study, researchers measured grip strength in nearly 140,000 adults in 17 countries and followed their health for an average of four years. A device called a dynamometer was used to assess grip strength. Each 11-pound decrease in grip strength over the course of the study was linked to a 16% higher risk of dying from any cause, a 17% higher risk of dying from heart disease, a 9% higher risk of stroke, and a 7% higher risk of heart attack. The connections between grip strength and death or cardiovascular disease remained strong even after the researchers adjusted for other things that can contribute to heart disease or death, such as age, smoking, exercise, and other factors. The findings were published online in The Lancet. Interestingly, grip strength was a better predictor of death or cardiovascular disease than blood pressure. Have your fall risk screened at no cost to you! These simple screens takes less than five minutes.  As a special treat, our very own Christopher Bluhm, OTR/L will provide screenings while wearing his Irish Kilt in honor of St. Patrick's Day! Arm wrestle with Chris as a fun way to test your strength! (He’ll also use the dynamometer!) Interested in knowing more or wish to schedule? call 813-892-2990