Cover the Uninsured Week Raises Awareness About
Uninsured Americans
ALEXANDRIA, VA, April 23, 2008 — The American Physical Therapy
Association (APTA) is urging residents across the country to contact
their legislators and demand solutions to the problem of the nation's
uninsured during "Cover the Uninsured Week," April 27-May 3. APTA is a
supporting organization of the observance, designed to raise awareness
of the plight of more than 47 million uninsured Americans - and the
effect it is having on the country's health care system.
"As physical therapists, we hear firsthand the many challenges our
patients face in obtaining health care," said APTA President R Scott
Ward, PT, PhD. "This important week is an opportunity for our country to
join together and become more aware of the struggles uninsured Americans
face, the impact this national problem has on all of our lives, and how
health care professionals and others can help."
For online resources and more information on how you can join this
effort, visit www.covertheunisured.org.
Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and
manage individuals of all ages, from newborns to elders, who have
medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their
abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily
lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of
care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce
pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists
also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing
fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active
lifestyles.
The American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org) is a
national organization representing physical therapists, physical
therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster
advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research.
Consumers can visit www.findapt.us to find a physical therapist in their
area, as well as www.apta.org/consumer for physical therapy news and
information.