"The Good Stuff" is an occasional series that highlights recent media coverage of physical therapy and APTA members, with an emphasis on good news and stories of how individual PTs and PTAs are transforming health care and society every day. Enjoy!
"Life is always going to find a way": Dakota Kay, PT, DPT, who grew up in the Navajo Nation in Kayenta, Arizona, endured hunger and homelessness in pursuit of his undergraduate degree and DPT. (Inside Edition)
Back to basics: Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, explains the importance of exercise that strengthens the lower back. (livestrong.com)
Staying strong and giving back: Nelson Almeida, PT, DPT, describes how he doesn't allowing speaking with a stutter to stand in the way of being a great PT, and how he's helping other individuals with stutters become confident in their abilities. (WLRN News, Miami)
The hip new thing: Karena Wu, PT, DPT, shares her perspectives on how to choose the best pillow for hip pain. (bustle.com)
Mythbuster: Chris Wilson, PT, debunks 6 common myths about back pain and how to treat it. (Wasilla, Alaska, Frontiersman)
Gaining in the poles: Jon Schultz. PT, MPT, has launched a Nordic urban poling program at his clinic. (WFLA News 8, Tampa, Florida)
A song of ice and…heat: Robert Gillanders, PT, DPT, evaluates the pros and cons of ice baths and hot therapy for recovery. (Yahoo! Lifestyle)
Hanging leg tuck and overhead throw, anyone? Amy Schultz, PT, DPT, explains why the hardest exercises in the US Army's new fitness test may be good for cyclists. (Bicycling)
PT Ninja Warrior: Conor Galvin, SPT, has been wowing viewers across the country with his skills on "American Ninja Warrior." (Riverhead, New York, Times-Review)
Water you waiting for? Patrice Hazan, PT, DPT, MA, provides tips on exercises that can be performed while in the pool with family and friends. ("Your Carolina," WSPA TV, Spartanburg, South Carolina)
Rising falls numbers, and what to do about them: Mindy Renfro, PT, DPT, PhD, and Leslie Allison, PT, PhD, editor of the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, discuss recent research into rising rates of falls-related deaths among Americans who are older, and how falls prevention programs can help made a positive change. (Kaiser Health News)
Physical therapy's role in addressing developmental delays: Beth Ennis, PT, EdD, explores the role pediatric physical therapy can play in helping children develop. (MD-Update)
Finding that tweet spot for phone-viewing: Eric Robertson, PT, DPT, has some suggestions for avoiding neck pain from overuse of handheld devices. (Popular Science)
Exercise after giving birth: Susan Clinton, PT, DScPT, and Marianne Ryan, PT, BS, offer advice for women who are ready to begin (or restart) exercise postpartum. (New York Times)
Quotable: "With physical therapy, you can see patients make so many strides, and miracles happen," she said. "I've been in PT, and I've witnessed these miracles, and I believe that physical therapy is a field through which I can make a difference in the world. I believe I can help people realize, during their worst times, the strengths they may not know they have and watch as they make amazing progress." Heather Callahan-Williams, University of North Georgia student, on her plans to pursue a degree in physical therapy. (University of North Georgia News)
Got some good stuff? Let us know. Send a link to troyelliott@apta.org.