During these times one might wonder how they can better their immune system to fight off infectious diseases. Physiological immunity can be a difficult concept to grasp. Typically, a healthy immune system is composed of complex white blood cells (WBCs) that flow through your body searching for pathogens to destroy, but not all immune systems run that smoothly. What can we be doing to help our WBCs fight off nasty pathogens?

Our basic understanding is that a “healthier” person will have a stronger immunity to pathogens. Because immunity is a complex system, that is affected by multiple different factors, it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific solution for strengthening our immunity. The best we can do to strengthen our immune system, is pay attention to our overall health. This means cutting out alcohol and smoking, getting a good night’s sleep, eating fruits and vegetables, and implementing regular exercise.

Regular exercise has proven to improve cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure, maintain healthy weight, better mental illnesses, and encourage stress management. Exercise is considered an important pillar to your health. It is also thought to have a direct impact on your immune system. Theories indicate that exercise increases immunity through its mechanism to increase blood flow. As exercise stimulates blood flow, it allows WBCs to travel through your body quicker and more effectively. This could allow WBCs to locate and fight off pathogens faster than a sedentary individual.

Maintaining an overall consistent, healthy lifestyle is your best option when working toward strengthening your immune system. Like diet, exercise is considered an important tool when taking care of our health. If we implement exercise into our regular routines, we can help our WBCs fight off infectious diseases by promoting favorable circulation. Look for our posts on safe exercises you can carry out at home during quarantine!

References:

Nieman, David C., and Laurel M. Wentz. “The Compelling Link between Physical Activity and
the Body's Defense System.” Journal of Sport and Health Science, vol. 8, no. 3, 2019, pp.
201–217., doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2018.09.009.

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KCP Physical Therapy Technician

The World Health Organization recommends the best way to avoid spreading a virus is to consistently wash your hands, cover any coughs or sneezes, remain distant to avoid spreading respiratory droplets, and avoid touching your face! Touching your face allows germs and viruses to enter through a warm, moist, porous tissue and initiate infection. We often get infected by first touching a surface contaminated by an already infected person, then touching a mucous-lined membrane such as your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Touching your face is often a subconscious behavior and can be a difficult habit to break. That’s why KCP has decided to provide tips and tricks to help everyone avoid touching their face!

1. Count how often you touch your face: Studies show that if you are consciously aware of how often you are touching your face, you will statistically touch your face less than you would subconsciously.
2. Identify face-touching triggers: What part of your face do you touch the most? Are you picking at dead skin? Smoothing your eyebrows? Most face-touching habits are the result of triggers such as brushing the hair out of your face, popping a pimple, biting your nails, or scratching an itch on your nose.
3. Re-train behaviors: When you have an urge to touch a part of your face, try touching something else instead. If we redirect our urge to touch our face, our body will start to pick up on these re-trainable behaviors.
4. Sit on your hands: It sounds silly but, if you truly find yourself struggling to avoid touching your face, try sitting your hands. This sends a signal to your mind it is impossible to touch your face. This method is especially helpful for those who find themselves resting their chin on the palm of their hands.
5. In unavoidable situations, be sure to wash your hands!: In situations like brushing your teeth, flossing, or putting on makeup make the conscious effort to properly wash your hands before touching your face.

Taking these extra precautions could be the reason you avoid contracting or spreading a disease. For more information on how to stay healthy during this pandemic, consider reviewing some of our previous blogs!

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KCP Physical Therapy and Fitness will remain open during this time. Recently, the federal government mandated that groups should not exceed 10 individuals. KCP has always been a boutique style facility, to avoid crowded appointment times, we are taking extra measures to avoid a crowded facility and any increased risk for needed appointments.

Physical Appointments: KCP will remain open for individuals who need physical correction, deep tissue work, and/or wish to visit a physical therapist in person. To assure that these visits are safe, we have implemented extra precautions such as:
– Additional deep cleaning efforts
– Hand washing between patients, and upon entering facility (this pertains to guests as well)
– Own electrode pads
– Limiting number of people within the facility
– Encouraging sick employees and clients to remain home

We want to help assure all of our clients that KCP is doing everything possible for your safety and health.

Virtual Appointments: In lieu of recent events, KCP has added virtual appointments for clients who do not need physical correction or deep tissue work. This appointment is best suited for clients who are wanting to learn what might be causing their pain and discomfort, physical exercises/stretches they can start properly performing at home, and the progress of their recovery.

If you are interested in setting up a virtual appointment with either Joy or Joyce, please give us a call at 704-541-1191.

Pain and discomfort do not stop during a pandemic. If you feel you need help, please consider giving us a call!

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3/30/20

COVID-19 UPDATE:

KCP is no longer offering personal training on-site. We are offering classes through ZOOM Monday-Saturday morning, midday, and evenings. Our physical therapists are ideal trainers to help you meet your fitness goals. To learn more about the benefits of physical therapists as trainers click here.

If you are already a client at KCP reach out, and we will provide the best class options for your fitness goals. If you are a new client to KCP you are eligible for a free consultation. The consultation will allow us to determine:

• What personal training class fits your needs best.
• How we can work safely with any injuries you have.
• Insure you are meeting your fitness goals in a safe workout.

KCP is here to allow you to meet your fitness goals and needs. Please call 704- 541-1191 or email jkight@kcpphysicaltherapy.com to schedule your consultation. 

3/17/20

KCP Physical Therapy and Fitness will remain open while adhering to federal mandates of groups of 10 individuals or less. KCP has always been a boutique style facility and will continue to take extra measures to avoid crowds of 10 or more.

Personal Training and Fitness: KCP will continue to offer for on site personal training and fitness. To assure that these visits are safe, we have implemented extra precautions such as:
– Additional deep cleaning efforts
– Hand washing between training sessions and upon entering facility (this pertains to guests
as well)
– Use of Individual electrodes
– Limiting number of people within the facility and within each session
– Encouraging sick employees and clients to remain home
– No shared equipment during training sessions

We want to help assure our clients that KCP is taking all possible measure to ensure for your
safety and health.

Virtual Training: In lieu of recent events, KCP has moved towards offering virtual appointments for clients who have equipment and WIFI within their home. This is something Joy and Joyce have previously offered and are currently expanding. Virtual appointments are modified for the individual based on equipment and space available within their home.

If you are interested in setting up a virtual appointment with either Joy or Joyce, please give us a call at 704-541-1191.

KCP continues to closely monitor the CDC, NCDHHS, and WHO for guidance regarding the safety and well-being of our clientele and staff.

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By Ashley Williams

KCP Physical Therapy Technician

The North Carolina Governor has extended the Stay at Home Order until May 8^th. This means we will continue our protective care by limiting individuals inside the clinic and maintaining safety protocols. KCP will continue to wipe down “high-touch” surfaces along with standard cleaning procedures. We will also continue to require all participants to wear gloves and a face mask to protect not only our clientele but also our staff. The safety of our clientele and providers is our utmost priority.

As we adhere to stay-at-home regulations, KCP will continue to offer virtual physical therapy and fitness appointments. KCP will also have physical appointments for those individuals who require manual therapy and treatment. Our facility offers four private treatment rooms, along with a gym to maintain a six-foot distance between all clientele. We also retain no more than 10 individuals within the facility at any given time. These protective measures help to keep our facility free of COVID-19.

KCP keeps a close eye on COVID-19 updates provided by NCDHHS, APTA, and the CDC. We recommend you remain alert by following these reputable sources as well. For any questions regarding sanitation procedure, treatment protocol, or appointments please call KCP at 704-541-1191 or email us at reception@kcpphysicaltherapy.com

(3/17/20)

Our Message:

To Our Clients,

As many of you are currently aware, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been spreading rapidly around the United States. We understand the situation may be uncertain, but KCP would like to take a moment to reassure you of the measures we’ve implemented to ensure your safety and health as
we place a high priority on the health and safety of our patients.

We have always practiced universal precaution protocols in our office to prevent the spread of disease. However, we have already increased the frequency and rigor of cleaning common surfaces. Beginning, Monday March 16, we will also require all employees and clients wash their hands upon entering our facility. None of us can be certain of surfaces we may have touched inadvertently and KCP feels this is one more measure to best assure the cleanliness of our facility for the safety and wellbeing of our clients and their loved ones.

As always, KCP places the welfare of our clients at the forefront of every decision we make. We are closely monitoring the recommendations set forth the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and North Carolina of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). We will continue our high standards of cleanliness and patient care during this time.

The staff at KCP remains fully available for your rehabilitation and fitness needs. We pride ourselves on the individualized care and customized services we provide; doing this in a safe manner remains our primary goal.

Joyce Kight, PT. and Joy Pfuhl, PT.

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