Published on: 15 February 2020
Last Updated on: 23 June 2021
There has been no time more integral to the advancement of our society than the 21st century. The past 20 years have been essential to the technological increases that are impacting billions of people all across the globe. Many facets of our society have been affected in the modern era, and healthcare is one of the most impacted elements. There has been a transformation throughout the healthcare industry, as new technologies like procedural telemedicine, as well as new regulations, have become commonplace throughout the medical system. There is a multitude of different specialties in healthcare, but one of the top aspects is physical and occupational therapy. This facet is involved in helping people fix their bodily ailments without the use of more invasive procedures.
What is Physical and Occupational Therapy?
Physical and occupational therapy has become increasingly popular throughout the 21st century, as advancements in the field and a greater understanding of the body have helped to improve peoples’ wellbeing. Patients who frequently attend physical and occupational therapy often have chronic pain or muscular-skeletal issues that can be aided with different exercises and stretches that help to heal the body. Working as a physical or occupational therapist allows you to more effectively treat patients who need help and requires immense knowledge of the human body. As 2020 has already gotten underway, it has become evident that the many changes to the system, especially for Medicare patients, are continuing to affect physical and occupational therapy offices. Understanding these changes is essential if you work in this field.
Learning about the 2020 Medicare Changes for PTA & OTA Modifiers
Working as a PTA (physical therapy assistant) or OTA (occupational therapy assistant) has undergone immense change since the beginning of the new decade in 2020. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has altered its billing policies, which has impacted the modifiers used in your office as well as the reimbursement procedures provided by PTAs and OTAs. Medicare changes 2020 has been implemented as a payment differential in the ways that PTAs and OTAs are paid.
The payment rate is now 85% of the rate of what assistants are paid. CMS has noted that any care that exceeds 10% of the total time of care would now be subject to reduced billing. The payment differential has to be applied to all private practice facilities, home health agencies, hospital outpatient departments, as well as rehabilitation agencies.
The codes that this can be applied include therapeutic services, as well as administrative or non-therapeutic services. Any timed or untimed coded procedures and modalities are also included, such as re-evaluations and initial evaluations. These many changes also include new documentation which provides a short description of the application of modifiers.
While many of these changes may sound a bit challenging, understanding them is essential for the success of any physical or occupational therapy office.
Final Thoughts
Working in the physical or occupational therapy field can be very complex, especially when dealing with Medicare billing. Learning about the 2020 changes in Medicare billing is essential when running a physical or occupational therapy firm.
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Have you ever experienced hard-hitting or heavy breathing in any of your workouts? Then, you need to try calisthenics. It ‘s a great body exercise strategy when you want to get that full, well-muscled, and a lean physique which is usually a preserve for the Hollywood actors and athletes. Calisthenics is one of the underrated workouts in the world of fitness yet it is such a rewarding one when done rightly.
Continue reading and learn some of the calisthenics moves that will give you a fulfilling experience
Overhead squats:
Ensure your legs are nearly shoulder-width and squat as low as you can while raising your hands above your heads. Then keep you’re your knees and feet facing forward. Lean your torso forward and squat as low as you can, and be careful not to overdo it. Keep the torso upright and let your arms fall forward. Stand straight without any movement of the body or arms, exhale, keep your feet and knees facing forward; repeat that ten times.
Inclined pull-ups:
With a sturdy horizontal bar, like the one on a smith machine. Set the bar between two to three feet high. Get your shoulders apart, grab the bar and crawl under it so that your chest is below it. Ensure your hips and feet are widths apart. Pull yourself up, tighten your buttocks, and exhale. Try as much as you can to push your chest until it touches the bar. For great results, get the best bodyweight tools to get ripped from an experienced and reputable shop.
Ball push-ups:
On top of the stability ball, push your shins and the tops on top of the stability ball. Lower your body until your chest almost touches the ground while tightening your buttocks. Don’t, move the body or the ball, repeat up to 12 steps and as you push yourself back up, exhale. This exercise is better performed with other people and do them without rest for more than twenty minutes.
Crunches:
There are few variations of these that you can apply and get the best out of calisthenics. Keep your knees at 90 degrees as you lie on your back. Get your hands behind your head or by your sides. Make sure there is an alignment of your spine and the head. Then using your abs, lift your torso slowly and then slowly, return to your position.
Ball crunches:
With a Swiss ball, your range of motion is extended and there you create a degree of instability and that effect helps your abs to work harder. As you lie on the ball, ensure your shoulder blades are held firmly against the ball. Try rising as you keep your abs contracted and then slowly go back to your starting position.
Knee Raises:
Using a bar to hang on, tilt your pelvis and then engage the abs without relying on your hips. Raise your knees as high as you can as you hang on the bar. Hold the bar for as long as you can.
To get the best out of calisthenics, you should try a mix of the many styles, utilizing the many types of equipment there is. That will help in ensuring your muscles get the best of workouts. Find the best workout tools to get ripped here.
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If you suffer from dry eyes, it's important to make sure your diet is providing your body with the nutrients it needs. Your optometrist can help you with dietary changes to support your eye health and decrease symptoms.
Certain vitamins and nutrients can improve your tear quality and reduce dry eye symptoms. Some of these include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound that aids in the growth of cells and tissues throughout the body, including those of the eye. It's found in a variety of foods, including carrots, spinach, and apricots.
The body can convert carotenoids to retinol, the active form of vitamin A. This happens as the body needs it, and it's possible to get this vitamin from food sources or supplements.
A deficiency of this vitamin is associated with poor tear quality and tear film dysfunction, which may lead to dry eye symptoms. The best way to ensure you have enough of this essential nutrient is by eating a balanced diet rich in foods that contain vitamin A, such as carrots and other orange-yellow vegetables.
Another important nutrient that may help with dry eyes is Vitamin D, which decreases inflammation and improves the lubrication ability of the tear film. Some sources of this nutrient include eggs, fish, and fortified cereals.
Finally, Omega-3 fats have been shown to reduce inflammation, which may be helpful for reducing irritation and dry eye symptoms like pain and itching. They also increase the amount of oil in your eyelids, which affects how quickly tears evaporate.
Whether you need to add more nutrition to your diet or want to take vitamins to help treat your dry eyes, it's important to speak with your eye doctor before you start any new treatment plan. With proper care, you can maintain healthy vision and minimize your dry eye symptoms for good.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is considered one of the best vitamins to take for dry eyes. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and soothe your eyelids.
Omega-3 fatty acids can also stimulate the production of oils in your meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing tears that lubricate the surface of your eyes. It can also help prevent dry eyes from occurring in the first place.
Fatty fish, including herring, halibut, salmon, and tuna are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. They can be a great addition to a healthy diet to relieve dry eyes and other symptoms associated with dry eyes such as watery eyes, itchy, irritated eyes, and burning sensations.
It can also help to improve your vitamin D level, which is crucial for your eye health. Studies suggest that a deficiency of Vitamin D may be linked to dry eye syndrome, so adding it through diet or supplements is helpful in reducing symptoms and improving tear quality.
This vitamin is important for your retina, where it plays a key role in the health of your vision. It’s also a key antioxidant that protects your eyes from the sun.
You can also get Vitamin A from foods like carrots, spinach, and tomatoes. Taking vitamin A supplements may be beneficial for some individuals who are deficient in this nutrient. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that can also reduce the risk of developing eye diseases and infections.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that’s needed to help your body fight infection, heal wounds and keep tissues healthy. It’s available in fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruit, strawberries, cantaloupe, green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and leafy greens.
This vitamin helps lubricate your eyes and prevent dryness. It’s also an antioxidant that helps protect the blood vessels in your eye and prevent cataracts.
It’s best absorbed from foods, but it can be injected into the vein (intravenous) if necessary. Higher doses of intravenous vitamin C can be helpful in treating certain medical conditions, such as cancer.
But it can also cause negative side effects if it’s taken in too much, so talk to your doctor before you take any supplements.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, can reduce inflammation and improve the quality of your tears. They also promote the production of oils in your meibomian glands, which are responsible for keeping your tears moist and preventing them from evaporating too quickly.
These nutrients are found in eggs, fish, dark leafy greens, and other food sources. You can also get them from multivitamins and other supplement products.
It’s important to make sure you get enough of all the vitamins and minerals you need through a balanced diet. However, if you’re unable to achieve your recommended daily intake, supplements can be helpful to ease the symptoms of dry eyes.
Read Also: How To Care For Your Eye In 5 Medically Proven Ways
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that are found in foods like fish and seafood, eggs, and dark leafy vegetables. They are also available in supplements, but the body can't produce them on its own, so a healthy diet is the best way to get them.
One study shows that consuming omega-3 fats from fish can lower your risk of dry eye. In fact, researchers found that women who consumed the most omega-3s had a 17% lower risk of developing dry eyes.
Aside from reducing inflammation, omega-3s may also help your eye make more natural tears. This is because they improve the quality and quantity of the tear film.
However, if you are looking to supplement with omega-3s, it is important to choose supplements that contain EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) rather than ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Although flaxseed oil contains ALA, it doesn't have the same effect on your eyes as EPA or DHA do.
Several studies show that supplements can help improve dry eyes, but it's important to talk to your doctor before you take them. They will be able to recommend the best supplements for you. And they will know how much you should take to benefit your eyes and overall health.
Vitamin D
Adding the right vitamins and nutrients to your diet can help improve the health of your eyes, including those suffering from dry eye syndrome. It can also reduce itchiness, burning, and irritation.
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that can be found naturally in fish, dairy products, and mushrooms. It’s also available as a supplement if you don’t get enough sunlight to reach your optimal level, which is usually 600 IU or more per day.
It’s particularly important for people with darker skin pigmentation, as they produce less vitamin D through exposure to the sun than those with light-colored skin. This means that even if you’re getting plenty of sunshine, you may not be able to get the level of vitamin D your body needs to keep your eyes healthy.
Another way to ensure that your eyes are receiving the nutrients they need is to add zinc to your diet. Zinc is a mineral that helps the liver deliver vitamin A to the retina to produce melanin, a pigment that protects your eyes.
While some studies have shown that taking supplements can help ease symptoms of dry eye, be aware that excessive intake can lead to side effects and toxicity. It’s always advisable to speak with an optometrist or a pharmacist to make sure that any supplements you are considering are safe for you and your unique health situation.
Lutein & Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two antioxidants that have been shown to protect your eyes from dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration, and cataracts. They can be found in a wide range of foods, including leafy greens like spinach and kale. They can also be taken as dietary supplements.
These antioxidants help your eyes by reducing oxidative stress and free radical damage. They also help protect your eyes from light glare and UV rays.
They can also slow down macular degeneration, a disease that affects your central vision. It happens when blood vessels in the macula leak fluid. It is a leading cause of blindness in older people.
The best way to get these important vitamins into your body is to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It is also a good idea to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve the quality of your tears and reduce inflammation in your eyes.
Zinc is another nutrient that can help your eyes stay healthy. This mineral is needed to transport vitamin A from your liver to your retina and to produce melanin, which helps protect your eyes from infection and injury. It is found in a wide variety of foods, including dairy, nuts, legumes, and whole grains.
Lutein and zeaxanthin can also be taken as dietary supplements, but you should always speak with your doctor before taking any new vitamins or supplements to ensure they are safe for you.
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Pescetarianism is a specified diet that substitutes meat for seafood. In a nutshell, it is being on a vegan diet except, you eat seafood. The most common practice of pescetarianism is Ovo-Lacto vegetarianism. Here, the person on this diet would also consume dairy products alongside their seafood. There are two main motivating factors for this diet. These are health and environmental sustainability.
Below are those factors to take into consideration while discussing why being a pescatarian is beneficial. Also, if you live in St. Louis, checkout Food Delivery Service St. Louis, a food delivery that provides its customers with tailored meals fitting every individual and their dietary needs. This will help you get your training wheels off while you get a feel for the different meals the diet is famous for.
Why A Pescatarian Diet Is Beneficial:
To A More Sustainable Environment:
The animal meat, from mammals and birds, usually comes from farming such animals. The downside to rearing animals as food is the production of greenhouse gases.
Animals such as pigs and ruminants we consume emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Pigs chip in by producing ammonia while the ruminants contribute by emitting methane gas.
The situation is further complicated by the clearing of forests to create grazing grounds for these animals when this farming is done on a large scale.
Furthermore, water and land resources, which should be used by humans are being used by these farms and slaughterhouses.
Fish do not produce any greenhouse gas. However, when they are caught in their natural habitats, the process usually negatively affects their ecosystem. Fish farming can be a solution to this problem.
The Health Benefits of a Pescatarian Diet:
Going completely vegan in your diet brings with it some nutrient deficiency problems. Vitamin B12 is only found in animal products. Hence, removing such products from your diet means that you lack this vital nutrient.
Essential fatty acids and iron intake are both affected when you switch to a completely vegan diet. When these nutrients are missing from your diet, you risk getting anemia and losing out on your quota of valuable proteins. Adding fish into the equation equals a more balanced diet, nutrition-wise.
With the emergence of meal deliveries, you can find a food delivery to St. Louis to make your transition to this diet a lot easier.
A Healthier Heart:
An increase in your intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and other seafood promotes a healthier heart. The critical nutrient helps to lower your blood pressure reducing the risk of heart-related diseases.
The plant diet works hand in hand with your new intake of these nutrients to improve the health of your heart.
Avoid Some Cancers:
Some cancers that affect your digestive system can also be avoided via this diet. Colorectal cancers specifically have been seen to occur less in those who are on this diet.
Manage Diabetes and Inflammatory Illnesses:
The ‘vegan’ diet you consume as a pescatarian can help reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, and high blood pressure. When you add the increase in intake of omega-3 fatty acids, inflammation is also reduced. The two of them combine to improve your anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic qualities.
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