Take Charge Now

    If you want today to be the first day of the rest of your life…
A few weeks ago, while we were visiting with Tennessee people, the mother of a recently graduated nutritionist announced that our nation has an epidemic of BMIs over 30 and that it isn’t the fat you eat that makes you fat but the sugar and the “carbs” that make you fat.  I love the parents who become experts in their child’s profession. 
    Wait. BMI?  In a casual conversation?  What is that? The question was asked.  I answered the BMI question by handing everyone a copy of Central Speaks July 8 2016 (I just happened to have a number of copies in my pocket) and by replying to the proclamation regarding sugar, “I know, but in Louisiana PTs aren’t supposed to know these things and aren’t allowed to educate our patients regarding nutrition. “
    “Well you can’t know everything” the mother replied- I think she was trying to make us feel better.  “PTs know about physical things such as exercise, arthritis, back pain and, oh… I heard that physical therapists in Louisiana can now see someone without a doctors referral”.
    To comment number one, I quietly replied, “but we do know about nutrition.”
    Regarding her second comment, I affirmed we can.  Governor Edwards signed into law in June 2016 that anyone can directly access a physical therapist without a doctor’s prescription. Furthermore, I explained, residents of Louisiana can have their own PT much like everyone has their own dentist, their own doctor, their own lawyer, etc., whom they call when they need professional services.
    Because of the new PT direct access law, if you find you have a physical problem, injure yourself, develop pain anywhere in your back, arms or legs, fall frequently, have dizzy spells, and yes even lose weight, you can pick up the phone and call your physical therapist for an appointment.
Tom Coplin, PT
Central Physical Therapy