It’s time to wave goodbye to those long summer days and balmy, open window nights. Autumn is here whether we like it or not. As we age, the transition between seasons is all too familiar….just don’t jinx it by wishing friends and neighbors a good fall. Wet weather makes it tough enough to stay balanced and upright as it is. If you or someone you love is injured or needs surgery, consider Pacific Surgical Center’s outpatient care to get back on your feet again.
Summer seems like it would be the most injury-prone season. We’re outside running, playing, hiking, biking, climbing, gardening, swimming, and exploring long into the night. Behind the wheel, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirms that August is home to the most auto accidents, especially on rowdy, busy Saturday nights.
But perhaps not surprisingly, the slide into winter can be equally dangerous. Cooler weather often makes us feel invincible—and a little rushed to get our homes snow-ready—so we push too hard to do too much. Medical transportation specialists note key areas to watch out for this time of year.
The first is injuries from outdoor exercises like running. Pacific Northwest days grow short through October and beyond, but our mild temperatures are ideal for a safe, socially distanced walk or rambling jog. But, they explain, “with Autumn comes leaves and with leaves comes a lack of visibility. On an unfamiliar sidewalk, you might find yourself slipping and possibly twisting an ankle due to dips, dents, and divots in the concrete…make sure to avoid spots with large amounts of wet leaves as those can cause a slip and fall.”
Though work, school, and family get-togethers are on hold during the chaotic days of COVID-19, we still find ourselves frequently behind the wheel. Whether running endless holiday errands or driving to and from curbside pick-up of meals, groceries, and goods, the roads are busy! But maneuvering in twilight, rain, or fog isn’t easy, especially with fallen leaves, wind-blown branches, or patches of rain-loosened motor oil.
Even yard work is harder on the body in autumn. Raking wet leaves is a strain to back and shoulders and driveways or patios become slick and mossy seemingly overnight. Add bulky sweaters and clumpy boots to that mix and it’s an accident waiting to happen.
If you’re one of the 54+ million Americans with arthritis, pain and stiffness can flare up as temperatures drop. The CDC reports that “In the United States, 23% of all adults…have arthritis. About 24 million adults are limited in their activities from arthritis, and more than 1 in 4 adults with arthritis report severe joint pain.”
Of course, autumn isn’t all bad. In Washington, we often enjoy the glorious colors of the season with days that tend to be dry and mild. But if too much summer fun limits your mobility—or you suffered a fall—ask your primary care provider about outpatient surgical options at PSC today.
At PSC, their orthopedic specialists will tackle just about anything. “From your foot to your shoulder, you can depend on exceptional treatment from highly skilled orthopedic surgeons for injuries and disorders of the back, neck, shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle. This includes fracture repair, pain management, arthritis, and osteoporosis.”
With a commitment to the latest techniques and most skilled staff, “At PSC, you are in some of the most experienced, capable surgical hands in the southern Washington area. We perform all general surgeries in our state-of-the-art outpatient surgical facility using advanced, minimally invasive techniques that lead to smaller incisions, less pain and discomfort, less scarring, minimal downtime, and excellent outcomes.”
Better yet, their clearly posted transparency pricing means no sticker shock afterward. They’ll even help with all necessary paperwork and file the insurance claim on your behalf should you choose to go through an acceptable carrier. But research the procedure with your doctor and insurance company. Many patients find that PSC’s cash pricing is less, overall than their patient responsibility when billing the company first.
F. Scott Fitzgerald once proclaimed that “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” You too can find your footing as the seasons change thanks to help from PSC’s board-certified doctors and kind, helpful staff. Don’t limit yourself because of ongoing pain, mobility issues, or worries about the high cost of traditional surgery. Schedule a consultation by calling 360-442-7900 or through their website. Then stop for a pumpkin spice latte on your way in, just for fun.
