POTENTIAL ELEVATED

Every year on 8 September we celebrate World Physiotherapy Day, a great opportunity to remember the important role physiotherapy plays in our lives. This day is dedicated to all physiotherapists who, with tireless energy and expertise, help people of all ages to improve their mobility, strength and overall health. And what's the best part of it all? Physiotherapy isn't just about healing - it's also about prevention and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle that allows us to live life to the fullest.Why are we celebrating World Physiotherapy Day?The history of this day dates back to 1996, when the event was first recognised by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (now known as World Physiotherapy). 8 September was chosen symbolically - it's the day the organisation was founded in 1951. Since then, World Physiotherapy Day has become a global platform that annually highlights the importance of physiotherapy in all aspects of life. The day is designed not only to celebrate the achievements of physiotherapy, but also to educate the public about how physiotherapy can help improve quality of life.The theme for 2024: Physiotherapy and healthy agingEach year, World Physiotherapy Day is associated with a theme that reflects current health priorities. For 2024, the theme focuses on 'physiotherapy and healthy aging'. As the population continues to age, physiotherapy is a key tool for maintaining independence and quality of life for older people. Physical therapists help seniors stay active, prevent falls and injuries, and improve their physical and mental well-being. And what could be better than aging with grace, energy and a smile on your face?Physiotherapy: more than just rehabilitationWhen the word "physiotherapy" is used, many people think of exercise after an injury or treatment for chronic back pain. Yes, physiotherapy includes that, but it offers so much more! Physiotherapy is about improving overall health, preventing problems and maintaining mobility, which is essential for a good quality of life. Physical therapists are movement experts who can create individualized plans to help us stay active, strong, and healthy, whether we are athletes, seniors, or anyone in between.Physiotherapy and the futureWorld Physiotherapy Day reminds us how important it is to look after our bodies. It doesn't matter if you are young or old, physiotherapy is here for you. We can all learn how to move properly, how to prevent injuries and how to maintain health and vitality for life.So when you wake up on September 8, be sure to stretch, do some exercises, and think about how you can use the power of physical therapy in your life. Whether you're a patient, a professional, or someone interested in a healthy lifestyle, this day is a great opportunity for you to be inspired and learn how to live your life to the fullest, with movement and health first.

On September 5th, we come together to commemorate International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Day. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and determination of individuals living with spinal cord injuries. The aim of SCI Day is to raise awareness about the challenges faced by these individuals and to advocate for their inclusion, equal opportunities, and accessibility in all aspects of life.Understanding Spinal Cord InjuriesA spinal cord injury is a life-altering event that can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Whether caused by trauma, illness, or accident, the effects of a spinal cord injury can be profound, affecting mobility, independence, and quality of life. Yet, despite these challenges, individuals with SCI demonstrate remarkable courage and resilience in the face of adversity.The Importance of Inclusion and Equal OpportunitiesInclusion means more than just physical access—it means ensuring that individuals with spinal cord injuries have the same opportunities to participate in society as anyone else. This includes access to education, employment, healthcare, and social activities. Equal opportunities are not just a matter of fairness; they are a recognition of the potential and value that every individual brings to our communities.Accessibility: A Fundamental RightAccessibility is a fundamental right that enables people with spinal cord injuries to live independently and with dignity. It is essential that public spaces, transportation, technology, and communication channels are designed to be inclusive of all abilities. By advocating for and implementing accessibility measures, we break down barriers and create an environment where everyone can thrive.Offering Hope and SupportInternational Spinal Cord Injury Day is also about offering hope—to individuals with SCI, their families, and their support networks. It’s a day to celebrate the advancements in medical research, rehabilitation, and assistive technologies that are making a real difference in the lives of those affected. It’s a day to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocates who work tirelessly to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injuries.How Can You Get Involved?There are many ways to support International SCI Day:Spread Awareness: Use social media platforms, blogs, and community events to share information about spinal cord injuries and the importance of inclusion, equal opportunities, and accessibility.Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that focus on SCI research, rehabilitation, and advocacy.Advocate for Change: Work with local governments, businesses, and community groups to promote policies and practices that support accessibility and inclusion.Educate Yourself: Learn about the experiences of individuals with spinal cord injuries and the challenges they face. Understanding these challenges is the first step towards becoming an effective advocate.

In our first two posts, we explored the incredible courage and perseverance of Paralympic athletes. We celebrated their determination and the challenges they overcome to compete on the world stage. With the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 starting tomorrow (28.08.2024), we’re more excited than ever to cheer on these remarkable athletes. In this final post of our series, we want to reflect on the lessons we can all learn from their journeys. Their stories go beyond sports—they offer valuable insights into how we can approach our own lives with resilience, determination, and a belief that anything is possible.The Power of a Positive MindsetOne of the most striking qualities of Paralympic athletes is their unwavering positive mindset. Despite facing significant challenges, they choose to focus on what they can achieve rather than what might hold them back. This mindset is something we can all adopt in our own lives. Whether we’re dealing with personal challenges, career obstacles, or everyday stress, a positive outlook can make a world of difference. It allows us to see opportunities where others might see limitations and keeps us moving forward, no matter how tough things get.Resilience in the Face of AdversityParalympic athletes are masters of resilience. They’ve faced life-altering injuries, disabilities, and other significant challenges, yet they’ve found ways to not only cope but thrive. Their resilience teaches us that setbacks are not the end of the road—they’re opportunities to learn, grow, and come back stronger. In our own lives, we can draw inspiration from these athletes by embracing resilience when we encounter difficulties. By seeing challenges as opportunities to develop our strength, we can navigate life’s ups and downs with greater confidence and grace.The Importance of Setting GoalsAnother lesson we can learn from Paralympic athletes is the importance of setting and pursuing goals. These athletes set ambitious targets for themselves, whether it’s qualifying for the Paralympics, winning a medal, or simply improving their performance. They understand that having clear goals gives them direction and motivation. We, too, can benefit from setting our own goals—whether big or small. Goals help us stay focused, measure our progress, and give us something to strive for. By setting and working toward our goals, we can achieve more than we ever thought possible.Support Systems MatterBehind every successful Paralympic athlete is a strong support system—coaches, family, friends, and sometimes technology that helps them achieve their best. This reminds us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who believe in us and provide encouragement and support. It also highlights the value of the tools and resources we have at our disposal to help us achieve our goals. At MEBSTER, we’re proud to be part of the support system for Paralympic athletes through our exoskeleton technology for individuals with lower limb paralysis, helping them move beyond their limitations and reach their full potential.Inspiring Others Through ActionPerhaps the most powerful lesson we can take from Paralympic athletes is the ability to inspire others through our actions. These athletes are role models not only because of their achievements but because of the example they set for others. Their stories of perseverance and success inspire people around the world to push their own limits and pursue their dreams. We all have the power to inspire others by how we live our lives, face our challenges, and pursue our goals. By sharing our journey and staying true to our values, we can motivate and uplift those around us.Photo by Ron Lach