October is National Physical Therapy month. It is at this time that my therapy colleagues and I celebrate the founding of our profession.

Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and manage individuals of all ages, from newborns to elders, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability.

This year’s theme for recognizing National Physical Therapy month is “Move Forward: Physical Therapy brings Motion to Life.” This is the principal on which our profession was built. Whether it was helping soldiers who were injured in World War II, assisting those affected by polio, or assisting those stricken by some other condition which left the individual less able to do for themselves, physical therapists have been there providing care to improve quality of life.

A lot of individuals automatically think pain when they hear the words physical therapy. However the goal of therapy is actually the opposite. It is true that pain may increase during treatment, but the ultimate goal is to have the patient experiencing as least pain as possible so that everyday activities can be performed with comfort. It is so rewarding, as a physical therapist, to witness first hand the joy and excitement that your patients feel when they have totally regained their mobility and their independence.

Today, physical therapists help persons of all ages. Infants with birth defects or developmental delays can have the effects of there deficits decreased. Adolescent and teenage athletes can be treated to get them back on the playing field quicker. Working adults can be provided treatment along with advice to allow them to return to work safely and diminish the risk of re-injury. The elderly are assisted to better health so that they can enjoy the wonder years. As you see, physical therapy can be of benefit to almost anyone who needs it.

Physical therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. Obesity has been on the rise in America for the past 20 years, and Mississippi leads the nation with more than 30 percent of its citizens overweight. The effects of obesity can be devastating, affecting an individual physically and emotionally. Obesity is defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater. Body mass index is calculated using an individual’s weight and height. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and type II diabetes. With this year’s theme “Move Forward: Physical Therapy brings Motion to Life” the American Physical Therapy Association hopes to promote active lifestyles along with exercise to fight obesity in America.

I would like to encourage all, overweight or not, to engage in some form of exercise. The benefits of exercise are far better than the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. If it is no more than 30 minutes of walking, it is better than doing nothing. Have a check up with your doctor to review any precautions and make it a goal to put motion in your life.

DeShaun Jackson is a doctor of physical therapy and a physical therapist in the rehabilitation center at Natchez Regional Medical Center.