On December 12, the ATI Foundation will roll out the 4th Annual Holiday Kids Campaign to hundreds of ATI Physical Therapy locations nationwide. This year's event will run through the end of January 2017 and benefit one featured child in 20 of the 24 states where ATI Physical Therapy operates outpatient rehabilitation clinics. Staff members get creative and host a fundraiser of their choice to raise awareness for their state's Holiday Kid. 

"It's an opportunity for people to rally around a local kid - a kid in thier own community. When they can put a face to the name, and actually know the story of a child in need of their help, it makes a difference," said Terry Williams, Director of the ATI Foundation. "This event has proven to be one of the most engaging opportunities for ATI employees and patients."

The overall combined goal for these chosen beneficiaries is $60,000, but if exceeded, will be used to help additional needs for some of the Holiday Kids and other children currently on a waiting list for 2017. A list of the 2016-2017 Holiday Kids will be posted soon on the ATI Foundation website. 

The ATI Foundation is dedicated to providing assistance for physically impaired children in need of medical and financial resources, to enhance and sustain a better quality of life. To learn more about the ATI Foundation or to nominate a beneficiary, please visit www.ATIFoundation.com.

The 2016 Gala, an annual event hosted by the ATI Foundation, was themed "Casino Royale" this year, and took place at Chicago's Navy Pier Grand Ballroom on December 3.

More than 550 participants enjoyed dinner, an Elvis impersonator band, a live and silent auction and plenty of casino table games throughout the evening. A total of over $150,000 was raised for children with physical impairments. 

Special guests, Harrison and Aleena, were present at the event with their families as the honorary beneficiaries. ATI Foundation Director, Terry Williams, presented a check for $7,500 to Harrison's parents as a down payment for a much needed van that will help them more easily transport their physically impaired four-year-old son. A $6,000 check was presented to Aleena's mother to help pay for intensive therapies that will help her daughter's progress as she faces the challenges of global developmental delays caused by HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy).

The ATI Foundation is dedicated to providing assistance for physically impaired children in need of medical and financial resources, to enhance and sustain a better quality of life. The Holiday Kids Campaign, which starts December 12, will run through January 2017 to assist one featured child in 20 of the 25 states where ATI Physical Therapy operates outpatient rehabilitation clinics. To learn more about the ATI Foundation or to nominate a beneficiary, please visit www.ATIFoundation.com.

Target Heart Rate For Exercise

ATI Sports Medicine discusses why your target heart rate is important.

We’ve all felt it . . . that “thump-thump” in our chest during exercise.  Sometimes, it’s a little flutter.  Other times, it can feel like our heart is going to jump out of our chest. 

While most know it’s important to monitor heart rate during exercise, many don’t know why.

“Monitoring your heart allows you to measure whether you’re working out too much, or not enough,” says Katie Varnado, Athletic Training Supervisor with ATI Sports Medicine in Bolingbrook, IL. “One needs to hit an intensity level that will provide optimal health benefits, while remaining at a safe level.”

The heart beats faster during exercise to supply the needed oxygen and blood to the body. The higher the intensity of the exercise, the faster the heart beats. By monitoring heart rate during exercise, the intensity and safe exercise levels can be monitored.

• Light Exercise Intensity Zone – 40% to 50% of maximum heart rate.
• Moderate Exercise Intensity Zone – 50% to 70% of maximum heart rate.
• Heavy Exercise Intensity Zone – 70% to 85% of maximum heart rate.

Most healthy people should have a Target Heart Rate zone from 50 – 75% of your maximum heart rate, or within the Moderate Exercise Intensity zone.  If you’re below this level, you may not be working out enough.  On the flip side, if you’re above this level, you may be straining yourself.

So, what does this all mean and how can you hit this target?

“Before you can identify and monitor your ideal heart rate for exercise, you first must calculate your appropriate maximum heart rate,” says Varnado.  Katie offers these steps as a target heart rate calculation:

Step 1: Subtract your age from 220 to get your average maximum heart rate in beats per minute.
Example: 220 – 42 years old = 178 beats per minute/Maximum Heart Rate.
Step 2: Multiply your Maximum Heart Rate by .5 to determine the bottom 50% of your Target Heart Rate zone. Example: 178 x .5 = 89 beats per minute.
Step 3: Multiply your Maximum Heart Rate by .75 to determine the top 75% of your Target Heart Rate zone. Example: 178 x .75 = 134 beats per minute.
Step 4: Once you have calculated your Maximum Heart Rate, use it to monitor the intensity level while exercising.  To measure your heart rate, place your index and middle fingers over your carotid artery on either side of your neck, or radial pulse on your wrist at the base of your palm, and feel your pulse. Count your heart beats for 10 seconds, then multiply that number by six.  This determines your beats per minute while exercising.

For those just beginning an exercise program, Varnado recommends aiming first for the lower 50% of your Target Heart Rate zone for the first few weeks.  Then, slowly progress to the middle and upper levels over the next six months.  It is recommended that individuals should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.

Varnado reminds everyone that this target heart rate calculation should be used a guideline for finding exercise intensity. Anyone beginning an exercise program should ALWAYS consult with their physician first, especially if these factors are present: over 40 years of age, sedentary lifestyle, smoker, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, existing heart condition or pacemaker, recovering from a surgery or illness, or on medication.

We’re Here to Support Your Health — In-Person and Online

ATI Physical Therapy is a nationally-recognized orthopedic rehabilitation provider, specializing in physical therapy, sports medicine, work conditioning/hardening (F.I.R.S.T.™), functional capacity assessments, aquatic health, hand therapy, and women’s health. With over 850 clinics nationwide, ATI is known for its motivating staff, hands-on, personalized treatment programs, exceptional results and innovative research-based programs.

To learn more about how our team can help you get back to your best, schedule your appointment with us today. If you happen to live in a remote area or prefer to stay home during this time, our licensed therapists can deliver our same high-quality care remotely via online PT with CONNECT.