SHIP stories
Healthcare facilities play a large role in
monitoring their patients overall health. By
engaging in conversations about regular
physical activity, healthy eating and tobaccofree living, clinicians can offer the help
patients need to make those choices.
Understanding the Strong Connection
Shawn Krause-Roberts understands the connection
between the physical therapy and clients’ personal
health. Krause-Roberts, owner and president of
Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, Inc. (OSPTI) in
Breckenridge, Minnesota, partnered with PartnerSHIP
4 Health (PS4H) in 2012 to help better equip her firm
in addressing the importance of physical activity,
healthy eating, and tobacco-free living with every
client.
PS4H aims at fighting the obesity epidemic through
addressing physical activity, increasing healthy eating
and reducing tobacco use. Prior to their partnership,
OSPTI engaged their clients in random conversations
about their health choices.
“Through our work with PS4H we have incorporated
intentional conversations about overall wellness with
our patients. It has become a critical element to
improving their treatment outcomes,” says KrauseRoberts.
The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) works to
improve health through better nutrition, increased physical
activity and decreased commercial tobacco use and exposure.
Find out more at www.health.state.mn.us/ship
These key conversations assist patients in setting shortterm personal goals that will help them to establish
healthier lifestyles. Patients are also referred to
community resources when appropriate.
Their ongoing relationship with PS4H has helped them
become a champion for Breckenridge’s active living
movement. OSPTI has taken a leadership role in
several community events such as the International
Walk to School Day, Bike and Walk to Work and
School Week, Bike Safety Rodeos and Geo-caching.
Krause-Roberts states, “We have had a very positive
response from patients regarding our decision to
address weight and tobacco use. One of our patients,
who initially came in for pain, has lost 60 pounds. One
of his children told me that ‘we gave them their Dad
back.”
“Partnering with PS4H has enhanced our ability to
make a difference in our patient’s lives.” ***
7/2013