declaring October as Physiotherapy Month.

The local association is using the time to highlight the profession, educate the public about the benefits of physiotherapy, and recognise the contributions physiotherapists have made to the health care field.

"Our theme is Physiotherapy for All Ages, and throughout the month we have featured or will feature fitness classes, seminars, public service announcements and an open house at the King Edward Hospital's physiotherapy department,'' BPA chairman, Ms. Shirlene Dill, said.

As the designated theme indicates, physiotherapy is beneficial to all ages, from infants to seniors, and not just following surgery or accidents.

Many premature infants owe their survival to the contributions made by physiotherapists, while seniors are leading more independent lives thanks to the same professional care.

"As life begins sooner and lasts longer for some in this modern age, hundreds of people turn to physiotherapists to help them improve and maintain their health throughout the years,'' Mrs. Dill said. "Where babies are born prematurely with developmental disabilities as a result of neurological problems, and others experience cardiopulmonary complications.

physiotherapists can significantly improve these infants' chances of living normal lives with treatment.'' Throughout life, the possibility of injury always exists. Whether on the sports or playing field, at home, work or play, accidents can happen unexpectedly and ultimately require physiotherapy as part of the recovery process.

It is not only the physically active who are at risk from injury, however.

"Even a body which is not active is subject to injury,'' Mrs. Dill pointed out. "As the body is put through the stresses of adult life, physiotherapists help patients recover quickly from back strains or other common musculoskeletal injuries. More than 80 percent of all adults suffer from back injury some time in their lives, and physiotherapy can help relieve the pain and prevent recurrences.'' Other aspects of the physiotherapists' work include designing exercise programmes to improve physical fitness, and teaching prevention of occupational injuries.

"No matter what an individual's shape, physiotherapists can design exercise programmes to help them reach their fitness goals. For those who have experienced a stroke, heart attack, or other illness or disease, or for those who require rehabilitation after surgery, physiotherapy can help them return to active, productive lives,'' Ms. Dill said.

Noting that occupational injuries were among the most preventable, Ms. Dill said that growing numbers of North American companies were hiring members of her profession to teach employees how to avoid injuries at work.

"In Bermuda, we are attempting to do this through community education and individual lectures at various office locations. Several employers have corporate fitness programmes,'' she explained.

Physiotherapists were also helping the over-60s to stay in good physical shape so that they could continue to enjoy active lives.

"As people enjoy longer lives, we are helping them to enjoy a greater quality of life,'' Mrs. Dill said. "There is a need for physiotherapists to dedicate their practices almost exclusively to serving geriatric patients.'' The Bermuda Physiotherapy Association is a non-governmental, non-partisan organisation representing the needs and concerns of Bermuda's practising physiotherapists. It was formed in 1990 and currently has 21 members.

Its aims and objectives are to ensure quality care through further education opportunities; educate the community on the prevention and care of injury; and provide guidelines for physiotherapists on ethical standards and rules of conduct within their profession.

The Olympic Club will conduct a free step aerobics class on October 30, beginning at 9.30 a.m. in honour of Physiotherapy Month. Further information is available from the Club.