Symptoms of a Stroke A stroke is caused by blockage or interruption of blood flow into or inside of the brain. Without a constant supply of oxygen, the tissue starts to die. Unless prompt medical treatment is given the sufferer may die or be left with permanent disability. Quick action can make all the difference. The American Stroke Association suggests the use of the F.A.S.T. acronym to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and to seek help if seen. Please...
ALS Awareness Month What is ALS? ALS is an abbreviation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is a chronic degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in both the brain and spinal cord. It is also commonly known as Lou Gerhig’s disease after the legendary baseball player who eventually succumbed to the illness. The term “amyotrophic” comes from the Greek language and translates to “no muscle nourishment,” referring to the deterioration of muscle control that occurs with ASL. Nerve transmission follows a path...
Personal Protective Equipment The volume of information we see and hear on a daily basis regarding the Covid-19 pandemic can be overwhelming. It has become increasingly difficult for the general public to determine what is relevant to know for the protection of their families. Guidelines for the public from agencies such as the CDC and the WHO are fairly consistent and can be utilized as a trustworthy reference. These sources have stated that the use of facial coverings, efficient hand...
Infections are caused by microscopic organisms known as pathogens—bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites—that enter the body, multiply, and interfere with normal functions. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands. This helps prevent infections because: People frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it. The first line of defense is to keep germs at bay by following...
Urinary Incontinence What happens in the body to cause bladder control problems? The body stores urine in the bladder. During urination, muscles in the bladder tighten to move urine into a tube called the urethra. At the same time, the muscles around the urethra relax and let the urine pass out of the body. When the muscles in and around the bladder don’t work the way they should, urine can leak. The loss of bladder control, or leaking urine, is...
Millions of Americans face the daily struggles of balancing family, career and home. As our population ages many of us are left to manage a loved one’s medical needs as well. Illness and injury are not something that most families consider until it is upon them. The unexpected brings with it many critical decisions that must be made during what can be a very emotional time. Many families live great distances apart, are struggling financially or are otherwise unable...
After an illness, injury, or surgery, you might work with a physical therapist to restore physical movement. Of course, all the work isn't done in the clinic: chances are, your therapist will give you instructions on how to do certain exercises and therapies at home. Your recovery rate and ability depend upon your commitment to following your therapist's instructions. Unfortunately, this isn't always easy though. Sometimes the demands of home and life distract us from sticking to the rehabilitation...
One of the challenges faced by people who are elderly or debilitated is getting up from or sitting down in a chair; using lift chairs can help them overcome this challenge. Lift chairs are like recliners, with the major difference being that lift chairs have an electrical mechanism to tilt the chair forward or backward. This makes it easier for the user to stand up or sit down. For lift chairs to function effectively, they should be well-maintained. Follow these tips...
Mobility limitations can come on suddenly, requiring loved ones to assist with the ordinary activities of life without warning. Crutches can become helpful when a person can bear some weight and needs to remain active, but cannot walk as they did before. It's critical to the healing process to find the right crutches for each person, and then to size them correctly for maximum comfort to encourage correct use to prevent delays in healing. Materials for Crutches Though wooden crutches exist,...