What is a hernia? A hernia is a condition in which a portion of organ or soft tissue pushes through a hole or weak spot in a muscle or surrounding connective tissue that lines your abdomen or groin. It can be caused by an action that puts pressure or strain on an organ in that weak spot. Sometimes you can see the hernia, depending on its location and size. Certain activities can worsen the condition, like bending over or lifting heavy objects....
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 from...
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 washing...
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...
As a person gets older their hearing and vision may start to weaken. It is a common occurrence among seniors, and it does not make life easy, particularly if that person has always been independent. Diminished hearing and vision could tug at pride and may be quite depressing. Seniors may try to deny that their hearing […]
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.
A person with limited mobility may not need a wheelchair, as they may still be able to get about some. A rollator walker is ideal for these individuals who can walk, but need a little help with balance and stability. This type of walker uses a sturdy metallic frame set atop three or four wheels and has a built-in seat, allowing the user to stop and sit as needed. Many models also come with attachments and accessories to make moving about easier and...
The trapeze, also known as an overhead trapeze or medical trapeze, is versatile medical equipment that is essential for those with limited mobility due to old age, disability, or illness that confines them to a bed. It is recommended for bedridden patients to change positions and shift weight occasionally to prevent aches and bed sores. A medical trapeze makes this task much easier. However, trapezes come in many sizes and forms, so it is important to understand the benefits and...
Dementia is a debilitating condition that can affect just about anyone. As dementia progress in a person, they begin to lose their ability to react quickly. Their memory declines, and they begin to have problems with communication, mobility, and recognizing things that were once familiar. People with the condition also begin to have incontinence problems. With the deterioration of the mind, they sometimes do not realize when their bladder or bowel is full, nor do they have complete control to...
If your doctor prescribes medication for a long-term medical condition, it's important that you take your medication exactly as directed. Skipping a dose, waiting too long between doses, or taking your doses too frequently don’t allow the medication to work as intended and can all lead to serious medical issues. If you forget a dose, your symptoms might flare up, or your condition might take a turn for the worse. If you take a second dose too close to an...
