Month: October 2019

Many people hear about osteoporosis and think that it is something that happens later in life and is nothing something they need to think about now. While the disease is usually diagnosed around the age of 60 it starts developing around age 30. By taking preventative measures young people can avoid developing osteoporosis later in life.

Osteoporosis, which is a skeletal disorder that reduces bone mass has been found to cause bone fractures in one in two women over the age of 65. One of the best ways to prevent osteoporosis from occurring later on is by leading an active, healthy lifestyle. Those who are active generally have maintain their bone mass more than those that do not. It’s never too late to start exercising regularly, even if you are over 30 exercising can help prevent or decrease the damage from osteoporosis. Eating right in addition to exercise can also help maintain bone mass which can prevent osteoporosis from developing.

Even if osteoporosis is already present you can slow the progression or even stop the disease. Eating a diet that is rich in calcium is very important for bone health. Try including lots of dairy and leafy vegetables in your diet to get the calcium you need. If you’re having trouble getting plenty of calcium your doctor may recommend taking calcium supplements. While women have a higher risk than men for developing osteoporosis some women have an even higher risk. Some risk factors include age, race, family history, having a petite build, never having been pregnant, smoking, high salt or caffeine diet and getting little or no exercise. Any one of these risk factors makes you more likely to develop osteoporosis.

Taking measures to prevent osteoporosis before it happens is the best way to eliminate possible complications later in life. By simply living a healthy, active lifestyle you can ensure a healthier future for yourself. No matter how old or young you are it is important to think about

Due to arthritis, osteoporosis, injury and other skeletal problems many American’s lose mobility and are unable to perform everyday tasks. Today’s technology allows people to have their joints replaced and mobility restored. Every year around 190,000 American’s choose to have joint replacement surgery to get back to normal. The most common joints replaced are the knee and hip but the shoulder can also be replaced.

Artificial joint’s today are mostly made up of steel. Early on doctors struggled to find a system that would properly replace the joints. Finding a material that would work correctly and not cause the immune system to react. The hip has to bear a force that is equal to six times the body’s weight so it is important for the replacement to be strong. Luckily today’s joint replacements are safe and built to last. Replacement hips are formed by a steel ball and stem that replace the top of the thigh bone. Most joint replacements are able to last for around ten years, although with new technology that number is always growing. The newest development in joint replacements promote the growth of new bone in the area around the replacement. This provides more strength and stability in the joint.

The popularity of joint replacement grew back in the 1990’s when professional athlete Bo Jackson had replacement surgery. After suffering from a hip injury Bo had his hip replaced and after recovering he returned to playing baseball for the White Sox’s. His surgery and recovery were played out in the news and showed not only the success of joint replacements but also the importance that physical therapy plays in recovery. Bo showed everyone how with dedication and physical therapy after surgery you can be like brand new. After having a joint replaced physical therapy is crucial to regaining function in the joint. The surgery alone will not improve function, patients have to learn how to move with the new joint.

There is no need to live with pain and reduced mobility. Joint replacements offer a great way to get back on your feet and eliminate pain. With today’s improving technology joint replacement and some physical therapy can improve patients daily lives.

When dealing with the daily pain that arthritis brings, whether it be mild or severe, it is often an experience we wish to delete. Unfortunately, since our bodies do not work that way, we must find alternatives to dealing with the pain. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints that cause stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis, is the most common type, which can get worse with aging by the wear and tear over the years. The good news is that there are ways to improve joint movement and reduce pain by taking natural and healthier approaches.

Losing weight can significantly impact the pressure that is put on the joints and muscles from day to day. Extra weight puts more pressure on your feet, knees and hips. When reducing this stress on your body it will increase mobility, reduce stress on the joints and prevent future injuries in the future.

Exercise is beneficial to your body in several ways, losing weight is not just one of them. For arthritis suffering patients, there are activities such as aerobics and swimming that can loosen the tension and create more flexibility. It is a great alternative to weight-bearing activities such as running that can often create more damage.

Water relief is also a great way to take care of arthritis pain. Hot and cold treatments work wonders for your body by relieving pain and reducing stiffness in the joints and muscles. Hot showers, electric blankets and heating pads are all great tools to use. Cold gels, ice packs and even a pack of frozen vegetables can be great for joint pain.

Supplements of the right fatty acids can be extremely healthy for your body and arthritis pain! Omega-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid or GLA can reduce pain. Fish oil supplements and seeds from certain plants can provide this nutrients such as fish oil, primrose, borage, hemp and black currants. Another great ingredient to add to your meals is Turmeric, which is a yellow spice that is used in many Indian dishes. This spice contains an ingredient called curcimin that reduces inflammation.

Physical Therapy is always an option to reduce joint stiffness and pain as it release the tension, lifts inflammation off the muscles and creates more flexibility and movement. Whether receiving massages or seeking help from a physical therapist, it can work wonders for your body.

If all else fails, there are always options to receive acupuncture to the specific painful spots in your body or take medication to deal with the pain. Seek professional help from your doctor to see what the best options are for you. Control your arthritis, don’t let it control you.

You’ve been up since 7 a.m., the dogs won’t stop barking and you spilled coffee on your way to work. As you are finishing up the afternoon rush after filing, making phone calls and getting bombarded with assignments due by 3 p.m., you can feel the headache starting to form. What a day.

When it comes to headaches, there are so many different kinds which can sprout out of nowhere and can range from several levels of pain. Doctors have identified about 20 different headaches which can range from little pain and discomfort in the back of the head after a long day to extreme migraines to warnings of life-threatening illnesses.

When you are battling the annoyance of headache pain, it is important to know what kind you have. The most common type of headaches are called tension headaches which account for about 90 percent of headaches. These are caused by whatever stress-fueling things we may go through during the day. The pain that is caused by this type of headache will affect your upper neck and back of the head. Although these are not an alarming type of headache, they can lead to severeness.

So how can we lessen and maybe even get rid of these tension headaches? Start out by finding a peaceful, quiet place to relax and ease your thoughts. Over-the-counter aspirins can help every once in a while, as well. If you are receiving these headaches, everyday, on a daily basis, then relaxation therapy or psychotherapy may be a helpful option. Exercise and stretching can also relieve tension because you are relaxing tight muscles and working toward eliminating the source of pain.

The more severe type of headache is known as a migraine. Each year about 16-18 million American are affected by migraines. They are extreme pains in your head that cause throbbing and tension. These can be caused by sensitivity of some foods like wine or chocolate, weather changes, altitude changes, oversleeping, skipping meals or seeing bright, flashing lights. Unfortunately, migraines may also run in the family and be passed down with no certain cause of pain.

Migraines can also be treated by a change of lifestyle. Eating, sleeping and exercising properly will all decrease your chance of receiving a migraine. If these actions are not enough, stronger-dose medicine may be required.

Some other types of headaches may cause daily pain even after changing your lifestyle and taking medicine. This is when you should consult a doctor. You may show signs of allergy attacks, arthritis, sinus infections, fevers, or even more serious illnesses. Don’t ignore your pain. Take care of it so you can get back to being yourself again.

Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults 65 and older and are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide. In the United States, 20–30% of older people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as bruises, hip fractures, or head traumas. Between 30% and 40% of adults aged 65 years or older living at home fall at least once per year. Fortunately, falls are largely preventable.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) issued three major recommendations on fall prevention. These recommendations include an evaluation by your physician, an exercise or physical therapy routine, and a daily vitamin D supplement.

To prevent falls, begin with a thorough examination by your physical therapist or physician. Be sure to discuss medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, with your medical professional. Request a screening of your living environment for safety hazards. Having a vision exam at least once a year to update eyeglasses ensures maximum vision.

Exercise has many overall health benefits. Performing exercises prescribed by a trained health professional regularly and focusing on increasing leg strength and improving balance will aid in preventing falls and injury. Mild weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or climbing stairs, may help slow bone loss from osteoporosis.

Vitamin D and calcium are essential nutrients that work together to keep bones strong. Both nutrients are found naturally in foods but they also can be taken as dietary supplements. It is also recommended that all individuals, of any age, know how their medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, affect them. Warning labels that indicate drowsiness or nausea after consumption increase the risk of a fall.

I’m sure you have been told that having high blood pressure is unhealthy but many don’t understand the dangers behind it. You may be a victim of high blood pressure and without realizing. Years before symptoms develop high blood pressure can silently damage your body. If symptoms are ignored you may wind up with a disability, poor quality of life or even the worst case scenario, a fatal heart attack.

High blood pressure damages many organs inside your body. The effect is like dominos falling on each other, causing an unfortunate chain link of events. High blood pressure is damaging to your arteries, the lining of your artery becomes narrowed. The cause of hardened arteries is from high blood pressure. Fats that enter your body, which blocks the flow of blood is what causes the artery to narrow. These events could lead to an aneurysm that could rupture possibly causing life threatening internal bleeding.

But wait; there are more negative events to be caused. It directly affects to your heart and may cause coronary artery disease, an enlarged left heart and even heart failure. Coronary artery disease is caused by the lack of blood flow in your heart. An enlarged left heart is caused by the heart overcompensating itself to pump blood to the rest of your body. It also damages your brain and your kidneys.

The good news is that you are the captain of your own ship. You can help reduce your own high blood pressure without the use of medication. The more weight you lose the lower your blood pressure. You can reduce your blood pressure by losing 10 pounds. At least 30 to 60 minutes of regular physical activity can lower your blood pressure by 4 to 9 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Increasing your exercise level can reduce your blood pressure within a few weeks. Low-fat dairy products and skimping on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables should be incorporated in your diet. Your blood pressure can be reduced by 2 to 8 (mm Hg) by a small reduction of sodium in your diet. Alcohol can raise your blood pressure by several points if you don’t consume in moderation.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis? Don’t suffer any more than you have to! Physical therapy can become not only your best option for managing your aches and pains, but your best friend. When you are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, your condition is forever changing- some days are good days, others not so much. Physical therapy is there for you to help you learn how to cope with your body and the changes it goes through. It can help you maintain and develop strength and stamina, as well as help you cope with your mobility after a disease flair.

Multiple Sclerosis symptoms are different for every person, and consequentially your treatment program will be unique to you as well. Your physical therapist will create a program that fits your specific needs. Common ailments and physical therapy treatments include:

-Spasticity: If you experience this, your program will most likely include slow stretching controlled position changes, and the use of cold packs.

-Fatigue: If you experience this, your program will most likely focus on managing your energy, and skills to avoid over exertion.

Other common physical therapy programs may include maintaining spastic muscles through exercises, muscle strengthening exercises, range of motion exercises, as well as being taught how to use aids for mobility such as crutches, canes, scooters, and wheelchairs.

If you are suffering from multiple sclerosis, seek physical therapy treatment, you may be surprised at how well it can help you manage your aches and pains!

Home Advantage Rehabilitation is here to help with all of your homecare needs. Feel free to call with any questions that you may have about physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy 516-459-9439.

Do you have an illness or disability that hinders you from performing everyday activities? Then occupational therapy may be for you! Occupational therapy is for people of all ages, and of all different ability levels.

So how does this differ from regular physical therapy you may be asking? Physical therapy deals with pain, strength, endurance and gross motor functioning skills. Occupational therapy on the other hand deals with fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills, cognitive skills, and sensory processing deficits.

When you first meet with your occupational therapist what can you expect? Your occupational therapist will judge and evaluate you in the area that you are seeking therapy for; such examples are academic or work performance, and daily activities and compare it to others’ in your age group, to determine where you are lacking. You will receive an individual evaluation from your occupational therapist, they will create a plan for you based on your needs, and then they will provide an evaluation of the exam.

What are some examples of stuff people seek occupational therapists to help them improve?

-Helping improve social skills, including focus improvement, and behavioral issues

-Coordination skills such as how to type faster on a computer, as well as hand eye coordination for everyday activities like brushing one’s teeth and getting dressed.

-Improving fine motor skills for tasks like developing better handwriting skills

Home Advantage Rehabilitation is here to help with all of your homecare needs. Feel free to call with any questions that you may have about physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy 516-459-9439.