What Is Occupational Therapy, and How Might It Help Me?
Occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help people perform functional tasks they want or need to do for their work, home and life roles.
Arthritis and Exercise: What to Do and What Not to Do
There are many different types of arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, common forms include rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia and psoriatic arthritis. While many medications can improve pain and quality of life for people with any type of arthritis, exercising is one of the most important ways to manage the condition. Exercise cannot cure arthritis, but it can preserve joints and improve quality of life. (more…)
Ergonomics 101: Tips for Desktop Computer Set-Up
C
omputer use is part of most people’s daily lives. Whether you use it for work, leisure or both, you may spend several hours a day on the computer. Unfortunately, after spending a great deal of time in one position, people often report aches, pains and fatigue from various body parts. Below are some suggestions for ergonomic desktop computer set-up to help prevent or lessen physical stress and strain. (more…)
Ergonomics 101: Tips for Using Portable Electronic Devices
Most people spend a great deal of time using their portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and electronic readers. Many patients report that after typing lengthy text messages and e-mails on their devices, they often feel discomfort in their neck, back and hands. Here are some tips on using portable electronic devices ergonomically to help prevent or lessen physical stress and strain. (more…)
Osteoporosis: Keep Your Bones Dense!
Remember those skeletons that hung in many of our elementary school classrooms growing up? The one component of those models is bone: humans are born with up to 270 of them! It is clearly important for us to protect this crucial framework in order to preserve a high quality of life.
One concern as we get older is osteoporosis, a condition of thin and porous bones. Aging, which we cannot prevent (at least not yet!), is the greatest risk factor for osteoporosis. Bones thin over time because the hormones estrogen and testosterone—which are important to maintaining bone density—both decline with age. We all know bone fractures can be debilitating, especially for the elderly, so, as with all medical conditions, prevention is paramount. (more…)
What Can I Do to Decrease Hand Arthritis Symptoms?
Osetoarthritis (OA) involves degeneration of a joint or joints due to excessive wear and tear. While OA can affect joints throughout the body, it commonly affects those in the hand. People with hand OA often report feeling generalized pain and morning stiffness in the joints. In regard to appearance, people with hand OA often have enlarged knuckles and excessive bone growth on the sides of the fingers.
Although hand arthritis symptoms may be quite severe, there are many simple remedies that can help one decrease pain and stiffness. (more…)