Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Health Tips, Rehab Medicine
Guest post by Abigail Strubel, MA, LCSW
The addiction self-help groups Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have a name for the holiday season: “The Big Three”—Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. These holidays often are associated with increased alcohol consumption among non-addicts, as well as increased risk of relapse for people in recovery.
Not only is alcohol often served as part of celebratory meals, or used to create traditional holiday treats like fruitcake and eggnog, but the holidays themselves can cause stress or increase feelings of loneliness or disappointment. These feelings can become significant relapse “triggers”—factors that might lead to a return to substance abuse.
So how can a recovering addict stay sober during the holiday season? By maintaining a relapse prevention plan—simple steps you can take and tips to remember that will help prevent your triggers from increasing your desire to use again. (more…)
Oct 28, 2013 | Occupational Therapy, Orthopedics, Popular, Rehab Medicine
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…)
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Geriatrics, Health Tips, Occupational Therapy, Orthopedics, Rehab Medicine
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…)
May 16, 2013 | Health Tips, Neurology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Rehab Medicine, Speech Pathology
Each May, we recognize Stroke Awareness Month with much-needed reminders for stroke prevention. According to the National Stroke Association, 80% of all strokes can be prevented. Following the stroke prevention guidelines below may help you lower your risk.
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Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Geriatrics, Health Tips, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Rehab Medicine
Phineas Gage was an American railroad construction foreman in the 1800s who is remembered for his survival of an accident in which a large iron rod was driven completely through his head, destroying much of his brain’s frontal lobe. After that, his personality and behavior were so profoundly affected that friends saw him as “no longer Gage.”
Types of Brain Injury
Gage had suffered a traumatic brain injury, or TBI—the same type of injury experienced lately by several well-known individuals, including Sen. Gabby Gifford and Junior Seau. While there are two types of brain injury—TBI and acquired brain injury—what we hear about in the media mostly involves TBI, an often-puzzling condition. The Brain Injury Association of America defines it as an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the causes of brain injury are falls (35.2%), motor vehicle crashes (17.3%), struck by/against events (16.5%), assault (10%) and unknown (21%).
There are many different types of TBI: diffuse axonal injury, concussion, contusion, coup-contracoup and penetrating injury, to name a few. Depending on the type of injury and its location on the brain, the outcome—including the behavior of the injured individual—varies. Brain injury can affect people of any age or gender.
Rehabilitation Takes a Team
Individuals who suffer brain injuries will begin acute rehabilitation as early as possible. In acute rehabilitation, a team of health professionals with experience and training in brain injury work with the patient to regain as many activities of daily living as possible. The team includes a physiatrist (doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation), rehabilitation nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, social worker and nutritionist. Activities of daily living include dressing, eating, toileting, walking, speaking and more.
Prevention Tips
Preventing TBI has become a public health priority. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons offers the following guidelines:
* Buy and use helmets or protective head gear for such sports as baseball, cycling, skiing and more;
* Wear a seatbelt when you drive or ride in a car;
* Do not drink alcohol and drive;
* Do not dive in water less than 12 feet deep or in an above-ground pool;
* Remove hazards at home that can contribute to falls, like scatter rugs, electrical cords, etc.; and
* Maintain safety in the bathroom for the elderly.
Finally, if you or your loved one suffers a TBI, community support is available through your local hospital, Brain Injury Association of America and even in online communities.
References
Brain Injury Association of America (2012).
American Association of Neurological Surgeons (2012).
To find a great doctor who is right for you, please call the Physician Referral Service at 1 (866) 804-1007 Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Updated on Nov 17, 2024 | Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, Rehab Medicine
Most adults experience joint pain at some point in their lifetime. But there are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce the pain, protect your joints, and avoid making things worse.
Do not work through the pain: If you are performing some kind of activity and begin to feel pain, try the following:
- Stop the activity and rest.
- Try performing the activity again. If pain persists, stop the activity and modify how you are performing the task. For instance, if you begin to feel shoulder pain when chopping vegetables, step closer to the cutting board or change the height of the table by standing, or try sitting in a chair.
- If the pain persists, do not work through the pain.
Use your larger joints: Instead of lifting heavy items in the kitchen, for example, slide them across the counter. Or, if you need to lift something, hold the item close to your body and use your palms to lift, instead of the fingers.
Make things easy for yourself: Avoid tasks that cause discomfort or pain. Keep frequently used household items close to you, and avoid reaching far or straining to perform an activity. For transporting groceries, try using a wheeled cart or a backpack instead of carrying groceries by hand.
Take a break: If you have a lot of tasks to perform, spread the tasks throughout the day and alternate light and heavy tasks. Also, allow yourself extra time to complete tasks, so you can avoid rushing. Take a rest break while you still have energy—do not wait until exhaustion sets in. Try taking brief and frequent rest breaks.
Use proper body mechanics: Lift and carry items closer to your torso to decrease strain. Try to avoid unnecessary strain. Get heavy items delivered. And, if needed, ask for help.
If you are experiencing joint pain, call 877-MD-ORTHO or 877-636-7846 to find a doctor who can help.
Guest post by Abigail Strubel, MA, LCSW
