Rehab Select Blog

Is it safe for older people to exercise? For most people, the answer is a resounding "yes."

Understanding health benefits of exercise for seniors is relatively straightforward: The American Academy of Family Physicians states that almost all older people can benefit from at least some activity. Regular, sensible physical activity helps protect seniors from chronic diseases, improves mood, lessens the chance of injury, and helps prevent situations that can lead to rapid decline, like falls.

Perhaps the most common definition of elder abuse is physical abuse. However, scams against seniors also qualify as elder abuse, and to that end are covered by elder abuse protection laws. If you have an elderly friend or family member, it's important that you educate them about this fraud -- or to take note of it yourself if you could be a potential victim.

It is important to eat well at any age, but it's especially important to make nutrition a top priority for older Americans. Some 15 to 50% of older Americans struggle with malnutrition. Symptoms can include loss of appetite, lethargy, disorientation and weight loss. Fortunately, it's a relatively easy problem to fix for most people; understanding health benefits of a proper diet for the elderly is the first step in doing so.

Approximately 20 million Americans today suffer from some kind of kidney insufficiency that requires kidney disease care. Kidney diseases that can become chronic include kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or even chronic renal failure that could result in death.

Patients who need extended care and rehabilitation after an acute renal episode requiring hospitalization can receive excellent, cost-effective care in community based nursing facilities – including dialysis if necessary.

Approximately 26 million Americans have diabetes today. More people are diagnosed with this disease every year, and approximately one in three Americans is expected to have diabetes by the year 2050. Of those with diabetes today, only 19 million actually know they have the diagnosis. Seven million unknowingly have the disease. What does this mean for diabetes management, for the healthcare industry today, and in the coming years?

Caring for a tracheostomy - an incision in the windpipe made to relieve an obstruction to breathing - can seem complex, perhaps even scary. The truth is that maintenance procedures are not complicated; but they are critical to keeping the tracheostomy opening and skin around it clean and free of infection. Individuals living with a tracheostomy are likely dealing with a number of medical problems that put them at risk for complications. Proper maintenance of the tube prevents further airway obstructions.

Rehab therapy is prescribed for millions of Americans each day as a way to help regain a normal life. Injuries, illnesses and even medical complications can cause a loss of muscle function and strength, making it hard to do everyday tasks, like walking or eating. After undergoing conventional treatment to prevent further complications, additional therapy is often necessary to further improve the condition and heal the muscles.

If you think this type of therapy is for you, here’s everything you need to know.

Occupational therapy (OT) was once known as the therapy that people who had been injured sought out in order to regain the ability to work. Over the years it has proven to be one of the most beneficial treatment options for those who wish to regain the ability to do everyday tasks such as reading and recalling information. Occupational therapists work with a variety of patients to provide the skills and information they need to meet these goals.

Here are five of the most common benefits of OT.

According to Home Therapy Solutions, more than 5 million Americans are living with congestive heart failure. Although heart failure is a progressive condition, it can be treated so that the symptoms do not worsen over time. The goal of treatment is to help those with the disease recover and avoid future complications.

Since heart failure is caused by underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and high cholesterol, treatments must be directed at managing these conditions. This may include medications, surgery and even therapy. One form of therapy that seems to work well for people with congestive heart failure is physical therapy.

When you look at the phrase “occupational therapy,”you may think of work therapy. While ‘occupation’does equate to working in some aspects of the therapy, it isn’t the sole goal of treatment. In fact, the word ‘occupation’in this form of treatment encompasses anything from typing to tying shoes –basically anything that’s part of a healthy and productive life.

People with certain conditions have trouble accomplishing these tasks and turn to their doctors for help. As a first course of treatment, the doctor may recommend therapy and medication combined, but if the condition stops a person from performing necessary activities, he may suggest occupational therapy.