Health

3 Ways To Ease Pain After an Accident

Posted by Cindy Barera on in Health

A car crash can lead to a myriad of problems for drivers. Aside from the obvious hassle of being caught off guard and suffering damage to your car, the pain you’ve been dealing with since then is getting worse. 

When you have trouble with muscle pain following a wreck, you may need to try a few different things before finding relief. Consider these three things that may help you beat pain after a crash. 

1. See a Doctor 

First, whether you believe it or not, you should always seek medical attention after a car accident. Even if you walked away feeling fine, there may be issues below the surface that need addressing. Leaving these silent problems to chance may equal more pain and problems down the road. If you don’t see a doctor and start experiencing muscle pain or weakness, you should make an appointment. The doctor can either confirm a common affliction, such as whiplash is to blame, or it may wind up more serious. Either way, the first step to finding help managing pain is a diagnosis. 

2. Physical Therapy 

Once you know what type of issue you’re dealing with, you can better manage your options. The doctor may suggest you go to physical therapy Valrico FL for a variety of services, including things like:

  • Massage
  • Hot and cold therapy
  • At-home exercises

Part of the problem with muscle injuries is they can take time to heal. The pain associated with them may be due to a variety of reasons, one being scar tissue that often forms. Breaking up this scar tissue is just one goal of a physical therapist. 

3. Anti-Inflammatories 

A powerful aid in muscle recovery after an accident are drugs that help reduce inflammation. NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help swelling decrease. This may aid in recovery by making it less painful to exercise the areas you need to strengthen. However, only take medication under the advisement of a doctor. 

Understanding the issue that is causing pain can help you fix it. Talk to your healthcare provider to plot a course for pain management.

Signs That Show Time is Right for Assisted Living Facilities

Posted by Cindy Barera on in Health

You may have to look after your parents as they age. But, sometimes taking care of an aging parent can take a toll on you or the caregiver. It can become worse when a senior is diagnosed with dementia. That is why families consider an assisted living facility for their senior parents or loved ones. But, the challenge comes in when you don’t know that it is time for them to move to the facility. Fortunately, you can look out for some signs that indicate that your loved one is ready for an assisted living facility. It is wise to enroll a senior in an assisted living community as soon as you notice these signs.

Medical Conditions

A significant percentage of seniors have at least one chronic medical condition. When your loved one has been diagnosed or has been struggling with a chronic medical disease, such as dementia or cancer, it is wise that they get enrolled in a community. Seniors with medical conditions have a hard time managing their health without help. The assisted living facilities mo can offer assistance and improve their quality of life.

Frequent Injuries

Loss of strength, balance and coordination cause frequent falls and slips, resulting in injuries. It is a visible sign that a senior is ready or requires assisted living facilities. Minor bruises may not be dangerous for young people. However, they can be risky for the health of a senior. You need to admit your senior parent to an assisted living facility if you frequently fear for their safety or often get injured.

Basic Tasks

You probably take for granted the small tasks you carry out daily. The effects of aging can sometimes make it difficult for a senior to perform some basic tasks such as cooking, bathing or tidying the house. If this happens to an older adult, you should consider an assisted living facility for them.

Moving to an assisted living community can be quite challenging. It is a transition that seniors dread. But, it comes with positive experiences. Choose a facility that meets their needs.

Three Ways To Support a Loved One Battling Addiction

Posted by Cindy Barera on in Health

One of the hardest things to watch a loved one go through is a battle with addiction. It may be hard to know how best to support or encourage someone to seek help, but there are a few things you can do.

Research Treatment Options

Seeking help can be intimidating for someone who is addicted to alcohol, drugs or anything else. They may want to seek help, but they might be overwhelmed at the thought of being in treatment. Searching your local area for resources is a great way to help your loved one. Helping them choose a reputable rehab or sober house MD can make a big difference as they begin their journey.

Expect Stumbling Blocks

Addiction is a serious and lifelong disease. According to the American Addiction Center, between 40% and 60% of addicts will relapse. Because of this fact, it can be smart to expect difficulties and challenges along the way. It can be smart to have a plan in place to help you know what to do in case your loved one relapses.

Practice Self Care

Loving and caring for someone who experiences addiction can be very draining. It can be incredibly important to make sure you are taking care of yourself. Find ways to manage stress, eat healthy, exercise and get plenty of sleep. It may also be beneficial to seek out professional counseling to help you manage your own emotions and experiences in a healthy way.

If you care for someone battling an addiction of any kind, you may feel helpless. Not knowing how to help a loved one can be stressful and taxing. It can help to have a plan in place when your loved one is ready to seek action. Help them find the right treatment, expect relapse and other challenges along the way, and don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Three Reasons to Consider Assisted Living for Your Loved One

Posted by Cindy Barera on in Health

As a parent or loved one ages, it can be difficult to decide on the best plan for long-term care. While many may wish to keep their aging relatives in their own home for as long as possible, there are serious benefits to switching to a senior community instead. Here are three reasons to consider assisted living for your loved one.

Access to Amenities Geared Towards the Elderly

Whether it’s physical mobility, fatigue or stress, there are many reasons an older person may no longer engage in certain leisure or self-care activities outside of the home. Many assisted living communities now offer incredible amenities to make living on-site much more fun, including movie theaters, salons and spas and exercise facilities. These types of services could help your aging parent engage in enjoyable activities again that they would avoid if living at home. 

A Community of Peers

Aging can be isolating, and people of every age need a sense of community to thrive and maintain a happy, positive outlook on life. While family members may do their best to visit or plan social engagements, it can be difficult to provide your loved one with the consistent interaction they need. Living in a senior facility can provide multiple friendship opportunities with their peers.

Classes and Activities to Challenge the Mind and Body

It takes work and effort to keep the mind and body healthy during old age. Staying active and participating in activities that stimulate the brain can help fight regression and improve the overall quality of live. Assisted living communities can provide numerous classes and activities for every interest to keep your parent engaged and energized.

In addition to the social and mental benefits, these centers can also provide quality medical care around the clock as well as help with maintenance, cleaning and hygiene. For peace of mind and a better quality of life, consider an assisted living community for your loved one.

Mental Health During an Evacuation

Posted by Cindy Barera on in Health

The hurricane season is drawing to a close but winter storm season is close on its heels. Residents in many regions of America have natural disasters on their minds and some may even face evacuations. Here are some tips for taking care of your mental health following a disaster.

Sleep

Good health depends largely on quality sleep. A lack of sleep harms your physical well-being, impairs mental function and negatively affects your quality of life. A few nights of poor sleep can be overcome, but if you are away from home for a week or more you may need a sleeping aid. If you are lucky, the evacuation site will include mobile sleeping units that allow privacy and a modicum of comfort.

Water

Obviously you will need to drink bottled water, which is typically one of the first supplies brought into disaster sites. What you may not realize is that water that is too contaminated to drink is also unsafe to wash hands, prepare food, clean dishes and brush teeth.

Nutrition

Notice this isn’t just about food, it’s about nutrition. In general, foods that are healthy for your body are also good for your mind. This is no time to be overly picky but if you can, select mood-boosting foods like nuts, fruits, vegetables and beans. When they are available, drink coffee in the morning and cocoa at night. It is also important to realize that natural disasters, or evacuations of any kind, can trigger a complete loss of appetite. Even if you don’t feel like it you do need to eat.

Connection

It is common for evacuees to be separated from family members and being lonely during stressful times can exacerbate feelings of fear and anxiety. Reach out to those close by—friends, neighbors and fellow evacuees—and don’t hesitate to ask for support. Do some volunteer work at the shelter; if you are temporarily out of touch with loved ones helping out a stranger can help your state of mind.