Spinal Cord Injuries

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord or the spinal cord itself due to sudden trauma.

Statistics:
According to the Miami Project, 78% of new diagnosed spinal cord injuries are males and 22% are females. Currently the amount of individuals diagnosed with a spinal cord injury in the U.S. is ranged from 250,000 to 300,000 persons (Statistics: The Miami Project, 2021)

This photo shows how the spinal cord is set up as well as what each area of the spinal cord has control of (Oxford Medical Education, 2016)

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Incomplete: messages are still able to travel to and from the brain to a certain degree.
Complete: messages are unable to travel to in and from the brain.
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2022)

Symptoms:

Paralysis (Loss of movement)
Pressure/Pain in the neck, spine or head
Numbness starting in the hands or feet
Difficulties walking or breathing

Types of Treatment

Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Medication

Read stories of individuals living with this diagnosis below

References

Bloomberg Originals. (2020, January 6). This accidental treatment is reversing paralysis. YouTube. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://youtu.be/KCpYa8DsUhA

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Types, effects, & recovery. Flint Rehab. (2022, July 6). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.flintrehab.com/incomplete-spinal-cord-injury/

Lennon, A. (2022, May 20). Drug shows promise in treating spinal cord injury: Drug Discovery and Development. Labroots. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.labroots.com/trending/drug-discovery-and-development/22795/drug-promise-treating-spinal-cord-injury?gclid=CjwKCAiA0cyfBhBREiwAAtStHH93jJDpR_03KKDGLocrGK6tR-_OuQtjw2_1gQXsR1ajeJJ7Ghvw1hoCrwgQAvD_BwE

Medications for spinal cord injury: What doctors may prescribe. Flint Rehab. (2021, April 23). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.flintrehab.com/medications-for-spinal-cord-injury/

Northwestern University. (2021, November 11). Severe spinal cord injuries repaired with ‘dancing molecules’. YouTube. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://youtu.be/Q_xvCE904YU

Oxford Medical Education. (2016). Spinal trauma – anatomy. Oxford Medical Education. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://oxfordmedicaleducation.com/surgery/trauma-and-orthopaedics/spinal-trauma-anatomy/

Occupational therapy for Spinal Cord Injury. Flint Rehab. (2021, July 14). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.flintrehab.com/occupational-therapy-for-spinal-cord-injury/#:~:text=Occupational%20therapy%20applies%20both%20restorative,affected%20by%20spinal%20cord%20injury.

Statistics. The Miami Project. (2021, March 17). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.themiamiproject.org/resources/statistics/#:~:text=General%20Statistics,78%25%20of%20new%20SCI%20cases.

Therapeutic interventions for Spinal Cord Injury. Physiopedia. (2022). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Therapeutic_Interventions_for_Spinal_Cord_Injury

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Spinal Cord Injury. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/spinal-cord-injury

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Urinary Tract Infection Prevention! Don’t believe it!

Prevention Myths, Evidence supporting why!

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a build-up of harmful bacteria, resulting in an uncomfortable diagnosis.

Common symptoms:

Frequent urination of small amounts
Burning sensation when urinating
Foul-smelling urine
Cramping in abdominal region
Urine cloudy or pinkish color

A UTI is a common diagnosis, with approximately 150 million new cases of UTI each year; with women more likely to be diagnosed than men, and reoccurrence increases with age (Heidar et al., 2019).

Some risk factors, according to https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html

- - - Previous UTI
    - Changes in vaginal bacteria
    - Poor hygiene
    - Sexual activity
    - Pregnancy

Photo credit: Leo Reynolds on VisualHunt

Prevention

Myth 1 from a doctor!

Don’t believe everything you read online, even if they are a doctor. In the link below titled “Myths and Truths About Urinary Tract Infections” the author informs the public of some accurate information regarding a UTI and prevention methods. However, the public is informed in this source that the method of wiping for perineal hygiene is not a way to prevent a UTI. In addition, it is noted that cranberry juice/supplements have no support for UTI prevention.

Myths and Truths About Urinary Tract Infections

Evidence to prove them wrong!

A review was conducted by https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.4103/UA.UA_104_19 on various studies, and reports reliable information on prevention of a UTI, such as proper perineal care. An additional article https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.13181/mji.v28i3.3299 assessed multiple studies which shown cranberry consumption to be an effective method in preventing a UTI.

The studies support trialing the methods:

Intake of cranberry products
Vaginal probiotics
Perform proper perineal hygiene (wiping front to back).

Cranberries contain antioxidants, which support a healthy immune system. Wiping front to back prevents fecal matter to enter the urethra. Both methods prevent build-up of bacteria in the urethra which prevents a UTI. The evidence in these articles, prove the methods of prevention in the media source “Myths and Truths About Urinary Tract Infections” to be inaccurate.

Myth 2 all these years!

The media clip below publicizes douching as a method to prevent a UTI. The YouTuber explains the purpose and method of douching to thoroughly clean the vagina. The YouTuber states, “Douching cleanses the vagina to prevent infections.” Douching is supported in this media clip based on the technique being around for many years, and the producer not acquiring a vaginal infection since using this remedy. Various types of douche solutions are explained and suggested to perform after sexual intercourse and after each menstrual cycle.

Evidence to debunk this myth!

The document, Widespread practice can cause array of problems (2018), provides reliable information on douching since it was retrieved from evidence-based studies and https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm. Douching actually alters the good bacteria in the vagina which increases the chances of an infection. Specialists recommend washing only the exterior walls of the vagina with warm water and mild or unscented soap.

The menstrual cycle is a natural way for the body to remove the uterine lining each month. If proper hygiene and correct use of tampons/pads are not implemented, moisture and heat may be trapped which can increase bacteria growth and cause a UTI. Douching is not the correct approach during or after the menstrual cycle, proper hygiene and following the directions associated with tampon/pad use are.

Myth 3 No Tampons!

This media clip informs the public to not use tampons as most contain chemicals which affect the PH balance in the vagina, therefore resulting in a UTI. The producer suggests using menstrual cups or discs and drink plenty of fluids to prevent a UTI.

Proven false by evidence!

According to https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-tampons-and-how-use-them-safely tampons do not cause a UTI as long as they are used correctly. Before any tampons can be sold in the U.S., they must go through the FDA to determine whether they are safe and effective. Follow the directions on the label to safely use tampons and prevent a UTI.

Know the facts!

Don’ t believe everything you read online, do your research!

As supported by the evidence-based research above, proper perineal hygiene and cranberry consumption are two effective ways to prevent a UTI.
Vaginal douching is not a healthy means to clean the vagina. The proper method of cleaning, is to clean only the external vaginal walls.

Additional preventative methods, according to https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html

Drink plenty of fluids, at least 8 – 9 cups per day
Urinate after sexual activity
Take showers instead of baths
Minimize sprays or powders in the genital region

Overall

Each day, perform proper hygiene, drink plenty of fluids, consume cranberries, and urinate when you have the urge, so you can expel bacteria. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your doctor. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your doctor immediately.

References

Abou Heidar, N. F., Degheili1, J. A., Yacoubian, A. A., Khauli, R. B. (2019). Management of urinary tract infection in women: A practical approach for everyday practice. Urology Annals, 11(4). https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.4103/UA.UA_104_19

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Bacterial vaginosis – CDC basic fact sheet. https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Urinary tract infection. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti/html

United States Food and Drug Administration. (2020). The facts on tampons-and how to use them safely. http:www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-tampons-and-how-to-use-them-safely

Tambunan, M. P., Rahardjo, H. E. (2019). Cranberries for women with recurrent urinary tract infection: A meta-analysis. Medical Journal of Indonesia, 28(3):268–75. https://doi.org/10.13181/mji.v28i3.3299

Widespread practice can cause array of problems. (2018). Chain Drug Review, 40(4), 33.

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What You should Know about Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis, aka RA, is inflammation from the immune system attacking healthy cells in the body where two bones meet. The attack by the body’s immune cells results in pain in the joints and deformities over time. RA occurs all over the body, most notably in the hands and weight-bearing joints such as the spine, knees, and feet. A medical doctor known as a Rheumatologist will use blood tests and x-rays to diagnose RA. Some signs and symptoms though out the body are weakness, warm joints, painful stiff joints, and fatigue.

Virginia’s story

What are the Risk Factors?

The medical community does not know what causes RA. Below is a list of risk factors. The good news is that some of these factors are avoidable:

60 + years old
Smoking
Obesity
Genetics
Female who has never given birth
2nd hand Smoke exposure a Child

What can Decrease the Risk of RA?

If you’re a woman who chooses to give birth, you can decrease your chances of RA by breastfeeding.

Keeping a healthy body weight through diet and exercise. Because your DNA plays a role in getting RA, being overweight and smoking can amplify your chances of developing RA.

What is the Treatment/Cure?

Your RA treatment will be unique to you. Collaborate with your doctor 🩺 to create a treatment goal that’s right for you. A diagnosis of RA is made worse if you also suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes or other cardiovascular disorders. Remember, there is no cure; low disease activity or remission may be possible. Your RA can be managed by using the following:

Medication: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is a type of medication used to minimize your immune system’s attacks on itself. Over-the-counter pain medication is also used for pain and inflammation control.

Occupational Therapy (OT): An OT can provide treatment for joint protection and range of motion. The OT will work with you to adapt your environment, helping you preserve independence.

Stop Smoking: Seek treatment from a family doctor or smoking sensation program. Cigarette smoke can make the symptoms of RA worse.

Surgery: Surgery may be needed as symptoms progress as a means to retain function.

Managing Obesity: Being active for 30 minutes 3 times a week. An active lifestyle can help keep the weight off. Being overweight puts more stress on arthritic joints, causing you more pain. Water aerobics, swimming, and yoga are highly recommended. Being obese can play diminish the effects of RA medication.

Diet: Avoid highly processed foods, alcohol, saturated fats (solid at room temperature), and red meat. Eating food rich in Omega-3 and turmeric has been shown to reduce the inflammatory symptoms of RA. Check with your Rheumatologist before starting any specific diet or taking supplements. some supplements can affect the medication for RA.

There is currently no cure for RA, be careful of bogus claims that certain herbs or supplements can cure you. Seek out reputable information

Where should I seek help?

Talk to your family Doctor. They can refer you to a Rheumatologist.

To find a rheumatologist near you, visit the American College of Rheumatology site. Click find-a-rheumatologist this link will guide you to a rheumatologist in your area.

Remember your journey with RA is unique to you. Find a rheumatologist, ask questions, collaborate on a plan of care, and take action through diet and exercise.

References :

CNN. (2013, December 6). Symptoms and Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq9ouUVGzG8

Isaza, A. (2019). Dietary Supplements for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis as an Alternative to NSAIDs. View Point on the Available Research. Nutritional Perspectives: Journal of the Council on Nutrition, 42(3), 42–44.

Mayo Clinic. (2013, November 14). The Pain, Swelling And Stiffness of Rheumatoid Arthritis [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY8j1UznqIg

Rath, L. (2022). Rheumatoid arthritis treatment guidelines. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/rheumatoid-arthritis-treatment-guidelines

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) | Arthritis | CDC. (2020.). https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

Spinal Cord Injuries

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord or the spinal cord itself due to sudden trauma.

This photo shows how the spinal cord is set up as well as what each area of the spinal cord has control of (Oxford Medical Education, 2016)

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Incomplete: messages are still able to travel to and from the brain to a certain degree.
Complete: messages are unable to travel to in and from the brain.
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2022)

Symptoms:

Paralysis (Loss of movement)
Pressure/Pain in the neck, spine or head
Numbness starting in the hands or feet
Difficulties walking or breathing

Types of Treatment

Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Medication

Read stories of individuals living with this diagnosis below

References

Bloomberg Originals. (2020, January 6). This accidental treatment is reversing paralysis. YouTube. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://youtu.be/KCpYa8DsUhA

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Types, effects, & recovery. Flint Rehab. (2022, July 6). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.flintrehab.com/incomplete-spinal-cord-injury/

Medications for spinal cord injury: What doctors may prescribe. Flint Rehab. (2021, April 23). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.flintrehab.com/medications-for-spinal-cord-injury/

Northwestern University. (2021, November 11). Severe spinal cord injuries repaired with ‘dancing molecules’. YouTube. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://youtu.be/Q_xvCE904YU

Statistics. The Miami Project. (2021, March 17). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.themiamiproject.org/resources/statistics/#:~:text=General%20Statistics,78%25%20of%20new%20SCI%20cases.

Therapeutic interventions for Spinal Cord Injury. Physiopedia. (2022). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Therapeutic_Interventions_for_Spinal_Cord_Injury

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Exercise and Children

We all know that physical exercise is important to keep adults healthy…BUT…did you know that it is JUST as important for CHILDREN?

The CDC (2018) recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise for ADULTS each week, including 2 days a week of strength training.

The recommendations for CHILDREN (ages 6-17 years) is at least 60 minutes of moderate exercise each day, including aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening, and bone strengthening activities (CDC, 2018).

Exercise helps to improve PHYSICAL HEALTH by building healthier HEARTS and LUNGS, stronger MUSCLES and BONES, and DECREASING the risk of DISEASES…

…But it improves BRAIN healtH as well!

Exercise FEEDS the brain, IMPROVES memory, and REDUCES stress.

The 2018 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children found that children who met the exercise recommendations showed better cognition, brain function, and mental health.

They also showed improved attention, focus, and concentration

Exercise releases “feel good chemicals” called ENDORPHINS into the brain, decreasing pain and creating an overall sense of well-being.

Children who exercise also demonstrated

better school performance
greater creative thinking and problem solving
improved mental health
less depression, stress, and anxiety
better resiliency, especially in teen years
higher self esteem, better self concept, and greater self worth

But wait...there's MORE...

Regular physical exercise also often leads to other healthy habits such as improved sleep patterns, better diet, a decreased risk for being overweight, and less screen time, leading to an overall healthier lifestyle, and improved quality of life.

Another interesting perspective…exercise can help us to learn to become more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Athletes know that feeling uncomfortable during competitions is part of the process, but they learn to cope with it instead of trying to escape it. This could carry over into other aspects of our lives as well!

Any way you look at it, exercise for anyone, but especially for children, is beneficial. The rewards stretch way beyond managing weight or keeping the body healthy. The impact that exercise has on mental and emotional well-being, and the positive effects on brain functions and learning, are invaluable!

References

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/physical-activity-guidelines/current-guidelines

The Risks Of Consuming Too Much Sugar Overtime

According to Dr.Kumar, an Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism specialist from NewYork-Presbyterian says that 17 teaspoons of added sugars a day can turn into 57 pounds of added sugar in a year. But what is added sugar, and how can people consume enough to gain so much? There are natural sugars that we consume from fruits and milk, but added sugar is added into foods we consume that are processed without realizing it. These can be harder for our bodies to process and overtime it can take a toll on our bodies.

What can get affected?

There are many ways consuming too much sugar can affect us, from heart issues to gaining weight, the list is endless. Dr.Hu mentioned from the Harvard Publishing Group (2022) that the liver processes sugars the same way it processes alcohol which is how it can be so damaging. Added sugar in large amounts overtime can cause people to have a fatty liver, and gain an excess amount of weight as well. According to WebMD (2022) Teeth can rot with so much exposure from sugar that it creates bacteria that breaks down our teeth. Surprisingly enough people can also age faster since excess add-on sugar can create AGEs which are harmful molecules that take place in the bloodstream. Lastly, a very serious medical condition someone can contract would be diabetes, and that would require much attention and lifestyle change from that diagnosis. Dr.Kumar from NewYork-Presbyterian mentions that his research shows that people who consume too much added sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup can lead to insulin resistance that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Not only that, but the body can also experience inflammation which can be painful, especially towards the joints.

What can we do ?

The easiest way to prevent ourselves from getting consumed from the excess of added sugars would be to track, and be aware of where of all foods we eat that contain processed sugars. The American Heart Association (2022) suggests that “women consume no more than 100 calories and men no more than 150 calories”. With that being said, it is easy to see how fast someone could over consume sugar without even realizing it. The infographic below shows just how much and what common things people eat on the daily basis that have add-on sugars.

The Bottom Line

Taking the time now to look into and read the labels of all the foods you consume can make all the difference. Having cheat days and having fun eating is great, but when people are eating without knowing there is sugar in that food that is the problem. Like the Infograph shows above, store bought salad dressing, white bread, even granola can contain more sugar than one might think. If you add that up that is 15 grams of sugar which is more than half of the total amount a women should consume in a day and a little less than half for men. With the average amount of grams a person can consume daily sitting at 82 grams which turns into that 66 pounds mentioned earlier from NorthWestern Medicine.

References:

Harvard Publishing Group. Heart Health: The sweet danger of sugar. Harvard Medical School. . 2022

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar

Northwestern Medicine. More Sugar, More Problems [Infographic].

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/nutrition/more-sugar-more-problems

Hughes, Locke. How Does Too Much Sugar Affect Your Body. WebMD, 2022

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body

Kumar, Rekha B. Sugar: How Much Is Too Much? NewYork-Presbyterian

https://healthmatters.nyp.org/how-much-sugar-is-too-much/

YouTube. (2018). Natural Sugar vs Added Sugar – What’s The Difference? YouTube. Retrieved August 31, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrvNvujKKW8.