What is Kinesiotape? Kinesiotape is a type of rehabilitative taping technique used by physical/occupational therapists and athletic trainers to help stabilize and support muscles and joints without loss of movement. The tape provides both tactile and sensory input through skin adhesion to facilitate improved functional movement.
What types of injuries is Kinesiotape useful for?
Lower back pain
Knee pain
Shoulder pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Sprained ankles
Tennis elbow
What are the benefits of using Kinesiotape in a rehabilitation program?
Increased blood flow
Delayed fatigue and speedier recovery
Improved posture
Decreased pain/swelling
Improved joint support
Muscle re-education
What the media says: This tape assists with improving posture depending on its placement on the body. The tape’s is designed to cue the body to the correct position through resistance and tactile cueing. It also helps with pain relief through by providing sensory input to the brain.
What the media says: The tape alleviates discomfort by pulling on the skin and allowing muscles and joints to circulate blood and lymph better.
What the media says:Kinesiotape mimics skin, helping to relax muscles, reduce pain and swelling, increase blood circulation, and prevent further injury.
What the research says: There is very little evidence to support the benefits of kinesiotape, due to the fact that the studies conducted were not tailored toward a specific population or physical disability/limitation, and there weren’t enough studies conducted over the last ten years to argue one way or another. One specific study (Using and prescribing kinesiotape as a treatment modality for musculoskeletal disorders) argued that the tape mimics human skin and follows the direction of the muscle fibers in the body in order to aid in recovery of muscle soreness/swelling, however this study’s claims were made from the MD that created Kinesiotape, Dr. Kase himself.
What users of the tape say: The success of Kinesiotape depends on the type of injury, a person’s ability to properly tape, and the rehabilitative program that coincides with use of the tape. The tape has been found effective in decreasing pain for subluxated shoulders on persons suffering from a stroke; decreasing soreness in a tight achilles tendon; and decreasing swelling/pain post knee replacement surgery.*
* These findings were reported firsthand from patients treated by the author in a skilled nursing/ rehabilitation center.
References:
Silva, A. G., Cruz, A., & Ganesan, M. (2015). Research. A comparison of the effects of white athletic tape and kinesiotape on postural control in healthy individuals …includes commentary by Mohan Ganesan. International Journal Of Therapy & Rehabilitation, 22(4), 160-165.
Taylor, R. L., Brown, T., & O’Brien, L. (2015). Knowledge of and willingness to recommend kinesiotape for upper limb overuse injuries: A comparison of therapists’, GPs’ and surgeons’ perspectives. International Journal Of Therapy & Rehabilitation, 22(5), 238-245.
Taylor, R. L., Brown, T., & O’Brien, L. (2015). Using and prescribing kinesiotape as a treatment modality for musculoskeletal disorders. International Journal Of Therapy & Rehabilitation, 22(9), 408-409.
Helpful Tips to Educate Your Child and Encourage Healthy Choices
1. Educating you child early on harbors healthy habits for the future.
TRUE: Encouraging and educating your child to be active, eat proper portion, make healthy food choices and to stay active.
2. Low fat foods will ensure my child does not become overweight.
FALSE: Our bodies need “healthy fats” for cell function brain and nervous system health as well as for our hearts and to lubricate joints. Healthy fats are especially important for children as their brains and nervous systems are developing at such a rapid rate. 40% of a child’s daily intake should be healthy fats, unsaturated and monounsaturated fats as well as omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. Healthy fats like Omega 3 and 6 can be found in nuts, seeds, fish such as wild salmon and avocado, these fats are crucial for the maintenance and creation of brain cells.
3. I should give my child a high protein diet and low carbohydrate in order to build muscle.
FALSE: A healthy balance of carbohydrates and proteins are important in your child’s diet. Proteins often contain large amounts of amino acids which are precursors to neurotransmitters, our bodies way of communicating with itself. Many protein rich foods also contain vital amounts of iron, a crucial micronutrient for the body. Carbohydrates and proteins both trigger different responses by our brain, to release dopamine, serotonin and epinephrine, which are naturally occurring chemicals in our brain that can effect mood, sleep, attentiveness and wake. It is also important to note that too much of anything, protein or carbohydrates that our body does not need or use for fuel can turn into stored energy as fat. It is also important that when we talk about carbohydrates we mention that this means whole grains which are high in fiber and promote a healthy digestive system.
4. Water is enough to re-hydrate my active child.
FALSE: Water is vital for survival, and you will always hear that water is a healthier option than soda, sugary fruit juices or sugary sports drinks, and this is true. However, your child needs what is called electrolytes as well, such as sodium. Water is important because it nourishes and cushions your child’s brain and spinal cord, cusions and lubriates joints as well as regulates body temperature. The amount of water your child should be drinking depends on your child’s weight, their gender and the environment. On average the body looses 2 – 3 liters of water a day. Don’t stress too much if your child is not a great drinker. Tricks like adding a slice of lemon or their favorite fruit can make drinking fun and subtly flavor their water to encourage adequate hydration. Many food such as fruits and vegetable contain water which contributes to about 1/5 of your child’s daily fluid intake. Foods such as broccoli, strawberries and cucumbers consist of 90% water.
It is important to note that over-hydration (also known as hyponatremia) can we just as dangerous a dehydration. The body produces or restrict the production of a hormone known as Antidiuretic hormone, it is what makes your child urinate frequently when over hydrated or stop urinating when dehydrated. If you are mindful of your child’s urination patter, monitoring their hydration is easy.
Important facts about your child’s body and nutrition.
*The brain is made up of fat, protein, amino acids, micronutrients and glucose. The brain notifies our child’s bodies when they are lacking something, so pay attention to their mood. Children can become tired when they are hungry, have low blood sugar or just consumed a large amount of carbohydrates due to a chemical response in the brain.
*There are many micronutrients that are fundamental to brain health and early cognitive development. antioxidents to right free radicals, B6, B12, folic acid, iron, copper, zinc and sodium. Many of these micronutrients can be found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and dairy. Other ways of obtaining micronutrients like iron is to cook your child’s meals in a cast iron skillet. Consult your doctor as a multivitamin, though it is not a fool proof method, but they can help support or fill in the day to day gaps in your child nutrition.
*The Human Brain uses 20% of energy resources.
*The frontal lobe of the brain, locate… you guessed it, in the front of the brain, where your child’s forehead is, is sensitive to glucose. This is why you child may become tired when hungry or irritable and tired when coming down from a “sugar high”. If your child is a diabetic, one of the first observable signs of hyper or hypoglycemia is, what is known as, altered or change in mental status or function.
WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BE EATING AN HOW MUCH?
Eating a balanced diet is key to proper nutrition, everything in moderation. Your child’s nutritional needs change with age and are often related to gender as well.
Ensure your child is eating everything in moderation, it’s okay to have cake or candy now and then, but teach them to have a piece of fruit if they are craving something sweet on a daily basis.
Make eating fun, take your child grocery shopping and encourage them to meal prep and cook with you, this will further encourage healthy eating, giving them to tools to do so and make some happy memories in the process.
Remember, we eat with our eyes first, make healthy food colorful and fun, arrange a plate of fruits and vegetables in the shape of a face, sneak vegetables into soups or of other foods, such as vegetables or nuts into cookies or homemade breads or dices vegetables into hamburger patties or meatloaf.
Below this are links attached to aid you in educating your children on nutrition in a fun way. Good luck and remember, these are memories in the making so HAVE FUN!
References
Benelam, B., Gibson-Moore, H., Stanner, S. (2015). Healthy eat for 1-3 year-olds: A food-based guide. British Nutrition Foundation, Nutrition Bulletin. 40.
Gobson-Moore, H. (2013). Improving Hydration in Children: A sensible Guide. British Nutrition Foundation, Nutrition Bulletin. 38.
Hew-Butler, T. (2015). Inadequate Hydration or Normal Body Fluid Homeostasis? American Journal of Public Health. 105(15).
Mary, P.E., Jagadesh, N.S., Vijayaraghavan, R. (2017.) Effectiveness of Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyle Intervention Program (Healip) on Physiological and Biochemical Parameters among Children with Obesity at Selected Schools in Chennai – A Pilot Study Report. International Journal of Nursing Education. 9(3).
Ling, J., Robbins, L.B. Hines-Martin, V. (2016). Perceived Parental Barriers to and Strategies for Supporting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating among Head Start Children. Community Health. 41.
“Prader-Willi (PRAH-dur VIL-e) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that results in a number of physical, mental and behavioral problems. A key feature of Prader-Willi syndrome is a constant sense of hunger that usually begins at about 2 years of age.People with Prader-Willi syndrome want to eat constantly because they never feel full (hyperphagia), and they usually have trouble controlling their weight. Many complications of Prader-Willi syndrome are due to obesity” (“Prader-Willi syndrome”, 2017).
A Day in the Life of Prader-Willi Syndrome
Symptoms Associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome
Infants:
poor muscle tone
distinct facial features
poor sucking reflex
poor responsiveness
underdeveloped genitals
Early Childhood- Adult
food craving and weight gain
underdeveloped sex organs
poor growth and physical development
cognitive impairment
delayed motor development
speech problems
behavioral problems
sleep disorders
For more in depth description on symptoms visit the Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prader-willi-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355997
Diagnosis for Prader-Willi Syndrome
Doctors typically base their diagnoses off of signs and symptoms the individual may show.
Blood tests are typically taken for definitive diagnosis. The blood test looks for abnormalities in the individuals chromosomes that indicate PWS.
Treatment for Parder-Willi Syndrome
food restriction (locking the refrigerator and cupboards)
good nutrition planning/training
weight management (low calorie diet)
daily physical activity in between meal times
set strict limits (create a schedule for managing behaviors)
growth hormones (improve height and lean body mass)
mental health care (psychologist, psychiatrist)
no medical treatment to cure the overeating: medications or surgeries.
Camps and group homes are available for individuals diagnosed with PWS. These are specialized facilities to enhance the individuals quality of life.
Facts and Myths for Prader-Willi Syndrome?
PWS is a curable condition. –Myth
PWS is a lifelong and life-threatening condition with no current cure. –Fact
Individuals with a diagnosis of PWS will lose weight/benefit from gastric-bypass surgery. –Myth
Gastric-bypass surgery is a non-recommended treatment method for PWS as it does not prevent overeating and is known to have high complication rates. –Fact
The hypothalamus, the part of our brain that controls our hunger, is shut off in individuals with PWS. –Fact
For additional information on Prader-Willi Syndrome contact Prader-Willi Syndrome Association USA at 800-926-4797, [email protected]
References:
Driscoll, D. J. (2016, February 04). Prader-Willi Syndrome. Retrieved October 30, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1330/
Prader-Willi syndrome. (2017, April 21). Retrieved November 14, 2017, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prader-willi-syndrome/symptoms causes/syc-20355997
Prader-Willi Syndrome Facts. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2017, from http://pwcf.org/prader- willi-syndrome-facts/
PWS Basic Facts – Prader-Willi Syndrome Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2017, from https://www.pwsausa.org/basic-facts/
”I asked you to clean your room 15 minutes ago” “Why aren’t your shoes on yet?” “I just need 5 minutes of quiet” “Please sit still”
Let’s face it: if you’re a parent of a child diagnosed with ADHD, then you have probably said these statements more times than not.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a leading neurological disorder diagnosed among young children. ADHD is characterized by:
Inattentive
· Struggle to stay focused
· Difficulty following through on instructions
· Unorganized with tasks and activities
· Easily distracted
Hyperactive
· Fidgets, taps, squirms, always on the go
· Difficulty staying seated
· Struggles with doing quiet activities
Impulsivity
· Blurts out or interrupts
· Difficulty waiting for turn
Unfortunately, in many cases, ADHD is portrayed more as a negative than a positive in today’s society. However, not all you hear is necessarily true. A child diagnosed may have to work harder and parenting may be slightly more challenging, but a positive outcome can be possible.
Myth: A child with ADHD will not succeed.
Fact: Although a child with ADHD may struggle more in school, given adequate assistance, skills and techniques, he/she has the same opportunity to graduate as their peers.
According to the article ADHD in the Classroom: Effective Intervention Strategies there are various strategies that can be used to assist a child in being successful in the classroom.
Behavioral Intervention: focus on the environment instead of the student. For example, telling a student what to do rather what not to do.
Self-regulation Strategies: focusing on student independence and having them monitor their own behavior.
Academic Intervention: how setting specific goals for the children can ultimately lead to more positive behaviors throughout the day.
Home to School Communication Program: sending home daily reports and reflections on the child’s behavior that specific day.
Social Relationships: children with ADHD may struggle with making/keeping friends, servicing extra support in this area will help maintain friendships.
Collaboration: a classroom does not work alone. Consistent communication between colleagues is key to a successful student.
Myth: ADHD is a result of bad parenting.
Fact:There is no exact cause for ADHD. ADHD is a medical disorder in which the brain development and function can be affected in numerous ways.
Here are some tips for a more successful HOME ENVIRONMENT
Well Structured and organized: When things are put away and in order, it is less stimulating for the brain.
Labeled Draws using pictures or simple words: This helps your child know where everything is and know exactly where to put things back.
Calendar:Writing everything down will keep everything in order.
Consistency:This helps limit stress and anxiety.
Daily Routine:Helps your child know exactly what he/she will be doing.
Myth: The only thing to help a child with ADHD is MEDICATION
Fact:Outside factors can help manage more long-term with ADHD before jumping right to medication.
Behavior Counseling
Physical Exercise
Brain Science
Nutrition
According to the TIME article, Growing up with ADHD, providing strategies that are more long-term will, in the end, be more effective as the child grows. Dopamine a chemical released in the brain after physical exercise is associated with having a positive effect on attention, control and even memory. Studies have also shown that consuming foods that contain artificial food coloring, chemicals, and additives can be a link to the negative behaviors associated with ADHD.
** Check out this TIME article (Growing up with ADHD) for additional information.**
Fact:Children diagnosed will continue to show symptoms of ADHD into adulthood. As they grow, however, they learn to cope and understand their needs to be successful in life.
In conclusion, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder does not have to be represented as a negative disorder. There are many options that can be utilized to help a child succeed throughout their life. Remeber, working together is key to success.
FUN FACTS:
Some very influential people are diagnosed with ADHD:
Cerrillo-Urbina, A. J., García-Hermoso, A., Sánchez-López, M., Pardo-Guijarro, M. J., Gómez, J. L., & Martínez-Vizcaíno, V. (2015). The effects of physical exercise in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.Child: Care, Health and Development,41(6), 779-788. doi:10.1111/cch.12255
Cortese, S., Holtmann, M., Banaschewski, T., Buitelaar, J., Coghill, D., Danckaerts, M., . . . Sergeant, J. (2013). Practitioner Review: Current best practice in the management of adverse events during treatment with ADHD medications in children and adolescents.Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry,54(3), 227-246. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12036
Dupaul, G. J., Weyandt, L. L., & Janusis, G. M. (2011). ADHD in the Classroom: Effective Intervention Strategies.Theory Into Practice,50(1), 35-42. doi:10.1080/00405841.2011.534935
Foley, D. (n.d.). ADHD & Kids: The Truth About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Retrieved November 14, 2017, from http://time.com/growing-up-with-adhd/
Surprisingly, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated there are more than two hundred thousand flu related hospitalizations in America, sometimes resulting in death. Flu season is usually October to May and the earlier in the year the better it is to get the flu shot so you’re protected before it starts!
Myth: The influenza vaccine can give you the flu
Fact:The vaccine itself is made of inactivated flu viruses and will take about two weeks to kick in
Everyone should get vaccinated because it protects you from getting and spreading the influenza virus. Every year scientists explore multiple strands of the flu and make evidence based decision of what strand will me the most widespread.
Myth: The flu shot will make you sick
Myth: The flu shot is unsafe
Fact: Children under 5, adults older than 65 and pregnant woman are at highest risk of getting the flu
Getting the influenza vaccine is a necessity to ensure healthiness and to protect yourself and others throughout the cold season. The influenza vaccine may cause irritation at the site of injection, but will not make you sick. It is safe to have and will build your antibodies stronger to protect you.
Myth: Your body builds a tolerance to the influenza virus year after year which decreases its affect over time
Myth: Vaccines are not proven to protect against the flu
The 2016-2017 flu season efficacy data proved the vaccine to be 48% effective. Last year’s data showed a reduction of half the amount of outpatient medical visits.The nasal spray vaccine has not been proven effective, is not usually recommended and will not be offered in the 2017-2018 year.
Overall, getting the influenza vaccine is a necessity to ensure healthiness and to protect yourself and others throughout the cold season. It is important to be educated on the flu vaccine every year as it does change.
References
BASSETT, M. T. (2016, November 10). Get your flu shot, not the flu. New York Amsterdam News. p. 36.
CDC: Current Flu Shot Efficacy at 48%. (2017). Hospital Employee Health, 36(4), 11-12.
Influenza (Flu). (2017, October 30). Retrieved November 14, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
Redfearn, S. Who Needs the Flu Vaccine? Just About Everyone from https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/flu-vaccines-explained
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2006, October 11). Influenza (Flu). Retrieved November 15, 2017, from https://www.vaccines.gov/diseases/flu/index.html
Cancer is one of the most well known diseases with one of the highest mortality rates in the world. People that suffer from this diease can be given weeks or months even years to live depending on the type and the severity of the prognosis. The most common risk factors for development include: aging, smoking, poor diet, obesity, sun-exposure and radiation exposure. (American Cancer Society 2017). Some of these risk factors are avoidable, however others are not. The environment we live and breath isn’t always stable and has an influence on our bodies as well as immune systems. Air, water systems and food supply can be maybe affected by toxins or harmful chemicals due to pollution, use of toxic fertilizers and pesticides and poor environmental practices. However Cancer latency period can be anywhere from 15-30 years after exposure, making the possibility of contamination from toxic environment hard to determine. (Funk & Wagnalls 2016). In recent media reports concerns about cancer clusters have been raised and the link between toxic environment and cancer has been forged. A cancer cluster is defined as geographic area with higher than average occurrences of cancer among residents of a certain area. A particular question has been raised within these reports, can these environments when disrupted by toxins cause cancer in humans to occur and can they be factors that lead to areas becoming cancer clusters?
Experts believe that since industrial society has increased exposure to thousands of chemicals, some of which include mercury, lead, asbestos and organic substances such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), vinyl chloride, and the pesticide DDT. (Ames 1990). Areas in the US have had reports of increased cancer rates in surrounding neighborhoods and residential areas, citing potential chemical and toxic environments to be the cause for these incidences. However the development of Cancer due to a toxic environment still requires more research.
Myth: Human exposure to carcinogens and other toxins are almost always synthetic chemicals that are found in items like: plant food and fertilizer can cause Cancer.
Fact: Synthetic chemicals amounts of pesticide that are in plant foods are insignificant compared to those of natural pesticides that plants produce for defence against predators. Of all the kind of pesticides only , 99.99 per cent are toxins produced by plants to defend themselves. The average Americans eat about 1.5 grams of natural pesticides per person per day, which equates to about ten thousand times more consumed than that of synthetic pesticide.
Myth: DDT is often viewed as the typically dangerous synthetic pesticide because it concentrates in the tissues and persists for years, being slowly released into the bloodstream.
Fact: DDT is made up of bioconcentration and have their own natural pesticides within their make-up and may actually be fat soluble. The human body has the ability to potential break down DDT and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Myth: Toxic chemicals leaking into water supply or, dumpsites and landfills that were turned into housing developments must be to blame for the amount of cancer in one small town.
Fact: Cancer clusters in small areas are expected to occur by chance alone, and epidemiology lacks the power to establish the death of those from Cancer.
Myth: Exposure to toxic chemicals, can directly lead to Cancer development.
Fact: Cancer has a latency periods of 15 to 30 or more years. Illnesses that occur directly after a distinct toxic exposure usually are easily identified as being environmentally or occupationally caused.
Based on the facts and research conducted studies show that toxic environments including, polluted water, air and food contaminants don’t necessarily directly lead to a Cancer diagnosis, although there are toxins all around us and in our environment. Also the idea that cancer clusters are in fact created because of toxic environments is also inconclusive. Important information about cancer such as prognosis, factors that place people at high risk for development and how it can affect a person’s body should be obtained from a licensed professional. Information in regards to cancer clusters and how they develop should be received directly from sources such as the Center’s for Disease Control and the American Cancer Society. In order to reduce the risks for development habits and behaviors such as smoking, poor diet and little to no physical excercise should be modified and exposure
Resources
Ames, B. N. (1990). MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT POLLUTION AND CANCER. National Review, 42(23), 34-35.
CăpăŃînă, C., & Felicia Ionici, C. (2011). STUDIES REGARDING HEAVY METALS POLLUTION OF THE SOIL IN THE AREA OF A DANGEROUS WASTE STORAGE FACILITY. Annals Of The University Dunarea De Jos Of Galati: Fascicle II, Mathematics, Physics, Theoretical Mechanics, 3443-48
Occupational and Environmental Diseases. (2016). Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia 1p. 1.
“Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick. Lyme and its numerous co-infections can mimic or cause virtually any medical, neurological, or psychiatric condition” (The Great Lyme Disease Masquerade, 2017).
Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease:
*Symptoms start to show within a few days, after being bit by a tick*
Erythema migrans , knows as the “Bulls Eye Rash” ( Forms at the tick bite site).
Flu like symptoms ( chills, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes).
Fact: The sooner Lyme Disease is treated, it can be cured with antibiotics taken for up to a week.
Late Symptoms of Lyme Disease:
*Symptoms that start to show later on ( more than 30 days-months). During this stage many did not know they even had Lyme Disease or were commonly misdiagnosed.*
Myth: You only have Lyme disease if you get the “Bulls Eye Rash” and see that a tick has bitten you.
Fact: Many people that find out they have Lyme Disease, never had the symptom of the ” Bulls Eye Rash” or never even saw the tick that bit them.
Check out the video below for more information on the dangerous of Lyme Disease:
Diagnosis for Lyme Disease :
Exposure to ticks
Experiencing signs or symptoms of the disease ( the faster you get checked the better the recovery outlook).
Blood test
Treatment for Lyme Disease
Trials of antibitotics
Tick prevention techniques
Fact: Many times, Lyme Disease is misdiagnosed and often goes untreated until multiple illness are ruled out.
Fact: Further research is needed to accurately test, diagnose, and treat Lyme Disease.
** Please watch video with caution** This is a true story about a women that lived a normal life. She was misdiagnosed many times and now is living with the sad and debilitating side effects of chronic Lyme Disease. This video shows how real chronic Lyme is, it is more than just a tick bite!
Fact: Lyme Disease is a serious disease and should not be stigmatized against. The disease is real and so are the symptoms!
References:
Lyme Disease. (2017, August 14). Retrieved November 14, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.htmlLyme Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2017, from http://www.mldse.org/p/what-is- lyme.html
Lyme Disease Pathology – Central Nervous System. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2017, from http://lymediseaseguide.net/lyme-disease-pathology-central-nervous-system/
Neurology & Psychiatry. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2017, from http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/about-lyme/neurology-psychiatry/
The Great Lyme Disease Masquerade. (2017, May 16). Retrieved November 14, 2017, from http://www.amenclinics.com/blog/lyme-disease-great-masquerader/
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia accounting for 60-80% of all cases. AD causes memory loss and other problems with mental processes like thinking, showing emotions, or making conscious choices. These symptoms can heavily interfere with everyday life activities. Simple tasks such as getting dressed, making breakfast, or getting to the local grocery store can be very difficult for a person who has AD. They may forget the steps or suddenly forget who they are or where they are. AD is not a part of the normal aging process even though most people affected by the disease are 65 years of age or older. AD gets worse as time goes on.
As of now, there is not a cure for AD. However, there are many treatment options available today. Some treatment options are traditional, such as medications to slow down or temporarily improve symptoms. There are also treatment options advertised in the media that are a bit “out of the box” that claim to work. These include music therapy and incorporating the spice, turmeric, into the diet. Do these untraditional treatments actually work?
Can Music Therapy (MT) help with Alzheimer’s symptoms?
Yes! The clip above is from a documentary called “Alive Inside” that was featured at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014. It claims that music can be successfully used as a form of therapy for patients with AD and that it can bring them out of an almost unconscious state. The man featured in this film does not speak or make any kind of movement when he is spoken to or touched. He is given headphones with music that he once enjoyed listening to playing on an iPod. Miraculously, the man begins to sing and his eyes are wide open. When asked questions, he responds in full sentences. This kind of behavior is something that his caretakers have not seen in a long time. Could it really be because he was listening to music?
Fang, Ye, Huangfu, and Calimag (2017) looked for and read any information that they could on the subject of music therapy for AD patients to try and find out if there is any scientific proof that it works. The results of their search showed that MT works to “reduce cognitive decline, improve neuropsychiatric symptoms, and enhance the quality of life of AD” (Fang et. al, 2017). While MT had positive effects, the authors warned that it should not be a substitute for prescribed medications and that these should continue to be taken (Fang et. al, 2017).
Can using tumeric in foods help with Alzheimer’s symptoms?
Above is a video by Purathrive, a supplement company. They claim that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the spice, turmeric, can actually slow down mental decline in AD patients. Is this true?
Yes! Adalier and Parker (2016) looked at research using antioxidant therapy treatments for AD including turmeric to see if it is proven to work. The research shows that a major ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, improves mental functions of AD patients. In one study, mice fed small doses of curcumin showed a 40% decrease in damage to nerve cells in the brain compared to mice not fed the spice. In areas such as India where turmeric is commonly used in the diet, the rate of AD is 4 times lower than in the United States (Adalier & Parker, 2016).
Is Alzheimer’s disease the most expensive disease in the U.S. to treat?
Yes! This last media clip comes from C-SPAN and shows a speech given to congress by famous actor, Seth Rogen. He is supporting AD and claims that it is the most expensive disease to pay for in the United States. According to statistics provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, this claim is true.
This year, the “direct costs to American society of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will total an estimated $259 billion” (“Costs of Alzheimer’s,” 2017). In 2017, 68% of the total costs of Medicare and Medicaid come from caring for patients with AD and other kinds of dementia. This calculates to one in five Medicare dollars being used to pay for AD. For a single patient with AD or other dementias in the last five years of their life, an average of $287,000 is spent per year. For a patient with heart disease, the average amount spent per year is $175,000 and $173,000 for a cancer patient. These numbers are predicted to rise over 330% by 2050 (“Costs of Alzheimer’s,” 2017).
Will there ever be a cure for Alzheimer’s?
While there is no cure available as of today for AD, there is hope. Research continues to be done to try and find a cure or treatment options that help slow down or reduce symptoms.
References
Adalier, N., & Parker, H. (2016). Vitamin E, Turmeric, and Saffron in Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Antioxidants,5(40), 1-14. doi:10.3390/antiox5040040
Fang, R., Ye, S., Huangfu, J., & Calming, D. P. (2017). Music therapy is a potential intervention for cognition of Alzheimer’s disease: a mini-review. TranslationalNeurodegeneration,6(2), 1-8. doi:10.1186/s40035-017-0073-9
Cost of Alzheimer’s to Medicare and Medicaid. (2017, March). Retrieved October 26, 2017, from http://act.alz.org/site/DocServer/2012_Costs_Fact_Sheet_version_2.pdf?docID=7161
This is a disease occurs when blood glucose (also known as blood sugar) is too high. Insulin, which is a hormone in your pancreas helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy. With type 2 diabetes your body does not make enough insulin, which causes glucose to stay in your blood not reaching your cells.
There was a YouTube video from a talk show claiming there is a cure for type 2 diabetes. The claim was that if overweight individuals had gastric bypass surgery they would lose weight and be cured. That is false. There is no cure. If you lose weight this is just controlling diabetes. If you gain weight back then the complications involved with diabetes comes back.
Nerve Pain (Usually in hands, fingers, legs and toes)
Slow Healing sores/wounds
Dark Patches on Skin
Headaches
Fatigue
Dealing With Type 2 Diabetes:
Lifestyle changes- Diet, exercise, quit smoking, control blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels
Take medications as ordered by doctor
Check blood sugars at least daily
Myths And Facts:
Myth: Only overweight people get diabetes
Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor, but as stated above there are many other factors that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Not everyone who has this is overweight.
Myth: Type 2 Diabetes is not as serious as Type 1:
Fact: If left uncontrolled it can lead to complications, even death
Myth: Exercise is dangerous for people with diabetes
Fact: Exercising and being physical can lead to improved health. This helps you lose weight, lower blood pressure, is good for the heart, and help control blood sugars.
Lyme Disease is a tick bourne illness that is from the bacteria, Borrelia Burgodorferi. It is an infectious disease that is transmitted through a tick bite. Early symptoms of the disease include flu like symptoms, rash, headache, muscle pain, and a stiff neck. Other symptoms include the disease spreading to the whole body including eyes, joints, heart and brain if not treated right away. The common treatment is antibiotics. There is not definitive test to rule out Lyme disease, so treatment and diagnosis is through signs and symptoms that are presenting which can be difficult to diagnosis at times.
For this blog, I chose to investigate there media representations of Lyme disease: The two youtube videos represented here and a woman’s personal blog, Lady of Lyme, that has been around since 2011 and won many health blogging awards. After viewing the following video, i have chosen to investigate the myths represented in it as it is mentioned in the above video and the blog post. I will see if Lyme is being represented with scientific truths.
Myth or Fact: No Bulls Eye Rash means you do not have Lyme Disease
Fact! The media states that you will not always have a bulls eye rash, which is true. Not all Lyme disease tick bites will have a bulls eye rash or a rash at all, so as the video says you should have your symptoms check out when they first arise. The bulls eye rash can be a quick and easy indicator, but is not always present.
Myth or Fact: There is no wrong way to remove a tick
Fact! Tick removal must be done properly or part of the tick could get stuck inside you or some of the Lyme Disease could remain inside in you leading to infection. Either way, this can be dangerous to yourself and tick safety removal should always be followed. This is a great poster on proper removal technique.
Myth or Fact: Recovery of Lyme Disease is long and painful
Fact…if it becomes a chronic illness! With detection and antibiotic treatment, it can be a fairly quick recovery from Lyme Disease. However, if the disease has had time to infiltrate further into your body, it can be a long recovery with many side effects such what is in the first video. Lyme Disease is different at every stage of the disease and early detection is key.
I have found that the majority of media output on Lyme disease is true with scientific backing, however some information can be confusing. For instance, the first video piece on this blog, shows the long term effect of Lyme Disease if it is not treated early, but that is not clearly stated. The media needs to re-iterate that early detection is key in treating this disease and preventing long term effects. So always do tick checks and seek medical attention if any symptoms arise.
References
Bağcı, I. S., & Ruzicka, T. (2016). Ticks, Borrelia Burgdorferi and Lyme Disease. Turkish Journal Of Dermatology, 10(3), 116-121. doi:10.4274/tdd.3038
Kruger, D. (2010). On target with vector-borne infections: understanding Lyme disease. JAAPA: Journal Of The American Academy Of Physician Assistants (Haymarket Media, Inc.), 23(5), 22-26.
