By: Marco Verch Professional Photographer

       What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is one of the most common conditions characterized by severe pain in the shoulder area and deficits in movement. It primarily affects individuals in their forties to sixties and is more common in women. According to the Mayo Clinic website, certain health conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid issues, heart conditions, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and prolonged immobility of the shoulder can cause Frozen Shoulder symptoms.

 Frozen Shoulder Onset and Phases of Pain and Stiffness

According to research, the onset of frozen shoulder can be sudden and subtle and gets worse over time. Loss of joint mobility, both active and passive is a telltale sign of a Frozen shoulder, however, it can often be wrongly diagnosed as other shoulder conditions such as osteoarthritis or a tear in the rotator cuff.

According to experts, it occurs in three stages:

1. Freezing Stage: the most pain, some stiffness.
2. Frozen Stage: subsiding pain, loss of movement
3. Thawing Stage: the gradual return of movement in the joint, passive as well as active.

Each of these stages may last from several months to years. (Chan, et al., 2017), (Georgiannos, et al., 2017)

Best Approaches to Treatment

Although several articles discuss and describe the best treatment approaches for adhesive capsulitis, the article by Georgiannos, D., Markopoulos, G., Devetzi, E., & Bisbinas, I. (2017). offers a comprehensive review of the available and most reliable treatment options in each stage of the condition.

The authors describe adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (ACS) as a motion limiting condition which is mainly characterized by pain and the restriction of active and passive movements in the shoulder and arm. According to the article, the pathophysiology of ACS is poorly understood, as it is clinically characterized by the different stages of pain and stiffness.

The educational video below, by Nabil Ebraheim, M.D. from the University of Toledo medical center describes with great accuracy and detail the etiology, course of development, and signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder. However, it provides less detail about the available treatment options and the best approaches to treatment in each stage of the condition.

Overall, the media clip below presents a credible and reliable source to understand and educate oneself on ACS.

Physical Therapy and Exercise for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

Physical therapy and home exercises are used as the first-line of treatment with patients with ACS. All the articles and the media clips reviewed for this blog report that physical therapy and exercise, together with anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Motrin, Naproxen, Celebrex are an initial course of treatment for this condition. However, diagnostic tests, such as Xray, MRIs, and a visit to the doctor to rule out any other shoulder conditions are important. 

In addition, the article by Redler, L.H.,& Dennis, E.R. (2019) “Treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder” notes that when early corticosteroid injections are administered there has been a decrease in the amount of time that the symptoms last. The research identifies how physical therapy has been shown to minimize pain relief and promote the return of functional movement in the shoulder. Additionally, when used in combination with physical therapy, intra-articular corticosteroids resulted in better outcomes compared to the use of only intra-articular corticosteroids. (Chan, et al., 2017)

The media clip below is the presentation from the physical therapist Marike Louw from the online physio clinic “Sports Injury Physio”, where she underlines the importance of getting corticosteroid injections in the early, painful stage of the conditions in conjunction with therapy and the home exercise program.

Is Surgery the Answer?

In some instances, when the pain and movement do not resolve with all other available treatments, doctors may recommend surgery. However, the research reports that there is no conclusive evidence to show that early operative treatments, such as manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) and surgical capsular release are a more effective course of action. (Yip, et al., 2018) 

Physical therapist Marike Louw, in the video clip above, mentions that with physical therapy, corticosteroid as well as hydrodistention injection, there is no need to refer the patient for surgery. However, according to orthopedic surgeon Dr Bennet (below), if the shoulder movement reaches the frozen stage, a surgical capsular release is necessary.

In conclusion

Frozen shoulder can be debilitating to people for prolonged periods of time, which is why understanding the best approaches for treatment and seeking professional help is very important. As the research and media review indicates, starting the treatment early on could affect the severity and the length of the condition and could be the deciding factor whether or not the surgery may be needed.

Overall, the information presented in the media clips accurately reflects the information presented in scholarly articles, however, seeking professional help, relying on diagnostic tests, and following the recommendations of your healthcare provider is of utmost importance.

References

Chan, H. B. Y., Pua, P. Y., & How, C. H. (2017). Physical therapy in the management of frozen shoulder. Singapore medical journal, 58(12), 685.

Georgiannos, D., Markopoulos, G., Devetzi, E., & Bisbinas, I. (2017). Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Is there consensus regarding the treatment? A comprehensive review. The open orthopedics journal, 11, 65.

Redler, L.H.,& Dennis, E.R. (2019). Treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. JAAOS-Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, (27), e544-e544.

Yip, M., Francis, A. M., Roberts, T., Rokito, A., Zuckerman, J. D., & Virk, M. S. (2018). Treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: A critical analysis review. JBJS reviews, 6(6), e5.

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Frozen Shoulder. Retrieved November 17, 2021 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20372684

Ebraheim,N. (2011). Adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder: Everything you need to know. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgXknwC2X7g

Bennet, M. J. (2014). Frozen shoulder adhesive capsulitis. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1vj9JaxCqQ&t=38s

Sports Injury Physio. (2019). Frozen Shoulder- Causes and treatment. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKlQMHrJiUQ

What is COPD?

COPD is a lifelong disease caused by damage in the lungs, making it difficult to breath. Although it is preventable and treatable, it is the third leading cause of death in the US. The main symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath, fatigue, frequent coughing/wheezing, and recurring respiratory infections.

What Causes COPD?

• Smoking– The vast majority of cases are caused by Cigarette smoking
• Environment– Exposure to air pollution, fumes, and dust
• Genetics– Alpha 1 Deficiency or History of lung infections 
• Women are 13 times more likely to die than men

Ways to Manage COPD

• Quit smoking 
• Exercise and eat a healthy diet
• Get Vaccinated 
• Take prescribed medications 
• See your doctor regularly

What are some Myths about COPD? 

Myth: COPD is a “man’s” disease.

Since tobacco smoking is the number one cause of COPD, it historically affected men who smoked cigarettes at a much higher rate than women.

Starting in the 1960’s, tobacco companies began targeting women in advertising of cigarettes, and it became culturally acceptable for women to smoke. Because women’s lungs are more vulnerable to the effects of cigarette smoke on their lungs, they now account for more cases of COPD every year than men.

Myth: There is no treatment for COPD.

There are many treatment methods for COPD including exercise, education, self-management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, complementary and alternative medicine therapy, breathing technique training, and nutrition.

Myth: It’s too late to stop smoking if you have COPD.

It’s never too late to stop smoking. Quitting smoking will stop the progression of COPD, instead of exacerbating it.

Myth: Vaping is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes.

There are conflicting studies on the “safety” of vaping vs smoking cigarettes. “Safer” is a vague and relative term. While some studies show vaping to be healthier than cigarettes, other studies show the toxins from vaping produce similar damage to lung tissues and inflammation that is associated with COPD. It is unknown if vaping causes COPD at this time.

Myth: COPD only affects smokers.

Up to 25% of people with COPD were not smokers. COPD can be caused by environmental pollutants, genetically by a disease called Alpha 1 Deficiency, or by a long history of lung infections.

Myth: COPD only impacts the health of the lungs.

COPD makes it harder for the body to get oxygen and the heart must work harder as a result, potentially making a person more prone to heart attack. COPD also affects many aspects of a person’s quality of life.

KNOW THE FACTS!!

Educating yourself on the myths and facts around COPD will provide better understanding of prevention, treatment, and awareness of the disease. Individuals should talk to their doctors about COPD and their risk factors. Media sources of information should be verified by reliable medical professionals and literature. 

CDC: Tips from former Smokers – Geri M.: Living … – youtube. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y95iBABcVw8.

COPD: Could you be at risk? (2014). Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 21(10), 5.

COPD affects every part of my daily life – chris … – youtube. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZJTcp3d1q4.

How long does COPD last? how long can I live … – youtube.com. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb0gwJV1kY8.

Lowbrow, Y. (2018, March 18). You’ve come a long way, baby: Virginia slims advertising year by Year. Flashbak. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://flashbak.com/youve-come-a-long-way-baby-virginia-slims-advertising-year-by-year-365664/.

MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Vaping and COPD: Is it okay or can it cause more problems? Medical News Today. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321960.

Is there a link between Poverty and Poor Health?

By: Santosh Kumar GM

KGW News (2018) interviewed Dr. Franklin, who touched upon the wage gap playing a major factor in accessibility. People in poverty are faced with the inability to find transportation to clinics and hospitals. Individuals who are placed in a lower wage class are presented with less resources one of which being healthcare. This places them at a disadvantage of acquiring a clean bill of health.

Poverty Outcomes

living in poverty may lead to many difficult outcomes. Being in Poverty could result in poor health and incurable diseases. Individuals who are poor have less access to healthcare and are exposed to environmental hazards which decreases the economic growth rate. Families living in poverty are more likely to use tobacco, alcohol, eat low nutritional value foods, and live-in urban areas close to the highway with high levels of pollution. The economic growth is highly affected by poverty and high crime rates. Your socioeconomic status or wage class plays a major factor in the decrease of your health. (GAO2007)

Health Equity

The life expectancy of a person is based on their income. Income has become the revelation on who lives and dies. Income inequality has resulted in the middle and poor class becoming much sicker than the upper class. The article “Income inequality: When wealth determines health” by Kim Krisberg (2016), he reported that their was a correlation between children in poverty and chronic diseases. This study was able to shed light on low-income families struggling to receive proper medical care for their children.

Socioeconomic Discrimination

Human right principles need to be implemented and delivered to focus on the healthcare needs of the homelessness, poverty, and citizens with poor health. Discrimination does occur when a big determinant is most often the socioeconomic status of the citizen. Every citizen should be treated equally and with dignity. The lack of income makes it extremely difficult for families and individuals to sustain a functional livelihood. Ill health is the common outcome when faced with financial burdens. The poor and homeless are very vulnerable to illness leaving them the most at risk for socioeconomic discrimination. (Krisberg2016)

https://www.health.org.uk/infographic/poverty-and-health

Poor Diet within Poverty 

There is a significant difference between the life expediencies of poor families compared to families with higher incomes. Families living in lower poverty have higher rates of chronic illnesses, for example; diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels. Some of the chronic illnesses that the poor communities face are based upon their eating habits. Eating unhealthy is more affordable for low income families. Fruits and vegetables are more expensive than unhealthy foods that are sold. “One study showed that individuals with low incomes had life expediencies 25 percent lower than those with higher incomes” (GAO, 2007).

Some families have only 5 dollars, they have 2 options on how to spend that money wisely. Either use it for food or to buy prescriptions. This study goes on to explain how various prescriptions are not affordable for people in poverty. The medication their not able to access due to finances is detrimental to the health of these individuals. The inability to purchase medication places people in poverty at severe health risks due to sicknesses and diseases going untreated.

What is this Blog saying ?

This blog validates the claims that poverty is directly related too poor health. The articles, and media clips reinforces the theory of poverty directly linking too poor health. To conclude main stream media correlates with TV, News articles , and blogs making it alright to trust the information on this topic.

Poverty in America: Economic Research Shows Adverse Impacts on Health Status and OtherSocial Conditions as well as the Economic Growth Rate: GAO-07-344. (2007). GAO Reports,

Krisberg, K. (2016, October). Income inequality: When wealth determines health. Nation’s Health, 46(8), 1–17.

Lynch, P. (2005). Homelessness, Poverty and Discrimination: Improving public health by

Realising Human Rights. Deakin Law Review, 10(1), 233–259.

Smith, K. E., & Anderson, R. (2018). Understanding lay perspectives on socioeconomic health inequalities in Britain: a meta‐ethnography. Sociology of Health and Illness, 40(1), 146–170

Study reveals poor health links to poverty – youtube. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xm_ODUXNks.

How poverty can affect health – youtube. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kS1oy64EiM.

Occupational therapy and traumatic brain injury

     Occupational therapy is critical in the recovery from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in which it helps with teaching patient’s how to regain their functional independence. This is essential for adjusting to life after a TBI and facilitating a safe and successful recovery back to participating in daily activities. As an occupational therapy practitioner working with a traumatic brain injury patient, it is important to know different treatment options and the evidence that supports the interventions chosen for a specific patient. This blog goes into different scholarly articles and media sites that discuss occupational therapy and brain injury. The question is, which source would be better to base clinical intervention’s on when treating a patient with traumatic brain injury? 

Below is what the media says about occupational therapy and traumatic brain injury:

     The above video “Occupational Therapy and Neuroplasticity After Brain Injury” is a video by Dr. Shawn Phipps who has been an occupational therapist for 21 years. Dr. Phillips discusses a case on a patient named Armando Rodriguez who had a severe TBI from falling asleep behind the wheel of a car and got into an accident. He was in a coma for about a week. Once Armando was stable, he was very agitated in which he didn’t know who he was, where he was or what happened. He was then transferred to Ranchos Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center.

Every part of Armandos brain was affected from the TBI including his:

• Frontal lobe: which involves reasoning, planning, speech, movement, problem solving and emotions.
• Parietal lobe: which involves sensory integration, touch pressure, spatial orientation, temperature, information processing.
• Occipital lobe: which involves visual processing.
• Temporal lobe: which involves auditory stimuli, memory and speech.

     The brain controls everything from how we preform daily activities, how we move, how we communicate, sense, feel, think and make decisions.

     Dr. Philipps discussed how neuroplasticity is the ability for the brain to change in response to challenge, action, practice and evaluation. When Dr. Philips began working with Armando, he was unable to focus on a specific task for more than a few seconds before his brain fought sensory overload. Over time, Armando’s attention would get better by fighting the urge to loose focus.  When treating traumatic brain injury clients, it is important to challenge patients and practice activities daily in which it creates new pathways in the brain.

     After working with Armando daily, Dr. Philips created a specific routine and structure for Armando to participate in to aid in the neuroplasticity in his brain, as well as connect the pathways that have been affected by this injury. By doing so, Armando eventually became independent and was able to return to his normal life which included being a manager at the restaurant like he was prior to the TBI. (Phillips, S 2019).

     In the above video “What OT can do for you: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)” it has an Occupational Therapist named Kelsey Watters discuss how working with traumatic brain injury is difficult but rewarding. In the video, Kelsey is working with a patient named Scott who had a TBI. By using activities that he was interested in prior to the accident helps motivate Scott with participating in treatment sessions. For example, since Scott was a race-car driver, she gave Scott a driving wheel to hold and use to help with object recognition and encourage movement in his upper extremities. Kelsey’s treatment sessions with Scott are very client centered and engaging to promote his participation in familiar tasks. Other therapists didn’t think Scott would make it as far as he has however, with Kelsey as his occupational therapist he continues to improve every day through the use of activities he enjoys. (The American Occupational Therapy Association, 2017).

     In the video “The Road to Recovery Following Brain Injury” it discusses how brain injury truly affects a person’s life functions such as thinking, social emotional, and physical aspects of daily life. Symptoms can range from mild to severe in which affects each patient’s treatment differently. Although it is impossible to really predict the treatment and outcomes from TBI, it is important to start treatment early for a better recovery.

     When a person goes through a traumatic event involving a brain injury, typically the patient will be admitted to the emergency room. If the patient’s situation is severe, they will be transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU) where they will help aid the patient in becoming medically stable. Once the patient is stable and aware, they will be transferred to an acute care floor where the patient receives intense rehabilitation. If they can continue to benefit from rehabilitation weeks later the patient will be transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation center, if not they will be sent home and go to outpatient services which focuses on community reintegration.

     The above video also goes into discussing that by understanding how brain tissue and neuroplasticity works, it creates more of a desire for rehabilitation to help rewire the brain. By doing so, this helps with the progression of a patient’s recovery to improve their participation and performance in functional activities. Structure and a solid support system are vital in the recovery process for individuals with TBI. The overall goal is to help the patient towards being as independent as possible and to return to their daily lives and routine. It is a difficult road to recovery but totally possible with individuals who face traumatic brain injury. (AHSchannel, 2014).

     Each of the above media sources share similar information however the information is very focused on the specific patient that the specific media clip is talking about. There is some scientific-evidence in these sources however, the sources don’t go in depth about traumatic brain injury as a whole. These videos are each consistent with the facts about traumatic brain injury in which allows the audience to trust these sources of information.

Below are scholarly articles and what they say about occupational therapy and traumatic brain injury:

A patient working on their fine motor skills during a treatment session with an occupational therapist, By: Marco Bloomfield.

     The article “Effectiveness of Interventions Within the Scope of Occupational Therapy Practice to Improve Motor Function of People With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review”, discusses the evidence of the motor interventions of occupational therapy for individuals with TBI. The ages of the participants in this study ranged from 12-76 years old and the ranges of the brain injuries varied from mild to severe. Since the ranges of the brain injuries varied, the rehabilitation programs varied as well. The more severe the brain injury, the more intense the rehab. Throughout the rehabilitation process, the occupational therapist worked with each person differently in which they had different goals. It was evident that the patients who had a less severe TBI, motor function progressed faster than those with a more severe TBI.

     “Moderate evidence in this study indicates that various exercise programs provide benefits for motor function, including decreased spasticity, increased isolated hand movement, increased physical activities, improved strength and functional reach, and improved balance” (Pei-Fen, 2016).  There is limited data from the study suggests that rehabilitation and computer-based programs can help patients with TBI improve their motor function. Since motor function is critical to most performance abilities and rehabilitation is hindered by other impairments, such as cognitive and sensory function, occupational therapy interventions that encompass the essential areas of motor function must be developed and implemented by an occupational therapist. Motor function encompasses a wide range of abilities, and additional impairments, such as cognitive and sensory function, make recovery more difficult. The requirement for occupation-based standardized outcome measurements and interventions for motor function recovery after TBI have been proved in this study that it is most beneficial to be met by occupational therapists. (Pei-Fen J, 2016).

Living with a traumatic brain injury can mean a long road to recovery.

Kevin in the outpatient day program participating in a cooking program with his therapist, Nikki, By: Gerry Gianacola.

     The article “Occupational Therapy Interventions for Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury” goes into a case on a 33 year old man, Kevin, who had a TBI from falling 28 feet into concrete. Kevin was then brought to the hospital and was transferred onto the intensive care unit (ICU) where he was vented. He was on this unit for about a month where he was then transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital for 3 months. After he completed the rehabilitation program at this hospital, he was transferred home with his wife where he got more rehabilitation from an outpatient brain injury day program.

     Nikki was Kevins occupational therapist at the outpatient brain injury day program.  Nikki created goals for Kevin to accomplish while he was in the program that were client centered and focused on his community integration skills, motor skills, memory and self awareness. Kevin also expressed how he was feeling depressed in which limits him from doing his best in therapy sessions. He had difficulties comprehending and managing with the emotions of life after the TBI, as well as an inability to participate in activities he loved prior to the incident. Kevin began engaging in a physical exercise program at the outpatient day treatment facility’s aquatic therapy pool. Kevin exercised for a minimum of 90 minutes each week to reduce stress, sadness, anger, fatigue, and enhance his overall well being.

     After 6 months of rigorous therapy sessions, Kevin met his goals and had improved overall. Despite his progress in occupational therapy, Kevin is not exactly where he would like to be and is faced with a difficult and uncertain future. The road to a more productive daily routine may be rocky, as new tasks put current cognitive, physical, psychological, and emotional skills to the test, as well as raising expectations of increased independency. Kevin’s next step is career exploration and return to work; depending upon the needs of his employment, his symptoms, and his current supports, Kevin may require more engagement in different areas of the rehabilitation system. (Wheeler, S. 2017).

Occupational therapists focus the patient as a whole, which can include focusing on visual deficits.

A patient visual tracking objects with an occupational therapist, By: Andrea Sanchez.

     The article “Effectiveness of Interventions to Address Visual and Visual-Perceptual Impairments to Improve Occupational Performance in Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury” discusses how with traumatic brain injury (TBI), visual and visual–perceptual deficits are common and have an impact on occupational performance. The effectiveness of therapies within the framework of occupational therapy to enhance daily functioning for persons with visual and visual–perceptual deficits as a result of TBI was investigated in this comprehensive study. “This systematic review is one of six reviews of the TBI literature relevant to occupational therapy conducted under the auspices of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project” (Berger, 2016).

     The evidence on occupational therapy for people with visual and visual–perceptual impairments caused by a TBI within the realm of occupational therapy practice is broad. The research examined shows that scanning can be used as a compensatory method to enhance computer visual search abilities in persons with visual field deficiencies. Audiovisual stimulation is supported by moderate research for patients with visual field impairments or oculomotor issues. The article discusses how TBI patients have a variety of issues in addition to vision loss, such as cognitive and physical limitations. These unique restrictions may have an impact on the efficacy of therapies designed for different groups. Occupational therapy practitioners treating patients who had a TBI must recognize the consequences of visual and visual–perceptual impairments for occupational success and select therapies based on their rationale and data available based on the patient’s overall injury. (Berger, S, 2016).

Is the media really trustworthy when choosing interventions for traumatic brain injury patients, compared to evidence based articles?

     The information provided by the above media clips did align with a lot of the information provided in the evidence-based sources. The media goes into how traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe and may require different roads in the rehabilitation process. The media also goes into how neuroplasticity, structure and challenge play a huge role in the recovery process. Although this is all very important information, the media tends to focus more on a specific type of client and what their story is, rather than traumatic brain injury as a whole. The media also tends to lack evidence and doesn’t provide the person watching with any clinical reasoning. The information tends to go more in-depth with scholarly sources on interventions and the focus on traumatic brain injury as a whole diagnosis. 

In conclusion:  The evidence above has shown how occupational therapy is beneficial for individuals with traumatic brain injury however, the significance of occupational therapy treatment in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation was not clearly stated in the media segments. Anyone could upload info on the internet, and there are no restrictions on who can do so. If an expert decides to share a scholarly article, there are rules to follow to guarantee that the material is correct and that acknowledgement is given to other sources. Although there was some common information between the media and evidence-based articles, I would not fully trust what you see on the media compared to what you read in a scholarly article when choosing an intervention for a patient. The overall professional understanding and knowledge from the experts writing the article is what makes the source reliable. If you do prefer to watch videos and media, it is recommended to fact check the information you find via scholarly and peer reviewed articles for confirmation on occupational therapy interventions for patients with traumatic brain injury.

Written by: Kaitlyn Carvelli

References: 

AHSchannel (2014), “The Road to Recovery Following Brain Injury” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pCiWDKA93s

Berger, S., (2016). Effectiveness of Interventions to Address Visual and Visual-Perceptual Impairments to Improve Occupational Performance in Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(3), p1–p7. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.020875

Pei-Fen J. (2016). Effectiveness of Interventions Within the Scope of Occupational Therapy Practice to Improve Motor Function of People With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(3), p1–p5. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.020867

Phillips, S (2019), “Occupational Therapy and Neuroplasticity After Brain Injury”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEzsxKQ3Gfc

Radomski, M.  (2009). Occupational Therapy for Service Members With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63(5), 646–655. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.63.5.646

The American Occupational Therapy Association, (2017). “What OT can do for you: Traumatic Brain Injury”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_SROgPA2GM

Wheeler, S., (2017). Occupational Therapy Interventions for Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(3), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.713005

By: Marco Verch Professional Photographer

Coffee is so much more than a beverage, it is a way of life! There are MILLIONS of COFFEE DRINKERS worldwide and for a reason… coffee can be good for your health. Some people choose to steer clear because of common misconceptions such as it causing osteoporosis, height loss, stunted growth, and increasing the body’s elimination of calcium. These misconceptions are just that, misconceptions (Harvard Health Publishing, 2020)!

3-5 CUPS OF COFFEE A DAY LOWERS THE RISK OF ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

• Developing Type 2 Diabetes
• Arrhythmias
• Stroke
• Suicide
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Liver Disease
• Some cancers
• Gout
• Cardiovascular related deaths (Healthy Java, 2016)

Did you KNOW that a component in coffee called CAFFEINE can briefly enhance your energy and stamina, lower cholesterol, improve vascular endothelial function, and promote weight loss (Harvard Health Publishing, 2020)?!

Coffee has added health benefits, and drinking it at the right time of the day ensures that. Our body naturally creates adenosine and cortisol. Adenosine promotes sleep and suppresses arousal. Cortisol helps the body respond to stress and keeps us alert. Throughout the day our body naturally builds up adenosine (making you tired) and decreases cortisol (making you less alert). Coffee contains a molecular compound called caffeine. Caffeine blocks adenosine and stimulates the production of cortisol which triggers wakefulness (Lee et al., 2017).

By: a.canvas.of.light

The right time to drink caffeinated coffee is between 10 am-12 pm and 2 pm-4 pm when adenosine and cortisol levels are at a low.

Did you know the average 8 oz cup of coffee contains approximately 80 to 100 mg of caffeine??

When is a good time to pass on that cup of caffeinated joy you ask? Research suggests that adverse effects start and are largely related to habitual consumption of higher caffeine (over 400 mg/day) (Samoggia & Riedel, 2019).

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF 400+ MG/DAY

By: J E Theriot

• poor calcium absorption
• poor bone mineral density
• anxiety
• nervousness
• decrease fertility numbers
• migraines
• insomnia
• worsened heartburn
• temporary high blood pressure (Samoggia & Riedel, 2019)

Research also suggests the risk of developing lung and gastric cancer is increased because of the associated smoking habits in relation to coffee consumption (Samoggia & Riedel, 2019).

So when it comes to drinking coffee, moderation of 3-5 cups per day or limiting caffeine consumption to under 400 mg/day, are associated with added health benefits. It is never recommended to exceed the recommended dose of anything because of the adverse effects it may have on our health. So sit back, relax, and drink up your delicious coffee beverages!

References

Bestie. (2020, July 1). Drinking coffee every day does this to your body. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we79_qZ-sW4

Doctor Oz. (2021, October 31). Can coffee improve your health. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VK7yZ0ukaQ&t=2s

Harvard Health Publishing. (2020, January 7). Can coffee really stunt your growth? https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/can-coffee-really-stunt-your-growth

Healthy java. (2016). American Fitness, 34(2), 56. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=114283087&site=ehost-live

Lee, J., Lee, J.-E., & Kim, Y. (2017). Relationship between coffee consumption and stroke risk in korean population: the health examinees (HEXA) study. Nutrition Journal, 16(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-017-0232-y

Rajendran, P., Rengarajan, T., Thangavel, J., Nishigaki, Y., Sakthisekaran, D., Sethi, G., & Nishigaki, I. (2013). The vascular endothelium and human diseases. International journal of biological sciences, 9(10), 1057–1069. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.7502

Samoggia, A., & Riedel, B. (2019). Consumers’ perceptions of coffee health benefits and motives for coffee consumption and purchasing. Nutrients, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11030653

Science Insider. (2019, February 26). What happens to your body when you drink too much coffee. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_6_6TAuoGc

By: J E Theriot

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. Epilepsy may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or from a trauma or stroke. During a seizure, a person experiences loss of consciousness. There is no cure for Epilepsy, but it is treated by medications, surgery, devices, or dietary changes. Dr. Tricia King does an awesome job explaining Epilepsy in furthur detail.

Seizure Talk…

People with Epilepsy experience seizures on occasion depending on the serverity of their condition. Living with Epilepsy can be scary for many and can cause a loss of self-esteem depression and embaressment. Its important to always talk to someone whether it be a support group or a family or friend. Having a positive mind and not letting this condition control you are two big key factors that play into coping with Epilepsy. Remember that you matter, you’re important, and you’re never alone!

By: ermadz x 

Coping with Epilepsy

Its important to not miss doses of your medications and get plenty of sleep. Drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy balanced diet is also important. Try to keep stress and anxiety to a minimum, avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, and avoid flashing lights. Always tell your doctor if medications are giving you abnormal symptoms and reach out to peers and/or support groups. Sometimes hearing from others that have the same condition is helpful as well.