By: Tyler Read

What is Dialysis?

Healthy kidneys clean your blood, remove extra fluid from your body in the form of urine, and remove toxins from your blood. Dialysis is a form of treatment that replaces some of these functions when your kidneys no longer work. Starting dialysis comes with many life changes, including changes to your diet.

In this video created by the National Kidney Foundation, Belinda Jim MD speaks about the specific diet needs of dialysis patients. These include restricting the amount of fluid you consume, restricting the amount of potassium in your diet, and restricting the amount of phosphorus in your diet. In agreement with Belinda Jim MD, Estridge et al. (2018), recognizes that fluid restriction adherence can help you feel comfortable prior to, during, and after your hemodialysis treatments. Although dialysis treatments help remove excess fluid and waste in your body, it does not do it as effectively as healthy kidneys. Consuming more than your recommended fluid allowance can cause edema (swelling), hypertension (high blood pressure), and difficulty breathing from fluid building in your lungs (Estridge et al., 2018). A registered dietitian (RD) can help you with your individual fluid restriction needs. 

DaVita dialysis is a leading provider in kidney care who provide services for patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure. In this video, Jackie, a DaVita RD, provides tips on how to limit fluid intake throughout the day, since your kidneys can not remove excess fluid from your body. To successfully manage fluid restrictions, you must know how to appropriately measure your fluid intake (Parker, 2019). This tip from Jackie is just one way to ensure you are measuring your fluid intake. 

Potassium:

As Belinda Jim, MD mentioned in the first video, potassium restriction is an important part of the renal diet. The mineral, potassium, controls nerve and muscle function, and is found in many foods. Potassium helps your heart beat a normal rhythm and is necessary for electrolyte balance, pH balance, and maintaining fluid balance. Too much potassium can be dangerous. Normally functioning kidneys are able to remove extra potassium from your body, but in people with kidney disease, the potassium can build up and be dangerous. In agreement with Belinda Jim, MD, Anderson & Nguyen (2018), recommend that potassium intake be reduced. Your RD can help you figure out your specific potassium needs. Some foods to limit or avoid include (Parker, 2019): 

By: Pedro Alonso

By: Mike Mozart

By: Stock Catalog

By: Rebecca Siegel

Phosphorus:

As Christy Turner, RD, from UC San Diego Chronic Kidney Disease Program mentioned in the video, phosphorus is a mineral that aids your body in keeping your bones healthy and helps keep your blood vessels and muscles strong. It is found in foods such as meats, poultry, fish, nuts, and beans. It can also be added to foods and used as a preservative. If your phosphorus becomes too high, you can experience itchy skin, weak bones, and bone and joint pain. High blood phosphorus can lead to an increased risk for bone disease (Anderson & Nguyen, 2018). If you have too high of phosphorus, your RD may recommend a diet restriction. Food to avoid or limit if your phosphorus is too high include (Anderson & Nguyen, 2018): 

By: Mike Mozart

By: Paul Wilkinson

By: Rebecca Siegel

Hemodialysis patients often struggle with renal diet compliance due to how restricting the diet can be (Lederman, 2018). Restricting fluid, potassium, phosphorus, and adhering to treatments can be a daunting task for most patients (Lederman, 2018). There are many credible sources available online to help you navigate your renal diet needs. However, consulting with your RD about your individualized diet needs before looking up additional information is recommended.

References

Anderson, C. A. M., & Nguyen, H. A. (2018). Nutrition education in the care of patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Seminars in Dialysis, 31(2), 115–121. https://doi.org/10.1111/sdi.12681

Estridge, K. M., Morris, D. L., Kolcaba, K., & Winkelman, C. (2018). Comfort and Fluid Retention in Adult Patients Receiving Hemodialysis. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 45(1), 25–60.

Lederman, A. (2018). Taking the Renal Diet on a Field Trip…2018 ANNA National Symposium, Las Vegas, NV. April 15-18, 2018. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 45(2), 200.

Parker, J.R. (2019). Use of an educational intervention to improve fluid restriction adherence in patients on hemodialysis. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 46(1), 43-47.

Chickenpox: What’s important?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus that is spread through direct contact with a person or air droplets. This virus causes an extremely itchy rash on the skin that produces fluid-filled blistered (Mayo Clinic, 2021). The chickenpox infection can be visible on your child’s skin 10 to 21 days after exposure and can lasts 5 to 10 days. Additional signs and symptoms to be aware of include; fever, headache, fatigue and a loss of appetite. Treatment of chickenpox in children includes comfort measures, medications and the varicella vaccine (Mayo Clinic, 2021).

After diagnosis, your doctor can prescribe medications to decrease the severity of symptoms such as presenting with a fever, followed by a rash. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), such as Ibuprofen are often used for management of fever (Mayo Clinic, 2021). But are parents aware of the risks associated with this medication? Despite comfort measures, the chickenpox vaccine is the most beneficial way to prevent chickenpox. Experts estimate complete protection against chickenpox for 98% of people who receive both of the recommended doses (Mayo Clinic 2021). With tons of evidenced-based research, studies have found the vaccine to be safe for the body, but parents are still concerned with whether or not they should vaccinate their child.

Do parents know the harmful effects of NSAIDs?

In a study, parents were able to understand the use of NSAIDS to manage symptoms of Chickenpox, and the associated health risk that can develop with misuse of NSAIDS. This study questioned 20 parents of children who had been diagnosed with Chickenpox, to determine if they were aware of the health associated risk of NSAIDs (Hussain & Anwarulhaq, 2020). Data suggest that zero of the 20 selected parents were aware of any risks during chicken pox illness and parents were not aware that skin infections and necrotizing fasciitis were associated with the use of NSAIDs (Hussain & Anwarulhaq, 2020).

Parents Perception & Understanding of The Chickenpox Varicella Vaccine:

Data suggest that 74% of mothers believed that they will vaccinate their child to prevent diseases. Knowledge regarding vaccination was poor, given only 33% of mothers matched chicken pox with the varicella vaccine (Wu, et al., 2020). 70% of these women reported wanting to know more information about vaccinating their baby but only 18% reported actually receiving that education during prenatal care. Many concerns with vaccinating children come from low income families who do not qualify for healthcare (Wu, et al., 2020). Parents who lack information about vaccinations are more likely to have negative attitudes towards vaccinating their child (Wu, et al., 2020).

This study concluded positive reasons for vaccinating your child such as; preventing disease, having no past issues with vaccinations and having trust in their provider. Negative concerns included; being worried about death, fever and that the vaccine will not work (Wu, et al., 2020).

10-year efficacy of the Varicella Vaccine in young children:

References

Hussain, M. S., & Anwarulhaq, M. (2020). Parents’ perception and understanding of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use in children with Chicken Pox infection and its associated risks. Middle East Journal of Family Medicine, 18(2), 6–11. https://doi.org/10.5742MEWFM.2020.93759

Mayo Clinic. (2021, May 8). Chickenpox – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chickenpox/symptoms-causes/syc-20351282

The Lancet. (2019, February 11). Long-term protection for the prevention of varicella virus- containing vaccines [Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/watch?v=2s8uwifwiwc

Wu, A., Wisler-Sher, D., Griswold, K., Colson, E., Shapiro, E., Holmboe, E., & Benin, A. (2022). Postpartum Mothers’ Attitudes, Knowledge, and Trust Regarding Vaccination. Maternal and Child Health Journal, Preprints, 1–8.

According to CDC, Falls are the major cause of injury and death in adults aged 65 and up and many older adults have a fear of falling. A majority of falls that occur are within the home and can be prevented with simple changes. 

According to medical director of Trauma from Scripps Memorial Hospital in California, explains why risk of falling increases as we age:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Vision changes
               2. Deficits in Balance
               3. Decreased muscle strength

Common injuries resulting from falls:

• Brain injury (especially common for those on blood thinning medication
• Fractures

Key Steps YOU can take to prevent falls:

• Talk with your healthcare provider 
• Staying active with exercises focusing improving strength and balance such as walking, yoga and Tai Chi 
• Know what medications you are on, some may cause specific side effects such as dizziness and confusion
• Routine vision and feet check
• Make your home safer
  • remove items from walkways (tripping hazards)
  • remove throw rugs
  • keep items used frequently in cabinets that do not require step stool
  • improve lighting within the home and outside of the home
  • wear shoes that fit
  • non slip mats in bathtub/bathroom
  • grab bars for the tub/toilet area
  • utilize assistive devices as needed

Keep in mind it is important to talk your doctor about any history of falls and/or fears of falling. Medical Professionals are equipped to provide risk assessment and provide resources if you are at risk for falls. 

American Academy of Orthopeaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Preventing falls among the elderly –
orthoinfo – aaos. OrthoInfo. 2018. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/falls

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, December 16). Keep on your feet-                                 preventing older adult falls. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.                                         https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/index.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Resource: algorithm for fall risk screening,
assessment, and intervention. 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Algorithm
print.pdf.

Dellinger A. (2017). Older Adult Falls: Effective Approaches to Prevention. Current trauma
reports, 3(2), 118–123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-017-0087-x

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, February 3). Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls. Mayo Clinic.
Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-
prevention/art-20047358

According to the CDC, it is now estimated that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (CDC, 2022). While this may come across as a shocking statistic, what’s even more troublesome is the misinformation surrounding the topic of autism. One of the most widely spread pieces of misinformation is the accusation that vaccines, specifically the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, cause autism.

Why do people believe that vaccines cause autism?

In the late 90’s, the medical journal Lancet published a paper by Dr. Andrew Wakefield claiming a link between the MMR vaccine, gastrointestinal issues, and autism. At the time, Dr. Wakefield was a respected scientist in Great Britain in the field of gastrointestinal disorders. Through his research, he ultimately came to the conclusion that the vaccines were causing gastrointestinal issues that then led to neuropsychiatric dysfunction (Texas Children’s Hospital, n. d.). After publication of this article, the vaccination rates in Great Britain and the U. S. dropped as parents did not want to risk their child getting autism.

Since its publication, many doctors and scientists have investigated whether there was any truth to Dr. Wakefield’s claims. In addition to being scrutinized by the medical community, a British freelance writer, Brian Deer, investigated Wakefield and his research. Deer found that Dr. Wakefield had a connection to lawyers that were filing a class-action lawsuit over MMR which may have caused him to falsify some of his records. In addition to his potential financial ties, the medical community was alarmed that such a paper would even be accepted for publication in a medical journal as it did not meet many of the criteria for publication. The sample size alone, with only 12 participants, was way too small to draw such a big conclusion from. In response to the investigations and findings, the General Medical Council of London withdrew Wakefield’s paper (Texas Children’s Hospital, n. d).

So, what does the research tell us?

The makeup of vaccines and time period they’re administered in has no impact on the development of autism

Numerous studies have been conducted since Dr. Wakefield’s claims and there is a significant amount of evidence that tells us vaccines do not cause autism. One such study looked closer at the makeup of vaccines and time between administration as potential links to autism or other learning disorders. DeStefano, et al. studied hundreds of medical records and compared cumulative antigen exposure from the vaccines and the schedules with which they were administered to a future diagnosis of autism. The researchers ultimately concluded that children are not at an increased risk of developing autism after exposure to vaccines whether it’s over a 3-month period, 7-month period, or 2-year period. Furthermore, they could not label the antigen exposure as a potential risk factor (DeStefano, et al., 2013).

The MMR vaccine does not cause autism

One of the risk factors for a child being diagnosed with ASD is that they have an older sibling that has been diagnosed with ASD. One group of researchers took this fact into consideration and used it in their research to help prove that the MMR vaccine does not cause autism. Jain et al. looked at thousands of medical records of children to see how many MMR vaccinations they received, if they had an older sibling with ASD, and if they have ASD themselves. Surprisingly enough, the researchers found that the vaccination rate for children who had siblings that did not have ASD was higher than children with siblings with ASD. They also found no significant link between receiving the MMR vaccine and a later diagnosis of ASD, even among the children who were at an increased risk for autism (Jain, et al., 2015).

In addition to what’s in a vaccine, many people believe that children are receiving too many vaccines at a young age which is causing them to develop autism in the future. A study by Dales, et al. reviewed the medical records of children enrolled in kindergarten in California between 1980 and 1994. They compared these records to the number of children born during the same time period who had a diagnosis of ASD and were enrolled in the California Department of Developmental Services. Interestingly, the researchers found that although the incidence of autism went up from 44 per 100,000 live births in 1980 to 208 per 100,000 live births by 1994, a 373% increase, the vaccination rate during that time period only went up 14%. Through their research, Dales et al. could not find a significant link between vaccine administration and ASD diagnosis (Dales, et al., 2001).

These are just three of numerous studies conducted on this topic that were not able to reasonably conclude that vaccines cause autism. The original paper by Dr. Wakefield was so popular at the time that many people are still holding onto this idea, whether out of fear or ignorance, and many doctors and scientists have worked hard to debunk this myth. I hope the information in this article urges the reader to do their own research, not only on this topic but on other important health-related topics. It’s important to hear different professional opinions rather than take the word of one person, especially when there isn’t enough supporting evidence to uphold their claim. I hope more people, especially future parents, are looking to more recent research on this topic to gather information from.

Resources

CDC. (2022, Mar 2). Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder. cdc.gov.

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

Dales, L., Hammer, S., & Smith, N. (2001). Time trends in autism and in MMR immunization

coverage in California. JAMA 285(9), 1183-1185.

DeStefano, F., Price, C., & Weintraub, E. (2013). Increasing exposure to antibody-stimulating

proteins and polysaccharides in vaccines is not associated with risk of autism. The

Journal of Pediatrics, 163(2), 561-567.

Jain, A., Marshall, J., Buikema, A., Bancroft, T., & Newschaffer, C. (2015). Autism

occurrence by MMR vaccine status among US children with older siblings with and

without autism. JAMA, 313(15), 1534-1540.

KOIN 6. (2015, Sep 18). Experts agree: Trump wrong on vaccine-autism connection.

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8PLvyqQuU4

Texas Children’s Hospital. (n. d). Making Sense of Dr. Andrew Wakefield Now.

Texaschildrens.org. https://www.texaschildrens.org/blog/2011/03/making-sense-dr-andrew-wakefield-now

Approximately 46.6 million U.S. adults suffer from a mental illness (Budenz,2020)

Stigma:

Def. (a mark of shame or discredit)

• The stigma of mental illness can actually defer people from seeking treatment over fear of being judged.
• The stigma associated with mental health disorders are detrimental to care.
• . Many people delay seeking help over fear of being judged.
• Difficulty getting and keeping employment.
• Lower Standards of care and poor insurance coverage.
• Anti-stigma interventions are necessary to help improve the quality of life for these people suffering from schizophrenia
• .People who stigmatize are often uneducated and believe that those with a mental illness has control of their condition and are responsible for it.

Main Stream Media:

Def. (traditional or established broadcasting or publishing outlets)

• Mainstream media has a great effect on the stigma associated with mental health. Evidence shows that the mainstream media tends to show mental illness in a dangerous light. It tends to focus more on crime and violence. This type of coverage can actually lead the public to believe negative stereotypes about mental illness. Especially with schizophrenia, films and media often portray people the disease poorly and violent. It is often falsely identified as a split personality disorder. This translates into real world stigma against those who suffer from this disease. Mental health advocates have argued that the public needs to see the other side of mental illness. People who suffer from a mental illness are actually more likely to be the victim of a violent crime than to commit one.

Social Media:

Def. (Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content to participate in social networking.)

• Research on mental his topic has always been shown through the scope of traditional media. Social media is now being examined, as it can give a good view of what every day people think
• More support shown for people suffering with mental health
• Less stigma
• People with mental illness not portrayed as violent.

Treatment and help:

If you or someone you know is suffering there are resources available.

• Mental health Association of RI
• National Mental Health Hotline 888-862-6016
• RI Counselling associates

References

Budenz, A., Klassen, A., Purtle, J., Yom Tov, E., Yudell, M., & Massey, P. (2020). Mental illness and bipolar disorder on Twitter: implications for stigma and social support. Journal of Mental Health, 29(2), 191–199. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2019.1677878

Carmichael, V., Adamson, G., Sitter, K. C., & Whitley, R. (2019). Media coverage of mental illness: a comparison of citizen journalism vs. professional journalism portrayals. Journal of Mental Health, 28(5), 520–526. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2019.1608934

CRANT, J. (2018). The Relationship between Media Portrayal of Schizophrenia and Attitudes toward Those with Schizophrenia. Journal of the Indiana Academy of the Social Sciences, 21(1), 192–198.

Zimbres TM, Bell RA, & Taylor LD. (2019). Effects of public versus media responsibility messages on stigmatization of people with schizophrenia in an American adult sample. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-019-01788-6

What is it?

During hip replacement surgery, a surgeon will remove a portion of any damaged sections of the pelvis and head of thigh bone. The surgeon will then replace it with look-alike implants, it can be metal, ceramic, or very hard plastic. 

Purpose

Hip replacements are usually done if the patient complains of significant pain and damage to the hip joint due to, osteoarthritis the most common symptoms, hip fracture after a fall or injury, and if the doctor sees any tumor in the hip joint. 

• Posterior approach: This approach is commonly used by the surgeon. The incision is made outside of the hip close to the butt, while the patient is lying on the side.
• Anterior approach: During this approach, the incision is made at the front of the hip. 

How to prepare for the surgery?

Before the surgery, the patient is given weeks in order to prepare for the surgery. This includes losing weight and quitting unhealthy habits, for instance, smoking to reduce any complications during surgery. Going out for walks and staying active can build strength prior to surgery. 

After Surgery

According to William Winternitz, MD patients are able to take care of themselves and resume some activities six weeks after surgery. After three months 90% are recovered, and to be fully 100% recovered it can take up to one year. The healing time process varies among patients. Not every patient will walk out of the surgery room ready to go home and return to their daily routine. It all depends on how the body will react after the surgery and how much effort will the patient put on during the recovery phase. 

Most patients who undergo hip replacement will typically be discharged within two to five days. The surgeon will discharge the patient once the patient is able to:

• safely get in and out of bed.
• walk from bed to bathroom using any assistive devices
• eat while sitting down
• follow hip precautions
• perform gentle exercises

Rehabilitation Period

By: Eric Niiler

If the surgeon decides the patient is not ready to go home after surgery. The patient will be would be admitted to a short-term care facility that provides physical and occupational therapy to regain strength in the lower extremities in order to perform daily tasks at home. 

With the new hip in place. It is important to keep in mind that it will take time to fully recover from the surgery. Avoid any exercises that will cause hip dislocation. And remember to follow any hip preactions and exercises to speed recovery. Lastly, take care and enjoy the new hip!

References:

Jonathan Cluett, M. D. (2021). What does having your hip replaced actually entail? Verywell 

        Health. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/considering-hip-                replacement-surgery-2549565

Pendleton, H. M., & Schultz-krohn, W. (2016). Pedretti’s occupational therapy: Practice skills 

        for physical dysfunction (7th edition). Mosby.

TriStar Health. (2018). Total Hip Replacement [Video]. YouTube.https://www.youtube.com

        /watch?v=Hd5ywP61u7U

Winternitz, W. M.D. (2016). Postoperative care for hip replacement. Arthritis-health. Retrieve 

        April 28,200, from https://www.arthritis-health.com/surgery/hip-surgery/postoperative-

        care-hip-replacement

                                     What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a recurring disease that damages the musculoskeletal system over time. Neuromuscular control is weakened by RA, particularly in the hands. RA often damages the joints of our body symmetrically, resulting in a drop in muscle strength and a progressive decline in hand functionality. RA affects 1-2 percent of the world’s population, with women between the ages of 20 and 65 having a rate two to three times greater than men. Joint structure and function make it difficult to perform daily chores due to the generative process of RA as it causes pain and joint stiffness. The inflammation caused by RA interferes directly with the individual’s functional activity, muscle strength, and the function of the neuromuscular system (Coelho-Oliveira, A. et al., 2021).

Symptoms & Signs

Rheumatoid Arthritis spreads throughout the body and affects areas such as the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. Some signs and symptoms may include:

• Edema, pain, tenderness
• Joint stiffness (due to inactivity)
• Fatigue, fever, and weight loss

RA can also affect many non-joint structures, including:

• Skin, eyes, lungs, heart
• Kidneys, salivary glands
• Nerve tissue, Bone marrow, Bone vessels

                                     Management & Treatments

Rheumatoid Arthritis is developed by our immune system. Our immune systems start attacking our body’s tissues the synovium – the membrane that surrounds our joints. It results in the thickening of the synovium which destroys the cartilage and bone within the joint.

The complete cause of RA is still unknown. There is no cure for RA, but it can be treated with physiotherapy and medication to slow the disease’s progression. It can be managed with medications such as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and NSAIDs.

                         Psychosocial Concerns on individuals with RA 

Non-inflammatory pain in RA patients includes mechanical pain (such as osteoarthritis), neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, therapeutic side effects, and psychosocial consequences such as depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, exhaustion, sexual dysfunction, and incapacity.

                       Occupational Therapy & Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy focuses on engaging individuals with disabilities to perform meaningful tasks.

The goal of occupational therapy in all disorders including RA is to make a patient as self-sufficient as possible in both daily life activities and social involvement. For an occupational therapist, it is critical to concentrate on the issues that patients care about the most. For individuals with RA, occupational therapy follows a set of guidelines, such as lowering discomfort and preventing excessive joint stress through a variety of methods, including, behavioral modification, the use of assistive devices and splints, and environmental adaptability (Malcus-Johnson P. et al., 2005).

To simplify, an occupational therapist helps individuals with a disability that affects their main occupation or tasks that are meaningful to them such as dressing, eating, working, and or school activities by adapting to their environment, and tasks based on the individual’s level of functioning.

An occupational therapist will use different strategies to help individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis by creating:

• Joint protection from further decline
• Compensatory strategies
• Home modifications & adaptations
• Splinting program

                               Community Resources

Arthritis Foundation provides services:

• Treatments options
• Health care providers
• Diets
• Exercise programs
• Coping with changes ( relationships, caregiving, work, etc)
• Comorbidities (depression, eye diseases, diabetes, etc)
• Pain management

References:

Arthritis foundation: Donate for a cure. Arthritis Foundation | Donate for a Cure. (n.d.). Retrieved May 8, 2022, from https://www.arthritis.org/donate?utm_content=brand&gclid=cjwkcajwve2tbhbyeiwaaktm1l8vpbvsnlotiofkdeoijsoud5cmrbha73qxcyya2yqcybbv-6i0xhoc6juqavd_bwe

Coelho-Oliveira, A. C., Lacerda, A. C. R., de Souza, A. L. C., Santos, L. M. de M., da Fonseca, S. F., dos Santos, J. M., Ribeiro, V. G. C., Leite, H. R., Figueiredo, P. H. S., Fernandes, J. S. C., Martins, F., Filho, R. G. T., Bernardo-Filho, M., da Cunha de Sá-Caputo, D., Sartorio, A., Cochrane, D., Lima, V. P., Costa, H. S., Mendonça, V. A., & Taiar, R. (2021). Acute Whole-Body Vibration Exercise Promotes Favorable Handgrip Neuromuscular Modifications in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Over Randomized Clinical. BioMed Research International, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9774980

Essentials of Human Diseases and Conditions, 6th Ed. Frazier, M.S. & Drzymkowski, J.W.,

Kuijper TM, Luime JJ, Xiong H, de Jong P, van der Lubbe P, van Zeben D, Tchetverikov I, Hazes J, & Weel A. (2018). Effects of psychosocial factors on monitoring treatment effect in newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients over time: response data from the tREACH study. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 47(3), 178–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/03009742.2017.1349176

Malcus-Johnson P, Carlqvist C, Sturesson A, & Eberhardt K. (2005). Occupational therapy during the first 10 years of rheumatoid arthritis. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 12(3), 128–135. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038120510031716

Tonga E, Duger T, & Karatas M. (2016). Effectiveness of client-centered occupational therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: exploratory randomized controlled trial. Archives of Rheumatology, 31(1), 6–13. https://doi.org/10.5606/ArchRheumatol.2016.5478

Cardiovascular Disease: Types, Symptoms, Risks & Lifestyle Changes

“About 659,000 people in the United States die from heart disease each year—that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.” (Heart disease facts, 2022)

About Cardiovascular Disease  Cardiovascular disease is also known as heart disease which is an umbrella term for all heart related conditions.  According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number one cause of death in the United States in men and women is cardiovascular disease.  Dr. Supreeti Behuria states, 80% of heart disease is preventable. It is important to be educated on common types, symptoms, risks and lifestyle changes.

Four Common Types

1. Coronary artery disease- The most common type of cardiovascular disease which is in result to decreased blood flow to the heart due to plaque buildup.
2. Arrhythmia- A change in the heart beat can include fast beats (tachycardia), slow beats (bradycardia) or irregular beats (palpations).
3. Heart valve disease- A heart has four valves which open and close to release and block backflow of blood.  Heart valve disease occurs due to improper functioning of a valve.
4. Heart failure- A chronic condition where the heart becomes unable to pump the proper amount of blood resulting in fluid buildup within the lungs.

Symptoms

The World Heart Federation refers to cardiovascular disease as the “silent killer”.  This is because not all people experience  symptoms.  The following list released by the Mayo Clinic is the most common symptoms.

• Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort.
• Shortness of breath.
• Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms.
• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back.

Risk Factors 

Dr. Nakela Cook from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states there are two types of risks; those we can control and those we cannot control.  It is important to alter changeable risks to minimize our chance in developing the potentially deadly disease. 

Lifestyle Changes

• The Mayo Clinic suggests eating a healthy diet such as more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and poultry and staying away from red meat, soda, processed meat, potato chips, sugar, sodium and trans-fat is beneficial.  Foods that are not so great for our body’s trigger other conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. 
• Exercise is important in keeping our heart healthy.  Per the CDC, it is recommended to exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.  Exercise helps with our cardiovascular system improving oxygen supply and strengthening our heart and lungs.  
• Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death.  The CDC found that approximately one of every four deaths results from heart disease.  When you stop smoking, your heart starts to rebound right away.  Smoking causes a number of problems to our bodies some being  reducing oxygen and blood flow and the build up of plaque within blood vessels.

Bottom Line …           

Being educated on cardiovascular disease, symptoms, risks and lifestyle changes can keep you and your heart healthy helping to stay clear of this life threatening disease.  After researching comparing articles and videos the information provided within this blog is factual from reliable sources. 

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, September 27). About heart disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin “Heart Disease (Supreeti Behuria, MS): Every Day Health 2022” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFGV9JBdKIY

Heart Foundation NZ “Heart Attack Warning Signs” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1kI9e9L7aw

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, January 14). Top strategies to prevent heart disease. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease-prevention/art-20046502

Medical icon heartbeat symbol. royalty free SVG, cliparts, vectors, and stock illustration. image 142736626. 123RF. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://www.123rf.com/photo_142736626_medical-icon-heartbeat-symbol-.html?vti=n1c9zzzhxqpk5jpf9f-1-25

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute “Controlling and Preventing Heart Disease Risk” Factorshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRsLryQ57R4

What is cardiovascular disease? www.heart.org. (2022, May 4). Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease

Welch, A., Upham, B., Rapaport, L., Welch, A., & Staff, E. H. (n.d.). Treatment and prevention of heart disease. EverydayHealth.com. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from

World Heart Day. World Heart Federation. (2022, April 21). Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://world-heart-federation.org/

Cannabis Laws Impacts Drinking Substance Abuse

Marijuana has become legalized in thirty- nine states and has become widely used for medical and health conditions. Policies for marijuana have been ever changing and law makers are concerned with the adverse effects of legalizing marijuana. Although marijuana assists with these medical and health conditions, there are serious events that can happen that can lead to substance abuse and using gateway drugs. A literature review has uncovered evidence-based research that cannabis use can carry-over and can lead to opioid substance abuse. A 2018 study showed individuals who experienced pain and used cannabis were more likely to abuse non- medical opioid use (Mark Olson, 2018). Additionally, the results remained the same over time. The study also stated

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the interchangeable effects of using one or the other, which would lead to the individual abusing both. Over the years, there has been an alarming rate of opioid substance abuse and the number of  prescribed people in the country has reached over two million people in the United States (Mark Olson, 2018). Opioid abuse has been a public health issue and has reached to 47,000 lives taken due to unintentional drug overdose (Mark Olson, 2018). Furthermore, as cannabis has become more legalized there is growing attention towards cannabis to offset opioid use, but there are limited studies that provide evidence to this matter that cannabis use decreases opioid use. “Moreover, epidemiological research suggests that cannabis may actually increase the risk of other drug use disorders including opioids” (Mark Olson, 2018). An Australian study provided evidence-based research that cannabis abuse is likely to be more exposed to other drug use disorders (Mark Olson, 2018). Overall, studies have concluded that cannabis use was strongly associated with onset use prescription drug use and opioid disorder (Mark Olson, 2018). 

Cannabis Laws Impacts Drinking Substance Abuse 

Research had been conducted to study the correlation between cannabis use and alcohol abuse and what the potential results related to alcohol. A study conducted in 2016 showed the outcomes associated with marijuana, legalization, non-medical, and recreational drugs (Katarina Guttmannova, 2016). This can escalade to public “health concerns because they can have repercussions not just for marijuana use and consequences of alcohol, and other substances” (Katarina Guttmannova, 2016). “Alcohol use has consumed our country and 88,000 deaths per year and the cost to the state is 2.9 billion dollars (about $9 per person in the US)” (Katarina Guttmannova, 2016). Furthermore, individuals who are using cannabis and alcohol interchangeably, are at more risk of getting into accidents (Katarina Guttmannova, 2016). For many years, alcohol and marijuana have been the two of the most used substances in the United States (Katarina Guttmannova, 2016). Evidence- based research has found that if that

By: Son of Groucho

cannabis prices are lower than alcohol prices then individuals will purchase marijuana, but if prices for alcohol are cheaper than marijuana, the individual will buy alcohol. Additionally, the research shows that both substances are not used without the other and if prices fluctuated, an individual would purchase what is cheaper (Katarina Guttmannova, 2016). This substitute hypothesis is consistent with findings from some econometric studies that policies designed to limit alcohol use, such as those that increase the minimum legal drinking age or raise alcohol tax rates, have the unintended consequence of increasing the prevalence of marijuana use” (Katarina Guttmannova, 2016). Both substances can have effects on the individual that can cause the person to use both substances and can cause adverse cognitive affects which could lead to increased use of alcohol. In comparison to these studies, there has been research that has proven that there has been a decrease in alcohol related accidents but an increase of cannabis related emergency room visits (Katarina Guttmannova, 2016). Another study that was concluded also proved that teens that live in states where cannabis is legalized are less likely to engage with alcohol use (Katarina Guttmannova, 2016). An additional study that was conducted, took statistics from “traffic fatalities and alcohol consumption in fifteen states, including the Fatal accident Repot System” and results have proven that traffic related deaths that pertains to alcohol have decreased. Three hundred and fifty-two adults were examined, and reports found that forty percent of adults who make dispensary visits, reported that they have decreased their alcohol intake because the side effects of drinking alcohol, decreased withdrawal effects, better management skills, and decrease in opioid abuse. Overall, there needs to be additional research provided with everchanging cannabis laws and the outcome of alcohol consumption. Furthermore, there needs to be research provided for different age groups, cultures, sex, socioeconomic status, and race.  

References

Katarina Guttmannova, C. M. (2016, January). Impacts of Changing Marijuana Policies on Alcohol Use in the United Staes. National Library of Medicine(1), 33-46. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4700545/

Mark Olson, M. M.-M.-L. (2018, January 1). Cannabis Use and Risk of Prescription Opioid Use Disorder in the United States. National Library of Medicine, 1(175), 47-53. Retrieved from Cannabis Use and Risk of Prescription Opiod Use Disorder in the United States: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4700545/

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is classified as a group of respiratory diseases, including emphysema and bronchitis, that cause a blockage of airflow to the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Emphysema results in damage to the space between the lungs’ air sacs, And chronic bronchitis is due to  irritation inflammation of the lining to the lungs. The main causes of COPD involve irritating the airway, with the number one as smoking cigarettes. Other causes include inhaling irritants over a long period of time, environmental allergies, chemical fumes, air pollution, etc., or having asthma.

By: John Voo

Signs & Symptoms

• Shortness of breath (with or without physical activity)
• frequent/excessive coughing
• increased mucus production
• Wheezing lung sounds
• a squeaking sound with regular breathing patterns
• Feeling tightness in your chest

Treatment/Management 

Although there is no treatment for COPD and it cannot be cured, there are a variety of lifestyle changes that can ease the symptoms, decrease the number of exacerbations, improve physical activity tolerance, and to slow down the overall progression of this disease.

• Bronchodilators (inhalers) containing steroids can help to open up the airways and make breathing easier on the lungs
• Flu or pneumococcal vaccinations obtained early on can decrease the probability of developing COPD later in life
• Oxygen therapy may be necessary to keep body oxygen levels at an acceptable percentage
• Pulmonary rehab programs: disease management support groups, nutrition consults, physical exercise programs, psychological/mental health therapy

If you are worried about contracting COPD in the near future, or have experienced any of the early signs & symptoms from above, call your doctor and make an appointment. If you are experiencing any shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing at rest, call 911 and seek out emergency services. For more information, check out this resource from the CDC that gives you all basic information about the diagnosis of COPD, and everything you need to know about either preventing this disease, or managing its’ symptoms.

https://www.cdc.gov/copd/basics-about.html

References

Bollmeier, S. G., & Hartmann, A. P. (2020). Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A review focusing on exacerbations. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 77(4), 259–268. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/zxz306

Candela, M., Costorella, R., Stassaldi, A., Maestrini, V., & Curradi, G. (2019). Treatment of COPD: The Simplicity is a resolved complexity. Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40248-019-0181-8

Crisafulli, E., Barbeta, E., Ielpo, A., & Torres, A. (2018). Management of severe acute exacerbations of COPD: an updated narrative review. Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine, 13(1), 1-15.

Fazleen, A., & Wilkinson, T. (2020). Early COPD: Current evidence for diagnosis  and management. Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease, 14, 175346662094212.https://doi.org/10.1177/1753466620942128

What is COPD? (HealthSketch) – YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved May 12, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fFNGH4U6mI