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The Quest to Improve the Quality of Care in Healthcare Facilities – What is Being Done

Nov 27, 2017

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The state of healthcare in this country has been in the news for not just months, but a couple of years now. With so much attention being paid to health insurance, other aspects have fallen by the wayside a bit. Sure, access to affordable health care is something that the majority of Americans are in agreement about, but what about the actually quality of healthcare?

Many in the industry are pointing out the fact that the actual quality of the healthcare facilities also needs attention and needs advancing in order to improve overall patient care. The whole idea that the patient should come first is sometimes forgotten, and when it is the patient suffers. So, what is being done to improve the quality of care in healthcare facilities? Let's take a closer look.

Better Patient Monitoring Through Technology

Technology is a wonderful thing, and in terms of the healthcare industry it truly has opened all kinds of doors. Better patient monitoring is something that technology has focused on. Because seconds matter in life and death situations, nurses and doctors need reliable and effective patient monitoring and alarm notification at all times. A fast response time can end up saving a patient’s life, so it’s not something you want to take for granted.

There is now software available to medical staff that offers new and improved alarm notification systems, meant to signal mobile nurses. It can alert them to a patient that needs assistance with a ventilator, infusion, telemetry, and so much more. This alarm can go to a staff member’s smartphone, wireless phone, pager, or voice badge.

Wait Times Need to be Minimized

Another area that needs addressing is the wait times. People across the country are facing wait times that are not only frustrating, but can prove to be life-threatening. These wait times need to be substantially lowered in order to improve patient care.

Healthcare facilities are now looking at ways to better and more effectively move patients through the system, getting them into the right hands that much faster. That can include more staff, large triage areas, and just better organization.

A Focus on Patient Satisfaction

It’s normal to think about customer satisfaction in industries such as retail, tourism, and the food and beverage industry but there is also customer satisfaction in the healthcare industry. Patients need to feel as though they matter, they are being cared for, and that they can trust in the doctors and nurses that are working with them. In many hospitals across the country, there is a real disconnect here and patients are left feeling completely unsatisfied and as though they are just a number.

An On-Going Process that Needs Attention

When it comes down to it, improving the quality of care in healthcare facilities isn't something that is going to happen overnight. Research needs to be done to determine all the key areas the industry is lacking, and then technology and training need to be implemented in order to address the issues facing the industry.

Spotting Alcohol Dependency in Your Elderly Loved One and How to Help

Nov 24, 2017

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Alcohol dependency can occur at any time in a person’s life. Unfortunately, it can be hard to know when an elderly loved one is struggling with their use of alcohol. Despite the images portrayed of young people drinking to excess, the Center for Disease Control reports that adults over the age of 65 are more likely to binge drink than any other age group. Whether the issue is an increase in alcohol use, or prescription medication interactions with alcohol, there are signs present that suggest alcohol dependency among your elderly loved one.

When a Loved One is Drinking to Excess

If you have an elderly loved one who reaches for alcohol to calm down, or has several drinks during a meal, they may be drinking to excess. While a few drinks out to dinner every once in awhile isn’t likely a problem, a few drinks every night to relax usually is. As people get older, most become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. If you notice that your loved one drinks an alcoholic drink quickly to feel the effects, alcohol dependency is likely.

Other signs of alcohol abuse include:

an irritable nature after not drinking alcohol for a period of time, sometimes only a few hours
medical problems are exacerbated by alcohol use, yet your loved one doesn’t stop drinking
injuries occur while drinking to excess
lying to you about the amount of alcohol being consumed on a regular basis

Alcoholism wreaks havoc on the body over time. While the effects may not be felt right away when a person is younger, habitual alcohol abuse causes a variety of health problems. Liver damage is often a big issue for those who have been alcoholics most of their lives, as well as problems with cognition. When you believe that a loved one has become dependent on alcohol, it’s time to start with an honest discussion about your concerns.

Talking About Alcohol Dependency is Hard

It isn’t easy to talk to a loved one when you feel they may have a problem with alcohol dependency, especially when the loved one is a parent. When you want to help, you have to start with an open conversation about what you have been observing. While you don’t want�your loved one put on the defensive right away, be clear about your feelings and what you have noticed. There may be a reason that your loved one has turned to alcohol that they are ready to talk about with you. Make room for the conversation to happen, simply by letting your loved one know that you are worried about their needs.

Consider the Reasons Behind the Alcohol Dependency

Social isolation, loss, or financial worries are three major reasons an older individual may turn to alcohol in order to cope with life. If a loved one has recently lost a spouse or has run into money problems, you may notice an increase in their alcohol consumption. Social isolation from a loss of mobility or the ability to drive can lead to alcohol use. Look for the cause of the rise in alcohol consumption and you may be able to help decrease the alcohol abuse.

Talk with Your Loved One’s Primary Care Doctor

There are times when your loved one isn’t going to be open to having a discussion about their alcohol use. If your loved one is suffering medical issues or you are worried about their safety because of alcohol use, calling their primary care physician to voice your concerns is an option. While you may not be able to have a discussion with the doctor for privacy reasons, you can state your concerns confidentially.

A problem providers often have with trying to diagnose alcohol dependency, especially in older women, is the symptoms of alcohol dependency can mimic the symptoms that come with normal aging. Older women tend to have less financial resources than older men, and tend to feel more stigmatized when discussing their use of alcohol. Dependency on alcohol is prevalent among older women, but the problem often goes undiagnosed from a lack of understanding of the symptoms to look out for.

If you are concerned about the drinking habits of an elderly loved one, it’s time to consider how safe they are at home. If the individual lives at home alone, excessive alcohol consumption can put them at high risk for injuries. In addition, if the person is taking a number of prescription medications, alcohol can greatly interfere. Display your concern by starting a conversation about your observations. If the conversation goes nowhere, have a professional physician assess your loved one if possible. Alcohol dependency is prevalent among the elderly population and good treatment can help prevent future health problems or injuries.

10 Health & Safety Tips for Protecting Your Eyesight as You Get Older

Nov 22, 2017

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By the time you hit 40, your body has already become fatigued in the endless war of maintaining your health all by itself, and you have to start playing a role in increasing your defense mechanisms. One of the most vulnerable casualties during this battle against time, is the eyesight, with reports claiming that optical problems will affect one in every six adults by the age of 45.

Thankfully, these eye diseases are so widely studied, that there are various methods you can adapt to delay the onset of vision related lethargy and deterioration, while some troubles can even be reversed with the correct medical support and some preventive measures on your part. Here is a list of just some of the ways to keep an eye on your eyesight as you get older.

Be Aware of Your Family's Medical History

Unfortunately, many eye diseases are hereditary, with reports suggesting that if age-related macular degeneration (AMD) runs through your family’s history, you have a 50% chance of developing it yourself. What's even more dangerous, is that these symptoms creep up on you so gradually, that you may not notice until much later in life. By informing your optician of these predisposed genetic disorders, they will be better equipped to notice the warning signs long before they take control.

Attend Regular Eye Tests
To give your eyes a fighting chance, it is essential that you undergo a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years. This is because many eye deterioration factors come free without any warning signs or symptoms. By regularly analyzing the dilation of your pupil and checking your prescriptions are up to date, experts will be able to catch any potential issues long before they affect the quality of your life, and treat them accordingly.

Attend Regular Physical Examinations
On that note, your overall physical condition plays an essential role in your eyesight and should not be overlooked. If you suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure, and these ailments are not cared for properly, they can lead to all sorts of eye troubles, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Be Aware of the Warning Signs
If you find your sight behaving strangely, do not close your eyes and hope they disappear. Rather, visit your doctor immediately, as these oddities could be alarm bells cautioning you that greater peril is on the horizon. Potential things to look out for would be: double or blurry vision, difficulty seeing in darker conditions, red eyes, flashes of light, or any pain.

Avoid Strain
Gluing your eyes to various electronic devices for hours on end may be a commonplace practice these days, but by simply spending twenty seconds every hour to focus on something in the distance, you can prevent tired eyes from turning into a serious health hazard. Be mindful of screen glares, up your font size, and look here for other top features of the best laptops for seniors.

Protection from UV Light
The sun may be everyone's friend in the sky, but it also comes with harmful ultraviolet rays which can exaggerate the threat of cataracts and pinguecula. When you venture on your outside strolls, always wear your favorite pair of UV protected sunglasses to bounce any destructive light away from your eyeballs and keep your sight healthy and safe.

Contact Lense Care
If you are a contact lense wearer, you need to take extra care that these useful enhancements are not having any adverse effects. Keep your hands spotless when handling the lenses and utilize the recommended cleaning solution after every use. If a lense feels awkward on your eye, simply take it out and try again rather than just putting up with it for the whole day. If you find yourself forever battling against the comfort of your lenses, perhaps consider investing in laser eye surgery to eradicate the problem once and for all.

Regular Exercise
Studies have unanimously agreed that routine activity reduces eye degeneration substantially, some reporting up to 70 percent! Even a brisk walk can considerably benefit your eye health, whilst a good night's sleep will grant your exhausted peepers the rest they deserve.

Eat a Balanced Diet
Antioxidants have been linked to the upkeep of an eyeball's durability. Such foods to heavily integrate into your meals would be: fruits, green vegetables, bell peppers, blueberries, sweet potatoes, chia seeds, and of course, the classic carrot consumption your mummy always told you about.

Cut Down Smoking
Besides all the other overall health pitfalls of cigarettes, studies have connected smoking to uveitis, cataracts, and macular degeneration. And so when considering the habit's additional devastating disruption on your heart and lungs, it may be time to start breathing in more of nature's oxygen rather than the poisonous toxins which are costing you a fortune.

Steroids Use during Pregnancy- Corticosteroids Benefits for Premature Babies

Nov 16, 2017

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Getting a baby offers an unimaginable bounty of joy, excitement, and contentment. Moms are often overwhelmed with feelings�of total amazement, which come with bringing a new life into the world. Sadly, not all pregnant women go through the child-bearing process successfully.

One of the worst nightmares for pregnant women is undergoing premature labor. It occurs when the body begins to get ready for birth, way too early before the due date. Prematurely born babies are at a higher risk of dying or developing complications. These complications include breathing problems, bleeding in the brain among others.

According to research published in The BMJ, administering steroids to women undergoing preterm labor can reduce these risks significantly. Scientifically, this class of drugs is known as antenatal steroids. Throughout history, steroids have garnered a bad rep, primarily because of the way athletes abuse them. However, these drugs are also one of the best-kept secrets for early birth problems. This article looks at the safe use of steroids during pregnancy.

When Is It Safe to Take Steroids for Pregnant Women?

If your physician has said that you can carry your child to term, there will be no need to take steroids. Steroids are only necessary if you happen to go to labor earlier than anticipated. In such situations, the infant may not have had sufficient time to develop in the womb. By taking steroids, you up the chances of the baby being born without any defects.

You should only take steroids in the following circumstances:

If your water breaks before 28 to 34 weeks
If you have undergone premature deliveries before and are experiencing regular, intense contractions too early
If you are having twins or more and are showing signs of going into early labor

Safe Antenatal Steroids to Take During Pregnancy

Based on recent research studies, steroids are the best bet at reducing miscarriages and baby deaths. Of these steroids, the most efficient ones for this role are dexamethasone and betamethasone. Each type has its fair share of merits and drawbacks. For instance, dexamethasone is preferred by some experts because of its efficacy, safety, ready accessibility and low cost. Others prefer the latter because it is a better treatment for softening the brain of premature babies.

In general, these steroids facilitate the development of the lungs in the premature fetus. They are administered in situations where the fetus is to be delivered within 24 to 48 hours.

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Benefits of Steroids

Steroids have been found to be a lifesaver when a premature fetus, particularly one born before seven months, faces a risk of death. The following are some advantages of getting steroid shots for preterm labor:

Aid with development of the lungs

As we earlier stated, steroids help with the development of the premature baby's lungs. Usually, the baby's lungs emit a lubricant known as surfactant. Surfactant is responsible for lubricating the lungs walls. It is this lubrication that enables the airbags to move smoothly against each other when the fetus is breathing.

Help with Breathing Problems

Steroids facilitate the secretion of the lubricant that helps the fetus to breathe normally. This way, the unborn child will not be at a risk of getting respiratory distress syndrome. It is a medical problem where the baby cannot breathe without the external support.

Prevent Hemorrhaging

Premature babies are also susceptible to hemorrhaging, a grave condition that causes bleeding in the brain.

Protection from Intestinal Infections

Another risk for a child born too early is a complication of the intestines and digestive tract. Luckily, taking steroids can help combat this by preventing inflammations and intestinal infections.

Dosage of Steroids

One piece of advice that every physician gives to women prescribed to steroids is that they should not go overboard. Most steroids contain addictive elements. Consequently, it is easy for any one individual (including pregnant women) to get hooked on them.

Corticosteroids is the most common class of steroids administered to pregnant women. Usually, you will be given a shot on one of the larger muscles in your arms or legs. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Depending on the prescription, you may have to take the steroids for a long duration such as on a weekly basis. Depending on the prescription, you may have to take the steroids for a long duration such as on a weekly basis.
Often, this will only be administered if you go into preterm labor. During this time, you will receive two doses, given at intervals of 12 hours.
You may receive a repeat dose if the last shot was given more than a week ago.
Steroids are the most effective, particularly if the birth of your newborn occurs two to seven days after taking the shot.

Possible Side Effects of Steroids Taken During Pregnancy

Ideally, every kind of drug causes some side effect. It is no different with steroids. Steroids will prevent defects associated with premature birth. Sadly, they may also cause adverse effects to the mother, the most common of which is a rise in blood pressure.

Other moms are susceptible to pulmonary edema, a condition that causes water retention in the lungs. Often pulmonary edema crops up when the individual takes steroids alongside medications meant to delay preterm births.

Another likely side effect is a rise in your blood sugar level. If you have a history of diabetes, it is crucial that you monitor your blood glucose levels when taking steroids.

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Can Preterm Labor Be Prevented?

We may have found a way to prevent complications that come with premature births, but wouldn't it be better if you were able to avoid this situation in the first place? Thanks to modern medicine, there are significant advances when it comes to preventing preterm labor.

Early Prenatal Care

A simple and cost-effective way of preventing preterm labor is to go for regular checks during the pregnancy period. This way, your health practitioner will guide you on how to eat right, exercise right and sleep right! Moreover, he will prescribe prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, a vital vitamin B that staves off congenital disabilities such as spina bifida. More importantly, folic acid is effective in mitigating the risk of placental abruption- the separation of the placenta and uterine wall; and preeclampsia- an increase in blood pressure during pregnancy. These two conditions are the greatest culprits for premature deliveries.

Know the Risks

In addition to getting prenatal care, you should familiarize yourself with the risk factors that encourage preterm labor. These include prior preterm deliveries, being over or underweight, smoking and illegal drug abuse. You should consult your physician if you have any of these complications. This way, he will recommend ways to minimize these risks.

Get Tested

You should also be examined for vaginal and other reproductive problems. When you have vaginal bacterial infection, the body is prompted to release infection-fighting chemicals called cytokines. The problem with cytokines is that they also cause inflammation, which in turn initiates contractions and dilations in the cervix. Uterine infections are responsible for at least half of preterm births.

Watch your Weight

On average, pregnant women should only put on between 25 and 35 pounds. If you gain more than this, you increase the odds of complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia that increase preterm labor risk. But, underweight women are not in the clear either. Based on credible research, underweight women are at a risk of not carrying their babies to term. These persons may suffer nutritional deficiencies that create hostile environment for the fetus.

Final Thought

The benefits of receiving steroid shots during pregnancy far outweigh the risks associated. These drugs ensure that even if your baby is born too early, he will not have any complications such as bleeding in the brain and breathing issues. So if your physician recommends you to take steroids, he is only acting in your best interest. After all, it's for the safety of your child.

References

https://steroidssaleguide.com/bodybuilding-steroids-for-sale-legal-illegal-drugs-for-sports-purposes/

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/preterm-labor-adjunctive-therapy

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20160204/steroids-might-help-more-than-just-very-premature-babies-study

https://www.health4mom.org/How-To-Prevent-Premature-Birth

Five Tips for Dealing with Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Nov 14, 2017

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Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia — the ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot — becomes inflamed. This is a fairly common condition, with nearly 2 million people receiving treatment for it every year.

Plantar fasciitis is most common in people who stand, walk, or run regularly for long periods of time, as well as those who are overweight. People with high arches, flat feet, tight Achilles tendons, or tight calf muscles are also susceptible. Symptoms include pain and swelling in the feet, particularly in the arches and heels.

It may be common, but that doesn't make plantar fasciitis any less painful. If you suffer from this condition, read on for five ways that you can relieve your pain and prevent it from coming back.

1. Try Night Splints

A night splint keeps your foot in a neutral position while you sleep. Many people point their feet during the night, which can cause extra pain and tension in the plantar fascia. To counteract this, a night splint lets the fascia passively stretch throughout the night to promote healing.

Night splints are uncomfortable for some people and can disrupt their sleep. But, many more find significant relief from the pain in their feet when they use them.

2. Change Your Shoes

During the day, it's important to make sure you're wearing shoes that fit properly to help prevent pain from plantar fasciitis. Shoes that are too small are especially bad for those who already have sensitive feet, as are old shoes, which lose their shock absorption with time and put unnecessary pressure on the feet.

When shopping for new shoes, look for a pair that have thick, well-cushioned midsoles. Motion control shoes are also good for people with flat feet.

3. Change Your Socks

Compression socks can also help relieve pain from plantar fasciitis. People with plantar fasciitis experience decreased blood flow to their feet, which slows the healing process.

Compression socks can help increase blood flow to the tissue to promote healing.

There are tons of options out there when it comes to shopping for compression socks. This list of the best plantar fasciitis socks will help you choose which ones are best for you.

4. Stretch it Out

Stretching can significantly reduce pain from plantar fasciitis. One study followed 66 patients and found that, after regularly performing a series of stretching exercises for eight weeks, 94 percent of them saw a decrease in their overall pain.

The following stretching exercises are all great pain relievers.

Calf Stretch

Stand with your hands planted against a wall. Take a step back with your right foot and make sure it's flat on the floor. Slowly bend your left leg forward until you feel a stretch in your calf. Repeat this stretch at least three times on each leg, holding for 15-30 seconds.

Seated Big Toe Stretch

Sit in a chair and cross one leg over the other. Reach for you big toe and gently pull it back toward you. Repeat at least three times for 15-30 seconds before switching sides.

Seated Towel Stretch

Fold a towel lengthwise (you can also you a yoga strap, a scarf, or a resistance band). Sit down and place the towel under the arches of your feet, holding one end in each hand. Gently pull the tops of your feet toward you to stretch your arches and calves. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat at least three times.

5. Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis uses electrical impulses to send topical corticosteroids in the soft tissue of your feet to promote blood flow and relieve inflammation.

Iontophoresis must be administered by a physical therapist or athletic trainer multiple times throughout the week, so it can be costly and time consuming, but many people who have tried it have experienced a decrease in pain, an improved range of motion, and less swelling.

Final Thoughts

Millions of people are plagued by plantar fasciitis, especially those who are active or regularly wear ill-fitting footwear.

When properly utilized, these treatments listed above can all be effective, both for dealing with pain from plantar fasciitis and preventing it from getting worse and coming. Give one of them a try today for long-lasting results!

Varicocele Treatment Options

Nov 12, 2017

2422

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Varicocele, similar to varicose veins in the leg, is a relatively common condition that involves an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. Most commonly affecting younger men (ages 15-35), varicocele can cause pain, shrinkage of the testicles (testicular atrophy), and infertility.

Although the cause is uncertain, many experts believe that the condition occurs when valves within the vein malfunction, causing blood to pool and enlarge the vein, similar to the cause of varicose veins in the legs.

Most cases develop gradually, are easy to diagnose, and do not require treatment.

Varicocele that causes symptoms, however, can be treated surgically or nonsurgically.

Symptoms

Approximately 10 percent of all men have varicocele, but most of those affected do not experience symptoms. For those who do, the most common are:

Dull, aching pain in the scrotum, particularly when standing;
Testicular atrophy;
Decreased fertility.

Diagnosis

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In most cases, varicocele is reliably detected and diagnosed through a physical examination of the scrotum and an evaluation of the symptoms. When further evaluation is necessary, abnormal blood flow can often be detected with ultrasound imaging or through magnetic resonance venography.

Treatments

There are two main treatment options for varicocele:

Varicocele embolization

Varicocele embolization (also called catheter-directed embolization) is an image-guided, nonsurgical treatment performed by an interventional radiologist. Most medical facilities offer this noninvasive treatment option.

Embolization patients should be able to return home on the same day of the procedure and return to normal activities within 24 hours. Advantages of embolization include:

Shorter recovery time as compared to surgery;
No hospital admittance;
No surgical incision, just a tiny insertion site that does not require stitches;
No reported infections, which can sometimes occur after surgery;
Success rate similar to that of surgery when analyzing post-procedure pain relief, sperm quality, and pregnancy rates;
Patient remains conscious during procedure.

Some doctors believe the shorter recovery associated with embolization is a particularly important factor for men who are considering their treatment options. Even though the procedure has been available for the past two decades, recent advances have made the procedure even safer and less invasive. This is important, as varicocele patients are typically very active and want to return to work and physical activity as quickly as possible.

Surgery

Open surgery continues to be a common treatment for varicocele, but typically is only recommended if the results of embolization are not satisfactory. Varicocele surgery is usually performed by a urologist as an outpatient procedure.

Surgical patients leave the hospital the same day or stay overnight. This is followed by a two- to three-week recovery period.

Herbal Remedies

There are also a host of alternative treatment method that rely on herbal supplements. These can be an effective natural treatment for Varicocele that avoids having surgery.

7 Facts About Visual Impairment and How You Can Help to Make a Child’s Life a Bit Easier

Nov 11, 2017

1800

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Any child born with little pre-natal care runs the risk of suffering visual impairment. Any child born prematurely or to mothers under the influence risks short- and long-term problems with vision. Any child born in underdeveloped economies can develop visual impairment early.

Minor to serious visual impairment will seriously affect a child's life, sometimes for a lifetime. And, while some problems have no easy resolution, the more you know the better you can help to make a child's life a bit easier.

7 facts about visual impairment:

The most common problems in pediatric visual impairment can occur alone or in combination with other visual and health problems. They are listed here in alphabetical order:

Amblyopia: The U.S. National Eye Institute claims that Lazy Eye is the most common cause of visual impairment among children, affecting approximately 2 to 3 out of every 100 children. Unless it is successfully treated in early childhood, amblyopia usually persists into adulthood.� Amblyopia reduces visual acuity because of the poor motor control of the eye.
Congenital Cataracts: Cataracts leave the eye lens cloudy.
Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI): This problem does not lie in the eye. The impairment sits in the brain's visual cortex and maybe connected with development delays. For example, it may be found in children suffering from infantile spasms or cerebral palsy. With the related Optic Nerve Hypoplasia underdeveloped fibers in the optic nerve affect depth perception, light sensitivity, and vision acuity.
Refraction Issues: Astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness are common vision problems. Eyeglasses usually correct refraction problems until the eye is mature enough for contact lenses.
Retinitis Pigmentosa: This progressive degenerative loss of peripheral vision leaves victims severely impaired. It's a genetic burden that usually affects both eyes. The Retinal Foundation of Canada points out, Some may have visual disturbances as early as infancy while others are asymptomatic well into adulthood.�
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): When premature babies need high concentrations of oxygen, they can develop scarring, detached retinas, and/or abnormal blood vessels. While it sometimes corrects itself, it has no symptoms, so it often goes undetected until later
Strabismus: An imbalance in eye muscle imbalance creates a condition where both eyes cannot gaze on the same object at the same time. org says, It is estimated that up to 5 percent of all children have some type or degree of strabismus. Children with strabismus may initially have double vision.� The eyes cross or wander trying to correct the misalignment.

The good news?

The World Health Organization reports, An estimated 19 million children are vision impaired. Of these, 12 million children have a vision impairment due to refractive error. Around 1.4 million have irreversible blindness, requiring access to vision rehabilitation services to optimize functioning and reduce disability.�

But, WHO also reports an improvement in the statistics related to socioeconomic development in many places, community health action, and increased public awareness. With generous people moved to sponsor a child with visual disabilities in disenfranchised and economically undeveloped areas, the good news could continue.

Exploring Your Options For Dealing With Missing Teeth

Nov 10, 2017

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Your teeth are one of your most important assets and unfortunately, most people don't realize this until it is too late. Have you ever tried to eat with several missing teeth, or eat on a sore tooth? If so, you know the whole situation can be pretty difficult and painful. This is not to even mention the looks. When you have missing teeth you are probably embarrassed and feel ashamed to smile. However, not to worry because with all the advancements in the modern dental industry there are several different options you have for missing teeth, and that is exactly what you will learn about below.

Do Absolutely Nothing

Of course, the first and probably the easiest option that you have available to you is to do nothing. There really is nothing wrong with going around with a gap in your teeth. However, you should know that missing teeth could later lead to other complications down the road. Teeth are placeholders, and with a missing tooth the other teeth could begin to adjust, shift, and even change the way you bite.

Take Advantage Of Bridgework

For the last several year bridgework has been the go to option for missing or damaged teeth. While this option is extremely popular amongst the dental community, you should know that it does come along with some downsides. For instance, if one of the two anchor teeth becomes compromised, you won't just lose one tooth, you will lose the whole bridge. This means that you might end up loosing two to three teeth, which will greatly compromise your chewing and biting abilities.

Another difficult challenge is the ability to effectively clean under the bridge. Sure, you can brush is easily enough, but flossing is almost impossible. This makes it incredibly hard to get all the germs out of the gum pockets. Mouthwash and oil pulling can help, but these two methods are not an acceptable alternative to flossing.

Dental Implants

If you are wondering how dental implants replace missing teeth, you have come to the right place. These implants are fairly new to the market, but their popularity has grown widely since their discovery. However, before you consider this option there are a variety of things that you need to consider.

When an implant like this is installed, the dentist usually implants a titanium post into the gum where the tooth is missing, and a crown in placed on top of the post. Before this process can take place there will have to be several tests conducted, because some individual's bodies will reject the titanium. On the other hand, some individuals might even be allergic to titanium, so this option will not even be feasible for them.

In addition to this, titanium can put extra stress on the immune system. Dental metals are great when it comes to battling germs and bugs that develop around the gums, but they do produce what is know an atypical toxins. These will be toxins that the body is not used to, so it will be quite a challenge for the system to adapt to fighting off the development of these new toxins.

How to Help Aging Family Members Live Comfortably at Home

Nov 9, 2017

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If you have a parent or grandparent who is getting older and is not as mobile as they once were, you may be wondering what you can do to make their lives easier. When helping your family member adjust their life, consider their needs. Determine how capable they are of doing usual activities, and see if there is an area they need extra assistance with. You might be met with some resistance at first, so be prepared. Don't let your family member's fear of change keep you from making their life more manageable. They may thank you in the end and it could save their life.

Review Their Housekeeping Needs

Your family member may have a hard time doing certain household chores. They may be able to do certain tasks either by themselves or with some assistance, but find strenuous housecleaning difficult. This includes chores like vacuuming, mopping, and picking things up off the floor. If they are having trouble maintaining their home, consider coming over once a week, or hiring a housekeeper to assist them with cleaning. You can choose to help them have an entire cleaning, or just focus on things that are difficult for them to do on their own. Allowing them to continue some chores can give them a sense of independence, and keep their mind active, especially if they are housebound.

Plan Activities to Help Them Enjoy Life

Although your parent or grandparent cannot do everything they were once able to, they likely look forward to getting out and socializing. There are many different things you can do to help their minds stay active and help them enjoy life.

Consider:

Looking for socialization activities through your local parks and recreation department
Buying them books of word search and crossword puzzles to do in their free time
Planning a weekly dinner or outing to a store, park, or other place of interest
Taking them to visit friends or come by to visit more often

If your family member cannot get out as often as they would like, or doesn't feel confident enough to pursue entertainment on their own, try to encourage them to get out and have fun. If they are still able to drive and get out with friends, have them do so. You can let them know what is going on in the community that they would enjoy doing, too.

Have an Emergency System in Place

If your family member falls and they live alone, ensuring they are getting the help they need can be worrisome. Knowing When to Consider a Medical Alert System is important, since it can save their life. There are a variety of systems on the market that can meet the unique needs of your loved one. Some systems clip on to their clothing, while others can be worn around the neck or wrist. As with most medical alert device, a push of the button allows the senior to call for help if they have fallen or injured themselves, but cannot get to a phone. If you live far away, or worry about your loved one being unsteady on their feet, consider having an alert device to give you both peace of mind should an emergency occur.

Offer to Take Them to Medical Appointments

If possible, try to be active in your senior's life either by taking them to medical appointments, or taking a more active role in their care. Individuals who are at risk for dementia might need extra help. Sometimes they might not remember to tell you important details that their doctor informed them of. Other times, they will resist a family member coming in to give guidance and care, and view it as interfering with their lives. Gaining a better idea of what their medical needs are, changes that are occurring to their body, and tests or treatments your senior needs is important, particularly if they do not willingly divulge these details.

Helping Your Family Member Adjust Is Important

Changes are hard no matter what stage of life we are at. Helping your senior family member makes changes in their routines, and get the support they need is crucial if they wish to keep living on their own. Helping them through housekeeping, installing an emergency system, and keeping their minds and bodies active will ensure that they have a full life, complete with a fail-safe plan. You and your loved one can feel confident they are enjoying their life to the fullest, with all the support they need to live independently.

Are You Ready to Get Healthy? Health Tech and the iPhone 7 Plus

Nov 8, 2017

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It can be a challenge to get healthy. Eating right, being more active and keeping track of it all takes some work. Smartphone apps take the work out of it, but depending on your strategies for getting fit, you could end up with a different app for every effort. While using various apps will work, some smartphones make your health information more accessible, and Apple's�iPhone 7 Plus is one of the best.

Apple iPhone 7 Plus and the Health App

The iPhone 7 Plus comes equipped with an app called�Health, and it is one of the best tools out there to get healthy. You can use the app to track your weight, dietary calories and activity as well as your workouts and walking distance. When you open it up, you see a dashboard of all the metrics that matter most to you (once you configure it). It works well for tracking weight loss, building muscle mass and training for a marathon, but those benefits are only just the beginning.

The Health app on Apple iPhone 7 Plus can also track your fitness efforts automatically. While some of this is merely syncing the apps you use to support your health goals, Health can do much more when you choose connected devices. Here are some of the best health technologies that work with the iPhone 7 Plus.

Connected Bathroom Scales

The iPhone will keep track of your weight automatically when you use a linked bathroom scale like Withings. Just connect the two devices and weigh yourself like normal. Whether you hop on once a day, once a week or once a month, the Health app will track your weight progress.

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch also deserves mention. In addition to showing the time and displaying notifications, the smartwatch can help support your fitness goals by tracking your heart rate. The best part? It does so automatically and in the background, so you don't have to do anything to start monitoring your heart rate.

Pulse Oximeters

The Health app on the Apple iPhone 7 Plus also supports oximeters like�Masimo’s MightySat. Oximeters measure the oxygen saturation in your blood and take your pulse. The MightySat uses this information to mark changes in your breathing, measure your body's hydration, and account for the effort you expend breathing.

Smart Cycling

You can also enjoy smart cycling trackers like�Smart Halo�when you use the Health app on your iPhone 7 Plus. SmartHalo and intelligent cycling devices like it clip to your bicycle and offer tons of benefits for fitness tracking and more. It provides navigation and directions as well as distance tracking. The Smart Halo also acts as a bike alarm and lights up when the sun sets.

Sleep Monitors

There are also sleep monitors that will sync with the Health app. The�Beddit 3 Sleep Monitor�is a thin sensor you place under your mattress. It senses when you lay down and begins tracking your sleep quality immediately. The Beddit 3 collects data on your sleep time, movement, snoring, temperature, respiration and more. It also has a built-in SmartAlarm that determines the best time to wake you based on your sleep cycle.

Getting fit is hard, but choosing the right health technology makes it easy. The Apple iPhone 7 Plus can support your goals with its Health app and all the devices that sync to the program.

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