The Power of Mentoring This month we'd like to profile the important health benefits associated with mentoring. As outpatient Occupational Therapists, we focus on addressing critical factors related to health, including engagement in meaningful activity and participation in community and social connectedness. There is evidence that supports the value and positive outcomes that mentorship provides. With January being National Mentoring Month, we want to encourage the movement and bring awareness to the health benefits associated with social connectedness in your community. The practice of mentoring delivers positive results for the mentor and the lives of those being mentored. Learn more about National Mentoring Month. Read more about our OT Services...
Raynaud's Phenomenon Content provided by Kelly Santel, MOT, OTR/L, CHT With our bout of icy temperature changes and snow falls, winter is in full swing. Most of us survive by bundling up in hats, scarves, and gloves, but some are not as lucky. Some people can be affected by Raynauds (ray-NOHZ) disease which is the feeling of numbness and/or coldness in your fingers and toes in response to cold temperatures or stress. In this disease, small arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow and limit the circulation to the affected area; this causes the fingers to turn white, red, and even blue. Women are more susceptible to Raynauds disease than men. There are preventative measures you can take against these attacks to lessen or eliminate these symptoms from happening. Prevention Techniques:
- If you smoke, stop. Nicotine narrows the blood vessels and reduces circulation.
- Avoid medications that constrict the blood vessels, but first check with your physician or pharmacist prior to discontinuing any medication.
- Dress for warmth. Keep the trunk of your body warm and layer clothes.
- Wear light gloves around the house and to bed if symptoms occur indoors.
- Prior to going to outside, pre-warm hands with a heating pad, warm rice, or warm water.
- Pre-heat your car prior to leaving, if able.
- Wear heavy duty gloves/mittens outside with the addition of hand warmers if needed.
- Wear gloves to the grocery store, theater, mall or other places with constant air conditioning.
- Use oven mitts or gloves to go in the refrigerator or freezer.
- If your workplace is chilly, consider getting a space heater.
If these tips have not helped reduce your Raynauds symptoms, consider consulting your physician for further interventions. Wishing you warm thoughts for the remainder if this winter from Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center. Learn more about the Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center...
National Glaucoma Month Content provided by Monica Perlmutter, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, so this provides a great opportunity to remind the public about the eye condition known as the sneak thief of sight". Glaucoma is a primary cause of irreversible vision loss and is caused by damage of the optic nerve. Early detection is key because there are no obvious symptoms early on. As the disease progresses, the individual may notice decreases in side vision, and in later stages, central vision can be affected as well. Changes in side vision can make it difficult to drive safely and navigate in busy, crowded environments. If a persons central vision is affected, activities such as reading, preparing meals, and managing finances and medication can also be impacted. Glaucoma is detected during a routine eye examination using the air puff test or other means of measuring pressure inside the eye, so an important step is to receive regular check-ups with your eye doctor. If you are being treated for glaucoma, be sure to:
- Take your glaucoma medication every day.
- See your eye doctor regularly.
- Encourage family members, who may be at higher risk for developing glaucoma, to have their eyes examined.
If you have glaucoma and are experiencing difficulty with driving or other forms of community mobility, or with daily activities such as reading, and homemaking and work- related tasks, you can seek the services of a low-vision rehabilitation professional who can provide strategies and resources needed to allow you to continue to engage in your valued activities. Learn more about our Low Vision Services... |
