Why Yes, Sleep Is Important The importance of sleep is underappreciated. Many people wear a lack of sleep as a badge of honor, believing that they can catch up when they miss it or that sleep is a waste of productive time. On the contraryquality sleep helps to heal the body! While the amount of sleep needed varies for different people, an average of 7 to 9 hours provides the energy to meet daily activity demands. Many symptoms can arise due to poor quality sleep, including: fatigue, falls, problems with thinking; irritability, pain and weight gain. These symptoms can impact work and lifestyle and even worsen health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Yet, most people do not think of sleep as the culprit. There are many things that can be done to improve quality of sleep, such as taking a warm shower before bed, making sure the mattress and pillows are comfortable, raising the head of the bed around 4 to 6 inches to make breathing easier and dimming the lights. Getting physical activity during the day and avoiding caffeine before bed also helps. However, there are times when you check with your physician and you still cannot seem to get to sleep, stay asleep or feel rested. This is a good opportunity to ask for a sleep study to make sure you do not have an undiagnosed sleep disorder or to seek help from other professionals, like occupational therapists. Remember to shoot for quality sleep so that you have a positive effect on your heart, mind, body and spirit! Learn more about our services...
What Is Raynaud's? Content provided by Rhonda Powell, OTD, OTR/L, CHT Referred to as a disease or a phenomenon, this condition involves vasospasm of the small arteries in fingers and toes. Symptoms usually include extreme coldness in the affected digits followed by numbness. Color changes in digital tips progress from normal, to white, to blue, to red as blood flow returns. Episodes are linked with exposure to cold and are sometimes triggered by stress. The condition is fairly widespread, affecting 5-10 percent of the population. It is most prevalent in women. Although there are different types of Raynauds, the most common is Primary Raynauds and is not considered dangerous. Secondary Raynauds may be linked to systemic issues that can be diagnosed by a rheumatologist, these cases are less prevalent. In any case, if affected digits develop ulcers medical attention should be sought. While causes and cures are not well understood, the following basic precautions can minimize the frequency and severity of episodes. Dress warmly in cold weather, and wear both a hat and mittens. In cold environments, e.g. as the freezer section of a grocery store, wear gloves or mittens. Use hand and foot warmers, available in many sporting goods stores. Carry cold drinks in insulated glasses or mugs. Dont smoke. Pump your shoulders and elbows to increase circulation quickly. From our team here at the Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center, if you are experiencing symptoms that could be due to limited blood flow in your hands, please dont hesitate to reach out and schedule a visit with one of our occupational or physical therapists. Learn more about the Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center...
Ways To Live With Low Vision Content provided by Stephanie Stegman, MOT, OTR/L Eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy can cause impaired vision and make it difficult to perform daily tasks. Occupational therapists can help those with low vision best use their remaining vision, however limited, to be as successful and independent as possible in daily life. Occupational therapists will assist with adapting the task or the environment, provide training in low vision equipment such as lighting and magnifiers, and teach visual techniques such as eccentric viewing, tracking or scanning. Here are a few tips for those living with low vision: Optimize Lighting: Ensure that you have adequate lighting in the room but also directly on the task you are working on. Contrast: Adding contrasting colors to your environment can make it easier to distinguish changes in surfaces and locating items. Organization: Keep clutter out of walkways to reduce your fall risk and keep items in consistent spaces to make them easier to locate. Texture: Adding texture to items can make them easier to locate and manipulate. Audio: Many items are available with audio features to make them easier to access for people with low vision. Technology: There are many accessibility features already built into standard computers and smart phones as well as a variety of free or low cost apps available to assist people with low vision. Even a small change in vision can have a big impact on function but there are many resources available to help maintain your independence. To request a personalized occupational therapy evaluation, contact us at 314-286-1669 to make an appointment. Read all of our Low Vision tips here...
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