Health Care and Traffic Accidents

Have you ever been in a car wreck? Whether you have experienced anything from a minor “fender bender” to a full blown accident and the vehicle was totaled, you likely had some type of injuries related to the event. Not only a physical trauma is possible, but your psychological and emotional well being can be affected as well. Sometimes, those with more dangerous accidents—those who are still alive to talk about it— may also suffer from PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. And, there is a large number of accidents that are fatal. Traffic accidents have come down over the past 10 years, but there are a lot that still happen every day.

On average, another person dies in a car crash every 12 minutes in this country - that's approximately 123 deaths per day, according to CarInsuranceList.com. Through the coordinated efforts of automobile designers, manufacturers and organizations like the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), the safest cars, with the most advanced safety features are being driven off car lots each year. If that is the case, what are the most common causes of car accidents?

 Well, there are four major factors that contribute to vehicle accidents. They are, in ascending order, mechanical issues, road design / maintenance, road condition, and poor driver performance. The latter is, of course, the most significant, and 95% of all accidents involving motor vehicles - worldwide - include poor driver performance in tandem with one of the other three. If you drive long enough, chances are you will have an accident, or know someone who does. Accidents on the road in the US are so common that the number of individuals injured every year is in the millions.

While distractions can cause accidents - cell phone conversations, sipping coffee, applying make-up - the biggest cause of vehicle accidents is speeding, though aggression is quickly becoming a significant cause as well. Law enforcement officers are also generally quick to remind us that the chance of a motor vehicle accident increase by 50% once the sun goes down. According to www.CarInsuranceList.com, the following factors (in order) cause the most accidents - and all of them are under the driver's control:

--Speeding.
--Unsafe or too-frequent lane changing.
--Not using turn signals.
--Tailgating.
--Not yielding the right of way.
--Ignoring traffic signals.
--Driving while impaired by alcohol or chemicals

The good news is that children fatalities due to traffic accidents and are going down, according to CBS News. Children are dying less often in traffic accidents: Over a decade, the number who died in crashes dropped by 43 percent, according to a new government report. Health officials say the increased use of car seats and booster seats drove the decline. Still, one-third of the children 12 and under who died in 2011 were not buckled up. Young children traditionally have been only a small fraction of total traffic deaths. In the last year of the study, children accounted for 650 of the 21,000 deaths of drivers and passengers. More info is at this site: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/child-traffic-accident-deaths-declined-43-percent-over-last-decade-report/.

 Researchers in Sweden recently have found that people with ADHD are about 50 percent more likely to be in serious traffic accidents, compared to people without the condition, according to Fox News. But taking medication to control some of the symptoms may help reduce that increased risk - at least among men, according to the study. The researchers write in JAMA Psychiatry that while they can't say why there appeared to be an increased risk of serious traffic accidents among people with ADHD, past research has attributed it to inattentiveness and impulsivity. More details can be found here: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/01/30/adhd-tied-to-more-traffic-accidents-medication-may-help/.

CNN has reported that motor vehicle accidents don't just impact the people involved, they also impact the economy, to the tune of just under $100 billion for medical care and injury-related productivity losses in the United States each year, according to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday. That includes $3.6 billion annually toward injuries to children. Every 10 seconds, someone in the United States is treated in an emergency department for crash-related injuries.

 According to the study in 2010, injuries, both fatal and nonfatal, to people riding in cars and light trucks cost $70 billion a year. Injuries to motorcyclists cost $12 billion. Bicyclists and pedestrians, who are vulnerable against motor vehicles, cost $5 billion and $10 billion a year respectively, as noted by the CDC. The study also found the amount of money that goes toward motorcyclists' and pedestrians' injuries is disproportionate when compared to the number of injuries, likely due to the severity of their injuries.

While motorcyclists only account for 6 percent of motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries, they lead to 12 percent of the costs. And pedestrians, who only comprise 5 percent of motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries, consume 10 percent of the total costs, according to the study. More info is found at this site: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/08/25/motor.vehicle.accident.costs/.

Any way you look at it, traffic accidents can cause serious harm and injury, even death in tens of thousands of cases. There are causes for all of them, including weather conditions, speed, lack of attention, and other factors. The bottom line is that safety is paramount, and paying attention to your road conditions is extremely important to keep you safe. If you drive, remember to buckle up, watch your speed and the other drivers around you, and follow directions. Be careful.

Until next time.

Health Care and Melanoma

One of the most dangerous forms of cancer is melanoma—a type of skin cancer that can be very aggressive, especially in its later stages. Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers. However, it is much more dangerous if it is not found early. It causes the majority (75%) of deaths related to skin cancer.

The most dangerous form of skin cancer, these cancerous growths develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations (genetic defects) that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. These tumors originate in the pigment-producing melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanomas often resemble moles; some develop from moles, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

The majority of melanomas are black or brown, but they can also be skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue or white. Melanoma is caused mainly by intense, occasional UV exposure (frequently leading to sunburn), especially in those who are genetically predisposed to the disease. Melanoma kills an estimated 8,790 people in the US annually per the SCF.

If melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is almost always curable, but if it is not, the cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal. While it is not the most common of the skin cancers, it causes the most deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates that at present, about 120,000 new cases of melanoma in the US are diagnosed in a year. In 2010, about 68,130 of these were invasive melanomas, with about 38,870 in males and 29,260 in women. Much more info about melanoma can be found at this site: http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma.

In men, melanoma is often found on the trunk (the area from the shoulders to the hips) or the head and neck, according to the National Cancer Institute. In women, melanoma forms most often on the arms and legs. Melanoma is most common in adults, but it is sometimes found in children and adolescents. Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk. Risk factors for melanoma include the following:

• Having a fair complexion, which includes the following:
• Fair skin that freckles and burns easily, does not tan, or tans poorly.
• Blue or green or other light-colored eyes.
• Red or blond hair.
• Being exposed to natural sunlight or artificial sunlight (such as from tanning beds) over long periods of time.
• Being exposed to certain factors in the environment (in the air, your home or workplace, and your food and water). Some of the environmental risk factors for melanoma are radiation, solvents, vinyl chloride, and PCBs.
• Having a history of many blistering sunburns, especially as a child or teenager.
• Having several large or many small moles.
• Having a family history of unusual moles (atypical nevus syndrome).
• Having a family or personal history of melanoma.
• Being white.
• Having a weakened immune system.
• Having certain changes in the genes that are linked to melanoma.

Being white or having a fair complexion increases the risk of melanoma, but anyone can have melanoma, including people with dark skin. More info can be found at this website: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/melanoma/Patient.

According to the American Cancer Society, having darkly pigmented skin lowers your risk of melanoma at these more common sites, but anyone can develop this cancer on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and under the nails. Melanomas in these areas account for more than half of all melanomas in African Americans but fewer than 1 in 10 melanomas in whites. Melanomas can also form in other parts of your body such as the eyes, mouth, genitals and anal area, but these are much less common than melanoma of the skin. Find more info about melanoma at this website: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/detailedguide/melanoma-skin-cancer-what-is-melanoma.

Thinking of "ABCDE", according to the National Cancer Institute, can help you remember what to watch for:

• Asymmetry - the shape of one half does not match the other
• Border - the edges are ragged, blurred or irregular
• Color - the color is uneven and may include shades of black, brown and tan
• Diameter - there is a change in size, usually an increase
• Evolving - the mole has changed over the past few weeks or months

Surgery is the first treatment of all stages of melanoma. Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiation, biologic, and targeted therapies. Biologic therapy boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer. Targeted therapy uses substances that attack cancer cells without harming normal cells. More info can be found here: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/melanoma.html.

Once melanoma has been diagnosed and staged, your cancer care team will discuss your treatment options with you, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Depending on your situation, you may have different types of doctors on your treatment team. These doctors may include:

• A dermatologist: a doctor who treats diseases of the skin.
• A surgical oncologist (or oncologic surgeon): a doctor who uses surgery to treat cancer.
• A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.
• A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy.

Per the ACS, many other specialists may be involved in your care as well, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, nutrition specialists, social workers, and other health professionals. It is important to discuss all of your treatment options as well as their possible side effects with your treatment team to help make the decision that best fits your needs. If there is anything you do not understand, ask to have it explained.

You can make a difference in the fight against cancer by volunteering your time, participating in an event, or donating to the cause. Find out about all the ways you can get involved today. Find more details about treatment options at this site: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/detailedguide/melanoma-skin-cancer-treating-general-info.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), anyone can get melanoma. When found early and treated, the cure rate is nearly 100%. Allowed to grow, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can spread quickly. When melanoma spreads, it can be deadly. Dermatologists believe that the number of deaths from melanoma would be much lower if people:

• Knew the warning signs of melanoma.
• Learned how to examine their skin for signs of skin cancer.
• Took the time to examine their skin.

It’s important to take time to look at the moles on your skin because this is a good way to find melanoma early.  More detailed info can be found at this site: http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/m---p/melanoma.

Nothing to play around with, this disease is a killer. Make sure you see your doctor or a specialist if you have any questions about a possible melanoma or issue with a mole. Remember, waiting is not the answer. Do yourself a favor, and go get any possible skin problems checked out before you wait too long. If someone you know may have a problem, suggest they visit their primary care provider or an urgent care clinic. Taking preventive measures definitely pays off in this type of health care situation.

Until next time.

Health Care and Dental Health Month

February is Dental Health Month, and it should be celebrated by brushing, flossing, and a trip to the dentist for your semi-annual checkup. Not exciting? Well, just because you aren’t going to be eating cake and blowing out candles in the dental chair doesn’t mean you can’t feel great about good oral hygiene and a beautiful smile. Besides, you can go out for a good time later after you get your teeth cleaned and have them whitened with a really good professional teeth whitening system. Just remember to brush before you go to bed. And, your children need even more protection from poor dental health.  

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), each February, the ADA sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Whether you're a member of the dental team, a teacher or a parent, the ADA has free online resources that can help you with oral health presentations, ideas for the classroom and coloring and activity sheets that can be used as handouts. Much more info can be found at this site: http://www.ada.org/5578.aspx .

Despite the fact that it’s almost entirely preventable, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. More than 40 percent of children ages 2 to 11 have had a cavity in their primary (baby) teeth, and more than two-thirds of 16- to 19-year-olds have had a cavity in their permanent teeth. Although overall rates of tooth decay have decreased over the past four decades, decay has actually increased in preschool age children in recent years.

According to the NIDCR, the good news is there are safe and effective preventive measures that can protect teeth. Good oral hygiene practices such as thorough brushing with a fluoride toothpaste can help keep children from getting cavities. In addition, dental sealants and community water fluoridation are two other strategies that can help prevent tooth decay. More material about this can be found at this site: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/NewsAndFeatures/Announcements/ChildrensDentalHealthMonth .

Pediatric dental visits earlier in life increase the child’s comfort level with the dentist and make future visits easier, according to InsuranceNewsNet online. To best help a child learn good habits of dental care, here are a few ways for children to develop a healthy dental routine.

• Do not put a child to bed with a bottle of juice or milk. Letting children go to sleep in the crib with a bottle can cause tooth decay.
• Establish brushing routines early. Use a rubber fingertip to clean babies’ teeth. As teeth develop, they can begin brushing, but a parent should go in afterwards and go over it again to ensure they are doing it correctly. cbg recommends supervising until they are approximately 9-years-old.
• Limit snacks to no more than three times per day. Avoid sticky snacks like fruit roll-ups and gummy bears.
• Schedule a child’s first dental visit as early as 6 months, even if there is only one tooth.

More information can be found at this site: http://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/2014/02/04/in-recognition-of-2014-national-children%e2%80%99s-dental-health-month-capital-benefits-a-455246.html .

Here are some facts about dental issues with children that are very concerning, according to the Chicago Dental Society:

§  Tooth decay is the number one chronic illness in children.

§  51 million school hours are lost each year to dental problems.

§  Research shows that if a child’s tooth decay goes untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, speech problems and even loss of self-esteem.

According to the Academy for General Dentistry, a visit to the dentist doesn't just benefit the child. Parents can pick up tips about properly caring for their child's teeth. Talk to your dentist to learn how to soothe teething irritations, stop prolonged pacifier- and finger-sucking, modify your child's diet to reduce cavity-causing sugars, and more. This month of February is especially dedicated to the oral health of children. Pediatrics and family dentists are thoroughly making efforts to reduce problems of dental health in kids. More information can be found here: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/national-childrens-dental-health-month-begins-454805.htm.

If you or your family have not been to the dentist yet, use this opportunity to schedule a checkup for your good dental health. Plus, take your kids if they haven’t been yet. A great smile is priceless.

Until next time.

Health Care and Tennis Elbow

Ever hear anyone complain about tennis elbow, or perhaps feel you are suffering from it yourself? Is it because you are guilty of just playing too much tennis, or is the root cause something else?  Tennis elbow is a common term for a condition caused by overuse of arm, forearm, and hand muscles that results in pain in your elbow. You don't have to play tennis to get this, but the phrase developed because it can be a significant problem for some tennis players.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition of the elbow. Not surprisingly, playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition. But several other sports and activities can also put you at risk. Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow.

The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse — repeating the same motions again and again. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. There are many treatment options for tennis elbow. In most cases, treatment involves a team approach. Primary doctors, physical therapists, and, in some cases, surgeons work together to provide the most effective care, according to the AAOS.

The symptoms of tennis elbow develop gradually. In most cases, the pain begins as mild and slowly worsens over weeks and months. There is usually no specific injury associated with the start of symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of tennis elbow include:

·         Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow

·         Weak grip strength

The symptoms are often worsened with forearm activity, such as holding a racquet, turning a wrench, or shaking hands. Your dominant arm is most often affected; however both arms can be affected, according to the AAOS. Much more info can be found at their website: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00068.

According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), pain is the primary reason for patients to seek medical evaluation. The pain is located over the outside aspect of the elbow, over the bone region known as the lateral epicondyle. This area becomes tender to touch. Pain is also produced by any activity which places stress on the tendon, such as gripping or lifting. With activity, the pain usually starts at the elbow and may travel down the forearm to the hand. Occasionally, any motion of the elbow can be painful. Here are some non-surgical ways to help improve the condition:

Activity modification – Initially, the activity causing the condition should be limited. Limiting the aggravating activity, not total rest, is recommended. Modifying grips or techniques, such as use of a different size racket and/or use of 2-handed backhands in tennis, may relieve
the problem.

Medication –anti-inflammatory medications may help alleviate the pain.

Brace –a tennis elbow brace, a band worn over the muscle of the forearm, just below the elbow, can reduce the tension on the tendon and allow it to heal.

Physical Therapy -may be helpful, providing stretching and/or strengthening exercises. Modalities such as ultrasound or heat treatments may be helpful.

Steroid injections –A steroid is a strong anti-inflammatory medication that can be injected into the area. No more than (3) injections should be given.

Shockwave treatment – A new type of treatment, available in the office setting, has shown some success in 50–60% of patients. This is a shock wave delivered to the affected area around the elbow, which can be used as a last resort prior to the consideration of surgery.

Surgery is only considered when the pain is incapacitating and has not responded to conservative care, and symptoms have lasted more than six months. Surgery involves removing the diseased, degenerated tendon tissue, according to ASSH. Procedures are typically performed in the outpatient setting. More info about tennis elbow can be found at this site: http://www.assh.org/Public/HandConditions/Pages/TennisElbow.aspx.

According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), if your tennis elbow is due to sports activity, you may want to:

• Ask about any changes you can make in your technique.
• Check any sports equipment you are using to see if any changes may help. If you play tennis, changing your grip size of the racket may help.
• Think about how often you have been playing and whether you should cut back.

If your symptoms are related to working on a computer, ask your manager about making changes to your work station or have someone look at how you chair, desk, and computer are set up. An occupational therapist can show you exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles of your forearm. More info can be found here: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000449.htm.

According to SportsInjuryClinic.net, stretching exercises for tennis elbow should begin as soon as pain allows. They should be performed very gently at first and continue throughout the rehabilitation process and after. Hold stretches initially for 10 - 15 seconds - during the acute stage. Later stretches can be held for up to 40 seconds. Repeat stretches 3 times and aim to stretch at least 3 times a day. Tennis elbow strengthening exercises should also begin as soon as pain allows. Again this will depend on how bad the injury is and is likely to be a few days after stretching exercises commence.

The basic rule is if it hurts doing the exercise then wait! Start with static exercises and gradually progress. When these can be done comfortably move onto concentric and then eventually eccentric type exercises. It is important that strengthening exercises are done before trying to return to activity. Also apply cold therapy after strengthening exercises to control pain and inflammation. Returning to regular activities should be done gradually whether the injury is work related or sport related. Only go back to normal activities when the elbow is pain free and strengthening exercises have been progressed. Much more information can be found at this site:  http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/elbow-pain/tennis-elbow/rehabilitation-of-tennis-elbow.

Tennis elbow can be a serious injury if left untreated, and it can cause long term damage if you don’t take care of getting an early diagnosis and subsequent treatment. If you feel you may be experiencing pain due to overuse or continuous types of similar movements, see your doctor. Your physician should be able to diagnose your issue and recommend how you should take care of the problem. More serious cases should be referred to an orthopedic specialist for possible surgery or other options.

Until next time.

Health Care and Spinal Cord Injuries

Your spine allows you to help stand up straight and do some pretty amazing movements. It also aids in the control of your ability to feel pain. The “cord” is that nerve that runs from top to bottom through the middle of your vertebrae and connects with the nerves in your body. If the spinal cord is injured, the affects can be debilitating not only physically but also psychologically to the individual, and often to the family. Your world instantly changes.

Learning that you, a family member or friend has gotten a spinal cord injury is devastating and overwhelming news, according to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The best way to combat your feelings of helplessness and confusion is to arm yourself with information on what a spinal cord injury is, and what it means in terms of short-term planning and long-range goals.

According to this website, http://www.apparelyzed.com/spinal_cord_injury.html, the spinal cord is about 18 inches in length and extends from the base of the brain, surrounded by the vertebral bodies, down the middle of the back, to about the waist. The nerves that are situated within the spinal cord are called upper motor neurons (UMNs) and their function is to carry the messages back and forth from the brain to the spinal nerves along the spinal tract.

The spinal nerves that branch out from the spinal cord to the other parts of the body are called lower motor neurons (LMNs). These spinal nerves exit and enter at each vertebral level and communicate with specific areas of the body. The sensory portions of the LMN carry messages about sensation from the skin such as pain and temperature, and other body parts and organs to the brain. The motor portions of the LMN send messages from the brain to the various body parts to initiate actions such as muscle movement, per the info on the Apparelyzed site.

The spinal cord is the major bundle of nerves that carry nerve impulses to and from the brain to the rest of the body. The brain and the spinal cord constitute the Central Nervous System. Motor and sensory nerves outside the central nervous system constitute the Peripheral Nervous System, and another diffuse system of nerves that control involuntary functions such as blood pressure and temperature regulation are the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems. Much more detail about spinal cord injuries can be found at the Apparelyzed website.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA), any damage to the spinal cord is a very complex injury. People who are injured are often confused when trying to understand what it means to be a person with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Will I be able to move my hands? Will I walk again? What can I do? Each injury is different and can affect the body in many different ways.

Damage to the spinal cord can occur from either a traumatic injury or from a disease to the vertebral column. In most spinal cord injuries, the backbone pinches the spinal cord, causing it to become bruised or swollen. Sometimes the injury may tear the spinal cord and/or its nerve fibers. An infection or a disease can result in similar damage. After a spinal cord injury, all the nerves above the level of injury keep working like they always have. From the point of injury and below, the spinal cord nerves cannot send messages between the brain and parts of the body like they did before the injury.

The doctor or specialist examines the individual to understand what damage has been done to the spinal cord. An X-ray shows where the damage occurred to the vertebrae. The doctor does a "pin prick" test to see what feeling the person has all over his body (sensory level). The doctor also asks, "what parts of the body can you move?" and tests the strength of key muscle groups (motor level). These exams are important because they tell what nerves and muscles are working.

A person's injury is described by its level and type. The level of injury for a person with SCI is the lowest point on the spinal cord below which there is a decrease or absence of feeling (the sensory level) and/or movement (the motor level), according to NSCIA. A significant amount of information about SCI can be located on this site: http://www.spinalcord.org/resource-center/askus/index.php?pg=kb.book&id=56.

According to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Immediately after a spinal cord injury, the spinal cord stops doing its job for a period of time called “spinal shock.” The return of reflexes below the level of injury marks the end of spinal shock. At this time, a doctor can determine if the injury is complete or incomplete. If the injury is incomplete, some feelings and movement may come back. Rehabilitation usually begins immediately.

The individual will be instructed in strengthening exercises, new styles of movement, and the use of special equipment. If additional recovery of feeling or movement does not occur, a rehabilitation team will help the individual to develop new goals. More material on this subject can be found at their website: http://www.pva.org/site/c.ajIRK9NJLcJ2E/b.6344373/k.4182/Spinal_Cord_Injury_Information.htm.

Traumatic injury to the spinal cord, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), can result in neurologic impairments in any body system controlled by the affected nerves, including musculoskeletal (resulting in incomplete or complete paraplegia or tetraplegia), respiratory, urinary, or gastrointestinal. Long-term complications from SCI also include any psychological side effects, such as depression and anxiety. The CDC has statistics about SCI that are very interesting:

Occurrence:

·         About 200,000 people are currently living with SCI in the United States.

·         Annually, 15 to 40 new cases per million people—or 12,000 to 20,000 new patients—are estimated to occur.

·         Alcohol has been found to play a major factor in 25% of spinal cord injuries.

Cost:

·         Average annual medical cost: $15,000–$30,000 per year

·         Estimated lifetime cost: $500,000–more than $3 million, depending on injury severity

Causes:

·         Motor vehicle accidents: 46%

o    Use of a seatbelt can reduce the odds of a spinal cord injury by 60%

o    Use of a seatbelt and airbag combined can reduce the odds of injury by 80%

·         Falls: 22%

·         Violence: 16%

·         Sports: 12%

Demographics:

·         Males account for 80% of spinal cord injury patients.

o    Most new SCI cases occur in persons younger than 30 years old; an estimated 50%–70% occur in those aged 15–35 years.

·         Estimated racial/ethnic distribution:

o    White: 65%

o    African American: 25%

o    Hispanic: 8%

o    Other: 2%

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an important contributing factor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. More info can be found at this site: http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/scifacts.html.

Adjustment to paralysis is a process of changing one's thoughts and feelings and is something that takes time. The goal of adjusting is to rebuild one's identity and to find a new balance in relationships. The stages of adjustment can include grieving, taking control, talking about your disability, taking care of yourself, and looking ahead, according to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Depression is a serious medical disorder that affects your thoughts, feelings, physical health and behaviors as well as other aspects of your life. Depression can cause physical and psychological symptoms. It can worsen pain, make sleep difficult, cause loss of energy, take away your enjoyment of life and make it difficult for you to take good care of your health.

Other symptoms include oversleeping, change in weight, loss of interest or pleasure, and/or negative thoughts. Depression is common in the spinal cord injury population--affecting about 1 in 5 people. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from depression, please speak with your physician. A lot of information about SCI can be found at this website: http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4409743/k.C825/About_Us.htm.

Spinal Cord Injuries happen frequently every year, and they are dangerous. If you or a loved one has suffered an SCI, see your doctor regularly to monitor your treatment and ongoing rehabilitation. You also may need to secure mental or spiritual counseling on occasion if you suffer from any emotional trauma from time to time. This health care situation is serious, and it should be handled by trained professionals who can help you deal with the affects long term if your recovery is not immediate or within a short period of time.

Until next time.

Health Care and Hip Replacement

Over time your joints can age and movement can become painful, especially in your hips. Older men and women are more susceptible to this type of health difficulty. Whether you have just begun exploring treatment options or have already decided to undergo hip replacement surgery, you should consider information that can help you understand the benefits and limitations of total hip replacement.

 If your hip has been damaged by arthritis, a fracture, or other conditions, common activities such as walking or getting in and out of a chair may be painful and difficult. Your hip may be stiff, and it may be hard to put on your shoes and socks. You may even feel uncomfortable while resting, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

If medications, changes in your everyday activities, and the use of walking supports do not adequately help your symptoms, you may consider hip replacement surgery. Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can relieve your pain, increase motion, and help you get back to enjoying normal, everyday activities. First performed in 1960, hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful operations in all of medicine. Since 1960, improvements in joint replacement surgical techniques and technology have greatly increased the effectiveness of total hip replacement. More info can be found at the AAOS site: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00377.

People with hip joint damage that causes pain and interferes with daily activities despite treatment may be candidates for hip replacement surgery, according to the National Institutes for Health. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of this type of damage. However, other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling), osteonecrosis (or avascular necrosis, which is the death of bone caused by insufficient blood supply), injury, fracture, and bone tumors also may lead to breakdown of the hip joint and the need for hip replacement surgery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 332,000 total hip replacements are performed in the United States each year.

In the past, doctors reserved hip replacement surgery primarily for people over 60 years of age. The thinking was that older people typically are less active and put less stress on the artificial hip than do younger people. In more recent years, however, doctors have found that hip replacement surgery can be very successful in younger people as well. New technology has improved the artificial parts, allowing them to withstand more stress and strain and last longer.

Today, a person’s overall health and activity level are more important than age in predicting a hip replacement’s success. Hip replacement may be problematic for people with some health problems, regardless of their age. For example, people who have chronic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, or conditions that result in severe muscle weakness, are more likely than people without chronic diseases to damage or dislocate an artificial hip.

People who are at high risk for infections or in poor health are less likely to recover successfully. Therefore they may not be good candidates for this surgery. Recent studies also suggest that people who elect to have surgery before advanced joint deterioration occurs tend to recover more easily and have better outcomes. More info can be found at this website: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Hip_Replacement/.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, as with any surgical procedure, complications can occur. Some possible complications may include, but are not limited to, the following:

·         Bleeding

·         Infection

·         Blood clots in the legs or lungs

·         Dislocation

·         Need for revision or additional hip surgery

·         Nerve injury resulting in weakness or numbness

There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure. A significant amount of information, including how to prepare for surgery, what happens during the surgery in the hospital, and recovery, can be found at this website: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/orthopaedic/hip_replacement_surgery_procedure_92,P07674/.

Some surgeons, however, are performing another type of hip surgery, according to the New York Times, called anterior hip replacement. The surgeon makes the incision at the front of the hip instead of through the buttocks or the side of the hip. This approach permits the doctor to reach the hip socket without cutting through major muscle groups.

 Proponents claim that the procedure results in less pain and fewer complications for patients than standard hip replacement. There is more and more data that patients recover quicker, discontinue use of a cane or walker sooner, and have a quicker return to a normal gait. Proponents note that because the operation spares muscles, patients don’t need to limit their movements during the recovery period.

Surgeons who perform the procedure also say the anterior position makes it easier for them to use fluoroscopy, a real-time X-ray technique that allows doctors to precisely position the implanted artificial hip. That, in turn, may allow artificial hips to last longer. And since the major muscle groups of the hip are left untouched, there appears to be a lower risk that the artificial joint might pop out, or dislocate. Conventional hip replacement techniques have a dislocation rate of about 1 percent. Preliminary studies suggest that the rate following anterior surgery may be less than one-third of that, according to the NY Times.

Yet reports of the benefits are mostly anecdotal, based on surgeons’ experience. No large randomized studies have been done comparing the outcome of anterior surgery with other approaches. And there are downsides. Anterior hip replacement often takes longer to perform and can result in more blood loss. Some patients experience temporary numbness in the thigh afterward.

Because the operation is tricky to perform, there is a steep learning curve for physicians, which partly explains why it hasn’t been taught as widely as other approaches in medical schools. Special operating tables have been designed that make the surgery easier to perform, but many medical centers don’t have them. Even surgeons who perform the new procedure are quick to say that it isn’t “minimally invasive,” the term often used in marketing materials. More info on this procedure can be found at this site: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/18/faster-recovery-from-hip-surgery/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0.

According to NPR, what patients really need is knowledge. The Internet is great for providing information, but it lacks a context in which to interpret that. How does a patient sift through all the information and make an informed decision? And, patients should investigate hip replacement information on a reputable website.

One key question to ask an orthopedic surgeon is about the number of times he or she performs this procedure in a year. Like most things in medicine, practice makes perfect. And being expert means performing a surgery at least 100 times a year. Once patients have found a doctor, they should talk the physician which technique is best, given the patient's history and preferences.

All techniques have improved over the years, with fewer complications and faster recovery times. Plus, all approaches to hip replacement have gotten less invasive over time because of medical practitioners’ understanding of anatomy, more sophisticated surgical tools and instruments that allow better access with a smaller incision. All the surgical approaches are less invasive than they were seven to 10 years ago. More info can be found at this site: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/07/15/200862227/new-anterior-approach-to-hip-replacement.  

Hip replacement surgery should not be taken lightly. Consult your doctor and any specialist recommended about your particular situation. You may or may not be a good candidate. Only a medical professional can guide you to make that decision. Do your research well. Once chosen, then remember to follow all the advice given for both pre-op and post-op recovery.

Until next time.