News
A Combination of Cognitive Training, Exercise and Vitamin D Improves Cognition
According to a recent study, adults can improve their cognition through aerobic-resistance exercises and computerized cognitive training. An additional component has now shown to even further improve cognition – vitamin D. Adults who suffer from mild cognitive impairments have shown improvement in their condition with a combination of these three, reports McKnights. The study included…
Read MoreStudy Finds Lack of Osteoporosis Prevention in Older Women
A recent study examined fracture prevention among older women who were admitted to post-acute care facilities with new fractures. It was concluded that there was no osteoporosis risk management among these women before they were admitted or after they were discharged, reports McKnights. The study included about 388,000 participants who were Medicare beneficiaries and had…
Read MoreManage Chronic Pain with Physical Activity
Pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks despite the use of medication or treatment is classified as chronic pain. Sometimes it is caused by an injury or surgery. In other instances, it can occur without any preexisting condition. A recently conducted study indicates that physical exercise can help manage chronic pain among other health benefits,…
Read MoreNew App Helps Alleviate Loneliness in Older Adults
Older adults often suffer from isolation and loneliness, especially those living in skilled nursing facilities. Loved ones living far away or a dementia diagnosis can further limit their interactions with others. Technology can help keep the connections alive. For these reasons, two high school students created a “virtual friend” to help give company to these…
Read MoreBone Fractures Associated with Reduced Life Span
Bone fractures can occur at any age. A recent study researched the impact of fractures and concluded that they are linked to one to seven years of life loss, as reported by McKnights. Study researchers created a “skeletal age” calculator for clinicians. This will allow them to increase patient awareness for preventive care. The study…
Read MoreGet Quality Sleep with a Smartwatch
Quality sleep is as necessary for good health as exercise and diet. Not getting adequate sleep can increase the risk of long-term health problems such as heart disease, dementia, high blood pressure and more. A study conducted in 2021 concluded that older adults are more likely to have problems relating to sleep such as insomnia…
Read MoreWhen did Speech-Language Pathology Begin and What do SLPs Do?
When did speech-language pathology originate in United States and why was it needed? The first speech therapists were not called clinicians. They were individuals who wanted to help others improve their speech problems. In the early 1900s, “speech correctionists” had formed interest groups to help those who had stuttering or other related speech difficulties. Eventually,…
Read MoreOlder Adults Still Inactive and Isolated Due to Pandemic
A new survey examined the effects of COVID-19 on older adults. The results concluded that even now, older adults are facing anxiety, which may result in isolation, thus keeping them less active, as reported by McKnights. Walgreens conducted this quantitative study which included about 1,000 older adults over the age of 55 years. Participants were…
Read MoreCan a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Work Alone?
Occupational therapy is rehabilitation therapy that promotes health, independence and well-being by targeting daily living activities. Occupational therapy allows people to live a better life by also helping prevent injury. Read more about why occupational therapy is important. Occupational therapists (OTs) and Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants (COTAs) work with patients to improve or maintain movement…
Read MoreWheelchair Fitting and Evaluation Writing for Adults: Tips for OTs
If you’ve worked in skilled nursing or similar settings long enough, you may have noticed that standard, manual wheelchairs provided by each facility do not universally meet each resident’s or patient’s functional needs. Occupational therapists play a vital role in their patients’ daily lives, advocating to improve their mobility and body positioning so they…
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