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The Fight for Infection Control in Nursing Homes

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One thing the pandemic has done a terrific job with is shining a spotlight on existing problems. Before COVID-19, 380,000 nursing home residents died every year due to infection. The issue was known to the community, but it was not until 1 in 5 COVID-19 related deaths in the country befell nursing home residents that America as a whole was aware. Infection control is critical to the health of nursing homes, both the residents and the facilities themselves.

What’s made infection control so spotty? The truth is that nurses are stressed and overworked. One of their duties is to clean and sanitize facility equipment, yet that job falls too often by the wayside in the wake of other responsibilities. In 2021, shared equipment was disinfected between residents only 42% of the time. The high stakes and low pay of skilled nursing has driven hundreds of thousands of workers out of the profession, cutting 15% of the workforce since 2020. 

When nurses leave, facilities can’t operate. Over 300 nursing homes closed during the pandemic itself, potentially followed by 400 more this year. Without relief, 25% of the country’s nursing homes are likely to close in about 2 or 3 years.

Infection Control: The Future of Skilled Nursing
Source: IPCWell.com



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Simple Steps to Manage Back Pain

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Back pain hurts, and can make it hard to simply stand up straight. You might feel like curling in a ball and just hiding under the covers. But don’t give into this temptation! There are many things you can do at home to help manage your pain.

Don’t ignore the pain.

If you are experiencing back pain, do not ignore it.

  • Don’t wait to see if it goes away. Back pain is often intermittent and can come and go, but this does not mean that you should wait until the pain becomes unbearable before seeking treatment. If you have tried to manage your own symptoms with over-the-counter medicines or other home remedies and they aren’t working, then see a doctor as soon as possible.
  • Don’t wait until the pain is unbearable before seeking help from a healthcare professional (HCP). Your HCP will be able to determine what’s causing your problem by taking a thorough history of your condition and performing an examination of both physical signs like range of motion testing; neurological tests such as reflexes; muscle strength assessments; joint mobility evaluations; palpation/palpable masses felt throughout various regions within their respective anatomic locations using their hands rather than x-ray machines etcetera…

Rest.

Resting is an important part of managing your back pain. Resting does not mean lying down and resting in bed. It means taking time to relax, which can be done by doing things that are easy and comfortable for you. Some examples include:

  • Taking a walk outside or around the neighborhood
  • Doing yoga or stretching exercises (the “Downward Facing Dog” pose is especially good)
  • Reading a book or magazine in a comfortable chair (make sure it has adequate back support if needed)

Exercise.

Exercise is a key component in any healthy lifestyle, and back pain is no exception. While exercise can be painful for people with back problems, it can also help alleviate pain and improve your overall health.

Exercise improves posture and strengthens core muscles that support the spine. It also increases flexibility, which makes it easier to move around without straining your back or joints. 

If you’re standing or sitting for long periods of time at work or at home–which many people do every day–exercising regularly will help improve circulation so that blood flows more freely throughout the body including into the area where you feel pain from sitting or standing too much (this is called compression). 

This increased circulation helps reduce swelling caused by inflammation as well as provide oxygenated blood cells with nutrients needed for healing damaged tissues such as cartilage disks between vertebrae bones within spinal column structures known medically as intervertebral discs (IVDs).

Eat well and stay hydrated.

You can help your back by eating well and staying hydrated.

  • Eat a balanced diet. Eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (like chicken and fish) and low-fat dairy products is important for good health in general. These foods are also good for managing back pain because they provide nutrients that support your body’s natural ability to heal itself from injury or illness–including back strain or spasms caused by heavy lifting at work.
  • Drink enough water every day: You should aim for 8 glasses of water per day; however if you’re active then increase this amount to 12 glasses per day as it will help prevent dehydration which could lead to further problems such as muscle aches/pains etc… Drinking too much caffeine can cause dehydration so ensure you don’t exceed 2 cups per day if possible.

Get enough sleep.

Sleep is essential to recovery. It helps your body recover from the day’s activities, relaxes the muscles and reduces stress. Sleep also helps your immune system recover, which means you’ll be less likely to get sick (and therefore more able to exercise). Finally, sleep promotes brain growth so that you can think clearly and make good decisions about how to manage your pain.

Invest in a good mattress.

You may be tempted to buy a mattress that is too soft, but this can cause back pain. A firm mattress reduces back pain and will support it better than a softer one.

If you are overweight or have high blood pressure, diabetes or arthritis (or other conditions that make it hard for joints to move smoothly), then consider buying an extra-firm mattress. The firmer the better!

Your height and weight should also be taken into account when shopping for a new bedding set: if you’re shorter than 5’5″, buy a shorter bed; if you weigh over 250 pounds (113kg), look into getting heavier-duty springs in your mattress so that it doesn’t sag under pressure from heavier bodies during sleep time

If you are looking for a way to manage your back pain, these tips can help. The most important thing is to not ignore the pain and take action as soon as possible. Try these steps and see how they work for you!

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Nutrition for Osteo Pubis: Dietary Recommendations for Promoting Healing & Bone Health

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Osteitis pubis, commonly referred to as “osteo pubis”, is a painful, inflammatory condition that primarily affects the pubic symphysis – the joint at the front of the pelvis. It is commonly associated with sports that involve running, kicking, or rapid changes in direction, although non-athletes can experience this condition as well.

Today, we’ll delve into the role that nutrition can play in managing osteo pubis and promoting overall bone health.

The Connection Between Nutrition and Osteo Pubis

To understand how nutrition can influence osteo pubis healing and management, it’s essential to first comprehend what the condition involves. Osteo pubis causes pain due to inflammation at the joint, a process influenced by the body’s overall inflammation status. Nutrition can either exacerbate or ameliorate this inflammation, hence its crucial role in managing osteo pubis.

Foods to Focus on for Bone Health

When looking to nutrition for bone health and healing, certain nutrients should take centre stage:

1.     Calcium: This mineral is a building block for healthy bones. Incorporate foods rich in calcium, like dairy products, leafy green vegetables, fish with edible bones, and fortified foods, into your diet.

2.     Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin helps the body absorb calcium. It’s found in fatty fish, fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and of course, sunlight.

3.     Vitamin K: This vitamin plays a vital role in bone metabolism and can be found in green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

4.     Protein: A significant component of bone, protein is vital for healing and repair. Lean meats, fish, dairy products, legumes, and nuts are excellent sources.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Osteo Pubis

To manage the inflammation characteristic of osteo pubis, consider incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet. These include:

1.     Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and in plant sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, omega-3s can help reduce inflammation.

2.     Antioxidant-Rich Foods: These combat inflammation by neutralising harmful free radicals. Berries, dark chocolate, artichokes, kale, and red cabbage are all high in antioxidants.

3.     Spices and Herbs: Certain spices, such as turmeric and ginger, have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating these into your meals can have significant benefits.

Foods to Avoid for Osteo Pubis

Just as certain foods can help, others can potentially exacerbate inflammation and slow the healing process. These include:

1.     Refined Sugars and Carbohydrates: These can promote inflammation and should be limited. Opt for whole grains and natural sweeteners instead.

2.     Saturated and Trans Fats: Found in processed and fried foods, these fats can increase inflammation.

3.     Alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with bone health and inflammation management, and should be consumed in moderation, if at all.

The Importance of Hydration

Don’t forget to hydrate! Adequate water intake supports overall health, including bone health. It aids digestion and nutrient absorption, both of which are critical for healing and maintaining strong bones.

Final Thoughts

While nutrition plays a vital role in managing osteo pubis and promoting bone health, remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. For a more holistic picture of how you can manage osteo pubis, consider speaking to your healthcare professional.

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Managing Asthma Can Be Easy With These 9 Tips

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Managing Asthma Can Be Easy With These 9 Tips

The best Asthma Treatment is Iverotaj 6 and Ivercor 12 are the best Asthma treatment.

You must monitor your symptoms regularly and assess how your lungs are functioning to ensure that asthma treatment is effective.

Create a written asthma action plan with your doctor. It will be tailored to your specific needs. Asthma refers to a condition where the airways (bronchial tubes of the lungs) become inflamed and then become blocked by mucus. This can make breathing difficult.

These are nine tips to help you manage your bronchial asthma.

Recognize the Symptoms

Bronchial attacks can sneak up on people without them realizing it. Monitor your symptoms carefully to better understand what is happening.

Many people today would not consider asthma to cause death. In fact, more than 100 people died from allergies in the United Kingdom in 2009. Twelve of these were children under 14 years old. Asthma can be treated but it can also be prevented.

Get More Information About Your Medications

Asthma sufferers can follow the instructions of their doctors regarding their medication. A steroid can be combined with another drug to treat severe episodes.

If one or more parents have allergies, the chances of a child getting bronchial asthma are nearly double.

Keep track of your symptoms

Allergy sufferers should keep a log of their symptoms and signs. This must include how you feel, and any readings from the height drift meter.

Although there are a few children with severe bronchial symptoms, they are not common.

What Causes an Attack

It may be helpful for asthmatics to understand what triggers attacks. It will help them manage their asthma better.

Many parents don’t have the time or energy to play sports.

Plan for a Diet that Includes Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Many vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants. They are known for their ability to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Keep your weight down

Being overweight can lead to more allergies.

Modern inhalers can be carried easily and are portable.

Schedule Consults with Your Doctor

Your doctor is your best tool for managing your bronchial asthma.

Lexi Davis loves to write in many areas. Preemie Twins provides statistics on allergies and research about premature births.

Asthma patients can exercise safely

Even for asthma patients, regular exercise is important for maintaining good health. Regular exercise is essential for asthma sufferers.

Discuss with your doctor a safe exercise program you can use to keep your body fit.

Asthma is manageable with medication

Always be prepared. Take your asthma medication with your wherever you go. You should also ensure you locate the nearest hospital so that you can get it quickly in an emergency.

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