It’s impossible for anyone who hasn’t experienced it, to truly understand what it feels like when a teenage boy develops breasts. While transient tissue changes under the areola are normal during puberty, boys treated with the medication Risperdal were at a much higher risk of developing glandular breast tissue that did not go away on […]
Smoking Undermines Recovery, and Damages Cells
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do when recovering from illness or injury. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach cells, increasing risk of infection and the likelihood that healing will take longer than it should. Three main compounds in cigarettes are responsible for damaging cells: nicotine, carbon monoxide, […]
Maintaining Hope during Hard Times
You probably don’t know anyone whose life is perfect all the time. Even individuals in the public eye who seem to have everything suffer from depression, mental health issues, relationship problems and financial concerns. We all share this same ocean of life with its constant ups and downs. Keeping up hope can be difficult when […]
Why Do I Need a Physiatrist for My Life Care Plan?
A physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in rehabilitation. Rehabilitation physicians manage every aspect of a trauma victim’s recovery. According to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2014) physiatrists: Oversee the entire rehabilitative team and coordinate with specialists Treat all aspects of recovery, not just a single injury Educate patients and families […]
When Drug Companies go Bad
Checks and balances are important because they help prevent greed and corruption. When adequate controls are not in place, decisions can sometimes be made for the wrong reasons, such as profit over the well-being and safety of others. We see that happen with pharmaceutical companies all too often. The recent Department of Justice ruling against […]
What the FDA Learned about TVM
In a three year span the FDA received more than 1,000 reports that transvaginal mesh used to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse was causing serious complications. These complaints were not specific to one brand of mesh, but from a total of nine different manufacturers. This suggested to the FDA that the problem […]
Preventing Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers are one of the most serious complications of spinal cord injury. They lead to pain, infection and increased mortality. Researchers have identified factors which increase the likelihood that an individual with spinal cord injury will be repeatedly hospitalized for pressure ulcers. The most important of these are called modifiable risk factors, which means […]
Bionic Suits Help Paraplegics Walk Again
Some amazing technological advances are having a profound and positive effect on individuals suffering from spinal cord injury. Bionic research has led to the development of assistive devices which strap directly onto an individual’s body. These devices enable movement and provide the wearer with much greater freedom of movement and control over their environments. One […]
What does an Eye Injury Plastic Surgeon Do?
When there is serious damage to the bones and tissues surrounding the eyes, and the muscles that connect to the globe of the eye, an ophthalmic plastic surgeon may be needed. According to the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, these specialists manage “abnormalities of the eyelids, lacrimal (tear) system, the orbit (the […]
What Should You Expect from a Life Care Plan?
There are many elements that go into developing a comprehensive Life Care Plan. Each plan is unique to the patient, their injuries, potential complications and long term needs. The Life Care Plan doesn’t just identify your basic needs for survival, but considers quality of life and providing you with an environment that ensures the greatest […]
