Miniature Therapy Horses Are Just What the Doctor Ordered

Health

Nancy DeVault

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June 9, 2021

Miniature Therapy Horses Are Just What the Doctor Ordered

Hospital patients don’t expect to see small stallions strutting the hallways; but that’s becoming the norm thanks to Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses. This North Central Florida based organization visits 25,000 people each year at medical treatment sites, hospice centers, assisted living communities, veteran and first responder facilities and even personal homes.

Now one of the largest equine therapy programs in the world, Debbie Garcia-Bengochea co-founded Gentle Carousel in Ocala more than two decades ago. At the time, therapeutic riding options were available at area farms, but the former school principal identified an accessibility gap.

“There were (and are) a lot of people who can’t get out to the horses, so we bring the horses to them,” she explains. While maintaining a strong local presence, Gentle Carousel now has a secondary farm in Tennessee, an affiliate site in Greece and also conducts visitations nationwide. “When the elevator door opens and mini horses walk out, no one is thinking about cancer or disease for a while,” she says. But creating such memorable distractions takes hard work.

Miniature therapy horses help patients impacted by illness and/or disability. — *Photo: Gentle Carousel visits patients at Haven Hospital in Gainesville.*

Through an intensive two-year preparation program, the tiny house-trained team learns how to navigate stairs, ride elevators, tolerate sounds (i.e. ambulance sirens, helicopters), maneuver tight spaces, interact with people with differing abilities and many more impressive tasks. The horses collaborate with doctors, therapists and other professionals to support survivors of stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations, burns and other conditions requiring physical and emotional rehabilitation.

The horses have a way of easing tension in times of stress. “The horses don’t just visit people; they become a part of the treatment team,” asserts Garcia-Bengochea. For example, a person learning to walk again may feel less apprehensive when using a miniature horse as a crutch; and a patient healing from burns may not notice their pain as much when focused on combing a beautiful mane.

In other environments, the goal is purely horse play! The Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida serves as a comfortable home away from home for families with children receiving care at medical facilities. On a weekly basis for the past 15 years, Gentle Carousel’s horses have stomped through the house to the delight of residents and staff alike.

“For one moment in time, our families can think about something other than their child being in the hospital, and feel happiness and hope,” says Sherry Houston, Ronald McDonald’s executive director. “The horses are very intuitive, so they can engage with patients at their level.” Kiddos take the reins to guide horses around the butterfly garden. And playful ponies also gallop from room to room to hug those on bed rest.

These therapeutic interactions are much different than that of therapy dogs or companion animals. “A miniature horse uniquely brings joy and awe,” Houston says. A full-size horse can be intimidating, but the small statute of miniatures is welcoming for all.

On the other end of the age spectrum, the tiny team has tall orders at assisted living facilities and senior centers. Garcia-Bengochea says horse visits are especially blissful for elders who either grew up in or worked in Ocala’s large equine community. [Ocala, Florida is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.”] Some seniors simply appreciate the wow factor of the costuming, props and music.

The petite squad currently includes 19 horses, most of which have striking blue eyes. Perhaps the most well-known of the herd, a horse named ‘Magic’ has proven that the blue ribbon isn’t the only equine distinction. Magic was inducted into the hall of fame of both the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and the United States Equestrian Federation/Equus Foundation. Producing a truly magical moment, Magic was the guest of honor at a tea party honoring a terminally ill 5-year-old girl. “Magic and two of equine friends arrived in their tuxedos, and the little girl’s cousins wore princess dresses,” recalls Garcia-Bengochea. “It was a chance to create a lasting happy memory for her and her family.”

Gentle Carousel also serves those affected by trauma. “The first time the [surviving] children from Sandy Hook Elementary saw each other after the shooting, Magic was there at the Newtown Public Library,” Garcia-Bengochea shares. “It was the beginning of their healing.” Gentle Carousel likewise helped after the shootings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC and Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, FL; the tornadoes in Moore, OK; the fires in Gatlinburg, TN; and child trafficking incidents in Washington, D.C.

Additionally, Gentle Carousel is active in the community through literacy and kindness programs held at local libraries, schools and youth centers. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, however, Gentle Carousel transitioned to FaceTime chats and social media connections. More than half a million Facebook followers can watch “Story Time on the Farm with Mr. Jorge,” led by Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, co-founder and head trainer, alongside a horse. And like so many other businesses and organization well over a year into pandemic life, Gentle Carousel is working to find a new normal as coronavirus cases trend downward.

“We are doing face-to-face [encounters] and tele-visits right now, depending on the situation,” Garcia-Bengochea cautions. “The horses visited with an assisted living program in-person yesterday… but outdoors instead of indoors. Today, we are doing a reading program with the horses at a library, on the front lawn. There are many things that we learned from the tele-visits and will continue using in the future. FaceTime is fun for young patients! Everyone wants to hear ‘There is a pony on the phone for you.'”

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Gentle Carousel encounters are free of charge but, because of the pandemic, the organization’s annual fundraiser was canceled. Thus, to support the mission, donors can contribute monetary gifts and/or items listed on the charity’s Amazon Wish List. For more information, visit GentleCarouselTherapyHorses.com.

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All photos courtesy of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.

A version of this article originally ran in Natural Awakenings, a sister publication to AmeriDisability.

Nancy DeVault is an award-winning writer/editor contributing to local and national publications. Her storytelling spans a wide range of topics, including charity, disability, food, health, lifestyle, parenting, relationships and travel. Married with two kiddos, Nancy describes herself as a lover of the outdoors, fitness, news, traveling and binge reading magazines while sipping coffee.‍

Braille Institute Offers 110 Free Online Spring/Summer Courses, Including Laughing Yoga and Making Technology Work For You

Education

Staff Writer

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June 8, 2021

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Braille Institute Offers 110 Free Online Spring/Summer Courses, Including Laughing Yoga and Making Technology Work For You

The Braille Institute is pleased to offer more than 110 courses this spring/summer 2021 that are available for free to anyone (worldwide) who is blind or visually impaired. During the coronavirus pandemic, many of those with disabilities have felt especially isolated and have found it difficult to socialize and connect with others. Individuals who are blind or have limited vision and utilize tactile cues, such as touch, have found it particularly challenging.

“We are thrilled to offer courses in technology, cooking, art, music, exercise and even peer support groups for anyone who is visually impaired. Individuals can call-in to classes from their home using a computer, smartphone or even a traditional phone,” said Lisa Jimenez, Vice President of Programs and Services. Presently, more than 1,500 people are participating in classes and workshops remotely from all over the U.S. and even from as far away as England and Australia.

Classes and workshops are “live classes” allowing for students to speak with the instructor and socialize with fellow classmates. For certain classes, activity kits are mailed to students in advance so they can work on specific skills to keep them active and independent. Ron P., a Braille Institute student from San Diego, has been attending remote classes for more than a year. He shared, “I really enjoy the online experience. For me it has probably been as good as face to face. All the instructors have been wonderful. It has been a huge help to me especially during the pandemic.”

Class offerings range from mindful courses such as Laughing Yoga, to technology classes on helpful apps like Instacart for grocery delivery, to outside speakers discussing timely topics like COVID-19 scams. Select classes and workshops are also offered in Spanish.

This spring/summer semester runs from May 3 to August 13, 2021. Participants can join anytime throughout the semester. Call 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553) to receive a free class catalog or visit brailleinstitute.org/classes-events for a full listing of available workshops.

Braille Institute offering free online courses this spring/summer.

Check out what Braille Institute students have to say about their online class experience:

Karen B. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdi-tgRgHSc‍
Nelly E. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKVKehglphM

Here are other AmeriDisability articles that may interest you:

Singer Terri Gibbs Always Had a Clear Vision for Music Despite Blindness
Innovative Electronic Glasses Help the Visually-Impaired See Clearly
The Beautiful Artistic Vision of a Blind Artist
Ask the Expert: Vision Health as You Age

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Photos/videos courtesy of the Braille Institute.

COVID-19 Increases Stroke Risk, according to an Orlando Neurologist

Health

Staff Writer

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May 27, 2021

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COVID-19 Increases Stroke Risk, according to an Orlando Neurologist

People who are younger than 50 and who don’t fit the typical profile of those at high risk of stroke are experiencing blood blockages in the brain when they are infected with COVID-19.

The link between COVID-19 and strokes is related to inflammation caused by the virus that makes people more likely to develop potentially brain-damaging blood clots, according to Dr. Indrani Acosta, a vascular neurologist and medical director for stroke care at AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division in Orlando.

Covid-19 increases risk of stroke. — *Photo: Dr. Indrani Acosta*

“Right now, in clinical practice, if a patient is admitted with acute ischemic stroke and that patient has a large vessel stroke, is under the age of 50 and has no traditional risk factors for stroke, we are thinking the No. 1 cause is an active infection of COVID-19,” Acosta said on today’s AdventHealth Morning Briefing.

Acosta said the number of patients at AdventHealth’s Central Florida hospitals continued to trend down this last week of May 2021 to about 280 from 300 the previous week. The “steady decline” is the result of more people being protected by the vaccine, she said.

“Less hospitalizations usually means less deaths from the disease, so that is encouraging,” Acosta explained.

But those who have not been vaccinated and become infected continue to experience devastating consequences such as strokes, which can cause speech impairment, paralysis and other neurological deficits. Acosta emphasized the need for everyone to pay attention to their own risk factors for strokes, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.

Symptoms of a stroke include:

drooping on one side of the face
weakness on one side of the body
speech impairment
vision changes

If you or a loved one are experiencing those symptoms call 9-1-1 immediately because strokes must be treated right away.

Find additional information about Covid-19 here:

This article was published on May 27, 2021. Information about the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, and information may have changed by the time you read this.

Photo credit: CDC and AdventHealth

Airbnb Offering Experiences and Stays With ‘Accessibility in Mind’ — From Adaptive Hiking to Therapeutic Surfing

Travel

Staff Writer

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May 27, 2021

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With travel restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic starting to lift, many people — with and without disabilities — want to get away and get outside. And, in an effort to encourage accessibility, Airbnb is highlighting ways to get closer to nature through their ‘Experiences’ designed by hosts with accessibility in mind and, also, places to stay with accessibility features.

Experiences

From adaptive hiking with off-road wheelchairs and therapeutic surfing designed for neurodiverse guests, to serene sound healing in Sedona, Airbnb Experiences that consider a variety of interests and needs are more readily available to book. Plus, for those who want to explore the world from home, Online Experiences like this virtual farm visit with therapy animals can transport guests.

Stays

From a cabin overlooking a picturesque lake and to a luxury yurt with a deck to relax on, Airbnb has many unique rentals inclusive of an array of accessibility features.

Prioritizing Accessible Travel

To celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Airbnb partnered with No Barriers, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people of all backgrounds and abilities to get some of their members out and exploring the great outdoors.

“More than 90 percent of No Barriers community members say they are ready to explore the world this summer, with nearly 90 percent planning visits to natural areas and 53 percent to urban centers. Yet, people with disabilities need more accessible options when it comes to planning travel and activities. We are glad to see Airbnb is working to help fill that need and we are honored to be partnering with Airbnb to help make more accessible adventures possible for our community this summer,” said Erik Weihenmayer, co-founder of No Barriers, bestselling author and blind adventurer

“As part of our mission of belonging, we continue working to grow the number of stays and Experiences for guests with accessibility needs. With guests starting to embrace the great outdoors again, I’m delighted to highlight adventurous Experiences, from a beginner’s horseback ride designed for neurodiverse guests to an adaptive canoe excursion. As a full time wheelchair user, I’ve also been inspired by Hosts’ stylish rural homes with accessibility features,” said Suzanne Edwards, Airbnb Head of Accessibility Standards.

Virtual experiences are appealing to travelers with and without disabilities. — *Photo: Explore in-person or virtual farm experiences and stays.*

Are you traveling this summer? Share your pictures with AmeriDisability via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more inspiration, check out more experiences and stays by AirBnB.

For more travel ideas, read more AmeriDisability articles:

Photos courtesy of AirBnB

5 Myths About Mental Illness — and What You Really Need to Know

Health

Guest Contributor

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May 26, 2021

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5 Myths About Mental Illness — and What You Really Need to Know

By Javier Lopez-De-Arco, MD

Despite increased focus on the importance of mental health, many myths still exist about what mental illness is and what it looks like.

Some of the biggest misconceptions about mental health are:

1. MYTH: You’re either mentally ill or mentally healthy.

TRUTH: Just like any illness, a mental disorder can affect you in different degrees of severity.

2. MYTH: Mental illness is a sign of weakness.

TRUTH: Whether an illness is physical or mental, it is not a sign of weakness, but rather the result of genes, physical illness, injury, brain chemistry, family history and/or life experiences.

3. MYTH: You can’t prevent mental health problems.

TRUTH: Not all mental health problems are preventable, but early recognition and treatment can help diminish symptoms significantly.

4. MYTH: People with mental illness are violent.

TRUTH: Most people with mental health problems are nonviolent. Only 3% to 5% of violent acts are attributed to mental health disorders.

5. MYTH: Mental health problems last forever.

TRUTH: Although not all mental health conditions are curable, most are treatable with an array of approaches, and many people with mental health conditions recover completely.

Many myths surround mental health. — *photo credit: CDC*

What is a Mental Health Disorder?

Now that we know some of what isn’t true about mental health, let’s talk about what is. A mental health disorder is a behavioral or mental pattern that causes significant distress or impairment of personal functioning. This can be persistent, relapsing and remitting, or occur as a single episode.

Mental disorders are common. In the U.S., 46 percent of the population qualifies for a mental illness at some point. The most common disorders seen in the U.S. are anxiety disorder (28.8 percent), impulse-control disorder (24.8 percent), mood disorder (20.8%) and substance use disorder (14.6%). While rates of psychological disorders are often the same for women and men, women tend to have a higher rate of depression, with 73 million women affected by major depression each year, and suicide ranked 7th as the cause of death for women aged 20 – 59.

Almost everyone has anxiety, impulsiveness or mood swings or may overindulge in alcohol occasionally. The difference lies in the degree these feelings interrupt a person’s life. To be classified as a mental disorder, the psychological syndrome or pattern is associated with distress, disability, increasing risk of death or causing a significant loss of autonomy.

Women are at greater risk of depression. — *photo credit: National Institute of Mental Health*

What are Signs of a Mental Disorder?

The signs of mental disorder can vary, but because mental illness affects thoughts, feelings, behaviors and general interactions with the world, it can cause life to spiral out of control.

Some symptoms to look for include:

A drastic change to the sense of self; a fundamental change in a person’s identity.
Psychosomatic troubles, which are physical symptoms caused by mental conflict and stress, such as difficulty concentrating and learning. A person may feel disoriented, have mental fogginess, increased anger and irritability.
Changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
Avoiding activities that used to bring joy. A person may shut down and withdraw from society and life in general, and focus on negative feelings.
Suicidal feelings and thoughts can occur when a person has difficulty coping with problems in a healthy way and can’t see a healthy resolution. (Comments about not going on with life or that the world would be better off without them or giving away favorite personal belongings are red flags that help is needed.)
Substance abuse

The severity of anxiety, impulsiveness or mood swings should be considered when addressing a mental illness. — *photo credit: Harvard University*

When to Get Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms above, or the ones listed below, it is important to get help.

Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships.
Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head.
Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, worried or scared.
Feeling helpless or hopeless.
Having low or no energy.
Having unexplained aches and pains.
Yelling or fighting with family and friends.
Hearing voices or believing things that are not true.
Thinking of harming yourself or others.
Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your children or getting to work or school.

How to Help a Friend or Family Member

Expressing your concern to a friend or family member who seems to be having a difficult time can be tricky and, because of that, we often don’t say anything. But it is important to make this connection, so instead of avoiding the awkwardness, try leading with these tips and make sure to actively listen to your friend’s or family member’s response.

Consider starting with “I’ve been worried about you. Can we talk about what you’re experiencing? If not, who are you comfortable talking to?”
Communicate in a straightforward manner and speak at a level appropriate to the person’s age and developmental level.
Discuss the topic when and where the person feels safe and comfortable. Ask them who or what has helped you deal with similar issues in the past? Ask how you can help them find help?
In addition to this conversation, continue including your friend or family member in your plans so they don’t feel isolated.
Educate other people so they understand the truth about mental health problems and do not discriminate. Most importantly, treat people with mental health problems with compassion and empathy.

There are treatments for mental health. — *photo credit: AARP*

Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know has a mental health problem, get immediate help by talking with your primary care physician. If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get emergency assistance by calling 9-1-1. For more help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or chat online at SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides the SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline via (877) 726-4727, and has resources available Monday – Friday, 8 am – 8 pm EST.

‍Please take care of yourself and others!

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Article reprinted with permission by Orlando Health.

6 Cliché Phrases That You’ll Never Hear Me Say — A Guest Blog by ‘Wheel Girl’ Rachelle Chapman

Guest Contributor

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May 20, 2021

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6 Cliché Phrases That You’ll Never Hear Me Say — A Guest Blog by ‘Wheel Girl’ Rachelle Chapman

In 2010, just weeks away from walking down the aisle to her husband-to-be, Rachelle Friedman Chapman was playfully pushed into a pool by her friend at her bachelorette party. Her head hit the pool floor, and she suffered a severe spinal cord injury that caused paralysis from the chest down. Rachelle’s well-planned-out future shifted instantly but, through it all, she stunned those around her and the world at-large with her positivity and perseverance.

In the years that followed, Rachelle publicly shared her experience — including her friendship with the woman that unintentionally caused the accident — on many media outlets, including People Magazine, The Today Show and a TLC documentary special.

While her wedding was delayed, Rachelle did marry her sweetheart, Chris, and the two welcomed a daughter, Kaylee, via surrogate. Chronicling their love story and her tested friendship, Rachelle authored, “The Promise: A Tragic Accident, a Paralyzed Bride, and the Power of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship.” Residing outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, Rachelle now advocates for people with disabilities, models and writes about motherhood, fashion, fitness and life as a wheelchair-user on her blog Diary of a Wheel Girl.

AmeriDisability is pleased to share the following work originally published on Diary of a Wheel Girl. Rachelle speaks her truth and declares, “Never feel guilty for having a bad day.”

Rachelle Chapman's wedding to Chris was delayed after she suffered paralysis from an accident at her bachlorette party. — *Rachelle & her husband, Chris*

6 Cliché Phrases That You’ll Never Hear Me Say

By Rachelle Chapman

We’re all looking for inspiration. Something that can give us that kick in the rear we need to meet our goals, be happier, or find meaning in events we just can’t explain. I didn’t ask for the role as a motivator, but it’s something I’ve learned to embrace because I enjoy seeing someone comforted with my words.

As soon as a catastrophic injury like mine happens, people look to you for strength when they see that your life-altering event didn’t totally break you. But I’m not your typical motivator. There are some phrases out there that I think people overuse. People expect me to jump into motivational talks or use my life story to comfort someone I just met who has a new injury. But I don’t spew your typical cliché advice. Here are some words of encouragement and comfort you’ll never hear from me.

1) What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

I love the sentiment because many challenges we face do in fact make us stronger. But this quote generalizes all of life’s troubles, implying that no matter the severity of an event you’ve experienced, you’re sure to gain strength. If I were giving advice to someone who just broke up with an overbearing boyfriend, I might agree that a woman could gain confidence and strength from it even if she felt like she couldn’t go on. Would I say this to someone who has been raped and abused their whole life? Probably not. I think we can use our strength in spite of a traumatizing experience though.

Rachelle Chapman achieved her dream of being a mother. — *Rachelle awaiting the birth of her daughter.*

2) The only disability in life is a bad attitude.

As someone with a disability, I think I’m supposed to be regularly posting selfies of me doing something independently with this quote underneath the picture. But the truth is, there are disabilities that keep me and many others from doing so many things regardless of how awesome our attitude is. To me this quote is saying, “Hey, if you’re upset about having a disability, then you have a crappy attitude.” Can’t I be positive and happy but still be fully aware that my disability holds me back sometimes?

3) Everything happens for a reason.

I think people desperately want an answer for why something terrible has happened in their lives so they can more easily come to terms with it. But I refuse to believe any higher power has this plan for who gets attacked, violated, murdered or paralyzed for the good of humanity. If this were the case then you couldn’t hate criminals who may have wreaked havoc on someone’s life. They are just carrying out history that’s already been written right? I don’t think so. It’s OK to hate a tragic event and wish that it had never happened.

4) Where there’s a will there’s a way.

There are people out there who have dedicated their lives to achieve a specific goal. But unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for a bunch of motivated people to be working towards the same goal, leaving many with crushed dreams. Do I think those who lose out just didn’t try hard enough? Not at all. And no I don’t think it’s because “it wasn’t meant to be.”

Rachelle blogs about fitness, fashion, motherhood and life as a wheelchair-user. — *Rachelle blogs about* *fitness, fashion, motherhood and life as a wheelchair-user.*

5) God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle.

I don’t believe God is the cause of pain, hate, and sadness. I’m not sure what’s out there, but if there is a higher power, I’d like to think he is mourning our tragedies with us and not brushing his hands off after completing some preplanned devastation. And there are people who can’t handle it. That’s why they’ve either checked out mentally or physically. And I wouldn’t encourage them by saying this awful event is your prize in life for being a strong person.

6) Instead of having a bad day, be thankful you have the day.

You can be thankful and still have a totally awful day. I think this quote is a guilt trip in a pretty package. If you’re upset and want this horrible day to end, it doesn’t mean you aren’t grateful. Never feel guilty for having a bad day. We are all allowed to have them.

Of course this is just my opinion, but ultimately saying these kinds of things only minimizes painful events and often leaves the real problem glossed over. A horrific experience doesn’t always make you stronger, I don’t think God intentionally dealt you a bad hand and it’s OK if you feel like you can’t handle it. You have the power and you have choices. When you feel sad, scream into your pillow if you need to, cry your eyes out, but most importantly, realize that you never deserved to feel this pain. Do what you can to heal and move on.

Here’s a quote for you: “Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will.” – Jawaharlal Nehru

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The opinions in this essay are that of Rachelle Chapman, a guest contributor to this publication. AmeriDisability does not claim to own or endorse these opinions. All photos courtesy of Rachelle Chapman’s Facebook page.

6 Reasons to Add Hydrotherapy to Your Self-Care Routine

Health

Staff Writer

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May 13, 2021

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6 Reasons to Add Hydrotherapy to Your Self-Care Routine

Unwind, relax and rejuvenate – these are the words associated with enjoying a warm bath. Bathing is an indulgence that has remained popular for centuries and is especially important today as you work to find balance in a fast-paced lifestyle.

Hydrotherapy provides the perfect solution with innumerable benefits in self-care, wellness and general de-stressing. Here are some beneficial reasons to try hydrotherapy:

1. Boost your immune system

Hydrotherapy helps increase blood flow and the circulation of white blood cells around the body. This assists your immune system in collecting and removing unwanted materials from the body, which strengthens your immune system to fight colds, the flu and other illnesses.

2. Reduce tension and relieve pain

The weightlessness you experience in water helps relieve tension in your arms, legs and back, soothing aching muscles and easing movement. Hydrotherapy also stimulates endorphin release, which helps relieve pain naturally and reduce muscle soreness. It’s also a great way to recover after a tough workout or a stressful day. Many newer bathtubs feature pain-relieving technology, like Kohler Heated BubbleMassage, which produces a massaging effect and consistently delivers warm bubbles to slow down the cooling process of the water.

Hydrotherapy can aid chronic conditions.

3. Breathe easy and de-stress

Immersing yourself in warm water helps open your chest, increasing your lung capacity and oxygen intake. Your heart beats faster and the steam from the water clears your sinuses. Taking deep, slow breaths calms your body and helps you relax, relieving your mind and body from stress. Steam from a hot bath also works wonders for cold and flu symptoms like congestion and coughing. It gets the blood vessels in your face and nose moving and loosens any mucus blockage.

4. Balance your hormones

Hydrotherapy can be helpful for some chronic conditions. Bathing in cooler temperatures helps balance hormones released by the pituitary gland while warm water bathing can increase serotonin levels, the brain chemical associated with happiness and well-being.

5. Regulate your body temperature

There’s nothing better than stepping into a warm tub on a cold winter day. Alternatively, jumping into a pool of cool water on a hot, sticky day is just as refreshing. Adjust your bath temperature according to the season to get your body temperature back to a comfortable place.

Hydrotherapy is a simple and effective self-care method.

6. Improve your sleep quality

For optimal sleep, many sleep experts recommend setting your bedroom temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. But a hot bath before bed can yield similar results. At night, your body temperature drops naturally to signal the production of melatonin, the sleeping hormone. Soaking in a warm bath will raise your body temperature, and exiting will more rapidly cool it down, better preparing you for a good night’s rest.

Enjoy these health and wellness benefits by adding hydrotherapy to your self-care routine.

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Here’s Why You Should Consider Seeing a Geriatrician

Staff Writer

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May 11, 2021

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Here’s Why You Should Consider Seeing a Geriatrician

It comes as second nature for most parents to take their children to a pediatrician at least once a year. The differences between children and adults are so stark that it makes sense to choose a doctor specially trained to treat younger patients.

Yet as we age, far too few of us apply this same logic when choosing a physician, even though our health needs often change dramatically in our later years. And we know from recent experience with the COVID-19 pandemic that the health complexities for older adults can make them particularly vulnerable to certain illnesses, demonstrating the need for a care approach as tailored as the individuals themselves.

“The kind of care you deliver to an older adult is definitely not the same as the care you give to a middle-aged person,” said Michael Stockman, M.D., a geriatrician and medical director with UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. “The physiology of older people is very different from people in other stages of life.”

Geriatricians are licensed physicians who have completed additional training in managing the care of older adults. — *Photo credit: AARP*

Those differences are significant enough that the medical community developed a specialty called geriatrics, to address the needs of older adults. Geriatricians, like Dr. Stockman, are licensed physicians who have completed additional training in managing the care of older adults. That training makes geriatricians uniquely suited to help seniors manage the demands of their often-complex health issues.

One of those complex issues is the care of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, which are much more prevalent in older people than the rest of the population. More than half of older adults have at least two chronic conditions. This group is also at higher risk for developing chronic diseases, along with other complex conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, nearly 90% of adults 65 and older take at least one prescription medication, and more than half report that they take four or more, compared to one-third for those in the 50 to 64 age bracket.

Juggling multiple chronic conditions can be a challenge for the doctor and the patient. One condition can sometimes make the effects of another condition worse, and the treatments or medications for different illnesses sometimes interfere with each other.

Decisions about how to customize a patient’s treatment aren’t necessarily black and white, requiring a doctor and patient to carefully balance risks and benefits. For example, some diabetes medicines can cause dizziness, meaning the doctor needs to focus not just on regulating the patient’s blood sugar but also on minimizing the risk of a fall, which is the most common cause of injury in seniors.

“I think geriatricians are the only medical specialty more interested in taking away medications you don’t need than giving you new medications. A lot of what we do is determining which medications are more likely to cause harm than help,” Stockman said. “One of the most important things for geriatricians is the concept of shared decision-making. We ask patients, ‘What trade-offs are you willing to make?'”

Sometimes, the trade-offs are fairly simple – weighing the pros and cons of taking a certain medication or undergoing a specific screening, for example. But more often than not, they also incorporate a person’s overall quality-of-life goals. How important is it to maximize longevity? Comfort? How about independence? Each person answers those questions differently, and geriatricians are trained to use the answers to guide their treatment recommendations and care plan.

Geriatricians can help evaluate medications for seniors. — *Photo credit: CDC*

In addition to the clinical aspects of an individual’s care are the complexities of variables commonly referred to as “social determinants of health” – things like access to healthy food, financial burdens, racial disparities, transportation limitations and more. Many older adults are dealing with these potential barriers to health and, as Stockman noted, a geriatrician can help support his/her patients in identifying and addressing these challenges alongside their regular care plan.

So, when should someone seek out a geriatrician for themselves or a loved one? A significant change in health status could be a trigger for a geriatrician visit. But anytime an older adult feels his or her care is becoming too complex or needs better coordination, a visit with a geriatrician could help.

“Geriatricians can be really good at balancing all of a person’s medical needs and different doctors in one overall care plan,” Stockman said.

Think you could benefit from seeing a geriatrician?

With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, the demand for geriatricians continues to grow. Unfortunately, these specialists are a comparatively rare breed. While there are more than 58,000 general pediatricians practicing in the United States, there are fewer than 5,600 geriatricians.

For this reason, finding a board-certified geriatrician to support your ongoing health care needs may be difficult, but many geriatricians will see a patient on a one-time or as-needed basis and then make recommendations to the patient’s primary care physician.

Geriatricians can work with a seniors primary care physician.

The American Geriatrics Society offers information about how to find a geriatrician on its website, healthinaging.org, and many larger hospitals and university medical centers have geriatricians on staff who will see new patients. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to confirm if a geriatrician you want to see is in your plan’s network and whether your plan requires you to first get a referral from your primary care physician before a visit with a geriatrician will be covered.

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New 3D Printed Fetus Helps Doctors Better Plan for In-Utero Spina Bifida Surgery

Health

Staff Writer

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May 6, 2021

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New 3D Printed Fetus Helps Doctors Better Plan for In-Utero Spina Bifida Surgery

A state-of-the-art in-utero procedure allows surgeons to correct a birth defect on developing babies inside the womb. But operating on a mother and her unborn child at the same time can be challenging and unpredictable. To give their world-class surgeons even more information ahead of surgery, Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Central Florida is using MRI and ultrasound imaging along with 3D-printing technology to create a first-of-its-kind detailed model that allows surgeons to plan procedures ahead of time, thus identifying potential obstacles and reducing the risks of surgery.

The models are currently being used to plan for an in-utero surgery that repairs spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spinal cord fails to close normally during development. The condition can cause a lifetime of neurological disabilities, including an inability to walk.

“The 3D reconstruction of the fetus can really educate the surgeon on the real-life shape, size and location of the spinal lesion, as well as prepare the surgeon to have the appropriate equipment ready to treat this condition surgically,” said Samer Elbabaa, MD, medical director of pediatric neurosurgery at Orlando Health. “It’s a level of detail that we are not able to see in traditional imaging, but that is extremely valuable in these cases where we cannot actually see the defect ahead of surgery.”

To create the models, Orlando Health works with the expert 3D printers at Digital Anatomy Simulations for Healthcare, LLC (DASH) who developed the technology. While many have seen crude, single-colored items that have been 3D printed, DASH has taken the process to the next level, developing technology to enhance MRI and ultrasound images taken throughout the pregnancy to reconstruct accurate curves and edges. They are then able to print a high-resolution model with multiple colors and materials, allowing surgeons to see details such as skeletal structure, nerve and vascular anatomy and fluid sacs in the spine and brain caused by spina bifida.

The models are currently being used in the hospital’s open fetal surgery program, which has performed 25 procedures since it began in 2018. Orlando Health is one of only 12 facilities in the U.S., and the only one in Florida, that is able to perform this kind of surgery.

“The fetal models not only help surgeons plan for things like where to make an incision and how to repair the defect, but also helps reduce the duration of the surgery to limit the developing baby’s exposure,” said DASH President and CEO Jack Stubbs. “We are able to create models that are extremely realistic by using a stack of two-dimensional images taken throughout the pregnancy and enhancing them to reconstruct a better visualization of what the fetus truly looks like.”

The 3D-printed models are giving surgeons a clearer picture for what to expect during a fetal surgery and also allowing surgeons to better explain the baby’s condition to parents and show them how it will be treated. For first-time parents Jared and Jocelyn Rodriguez, it made them more confident about moving forward with surgery.

“At first, we just thought it was a model showing the same kind of condition that our baby was diagnosed with, but then Dr. Elbabaa told us that it was made using the 20-week MRI of our daughter,” Jared Rodriguez said. “We could see the brain and the spine and I looked down at it and thought, ‘I’m holding my daughter right now? That’s pretty awesome.’”

The Rodriguezes say although they are prepared for the challenges their daughter may face, they’re glad this technological development is helping to give her a healthier future.

“Every appointment we go to, we just keep getting more good news and she’s already showing how strong she is,” Jocelyn Rodriguez said. “We know that this surgery will give her the best shot at a normal lifestyle and we’re excited to see the positive results as she grows.”

Surgeons are seeing successful results from fetal surgery for spina bifida. Most babies who undergo the procedure experience significantly fewer health concerns and better functionality than those who receive surgery after they are born, with some of the first patients now learning to walk on their own. Experts hope to expand the program to model other types of birth defects in utero that may be treated through fetal surgery in the future.

‍Photos courtesy of Orlando Health.

Give Yourself the “Green” Light for Eco-Friendly Health and Happiness

Lifestyle

Nancy DeVault

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April 22, 2021

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Give Yourself the “Green” Light for Eco-Friendly Health and Happiness

Did you know that ‘green’ living can benefit both the environment and your health? I love a great 2-4-1 deal! Don’t you?! Thanks to my involvement with the American Heart Association, I learned that eco-friendly behaviors –including aspects of exercise and nutrition — help to maintain optimal heart health which, in turn, decreases one’s carbon footprint.

A carbon footprint is the measure of impact that activities have on the environment. Additionally, I’ve come to understand that my efforts to go green have direct impact on not only my physical wellbeing but also my mental health. In honor of Earth Day and Earth Month, I’d like to share some tips spotlighting how I personally go green… aka my conscious efforts to support Mother Nature and another Mama (me), too! I invite you to join me in these efforts:

An eco-friendly lifestyle can boost one's health. — *Photo credit: Natural Awakenings Ocala/Gainesville*

Play ‘Go Fish’ repeatedly! Individuals consuming a diet high in meat consumption create greater CO2 emissions compared to those sustaining a diet comprised of fish and greens. And, of course, large portions of red meat can increase your waistband.‍
Be handy! Since a measuring cup may not always be accessible, especially while dining out, use your hand as a visual guide to monitor portion control. For example, a protein serving (such as fish, meat or tofu) is 3 to 4 ounces or the size of your palm; and a cup of cereal equates to a fist size.‍
Add color to your plate. Vegetables and fruits are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber, and are low in calories. Thus, eating a variety of produce may help to control weight and blood pressure and lower risk of heart disease and cancer. Because I have a heart condition and a family history of cardiovascular disease, preparing rainbow inspired meals is a personal priority. And growing your own or purchasing locally-sourced selections can cost less — financially and footprint related (decreased packaging / processing). Plus, multiple research studies indicate that gardening can reduce stress and depression symptoms, while boosting muscle strength, mental clarity and a sense of accomplishment.
‍Skip the fat, take a walk. Driving to a fast food establishment rather than preparing meals at home increases your consumption of calories and usage of vehicle fuel. Instead, control portion size and calorie intake at home and, then, save on mileage by taking a walk after your meal. Research has shown that you can gain about two hours of life expectancy for every hour of regular, vigorous exercise that you do. Yup, that’s another great 2-4-1 deal!

Include greens in your heart-healthy diet. — *Photo credit: Natural Awakenings Ocala/Gainesville*

Know that seeing is believing. The great outdoors offers simulation for the mind, body and soul. Mother Nature entices all the senses: The smell of florals, the sounds of birds chirping and swaying trees, the feeling of the sun’s rays on your skin, the taste of crisp air and the glorious sights of greenery all around. For me, nature is my happy place. I can literally feel my anxiety melt away when hiking amidst a forest green trail or splashing about in the seafoam green ocean. And, perhaps, the hues themselves play a part. According to color therapists, the color green may help combat depression. Green may support one’s balance, love and acceptance. And blue, like that of Mother Nature’s waves, may steady breathing and/or the heart-rate and eliminate toxins. A blue hue can aid communication, honesty and calmness. ‍
Recycle & use reusable products. Spend less money on trash bags (and help the environment) simply by using recycle bins for approved items like cans, newspapers, etc. Opting for a reusable water canister instead of a plastic bottle decreases your waste and reminds you to sip water throughout the day to positively impact your digestion, hydration and more.

I know plenty of green-machines… loved ones growing the majority of their produce, composting and employing energy efficiency efforts. I’m a bit green with envy of such eco-lifestyle successes. Kermit the Frog famously said, “It ain’t easy being green.” But give yourself the green light to start trying!

Nancy DeVault is an award-winning writer/editor contributing to local and national publications. Her storytelling spans a wide range of topics, including charity, disability, food, health, lifestyle, parenting, relationships and travel. Married with two kiddos, Nancy describes herself as a lover of the outdoors, fitness, news, traveling and binge reading magazines while sipping coffee.