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Orthopedic Care for Seniors: A Guide

Our bodies don’t remain the same as we age. They undergo various physical changes, which could affect overall health conditions and quality of life. The differences can be particularly evident in the functioning of the bones, joints, and muscles, which are essential in our day-to-day lives.

For seniors, prioritizing orthopedic care is key to maintaining mobility, independence, and well-being. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Stay Active
Constant physical activity is crucial for seniors, as it helps retain muscle strength, joint flexibility, and mobility. It improves balance and prevents falls, fractures, and other injuries while also benefiting cardiovascular health.

Walking, swimming, yoga, and other low-impact exercises are great ways to stay active. Still, it is highly recommended that you consult a medical expert to determine a safe and effective routine that is most suitable for your needs and overall health.

Ensure a Balanced Diet
Proper nutrition is vital in keeping your musculoskeletal system healthy. Maintain a well-balanced diet and include essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, typically found in fish, leafy greens, nuts, dairy products, and fortified foods. Your doctor can determine and prescribe additional supplements if needed.

Practice Good Posture
Maintaining good spinal health can help reduce the chances of issues like back and neck pain. Practice proper posture by being mindful of it, whether sitting, standing, or walking. You can also use ergonomic furniture to support a neutral, healthy posture.

Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight can strain your joints, resulting in pain, discomfort, and other orthopedic issues. Because of this, weight management is a must. Besides eating a balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods, participating in physical activities can be beneficial. Consulting a nutritionist is best if you need further dietary guidance and advice on healthy eating habits.

Get Regular Check-Ups
As they say, prevention is better than cure. Regularly visiting your doctor allows you to monitor bone and muscle health and detect early symptoms of arthritis or osteoporosis. These routine examinations prevent orthopedic problems from worsening and causing further hassle in your daily life. It also results in a faster and more effective treatment.

This guide can help you better understand managing senior orthopedic health. Still, as each individual has different needs and medical conditions, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for the ideal routine and treatment plan. Contact or visit the Outpatient Surgical Specialties Center for reliable orthopedic care in Omaha, NE.

What You Should Know About Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which you briefly stop breathing while sleeping, often caused by a blockage in your airways. This condition not only disrupts restful sleep but also leads to reduced focus and insomnia. Read on to learn about the types, causes, symptoms, and treatments of sleep apnea.

Types and Causes of Sleep Apnea
There are two types of sleep apnea, obstructive and central, each with varied causes. Here’s what you need to know:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
This is the most common form of sleep apnea, which occurs when the upper airways become blocked, preventing airflow to the lungs and disrupting breathing. Medical conditions, such as obesity and smoking, increase your risk of developing OSA.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central sleep apnea is caused by the brain failing to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Although less common, it is more likely to develop in older individuals and those with heart disorders.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Although varying reasons cause sleep apnea, their symptoms may sometimes overlap. Some are also harder to spot than others and may result from a different medical condition, making professional diagnosis crucial. Symptoms to look out for include:

Loud snoring
Restless sleep
Unusual breathing patterns
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Morning headaches
Waking up with a dry mouth

Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Your doctor will recommend an ideal treatment plan depending on the type of sleep apnea you have and its severity. Aside from lifestyle changes, like losing weight and altering sleeping positions, common remedies are:

Oral Appliances: Wearing specialized mouth devices designed to prevent blocked airways can help relieve apnea symptoms. Your dentist and sleep doctor may work together to find the best fit for your condition.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This is the most common and reliable sleep apnea treatment. CPAP devices provide a steady stream of air through a mask to keep your airways open.
Surgery: If initial treatments have failed, surgery might be recommended. Some options include tissue removal, jaw repositioning, or nasal septum straightening.

Anyone can develop sleep apnea, so learning about its risk factors, symptoms, and remedies is beneficial. If you think you or a loved one is at risk of this sleeping disorder, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Contact the Outpatient Surgical Specialties Center for quality sleep apnea treatment in Omaha.

Essential Tips on Sports Injury Prevention

Sports, exercise, and other physical recreation benefit your overall well-being. However, engaging in these activities comes with the risk of sustaining injuries, like trauma or overuse. While sports injuries aren’t completely unavoidable, there are many ways you can minimize your risk. Read on for some helpful tips.

Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down

Before engaging in any physical activity, it is essential to perform a suitable warm-up routine. Doing so prepares your body by increasing your heart rate, loosening your muscles, and increasing flexibility, helping reduce the risk of injuries.

Similarly, cooling down after an intense sport or workout is a must, as it helps your body transition and restore its normal condition. A proper cool-down regulates your heart rate and reduces muscle stiffness and cramping. Besides doing stretches, gradually slowing down your activity, such as going from running to walking, can help.

Correct Form and Technique

Using the proper form and technique is crucial for any physical activity. Not only does it help prevent sports injuries, but it also promotes optimal performance. If you are a beginner or need help with the right methods to use, consider working with a coach or professional.

Right Gear and Equipment

Another essential tip is to wear the correct equipment. This is especially crucial for sports involving contact with other people, like football or hockey. Ensure that footwear, helmets, gloves, mouth guards, and other protective gear fit well and are in good condition to safeguard yourself from potential injuries. Additionally, replace any of these once they become damaged or worn out.

Ample Rest and Recovery

Always pay attention to your body when participating in sports or other physical recreation. If you feel fatigued or any sign of pain, give yourself time to rest. Pushing yourself otherwise may result in overexertion or other sports injuries. Instead, include rest days in your training routine, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep for proper recovery.

Visit a Reliable Outpatient Center

As an athlete or active individual, incorporating these measures into your routine can help reduce the chances of sustaining injuries. If you want to learn about other sports injury prevention tips suitable to your condition, talk to an expert. Contact our healthcare specialists at the Outpatient Surgical Specialties Center for quality patient care in Omaha, NE.

Types of Healthcare Professionals You May Need to See

Doctors play a crucial role in achieving and maintaining good health. Whether for routine check-ups or medical treatments, it often involves consulting healthcare professionals. Each doctor specializes in different fields of medicine necessary for your overall well-being. Here are some types of doctors you may need to see:

Primary Care Physician (PCP)

Primary care physicians are the first healthcare professionals to see if you need help addressing general medical conditions. They are typically family or internal medicine doctors providing comprehensive care in hospitals and clinics.

Aside from diagnosing conditions during health screenings, these physicians can treat acute illnesses, such as urinary tract infections, and injuries, like deep wounds and sprains. If you have a chronic condition needing further care, primary care doctors can also recommend you to suitable specialists.

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Doctor

This type of doctor specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders concerning the eyes, nose, throat, or other areas of the head and neck. ENT physicians can treat hearing problems, nose and sinus disorders, balance issues, and tonsil infections. In addition to prescribing medication, these specialists can also perform surgical procedures.

Dermatologist

Dermatologists assess skin, hair, and nail health. They can spot signs and diagnose conditions like skin cancer, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, and nail fungus. Besides conducting tests to determine your condition, dermatologists perform various treatments, including cryosurgery, skin biopsies, and mole removal. They can also provide cosmetic procedures, like chemical peels and laser treatments.

Neurologist

This type of healthcare professional specializes in the brain and nervous system. In addition to common issues like migraines and concussions, neurologists deal with complex disorders, including neuropathy, epilepsy, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. They also treat brain and spinal cord injuries.

Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB/GYN)

A gynecologist focuses on female reproductive health, while an obstetrician deals with pregnancy. These specialties are usually combined, making them an obstetrician-gynecologist or OB/GYN.

Seeing this doctor is crucial for all women. Aside from ensuring safe pregnancy, they can assess and detect reproductive health conditions, such as gynecological cancers, sexually transmitted infections, and polycystic ovary syndrome. An OB/GYN also performs necessary tests, like pap smears and HPV testing, and provides ideal options for birth control.

Different types of doctors dramatically contribute to properly diagnosing, treating, and preventing various diseases. Learning more about them can help you navigate your healthcare needs more effectively. Contact the Outpatient Surgical Specialties Center in Omaha, NE for reliable same-day patient care.

Tips on Managing Fall Allergies

While autumn brings crisp air and beautiful foliage, along with it comes numerous allergens that could trigger many seasonal allergic symptoms. These may include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes, and headaches, which could be bothersome and disrupt your daily life.

That said, there are some ways to alleviate these symptoms so you can enjoy the season to the fullest. Read on to learn about some essential tips for managing fall allergies.

Identify Your Allergens

Fall allergies occur due to the surge of allergens present during the season, including mold and ragweed pollen. Identifying the specific ones that cause your symptoms can help you avoid and manage them more efficiently. You can typically visit your healthcare provider and request an allergy test, which is usually done through a skin prick test.

Keep Indoor Air Clean

Although fall allergens are prevalent outdoors, they can still enter your home. To reduce these chances, keep your doors and windows closed to ensure clean indoor air. You can also use a dehumidifier or vacuum your floors with a HEPA filter to eliminate any allergens that could have made their way inside.

Manage Your Allergen Exposure

Since you cannot entirely get rid of fall allergens, minimizing your exposure to them can help ease significant symptoms. Here are some steps you can take:

Wear a mask when going outside or doing outdoor chores.
Check weather forecasts to monitor mold and pollen count daily. If the levels are too high, try to stay indoors and take medicine as needed.
Remove clothes you’ve worn outside and shower immediately to eliminate any allergens stuck to your skin and hair.

Use Nonprescription Medication

Several over-the-counter medicines can relieve fall allergies. This includes oral antihistamines, decongestant pills, and corticosteroid or cromolyn nasal sprays. Still, with the different options, you can consult your doctor to ensure you use the most suitable one to combat your symptoms.

Seek Medical Care

When lifestyle changes and nonprescription medicine are still not enough to manage your allergic symptoms, it might be best to consult a medical professional. They may recommend a skin allergy test if you still haven’t done one to suggest a more effective treatment plan. Some may also prescribe allergy shots to control your fall allergies.

Consult a Specialist Near You

Dealing with seasonal allergies can be difficult. By learning about these helpful management tips to ease symptoms, you can experience the beautiful fall season with fewer worries. If you need expert guidance or extensive care in Omaha, NE, consult our medical professionals at the Outpatient Surgical Specialties Center.

Category: Blog