Brain injury survivors face innumerable challenges in finding their new “normal” after initial hospitalization. The Brain Injury Support Group at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital can help. Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation hospital strives to provide transitional and ongoing support for brain injury survivors in our community by offering a once a month, in-person support group. Mountain Valley’s support group is led by Speech Therapist and Therapy Lead Erin Aafedt, M.A. … [Read more...] about Brain Injury Survivors Finding Support Group at Mountain Valley
Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital
Weekend Warriors Fight Back
If that Saturday morning bike ride or run left you limping into work on Monday sore and exhausted, you’re probably not alone. Welcome to the ranks of the “Weekend Warriors.” “Weekend Warriors” is the name given to people who are physically inactive most of the week, but then participate in rigorous physical activity during the weekend. Many times these folks overestimate their abilities and push themselves beyond what they reasonably should do. Many may have had active lifestyles … [Read more...] about Weekend Warriors Fight Back
Exercising Prehabilitation for Cancer Survivors
Imagine you have just been diagnosed with cancer. A million thoughts are going through your mind. You are likely in a panic, wondering if this is something you are actually going to survive. Then, the doctor starts talking about surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Your panic grows as you wonder how you are going to manage your life going through those treatments. How are you going to work, manage the house, or manage parenting? I know, because it happened to me, and I was … [Read more...] about Exercising Prehabilitation for Cancer Survivors
Health Care in the Time of COVID
The decision to be admitted to a healthcare facility is never easy. With COVID numbers increasing, the natural tendency is to stay at home, have the support of your family and friends and avoid possible exposure in a hospital or other healthcare facility. Unfortunately, for some people, the decision to put off needed medical care can have a serious impact on their health and well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 40.9% of U.S. adults have avoided medical … [Read more...] about Health Care in the Time of COVID
Applying Physical Therapy in Our Community
Physical therapy is often misunderstood by the public and healthcare professionals alike. It is so much more than exercise prescription and nowadays, physical therapists receive a doctorate level education. PTs are experts in movement who work to improve quality of life through prescribed movement, client education, and hands-on treatment, providing care across the lifespan to anyone of any ability. PTs are able to maximize your functional movement through identifying, diagnosing and treating … [Read more...] about Applying Physical Therapy in Our Community
Speech Therapy at Work at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital: Part Two
Robin Hill was 56 when she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm in June 2019. In July, doctors placed a shunt in her brain to relieve the pressure caused by the aneurysm and sent her to Mountain Valley outpatient for speech therapy rehab. Prior to her aneurysm, Robin was independent in all aspects of her life. She owned her own cleaning business and had a college education. Because of the damage her brain suffered, she initially scored in the second percentile on a standardized cognitive test … [Read more...] about Speech Therapy at Work at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital: Part Two
American Heart Association Recommending Healthy Diet, Lifestyle
A healthy diet and lifestyle are your best weapons to fight cardiovascular disease. It’s not as hard as you may think! Remember, it’s the overall pattern of your choices that counts. Make the simple steps below part of your life for long-term benefits to your health and your heart. Use up at least as many calories as you take in. Start by knowing how many calories you should be eating and drinking to maintain your weight. Nutrition and calorie information on food labels is typically based on … [Read more...] about American Heart Association Recommending Healthy Diet, Lifestyle
People with Disabilities at Higher Risk for Flu
Getting the flu can be an unpleasant event for even the most stoic among us. But, for a person with a disability, it could become a serious threat. While not all people with disabilities are at higher risk for the flu or having unrecognized symptoms, there are groups that are more susceptible. These include individuals with limited mobility, those unable to communicate symptoms, those unable to limit contact with others and those who have trouble understanding or practicing preventative … [Read more...] about People with Disabilities at Higher Risk for Flu
Weekend Warriors: Fighting Back
If that Saturday morning bike ride or run left you limping into work on Monday sore and exhausted, you’re probably not alone. Welcome to the ranks of the “Weekend Warriors.” “Weekend Warriors” is the name given to people who are physically inactive most of the week, but then participate in rigorous physical activity during the weekend. Many times these folks overestimate their abilities and push themselves beyond what they reasonably should do. Many may have had active lifestyles previously, … [Read more...] about Weekend Warriors: Fighting Back
Preparing for Senior Sun Safety
As a child, you may have spent numerous hours outdoors during the summer. Now that you’re an adult, you may find the summer months to be far less enjoyable because of the heat. This is normal. As you age, the body’s mechanisms that help regulate internal temperature become less efficient. This means that you lose some of your ability to adapt to heat, leaving you with a lower tolerance and making you more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. This is caused by a few different reasons – … [Read more...] about Preparing for Senior Sun Safety