Rehab for shoulder surgery or injury

After shoulder surgery my mom was given exercises to gradually increase flexibility. When the exercises didn't seem to be working she made an appointment with a physical therapist who discovered that she was not doing the exercises correctly. The therapist helped her gain flexibility and mobility in her arm so that she could drive and car as well as a golf ball again.

The therapist recommended using heat before exercising to help improve flexibility in the surrounding muscles. Taking over-the-counter pain medication was also recommended to help with the discomfort of moving those tight muscles and disturbing the scar tissue.

The Amercian Academy or Orthopedic Surgeons has a list of exercises for shoulder surgery patients. After surgery it is best to consult with your physician before attempting exercises, and it is especially helpful to have a physical therapist guide you through them for several sessions until you are sure you are doing the exercises correctly.

If you need a heating pad to help with flexibility check out Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads. They are easy to use, portable, reusable, and high quality. They are filled with whole corn which smells a bit like a bowl of pop corn and will not take on a peculiar odor as rice socks often do. They do not have any added perfumes or fragrances. A variety of traditional and animal shaped heating pads can be used on shoulders. Check out these Back Warmers and Neck Warmers to help relax tight muscles, improve circulation and flexibility.

What information is necessary to have in emergencies for elderly parents

If you are the person who cares for an aging parent it is important for you to have some basic information regarding his or her medical records. In an emergency, if he/she can't answer questions can you? It may make a huge difference regarding medical decisions.

The Mayo Clinic Web site has a list of things a caretaker should know in an emergency. This list is taken directly from that page.

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of their doctors
• Birth dates
• List of Major Medical problems
• List of medications and supplements
• List of allergies
• Insurance cards
• Power of Attorney statement
• Advance directives (such as do not resuscitate orders, living wills, & where are they located)
• Religious beliefs
• Lifestyle information

Regarding privacy issues

The article states that in an emergency, when a parent is unable to give medical information the doctor may discuss your parent's health with you if "it is the best interest of your parent."

Before an emergency happens it is helpful to have your parent's basic medical information with you. You may download an emergency medical form from the Mayo Clinic web site on the page link above.

If you have an aging parent who needs a little warmth, even on warm days, give him or her a Maine Warmer to take the chill off. Stroke victims often have cold hands and feet. A Cozy Sheep, Bear, or Moose might be just the thing to help bring a smile. Maine Warmers microwave heating pads are portable, safe, washable, reusable, and made of high quality fabrics that have lasting value.

Cold or Flu?

What's the difference between a cold and a flu? Both may include stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, cough, and fever. The flu includes body aches, chills, often a high fever, and comes on suddenly. With a cold there may be a fever, usually of no more than 102 degrees.

The National Institutes of Health has two articles showing the differences between colds and flu, with in depth expalanations of prevention, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.

Complications from both cold and flu may include bacterial infections which can have serious effects on elderly people. Keeping one's immune system up and running well is important in preventing these complications. Taking care of oneself during a cold or flu is important also.

According to the NIH, Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) and Relenza® (zanamivir) are two drugs approved by the Understanding Flu.

CDC that are used to treat flu symptoms within the first two days of infection. Check out their explanations in the article,

If you experience chills due to a flu you may want to use a microwave heating pad to help provide comfort and relaxation. Maine Warmers' Back Warmers and Neck Wrap can be microwaved and taken to bed without the fear of overheating while falling asleep. There aren't any electrical wires and extension cords or hot water bottles to fill. This Cozy Penguin provides warmth and comforting companionship for children and elderly people who are experiencing the chill of a flu or inactivity due to illness or surgery.