Topical Medical Articles

Have you been told by your doctor that you have sleep apnea and would benefit from a CPAP machine? A growing number of Americans use this breathing aid to get a restful night’s sleep and improve their overall health.

If you are new to CPAP, what should you know before you start using one? Here are a few essentials to make a great start.

What Is a CPAP Machine?                               

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. A mask fits over your nose (and possibly mouth) at night, blowing air in a continuous stream into your respiratory system to keep your airway open and functioning well. (more…)

Do you have the winter blues? It’s not uncommon to feel a little depressed and gloomy this time of year. In fact, according to the American Family Physician, about 6 percent of the population suffers from winter depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition is more common in women than men and mostly affects people who live in the colder, northern regions of the U.S, such as Minnesota.

With an average low temperature of 3 degrees, Minnesota’s winters can be brutal. If the freezing cold and short, dark days have you feeling down, learn what you can do to manage the symptoms of SAD.

What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder? (more…)

The ability to breathe is easy to take for granted, but many people have medical conditions that make breathing difficult. In most of these cases, those who have trouble breathing have a problem with their respiratory system.

The respiratory system is the part of the body responsible for inhaling and exhaling air and absorbing energy-producing oxygen. The respiratory system includes the lungs, bronchi, trachea, larynx, pharynx, and nose. Much of the function of the respiratory system is connected with the circulatory system, which contains the heart and blood vessels. (more…)

If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, and your doctor wants you to use a CPAP machine, you probably know how important it is to follow their orders. After all, sleep apnea can lead to:

• Excessive fatigue
• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressures and heart problems
• Liver problems

You need decent sleep, and you need to get enough oxygen into your body while you sleep. So why do so many people avoid their CPAP machines? (more…)

It’s estimated that anywhere from 25 to 33 percent of women and men across the United States live with urinary incontinence. Overactive bladder or trouble controlling your bladder can have a dramatic impact on your ability to be productive at work or enjoy your friends or favorite hobbies. The shame and embarrassment of incontinence can take a major toll on a sufferer’s self-confidence, as well.

If you’re tired of allowing bladder incontinence to control your life, follow these tips to improve your quality of life.

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Approximately 1.7 million Americans rely on wheelchairs or mobility scooters to continue working, spending time with their families, and enjoying an independent life. If you’re considering purchasing a mobility scooter or your doctor has written a prescription for a unit, it’s important to know which type of scooter will meet your needs and how to care for it properly.

The following are a few simple tips to help you shop for and maintain a mobility scooter.

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Nebulizers are devices that deliver liquid medications in breathable aerosol form. The devices are prescribed to treat respiratory conditions. If your child has been prescribed a home nebulizer and treatments, consider the nebulizer machine to be an extra-fancy inhaler that you help your child use safely and effectively. (more…)

Many families who have loved ones with terminal illnesses choose to discontinue hospital treatments in favor of hospice care. Hospice provides the privacy and accommodations to allow for comfort in the final days of life.

Many patients prefer to have their hospice care in their own home, or in the home of a loved one, instead of using a hospice care facility. Outfitting your home for hospice care takes some preparation, but with the right equipment and home health care providers, you can ensure that your family member enjoys the familiarity of home.

Here’s what you need to know about preparing your home to be a temporary hospice facility.  (more…)

If your employer changed your schedule from days to nights, you may struggle to stay up and complete your duties. Drinking coffee and eating large meals might not be enough to carry you through the night. You may also find it difficult to sleep during the day. A lack of sleep can take a huge toll on your health.

Here are some very important tips you can follow to help you adjust to working at night and getting the sleep you need during the daylight hours. (more…)

In 2014, the CDC estimated that 83 percent of new mothers choose to breastfeed their newborns. Breastfeeding is very beneficial for both mom and baby, but it can become inconvenient once you head back to work or want to have a much-needed date night. Purchasing a quality breast pump is the best option to provide your baby with the nutrients they need when you aren’t able to breastfeed.

If you’ve never purchased or operated a breast pump, or stored breast milk, here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

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If you are one of the estimated 18 million adults in the United States who suffers from sleep apnea, then you may use a CPAP machine on a nightly basis to help control your sleep apnea symptoms. This machine can be a great asset to your health because it helps you get the deep sleep you need at night despite your medical condition.

However, it is important to understand the health risks of using a CPAP machine that is not sanitized on a regular basis, as well as the health risks of not following CPAP care instructions precisely. Read on to learn about the health hazards of using dirty CPAP equipment and how to keep all of your CPAP equipment sanitary to avoid these hazards.

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If you’re caring for a senior in your home, their safety and accessibility are your top priorities. Unfortunately, your home might not be equipped to meet their needs, and even worse, your loved one could suffer a serious accident.

Preparing your home before your elderly guest arrives to rest and recuperate is critical to ensure they are both comfortable and safe. Here are a few things you can do in every room of your home to make it safer and more accessible.

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Hospice care at home can be the gentlest way to care for a loved one who is at the end stages of a terminal illness. Your loved one can enjoy the comfort and joy of life at home, treatments from caregivers who make house calls regularly, a pain relief plan, and a high quality of life while receiving at-home hospice care.

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If you have an aging loved one, they may need extra help getting dressed or undressed. You hope they remain as independent as possible, but they may have a health problem, like arthritis, making it difficult to dress themselves. Dressing aids are devices specifically designed to make this task easier.

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You may always intend to live on your own. Independent living typically refers to being able to eat, bathe, dress yourself and perform other necessary daily tasks. If you have reduced mobility but wish to remain independent in your home, discuss your wishes with your doctors and closest family members. You should also follow these tips for staying independent and enjoying your own home.

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If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, you’re not alone. An estimated 18 million people also suffer from this issue that can exacerbate other medical conditions, including high blood pressure and asthma. One of the best ways to combat sleep apnea is by using a device called a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.

Being diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP machine to help you breathe easier in the night can seem like a life-altering experience. Help ensure you effectively treat your sleep apnea by keeping these do’s and don’ts in mind. (more…)

If someone in your home needs a ventilator, you may have concerns about how to keep this lifesaving equipment running during a power outage. It’s wise to plan ahead for interruptions in your power service. Follow the three tips below to ensure that your loved one has continuous respiratory support.

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Living a healthier life

We all have ways we can improve our lives on. Whether it is eating healthier, exercising more, or having a better attitude about life, every person can stand to improve in one area or another. Here are a few ways to start: (more…)