Mitchell County | Health Scene | Summer 2019

tion Services STANDING LEG LIFTS THIS STRENGTH AND FUNCTION EXERCISE HELPS WITH BALANCE Grasp the back of a chair, keeping your feet slightly apart and toes forward. Inhale slowly. Exhale slowly and raise one leg to the side. Hold for one sec- ond. Lower leg while inhaling slowly. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Repeat with opposite leg. Start with two sets per leg, and increase the number of sets over time. 1 2 3 4 Source: National Institute on Aging Have you heard of occupational therapy (OT)? If so, maybe you assumed that this type of therapy only helps people who are working. It’s an easy mistake to make. Actually, OT is a service that helps people of all ages overcome obstacles such as injuries, illnesses or disabilities. It helps them improve their ability to participate in every- day activities—or occupations—that matter most to them. That can mean anything from enjoying a beloved hobby to maintaining or regaining the ability to live independently, hold down a job or stay active in the community. COULD OT HELP YOU? There are many ways in which OT can help people take part in everyday life.The checklist below contains just a few examples. Look them over, and check any boxes that might apply to you or a loved one. I want to cook and perform housekeeping chores that are currently difficult because of my wrist injury. My arthritis prevents me from dressing or doing household chores. I want to dress, bathe and care for myself after a stroke. I want to regain daily living skills after a recent car accident. My older parent is recovering from surgery and needs help with daily tasks. I want to continue to drive safely so I can visit friends. My child or teen with a developmental disability needs help participating in daily activities, doing well in school or transitioning to independent living. Source: American Occupational Therapy Association Occupational therapy: Check out the benefits Call Kayley Schulz, OT, at 641- 732-6026 to make an appointment, or ask your primary care provider for a referral. Is respiratory therapy right for you? MCRHC respiratory care therapists are ready to help with many respiratory conditions, including: ■  ■ Asthma ■  ■ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ■  ■ Bronchitis ■  ■ Lung cancer ■  ■ Stroke ■  ■ Pneumonia ■  ■ Heart attack ■  ■ Birth defects ■  ■ Emphysema ■  ■ Cystic fibrosis ■  ■ Sleep apnea We also treat trauma patients and patients who have undergone surgery. Think respiratory therapy might be right for you? Talk to your primary care provider for a referral. Asthma has a variety of symptoms: coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath. But it shouldn’t make you feel powerless. In fact, there’s a lot you can do to keep asthma symptoms from flaring up in the first place. Your physician can work with you to develop a plan that will help keep your asthma under control. FIND YOUR TRIGGERS The first step is to identify your asthma triggers. These are irritants and allergens that cause your asthma symptoms. Triggers vary from person to person but may include dust, animal dander, to- bacco smoke, mold, pollen, polluted air and chemi- cals from products such as hair spray. Your doctor can give you advice on how to re- duce your exposure to triggers. KEEP SYMPTOMS IN CHECK The next step is to faithfully take the medicines that help prevent and control your symptoms. Most people with asthma use both long-term and fast-relief medicines. Long-term medicines help keep the airways open and can prevent asthma symptoms from flar- ing up.They come in both inhaled and pill form and should be used daily as advised by your doctor. Fast-relief medicines can help control asthma symptoms when they occur. You should always carry a quick-relief inhaler and use it as directed. Your doctor may recommend using a peak flow meter. When you blow into the device, it displays a number that shows how well your lungs are working. Your doctor will help you determine your personal best peak flow number. When your peak flow meter shows this number, your asthma is under control. PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES You’ll also need to know what to do if you have a serious asthma attack. You should call your doctor if: ●  ● Your medicines don’t provide relief. ●  ● Your peak flow number is less than half of your personal best. And you should call 911 if: ●  ● You have trouble walking or talking because you’re out of breath. ●  ● Your lips or fingernails are blue. CHECK WITH THE EXPERTS See your doctor regularly to make sure your asthma plan is working well and to ask any ques- tions you may have about your asthma treatment. Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; American Lung Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Make an asthma action plan SUMMER 2019 3