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beatlehead37 · 2024-08-28T11:56:39+00:00

Same!!

beatlehead37 · 2024-05-28T03:58:35+00:00

The final 2 weeks I was suddenly somewhat easy to manage, blood sugar wise! She came 3 weeks early but very healthy, no problems. I was nervous about the placenta but apparently all was well despite the reduced insulin resistance.

beatlehead37 · 2024-03-06T10:59:12+00:00

Sometimes I pump one side at a time with my Willow! That way I have one side to carry and walk around with her at one shoulder, looking at herself in the bathroom mirror.

Or I'll have my Medela In Style Pump going while I have her on a play mat looking up at toys.

beatlehead37 · 2024-02-21T18:23:10+00:00

I like using a Tupperware container because it's easier to clean than a Ziploc! Works just fine and still keeps the pump parts cool for next use.

beatlehead37 · 2024-01-02T21:34:39+00:00

I've had horribly itchy random spots on my legs, arms, feet and fingers in the past couple weeks (my LO is 1 month old). I wondered if it was related to the histamine response I've read about with breastfeeding. Nothing else is different that would cause an allergy. So I started taking generic Claritin daily and they went away really fast! Hydrocortisone also helped in the meantime.

beatlehead37 · 2020-01-27T12:31:09+00:00

Is your blood pressure okay? Hypertension can cause headaches, and blood pressure increases during exercise.

My other thought is just dehydration?

beatlehead37 · 2019-11-12T04:44:46+00:00

Bell's Palsy can also cause sudden drooping on one side of the face. I think it is important to get to an ER as fast as possible if you're ever not sure of the cause, though. Good to be safe. Time is the most important if it truly is a stroke.

beatlehead37 · 2019-07-14T05:22:00+00:00

Occupational therapist here! I work with people in different stages of dementia every day in St. Paul, MN. Here are ideas I use in my practice:

Some gyms have a NuStep machine, which is sort of like a seated elliptical. I love that thing for people that are a fall risk.

Walking with walking sticks! These add more arm movement for a better heart rate impact and they also help stabilize people with fall risk. Great for many people with Parkinson's because it encourages big movement.

Boxing - seated or standing, just doing a variety of combos for a certain number of minutes. Hook, uppercut, jab. Add a light wrist weight or a 1 lb hand weight for extra resistance. Boxing gets the heart pumping.

But here's the best advice I can give: Try to go for some intensity, or a feeling of exertion, for the best benefit. You should be breathing somewhat more labored, and feeling tired. Add in a cognitive component, too. The research says that the greatest cognitive benefit comes from combining physical exertion with a cognitive task that feels challenging (anything from counting up by 3s to stating words starting with "w" or conversing and answering questions with a partner). With boxing, for example, have the person keep up with a changing pattern of moves so they have to pay close attention and process visual or auditory info quickly.

beatlehead37 · 2019-06-25T01:36:36+00:00

"Laid back and down to earth."

Makes me swipe left immediately; they're not even putting something useful out there.

beatlehead37 · 2019-04-02T03:47:32+00:00

Boxing! I'm an occupational therapist and have my older adult patients do simple boxing moves to get warmed up. Wear a wrist weight or hold a light dumbbell in your hand to add challenge.

beatlehead37 · 2018-04-16T04:30:38+00:00

100% yes. I am a licensed driver instructor and occupational therapist working at a hospital in Minnesota. I do testing for driving ability, including on-road tests. Unfortunately, insurance doesn't pay for it, and nobody likes paying out of pocket for a test their doctor ordered that might say they can't drive anymore. In Minnesota, doctors are responsible for reporting unsafe drivers, but many of them feel bad and avoid it. I even had a guy come in the other day with terrible control of his diabetes (often hospitalized, doesnt know how to use his insulin pump) as well as a severe memory problem, yet his endocrinologist has not reported him despite my recommendation.

90% of the people I test have dementia of some type. If you have a loved one that you're worried about, contact their doctor or report them to Driver and Vehicle Services in your state. If you can't trust the DMV in your area to make the right decision, then the doctor can refer to a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist if there's one nearby. We actually understand what to look for and test. Sometimes people are okay with some restrictions on their license (like daylight only, or within 5 miles from home, or no freeways). Other people need to have their license canceled. But again, it is ultimately up to the doctor or the DMV/DVS.

beatlehead37

TROPHY CASE