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Kardinia Health has three Physiotherapists who can treat sports injuries as well as general physical illness. Ben Bisset, Allied Health Coordinator and Physiotherapist, spoke about the types of sports injuries commonly seen in Geelong, and about his time as a competing national-level triathlete. According to Ben Bisset, who worked for two years within the acute and rehabilitation hospital sector at Epworth Richmond before making the move into private practice, prevention is better than treatment and recovery is probably more important than the actual exercise. It’s something physiotherapists try to teach all their patients. That and the ability to listen to one’s body to accept one’s fitness level. Physiotherapists work with coaches and patients to customise the individual recovery times. If the patient doesn’t have their own coach, then Kardinia Health physiotherapists will act as a coach to help minimise risk and maximise performance. What to do if you’re injured? When you suffer an injury, you should get it checked out as soon as possible. Management of a sports injury within the first 48 hours will have an impact on your recovery. How significant will be the impact of seeking medical treatment? If poorly managed in the early stages, an acute 3-week injury could potentially drag out to 6 weeks or more. Measures to manage the injury might include controlling swelling and support of the affected area along with other general health tips. Furthermore, the injury’s diagnosis is more accurate when the injury is new. Kardinia Health also has the advantage of Dr. Robert Brzozek, a musculoskeletal doctor who is qualified to offer other treatments such as cortisone injections, which often require more than one visit to be an effective treatment. When asked, Ben Bisset said he’d had every injury imaginable when he competed as a triathlete and long-distance runner. With a touch of humour, he says it came in handy since he was already studying to be a physio and that experience was the best teacher.  But, he did say he wished he knew more about injury prevention and how to increase muscle mass during his time as an athlete. Ben still exercises every day, whether it’s surfing, running, or at the gym, and he says he’s less competitive than he used to be. He holds his health as a priority over performance and allows more of the recovery time mentioned above. Because of this, he experiences less sports-related injury. With Kardinia Health, Ben will treat spinal, upper and lower limb injuries, dry needling and exercise therapies, and clinical Pilates.
Recovery as a Simple Tip for Avoiding Sports Injuries
Taking care of your health and well-being should be a high priority. Not only is it essential for physical wellness, but having healthy habits can also help improve your mental health, reduce stress, and make you more productive in all aspects of life. Self-care has been found to affect overall lifestyle satisfaction and well-being positively. But what is the importance of self-care? This blog post will dive further into self-care and how you can practice it in your lifestyle to become healthier and happier. Understanding What Self-Care Is Self-care is more than just a buzzword that's thrown around. It is the manner of taking care of oneself physically and mentally to maintain a healthy and balanced life. Everyone is guilty of neglecting their needs due to a busy work schedule or personal responsibilities. However, taking time for yourself can have immense benefits. Self-care can help boost mood, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being. After all, self-care is not selfish but somewhat necessary. So, take a deep breath, and start incorporating self-care into your daily routine. Your mind and body will love you for it! Preparing for Self-Care To truly prioritize taking care of yourself, developing a routine for self-care can be incredibly effective. With so much stress and chaos in your daily life, setting aside dedicated time each day or week to focus on your well-being is essential. This routine could include meditation, exercise, cooking a healthy meal, or enjoying a quiet relaxing time. By creating a consistent schedule for self-care, you can ensure you're not neglecting your needs. Plus, following a routine can help make self-care feel more manageable and less overwhelming. Whether you're just starting your journey towards better self-care or trying to refine your existing routine, committing to a set schedule can be a game-changer. Taking Time for Yourself There's never enough time to complete everything in today's fast-paced world. Finding time to unwind can often seem impossible between work, family, and other daily responsibilities. However, taking time for yourself is essential for your mental and physical well-being. Making time to relax may seem like a luxury, but it's necessary to recharge your batteries and reduce stress levels. Whether reading a book, meditating, or simply napping, incorporating relaxation into your daily routine can help boost productivity and clear your mind. So, go ahead and take that much-needed break – you deserve it! Eating Healthy and Exercising Regularly People often forget to take care of themselves in the hustle and bustle of everyone's busy life. However, making time for self-care can have a tremendous impact on your physical health and mental well-being. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly are two critical ways to prioritize your overall health. A balanced diet and regular exercise help you reduce your risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease and maintain a healthy weight. Furthermore, regular physical activity has been proven to boost mood and reduce stress. Keeping a Positive Mindset and Reducing Stress Taking care of yourself is crucial, and keeping a positive mindset and reducing stress are some of the best ways. Daily life's stress and negativity can build up and take over, causing even more problems. By actively working to maintain a positive outlook and reducing stress, you can improve your overall well-being and outlook on life. Whether it's through meditation, exercise, or simply making time to do something you enjoy, make sure to put self-care in your daily routine. It can make a difference in how you feel and approach each day. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish. It's a necessary part of living a healthy and happy life. Connecting with Nature and Reconnecting with Family and Friends There's a simple way to hit the reset button and bring yourself closer to those who matter most. Look no further than the great outdoors. Connecting with nature has been proven to reduce stress and boost overall mental health. Even more, doing so with family and friends can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. So next time you feel overwhelmed, consider a nature walk or camping trip with your loved ones. You might just find the self-care you've been seeking all along. Self-care can seem like a daunting task to think about, especially with all the demands of life. It's important to remember that everyone needs different types of self-care. What works for one person might not work for another, but plenty of options are available. Medical check-ups are also an important aspect of self-care because they can help you identify potential health issues early on and take necessary steps to address them. A company like Hospital Stays can make it easier for you to find somewhere comfortable that is close to medical facilities. Nevertheless, allowing yourself time to relax is an essential tool that will help you propel forward in life, energized and ready for anything that comes your way.
Health Guide: What Is The Importance Of Self Care?
Infertility is a complex and emotionally challenging issue that affects millions of couples worldwide. The inability to conceive can be attributed to various factors, such as hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, genetic disorders, or reproductive health issues. Fortunately, advancements in scientific research and medical technology have paved the way for innovative solutions to address infertility. In the text below, we’ll explore several science-based treatments that offer hope and promise for couples struggling with infertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) In vitro fertilization, commonly known as IVF, has revolutionized the field of reproductive medicine. IVF involves the retrieval of mature eggs from a woman's ovaries, which are then fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are monitored for a few days before being transferred to the woman's uterus. IVF has a high success rate and offers the possibility of genetic screening and selection to minimize the risk of passing on hereditary diseases. The establishment of a global IVF network has played a pivotal role in advancing infertility treatments worldwide. This network connects fertility specialists, researchers, and clinics across different countries, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through the global IVF network, medical professionals can share best practices, research findings, and innovative techniques, leading to improved outcomes for patients. The network also enables couples to access cutting-edge treatments and expertise from around the world, expanding their options and increasing the likelihood of successful pregnancies. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) ICSI is a specialized form of IVF that addresses male infertility caused by low sperm count or poor sperm motility. In this procedure, a single sperm is directly injected into an egg using a microneedle. ICSI increases the chances of successful fertilization, even when conventional IVF techniques may not be effective. It is particularly beneficial for couples who have experienced previous failed fertilization attempts. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) PGT is a breakthrough technology that allows for the genetic screening of embryos before they are transferred into the uterus during IVF. This screening process helps identify embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, or gender-related conditions. PGT can significantly reduce the risk of passing on inheritable diseases and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. It provides couples with vital information to make informed decisions about embryo selection and family planning. Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos Cryopreservation, or freezing, of eggs, sperm, or embryos has emerged as a valuable tool in infertility treatment. This technique enables couples to preserve their reproductive cells for future use, allowing them to pursue fertility treatments without the constraints of age or other time-related factors. Cryopreservation is particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing cancer treatments that may compromise their fertility. It also provides an option for individuals who desire to delay childbearing for personal or professional reasons. Infertility can be a distressing experience, but science-based solutions have brought renewed hope to couples struggling to conceive. Through techniques such as IVF, ICSI, PGT, cryopreservation, and various assisted reproductive technologies, medical advancements have significantly increased the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Science-Based Solutions For Treating Infertility That You Should Try
Taking care of your health and well-being should be a high priority. Not only is it essential for physical wellness, but having healthy habits can also help improve your mental health, reduce stress, and make you more productive in all aspects of life. Self-care has been found to affect overall lifestyle satisfaction and well-being positively. But what is the importance of self-care? This blog post will dive further into self-care and how you can practice it in your lifestyle to become healthier and happier. Understanding What Self-Care Is Self-care is more than just a buzzword that's thrown around. It is the manner of taking care of oneself physically and mentally to maintain a healthy and balanced life. Everyone is guilty of neglecting their needs due to a busy work schedule or personal responsibilities. However, taking time for yourself can have immense benefits. Self-care can help boost mood, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being. After all, self-care is not selfish but somewhat necessary. So, take a deep breath, and start incorporating self-care into your daily routine. Your mind and body will love you for it! Preparing for Self-Care To truly prioritize taking care of yourself, developing a routine for self-care can be incredibly effective. With so much stress and chaos in your daily life, setting aside dedicated time each day or week to focus on your well-being is essential. This routine could include meditation, exercise, cooking a healthy meal, or enjoying a quiet relaxing time. By creating a consistent schedule for self-care, you can ensure you're not neglecting your needs. Plus, following a routine can help make self-care feel more manageable and less overwhelming. Whether you're just starting your journey towards better self-care or trying to refine your existing routine, committing to a set schedule can be a game-changer. Taking Time for Yourself There's never enough time to complete everything in today's fast-paced world. Finding time to unwind can often seem impossible between work, family, and other daily responsibilities. However, taking time for yourself is essential for your mental and physical well-being. Making time to relax may seem like a luxury, but it's necessary to recharge your batteries and reduce stress levels. Whether reading a book, meditating, or simply napping, incorporating relaxation into your daily routine can help boost productivity and clear your mind. So, go ahead and take that much-needed break – you deserve it! Eating Healthy and Exercising Regularly People often forget to take care of themselves in the hustle and bustle of everyone's busy life. However, making time for self-care can have a tremendous impact on your physical health and mental well-being. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly are two critical ways to prioritize your overall health. A balanced diet and regular exercise help you reduce your risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease and maintain a healthy weight. Furthermore, regular physical activity has been proven to boost mood and reduce stress. Keeping a Positive Mindset and Reducing Stress Taking care of yourself is crucial, and keeping a positive mindset and reducing stress are some of the best ways. Daily life's stress and negativity can build up and take over, causing even more problems. By actively working to maintain a positive outlook and reducing stress, you can improve your overall well-being and outlook on life. Whether it's through meditation, exercise, or simply making time to do something you enjoy, make sure to put self-care in your daily routine. It can make a difference in how you feel and approach each day. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish. It's a necessary part of living a healthy and happy life. Connecting with Nature and Reconnecting with Family and Friends There's a simple way to hit the reset button and bring yourself closer to those who matter most. Look no further than the great outdoors. Connecting with nature has been proven to reduce stress and boost overall mental health. Even more, doing so with family and friends can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. So next time you feel overwhelmed, consider a nature walk or camping trip with your loved ones. You might just find the self-care you've been seeking all along. Self-care can seem like a daunting task to think about, especially with all the demands of life. It's important to remember that everyone needs different types of self-care. What works for one person might not work for another, but plenty of options are available. Medical check-ups are also an important aspect of self-care because they can help you identify potential health issues early on and take necessary steps to address them. A company like Hospital Stays can make it easier for you to find somewhere comfortable that is close to medical facilities. Nevertheless, allowing yourself time to relax is an essential tool that will help you propel forward in life, energized and ready for anything that comes your way.
Health Guide: What Is The Importance Of Self Care?
Kardinia Health has three Physiotherapists who can treat sports injuries as well as general physical illness. Ben Bisset, Allied Health Coordinator and Physiotherapist, spoke about the types of sports injuries commonly seen in Geelong, and about his time as a competing national-level triathlete. According to Ben Bisset, who worked for two years within the acute and rehabilitation hospital sector at Epworth Richmond before making the move into private practice, prevention is better than treatment and recovery is probably more important than the actual exercise. It’s something physiotherapists try to teach all their patients. That and the ability to listen to one’s body to accept one’s fitness level. Physiotherapists work with coaches and patients to customise the individual recovery times. If the patient doesn’t have their own coach, then Kardinia Health physiotherapists will act as a coach to help minimise risk and maximise performance. What to do if you’re injured? When you suffer an injury, you should get it checked out as soon as possible. Management of a sports injury within the first 48 hours will have an impact on your recovery. How significant will be the impact of seeking medical treatment? If poorly managed in the early stages, an acute 3-week injury could potentially drag out to 6 weeks or more. Measures to manage the injury might include controlling swelling and support of the affected area along with other general health tips. Furthermore, the injury’s diagnosis is more accurate when the injury is new. Kardinia Health also has the advantage of Dr. Robert Brzozek, a musculoskeletal doctor who is qualified to offer other treatments such as cortisone injections, which often require more than one visit to be an effective treatment. When asked, Ben Bisset said he’d had every injury imaginable when he competed as a triathlete and long-distance runner. With a touch of humour, he says it came in handy since he was already studying to be a physio and that experience was the best teacher.  But, he did say he wished he knew more about injury prevention and how to increase muscle mass during his time as an athlete. Ben still exercises every day, whether it’s surfing, running, or at the gym, and he says he’s less competitive than he used to be. He holds his health as a priority over performance and allows more of the recovery time mentioned above. Because of this, he experiences less sports-related injury. With Kardinia Health, Ben will treat spinal, upper and lower limb injuries, dry needling and exercise therapies, and clinical Pilates.
Recovery as a Simple Tip for Avoiding Sports Injuries
  Remember the days when you were fit and healthy? When you went years without so much as getting a common cold and could dance all night and not suffer from aching joints the following morning? If those days are nothing but a fading memory now that you are moving toward senior status, then perhaps it is time to consider dietary supplements.   For some older people, they are a vital way to improve and maintain their health. By providing their bodies with the essential nutrients they lack. But what are dietary supplements? And more importantly, which ones should you take? In this article, we will answer both questions, so please keep on reading until the end to find out.     What are Dietary Supplements?   Dietary supplements are herbal, vitamin and mineral substances which are consumed orally in a capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid. Once you pass 50 years old, your body may require more minerals and vitamins to function as well as it did when you were younger.   Therefore, these supplements can provide the extra levels it needs and also reduce your risk of health issues like osteoporosis or arthritis.   There are many different types of supplements available. However, before you take any, you should consult a dietitian or doctor to determine which ones you might need.    Why are vitamins important?    Vitamins are vital to help your body grow and function at optimum capacity.   Overall there are 13 essential vitamins that people of all ages need, to be able to do this effectively. These include vitamins A, C, D, E, and K as well as all the B vitamins - which incorporate folate, biotin, B6, B12, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, niacin and thiamine,   All vitamins perform different yet equally crucial roles for our well-being. For instance, vitamin A helps with vision, immunity and cell division. While vitamin D lowers the risk of cancer cell growth, as well as controlling infections and reducing the likelihood of inflammation.     Why are minerals important?     Similar to vitamins, minerals play a major role in ensuring your body functions healthily. Minerals are found in both our food and on the earth. Our bodies need a regular supply of 15 of them in order to maintain a robust constitution. These include:     Calcium   Chloride   Chromium   Copper   Fluoride   iodine   Iron   Magnesium   Manganese   Molybdenum   Phosphorus   Potassium   Selenium   Sodium   Zinc   For some of these minerals, our bodies only require tiny quantities. However, the likes of potassium, calcium and magnesium are needed in higher amounts.     What are antioxidants?    Antioxidants play a critical role in our bodies and, in particular, those of seniors.   Again humans need a regular supply of antioxidants, as these molecules attack free radicals within our body. Thus strengthening our immune system, while protecting us from common ailments like colds and other diseases.     Why should I take supplements?    There are several compelling reasons why you should consider taking dietary supplements if you are a senior. Firstly, humans get most vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from their food. However, as we get older, our appetites reduce. So it follows that people over 50, and especially those over 75, are not consuming the requisite amount during their mealtimes.   In addition, as we age, our bodies become less effective at absorbing the major nutrients we rely on in the food we eat. Other factors like lack of natural sunlight, chronic diseases, a greater propensity to brittle bones and certain medications also contribute too.     Which dietary supplements should I take?    As previously mentioned, it is probably best to contact your doctor or dietitian before taking any supplements.  However, here are 10 dietary supplements you should think about taking. If you check out Chemist Warehouse you will find most of them there.   Vitamin C: Thorne Vitamin C with Flavonoids is recognised as being one of the best vitamin C supplements. But Nordic Naturals Vitamin C Gummies are recommended for those who prefer gummies. Pure Encapsulations Liposomal also has a good name for those who prefer liquids.  Vitamin B6: Popular capsules include Nature’s Way Vitamin B-6, while Best Naturals Vitamin B6 provides an established tablet brand. If you have gluten, wheat or dairy intolerances, you should try Solgar instead.  Vitamin B9: Both Methyl Folate 400mcg and Folate 400mcg are two of the more popular brands on the market. Although Methylate is preferred by many people who are vegan or vegetarian.  Vitamin B12: The all-natural Bear Perform tablet and Solgar, Sublingual Methylcobalamin are both highly rated. As is Nature's Own Vitamin B12, which is vegan and vegetarian friendly.  Vitamin D: If you are after a high dose then consider the Thorne Vitamin D3 supplement. Alternatively, Garden of Life is good for those who want something chewable, while Life Extension ticks the box of vegan too.  Vitamin E: The likes of Nordic Naturals Vitamin E Complex, Nature Made Synthetic Vitamin E and Pure Encapsulations Vitamin E are among the best-known brands of this supplement.  Calcium: The Calcium D-Glucarate, Ostelin Calcium and Cenovis Mega B brands are all recommended for those who want to enhance their calcium levels.  Magnesium: There are many acclaimed brands available such as Nutra-Life Magnesium Sleep, NOW Foods, Magnesium Citrate and Doctor's Best, High Absorption Magnesium.  Omega 3s: For those wanting to enhance their levels, Carlson – Elite Omega-3 Gems, Evlution Nutrition Omega 3 Fish Oil and Nature Made Extra Strength Burp-less Omega 3 Fish Oil are some of the major players in this market.  Probiotics: The big names to look out for here are RenewLife Ultimate Flora Probiotic and Blackmores Probiotics + Daily Health. Caruso’s Natural Health is gaining a lot of popularity too.    Final Thought  We hope you have found this article helpful in understanding what exactly dietary supplements are and which ones may benefit you.  Unfortunately, as you age you become more prone to deficiencies in things like vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12 calcium, magnesium and various other crucial nutrients. Thankfully, you can take action to prevent them. Making a conscious effort to drink lots of water, eat plenty of nutrient-rich foods and take a relevant supplement will go a long way towards helping you stay fit and healthy as you get older. 
10 Dietary Supplements Seniors need to consider
When you start to wear a CPAP mask for the first time, there is a lot of information to take in, not least about what benefits it will have for you and how you should go about using it. However, one thing that often gets lost in the overload is the importance of cleaning your mask. You must be aware of this, as a failure to do so could result in the mask doing more harm than good. Therefore, in this article, we’ll give you a quick rundown of how to enhance the effectiveness of your CPAP masks in the form of some cleaning and maintenance tips. If you follow these guidelines, you should enjoy the benefits of wearing a CPAP mask for a long time to come. Why do you need to clean your CPAP mask? Before we look at how you should clean your CPAP mask, it is worth outlining why it is important to wear one. Regularly prescribed to treat sleep apnea disorders, CPAP machines deliver a steady and constant flow of air pressure to your airways. It reduces the occurrence of them being temporarily blocked or collapsing, thus enabling you to breathe more easily and sleep better. It is also important to perform regular cleaning and maintenance of your CPAP mask. While the air being streamed into your mouth and nose is filtered and humidified, it needs to be kept as clean as possible.  Failure to do so could result in a range of potential issues, some of which could be quite dangerous in the long run. They include exposure to mould and bacteria and heightened susceptibility to allergies. It could also possibly increase your risk of contracting pneumonia or sinus infections and could even lead to your mask having a foul or musty smell or, worse still, malfunctioning. All of which can be prevented just by giving it a good clean. In some cases, if you find yourself with a mask that isn’t as effective as it once was, then it might simply be time for an upgrade. If this is the case, then click here. When and what do you need to clean your CPAP mask? How often you clean your CPAP mask is up to your discretion, though weekly is probably a good starting point. To clean the mask, you will need to assemble its various pieces, which include the mask, tubing, headgear, CPAP machine and water chamber humidifier. You will also need warm water, a mild antibacterial soap solution, a soft cloth, a towel, a tub, basin or sink. How to clean your CPAP mask To thoroughly clean your CPAP mask, follow the steps below as closely as possible. Disassemble everything Before attempting any cleaning, you should unplug your CPAP from the power socket. Doing this will reduce the likelihood of you suffering from an electrical shock. You will also need to remove the CPAP tubing from your mask and detach or remove the headgear if it has any. Be sure to separate all other pieces that you can easily re-attach as well. Likewise, make sure you take off the CPAP tubing from all connectors on your machine if it directly connects to it, as well as the humidifier output. From the humidifier unit within your CPAP machine, it is worth also removing the water chamber. If it easily disconnects into different sections, then do that too. Wipe all outside surfaces Once you have disconnected everything, dip your soft cloth into the warm water and give the CPAP machine a quick wipe-down. Doing this will remove excess dust. Thus, reducing your risk of allergies. Soak all parts After you have wiped down the CPAP machine, the next thing is to fill your basin, tub or sink with warm water. Be sure to add some antibacterial soap solution to the water. (You could even use some vinegar or lemon too. But that is optional). Next, fully submerge all the various detached parts into the soapy, warm water. It should include the mask, tubing, headgear and all connectors. Ideally, you should let it soak for about 30 minutes. But if you don’t have that time available, you can quickly wash all the gear with soapy water – especially through the tubing. Be sure to thoroughly rinse it in warm (non-soapy) water once you have cleaned it. Afterwards, you should leave it to air dry, preferably on a towel or the dish rack next to your sink. You could even hang it on the shower rail. Put it all back together  Once you are satisfied that everything is completely dry, you can begin to reassemble its different parts. This means attaching the headgear back to your mask. It also means hooking all the connectors and tubing to their appropriate places, including the humidifier and the CPAP machine. To ensure you have done this properly, briefly turn the machine on and listen out for any leaks of air that might be there. If there are none, then you are good to use it again. Humidifier Ideally, the humidifier should be cleaned every week. If not every three or four days. When doing this, make sure you clean out the water chamber with a mix of hot soapy water. Again, you will need to rinse it, and it should be left to air dry. Be aware that you should only ever put distilled water into the humidifier. Failure to do so could result in a greater chance of you getting ill. In addition, it could also lead to an increased probability of hard minerals and limescale building up within your equipment. Filters If your CPAP machine runs with filters, it is worthwhile referring to your instruction manual provided by the manufacturer. It should give you further guidance on how best to maintain them.  In some models, these filters can be rinsed. While in others, they can be replaced. The frequency of doing so will be contingent on the atmosphere and environment where you use this machine. As a rough guide, you should look to replace your disposable filters a minimum of at least once every month. Precautions and Tips Like with many things, regular cleaning and maintenance can significantly enhance the effectiveness and lifespan of your CPAP machine. You should always be mindful of the importance of doing so as well as certain times when it might be prudent too. When using a CPAP machine, you are prone to breathing in whatever might be growing within it. Therefore, if you are sick, you should clean it more often. That said, you should also never use heavy-duty cleaning solutions or perfumes to sanitise your equipment, as they can cause irritation in your lungs and make you ill. You should only put distilled water in the humidifier to prevent minerals from building up in the water chamber. Running your equipment through a washing machine or dishwasher is a bad idea, too, as it could damage the equipment. Ultimately, when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your CPAP equipment, you should follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
CPAP Masks: Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
There’s a certain level of stress that comes with getting admitted to the hospital for a considerable amount of time. Although you’re technically getting treated to make your condition better, the gloomy atmosphere inside your hospital room plus the lack of things to do can make you feel uneasy during your stay. If you’re someone who gets admitted multiple times in a year or you’re scheduled for treatment or operation that would require you to stay in the hospital for several days such as patients suffering from adult cystic fibrosis, then it’s important that you make a checklist for things to bring. When you search online for hospital stay checklists, what typically comes out is for expecting mothers. There’s nothing really much about making your temporary home more comfortable. There are world-class medical centres, such as the Prince Charles Hospital, that have well-made in-patient rooms which allow patients to truly relax during their stay. But if you find yourself admitted in a hospital that doesn’t provide the same level of accommodation then this checklist is for you. We listed a couple of things that you might want to bring to make your stay more productive and your room more homey. Hopefully, this will inspire you to make your very own personal checklist to better prepare for your next admission. Of course, the essentials such as your toothbrush and underwear have been excluded from this list.  1. Bedding: Hospital bed sheets, blankets, and pillow covers can be quite scratchy and uncomfortable. To feel more cozy and snuggly, make sure to bring beddings that you normally use. You can even bring more pillows if you’re the type who needs a ton when sleeping. Are you the type who is conscious about your skin and hair? Feel free to bring your silk sheets and pillowcases. If you have a security blanket, then don’t be shy. Include that in your to-go back as well. 2. Books: Want to teleport to another place while still being in the hospital? A physical book or e-book can bring you to places as you imagine different scenarios, timelines, and locations. Find a book or two in a genre or topic that you’re really interested in. Doing so can truly help you get lost in the pages and free you from boredom and negative thinking. 3. Light Exercise Equipment: Some patients are encouraged by their doctors to get moving during their recovery period. Bring a nice pair of tennis shoes so you can stroll around the hospital and get some fresh air. Feel free to bring a yoga mat, easy resistance bands, and light weights so you can work on a few muscles and get your heartrate up a bit. This will also improve your circulation, boost your energy, and loosen those joints that might feel tight because of too much sitting or lying down. 4. Decorations: It’s quite common for hospital rooms to look sad and boring. Why not dress it up to make it more fun and easy on the eyes? You can bring fresh flowers, fairy lights, and decorative throw pillows. During festive seasons, such as Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine’s, then you can also bring seasonal decorations. A mini Christmas tree, Santa toy, heart-shaped banner, and pumpkin-shaped plush toy, are just a few items that can help lighten the mood in your room. 5. Gadgets: Make sure to not leave behind your phone or tablet so you can easily contact people through calls, texts, FaceTime, Skype, and other means if you need to. Of course, these gadgets are highly important for entertainment as well. Finally, you have an excuse to be on YouTube or on all your social media accounts for the entire day. If you’re someone who prefers working during their stay, then don’t forget your laptop. This way, you can still hold virtual meetings, submit your work, participate in workgroup chats, keep in touch with clients, prepare for your presentation, and more. Another great thing about having it is that you can binge-watch your favorite shows or movies after you’ve finished your work for the day. Are you a gamer? Then take your Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, or other gaming devices with you. Don’t forget to include an extra controller so you can play with your guests. 6. Extra Money: Coffee snobs just have to have their favorite cup of joe. If your tastebuds can’t handle the free coffee or the ones that are available in vending machines, then be sure to set aside a budget for your morning fix. The same goes for people who prefer other beverages such as tea or hot chocolate. 7. Skincare: Even if you’re someone who’s not too obsessed with skincare, you still might want to bring a few essentials such as face wash and moisturizer to cleanse and hydrate your skin. But if you have major skin concerns such as acne or eczema, then you should not forget your spot treatments, ointments, and whatnot. 8. Photos of Your Loved Ones: Include a couple of pictures in your to-go bag. It can be your significant other, beloved pet, bestfriend, family members, among others. Although you might have them on your phone already, there’s really something special about having physical pictures in an album or frame. Somehow, these feel more real and closer to home. It’s great to put on your bedside so you can just look at it from time to time whenever you miss them.   
8 Essential Items for Long Hospital Stays
When you start to wear a CPAP mask for the first time, there is a lot of information to take in, not least about what benefits it will have for you and how you should go about using it. However, one thing that often gets lost in the overload is the importance of cleaning your mask. You must be aware of this, as a failure to do so could result in the mask doing more harm than good. Therefore, in this article, we’ll give you a quick rundown of how to enhance the effectiveness of your CPAP masks in the form of some cleaning and maintenance tips. If you follow these guidelines, you should enjoy the benefits of wearing a CPAP mask for a long time to come. Why do you need to clean your CPAP mask? Before we look at how you should clean your CPAP mask, it is worth outlining why it is important to wear one. Regularly prescribed to treat sleep apnea disorders, CPAP machines deliver a steady and constant flow of air pressure to your airways. It reduces the occurrence of them being temporarily blocked or collapsing, thus enabling you to breathe more easily and sleep better. It is also important to perform regular cleaning and maintenance of your CPAP mask. While the air being streamed into your mouth and nose is filtered and humidified, it needs to be kept as clean as possible.  Failure to do so could result in a range of potential issues, some of which could be quite dangerous in the long run. They include exposure to mould and bacteria and heightened susceptibility to allergies. It could also possibly increase your risk of contracting pneumonia or sinus infections and could even lead to your mask having a foul or musty smell or, worse still, malfunctioning. All of which can be prevented just by giving it a good clean. In some cases, if you find yourself with a mask that isn’t as effective as it once was, then it might simply be time for an upgrade. If this is the case, then click here. When and what do you need to clean your CPAP mask? How often you clean your CPAP mask is up to your discretion, though weekly is probably a good starting point. To clean the mask, you will need to assemble its various pieces, which include the mask, tubing, headgear, CPAP machine and water chamber humidifier. You will also need warm water, a mild antibacterial soap solution, a soft cloth, a towel, a tub, basin or sink. How to clean your CPAP mask To thoroughly clean your CPAP mask, follow the steps below as closely as possible. Disassemble everything Before attempting any cleaning, you should unplug your CPAP from the power socket. Doing this will reduce the likelihood of you suffering from an electrical shock. You will also need to remove the CPAP tubing from your mask and detach or remove the headgear if it has any. Be sure to separate all other pieces that you can easily re-attach as well. Likewise, make sure you take off the CPAP tubing from all connectors on your machine if it directly connects to it, as well as the humidifier output. From the humidifier unit within your CPAP machine, it is worth also removing the water chamber. If it easily disconnects into different sections, then do that too. Wipe all outside surfaces Once you have disconnected everything, dip your soft cloth into the warm water and give the CPAP machine a quick wipe-down. Doing this will remove excess dust. Thus, reducing your risk of allergies. Soak all parts After you have wiped down the CPAP machine, the next thing is to fill your basin, tub or sink with warm water. Be sure to add some antibacterial soap solution to the water. (You could even use some vinegar or lemon too. But that is optional). Next, fully submerge all the various detached parts into the soapy, warm water. It should include the mask, tubing, headgear and all connectors. Ideally, you should let it soak for about 30 minutes. But if you don’t have that time available, you can quickly wash all the gear with soapy water – especially through the tubing. Be sure to thoroughly rinse it in warm (non-soapy) water once you have cleaned it. Afterwards, you should leave it to air dry, preferably on a towel or the dish rack next to your sink. You could even hang it on the shower rail. Put it all back together  Once you are satisfied that everything is completely dry, you can begin to reassemble its different parts. This means attaching the headgear back to your mask. It also means hooking all the connectors and tubing to their appropriate places, including the humidifier and the CPAP machine. To ensure you have done this properly, briefly turn the machine on and listen out for any leaks of air that might be there. If there are none, then you are good to use it again. Humidifier Ideally, the humidifier should be cleaned every week. If not every three or four days. When doing this, make sure you clean out the water chamber with a mix of hot soapy water. Again, you will need to rinse it, and it should be left to air dry. Be aware that you should only ever put distilled water into the humidifier. Failure to do so could result in a greater chance of you getting ill. In addition, it could also lead to an increased probability of hard minerals and limescale building up within your equipment. Filters If your CPAP machine runs with filters, it is worthwhile referring to your instruction manual provided by the manufacturer. It should give you further guidance on how best to maintain them.  In some models, these filters can be rinsed. While in others, they can be replaced. The frequency of doing so will be contingent on the atmosphere and environment where you use this machine. As a rough guide, you should look to replace your disposable filters a minimum of at least once every month. Precautions and Tips Like with many things, regular cleaning and maintenance can significantly enhance the effectiveness and lifespan of your CPAP machine. You should always be mindful of the importance of doing so as well as certain times when it might be prudent too. When using a CPAP machine, you are prone to breathing in whatever might be growing within it. Therefore, if you are sick, you should clean it more often. That said, you should also never use heavy-duty cleaning solutions or perfumes to sanitise your equipment, as they can cause irritation in your lungs and make you ill. You should only put distilled water in the humidifier to prevent minerals from building up in the water chamber. Running your equipment through a washing machine or dishwasher is a bad idea, too, as it could damage the equipment. Ultimately, when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your CPAP equipment, you should follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
CPAP Masks: Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Do you notice any mental decline in your elderly parents or loved ones? Do you want to assist them in regaining their mental faculties? If so, encouraging a few cognitive activities can be a great way to help them enrich their minds. Cognitive activities are important for seniors to maintain their mental sharpness and prevent cognitive decline. There are many different ways to keep the mind active, from doing puzzles to learning new skills. If you're looking for ways to give back to your loved ones, here are six cognitive activities that your elderly loved ones can do to stay mentally sharp. 1) Sewing and Embroidery An excellent way to keep your elderly loved one's mind active is by encouraging them to sew and knit different fabrics. Sewing and embroidery are not only creative outlets, but they can also help improve dexterity, fine motor skills, and visual-spatial awareness. This activates various processes in the brain, which further strengthens their problem-solving skills and general cognitive abilities. For some elderly folks, sewing can even be seen as a meditative and stress-relieving activity. The repetitive motion of sewing can help the mind feel both concentrated and relaxed at the same time. Sewing also requires people to follow a specific set of instructions, which requires a clear and sound mind. Additionally, the combination of the body's movement and the brain's signaling helps prevent the brain from becoming overly sedentary. 2) Reading and Writing Reading is one of the most effective ways to keep the mind active and challenged. As we age, it's essential to keep our brains engaged in activities that promote critical thinking and analysis. Reading does just that—it helps improve one's comprehension skills, vocabulary, and overall knowledge. Additionally, reading can also help stave off the delayed onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This is large because it's an activity that requires the brain to be active and focused. That said, reading becomes increasingly difficult as we age. If your loved one's eyesight has deteriorated over time, you may give them a better set of glasses or allow them to read with an e-reader device. You may also increase the font size to help those with vision and dexterity problems. 3) Playing Word Games You may have seen your grandparents play word games on their phones or crossword puzzles in their free time. These are classic examples of cognitive activities that can help improve your loved one's mental faculties. Word games are excellent exercises to boost cognitive abilities in the elderly. They help improve memory, vocabulary, and problem-solving skills. They also often require people to think under a time limit and critically, which can help prevent cognitive decline. Some great examples of word games include Scrabble, Boggle, and Crosswords. These games can be played online or in person, depending on your loved one's preference. Some word games can even be played among family and friends, which can help keep your elderly loved one socially active as well. 4) Doing Jigsaw Puzzles Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to keep both sides of the brain active. This activity helps improve problem-solving skills, logic, and hand-eye coordination. It also allows people to exercise their patience, as they have to wrack their brains to fit certain jigsaw pieces together. Jigsaw puzzles come in different levels of difficulty, making it a great way for elderly people of all ages to gradually challenge the mind. For instance, you can start with puzzles that have fewer pieces and work your way up to more complex ones. You can also try different variations of jigsaw puzzles, such as 3D puzzles or ones with different shapes. These can help add an extra layer of difficulty and keep things interesting for your loved one. 5) Playing Sudoku Sudoku is another excellent brain teaser for the elderly. This number-placement puzzle requires people to use logic and reasoning to solve it. It's a great way to improve problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and concentration. And instead of using visual cues or letters as a way to solve the puzzle, Sudoku uses numerical patterns – making it a great activity for those who want to solely use their logical thinking brain. Similar to jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku puzzles come in different levels of difficulty. You can start your elderly loved one off with an easy puzzle and work your way up as they get better at it. 6) Socializing and Volunteering When you grow older, it gets harder to maintain friendships and relationships. If your loved one spends the majority of their day holed up in their room, make sure that you set aside some time for them to maintain social interactions with people they care about. Socialization and volunteering are two great activities that can help elderly people stay mentally sharp. They promote brain health by giving the elderly a sense of belonging and purpose. Additionally, they can help stave off depression and loneliness, which are two major contributors to rapid cognitive decline. If your elderly loved one is able, allow them to spend some time with friends and acquaintances. You may even consider placing them at a facility for aged care in Melbourne where they can interact with other elderly folk and trained nurses that can assist them..
6 Cognitive Activities for Your Elderly Loved Ones