In this episode we will discuss Halloween Safety during COVID   ​ Fall celebrations like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times for children, who at one time could dress up in costumes, enjoy parties, and eat yummy treats. These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety. ​Check out these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and some ideas to replace typical parties during these uncommonly scary times.

PodcastDX

Halloween During COVID

Jenny was diagnosed as a child with the rare diseases Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Short Bowel Syndrome. She lived with an ileostomy for 6 years before having it reversed into a straight pull thru. In her spare time, Jenny shares about life with rare disease on Life's a Polyp blog and Youtube channel. She raises funds for NORD FAP Research Fund through Life's a Polyp Shop and is writing a children's book about FAP. Jenny graduated with a Master's of Social Work and works with individuals with chronic illness. Short bowel syndrome is a group of problems related to poor absorption of nutrients. Short bowel syndrome typically occurs in people who have had at least half of their small intestine removed and sometimes all or part of their large intestine removed significant damage of the small intestine poor motility, or movement, inside the intestines Short bowel syndrome may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how well the small intestine is working. People with short bowel syndrome cannot absorb enough water, vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, calories, and other nutrients from food. What nutrients the small intestine has trouble absorbing depends on which section of the small intestine has been damaged or removed. (Credits NIH)

Short Bowel Syndrome

Marci Bene, is a health coach from Hungary with a focus on the human nervous system and after he suffered through Covid a couple months back he created a protocol to bounce back from the after-effects of this virus. Thanks to it he recovered quickly.  He is trying to reach out to as many as he can to educate on the functions and workings of the nervous system. The protocol was designed so that anyone can do it and the results can be measured in days not months. COVID is real, and we believe in getting as much information to our listeners as possible.  If Marci can help, it's a good day for folks suffering the after effects of COVID! ​ As always, check with your doctor first.  

After Care for COVID

"The Desire to Serve, The Ability to Perform, The Courage to Act" ​ Nicholas Palczer host of the new podcast: Bottom Line Nursing! He has his Bachelors in Nursing, Associates in Nursing, &  Associates in Fire Science He is currently an Active Duty Air Force Nurse, which he has been for 9 years and was an Enlisted Firefighter/EMT before he got commissioned!  He has been stationed at overseas and stateside assignments. He is a Paramedic candidate and a BLS/ALS Instructor. 

Emergency Nursing

Dr. Mafee is dual board certified in Neurology and Integrative Medicine.  As such, she is passionate about using functional and integrative philosophies to prevent & reverse a host of chronic conditions.  Dr. Mafee is particularly focused on helping patients work through neurodegenerative disorders.   Dr. Mafee joined the Case Integrative Health team in March 2020. ​ Neurodegenerative disease is an umbrella term for a range of conditions which primarily affect the neurons in the human brain. Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system which includes the brain and spinal cord. Neurons normally don’t reproduce or replace themselves, so when they become damaged or die they cannot be replaced by the body. Examples of neurodegenerative diseases include Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s disease. Neurodegenerative diseases are incurable and debilitating conditions that result in progressive degeneration and / or death of nerve cells. This causes problems with movement (called ataxias), or mental functioning (called dementias). Dementias are responsible for the greatest burden of neurodegenerative diseases, with Alzheimer’s representing approximately 60-70% of dementia cases. (Credits: JPND)  

Neurodegenerative Disorders

This week we have the pleasure of speaking once again with Lauren Ryan.  She joined our show previously and was more than happy to join us again to discuss a dizzying diagnosis: VERTIGO!    Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself. It's the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning. This feeling may be barely noticeable, or it may be so severe that you find it difficult to keep your balance and do everyday tasks. Attacks of vertigo can develop suddenly and last for a few seconds, or they may last much longer. If you have severe vertigo, your symptoms may be constant and last for several days, making normal life very difficult. Other symptoms associated with vertigo may include: loss of balance – which can make it difficult to stand or walk feeling sick or being sick dizziness Vertigo is commonly caused by a problem with the way balance works in the inner ear, although it can also be caused by problems in certain parts of the brain. Causes of vertigo may include: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – where certain head movements trigger vertigo migraines – severe headaches labyrinthitis – an inner ear infection vestibular neuronitis – inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which runs into the inner ear and sends messages to the brain that help to control balance Depending on the condition causing vertigo, you may experience additional symptoms, such as a high temperature, ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss. How is vertigo treated? Some cases of vertigo improve over time, without treatment. However, some people have repeated episodes for many months, or even years, such as those with Ménière's disease. There are specific treatments for some causes of vertigo. A series of simple head movements (known as the Epley manoeuvre) is used to treat BPPV. Medicines, such as prochlorperazine and some antihistamines, can help in the early stages or most cases of vertigo. Many people with vertigo also benefit from vestibular rehabilitation training (VRT), which is a series of exercises for people with dizziness and balance problems. Self care Depending on what's causing your vertigo, there may be things you can do yourself to help relieve your symptoms. Your GP or the specialist treating you may advise you to: do simple exercises to correct your symptoms sleep with your head slightly raised on two or more pillows get up slowly when getting out of bed and sit on the edge of the bed for a minute or so before standing avoid bending down to pick up items avoid extending your neck – for example, while reaching up to a high shelf move your head carefully and slowly during daily activities do exercises that trigger your vertigo, so your brain gets used to it and reduces the symptoms (do these only after making sure you won't fall, and have support if needed) (Credits...Scotland Natl.Health Info. System)

Vertigo A Dizzying Diagnosis!

Our guest on todays show is Elizabeth "Liz" Coy.  She is a full time Business Development Executive, and now also a caregiver for her dad who has developed Parkinson's.   People with Parkinson’s disease rely on caregivers for a wide range of support — from driving them to doctors’ appointments to helping them get dressed. As the disease progresses, dependence on caregivers increases substantially. Caregivers can help people with Parkinson’s adjust to the disease’s effects on the body. And knowing that a loved one is cared for can help the entire family adjust to the diagnosis. But the person with Parkinson’s disease isn’t the only one who should be cared for. Caregivers must take care of themselves too. Being a caregiver can be a complicated — as well as a physically and emotionally draining — experience. Here are 12 ways to handle your role as a caregiver without neglecting your own well-being.   1. Educate yourself As caregiver, it’s important for you to become familiar with all aspects of the disease. This will ensure better care for the patient and easier transitions for you as the disease progresses. It will take time and continual effort for you to learn about the many varied Parkinson’s symptoms and how to manage them. As time goes on, you will also need to learn about medication regimens, which can be complex. Several organizations, including The National Alliance for Caregiving and the Family Caregiver Alliance, provide assistance and care specifically to caregivers. These caregiver support groups offer: education seminars enrichment resources connections to other individuals in similar situations 2. Prepare Parkinson’s disease begins very slowly. It typically starts with a small tremor in one hand or difficulty walking or moving. Because of this, the role of caregiving is often thrust on a person with very little warning or a chance for preparation. But once the diagnosis is made, you will lessen future stress by preparing now for the road ahead. Much of the work can wait, but you will want to start thinking now about the basics, such as: Who will do food shopping and prepare meals? How will medications be stored and administered? What will have to change in the home setup to keep things safe and easy? Of course, everything doesn’t have to change at once. And your loved one can probably share in a lot of it in the beginning. Talk with your doctors and other medical professionals about when and how much to restructure your lives. As your loved one’s Parkinson’s progresses, their mental abilities will likely diminish. They will be less able to make decisions and plan. At that point, prioritizing planning ahead will help both of you. Using an app may be helpful to make daily schedules as well as reminders for appointments, visitors, and special occasions. 3. Be involved When a loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, treatment for the disease should begin almost immediately. This is a time of major change not only for the person with Parkinson’s but also for you, the caregiver. Doctors strongly encourage caregivers to attend doctors’ appointments. Your input may help your doctor understand: how the disease is progressing how the treatments are working what side effects are occurring As Parkinson’s disease progresses, dementia may make the patient’s memory worse. By going to the appointment, you can help remind your loved one of what the doctor said or instructed. Your role during this time is especially important to the treatment plan. ​4. Establish a team Many family members, friends, and neighbors will be happy to help if you need to run errands or just take a break. Keep a handy list of people you can call on occasionally when you need help. Next, designate which people are the best to call on for specific situations. Some people may be more helpful with certain tasks, like grocery shopping, mailing packages, or picking up children from school. ​ 5. Develop a support group Caring for a loved one can be deeply satisfying. It’s a chance for your family to draw together as you face the challenges of Parkinson’s disease head-on. However, providing emotional and physical care for someone with an illness can become stressful and, at times, overwhelming. Balancing your personal life with caregiving can be difficult. Many caregivers will face periods of feeling guilty, angry, and abandoned. Of course, you don’t have to experience this alone. Support from other family members or professionals can help: relieve stress reevaluate approaches to treatment offer new perspective on the caregiving relationship Ask your doctor or your local hospital’s health outreach office for contact information for a Parkinson’s disease caregiving group. The person you’re caring for will likely also benefit from being part of a support group. Support groups allow for open communication with other people facing the same struggles. These groups also provide an opportunity to share suggestions, ideas, and tips among the group members. HEALTHLINE RESOURCE TRANSFORM: Health Equity 71% of people agree that underrepresented communities in the US face greater hardships in accessing healthcare. Learn how they’ve been affected, and how you can help, today. LEARN MORE   6. Seek professional assistance Especially in the latter stages of Parkinson’s disease, caring for your loved one may become more difficult. When this happens, you may need to seek professional care from a care facility or organization. Certain symptoms and side effects of Parkinson’s disease may be best treated with professional assistance or home health nurses, or in a nursing home environment. These symptoms and side effects may include: difficulty walking or balancing dementia hallucinations severe depression   7. Hire outside help if you need it At some point, you may feel that both you and your support network are stretched thin. You’re tired, and you don’t feel comfortable asking friends and family to pick up the slack. But the yard really needs upkeep. And the house isn’t as clean as it should be. And suddenly, it seems, you’re totally out of food, as well as the energy to go grocery shopping. Hiring a gardener, a house cleaner, or a grocery delivery service can help if this is an option for you. Your physical well-being will thank you for it.   8. Build a good relationship Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can place a great deal of stress on your relationship. A person you love is changing both physically and mentally, and both of you are needing to adapt. The Michael J. Fox Foundation recommends keeping communication as open as possible and being flexible with your changing roles. Be aware that some changes, such as new apathy or irritability, is not directed personally at you. If both you and your loved one are willing, consider consulting a therapist together. You can work through any of the anger, denial, or upset you are feeling, and find ways to keep your relationship healthy and loving.   9. Manage your stress As caregiver, you are going to feel stress. You may feel fear, anger, helplessness, and more as you meet new challenges every day. It’s important for you to know what triggers your stress and develop practices to manage your emotions and release them effectively. Journal writing, going for a walk, or calling a friend can all help. Other coping skills might include: Do something you enjoy. Tend the garden, talk to a neighbor, or read a book. Take at least a few minutes every day to enjoy yourself. Try deep breathing. Even spending 1 minute taking 10 or so deep breaths can give your mind a rest and your energy a boost. Get a massage. Getting a massage can release stress and give you the much-needed sense of being cared for. Try a TV show. It’s OK. Be a couch potato for a half-hour or so. Watch your favorite TV show. It may help distract you from difficulties. Exercise. This is one of the best stress-busters there is. Make time for it and find one you enjoy.   10. Be realistic As a Parkinson’s caregiver, it is sometimes hard to remain rooted in the here and now. In one moment, you might harbor hope that your loved one will somehow miraculously return to normal and be themselves again. In the next moment, you might think differently. These are the times to take a few deep breaths and focus on how things truly are in this moment. Ungrounded fears and hopes can distract you from carrying on with life as it is. If you need it, professional help can teach you tools and tips for how to do this. Mindfulness training, talk therapy, and meditation are all avenues you might explore.   11. Pay attention The Parkinson’s Foundation points out that part of caring for your own mental and emotional well-being comes from noticing and understanding the changes both you and your loved one are experiencing. The physical abilities of your loved one will change over time — and sometimes very suddenly. It is up to you to notice the change since they may not. By paying attention to these changes and managing them, you can make the road ahead easier for both of you. You also have to keep a close eye on your own changes. ResearchTrusted Source shows that Parkinson’s caregivers frequently experience depression and anxiety, and their quality of sleep often diminishes.   12. Care for the caregiver Whether you’re a spouse, parent, child, or friend, your role as a caregiver is to be on call 24/7. You’ll likely feel as if your entire world revolves around your loved one, while your personal life takes a backseat. ResearchTrusted Source shows that caregiver burden is high among Parkinson’s caregivers, who likely face emotional, social, physical, and financial challenges as a result. As the demands of caring for a loved one increase, many caregivers neglect their own health. It’s important to be proactive and take care of yourself. Keep current with your own medical appointments and healthcare needs. Other things you can do to stay in shape include: eat a balanced diet exercise regularly get proper sleep schedule social activities for yourself get temporary respite care when you need it   Takeaway Caregiving for someone you love who has Parkinson’s is a major undertaking that can bring changes and challenges to every aspect of your life. You will likely face emotional and physical hurdles, but also joy and the pleasure of helping someone you love. A brief prescription for succeeding as a caregiver includes: educating yourself asking for help when you need it taking care of yourself Don’t be shy about asking your medical providers, caregiving organizations, friends, and family for help. You need to do everything you can not only to help your loved one, but to also keep yourself healthy and positive as well. (credits to Healthline) 

Parkinson's Caregiving

Our guest today will be speaking about processed food addictions.  Dr. Ifland has been creating breakthroughs in recovery from food addiction from 1999 with her first popular book to 2018 when her textbook, Processed Food Addiction: Foundations, Assessment, and Recovery was released by CRC Press.   She founded the online Addiction Reset Community (ARC) in 2016, www.foodaddictionreset.com. The Facebook group, ‘Food Addiction Education’ (2014) and www.foodaddictionresources.com (2014) provide free support.  Reset Week  is the first online live video program for withdrawal (2018).  ARC Manager Training is a program training future Addiction Reset Community leaders (2020). Dr. Ifland is the lead author of the first scholarly description of processed food addiction and definition of addictive foods. Dr. Ifland earned her PhD in addictive nutrition at Union Institute and University (2010); her MBA at Stanford Business School (1978) and her BA in Economics and Political Science at Oberlin College (1974). She currently resides in Seattle. Social Media links:  Website - https://www.processedfoodaddiction.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1806154526275515 Twitter - https://twitter.com/JoanIfland Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/foodaddictionreset/  

Processed Food Addiction

Our guest this week is Tarita Davenock, M.A. CTC  CEO, Travel for All Inc.     Our guest this week is Tarita Davenock, M.A. CTC  CEO, Travel for All Inc. ​ Tarita has built a reputation as a global expert in the field of accessible travel, and inclusive tourism.   A speaker and contributor to the Hungton Post, and other travel publications she is sought after for her extensive business knowledge as an entrepreneur with a disability and is passionate about creating access for all.    Tarita has served in a diverse range of roles over the years in promoting greater accessibility including remaining Vice Chair the Accessible Tourism Committee for the Standards Council of Canada and is a member of Destination Canada’s Advisory Board and she accepted a Board nomination for the Social Planning & Research Council in 2018 and serves on the Board's Finance and Audit Committee and the Board's Governance Committee. ​ Tarita has graduate degrees in English and Behavioral Psychology and is currently working on the completion of her Doctoral Thesis. ​ Prior to her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, her career was Social Work, specializing in helping children and adults with Developmental Disabilities. ​ She remains a resource for many countries who are striving at creating a presence in this travel demographic. Her company is one that creates a Social Impact and is known as global leaders in accessible, diverse and inclusive travel hps://travel-for-all.com/ Invitations for speaking at prestigious events in Dubai, USA, the Caribbean and Canada; representing the largest under-serviced tourism market. Her passion for creating inclusion, diversity and support for people with disabilities continues to drive her in establishing opportunities at creating a better world.   Travel for All knows accessible travel is tough, but believes having a family member with alternative travel needs should not exclude anyone from traveling. With that being said, you may need to spend a little extra time planning to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime. ​ The Accessibility Specialists at Travel for All know how to turn your travel dreams into reality. Our specialists know that our clients need someone who will pay close attention to all of the details for them. They have traveled with their own disabilities, so they understand firsthand what you need, plus they have the connections to make it happen.

Travel with a Disability

According to the World Health Organization there are approximately 650,000 new cases of oral cancer each year world wide.  Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the back of the throat. Oral cancers develop on the tongue, the tissue lining the mouth and gums, under the tongue, at the base of the tongue, and the area of the throat at the back of the mouth. Oral cancer accounts for roughly three percent of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States, or about 53,000 new cases each year. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects more than twice as many men as women. Most oral cancers are related to tobacco use, alcohol use (or both), or infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV). (credits)

Oral Cancer

Bacteria called group B Streptococcus (group B strep, GBS) commonly live in people’s gastrointestinal and genital tracts. The gastrointestinal tract is the part of the body that digests food and includes the stomach and intestines. The genital tract is the part of the body involved in reproduction and includes the vagina in women. Most of the time the bacteria are not harmful and do not make people feel sick or have any symptoms. Sometimes the bacteria invade the body and cause certain infections, which are known as GBS disease. ​ GBS bacteria can cause many types of infections: Bacteremia (bloodstream infection) and sepsis (the body’s extreme response to an infection) Bone and joint infections Meningitis (infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord) Pneumonia (lung infection) Skin and soft-tissue infections GBS most commonly causes bacteremia, sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in newborns. It is very uncommon for GBS to cause meningitis in adults. (CDC)

Group B Strep

Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. That’s because dentures make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teeth—things that people often take for granted. When you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile. ​ Types of dentures: Conventional. This full removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take several months.  Immediate. This removable denture is inserted on the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw during a preliminary visit. You don’t have to be without teeth during the healing period, but may need to have the denture relined or remade after your jaw has healed.  Overdenture. Sometimes some of your teeth can be saved to preserve your jawbone and provide stability and support for the denture. An overdenture fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth after they have been prepared by your dentist. Implants can serve the same function, too. New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should go away. Follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted so the fit can be checked and adjusted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to consult your dentist. Even if you wear full dentures, you still have to practice good dental hygiene. Brush your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque. Like your teeth, your dentures should be brushed daily to remove food particles and plaque. Brushing also can help keep the teeth from staining.  Rinse your dentures before brushing to remove any loose food or debris.  Use a soft bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser to gently brush all the surfaces of the dentures so they don't get scratched. When brushing, clean your mouth thoroughly—including your gums, cheeks, roof of your mouth and tongue to remove any plaque. This can help reduce the risk of oral irritation and bad breath.  When you’re not wearing your dentures, put them in a safe place covered in water to keep them from warping. Occasionally, denture wearers may use adhesives. Adhesives come in many forms: creams, powders, pads/wafers, strips or liquids. If you use one of these products, read the instructions, and use them exactly as directed. Your dentist can recommend appropriate cleansers and adhesives; look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Products with the ADA Seal have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. If you have any questions about your dentures, or if they stop fitting well or become damaged, contact your dentist. Be sure to schedule regular dental checkups, too. The dentist will examine your mouth to see if your dentures continue to fit properly. (ADA)

Dentures

Cannabidiol (CBD) oils are low tetrahydrocannabinol products derived from Cannabis sativa that have become very popular over the past few years. Patients report relief for a variety of conditions, particularly pain, without the intoxicating adverse effects of medical marijuana.(NIH) ​On todays show we are speaking with the Dynamic Duo at CannaPros inc. about the various Cannabis products typically used in healthcare.  Danny J Gallo (Klimczak)​ Founder & Alex Krupa COO of www.CannaProsDistribution.com have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to educate the masses on this valuable plant! We are super excited to be posting our first video interview with this episode as well!!  Tell us what you think about it so we know if we are heading in the right direction here! 

Medicinal use of Cannabis

Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and fully clears up within 2 to 4 weeks.  Before the rash appears, people often have pain, itching, or tingling in the area where it will develop. This may happen several days before the rash appears. Most commonly, the rash occurs in a single stripe around either the left or the right side of the body. In other cases, the rash occurs on one side of the face. Shingles on the face can affect the eye and cause vision loss. In rare cases (usually in people with weakened immune systems), the rash may be more widespread on the body and look similar to a chickenpox rash. Other symptoms of shingles can include Fever Headache Chills Upset stomach 

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Squeeze a world of passion, goal driven problem solver and an adventurous triathlete into 5 feet of fun and you get Faith Louise Cooper. Faith Louise grew up in a family of 5 with 2 younger sisters.  At the 12 she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, now known as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.  In 2017 she was diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome and was recently changed to Hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome abbreviated as hEDS.  Her younger sister also battles with hEDS on a daily basis.   Faith Louise joined the swim team in middle school to help manage the arthritis.  She lives an enriching life and despite what the medical research says she has gone from being in excreting pain when standing for 15 mins to completing a half Ironman a few years back.  Faith Louise has great joy and strength in life because of challenges she has faced. Faith Louise, wanting to have all the tools in her tool box to live an enriching life has decided to study nutrition and is completing her certified holistic nutrition.  She has passion for equipping, educating and inspiring other families going through the same thing as well as raising awareness. ​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooperfa/. Faith Louise Cooper Instrgram: https://www.instagram.com/speakingoftri/. Speakingoftri LinkIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/faith-cooper Faith Louise Cooper

Juvenile Arthritis & hEDS

PodcastDX is an interview based podcast series in a “peer-to-peer supportive format." We have found that many people are looking for a platform, a way to share their voice and the story that their health journey has created. Each one is unique since even with the same diagnosis, symptoms and the way each person will react to a diagnosis, is different. Sharing what they have experienced and overcome is a powerful way our guests can teach others with similar ailments. Many of our guests are engaging in self-advocacy while navigating a health condition, many are complex and without a road-map to guide them along their journey they have developed their own. Sharing stories may help others avoid delays in diagnosis or treatment or just give hope to others that are listening. Sharing is empowering and has a healing quality of its own. Our podcast provides tips, hints, and support for common healthcare conditions. Our guests and our listeners are just like you- navigating the complex medical world. We hope to ease some tension we all face when confronted with a new diagnosis. We encourage anyone wanting to share their story with our listeners to email us at PodcastDX@yahoo.com . ​

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