HTS Blog

Balance and Fall Prevention

Each year, one in three adults age 65 and older falls. Falls can lead to moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas, and can even increase the risk of early death.  According to the Centers for Disease Control &…

Managing COPD in the Summer Heat

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects over 20 million adults in the US.  COPD is a disease in which your lungs become inflamed or damaged, making it very difficult for air to flow in and out normally.  COPD can be worse in hot…

Age Proof Your Brain

 Alzheimer’s affects more than 5.4 million Americans and is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, however many experts now believe you can prevent or a least delay dementia –…

Prevent Aspiration Pneumonia

Speech Therapy’s Role to Practicing Good Oral Care to Prevent Aspiration Pneumonia Aspiration pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs and airways to the lungs (bronchial tubes) from breathing in foreign material.  Aspiration pneumonia occurs…

Readmission rates higher with chronic conditions

Hospital readmission rates for chronic conditions are substantially higher than rehospitalizations for acute conditions, regardless of payer or age group, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) announced. For example, conditions…

Occupational Therapy is Proven Effective!

Discovered in Europe in the 1700’s and widely used in all American wars, Occupational therapy addresses many areas of the body and mind. We like to say Occupational Therapy helps restore the things we take for granted, such as brushing our…

Stroke patients undergoing inpatient rehab are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital

Stroke patients undergoing inpatient rehab are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within three months when they  are functioning poorly, exhibit symptoms of depression and lack social support, according to a study conducted at University…

Exercise and the Aging Brain

Exercise and the Aging Brain Aging and brain health is a topic of great interest as the older-adult population continues to grow.  Neuroscientists are gaining valuable information about the brain & body connection.  With dramatic new…

Use it or Lose it- How to Treat Deconditioning: Guidelines for physical activity for community dwelling older adults

Recommendations put forth by the Journal of American Family Physician, 2010. Minimum activity for achieving important health benefits includes: Two hours and 30 minutes (150) minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., brisk…

Medication Consideration

With more states enacting legislation that permits direct access to physical therapy, the role of the therapist as a primary point of patient contact increases. As such, physical therapists need to have a better understanding of pharmacology…

Eight tips for improving your LTC facility

When it comes to renovation, it’s important to carefully plan for both the look and feel and the building’s performance, while sticking within an approved budget. By having a laser-like focus on areas that are sure to make a difference,…

Group activities improve mental function in mild to moderate dementia, study finds

February 16, 2012 Structured group activities designed to stimulate cognition has shown to be effective in stimulating cognition in people with mild or moderate stage dementia, according to a study recently published in the Cochrane Database…