Reading fitness good for mind and body

(Photo: Unsplash)

A house without books is like a room without windows. No man has a right to bring up his children without surrounding them with books, if he has the means to buy them. [Horace Mann]

Literacy skills in this ‘picture’ province of ours are down; in fact, I’ll be so bold as to say the picture is not pretty. For me, as a New Brunswicker who grew up challenged by ‘special needs’ before they became fashionable in the school system to ‘be’ special needs, reading was something that was encouraged in my home. In fact, my father enrolled me in a monthly book club - Companion Library, with their double sided books - all the classics books were a huge part of my childhood world and are still a significant part of my adult world, in spite of declining vision. One memory created by books was thanks to my eldest sister, Maureen, who, newly married in 1966, visited me at the then Forest Hill Centre for Rehabilitation, books in hand  — “The Anne Books” — the L.M. Montgomery series was a huge childhood favourite — exercising my legs in aid of improved ambulation and exercising my intellect to improve my quality of life as I grew up. Living an independent life as a person with disability was and is critical, and fundamental to that was a skill set that included proficiency in reading and writing. The small print of hard bound books and paperbacks have been supplemented with the ‘ease of reading’ font boosting tablet with back lighting. 

From The Bobsey Twins, the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew to age-appropriate magazines — reading material was readily available throughout childhood home. It saddens me to know that so many children today don’t experience the true joy of getting lost in books because they cannot read well enough and give up or they’re so absorbed in technology that seems to do it all for them. There’s lot to be said for what technology can bring into a child’s world with regard to learning, but as with all things, moderation is critical. A steady diet of that medium stunts imagination. 

Key to changing that is for parents or other significant adults in the home to read TO the child. If the adult’s own literacy is compromised, then a different approach is necessary as it’s possible that they are embarrassed by their own deficiencies and are unwittingly compromising their  child’s learning and future. Parents trapped by illiteracy do not want that for their child, but they’re rather like a hamster on a wheel — they feel stuck and they need help —  IN the home. Ensuring confidentiality and dignity is important. 

Successive governments and Ministers of Education have been talking the talk - talk, talk, and more talk, spending tax payer dollars on studies that were and are redundant. The time has finally come, after decades, to DO something. To act. The first attack and plan of action NEEDS to begin in the home, where the children grow up and live, day to day to day. Earmarking literacy enhancement funds for and in schools is all well and good, but what happens with and for the child at the end of the day and on the weekends when that influence is not active. Nothing! The government and all of us who make use of services must do our part to ensure that those who are less able to access available programs have the services brought TO them or, alternatively, they are brought to the services.  Perhaps the development of ‘after hours’ adult with child reading programs in schools, churches, libraries, book stores, barber shops, food courts is one solution. Wherever people gather - how about a gathering of books and story tellers. Then watch it grow.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Canada, a book of the month club, not unlike what I experienced all those years ago as my own childhood library was developed and grew, CAN make a difference but only if adults in the world of the child get involved and do THEIR part. A child cannot adequately decide for himself what tools in life are important; he relies on his parents for that. A good place to start is for educators and administrators all across the province to do the math, crunch the numbers and encourage parents to register their child with Imagination Canada.

As of this date, there are 14,216 Canadian children, of eligible age, registered; that number is far too low!!  Across the countries involved in the program, Canada, the United States, the UK and Australia, there are 914,366 children registered. Is it possible that what is stopping parents from getting involved is that they are not themselves readers of any depth - leisure readers, as example. Certainly, we need reading skills for many jobs - enhanced reading skills to match the job requirements. Bare-bones literacy ‘just to get by’ doesn’t cut it anymore. Parents not being able to read about Imagination Canada and how it will benefit their child could be a significant impediment to enrolment. That’s where it’s incumbent upon others in the child’s world to step up and get involved.  With Christmas, a popular occasion to give and receive books fast approaching, how about beefing up the numbers of registrants for Imagination Canada. Do you know a child who is eligible? What a gift you’d give by registering those who may need help getting started. To coin a popular phrase from an old television advertisement - READING is FUN-DA-MENTAL.

Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, a boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via Carla MacInnis Rockwell

Diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica. Now what?

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) both cause joint pain, but with RA, one's immune cells attack the lining of the joints as well as other parts of the body, such as the eyes

In my last column, I shared that I was experiencing inflammation in my hands, wrists, and shoulders. Impact on the hands has been pronounced and, in fact, worrisome as my hands function as ‘therapeutic aids’ to my ambulation. This turn of events is concerning for a number of reasons. I’m not a young woman, though I do still have luscious locks! It is vital that my hands be fully functional otherwise my independent living could potentially be put at risk. I have been on my own, as a widow, since 2007. I rarely have housework help because, quite frankly, I’m always concerned about things not being put back in their proper place. Sameness is vital to my safety as surfaces are ‘touch spots’ as I move about.

My family doctor was able to secure an expedited appointment with a rheumatologist in Fredericton for which I am grateful. I suspect he’s not assessed a 70 year old patient with both spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and yet to be confirmed arthritic condition. During our meeting, as I sat in a wheelchair that never fit me, he examined me and narrowed the diagnosis, of the opinion that my symptoms were those of polymyalgia rheumatica. Another ‘myalgia’ to add to my collection. 

I’ve lived with fibromyalgia for years. When first diagnosed with ‘fibro’, I did a lot of research to develop a plan of attack that didn’t include a lot of potentially sedating ‘doctor drugs’. As a still uprightly mobile spastic diplegic, I couldn’t afford to have senses dulled as I moved about in my home, whether free walking, or using a walker. I do not currently use my wheelchair in the house; that’s reserved for infrequent city outings.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PR) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) both cause joint pain, but in RA, one’s immune cells attack the lining of the joints, as well as other parts of the body, such as the eyes. These characteristics do not apply to PR. Additionally, PR only lasts roughly 1–5 years.

‘Only’ lasts 1-5 years! Ouch! When I stopped and thought about that, I was brought soundly back to reality. Two of my siblings, my eldest sister and youngest brother, lived with rheumatoid arthritis their entire adult lives, both raising families and both impacted with severe disability that significantly compromised their quality of life. They lost so much. Maureen and Michael were blessed with supportive families which means a lot when one is dealing with such a life altering disease as Rheumatoid Arthritis is. Sadly, both succumbed to complications of the RA disease process. May they rest in peace.

Polymyalgia, or polymyalgia rheumatica, is an inflammatory disease of muscle. It’s thought to be an autoummune disease. Though cause is uncertain but it’s thought to be an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks connective tissue. Primary symptoms are severe stiffness and pain in the muscles of the neck, shoulder and hip areas. Because of the loss of hand function and grip strength, my walking/gait was altered. I was and still am much slower, as I navigate a ‘new normal’. The silver lining is that I’m still on the move and can meet all the demands of independent living … so far!     

Devil’s Claw, which I’ve used for years has been studied for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be effective in rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. That I’ve been protecting myself all along in advance of the diagnosis of a short-lived disease that currently impacts my ambulation and overall daily function is certainly a good thing. As well, I’ve been taking C and D to maintain bone health. Since my early 30s, I’ve been taking supplements to enhance bone and muscle integrity because I knew that aging with cerebral palsy and continuing to be able to walk albeit awkwardly were going to be critical to my mental and emotional health as well as my physical health. It’s important, as best as they are able, for people like me to maintain a level of daily exercise, formal or otherwise. For many, arthritic conditions get in the way and can change the landscape considerably. Key is to develop a plan early on that maintains a certain order of things so that staying in place, living in ones own home can continue for as long as possible. Nursing home life never has to be considered if people commit to doing the work involved in holding on to independence. 

From my very earliest years, my life was a schedule, which has actually ensured that my senior years are diligently managed so that any hiccups along the way are dealt with on the spot.  Knowing I can no longer do something but trying it anyway is not my thing. I have little creatures depending on me, so I can’t fall victim to a case of ‘the stupids’. PMR has me for now, but I will survive. The disease typically involves neck, shoulders, and hips but never the feet; that my hands and arms took the biggest hit has changed how I do almost everything; essentially remapping my brain. 

PMR, considered a rare disorder, is twice as common in females and the incidence increases with advancing age.

If there’s a history of arthritis in your family, advance planning re: nutrition and exercise will help you beat back many of the symptoms. So eat up and go for a walk.

Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, a boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at: Carla MacInnis Rockwell

                                                                          

                      

Thank goodness I'm a lightweight

 

Photo: PEXELS

Cerebral palsy often causes or contributes to secondary conditions and those living with cerebral palsy, such as I am are at risk for arthritis, the pain and stiffness in joints resulting from wear and tear on the cartilage over time. To ensure compliance, explaining to children the daily life protocols to cope must be delivered in easy to understand language. Children with cerebral palsy benefit from preventative strategies, pain management, surgery, and other treatments for arthritis, given there are more than 100 types and it’s important to follow progression at the point of diagnosis. It can be like a runaway train.  Ask me! I know!

Currently, I’m doing battle with inflammation of both hands; shoulders, elbows and wrists are involved as well. Inflammation in the joints, which causes swelling, pain, stiffness, redness, and difficulty moving the joint can take a shot at any part of the body, including the knuckles, elbows, shoulders, hips, and knees. Cartilage degradation is a key player in the destruction, so adopting the ‘we are what we eat’ philosophy contributes to improving outcomes in the long term.

Risk factors for the development of arthritis include a family history of arthritis; another risk factor is having a condition that causes unusual or excessive wear on joints, like cerebral palsy. I’m two for two!

Living with cerebral palsy is a risk factor for osteoarthritis, but the degree of risk, which joints are affected, and age of onset varies by individual.  The joint or joints affected depend on the type of disability that a person with cerebral palsy has. For instance, for a child who struggles to walk, having a gait that makes the hips or knees move abnormally can lead to arthritis in those joints. As children with CP age and enter adulthood, the risk of developing arthritis increases. When a child has pains beyond ‘growth spurt’ markers, seek consult with rheumatologist.

Persons with cerebral palsy have different degrees of abnormalities in the neuromuscular system which may cause unusual movements in the joints, overuse of joints, excessive wear on joint cartilage, and compression of the joints that ultimately lead to osteoarthritis. My upper body, my arms, are assistive devices for walking and they’ve been compromised which concurrently impacts my safety.

Hip arthritis is relatively common for this reason in people with cerebral palsy. Even joints not involved in walking can be affected. Muscle imbalance across a joint is common in cerebral palsy. This can cause unusual shoulder or elbow joint movements, leading to premature cartilage wear. 

While many people with cerebral palsy will not experience arthritis until they become adults, it is possible to develop it as children. Parents should be aware of the signs of arthritis because earlier intervention will produce better outcomes. The symptoms of osteoarthritis in any joint include: pain that occurs during or after movement in the joint; stiffness in the joint, often after sleeping or a long period of little movement; tenderness when the joint is touched; inability to move or flex the joint through a full range; a feeling of grating inside a joint when moving.


Treatment plans are individualized and monitored. The least invasive types of treatment don’t treat inflammation but help with pain and mobility. These include painkillers, such as over-the-counter acetaminophen, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.

Treatment can also include physical therapy and gentle exercises that help to strengthen specific muscles and make moving a joint easier and less painful. When arthritis becomes more severe or debilitating, and these non-invasive treatments provide little relief, more invasive strategies can be used, such as surgery.

It is sometimes possible for a problem causing the abnormal movements or overuse of the joint to be improved with surgery. This is highly variable by the individual. For advanced cases of arthritis in a joint, replacing the entire joint with an artificial one may relieve pain and restore mobility. Hip replacement surgery is a relatively safe way to treat adults with cerebral palsy who suffer from severe osteoarthritis in the hip joint.

Many living cerebral palsy will develop some form of arthritis and prevention may ultimately not be possible. There are ways to prevent it and minimize damage and symptoms. Knowledge is power. 

However, the critical step is diagnosing and beginning treatment for cerebral palsy early in childhood. The more comprehensive and consistent treatment a child gets, the better the chances of reducing joint damage over time. The first 13 years of my life I was exercised 4 times per day. That early and critical daily therapy to ‘grow into CP’ contributed to me being able to still walk at 70! 

Early and ongoing treatment that can help children and adults with cerebral palsy move in healthier ways will minimize the development of arthritis. This may mean surgery to correct bone or joint deformities, physical therapy and exercise to develop muscle strength and balance around joints, and mobility aids.

Lifestyle habits can also minimize and prevent arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight, for instance, can take the pressure off the joints. Occupational therapy is also helpful in promoting the performance of daily tasks in a manner best for the joints.

Arthritis is a painful condition that most people don’t expect to experience until they are elderly. Unfortunately for people with cerebral palsy, the deterioration of joints that causes osteoarthritis begins early in life and is more significant than for other people.

With good overall treatment, watching for early signs of arthritis, and treating pain and other symptoms, a young person with arthritis can continue to enjoy life with improved mobility and minimal pain.

Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, a boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at Carla MacInnis Rockwell

                                             

Genetics and lifestyle significantly contribute to how one ages

Loss of grip strength causes lots of messes  (Photo: UNSPLASH)

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, “on average, seniors use more drugs than any other age group in Canada. This release describes the number and most common types of drugs prescribed to seniors (including those living in long-term care settings) between 2017 and 2021 by sex, age, neighbourhood income and geographic location.”

Think about that for a moment. Then think about it again. 

Then there’s this, from Hospital News, Canada’s health care news and best practices:  one in four Canadian seniors on 10 or more prescription drugs. Ten or more! If that’s not an OMG moment, I don’t know what is!                                                                                                                                                    

Genetics and lifestyle significantly contribute to how one ages; I’m testament to that. Genetics wreaked havoc in my family with two siblings succumbing to implications and complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis and another to Psoriatic Arthritis. 

Since my late teens, I have lived with fibromyalgia  Treating physiatrist felt that presenting symptoms suggested I had, in fact, lived with ‘fibro’ long before it was officially diagnosed, given that it mimics other conditions, particularly those in the arthritis family, though it is not an auto-immune disease as inflammation is not a feature. Interestingly, it’s frequently found in women aging with cerebral palsy, regardless of type of CP. I live with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and at soon to be 70, I still walk and still maintain my own home; housework is perfect exercise to keep this spastic body toned and moving albeit slowly. I also live with osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine, diagnosed in the 80s.
My concerns about genetics and disease connection bore out in a recent experience that revealed a range of issues that were going to affect my home alone living going forward.


 In recent weeks my world has been turned upside down by an assault on two very important assistive devices – my hands! Grip strength dropped to barely there. I’d pick up a cup of coffee and couldn’t grip. Lots of sloshing of hot liquid on floors, counters, desk, followed by stopping midway in the task before me to clean up messes.  This became a feature of my days. It was exhausting! And those little side trips took me away to many important tasks that ultimately were put on the back burner. Thank goodness I had lots of frozen main dishes and didn’t have to compromise my daily health habits with a lot of commercially prepared heat n eat dishes. 

I was determined to get ahead of this assault on my life. My family doctor was on holiday and I needed immediate relief; getting drugs I take routinely but infrequently take on board to get a handle on extreme pain in wrists, elbows and shoulder. I was a right wreck!


That’s why Maple Health NB was created  — to make virtual health care accessible in New Brunswick and the rest of Canada. Going this route avoids congested hospital waiting rooms and walk in clinic. Many common health concerns can be resolved online in minutes. My first contact with them was excellent and I was pleased with how promptly my situation was treated. 

Unfortunately, I was in a bit of a pain-induced brain fog and didn’t ask for scripts for 2 drugs I take for fibro flares specifically. Best course, in the circumstance is to be seen. And so I was.

And so, on Wednesday, 15 May, I began a 9 hour ER journey, from being efficiently registered to first contact with care. Swelling is pronounced, making daily tasks difficult. First consult in the ER led to bloodwork; 3 different draws through my time there. There were 3 ECGs (I informed care team of my wonky heart); there was X-ray of my hands and wrists. Once I explained my need for full autonomy as a person with disability I was ‘team leader’, primarily to protect and preserve my upright mobility. One wrong ‘helpful’ hand could cause me to fall, and in my world, one such action could  find me at a nursing home’s door, a reality not lost on me. I was verbalizing what I was doing as I did it so clinician could observe a wobbly walking old broad in action; they were being educated. From rising up out of my wheelchair to positioning myself on a stretcher, to returning to standing and then sitting position. It’s all about precision and being fully aware of surrounds and what might impact my safety. The ‘average Joe’ doesn’t have to think about any of that.



 Though I sat in my wheelchair for almost 9 hours, not lost on  me was how hard front line staff worked; some were working double shifts. They checked in on me several times to see if I needed anything and as always, I said – “I need food!”. That elicited smiles. I have the metabolism of 3 men and a boy had only only a few sandwiches and a couple of cookies. If there’s a next time at the ER, I’m packing a picnic lunch, dammit. There might  be a flask of Glenmorangie tucked away under the table napkin!


Ultimately a diagnosis was made – septic arthritis. I was given three 5mg tablets of prednisone at discharge and sent home with prescription for 6 more days worth. Within minutes of dose, an OMG moment – prednisone is miracle drug! Pain was significantly diminished. I went from an 8 to a 1. “I feel good!”



Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, a boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at Carla MacInnis Rockwell

                                                                                     

How we get where we need to be

Source: Pexels

 

From my perspective, people fear that which they do not understand. When the reality of something ‘different’ becomes part of their world, obviously they’re going to have concerns – how do I hold a child who is so tiny and frail? What do I get her for birthday? – she can’t hold a doll. She can’t play with a bake set.  He’ll never bat a ball or stand on a skateboard; so many experiences never to be realized. What must be remembered is that there will be other albeit different experiences. Focusing on child-typical pursuits is not always the way to go. Look to what might hold the child’s interest if there is a good deal of high functioning intellect and awareness in the absence of fine or gross motor skills. Very often, children with deficiencies to mobility are doubly blessed when it comes to intellect – when a door closes, several windows open. Depending on the degree of limitation, there are numerous opportunities in spite of disability, or as I often have said, because of disability.

Since birth disabled persons such as I have a vastly different view of the world than one with late onset disability such as paralysis due to auto accident for example. I’ve had decades to shape my little spot in the world to match my abilities and disabilities, accommodating changes to strength and stamina as I age with cerebral palsy and several secondary impacts to quality of life.

With the since birth disabled, as limitations become more evident, parents must accept that part of themselves that is always going to be ON with regard to how others treat their differently able child; ready to do battle with those who say unkind things, mock and stare. For the child who is intellectually intact and verbal, he will hopefully develop a shell to the slings and arrows of life while not growing hard and cynical or feeling entitled. Rather, he will begin to realize that as much as he is a curiosity to others, he is also a lesson. Parents will have to accept that people will stare; some will glare, others will point. In the adult, from my perspective, it’s rude; in the able-bodied child, it is simple curiosity and they’re at the age where they can be educated. Empathy building tools are perfect examples of positive teaching with youngsters, as those tools will be carried with them for the rest of their lives.

Accepting ourselves, disability or not, allows us to accept others. We can learn much by really listening and really hearing both what is said and what is not said; we can also learn much by being still and observing. Listening and observing are often well developed skills of the intellectually intact person with since birth limitation to mobility – tools of the trade of life, as it were. Those who acquire late onset disability such as paralysis due to accident or illness or some other disabling condition or disease that impacts quality of life must face an array of challenges, notably a challenge to a particular belief system they held prior to joining the ranks of those with limitations to daily living. 

Those who must live with adult-onset disability have to redefine their emotional and spiritual ‘selves’ to mesh with a new physical ‘self’ that will be presented to the world at large. For some, it comes easily while for others, living on the other side, as it were, is a trauma from which they may never recover, often with thoughts of suicide clouding their judgment. Sadly, some succeed in freeing themselves from their personal pain, leaving family and friends questioning ‘God’s Will’, ‘the unfairness of life’, ‘this should never have happened’. Though I have not investigated current statistics surrounding suicides amongst the disabled, since birth and others, I suspect that the numbers are not as high as they would be in other populations, though assisted suicide may figure strongly into the calculations, particularly with those not just in physical crisis, but also those in emotional and financial crisis as they cope with the impact of disability. It is for those people that counseling would be critical to bring them back into a mindset that allows them to accept that they do have purpose; can, indeed, have a life worth living.

Having opportunity to interact with those who have lived with since-birth disability allows those new to life as a person with limitations an opportunity to see that there is life beyond use of arms, legs or both. Acceptance is appreciating all that one has without the physicality of the body.  Acceptance forces us to reach deep inside ourselves for a resolve that tells the world that we will survive – that our living of life though physically taxing and emotionally stressful will not be without joys and successes. Our joy comes from realizing that we really are of value, that we really do matter. Most importantly it is necessary for us to matter to ourselves so that we can sift through the stuff of us and find a recipe that will develop into something delicious and filling to those who join us in celebrating ourselves.

Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, a boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at: mailto:carmacrockwell@xplornet.ca

How we balance our lives

Photo: Pexels

           For an individual to find what I call life balance, he must learn to manage stress; that particular S word plagues all of us from time to time, though for some, it is a daily presence by virtue of the challenges faced minute by minute, hour by hour as one copes with challenges of one sort or another. 

The daily presence of stress is the companion of anyone parenting a child with ‘special’ needs. Family life can be extremely stress-charged, not only for the immediate caregivers but for those who live in the home as part of the family dynamic; brothers, sisters, even grandparents. In order to allay the impact of stress it is helpful for parents/caregivers to seek out or accept, when offered, any hand up that is available. Those hands up ensure that Mom and Dad can carry on and give them the strength to be the best that they can be, not only for their child who needs them minute by minute, hour by hour, but for other children who need their time and attention, and for those various daily responsibilities that require their attention – job outside the home, looking after all those things inside the home that are required to ensure that everything runs along smoothly, or at least as smoothly as possible in the circumstance. 

Parenting a child with disability requires a high degree of harmony both inside and outside the home and caregivers often require space – to relax and regroup, so that they might press on for another hour, another day. Without space one may become closed, not readily allowing people to come close, even though during times of trouble we need people the most. Sometimes, we feel the need to protect ourselves because the pressure is simply too great. 

What has to be recognized with all of this is that in order for us to become more balanced and to grow, it is important that we are fit, well rested and relaxed in both body and spirit. Being alone and being lonely are not synonymous and parents of children with health situations that preclude full participation must understand and accept that they, too, have been wounded. Their pain and suffering is real; the pain they feel for their children’s losses and that pain quietly borne because they didn’t get/have the child that they had expected or hoped for. A healthy, fit child with whom they could share so many of life’s experiences as they grew together.

With schools letting out soon and many parents already in planning stages of what to do with and for their challenged child during the weeks away from the classroom, it’s often helpful to put out the feelers in the community to let people know what needs you have and to reach out to those who might be able to steer you in the right direction.

In my group home experience, I found introducing the parents on the block to the children I cared for lent itself well to other children in the area getting to know them and seeing a learning exchange takes place as interactions and learning about each other grows and flourishes.

It’s easy for us who don’t ‘walk the walk’ to tell stressed parents what to do; a better and more sustainable approach is to listen. Listen to concerns they have, listen to questions about what’s ‘ out there’ that might help their family.                                                                              

Community coming together in such out there’ that might help them better help their way also expands horizons for older children, those in junior high school, for example, who are thinking about what they want to do when they leave school. Some young people in high school balance a part time job with their daily classroom time. They’re learning management skills that will hold them in good stead when they take their place, full time in the mainstream.

Those early experiences with children who though like them in many ways are at the same time so different, is an opportune time for them to explore the possibility of a career in teaching, in medicine, in social work, in ministry. The list of opportunities is endless. Learning about balance and balancing in life is important and having opportunities to learn early in life makes moving forward so much easier. The building blocks available to children even before they are in ‘formal school’ allow them to pick and choose as they grow up and grow into themselves. 

A few hits and misses along the way aren’t going to be so problematic if young people are used to problem solving.

I remember my own skills development, as a child, playing board games on the back porch of my family home. A huge table, with neighbours to the right of me, neighbours to the left, playing Stock Ticker or Monopoly. High stakes games where we learned to think ahead a few plays. Learning about money management as a child paved the way for me to know how to manage later in life, all grown up. Balance and balancing; needs v. wants. Saving for what would enhance my life v. spending in the moment to feed immediate gratification. I’ve done both and as I age with CP I find myself doing more balancing acts as my energy to ‘get it all done’ is limited. Life is, indeed, a lesson.

 Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, a boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at: mailto:carmacrockwell@xplornet.ca

                                                                                                               

Daily proactivity protects the 'at risk'

Photo: Unsplash

       Flu season has passed and again, I managed to avoid it. It usually starts in November or December and lasts until February or March. I step up water intake through the ‘flu months’. Nothing better than a bowl of hot, home made chicken soup.That I’m solely responsible for making it ensures it’s going to taste great, thank you very much!
Contrary to popular description, there is no such thing as ‘stomach flu’; it does not exist. Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the intestines, causing diarrhea, cramping, and possibly excess sweating as the body tries to rid itself of the invasion.  There's no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis so prevention is key. Avoid potentially contaminated food and water and wash your hands thoroughly and often. During cold and flu season, change kitchen and bathroom linen frequently. changing kitchen Incidence of flu was down-sized during COVID but make no mistake, it thrives and drives disease processes across the country. Be vigilant! COVID is still out there as evidenced in recent newspaper reporting.

Many have already availed themselves of the COVID 19 vaccines and booster protocols. Flu shots have been available to anyone over 6 months of age; they are particularly critical for those in ‘at risk’ groups. I’m considered ‘at risk’ by virtue of being a senior with a since birth disability and concurrent secondary implications. I don’t get the flu shot -- decades ago I had a severe reaction to my first, only and last shot. Curiously, or perhaps not, I’ve never had the flu since. In fact, I haven’t been down and out sick since the horrible consequence of that single flu shot back in 1987. It is possible that folks like me are more at risk of reaction, regardless of severity. I opt out of the shot because I live alone and if I become ill, there is no one in house to step up to feed and water me during recovery. Being responsible for my day to day is what keeps me healthy and safe. Antibiotic use is a rarity. 

My late father aka Doctor Dad told me to always finish antibiotics as prescribed unless there was a severe allergic response to them, in which case, stop and consult treating physician. Many make the mistake of not finishing antibiotics within days of feeling better. That has great potential to do serious harm. As Dad explained it, the first few days of antibiotics finds the target of infection, the second group of days begins attacking the infection and the final few days of the antibiotic course closes the system, the body,  to future invasion. So, if you stop taking the antibiotics in the middle of the course, you’re effectively setting the stage for a double-whammy effect which could land you in the hospital. Don’t do that! If your doctor only intended for you to take 5 days worth of antibiotics that’s all that would have been prescribed. Think about that! If you are given a 10 day course with a tablet to be taken twice daily, do that until the tablets are finished. Also, remember to drink lots of water. If there is no medical/physical reason not to, take probiotics during and after the course to replenish gut flora, the good bacteria killed off by antibiotics.

If you experience mild to moderate diarrhea while on antibiotics, try changing eating habits until the symptoms pass; experts recommend avoiding any fatty or fried foods. Increase  intake of clear fluids, preferably drinking eight to 10 glasses of water daily, to combat dehydration. As a short-term solution, doctors often suggest the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast). Slowly adding more soluble fiber or taking a fiber supplement may be recommended Here at Chez Rockwell, bran muffins with raisins is just the ticket. There are so many recipes out there, it’s difficult to choose just one, so I like to alternate, adding either cranberries or finely diced apple to the batter. Bring coffee!                                                      

In my reading, I learned that the Mayo Clinic evidence scale on supplements gives Lactobacillus acidophilus a ‘green light’, indicating that there is at least “some evidence that the product does what is claimed and that it’s considered generally safe when used as directed.” Again, a consultation with treating physician is the best course as what might be appropriate for me may not be indicated for another.  Make sure that if you’re buying probiotics that you choose well known companies  that have been around for a long time. I did my homework before choosing the acidophilus bifidus capsules I use.

        Antibiotics must never be viewed as the cure-all for all that ails you. Sadly, some clinicians over-prescribe antibiotics without fully appreciating the lifestyles of their patients. Ask questions that will yield the best information about how a patient lives day to day: what types of foods are eaten in the course of a day, how much water is consumed. Insufficient hydration, in and of itself, is a huge problem, particularly for seniors; dehydration manifests in mental confusion, joint pain and fatigue. We really are what we eat; in being aware of what we put into our bodies we can easily see what agrees with it and what does not. That agreement contributes to keeping us out of hospital where we may be at more risk of contracting a particular bug. That being so, home is where the health is.

Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, a boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at Carla MacInnis Rockwell