Thanks largely to the NFL, concussions have become a growing concern in our society.  The increase in recognition has naturally led to an increased need for treatment.  We now know that the old adage of “just walk it off,” is not the best practice.  In the Tidewater Physical Therapy Ironbridge clinic, we are treating individuals not only for sports concussions, but also concussions occurring following automobile accidents and falls.

What Is A Concussion?

Following the International Conference on Concussion in Sport, a concussion is technically defined as “a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces.”  In simple terms, a concussion is a brain injury.  The injury could be relatively mild with symptoms resolving in minutes, or it could be more severe with symptoms lasting for months or years.  This is known as Post-Concussion Syndrome which can involve a wide array of symptoms including dizziness, memory loss, light or noise sensitivity, fatigue and even depression.  Most patients are surprised by the decreased level of function not just cognitively, but physically.  The brain demands more energy following a concussion.  Simple tasks like walking up a flight a stairs or to the mailbox may seem exhausting.

When To Seek Treatment?

A good rule of thumb for parents is to have their child evaluated by a physician following any blow to the head or traumatic accident such as a fall or a car wreck causing a whiplash movement.  This is especially important if the child is complaining of dizziness, headaches, double or blurred vision, or nausea and if there has been a loss of consciousness.  An assessment can be done in 30-45 minutes.  This determines the need for treatment which will shorten recovery time.

Billy is demonstrating head turns as a treatment where eye exercises are used to treat Post Concussion Syndrome.

What Does Treatment Involve?

Treatment is symptom-specific.  Since a concussion can affect any part of the brain, symptoms will vary from person to person.  Generally, the introduction of light cardiovascular activity while monitoring heart rate is a good start.  Following a concussion, heart rate tends to elevate excessively with activity.  Additional treatment of the various symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome are eye exercises, balance training, and coordination activities.  Progressing towards the end of treatment and as the symptoms subside,  introduction to sport- or work-specific activities will occur.  For instance, when treating a soccer player, a physical therapist will make sure to include kicking and dribbling skills.  When treating someone who works in a warehouse, repetitive lifting and bending to mimic work activities will be a focus.  Students will participate in screen games and concentration activities.  The idea is to introduce activities that are likely to cause symptoms in a controlled environment so that real world exposure is more tolerable.

What Can I Do At Home After A Concussion?

Home treatments should start with rest and then slowly progress into a walking program. Patients can also start to read with large print moving to smaller print books.  Finally, patients can complete head turns up and down and side to side with the eyes focused on a point.  Remember all of these treatments (or any activity) should be stopped if there is an increase in symptoms.  The key to activity progression is to take it slowly and to avoid aggravating the symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome.

-William “Billy” Rhodes, PTA became interested in concussion rehab after suffering several concussions and going through rehab himself.  “I became interested in understanding the pathology of concussion and how to decrease symptoms from the injury as quickly and safely as possible. Treating a brain injury is never the same and there will always be a new challenge.”

-Diana Brooks, PT, DPT has a special interest in treating vestibular and balance conditions.  “The majority of people who have suffered from a concussion report dizziness or blurred vision. 

The physical therapists at Tidewater Physical Therapy Inc. hold Direct Access Certification through the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy allowing them to evaluate and treat patients without a prescription.   As part of your healthcare team, a physical therapist will make an assessment of your condition and create a plan to start you on the road to wellness.  Our team will communicate with your physician of record and obtain a referral, if necessary, for your continued treatment.  We will also work with your insurance carrier to make sure services are covered by your plan.

Diana Brooks and Billy Rhodes work at Tidewater Physical Therapy, Inc in the Ironbridge Clinic in Richmond. 

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Mmmmm…. Holidays.  Some people think of presents,  parties, the spirit of the season… but there’s pretty much only one think I think about: food.

Holiday food is some of the richest, fattiest and most delicious food out there, and while I absolutely love it, gorging myself at holiday parties is something I tend to regret sooner or later.

Thankfully, the nutritionists at MARTIN’S have been anticipating calorie season with some tips on how to navigate (and still enjoy) all that holiday party food:

• If you go to a party on an empty stomach you will most likely end up eating more than you actually need or even really want. Instead plan ahead. If you have a party that night, don’t skip meals in anticipation. Choose a high protein breakfast and a snack of lean protein, fruits and vegetables beforehand.  Also stay hydrated by drinking 8 to 16 ounces of water.

• Move your body. Find an activity your family loves and do it before your big meal. Or schedule in an extra half hour of exercise the morning of a party.

• Allow yourself small portions or tastes of your favorite dishes. Choose a small cocktail size plate for appetizers and limit yourself to one plate.

• No small plate? Try using a napkin. You will only be able to fit enough food into the palm of your hand, ideal when you hit the sweets table.

• Attending a cocktail party? Try to go for fruit and vegetable trays or lean meat options such as chicken skewers. Watch for dips, sauces and anything fried, crunchy or crispy.

• For dinner events, follow the ChooseMyPlate.gov guidelines. Make half your plate fruit and vegetables. One quarter of your plate can be a scoop of a starch such as mashed potatoes, rice or sweet potatoes. The rest of your plate should be your lean protein (roast turkey, filet mignon, baked ham, etc.)

• Contribute to the food table. This way you can ensure that there is an item or two you can eat without guilt. Make a salad, bring fresh cut fruit, or a “lightened up” version of your favorite holiday side dish or appetizer.

• Liquid calories can add up quickly. Sugary mixers can double your cocktail calories. Stick with wine and light beers, which are about 100 to 125 calories per glass. Follow each alcoholic beverage you have with a glass of water to stay hydrated.

• Slow down at the buffet. It takes your brain about 20 minutes to recognize fullness.

• Move your socializing away from the buffet or sweets table. Out of sight, out of mind.

• Satisfy your sweet tooth with the three bite dessert rule. Choose a small piece, take three bites and savor each bite.

• Make a plan for the day after a big party of meal so you can get back on track quickly.

And if you’re the one in the kitchen, there are a number of simple swaps you can use in preparing your holiday favorites.

• Use low fat dairy products.
• Instead of oil use applesauce or ground flax.
• Try ground turkey and turkey bacon.
• Replace an egg with 1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed and 3 Tablespoons water in your baking dishes.
• Use spices or herbs instead of salt to flavor food.
• Add vegetables whenever you can. Try pureed butternut squash in mac and cheese and cauliflower in mashed potatoes.

For more healthy tips visit MARTIN’S Healthy Ideas online or stop into your local MARTIN’S to pick up the free holiday edition of Healthy Ideas Magazine.

Photo credit: “Alfajores” by J. Annie Wang is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The post It’s Fatty Food Season! How Not To Over Do It At The Next Holiday Party appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

The Science Museum of Virginia invites the community to a special presentation of its free Lunch Break Science program on Wednesday, November 19 at noon.

Dr. Brigette Gleason will present Overview of the Ebola Epidemic: Insights from the Field in Sierra Leone and Key Features of the Ebola Response in the US. As an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Gleason will share her personal experience combating the exotic disease in Africa earlier this fall.

The November 19 lecture will provide background on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and the current ongoing EVD epidemic. Dr. Gleason will offer insights on Ebola surveillance activities at the district level in Sierra Leone as well as other prominent events, including the house-to-house campaign, identification of survivors and the role of culture on the outbreak. The presentation will delve into the challenges, rumors and look ahead to potential practices before opening the floor to questions.

About Dr. Brigette Gleason

Dr. Brigette Gleason graduated from Furman University before spending one year at the National Institutes of Health under an Intramural Research Training Award. She then completed a dual degree program to obtain her Doctorate of Medicine and Masters in Public Health at the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and completed her residency at Case Western Reserve University at University Hospitals in their international health track. She now works as Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is stationed at the Virginia Department of Health. In September of this year she deployed to Sierra Leone for one month to provide technical assistance in epidemiology and surveillance for the Ebola emergency response.

Lunch Break Science is held on Wednesdays at noon. Free to the general public. Seating is limited.

Science Museum of Virginia is a sponsor of Richmondmom.

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Central Virginia Eosinophilic Support Group, a network of patients and families, along with medical
professionals, caregivers, and local leaders for the 2014 EOS (Eosinophil) Connection Summary Site Virginia will be at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s Brook Road Campus, Saturday, November 8 at 9 AM for a regional conference about Eosinophilic disorders.

Eosinophilic disorders include: Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis (EGE), Eosinophilic Gastritis (EG), Eosinophilic Colitis (EC), Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) and Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES).

These chronic illnesses cause inflammation of and damage to the vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. Recent statistics show that 1 in every 2,000 nationwide are stricken with eosinophilic esophagitis and 1 in every 3,500 are affected by eosinophilic colitis and eosinophilic gastroenteritis and face challenges of lower quality of life with chronic illnesses. There is no cure.

EOS Connection Summary Site Virginia
November 8, 2014, 9a.m. – 4p.m.
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU – Brook Road Campus
2924 Brook Road, Richmond, VA 23220

Along with APFED, the Central Virginia Eosinophilic Support Group strives to educate, create awareness,
promote advocacy, and fund research. The efforts are part of  nationwide initiative to educate about the challenges for those with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders.

The post Regional Conference on Eosinophilic Disorders – Local Families Promote Awareness appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

“Being chosen to serve as President of VSESPS is both an honor and a privilege,” says Dr. Cooper, “I look forward to continuing in Dr. Wagner’s exemplary executive footsteps, and be a champion of the promotion and preservation of excellence in eye care for the citizens of Virginia.”

Established in 1920 to heighten public awareness of eye disease prevention, detection and treatment, the VSEPS consists of medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy. Its mission is to “advocate for the best quality eye care through education, legislative efforts and community service”. 

Dr. Cooper is an active part of the Virginia ophthalmological community. He is currently a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the Medical Society of Virginia and the International Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

About Virginia Eye Institute

Virginia Eye Institute (VEI) is a comprehensive eye care organization providing a wide range of ophthalmology, optometry, and optical services in 11 locations across central Virginia. VEI offers exceptional ophthalmologic care—including cataract, cornea, glaucoma, retina, ocularplastics, pediatrics, and refractive surgery (LASIK). All VEI physicians are board-certified and many are fellowship-trained. The institute also owns and operates its Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) for outpatient ophthalmologic and ear, nose and throat services to children and adults. VEI optical shops provide board-certified opticians and contact lens fitters. For more information, visit www.VaEye.com.

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Many women today face challenges in balancing full-time careers, a busy home life and raising their children, with little time left for their own fitness and exercise. Bon Secours Virginia Women’s Services, recognizing that women can be better mothers when they care for themselves first, is introducing a leading women’s health fitness program to communities throughout Richmond and Hampton Roads.

Moms In Motion® is a global network of fitness teams for moms, run by moms. The program locally connects women with team-oriented fitness activities, social support with other moms sharing similar fitness goals and philanthropic opportunities. Moms come together at least once a week to exercise and train for a variety of culminating events: a 5K, 10K, half-marathon run or walk, cycling, hiking, or triathlon events. Moms In Motion® provides two separate groups: New Mamas for mom and baby (newborns to one year olds) and Fit Moms, for moms only.

The women stay connected during the week through their team’s own Moms In Motion® webpage, a mobile app and social media. At the beginning of their training, the team picks a charity to support; they may volunteer at a fundraising event to benefit families with newborns in the NICU, while another team hosts a bake sale to buy car seats for low-income families.

“Women today are well informed about their health, but they often lack the time or a friend to help motivate them to exercise,” said Mary Anne Graf, vice president of women’s services, Bon Secours Virginia Health System. “We feel better after exercising; we are energized to tackle our jobs, families and other daily challenges. Moms in Motion® has a proven track record of building strong communities of women who are joining with others to achieve fitness goals. Bon Secours is proud to give moms this needed outlet to help them reach new heights in their health and fitness, while forging new friendships and having fun in the process.”

Bon Secours will host 20 teams throughout Richmond and Hampton Roads. Teams are forming now in Richmond in Midlothian, Chesterfield, the West End and in the downtown area. Women can find and register for teams in their local areas here.

Established in California in the late 1990s and quickly adopted in communities across the U.S., Moms In Motion® is based on a firm belief that women can best take care of their families by caring for themselves first.

With an annual enrollment fee of $65 for first-time members and $45 for returning members, Moms In Motion® provides women with countless benefits. Each member receives a complimentary athletic top, a $60 retail value. They benefit from a local team experience integrating weekly training plans, social get-togethers, giving back opportunities and a culminating fitness event as the team’s focal point. They can receive information on health, fitness, energy, family fitness and nutrition on the Moms In Motion® website and app. They become part of a community where members return year after year to enjoy the supportive, yet challenging, benefits Moms In Motion® presents. Teams are designed to help improve their fitness level and quality of life. There are additional program fees at the local levels for each training period. Members pay a yearly fee or opt for a monthly payment plan that covers all team training activities.  Members train and select from a variety of events to participate in throughout the year.

Moms In Motion® is among several new programs being introduced by Bon Secours in 2014.  Through qualitative and quantitative research conducted over the past 12 months, Bon Secours has found that women today are empowered to seek options and resources to support their own individuality.  Through this, Bon Secours is expanding and developing new classes and options for women, catering to those women expecting their first child, or women with families and raising young children. Visit the Bon Secours website for more information.

The post Bon Secours Brings Nationally Recognized Fitness Program to Busy Moms appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

I want my body back!

And now you can have it.

Body Back

FIT4MOM Richmond is offering their new fall Body Back session beginning the week of September 9, 2013. Get started September 9 and you’ll be in fantastic shape before the winter holidays for sure!  To find out about the expertly qualified trainers, visit this link.

FIT4MOM is the country’s largest fitness program for moms offering pre and post-natal fitness classes for every stage of motherhood. And we can all use a little extra help getting or keeping our body in shape. The experts at FIT4MOM know how to make it work too. They’re moms who have experienced some of the same challenges we all face before and after pregnancy.

Body Back® is a results-based workout designed for moms who want their body back, whether they just had a baby or their last child was born twenty years ago! Most importantly, it will help women unlock their personal possibilities in an inspiring and powerful environment.

Body Back® clients experience targeted high-intensity workouts, inspiration and motivation in every class. When done in conjunction with founder Lisa Druxman’s Mama Wants Her Body Back meal plan and workout DVDs, moms have a surefire combination for success.

Beginning Week of September 9

They have 4 different times for Body Back to choose from at convenient locations around Richmond.

• $299 per session (8 weeks)
• $249 if you’ve taken Body Back previously
• Registration is available at www.richmond.fit4mom.com

What Does Body Back® Include?

• 2 Workouts per week in a small group format
• Mama Wants Her Body Back Meal Plan and Food Diary
• Before and After fitness assessments and measurements
• Online coaching and support
• Mama Wants Her Body Back workout DVD

The workouts have been clinically proven in a university research study to help moms lose the weight and return to their pre-baby body composition and confidence. Moms all over the country are achieving results that they never dreamed possible.

Stroller Strides Special

Fit4Mom is also offering a Stroller Stride special during the month of September. Wondering what Stroller Strides is all about?

Stroller Strides® is a stroller-based fitness program designed for moms with little ones. Each 60-minute, total body workout incorporates power walking, strength, toning, songs and activities. Certified fitness instructors offer a variety of fun class formats both indoors and outdoors.

All locations also offer a free Plum Moms Club so moms can form lasting friendships with other moms through organized play dates, moms’ nights out, and activities for the whole family.

Stroller Strides has several convenient locations and it’s a great way to enjoy time with other moms and kids, and get some exercise all at the same time.

September Stroller Strides Special

• Registration is only $25 (regularly $75) + $59 for unlimited monthly membership.
• There is no contract and you can cancel anytime.
• The registration fee includes a goodie bag with lots of great offers from sponsors – plus your own resistance bands to use in class.
• They offer classes Monday – Friday.
• They are also offering, new clients only, one (1) week free trial classes. Register online.

Visit the website for more information.

The post Get Your Body Back and Enjoy Stroller Stride September Specials appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

The governor recorded a video message (see below) to encourage Virginians to participate in the Campaign for 1,000, saying, “Our goal now here in Virginia in 2013 is to find 1,000 adoptive families to match with these over 1,000 children. If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster parent or adopting, or just want to learn more about our Campaign for 1,000, please visit www.VirginiaAdopts.Virginia.Gov. Together, we can make a real difference for these thousand children and Virginia will be a better place. Thank you very much and please get involved.”

The official launch to the “Campaign for 1,000” will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17 at the Executive Mansion in Richmond. More information on the initiative and registration to attend the launch is available at this link.

The governor issued a proclamation recognizing May, 2013 as Foster Care Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The proclamation is available at this link.

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There are over 100 different types of HPV. Approximately 40 of the types infect the genital areas of men and women. Approximately 12 types of HPV are known to cause genital warts and approximately 15 types are linked to cancer of the anus, cervix, vulva, vagina and penis.

Since HPV is so common, it is important for both women and men to take preventative measures to minimize their risk of infection. Individuals can help reduce the risk of infection by limiting his or her number of sexual partners, using condoms during sexual intercourse and getting vaccinated. Gardasil, a vaccine that is now approved for females and males ages nine to 26, protects against four strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).  In females, Gardasil helps protect against the two types of HPV that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases and two additional types that cause 90 percent of genital warts cases. In males, Gardasil helps protect against 90 percent of genital warts cases. Gardasil is ideally given to patients before they become sexually active.

Virginia Women’s Center was the only research site in the Richmond area involved in the clinical trial leading to the approval of the Gardasil vaccine in 2006. Currently, there are two HPV studies enrolling at Virginia Women’s Center. The first study will be evaluating Gardasil again, but this time five more strains of HPV are being added to the current vaccine to determine if it is effective and safe. The investigational vaccine is being tested in both men and women. To learn more about this study or to see who is eligible, visit our Web site.

The second study will be evaluating the effectiveness of a new vaccine that would treat women who have HPV and the precancerous lesions associated with it. The hope is that the vaccine will stimulate the woman’s immune system to fight the precancerous lesions and resolve the process, before it progresses to cervical cancer. Currently, for women who have HPV and precancerous lesions, a surgical procedure which removes the tissue is the only option to keep the disease from progressing to cervical cancer. To learn more about this study or to see who is eligible, visit our Web site.

Additional links:

• Learn more about the HPV infection
• Learn more about the HPV vaccine
• Learn more about clinical research at Virginia Women’s Center

Virginia Women’s Center is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com 

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