Archive for April, 2010

Tips to Prepare your Kid before a Laboratory Test

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Posted 29 Apr 2010 — by admin
Category Laboratory Procedures

By: Engracia S. Arceo, MPH, RMT

Doctors request for a laboratory test to help them confirm a medical diagnosis. If they have doubts about the possible illness of their patients, the laboratory tests will confirm or negate their initial diagnosis. Laboratory results are useful documents for your physicians. However, if you are the patient, the fear of undergoing the examination can cause undue stress. If as adults, you feel the discomforts brought about by the procedure, then children experience triple apprehensions. Children fear seeing people in white gowns approaching them with a syringe in hand. Just the thought of this can cause trauma to a child. To help your kid get through this anxiety, here are the things you can do.

Talk to the Child

The most important laboratory preparation is talking to the child. Explain the need for the laboratory test. Tell him about its importance and its effect on his health. Use words appropriate to their level of understanding. Before explaining everything to them, make sure that you do a research about the procedure. This is to prepare yourself for their potential questions. If it is possible, you can also request the laboratory personnel or the doctor to explain the procedure to the child. With information, they can understand better and be more cooperative during the laboratory test.

Do not Give False Assurance

A big no in preparing your child for laboratory test is by giving him false assurance. Never assure him that the procedure will not hurt if you know that it will. False information is not a good way to appease his fear. If you deceive him with little things, he/she will lose his trust in you. The next time he has to undergo another laboratory procedure, his fear will only be greater. To help him release the tension, explain the whole procedure and the feeling associated with it. Tell him what to expect during the laboratory test. Stay as honest as possible in explaining.

Give them a Laboratory Tour

Providing a time for the child to meet the medical technologist can help reduce his fear. Bring your child to the laboratory and introduce him to the medical technologist on duty. You can also ask the staff if it is possible to give your kid a tour in the area. Familiarization is an effective way to take away his anxiety. Introduce him to other patients who undergo the same procedure.

Address their Fears

A child has his own fears. When he voices out his worries, listen to him, never ignore his fears,.. Do not simply say that everything will be fine. Explain that the fear is a common feeling but he has to face it. Assure him that you will be with him throughout the laboratory test. He does not have to face his fears alone. You are just around in case he needs your support.

An anxious child during a laboratory test are common is a scenario. For parents, helping your child cope with it reduces their trepidation. When you follow the tips, you can be sure that your child will be more cooperative.

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Understanding the Causes and Treatment for LBP

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Posted 24 Apr 2010 — by admin
Category Physical Therapy

By:  Arvie C.Vitente, MPH, PTRP

Are you having trouble in your low back or loin area? Is it painful every time you move to do your daily chores? LBP or low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal pain syndromes experienced by most people. Maybe most of you are wondering what are the different causes and necessary treatments for this pain syndrome. It is very important for one to be aware of these causes of LBP for them to know the essential things to do to prevent it from occurring.

Causes of LBP

The most common cause of LBP is strain of the muscles or sprain of the soft tissues or ligaments of the low back area. This strain or sprain is due to improper positioning of the spine. This is very common for example among typists because of the reason that the chair they are using does not appropriately support the lumbar area of the spine or better known as the low back area. This is the reason why the companies must consider purchasing ergonomically designed chairs to prevent strains and sprains among their workers. Another common cause of LBP is herniated nucleus pulposus or commonly known as slipped disc. Slipped disc involves the structure located in between the bones of the spinal column. This structure is known as the intervertebral (IV) disc. The IV disc is composed of an outer cartilage and an inner liquid component. If the liquid component of the IV disc squirts out from the damaged outer cartilage, this will impinge the spinal nerves or in severe case, it could also affect the spinal cord. This will lead to loss of skin sensation and muscle weakness on the area supplied by the affected spinal nerve or spinal cord, and would also cause severe pain in the low back area. The most common cause of slipped disc is improper lifting and wrong positioning of the joints at the back. Other common causes are fracture of the bones of the spinal column caused by weakening of the bones brought by osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis which is considered as the most common type of arthritis. This could also be caused by problems in the kidneys; this is the reason why doctors are careful in diagnosing the cause of LBP.

Treatment of LBP

Prevention is better than cure that is why physical therapists and doctors would always advise their patients with LBP to do exercises at the low back muscles to improve the flexibility and strength. There are conservative treatments for LBP and these include physical therapy, wearing of back support, Alexander technique, and massage therapy among others.  If conservative treatment is not effective, surgery will be indicated if there are progressive neurological symptoms which include weakness and incontinence.

Remember that LBP would limit someone to function well in their job. It affects the productivity and overall performance of a worker. This is an eye-opener not only to the workers but to the employers as well. The cost of preventing it is a lot smaller than the loss that it could give to the company. Keep in mind that a healthy back means a healthy body!

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Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus the Juvenile Diabetes

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Posted 23 Apr 2010 — by admin
Category Clinical Chemistry, Diseases and Conditions

By: Ireen B. Banasan, BSC

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is also called “juvenile diabetes” for it occurs in an early age. It is also known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) because the islets responsible for producing insulin are damaged or destroyed maybe secondary to previous viral illness or to trauma thus, no insulin is produced at all. This type of Diabetes is often treated with insulin replacement.

The Pancreas Insulin

The pancreas is a yellowish, fish-shaped organ located at the upper abdomen.  It has two secretory functions : endocrine and exocrine.  Its endocrine function is to secrete insulin.

Specifically, insulin is secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. The Insulin is like a carrier of blood glucose. It is like a “key” so glucose can enter the “doors” of the cells of our body and be used as energy for our daily needs. Without insulin, the glucose we take in cannot be used by our body to produce energy. Thus, the glucose stays in the blood.

Pathophysiology

In the case of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, there is a complete destruction of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans which causes no insulin production. Since insulin is essential to glucose utilization, glucose stays and builds up in the blood stream causing hyperglycemia, or excess glucose in the blood. This excess glucose puts pressure to the kidneys and eventually leak into the urine. Due to the weight of glucose in the urine, urination is triggered so frequent – polyuria. Dehydration from frequent urination results to excessive thirst called polydypsia. And since glucose is not utilized by the body a person with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is always hungry, a sign called polyphagia. Chronic Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus can lead to complications such as hypertention, retinopathy, and renal failure. Untreated Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus can lead to Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Diabetic Ketoacidosis results from rapid catabolism of fats. Since glucose cannot be utilized as a source of energy, fat breakdown is an alternative energy source. But fat catabolism has ketone byproducts, accumulation of which leads to Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Below are signs and symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

  • hyperglycemia
  • polyuria
  • polydipsia
  • polyphagia
  • glucose in urine
  • weight loss

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The Reason behind Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)

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Posted 17 Apr 2010 — by admin
Category Physical Therapy

By: Arvie C. Vitente  MPH, PTRP

Do you have pain on the upper back that really bothers you to the point of experiencing sleeplessness ?  Do you also have annoying nodules at the upper back area? These are some of the manifestations of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS).

MPS is a chronic condition that mostly affects the skeletal muscles of the upper back area which has a manifestation of moderate to severe pain. There are also trigger points present which are painful every time they are pressed and referred to other areas of the body. This condition is associated with fibromyalgia.

Difference between MPS and Fibromyalgia

MPS and fibromyalgia both affect skeletal muscles but MPS affects muscles on one side of the body and specifically on the area around the shoulders and neck. On the other hand, fibromyalgia affects skeletal muscles on a broader distribution. It affects the trunk and below the trunk regions and both sides unlike MPS.

Causes of MPS

The exact cause of MPS is still not known. There are is a theory associating it to connective tissue diseases but this is much generalized. Aside from that theory, there are no more other theories explaining the cause of it.

Treatment for MPS

Physical therapy is indicated to persons with MPS. It includes the application of hot moist packs (HMP) on the area affected with placing electrodes attached on a machine called TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation which help to decrease the pain on the part of the body affected.

This will be applied for 20 minutes. The theory behind the application of hot to the body part affected is that hot application will cause increase in the size of the passageway of blood brought by relaxation of the smooth muscle wall of the blood vessels.

Increase in the size of the passageway of blood causes increase in blood flow to the area that leads to flushing away of the pain metabolites.

The TENS machine blocks the pain pathway that is why pain is decreased. After the application of HMP and TENS, deep kneading massage (DKM) and myofascial release (MR) will follow. DKM targets the nodules, which are considered as the trigger points; it will cause relief of pain after this type of massage.

MR targets the fascia or the connective tissue that holds the muscles, to allow relaxation of the muscles affected. Gentle passive stretching (GPS) will be given right after the above procedures. GPS is focused on the muscles affected to maintain their flexibility.

Every pain affecting any part of the body will cause decrease in the productivity and/or general performance of the person. MPS causes pain on the skeletal muscles affected and this will for sure lead to poor performance.

Understanding the causes of MPS is necessary to know on how to prevent it from occurring. Keep in mind that prevention is better than cure. Physical therapy is really an effective management for MPS.

If MPS will not be managed immediately, it could make you very irritable because of the pain thus, will affect your relationship with your partner or children. If you have the manifestations of MPS, consider consulting a physiatrist today for referral to a physical therapy clinic. Remember, it is worthy to be healthy!

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Understanding Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

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Posted 06 Apr 2010 — by admin
Category Physical Therapy

By:  Arvie C. Vitente , MPH, PTRP

Have you ever experienced severe muscle pain few days after a serious workout? DOMS or delayed onset muscle soreness might be a reason for that. It differs from acute muscle soreness in a sense that it can be felt few days following a heavy exercise. Some researches state that DOMS is caused by accumulation of lactic acid in muscle tissues, which usually happens in persons doing heavy exercises especially body builders and athletes. But recently, professionals are explaining that DOMS is caused by microtearing on skeletal muscles due to heavy exercise.

When would you say that you are experiencing DOMS?

Exercise physiologists do believe that it is DOMS when one experiences muscle soreness 24-48 hours after the exercise especially if the pain increases in intensity.

What are the major causes of DOMS?

  • Lactic acid accumulation in muscles because of too much workout is the primary cause of DOMS.
  • Tissue breakdown may also be the cause of DOMS. Biopsy studies of athletes especially runners were found to have more muscle destruction.  The cell membrane or sarcolemma of muscle cells will be destroyed causing its cell content to leak out between each muscle fiber.
  • Inflammatory process – after heavy exercise or strenuous activity, white blood cell count has been shown to increase. This led to the conclusion that DOMS is also caused by inflammatory processes.

Training with DOMS

Exercising more the muscles affected with DOMS will have no effect in terms of reinforcement process. Therefore, training is not recommended in muscles with DOMS, as this may provoke the microtearing of the muscle fascia.

How to reduce the effect of DOMS?

There is no method at present that will speed up the recovery of the skeletal muscle from DOMS, but massage showed varying effects in DOMS, considering the of time of massage, the duration of massage and the type of massage being utilized. Intake of Vitamin C is believed to play a role in repairing damaged connective tissues. However, this has not been proven yet, besides intake of vitamin C in large amounts can even cause harmful effects. Lately, studies show that a protease supplement plays a major role in prevention and recovery from DOMS.

Who can experience DOMS?

Everyone can experience DOMS, but athletes, body builders and workers who need intense muscle contractions are the ones prone to experience DOMS, especially for beginners who are unaware of the importance of warm-up and cool-down exercises.

What is the best way to prevent DOMS?

Still, the best way to prevent DOMS is stretching before strenuous activities are made. Keep in mind that you need to warm-up for five to ten minutes before a serious workout and cool-down for five to ten minutes as well, to help in the prevention of DOMS. Stretching as mentioned above, would be a good form of warm-up and cool-down regimens.

Remember that exercising is very good for your health, but you need to consider exercise in its proper context to prevent damages in the different body tissues,  especially the skeletal muscles. You have to learn the different causes of DOMS, for you to learn how to prevent it from occurring. Always keep in mind that DOMS would lead to less productivity at work which would affect your work performance in general. Let us all be DOMS-free!

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