Don't we all need to hear some good news. Well, this month while perusing all the medical and nursing "news" that I do---you'll never guess what!
There has finally been a couple of studies done that may benefit our Elders.
The first study was done for chronic stroke victims to see if more therapy would be beneficial. The study found that intense therapeutic exercises can help stroke patients regain some function, even long after the stroke has occurred. The results of this study were "unveiled" at the 2010 International Stroke Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Up until now, the medical community in general has believed that function could not be regained after a year post-stroke. Now, hopefully, the results of this small study will open the way for more research to be done so that our Elders can have their extra rehab paid for by insurance.
For now, just know that if your Elder has had a stroke, it is never too late to get more exercise to improve function and quality of life. If you want to read the article from Medscape Nurses, click here.
The second study shows that exercise can reduce anxiety levels in sedentary people with chronic illnesses (which would describe many of our Elders that we care for). Rather than using medications with all the side effects the elderly are so susceptible to, routine exercise was found to have a therapeutic effect on reducing anxiety levels, as well as reducing fatigue and problems with cognition. You can see this article, if you like, from Medscape Nurses, by clicking here.
The articles, being about research and studies, are very boring. But the messages are exciting. More exercise can give you both more Pleasant Days. I know, we already knew that---but now it's official.
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