Advanced Care Hospital of Southern New Mexico

Pain can be a significant issue for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Chronic pain after a spinal cord injury can have a negative effect on quality of life, often stemming from nerve damage or musculoskeletal issues. However, treatments are available to help manage pain, including rehabilitation and physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, meditation, visualization, exercise, splinting/bracing, and medication. Understanding your pain and working with your physician or healthcare provider to receive appropriate follow-up medical care can significantly improve your quality of life. #spinalcordinjuriesandpain #ptandspinalcordinjuries

Deciding if your elderly parents are no longer safe to drive can be a challenging decision. If your parents are experiencing changes in vision, hearing, or memory, driving may put them and others at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost 540 older adults are injured in crashes every day. The following signs may indicate that your parent is struggling to practice safe driving habits, which may require further investigation or conversations: • Gets lost on familiar routes • Receives tickets or violations • Is easily distracted • Has had accidents or close calls • Has difficulty reading or recognizing road signs or traffic signals • Unable to keep track of other cars or pedestrians • Has trouble hearing honking or emergency sirens #olderadultsanddriving #drivingsafely

Are you up-to-date on your immunizations? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers an adult assessment tool that will provide you with a list of vaccines you may need based upon your answers. Be sure to discuss the results with your healthcare provider. Click here to take the short quiz: The Adult Vaccine Quiz | CDC #immunizationawareness #vaccines

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive disease that affects motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, impacting the muscles used for activities like walking or eating. This month brings awareness to this neurodegenerative disease and encourages those affected to lead independent, successful, and fulfilling lives.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive disease that affects motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, impacting the muscles used for activities like walking or eating. This month brings awareness to this neurodegenerative disease and encourages those affected to lead independent, successful, and fulfilling lives.

National Immunization Awareness Month Vaccines aren’t just for children. About 40,000-50,000 adults in the United States die from infectious diseases or complications that could have been prevented by immunizations. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations.

Burn injuries are a significant public health concern, with an estimated 11 million cases occurring globally each year. Burns are considered complex traumatic injuries, with the severity of a burn categorized by three levels: • First-degree burns are superficial and affect the epidermis, or the outer layer of skin. These types of burns are often red, painful, and absent of blisters (think mild sunburn). They typically can be treated with over-the-counter ointments and don’t leave scars. • Second-degree burns damage both the epidermis and dermis, or the second layer of skin. Second-degree burns may look wet and can blister and cause red, white, or blotchy skin. They have the potential to scar. • Third-degree burns are the most severe, reaching the fat layer of the skin. Third-degree burns may cause the skin to look leathery and be white, black, or brown. These types of burns require immediate medical attention to prevent complications like infections and nerve damage. #burninjuries #levelsofburns #burnseverity

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, disrupting normal brain function. Falls are the leading cause of TBIs, especially in adults 65 years and older, but many are preventable. If you are a caregiver or family member, you can help an elderly adult minimize their fall risks by: • Talking with the older adult and a healthcare professional about fall risks specific to the individual • Encouraging activities and exercises that improve balance and strength • Scheduling an appointment to have their eyes and feet checked by healthcare professionals • Making their home safe and free from fall risks such as loose rugs, cords, uneven surfaces, and poorly lit areas #fallprevention #elderlyadultsandfalls

Beat the heat and prevent dehydration this summer with these easy ways to increase your water intake: • Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning • Use a fun or colorful reusable water bottle • Set a goal for how much water you plan to drink daily; challenge yourself to meet or exceed that goal • Take a full water bottle with you every time you leave the house • Set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to drink • Eat water-dense fruits and vegetables • Limit sugary beverages like soda and fruit juice • Change it up: Drink 1% or skim milk, unsweetened teas, or infused water with fruit #stayhydrated #drinkwater #beattheheat

If you're looking for a job opportunity, mark your calendar for Walk-In Wednesdays each week starting on July 17th, 2024. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our sister hospital, the Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico, located at 4441 East Lohman Ave, Las Cruces, NM. Take advantage of this chance to explore potential career options and find your dream job! 👍 Open Opportunities include: ~Registered Nurses (FT and PRN) ~Physical Therapists (FT and PRN) ~Physical Therapist Assistant (PRN) ~Occupational Therapists (PRN)