Clinical studies are beginning to show that development of pressure sores in hospitalized patients can often be reduced or even prevented by the addition of nutritional supplements to the patient’s diet.  This new treatment along with innovative technology such as that found in the latest mattress overlay can hopefully make bedsores a thing of the past.  This is welcome news for patients and caretakers alike who deal with the threat of this condition every day.

A study out of Israel observed the results of supplementing bedridden patients with certain fatty acids as well vitamins A, C, and E.  The patients were already hospitalized for serious lung injury and were beginning to develop pressure sores.  For the purposes of the study, 100 patients were chosen to receive either the standard hospital diet or the standard hospital diet supplemented with fatty acids and the vitamins.  At the end of the study, which lasted seven days, the number of ulcers increased to 24 in the group of patients who were receiving the regular diet but only 15 new pressure sores appeared in the group that had had supplements added to their diet.

Vitamin C has long been recognized for its healing effects on the skin, especially as it helps to heal broken capillaries and reduce bruising.  Vitamin E has also been touted for having many benefits related to skin health such as prevention of dry skin and slowing of the aging process.   Direct application of Vitamin E is also believed by many to greatly reduce the appearance of scar tissue and stretch marks.  Vitamin A is used in various forms to alleviate acne symptoms and outbreaks and is also used in many skin creams.  With these benefits for skin health already acknowledged in other areas, it only makes sense that the addition of them to a regular diet would help in reducing the occurrence of a skin condition such as pressure sores.

Researchers believe that the reason for the improvement lies in the way that the fatty acids interrupt the inflammatory response that the body naturally sets in motion in response to serious injury.  They also concluded from their observations, that data was not significant enough on its own to prove the thesis, but only suggested that it had definite possibilities, and should be analyzed further.

At the present time, there are no official clinical guidelines for administering nutritional supplements as a direct treatment for the prevention of bedsores.  Organizations that monitor medical treatment practice will revisit studies such as this one to keep current with any and all ways to improve the quality of treatment for this condition.

Obviously anytime a diet is improved with proper supplements and vitamins, it can only be helpful to a patient’s overall health, and this is basically what can be taken away from studies such as these.  Other dietary recommendations that professionals agree should be followed in the treatment of pressure sores include drinking plenty of water and including plenty of anti-oxidant rich fruits and vegetables.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Pressure Mattress website as the original source).

Comfort and prevention of pressure sores are of utmost important to maintaining good health for bedridden patients or those with restricted mobility.  One of the best ways to provide the best in comfort is to provide the patient with an alternating pressure mattress that ensures regular movement and change of position to reduce stress on various body parts that might be susceptible to bedsores. In addition to these innovative mattresses, the bedding and other accessories you use can enhance their comfort level even further.

One of the almost luxurious items that a caregiver might consider for a bedridden patient is a set of organic cotton sheets. Organic cotton is extremely soft and chemical free which is a real plus for sensitive skin.  Organic cotton, unlike synthetics and polyesters, is also more effective at absorbing moisture from the body which is a very important aid in preventing bedsores.

Other accessories which can also increase patient comfort are made from all natural sheepskin.  In previous years, sheepskin was not used as extensively due to its inability to absorb enough moisture and be disinfected properly.  Today, new developments in the product have solved these issues and sheepskin is being widely used in hospitals and rest homes everywhere.

Like organic cotton, wool sheepskin is hypoallergenic which means it too is very gentle on sensitive skin.  In addition, the sheepskin also contains natural oils which also aid in good skin health.  The soft, springy coils of wool create a cushion that conforms to the body part that it comes in contact with thus reducing friction.  And, although to look at sheepskin, it appears as though it would make a person warm, the opposite is actually true.  The density of the sheepskin allows air to circulate continuously between the fibers, and as a result, everything stays very cool.  This natural temperature control means patients sweat less and as a result, the skin remains much drier.  Sheepskin can actually absorb up to 33% of its original weight without feeling wet.  Keeping the skin cool and dry is the first step in preventing the breakdown of skin tissue.

There are many products available in sheepskin that are used in the care of those who are bedridden or confined to a wheelchair, that provide relief and support for specific areas.  For example, there are sheepskin boots and slippers to protect the heels, overlay that go on top of a mattress, and seat cushions and backs for placing in wheel chairs.

When purchasing sheepskin products for home care of a bedridden patient, be sure to keep and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and drying the product.  Sheepskin can shrink or get very matted if not washed properly.  It is generally recommended that you use only a product designed specifically for cleaning medical sheepskin.  Many of the best ones contain tea tree oil which is a natural disinfectant.  Air drying is recommended for sheepskin as an electric dryer will be too hot and will shrink the fibers.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Pressure Mattress website as the original source).

Even when a bedridden patient is comfortable and constantly repositioned with a bariatric mattress, working with them to apply ROM, or “range of motion ” exercises, can increase their comfort level even further as well as helping to improve circulation and keep joints flexible. ROM exercises can be done at home by a caregiver once they have been properly instructed in the technique, or by a trained therapist who comes to your home.

ROM exercises are generally referred to as either active or passive.  Totally immobile patients, who face the threat of pressure sores, will be in need of passive ROMs, meaning they are unable to perform the exercises themselves.  In less severe cases, where there is still some mobility, the exercises are more active-assisted, meaning the patient and a caregiver work at them together.  Consultation between the patient, caretaker, and health care professional are vital to creating the best possible program for each individual.

For those caring for bedridden patients, the idea of performing a therapeutic exercise routine can seem overwhelming and frightening.  With the proper training, however, it can become a very positive and rewarding experience for both caregiver and patient.  Here are a few hints to help you get started.
-Learn how to do the exercises from a qualified professional, and practice on them before doing the exercises with your patient.
-Position the bed height so it is comfortable for you without straining your back, arms or other muscles.  Stand or sit as straight as possible and pay attention to your breathing, keeping it deep and steady.  Keep your hips in a straight line under your shoulders and try to keep your stomach muscles tight.
-Be sure to lock the wheels of the bed or wheelchair in place to avoid accident or injury.
-Begin slowly and work the muscles and joints gently.  Pay attention to your patient’s comfort to avoid pain by forcing or jerking muscles and joints.  Stop if you sense that the exercises are causing pain.
-Move the joint only to the point of no resistance, that is, to the point where you can’t bend it any further.
-Try to make the exercise a part of the daily routine, and at a time that is convenient and unhurried for both of you.
-Start the exercises at the top of the head and work down to the toes.  When you are finished the entire body will be relaxed and comfortable.
-Doing the exercises in the same order every day will help make the regime easier to remember and make the routine flow more smoothly.
-Always follow the exercise program that has been set out by your doctor or health care professional.  Changing or eliminating parts of the program could result in the loss of effectiveness and leave your loved one vulnerable to pain, discomfort and injury.
-Keep a positive attitude during the routine and be as encouraging and supportive as possible.
When the exercise routine is over be sure to leave the individual in a comfortable and relaxed position.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Pressure Mattress website as the original source).

Along with providing the proper alternating pressure mattress and providing diligent care of the patient, early detection is one of the best means of preventing serious incidents of pressure sore development.  Once a patient’s daily routine and situation is well established, a secondary treatment regime to consider is application of a few simple home remedies to further enhance the patient’s care.  Naturally, you should always consult with your health care professional before beginning any kind of treatment, but if you have a loved one who is bedridden and at risk of developing pressure sores, here are a few home remedies that may help:

Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an all natural and very gentle cleanser for wounds that soothes irritated skin and helps promote healing.  Aloe Vera is readily available as a gel or cream in pharmacies and department stores.  Aloe can also be taken directly from the leaves of an aloe plant that can be grown indoors.

Honey
Some people believe that dressing a small pressure sore with a bandage coated with raw honey helps to remove toxins from the wound and promote healing.  Natural honey contains many natural healing elements and has been used in home medicine for centuries.

Papaya Milk
Applying a compress soaked in papaya milk is believed to help the formation of new skin and speed the sloughing off of dead skin around the wound.

Vitamins
Additional supplements of vitamins A, C, D should be added to the diet in proper amounts for the patient according to their health and underlying conditions.  Moisturizing creams that contain Vitamin E should be applied to the body to keep the skin healthy and supple.

Fiber
A diet rich in fiber helps skin cells to reproduce and thus help in the healing process.  The repair of broken down tissue and muscle is far more efficient when the diet is rich in fiber dense foods such as beans, lentils, bran and plenty of fruits.

Comfrey Leaves and Elm
Homeopathic remedies may help in the treatment of pressure sores, but should never be used without the guidance of a knowledgeable health care professional.  Common homeopathic treatments include compresses made from equal parts slippery elm and comfrey leaf powder that are applied to the sore overnight.

Water
Staying hydrated is vital to good health at all times, but is especially important for the bedridden or wheel chair confined patient who is susceptible to pressure sores.  Dry skin increases the potential for skin irritation and slows the body’s ability to heal.  Patients should be encouraged to drink six to eight glasses of water per day.  Beverages containing caffeine such as coffee, tea and cola should be limited as they can increase the chance of dehydration.

Massage and Movement
Gentle massage is not only relaxing and soothing for the patient who can’t get up and move around, it also helps improve blood circulation for better skin health.  Helping the patient to change position regularly is also imperative for the prevention of pressure sores and the patients comfort in general.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Pressure Mattress website as the original source).

Being bedridden can get really boring, and if the condition is semi-permanent or for the rest of someone’s life, that person will experience serious lows in his or her mood while learning to live in this new state, where normal life interferes, where a low air loss mattress becomes their best friend, and where contact with people diminishes considerably.

In this sense, the best gift you can give someone you love, who happens to be bedridden, is your time and regular presence in his or her life.  When someone can’t move from a bed, the way to connect with the world and to avoid monotony is through the company of others; thus, schedule a weekly chess game, an hour to read, or just drop by with some magazines.

If you want to give your loved one a material gift, first answer these questions:

-What’s his or her health condition?  Some foods or gifts like massages could be harmful.
-How much can he or she move?  Do not give a journal to someone who can’t move his or her arms.
-What does he or she have access to?  Bring DVDs or games only if they have a way to use them.
-What does he or she like?
-What does he or she already have?

It is best if you ask your loved one if he or she would like the gift you are thinking of because when one has to spend every single hour of every single day in the same room, an unwanted or old gift may become a burden.

After answering the questions above, it will be easier to find a great gift for your loved one.  Here we give you some suggestions:

-Crafts and activities
Give him or her a book of origami, a book of puzzles, or logic and riddle books.

If your loved one likes to write, get him or her some stationery or a journal, and if they are unable to write, offer to write letters and emails for them.

Help him or her start a long distance education course.

-Electronics
Gift your loved one with access to a new world by giving him or her a laptop with Internet connection, a TV, a DVD player, or game console.  All these are great entertainment when you have to remain in bed permanently.

-Food
As long as the doctor allows it, food is always a great gift.  Bring him or her their favorite treat or food every once in a while.

-Entertainment
Books and DVDs are a must.  Offer to get your loved one any book they want to read, and even offer to read it to them, and schedule time to watch movies or TV series with them.  It gets much better when there’s the chance to socialize while reading or watching TV.

-Comfort
Details like a satin pillow, cotton nightgowns, or warm socks are very valuable and seldom considered.  A good massage is a gift that will be happily welcomed too.

The truly important thing about a gift for a bedridden person is the meaning behind it.  It is the knowledge that you haven’t forgotten the person, and that you still want to be a part of his or her life.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Pressure Mattress website as the original source).

It is very common that the muscles of a person who has to remain in bed for extended periods of time deteriorate due to the lack of use; however, it is not easy to see someone you love lose his or her ability to move arms or legs.

Luckily, you can help.  Besides the help a pressure mattress offers to move the patient at regular intervals, there is a set of exercises called ROM, Range of Motion exercises, that can avert, and even reverse, this situation, unless it is a very serious case.

ROM exercises can be active or passive.  The active style applies to patients who can do the exercises by themselves.  The exercises here are done by the bedridden person but with someone’s assistance.  The passive style works for patients who can’t move by themselves; thus, someone else has to do the exercises for them.  In both cases, the exercises will put off muscle deterioration from happening.

Before starting any exercise routine with a bedridden person, make sure his or her doctor approves it; this is truly important, you can cause serious problems to the patient if his or her condition doesn’t allow for some kind of exercise.

Following is a guide on how to perform the ROM exercises, these specifically apply to the arms; nevertheless, can be used in any part of the body:

1.Shoulder
-Stretch out the scapula: Roll the shoulder blade forward by placing one hand over the front of the shoulder and the other hand on the shoulder blade.

-Flexion and extension: Put the arm straight down to the side.  Reach straight up to the head and back.  Lift the arm overhead and put it back down to the side.

-Horizontal adduction: Put the arm straight out to the side, reach across and touch the other shoulder.

-Abduction: Put the arm straight out to the side, palm up, circle out and up overhead to touch the opposite ear.

-Internal and external rotation: Put the arm at the side, bend the elbow, move hand to the stomach and then back to the bed.  The elbow must remain bent and touching the person’s side.

2.Elbow and forearm
-Elbow flexion and extension: Put the arm at the side, palm up, and touch the hand to the shoulder and return to the starting position.

-Forearm pronation and supination: Put the arm at the side, bend the elbow, turn palm towards the face and then towards the feet.  Make sure you turn the forearm and not the wrist.

3.Wrist
-Wrist radial and ulnar deviation: Keep the arm to the side, bend the elbow and move the wrist up and down as if shaking hands.

-Wrist flexion and extension: Keep the arm to the side, bend the elbow and move the wrist as if waving goodbye, moving the hand from the back of the forearm to the front of the forearm.

-Wrist circumduction: With the arm to the side, bend the elbow and move the wrist in a circular motion.

4.Hand and fingers
-Hand metacarpal gliding: Hold each edge of the hand with the back of the hand facing you.  Place your thumbs on adjacent metacarpal bones and move up and down in relation to each other.

-Fingers flexion and extension: Open and close the hand.

-Fingers abduction and adduction: Fan the fingers apart and together.

-Fingers opposition: Touch the thumb to the base of each finger.

-Fingers metacarpalphalangeal flexion: Steady the ends of the fingers.  At the knuckles, bend at first knuckle, the one closest to the hand, keeping the fingers straight.

-Fingers proximal interphalangeal flexion: Steady the first knuckle joint and bend the second joint maintaining the rest of the fingers straight.

-Fingers distal interphalangeal flexion: Steady the first and second joint and bend the third knuckle joint.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Pressure Mattress website as the original source).