Patience

Living with a disability!

   Kermit

   Patience

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Brain Fitness, Physical Fitness and Food Fitness

What are the benefits that I can get from using the Brain Fitness Program? 

People who use the PositScience Brain Fitness Program experience a wide variety of cognitive benefits and improvements in their everyday lives. In fact, a recent clinical trial called the IMPACT study found that people who used the Brain Fitness Program ended up with an
 ·       average increase of 131% in processing speed.

 ·       Faster auditory processing helps people keep up with conversation, which in turn 

           ·      improves comprehension and memory. 88% of people in the IMPACT study who completed the program reached processing speeds typical of people under age 40. (No one in the study was under age 65).
 ·      Brain Fitness Program users also gained an average of 10 years improvement in memory, and 

     ·       three out of four people in the study reported benefits in their everyday lives such as being able to remember a shopping list without writing it down, hearing conversations more clearly in noisy restaurants, and feeling more confident and better about themselves overall.

·       #1 Trying New Things

o   Having the energy and excitement to try new things is one of the more surprising benefits of brain fitness. But it's something we hear over and over. By engaging important brain chemicals, speeding up thinking, and sharpening focus, the Brain Fitness Program awakens curiosity and motivates people to seize life by the horns.

·       #2 Getting things done

o   The InSight brain fitness software helps people be faster, more efficient, on top of things—so they can do more and do it well. Users tell us InSight™ helps them be more effective and error-free in all kinds of tasks, from grocery shopping to choir practice to projects at work. It's just another benefit of brain fitness.

·       #3 Safer Driving

o   Even the best drivers face dangerous conditions on the road. By speeding up how quickly your brain can spot dangers—a truck merging into your lane, an obstruction in the road, a patch of ice on the highway—DriveSharp helps you react to them more quickly. That speed can help you feel more confident and comfortable behind the wheel.

·       #4 Sharper listening

o   Having the energy and excitement to try new things is one of the more surprising benefits of brain fitness. But it's something we hear over and over. By engaging important brain chemicals, speeding up thinking, and sharpening focus, the Brain Fitness Program awakens curiosity and motivates people to seize life by the horns.

·       #5 A better memory

o   The Total Training Package includes both our auditory and visual brain fitness programs. The Brain Fitness Program for auditory processing improves auditory memory, so you remember more of what you hear. The InSight program does the same for visual memory, so you remember more of what you see (faces, text, visual details…). When used together, they offer the most comprehensive and effective memory workout available.

·       #6 Quicker reactions

o   A quicker brain means a quicker body. After all, your body can't move at all without getting instructions from your brain. So whether you want to field a ball more cleanly, like Howard, or catch a sippy-cup falling off a table, it helps to have the fastest brain you can. The InSight brain fitness software can help you get there.

·       #7 Lower crash risk

o   You might not think of car crashes as a function of brain health. But in fact, when you're behind the wheel your brain is important safety equipment. If another driver runs a red light or a deer runs in front of your car, it's up to your brain to notice and send a message to your feet to step on the brake. Even a minor fender bender that doesn't harm you can hurt your wallet.

Even the best drivers can stay safer on the road with DriveSharp. Buy it for yourself or a loved one today!

·       #8 Finding words

o   Something like this has happened to all of us—and with age it often gets more common. But it's happening a lot less often to Cindy Ryan now that she has used the Brain Fitness Program.

By improving auditory processing and fluency, the Brain Fitness Program helps people find words more easily, making them feel sharper and more confident in conversation.

·       #9 Self-confidence

o   With age, our brains tend to slow down a little. We have wisdom on our side, but we can start feeling a little less sharp—and that can affect self-confidence.

The Posit Science Brain Fitness Program sharpens your auditory system—how well your brain takes in what you hear. The InSight program does the same for your visual system. Together, in the Total Training Package, they provide a comprehensive brain workout that helps you think faster, focus better, and remember more, rebuilding confidence from the roots up.

·     #10 Sharper vision

o   Eagle-eyed vision doesn't just depend on your eyes. The brain is an equal partner. The eyes take in visual information, but the brain processes that information.

The InSight brain fitness program sharpens your visual processing. Take in more visual details, react to what you see more quickly, and remember better with InSight. You might just find that life gets a little easier—and more enjoyable.

·       #11 Faster thinking

o   What could faster thinking help you accomplish?
Now is your chance to find out. The Brain Fitness Program speeds up the brain, so you can think faster in every situation.

·       #12 Good mood - Memory, sharpness, focus

o   —these are words you might associate with brain fitness. But a better mood might not be the first thing that comes to mind.

It makes sense, though. Our programs are designed to help the brain produce dopamine and other brain chemicals that help people feel alert, rewarded, and upbeat. And the self-confidence that comes through faster thinking, sharper focus, and better memory can result in a more positive mood.

       Physical Activity and Exercise Recommendations for Stroke Survivors

        © 2004 American Heart Association, Inc.

American Heart Association

                   Learn and Live 

AHA Scientific Statement

Physical Activity and Exercise  Recommendations for Stroke Survivors

An American Heart Association Scientific Statement From the Council on Clinical Cardiology, Subcommittee on Exercise, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Prevention; the Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism; and the Stroke Council

Neil F. Gordon, MD, PhD, Cochair; Meg Gulanick, PhD, APRN, Cochair; 
Fernando Costa, MD; Gerald Fletcher, MD; Barry A. Franklin, PhD; Elliot 1. 
Roth, MD; Tim Shephard, RN, MSN

Key Words: AHA Scientific Statement· stroke· exercise • rehabilitation· physical activity • risk.

       Introduction

Annually, 700 000 people in the United States suffer a stroke, or 1I person every  45 seconds, and nearly one-third of these strokes are recurrent.  More than half of men and women under the age of 65 years, who have a stroke die within 8 years...




By clicking on any of these links
    ckick here
    American HeartAssociation
    [download, view or email this document  
    full document at AHA website]

  Food Fitness Recommendations for Stroke Survivors

A Diet That Helps Soothe Osteoarthritis

Easing arthritis symptoms isn't just about exercise and pills. The foods you eat could help joints with osteoarthritis feel better, too.

By RealAge

Page 1 of 1

Food as medicine. It's a wonderful concept because it gives us an empowering and fun way -- eating -- to do something helpful for our bodies, like easing joint pain. And some day, doctors may very well prescribe exercise, medication, and a special diet to help keep people's arthritic joints healthy.

But right now, the only way diet likely enters your osteoarthritis conversation with your doctor is when you talk about losing weight. Because although there's no way to cure arthritis through food, if you are overweight, a weight loss diet may be one of the best things you can do for the health of your joints.

Still, quite a bit of promising research has shown that certain foods and nutrients may help ease osteoarthritis symptoms. More study is needed to confirm the results, but since most of the foods studied to date are good for you anyway, incorporating some of them into your diet could be a great way to support your current treatment program. And in the end, you may boost your overall health as well.

So think about your joints the next time you visit the grocery store. Here are five foods you may want to add to your cart -- and two you may want to take out:

5 Foods Your Joints May Love

• Strawberries: Why? They are packed with vitamin C. Some studies suggest vitamin C may stymie the progression of osteoarthritis and the accompanying cartilage loss. Other good C sources: oranges, peaches, and red bell peppers. (Try a new take on berries with this Strawberry Spinach Salad.)
• Olive oil: You know how the Tin Man's joints loved oil? Well, your joints may love olive oil just as much. Research shows that polyphenols in olive oil may help reduce inflammation in the body -- always a good goal if you have arthritis.
• Salmon: This fish is loaded with two joint-soothing nutrients: vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. If you are deficient in D (and many adults are), boosting your intake could help with osteoarthritis pain and disability. And omega-3 fatty acids have long been promoted by health experts for their anti-inflammatory qualities.
• Green tea: This brew is brimming with antioxidants called catechins, inflammation quieters that could delay cartilage damage in people with arthritis. (Try cooking with green tea with this Stir-Fried Noodles and Green Tea recipe.)
• Leafy greens: The more plant-based foods you add to your diet, the better it probably is for your joints. A Mediterranean-style diet that emphasizes fruit, nuts, and veggies may help quiet inflammation. (Leafy greens also happen to be rich in vitamin K, a nutrient that seems to play a role in osteoarthritis prevention.)

Give These Foods the Brush Off

And while you're amping up your intake of fruit, veggies, and omega-3 fatty acids, here are foods you should consider scaling back on:

• Corn oil: The fats in corn oil, sunflower oil, and soybean oil are predominantly omega-6 fatty acids. And although these fats are not harmful in and of themselves, some research suggests that a big imbalance in your omega-3 and omega-6 intake could trigger inflammation. So use omega-3-rich olive oil whenever you can.
• White bread: Grabbing high-fiber whole-wheat bread instead may help your joints in two ways. Early research shows that refined grains may be proinflammatory. On the other hand, high-fiber diets may help quiet inflammation. And high-fiber diets may help with weight control, too.

Treating Arthritis in the Kitchen

Currently, there is no guarantee that changing your diet will help your joints feel better. But most of the foods that seem to make the most sense for joint health happen to be great for your body in other ways as well. So the decision to eat right should be an easy one. Start soothing your joints in the kitchen with this collection of joint-friendly recipes from the RealAge Recipe Finder.

Restock Your Fridge - 

YOU: On a Diet Tip from RealAge

      Finished clearing your kitchen of bad fats, sugars, and carbs? Start shopping for the good-for-your-waist foods that make it easy (and automatic!) to eat right.

Include fire-extinguisher munchies -- good foods that will put out three-alarm starvation fires. Pick up ready-to-eat snacks for those times you're likely to reach for waist-killing chips or sweets. Our list includes almonds, peanuts, or walnuts; bags of prechopped fruits and veggies; dried fruit (apricots, cranberries); and edamame (soybeans -- look for microwavable bags in the frozen-food section).

Learn how munching on a handful of walnuts will promote heart health.

Overall, the trick to navigating through grocery store aisles is to look for
less . . . on the label. Generally, fewer ingredients equal better foods. For instance, natural foods that come from the ground usually don't require labels. That's why any produce is basically OK for you. One caveat: Make sure it has a great feel, a healthy smell, and has not been waxed. Also, we believe in working from the inside of the store out, so that heat and bacteria have less time to sap nutrients from your produce before you get home. Use the YOU: On a DietMenu Planner to create your meal plan, get recipes, and generate your shopping list.

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PURPOSE OF ROBOTICS

PURPOSE OF ROBOTICS

            ENHANCED LEARNING TO IMPROVE REHABILITATION –

    o Brain-to-Body Connectivity = Functional gains

    o Stroke rehabilitation by muscle/brain re-education

    o Maintain or increase range of motion

· I chose InteractiveMotion as my initial therapeutic device to:

1. gain mental stimulation through visual activities, which

2. effectively improve shoulder [scapula movement] range of motion, and

3. enhance brain-to-body re-education
4. continue stimulating brain-to-body  functionality.

· The Myomo device combines several treatment modalities into one device , and

1. can cost effectively improve range of motion,

2. enhance brain-to-body re-education through practical Clinical Progression process

3. be used as a therapeutic tool for improved motor function, and

4. be effective as an assistive device

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Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center

Dr. Mindy Aisen, MD Chief Medical Officer Rancho Los Amigos National      Rehabilitation Center =========================================================== Evolving approaches to rehabilitation Dr. Mindy Aisen, MD Chief Medical Officer Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center           click here Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery “Plasticity and Robotics”, ‘”Meaningful practice makes perfect” Dr. Mindy Aisen, MD Chief Medical Officer Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center           click here Robotic approaches to rehabilitation Dr. Hermano Igo Krebs Principal Research Scientist and Lecturer Department of Mechanical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge MA 02139-4307           click here Rancho Robotics for Rehabilitation           click here for RLA Rehab           click here for RLA =========================================================== Overcoming Barriers Overcoming Barriers Click here =========================================================== Rancho Named One of Top Ten Hospitals In Greater LA Area by U.S. News & World Report March 31, 2011           click here     and   click here =========================================================== Click On This Link To Email Directly To MeEmail me

InteractiveMotion Rehabilitation Robots

InteractiveMotion introduction to Robotics
Dr. Hermano Igo Krebs
Principal Research Scientist and Lecturer
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge MA 02139-4307
http://www.rancho.org/


http://www.slideshare.net/dkarchem/in-mt1

InteractiveMotion Robotics


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzRkqxWMPgQ&feature=youtu.be&hd=1

http://www.slideshare.net/dkarchem/in-mt2

http://www.slideshare.net/dkarchem/in-mt3

InteractiveMotion Research
http://www.slideshare.net/dkarchem/in-mt4

· Rancho Robotics for Rehabilitation 
http://www.rehabilitations.org/center/rancho-los-amigos-national-rehabilitation-center.html
http://www.rancho.org/
http://dkrehab.blogspot.com/2011/12/rancho-los-amigos-national.html

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Results for Patients with Neurological Conditions
http://www.slideshare.net/dkarchem/in-motion-slides-convention-loop-apta-csm-211?from=share_email

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My biography

Hello. My name is David,

I am a husband, friend, father of two and a grandfather of seven. I earned a B.A. in Social Science and Economics at UC Irvine. I am an accomplished software developer who tested the prototype Voyager spacecraft in the 1960’s, and later programmed computers and managed software development for the healthcare and entertainment industries.

My life passions are computers, reading, electric trains, working as a soccer referee for 30 years, camping/ kayaking and my grandchildren. I helped an African orphanage and self-sustaining industries (fuel-efficient cook stoves and water well drilling),

                                               

On May 19, 2009, I was driving my car when I had a sudden headache.  I was able to follow another car through the intersection and stop my car by the curb.  I then called for help. My wife came to me and called the paramedics.  I had a stroke.  I underwent an embolectomy (surgery using TPA) about 5 hours later, to relieve the bleeding and treat large three blood clots. A week later I had a blood clot removed from behind my right knee.  I had a right-brain ischemic stroke, resulting in left-sided hemiplegia and some other related issues (mid-line imbalance, vision processing speed, focus and depth perception impacts, swallowing and memory issues).  .  I spent six weeks recovering in Northridge Acute Rehabilitation Hospital.

On October 5, 2010 I fainted while standing up due to a major drop in blood pressure, probably caused by prescription-medication, fell and broke my hip.  I’ve since had a hip replacement and additional inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.

I’ve been actively pursuing therapies that would help me regain my body and mental functionality since May, 19, 2009.

“When I talk to other stroke survivors, I make sure they know there are new devices out there that might help them. Next, I tell them to never give up hope because you never know what is going to come out in the future. I know firsthand that it takes time to heal. I try not to focus on what I can’t do and I focus on what I can do. With the new technology that is being developed and the new drugs and therapies on the horizon, the way I am today is not how I am going to be in a few years.”

“I try everything that is out there with the philosophy that if it helps stimulate any part of my body, or my brain, then it is worth trying…”  “…I don’t ever want to look back and think about what we should have or could have done. You never know what will be developed tomorrow and how it might change your life.”

There is much more than robots, VR games, PTSD training and driving simulators that could be used to harness affected brain functionality for stroke rehabilitation. I believe that productive retraining of brain functionality will aid long-term stroke recovery-

I attend the California State University, Northridge Center of Achievement, Western Center for Aquatic-based Therapy, where I’ve improved my strength, endurance and balance.

After 8 months of work with computer-assisted brain function and vision processing programs, I recovered my driving privileges.

As a Consultant/Project Manager for the CSUN Student Affairs IT Group, I documented the Student Affairs IT PMM (Project Management Methodology) for IT Services Software Development, and developed a new web project acceptance testing plan and User Reference Manual for the CSUN Tours Registration/Scheduling group.  I also developed tutorials in Excel and PowerPoint for students.

After months of traditional inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, plus aquatic therapy, I participated in six weeks of occupational therapy robotic training at Rancho Los Amigos. I used the Interactive Motion Shoulder and Arm Robot twice a week for one hour each session totaling thirteen sessions.

The functional changes I have gained after using the InMotion Robot are:

• I am able to now use my left arm to hold my granddaughter on my lap to read to her.
• I have increased the use of my left side. I turn light switches on and off; I rest my left hand on the shower wall while my eyes are closed; I am able to hug people with both arms; I carry objects under my left armpit; I am more balanced , and have greater endurance, when I walk.  I’ve gained significant range of motion, and reduced spasticity and pain.
• After the first robotic session, I was able to lift my left foot up to my buttock (for the very first time).

(The key is that stimulating one part of the brain affects many other parts also.)

• After a three-month hiatus from the robot, my recent session (7/6/2011)  was my best functional performance ever.

The functional changes I have gained after using the MYOMO Robot are:

• Greater sensitivity and tactile feeling in my left hand.
• Strengthening of my Tricep and inhibitory control of Bicep/Tricep to raise and lower my left arm.

I have recently gained greater strength and arm mobility such that I am able to move my left arm more to dress myself.

In October, 2011 [30-months post-stroke] I began to have limited, volitional, movement of my left thumb.

I am a mentor/volunteer in the Rancho Los Amigos Robotic Therapy program, assisting therapists and patients in using robotic therapy tools.

As a volunteer in the Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Engineering Lab as a research subject for the projects designed to improve impaired- and handicapped-persons lives  (including development of improved Virtual Reality tools and games, and enhanced mobility projects), and entering data for research projects. 

Also at Rancho, I assisted in the “Introduction to Computers” computer skills lab, and  in the Drivers Training Program, as well as participating in the development of Stroke/TBI Wellness Programs.

 I continue my active support for the US Soccer Federation as a referee-instructor, and assignor, helping to train new and improve experienced soccer referees.

I’m a patient/volunteer for the CSUN Physical Therapy graduate students and for the USC Neuro Consortium for the Neurologic Examination Toolbox Course to provide direct experience with patients' evaluation and post-stroke treatment, and for the Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the School of Dentistry Interaction Lab, Department of Computer Science, USC Viterbi School of Engineering for the USC  Motor Sensor Study and Virtual Reality for Rehabilitation development.

I am also involved in the USC OPTT-RERC (Optimizing Participation Through Technology) - Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Technologies for Successful Aging with Disability) Programs, including development of Virtual Reality software for rehabilitation, using the Microsoft Kinect camera as a monitoring/input device, in a design that will give the user feedback on their progress in a simple, condensed manner [the game system would be programmed to automatically make adjustments in task difficulty as the user improves (and, the clinician would still be given the ability to override the game's algorithms if they deem it necessary).   The final major feature to be included is access to an online social network for system users, so that users can easily chat with one another to provide encouragement, play the games together, have friendly competitions to see who can stick with their rehab regimen the best, etc.

I was a patient/volunteer for the USC research project doing brain mapping research with TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation).  This study is investigating the way that the brain learns new skills.

I tutor high school students in physics, computer uses, Excel and PowerPoint, and started to tutor a three and one-half [3 ½] year-old learning to read.

In September, 2010 I was selected as an at large member for the State of California SSFL Public Participation Group, applying my research and analysis skills to review the Toxic Cleanup Project analysis, results and plans for the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (a toxic ground and groundwater site affecting the San Fernando and Simi Valleys).

I participate on the Northridge Hospital Patient Advisory Council helping to improve patient support in the Acute Rehabilitation Unit. 

Recently, I started as a volunteer in the Northridge Hospital PT/OT Department performing research and office administrative functions to support the professional and  administrative staff.

In 2011 and 2012 I received Botox treatment for left arm and hand spasticity, and plan to continue my traditional therapies and robotic therapies.

In September, 2011, I began using a MYOMO worn-on-the-arm robot to improve brain neuron to arm muscle control to re-establish lost Upper Extremity functionality

I’ve begun as a member of the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California  Board of Councilors, to support and guide the program.

As a participant in Virtual Reality Software  development at USC ICT and Rancho Los Amigos, In February, 2012 [33-months post-stroke] I used my left hand to work a VR software game. 

At Rancho Los Amigos and Northridge Hospital, I am actively working on expanding medical professionals’ and the public's knowledge about stroke prevention, post stroke acute treatment and long-term support for stroke patients to recover a high quality of life through new “wellness” programs.

I still have my dream of kayaking through the Grand Canyon – after I complete more rehabilitation, and gain strength and muscle control in my left side.

Soon, I hope to begin attending classes leading to a certification or degree in Applied Robotics, Game Theory, VR Application Design and Development,  or Assistive Technology Program

NOTES REGARDING ROBOTICS:

The Interactive Motion Robot System was developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology with medical experts from Harvard Medical School. The developers intended for the device to benefit stroke survivors suffering from severe muscle weakness or hemiparesis, which is weakness resulting in complete or partial loss of movement on one side of the body.

This evidence- based system is unique in the industry and has been tested by leading medical centers worldwide for 10 years in over 40 studies with over 400 patients.  The InMotion Robot's exceptional capacity for measurement and immediate interactive response sets it apart from other types of therapy systems.

Technology:  The InMotion Robot's immediate interactive response assesses the patient's UE movement and responds to the patient's continually-changing ability.  Like an experienced clinician the robot then guides the exercise treatment accordingly:

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The Myomo Robot System is an intelligent robotic device, paired with a specific evidence-based therapy regimen through which patients learn how to self start and control movement of limbs that are weak or stiff. The movement is initiated in the person’s brain, where a natural signal is sent from the brain to the muscle communicating the command. This signal then moves down the body to the arm, initiating a weak muscle contraction, too weak to cause the arm to move on its own. The computer in the robot then picks up this signal and magnifies it, much like turning up the volume dial on the radio, helping the person complete the movement.

Through repetition the person may eventually relearn how to move and control the affected muscles. It can help improve the quality of life for survivors by allowing them to perform real-life tasks such as pushing to stand, eating a piece of fruit or reaching for a light switch or lifting a box. The tasks are progressed from simple to more complex under the guidance of a certified licensed physical or occupational therapist.

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VIRTUAL REALITY

Virtual reality (VR) is a term that applies to computer-simulated environments that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world, as well as in imaginary worlds. Most current virtual reality environments are primarily visual experiences, displayed either on a computer screen or through special stereoscopic displays, but some simulations include additional sensory information, such as sound through speakers or headphones. Some advanced, haptic systems now include tactile information, generally known as force feedback, in  these applications.

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