Be Well Blog

Recognizing and Remedying Childhood Apraxia

Does your baby babble? It’s always a good sign if she or he does. For those who don’t – you may want to keep a close eye on your child’s development of speech. Parents need to pay close attention to a child’s speech development and recognize the early signs of a delay or disorder, like Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).  Read more »

Summer Recreation Opportunities for Kids with Special Needs

Summer is a great time for kids to get outdoors and play, but for some kids, summer activities may require adaptive equipment or specialized coaching. Luckily, there are many great therapeutic recreation programs for children with special needs. Check out these great programs: Read more »

Tips to Stay Safe in your Yard or Garden

Spring is the season to start sprucing up your yard or garden. This is also the time of the year when injuries can happen if lifting is not done properly. It is important to keep in mind proper body mechanics while working with a shovel, wheelbarrow, rake, etc.

Here are a few helpful tips to keep you safe while working in your yard or garden: Read more »

Adaptive Golf for People with Disabilities

As the weather gets warmer and the grass gets greener, our thoughts turn to outdoor activities. Golf is the perfect sport to combine fresh air and exercise. But if you have a disability or are recovering from an injury or illness, how can you get back into the “swing” of things?  Read more »

The Benefits of Barefoot Running

If you are a runner, you have probably heard about the recent trend to run “barefoot.”  Barefoot runners may actually be running without shoes or with minimal cushioned footwear – shoes with thin soles. What are the benefits of running barefoot? Read more »

Health-Care Reform and the Continuing Care Hospital Model

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hand down its decision on the health-care form law in June. Whether the law remains intact or is repealed, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network is focused on providing high-quality post-acute care with the best possible patient outcomes. Read more »

Visual Deficits and Treatment Following a Stroke

People recovering from a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), commonly known as stroke, no longer have to be saddled with visual deficits. There are new and progressive treatments to help make their lives better as well as the lives of their spouse or caregiver. 

People who have had strokes can suffer many visual problems. These problems include: Read more »

Swimming for Conditioning All Year Long

It’s that time of the year when we begin to enjoy the warm weather, outdoor activities and water fun!  But have you considered the health benefits of year-round swimming?  Indoor pools are available in most communities.  Local YMCAs, fitness centers and some high schools or colleges offer community memberships or have hours dedicated to “open swims.”  With a little research, you could be on your way to a lifetime activity that reaps many physical benefits. Read more »

Balance Therapy: An Individual Plan for Every Patient

Contrary to popular belief, age does not play a factor in one’s risk of falling. Problems with balance can affect people at all ages and stages of life – impacting one’s ability to work, drive, play sports and enjoy life. There are a number of factors that could hinder balance, including: Read more »

An Innovative Approach to Pediatric Swallowing Disorders

Does your child have difficulty swallowing food and drink?  Is your child dependent on a feeding tube for all or most of his nutrition? Does your child suffer from aspiration of food or drink?

Besides the obvious benefits of nutrition and energy, he or she may be missing out on social interactions that often surround the act of eating. Many children with multiple medical conditions have difficulty eating and swallowing age-appropriate foods; therefore, they are missing the pleasurable and social experience of enjoying food and drink. Read more »