Vim & Vigor - Spring 2014 - North Mississippi - (Page 50)

The Power and Possibilities of Rehab Pam Petty's positive attitude has served her well in her recovery. her legs and worked on her balance. For hours she picked up blocks and marbles, often wearing a device that delivered electrical stimulation to her hands, to restore fine motor skills. "Every therapy and learned skill have a lot of science and clinical data behind them," Condit says. Role ReveRsal Call The routine was familiar to Petty, but the roles were different. She worked as a nursing assistant on a rehabilitation unit while she was in nursing school. "But I never thought it was going to be me," she says. After a month in the Rehabilitation Institute, Petty was able to transfer from the bed to a chair using a slide board and walk using a platform walker. She could use her hands to eat, bathe and dress herself. She often amazed the staff with her accomplishments. "I know it's because of determination on my part, as well as encouragement and hard work from the therapists, doctors and nurses," she says. "Without them, I would never have made it to where I am now. The highest praise goes to God! I know I never would have made it without Him." After discharge, she continued physical and occupational therapy twice a week at NMMC's Outpatient Rehabilitation Center. "The best predictor of outcome is biological, meaning the nature and extent of injury," Condit says. "But also very important is the patient's attitude. I tell patients that recovery is variable, but hard work and a good outlook will get you as far as you can go." Help Others Recover NMMC's Second Time Around program donates new and used durable medical equipment to patients who cannot afford them. For more information about donating gently used items such as electric wheelchairs, shower chairs, walkers, canes or crutches, call 800-THE DESK (800-843-3375). 50 SPRING 2 014 N orth Mississippi Medical Center's Rehabilitation Institute recently celebrated 25 years of helping individuals regain independence after illness or injury. In February 2013, the Rehabilitation Institute became the first unit to open in NMMC's new West Bed Tower. "We moved from an area with semiprivate rooms where we spent almost 25 years to a new area with all private rooms," says angie everett Yerby, administrative director. It also includes a renovated rehab gym and a new dining room. "our patients dine together at all their meals, and their favorite meal is the fish fry buffet on Fridays," she says. "The larger dining room creates a much more homelike environment and also allows us to be more creative with our therapeutic recreational activities." The 28-bed unit is certified by the Commission on accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for general rehabilitation and stroke. Patients are cared for by board-certified physiatrists- physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation-as well as case managers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, rehabilitation nurses, speech-language pathologists, recreational therapists and a clinical psychologist. Patients can be referred to the Rehabilitation Institute by physicians, rehabilitation agencies, insurers, home care agencies, themselves or family members. For more information, visit www. nmhs.net/rehabilitation_services.php. http://www.nmhs.net/rehab_institute.php http://www.nmhs.net/rehab_institute.php

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2014 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2014 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Cardiac Caretakers
Mending Hearts
Occupational Hazards
The New Rules of Play
Shopping for Two
Back to Basics
Burn, Baby, Burn
Angelina Jolie
Rock Your Health
Breaking Up with Salt
Disgusting! (or Not?)
Virtual Health
One Day at a Time
The Doctor Will See You Now
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2014 - North Mississippi