Rio Grande Valley Medical Observer
Occupational Wii Therapy for Parkinson’s Patients In many medical practices a variety of items are being used to effectively treat various types of disorders and diseases. From new machines to innovative ways to assist patients with their particular ailments, there are a host of very interesting treatments available for all types of health concerns. One of the most fascinating treatments is occupational Wii therapy. The Wii is a game console manufactured by the popular video game company Nintendo. In general, the Wii is mainly used for entertainment purposes. However, physicians are now using it to assist Parkinson’s patients with their therapy. Studies have shown that using this particular game helps individuals with Parkinson’s disease in a variety of ways. Many people that suffer from Parkinson’s disease have a variety of health concerns. Many of those health concerns are related to such factors as coordination, reflexes and motor skills. Many people suffering from this particular disease gradually experience a decline in these areas. It often takes much effort for people with Parkinson’s disease to control these very vital abilities. With the assistance of the Nintendo Wii, many physicians are helping individuals with Parkinson’s to redevelop their reflexes, fine motor skills, and coordination. By simply playing a variety of games, patients with Parkinson’s disease are redeveloping the very skills that they have lost. Likewise, playing the Nintendo Wii increases a pa-
tient’s ability to respond to various stimuli. Oftentimes individuals with Parkinson’s disease have a delayed response to stimuli in their environment. Occupational Wii therapy allows individuals with Parkinson’s disease to redevelop their ability to control their bodies and respond to an environment in a variety of ways.
cupational Wii therapy is very effective because the patients do not view this form of therapy as a chore. As with any type of rehabilitation, it is very important for individuals to constantly participate in rehabilitative exercises in order to see the results. Depending on the type of exercise required, some patients are sometimes less than willing to participate. However, occupational Wii therapy is very different because to most of the patients it is actually fun. Many of the patients enjoy selecting their favorite Wii games to play as a leisure activity. The main benefits of improving coordination, reflexes and motor skills are often not considered while the patients are playing games and on the Wii.
In studies where the Nintendo Wii is used as therapy for Parkinson’s patients, it has been noted that many of these patients incur an increase of dopamine. Dopamine is very important for transmitting information about the body. Many physicians combined exercise and Wii therapy in order to increase dopamine production in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This is very helpful in naturally helping the body to respond It all, occupational Wii therapy to stimuli, and it assists these pa- for Parkinson’s patients is an intients in improving their coordi- novative way to assist individuals nation, motor skills and reflexes. with redeveloping and improving It should also be noted that oc- their coordination, motor skills and reflexes.
11
Men, listen up! Know What Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis By definition, "prostatitis" means inflammation in the prostate glands. As this condition is "chronic," this means it rarely goes away unless treated. And because “bacteria” cause this, the condition is infective. It is not, however, a sexually transmitted form of infection. Signs and Symptoms A man who is diagnosed with this condition will often experience symptoms that come and go, often within the last three to six months. In its most flared-up stage, those infected with chronic bacterial prostatitis will feel pain and discomfort at the base of the penis, in the lower back, and around the anus. Passing urine or stool can also be painful and uncomfortable. The patient may feel the need to urinate more frequently. There may also be problems during sexual intercourse, as he may have a difficulty in getting an erection or ejaculating. Sometimes, the condition may also accompany pain during or after sex. These symptoms are similar to acute bacterial prostatitis. More often than not, these conditions are often mixed up in the diagnosis. The difference, however, is that men infected with chronic bacterial prostatitis don't usually develop fever and may not feel sluggish or tired. They can go about their usual activities, except the pain and discomfort creeps now and then. Most often confused with prostatodynia and chronic pelvic pain syndrome, chronic bacterial prostatitis is characterized by an abnormal amount of white blood cells in the expressed prostatic secretion. Scientist say, the origin of this is undetermined even today. But it may either be the result of an unidentified germ, autoimmune problems or the nerves affecting the prostrate.
Examination and Diagnosis Doctors will have to examine the prostate gland with gloved hands to make a proper diagnosis of the condition. The prostrate is usually tender when the condition is flared-up. A urine sample will be asked from the patient and an ultrasound may also be administered to rule out other problems in the urinary tract or the kidneys. A specialist, usually a urologist, may be referred once the condition has been determined and this expert may further require sample secretions. The procedure is quite invasive, but may be necessary in ruling out other conditions like prostate cancer. Treatment of the Condition When treated with antibiotics, chronic bacterial prostatitis will clear out and will likely not recur, provided the antibiotics taken have been completed. Men infected by this condition may also be asked to take anti-inflammatory painkillers and laxatives, to ease the discomfort. In worst-case scenarios, the doctor may suggest a prostatectomy, a procedure requiring the removal of the prostate, if calculi or small stones also mar the condition. Close communication with one’s physician is essential so that he is able to determine what treatment is best based on the case. The good news is that symptoms usually show signs of improvement after six months of treatment. This condition is quite common with men, often affecting those between the ages of 30 to 50 years old. According to medical studies, about a third of those who undergo complete treatment for chronic bacterial prostatitis are said to be free of the symptoms after a year.