AdaptFocusMy name is DeQuel Robinson, Im a native of Mobile, AL and I currently work as a Program Supervisor for Mobile Parks & Recreation, a Track & Field Coach/Personal Trainer, and Doctoral student. Im also a former Pro Wheelchair Basketball Athlete. Ive lived with an Ambulatory (Physical) Disability since the Fall of 2008. Prior to that date, I was a star athlete in Football & Track & Field.  Sports has always been my passion and love since the age of 5. Who would have thought that the two sports I love so dearly would be taken away from me at the young age of 21.In the Fall of 2008, October 18th, my life changed forever when I was shot 7 times and left for dead. God truly had His hands on me because He covered me while being on the ground an hour in a half and gave me the strength to dial 911. The multiple gun shots left me partially paralyzed from the waist down. That didnt stop me from developing a focus mindset and thriving ahead, tapping into my purpose. After being confined to a wheelchair, I was able to create a path for myself through sports and fitness. I became involved in wheelchair activities and earned a wheelchair basketball scholarship to The University of Alabama. During my tenure at the University of Alabama, I earned my Bachelors and Masters degrees and became a 2-Time Intercollegiate National Champion. Upon completing my masters degree, I furthered my career in wheelchair basketball by accepting an offer to play professionally in France. After completing my time overseas, I moved back to the great city of Mobile, Alabama to fulfill my purpose by helping others like myself and by creating my Nonprofit Organization, AdaptFocus. AdaptFocus is a Nonprofit Organization whose mission is:Help and empower those with Ambulatory (Physical) Disabilities through Athletics, Fitness and Recreational Programs within the community, while also providing mentorship to those faced with sudden physical challenges. Creating a pathway for those with physical disabilities, who are looking to further their goals & dreams through sports and activities. Removing barriers so that everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy any and all activities to live a more active independent lifestyle. AdaptFocus is dedicated to helping and serving the community in a waythat truly makes a difference on our grand vision, Adapting ForwardWithout Limitations.Contact DeQuel Robinson for more information about the non-profit, AdaptFocus  at adaptfocus21@gmail.com or AdaptFocus.org.

Signs and Symptoms of GlaucomaAs we age, there's a ton to pay attention to in terms of our health. One area that tends to be overlooked is our eye health. More than 12 million Americans have a vision impairment. For many people, wearing glasses or contacts has been a part of life since childhood, and a slow digression in vision feels normal.Glaucoma is an eye condition that affects more than 3 million Americans and can lead to irreversible blindness. This new year, use the month to vow to better eye health and learn about glaucoma signs and symptoms. Understanding this condition could save you from losing your vision in the future.What is Glaucoma?Glaucoma is a common eye condition with more than 200,000 cases each year in the United States. Glaucoma develops when high eye pressure damages the nerves connecting the eyes and the brain. It's a slow-progressing condition that often leads to a loss of eyesight and, in some cases, total blindness. While there's no way to bring back vision after it's lost, surgery to release eye pressure can slow or stop glaucoma from progressing.Since it's a slow-moving condition, many people don't notice early signs of glaucoma, although late symptoms include pain and vision loss. Glaucoma is most common in people aged 40 and older and those with a family history of glaucoma. It's also common in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or sickle cell anemia.Types of GlaucomaGlaucoma refers to a type of eye condition that affects a person's vision. There are two main types of glaucoma.Open-angle glaucoma. This is the most common form of glaucoma and occurs when the trabecular meshwork is blocked, causing gradual pressure on the eye. Many people don't experience any open-angle glaucoma symptoms and often don't notice a problem until they begin losing vision.Angle-closure glaucoma. This type of glaucoma occurs when the bulging of the iris blocks the drainage angle. Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma include severe headache, eye pain, eye redness, and blurred vision. This condition may suddenly occur and is considered a medical emergency.All forms of glaucoma happen because there is unwanted pressure on the eye due to a blockage. Different types of glaucoma are diagnosed, depending on how the blockage occurs.Pigmentary glaucoma-When the eye's drainage system becomes clogged by pigments from the iris, it's referred to as pigmentary glaucoma. It's most common in younger adults because there is less pigment in the eye to cause a blockage as we age.Uveitic glaucoma- The middle layer of the eye is called the uveitis. Its purpose is to provide blood to the retina. If the uveitis becomes swollen or inflamed and puts pressure on the eye, it's called uveitic glaucoma.Exfoliative glaucoma- Sometimes, the eye's outer layer can shed a flaky material that gets stuck in the drainage system, causing exfoliative glaucoma. This type of glaucoma is most common in those of northern European descent after the age of 40.Living with GlaucomaUnfortunately, once you lose your vision to glaucoma, there's no way to get it back. Early detection is the key to protecting your vision against glaucoma. You should start regular eye exams by age 40 as this is when vision changes begin to occur. When looking for early signs of glaucoma, your doctor will examine the inner eye pressure, the shape and color of the optic nerve, your field of vision, the angle of where the iris meets the cornea, and its thickness of the cornea. If you have high-risk factors such as diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, your doctor may suggest more frequent follow-ups to monitor your eye health.This article was submitted by Visiting Angels with locations in Mobile and Baldwin Counties.  If you or a loved one suffers from glaucoma or another eye condition that makes it hard to see and perform daily tasks, Visiting Angels can help.  Call them at 251-345-4100. 

4 Signs It May be Time to Consider Assisted Senior LivingIndependence is something we all crave and strive to maintain, making it challenging for us to ask for or accept help from time to time. As we get older, our desire for independence can also make it difficult to know or accept when it may be time to consider additional options like an assisted senior living community.A common misconception is that you will lose your independence by living in a senior living community, which is simply not true. These communities offer a lifestyle that can help you maintain or enhance your independence. With team members at the community taking care of the time-consuming, everyday tasks like maintenance and upkeep, you are free to live your life exactly the way you want. Leaving you more time to visit with friends and family and pursue your interests.Throughout Alabama, Community Senior Life (CSL) communities offer senior living options ranging from independent living to Alzheimers and dementia care. Our goal is to promote an environment that fosters independence while providing support and assistance in the areas that each resident needs.How do you know when it is time for assisted living? We realize this question is hard to answer, and transitioning into senior living is a significant decision. Below, we are sharing signs to help you recognize when it may be time to start the process.1. You Have a Chronic Health ConditionAccording to the National Council on Aging, approximately 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease, and 77% have at least two. Chronic diseases and other medical conditions can impact an individuals ability to not only care for themselves but also maintain their home and handle other responsibilities.If you have one or more medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it may be beneficial to consider an assisted senior living community. A senior living community can offer a maintenance-free lifestyle so that you have more time to focus on your health and wellness, as well as provide you with a team of caregivers who can help you manage your conditions, medications, and more.2. Your Socialization Opportunities are LimitedWe often take for granted the positive impact social interactions can have on our mental wellness. Offering benefits such as reduced stress levels, improved cognitive functioning, and boosted self-esteem, connecting with others is crucial to our well-being and can provide us with a sense of purpose.As Joyce Carol Oates once said, loneliness is like starvation: you dont realize how hungry you are until you begin to eat. Unfortunately, as we age, our socialization opportunities can become limited we leave the workforce, children grow up and move away, etc.Assisted senior living could be the ideal solution if you live on your own and feel yourself craving more social interaction. Our CSL communities offer activities and encourage individuals to interact with one another, forming a true sense of community. Beyond scheduled events and programs that cater to a variety of interests, residents can connect during meals, as neighbors, and more.3. You Could Use Support with Everyday TasksThis is a major how do you know when it is time for assisted living sign.We all have days when we choose to stay in our pajamas but choosing to stay in our pajamas all day is different than not getting dressed because it is too difficult. If you find yourself needing assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) like personal hygiene tasks, mobility, or general home maintenance, transitioning into an assisted senior living community could be the best option to maintain your independence and improve your overall quality of life.What Are Considered Activities of Daily Living?According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, the activities of daily living (ADLs) is a term used to collectively describe fundamental skills required to independently care for oneself.ADLs are the physical skills we need to complete every day to lead a safe and healthy lifestyle. Broken down into five main areas, the American Council on Aging defines the basic ADLs as:Mobility  Also referred to as ambulating or transferring, this means being able to move around or walk both inside and outside their home.Dressing  Choosing and putting on appropriate clothing.Eating  The physical act of eating, including the proper use of utensils.Personal hygiene  Includes all personal grooming activities such as shaving, nail care, brushing teeth, and safely showering or bathing.Toileting  Sometimes called continence, this refers to having control over the bladder/bowels as well as getting on and off the toilet safely.In addition to basic ADLs, there are also instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). These require more complex thinking, organization, and tactical skills. However, most do not have to be performed every day. While they are not considered a part of fundamental living, IADLs are still necessary for a healthy and safe independent lifestyle.The instrumental activities of daily living include:Transportation  Either driving, using public transportation, or arranging other means of transportation such as rides with family members.Meal preparation  The ability to plan and prepare meals.Managing finances  Paying bills, managing bank accounts, etc.Shopping  Buying essentials such as groceries, clothing, prescriptions, and household supplies.Home maintenance  Cleaning and maintaining the home, doing the laundry, etc.Communication  Staying in contact with friends, family, and loved ones.Medication management  The ability to obtain medications and take them properly.If you find yourself taking more time to get dressed in the morning or are unable to coordinate transportation to doctors appointments and errands, you may benefit from transitioning into an assisted senior living community.4. Your Eating Habits Have ChangedHealthy aging means healthy eating. If what you eat becomes more about convenience and less about nutrition, it can impact the way your body functions. Assisted senior living communities can help you maintain a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. At our CSL communities, we provide delicious meals and snacks that focus on nutrition. The best part is that you do not have to worry about preparing these meals or doing the dishes afterward!Assisted Senior Living at Community Senior LifeEach of our assisted living communities provides an atmosphere akin to home with engaging activities and personalized services tailored to meet every residents unique needs. We work with individuals daily to improve or maintain their independence while always making ourselves available to provide a helping hand and assistance when needed.We believe that healing happens when an individual feels comfortable and at home. This is why providing our residents with comfort is so important to us. Our team members strive to do everything they can to ensure residents in our assisted senior living communities receive the personalized attention and care that makes them feel welcome and part of our family.Our assisted living features and amenities include:24/7 staffingPersonal emergency call systemsMedication assistanceHousekeepingTransportationDaily meals and snacksDressing assistancePersonal appearance and hygiene assistanceMobility assistanceThe decision to move into an assisted senior living community is significant, but it could improve your overall quality of life. So, how do you know when it is time for assisted living? If you are showing any of the mentioned signs, the time may be now.This article was submitted by Community Senior Life with senior living communities throughout Alabama.  Contact Community Senior Life with any questions at 251-981-0200.