Chronic inflammation is when your body’s defense system stays on high alert for a prolonged period, often lasting for months or even years. Unlike acute inflammation, which is temporary and usually caused by injury or infection, chronic inflammation involves a continuous activation of the immune system.
This persistent inflammation can occur throughout the whole body and is associated with various diseases, including autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on the body in several ways:
Tissue Damage: Can lead to damage to healthy tissues and organs, impairing their function and contributing to the development of diseases.
Increased Disease Risk: Is linked to an increased risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and certain types of cancer.
Insulin Resistance: May interfere with insulin signaling, leading to insulin resistance and an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes.
Accelerated Aging: Is associated with accelerated aging at the cellular level, contributing to premature aging and age-related diseases.
Identifying chronic inflammation can be tricky because it often develops slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, some common signs and symptoms include:
Persistent Fatigue: Chronic inflammation can cause persistent fatigue and low energy levels, even after proper rest. This fatigue may not improve with sleep and can significantly impact daily functioning.
Joint Pain and Stiffness: Inflammation can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders. Persistent discomfort in multiple joints may be a sign of chronic inflammation.
Digestive Issues: Chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can manifest as digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. These symptoms may indicate conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Frequent Infections: A weakened immune system may make you more susceptible to infections. Recurrent or persistent infections, such as respiratory or urinary tract infections, can be a sign of underlying inflammation.
Skin Problems: Chronic inflammation can manifest on the skin as redness, swelling, or irritation. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, or hives may be associated with ongoing inflammation.
Unexplained Weight Changes: Inflammation can affect metabolism and lead to unexplained weight gain or weight loss. Changes in appetite or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight despite dietary changes and physical activity may indicate underlying inflammation.
Mood Changes: Inflammation has been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, or mood swings may be related to ongoing inflammation in the body.
Cognitive Decline: Inflammation in the brain is associated with cognitive decline and may contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or changes in cognitive function should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and may be caused by various underlying conditions. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms suggestive of chronic inflammation, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and management. Early detection and treatment can help prevent complications and improve overall health outcomes.
While some factors contributing to chronic inflammation, such as genetics and aging, are beyond our control, adopting certain lifestyle habits can help prevent and reduce its effects.
Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help combat chronic inflammation. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is closely linked to chronic inflammation. By maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise, you can reduce inflammation and lower your risk of related diseases.
Stress Management: Stress can trigger inflammation in the body. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature.
Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for immune function and inflammation regulation. Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep per night to support your body’s natural healing processes.
Limiting Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can exacerbate inflammation and increase the risk of other diseases. Limit alcohol intake and avoid tobacco products to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Avoiding Inflammatory Foods: Certain foods, such as processed meats, refined carbohydrates, sugary snacks, and trans fats, can promote inflammation in the body. Limiting or avoiding these foods can help reduce chronic inflammation.
Regular Health Check-ups: Regular medical check-ups can help identify and manage underlying health conditions that may contribute to chronic inflammation, such as autoimmune disorders.
Chronic inflammation is a silent threat to health, contributing to the development and progression of numerous diseases. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce inflammation and lower your risk of diseases. Prioritizing preventative measures and seeking medical guidance when needed are essential steps toward maintaining optimal health and well-being.
Recovering after surgery, illness, injury, or simply maintaining vitality as we age requires more than rest it requires supporting the bodys natural repair systems. Thats where Centropix and its groundbreaking KLOUD technology come in, offering a new path to faster, safer recovery and ongoing healthy living.Accelerated Recovery Starts HereHealing doesnt end when symptoms subside true recovery involves deep cellular repair, tissue regeneration, inflammation removal, and restoring optimal oxygenation throughout the body. Without proper support, this process can be slow, leaving people vulnerable to setbacks, fatigue, and diminished quality of life.Centropixs KLOUD utilizes Pulsed Electromagnetic Activation (PEMA) technology to dramatically enhance the bodys natural ability to repair itself. Studies show that electromagnetic activation can speed recovery time by nearly 50%, by directly targeting the cellular processes critical for regeneration and waste elimination.What the KLOUD Does for Your Body:Molecular Activation: Energizes and stimulates cellular repair at a deep level, promoting faster healing and stronger recovery.Oxygenation: Increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, fueling regeneration and improving stamina.Inflammation Reduction: Helps the body eliminate inflammatory waste, easing discomfort and accelerating tissue repair.Detoxification: Supports the bodys natural ability to remove metabolic waste products that can delay healing and contribute to fatigue.Regeneration: Encourages restoration of soft tissue, nerves, and vascular health for long-term strength and vitality.Why Choose Centropix KLOUD for Recovery?Unlike passive rest alone, the KLOUD actively stimulates your body's recovery systems. Whether youre bouncing back from surgery, illness, injury, or simply looking to maintain vibrant health as you age, integrating KLOUD sessions into your daily life means:Faster recovery timesReduced risk of complicationsLess inflammation and painImproved energy and staminaBetter sleep and stress reliefEnhanced quality of lifeWith the KLOUD, recovery doesn't have to mean slowing down it can mean reclaiming your life faster and continuing to do the things you love with passion and energy.If you're ready to experience a better way to recover, regain your energy, and live fully until the very end, reach out to Lisa or Danielle today. Discover how Centropix and the KLOUD can help you or your loved ones stay active, independent, and thriving for years to come.Take the first step toward a stronger, healthier future because vibrant living is possible at any age.
Navigating Hospital Stays and Rehabilitation for Parkinsons Patients. This article is part of The Parkinsons Care Compass: A Caregiving Roadmap Guiding Families Through Every Stage, an educational series presented by At Your Home Caregiving of Texas. We are honored to walk beside families, offering specialized in-home care solutions to support every step of the Parkinsons journey. Hospital stays are a stressful experience for any family, but for individuals living with Parkinsons disease, hospitalization poses unique challenges that can significantly impact recovery and long-term health. When a Parkinsons patient requires surgery, treatment for complications, or recovery after a fall, family caregivers must act as advocates, organizers, and partners in care. Being prepared and informed is the key to ensuring a safe hospital stay and a smooth transition back home.At Your Home Caregiving of Texas understands these complexities and stands ready to help families through every step of the journey, providing expert support for rehabilitation and home-based recovery.Unique Hospitalization Challenges for Parkinsons PatientsParkinsons disease complicates hospital care in several critical ways: Medication Management: Parkinsons medications must be administered on a strict schedule to manage symptoms effectively. Delays or missed doses can lead to severe motor symptoms, confusion, and even hospitalization complications. Mobility and Fall Risks: Hospital environments are unfamiliar, and Parkinsons patients face an increased risk of falls due to balance issues and muscle rigidity. Cognitive Changes: Hospitalization can sometimes trigger or worsen confusion, memory problems, or delirium, especially in older adults with Parkinsons. Communication Difficulties: Some patients experience soft speech (hypophonia) or facial masking, making it difficult to express needs clearly to hospital staff unfamiliar with Parkinsons care. Being aware of these risks allows families to take a proactive role during the hospital stay, minimizing complications and ensuring the best possible outcome.Preparing for a Hospital Stay: Advocacy and PlanningIf hospitalization is scheduled (for surgery or planned treatments), preparation can make a significant difference:1. Create a Hospital Parkinsons PlanPrepare a simple one-page document outlining your loved ones: Current medications and exact times for administration Mobility limitations and fall risk status Communication needs Cognitive changes or dementia symptoms Preferences for therapy, rehabilitation, and home care after discharge Provide this information to the hospital staff immediately upon admission.2. Bring Medications to the HospitalBring a full list and ideally the actual medications in their original containers. In some hospitals, families can administer Parkinsons medications if theres a risk of delays.3. Assign an AdvocateDesignate a family member or professional caregiver to be present as much as possible, especially during medication times, shift changes, and physician rounds. Having a consistent advocate can prevent critical mistakes and advocate for the patients specialized needs.The Importance of Medication TimingOne of the biggest risks for Parkinsons patients in the hospital is missed or mistimed medications. Parkinsons medications like carbidopa-levodopa must be administered exactly as prescribed, sometimes multiple times a day, to prevent a sudden worsening of motor and non-motor symptoms.Tips for ensuring proper medication administration: Clearly document the medication schedule and insist it be incorporated into the hospitals care orders. Politely but firmly remind nursing staff of the critical importance of on-time dosing. Advocate for medication self-administration if allowed by hospital policy. Watch for any substitutions generic or alternate medications can sometimes affect symptom control. Families should feel empowered to respectfully advocate for their loved ones medical needs. Delay in Parkinsons medication can lead to avoidable setbacks in recovery.Understanding Rehabilitation OptionsAfter hospitalization, rehabilitation is essential for helping Parkinsons patients regain strength, balance, and function. Depending on the situation, rehabilitation may occur in: Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs): Specialized centers offering intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): Short-term stays focused on medical monitoring and therapy. Home-Based Rehabilitation: Therapy provided at home, which may be the best option for patients with significant mobility challenges or those at high risk of hospital-acquired infections. At Your Home Caregiving of Texas partners with rehabilitation therapists to support continuity of care at home, ensuring that exercises, safety measures, and care plans are followed consistently.Key Rehabilitation Goals for Parkinsons Patients Improving strength and flexibility Reducing fall risk through balance and gait training Enhancing fine motor skills (handwriting, eating, dressing) Improving swallowing and speech if affected Maintaining independence as much as possible Early rehabilitation after hospitalization is crucial for Parkinsons patients. Without it, the risk of decline, injury, and readmission significantly increases.Transitioning Safely Back HomeThe transition from hospital to home is a vulnerable time. Planning ahead is critical to prevent setbacks.Steps for a Successful Transition: Arrange Home Care Services Early: Schedule in-home caregiving services to assist with mobility, medication reminders, and personal care. Conduct a Home Safety Evaluation: Adapt the home environment to minimize fall risks remove tripping hazards, install grab bars, ensure proper lighting, and use assistive devices. Coordinate Medication Management: Update prescriptions, confirm medication supply, and create a clear medication schedule. Schedule Follow-Up Appointments: Ensure post-discharge physician and therapy visits are scheduled before leaving the hospital. Implement a Rehabilitation Plan: Continue physical therapy and exercise routines at home, guided by professional caregivers and therapists. At Your Home Caregiving of Texas specializes in providing comprehensive transitional care for Parkinsons patients. Our caregivers work alongside families and healthcare professionals to ensure that recovery continues safely and effectively at home.How At Your Home Caregiving of Texas Supports RecoveryFamilies managing Parkinsons care dont have to do it alone. Our services are designed to ease the burden of post-hospitalization recovery by providing: Personalized Care Plans: Tailored to the individuals stage of Parkinsons and rehabilitation needs. Medication Reminders and Assistance: Helping maintain the critical medication schedule. Mobility Support: Assisting with walking, transferring, and exercises to rebuild strength and prevent falls. Nutrition and Meal Support: Preparing nutritious meals that support energy and healing. Companionship and Emotional Support: Reducing anxiety, confusion, and isolation during the recovery process. Coordination with Healthcare Providers: Keeping families informed and ensuring therapy recommendations are carried out at home. We work hard to create an environment where patients can heal comfortably, maintain dignity, and reduce the risk of hospital readmission.Final ThoughtsHospital stays are never easy, especially when Parkinsons disease adds another layer of complexity. But with the right preparation, strong advocacy, and a smooth rehabilitation plan, families can help their loved ones achieve the best possible recovery.At Your Home Caregiving of Texas stands beside you every step of the way from hospital bedside to a safe and healing home environment. Our specialized Parkinsons care services ensure that patients get the compassionate, expert support they need to regain strength, confidence, and independence.When its time to transition home after hospitalization, trust At Your Home Caregiving of Texas to be your partner in care and recovery. At Your Home Caregiving of Texas is proud to support families living with Parkinsons disease through compassionate, expert care. For more resources and personalized caregiving solutions, explore the full Parkinsons Care Compass series or contact us today at 469-830-8414. Together, we can create a safer, stronger path to recovery one step at a time. If someone you care about is facing the challenges of Parkinson's, know that you're not alonewe're always here to help.
By Faith Protsman, MD, Regional Medical Director, VITAS HealthcareTwo recent studies highlight how sepsis impact often extends well beyond the acute event that led to a patients hospitalization. The studies emphasize two particular points that should inform physicians and clinicians as they consider referring these patients to specialized care: Medicare patient data gathered between 2012-2017 shows that sepsis patients face considerably poorer health outcomes following hospital discharge when compared to non-sepsis patients, including elevated risk for death and increased use of advanced healthcare services. Sepsis survivors exhibit strong indicators of persistent inflammation and immunosuppression for up to a year after hospital discharge, increasing their risk of readmission or death. Both studies indicate a significantly elevated risk of death among sepsis patients after they have been discharged and ostensibly cured. Of course, sepsis patientsparticularly those of the Medicare cohort, who are largely of advanced agerarely leave the hospital in better condition than they entered.The Yende study, in particular, shows that neuroendocrine and inflammatory responses to sepsis can continue long after the patient survives a septic episode. For patients with advanced or chronic diseasesas was the case with nearly 78% of participants in the studythese biomarkers are associated with decline.Post-sepsis Discharge: A Critical JunctureIn many cases, these individuals life expectancies upon discharge will be less than six months. This is a critical juncture: While comfort-focused hospice care could provide an ideal source of support for the eligible patient, their family, and their caregiver(s), most sepsis patients are simply sent home without even a discussion about palliative end-of-life care and its benefits.Frankly, such an oversight is a disservice to everyone involved. The sepsis patient is left with physical and/or cognitive dysfunction, often without significant options for symptom management. Their partner or family will either need to assume caregiving duties or turn to costly private services. And the physician and hospital staff will likely see the patient again following another acute event, a readmission that impacts performance scores, strains resources, and unnecessarily fills beds.By no means do I intend to lay the blame for these unfortunate circumstances on physicians. Timely hospice referrals require ongoing education about end-of-life care, and open, ongoing communication between hospice providers and referral sources.More Help: How to Talk About Hospice Care >Those of us in hospice are working hard to bridge the gap, but even as our healthcare system transitions to a value-based model, the mentality of fee-for-service still permeates our nations acute-care facilities, and many hospitalists see a discharge home as a success.Hospice: A New Way Of Judging SuccessIn hospice, we judge our successes on the patients quality of life and the fulfillment of their goals and wishes near lifes end. Usually, that means going home with 24/7 support from an interdisciplinary hospice team. Whether home is a traditional residence, an assisted living facility, or nursing home, the hospice team will assist caregivers (and/or facility staff) with direct clinical care and education, integrative services, bereavement support, and delivery of medication, equipment, and supplies.In other cases, improving quality of life means remaining in a general inpatient setting with hospice support, taking the burden off hospital staff until the patient is able to transition home or until the patient dies. Hospice offers complex modalities in any setting, so patients who would otherwise be confined to an ICU can usually return home to be among loved ones.With support from hospice, a sepsis patient and their family are more likely to report higher satisfaction of care and greater quality of life. The patients emotional and spiritual needs can be met alongside their physical needs, thanks to care from chaplains, social workers, music and massage therapists, and other integrative specialists. Finally, the patient is more likely to die at home, surrounded by loved ones, rather than in the hospital.Because sepsis is most common in patients with advanced or chronic diseases that indicate hospice eligibility, acute incidences of sepsis should always trigger a hospice eligibility assessment. We owe it to our patients, their loved ones, and our colleagues in healthcare, all of whom can benefit from the support that timely end-of-life care offers.
At VIPcare, we are a group of passionate healthcare professionals who believe theres a better way to practice medicine. We see a future where preventative medicine is valued over the traditional approach, which we refer to as sick care. Our goal is to get our patients healthy and to keep them healthy. VIPcare is a patient-focused primary care network under the Better Health Group Services umbrella that has been serving senior communities for more than 16 years. We utilize a high-touch population health management approach that prioritizes spending quality time with the physician and focusing on preventative care. To us, its about quality, not quantity. And not only do we value quality time, but we pride ourselves on creating a quality experience for all our patients. We practice kindness. Show empathy. Reach out in compassion. And every day, we partner with our patients on their journey to Better Health.We settle for nothing less than 5-star service and strive to be 1% better every day. This allows us to always go above and beyond for our patients. We take great care of our team so they can take great care of our patients and achieve: Better Care. Better Outcomes. Better Health. Multiple Locations to serve you throughout Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte Counties!5309 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota 342328620 S. Tamiami Trl. Sarasota 34238333 S. Tamiami Trl. Suite 102, Venice 3428510018 US-301, Parrish 34219465 S. Indiana Ave., Englewood 34223
At VIPcare, we are a group of passionate healthcare professionals who believe theres a better way to practice medicine. We see a future where preventative medicine is valued over the traditional approach, which we refer to as sick care. Our goal is to get our patients healthy and to keep them healthy. VIPcare is a patient-focused primary care network under the Better Health Group Services umbrella that has been serving senior communities for more than 16 years. We utilize a high-touch population health management approach that prioritizes spending quality time with the physician and focusing on preventative care. To us, its about quality, not quantity. And not only do we value quality time, but we pride ourselves on creating a quality experience for all our patients. We practice kindness. Show empathy. Reach out in compassion. And every day, we partner with our patients on their journey to Better Health.We settle for nothing less than 5-star service and strive to be 1% better every day. This allows us to always go above and beyond for our patients. We take great care of our team so they can take great care of our patients and achieve: Better Care. Better Outcomes. Better Health. Four Locations to serve you throughout Lee County!Cape Coral-2301 Del Prado Blvd S, Ste 890, Cape Coral, FL 33990Fort Myers-1635 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33907 Fort Myers-14131 Metropolis Ave, Suite 104, Fort Myers, FL 33912Fort Myers-20291 Summerlin Rd ste 105, Fort Myers, FL 33908
At VIPcare, we are a group of passionate healthcare professionals who believe theres a better way to practice medicine. We see a future where preventative medicine is valued over the traditional approach, which we refer to as sick care. Our goal is to get our patients healthy and to keep them healthy. Experience Exceptional Senior-Focused Care with VIPcare!At VIPcare, we believe in keeping you healthy all year round. Our senior-focused primary care is designed to meet the unique needs of older adults, with an emphasis on preventative care to help you stay on top of your health.Why Choose VIPcare?Comprehensive Care: From routine check-ups to diagnostic testing, we offer a full range of services conveniently in-office.Transportation Services: Need a ride? We provide transportation to and from your appointments, ensuring your health care is hassle-free.Urgent Care for Established Patients: When urgent issues arise, our dedicated team is here for you, even between appointments.Preventative Focus: We prioritize regular visits to help prevent illness, so you can enjoy a healthier, more active life.At VIPcare, you're more than a patient youre family. Let us take care of your health today for a brighter tomorrow!Call us now to schedule your first visit and experience the VIP difference!239-439-7169See all of our Lee county locations below:Cape Coral-2301 Del Prado Blvd S, Ste 890, Cape Coral, FL 33990Fort Myers-1635 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33907 Fort Myers-14131 Metropolis Ave, Ste 104, Fort Myers, FL 33912Fort Myers-20291 Summerlin Rd Ste 105, Fort Myers, FL 33908