Ernest Rosenbaum, MD

Ernest Rosenbaum, MD, is Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San...read more

Exercises for People with Limited Mobility: Part 2 of 2

Breathing One of the key elements of any exercise program is to learn proper breathing techniques. Breathing, by itself, is a good exercise because it is both therapeutic and relaxing. The most important thing to remember is not to hold your breath while exercising. This puts an added strain on the heart, and could even cause you to faint. Breathe in or blow out in rhythm with every exercise activity. Here is an outline of an appropriate graduated exercise program:...Read entire article »

Bed Positioning: Part 1 of 2

It is important to pay attention to the position you lie in, and when you are confined to bed, you may need help in positioning. During sleep, we unconsciously change position many times a night. This keeps muscles moving and stops cramping, stimulates blood circulation and prevents skin breakdown. In our skin care section, we talk about bedsores and how they are caused by excessive or prolonged pressure on bony areas of the body. Circulation to that area gets cut...Read entire article »

Bed Positioning: Part 2 of 2

Repositioning Frequent change of position is the second means of preventing bedsores and muscle wasting. If you are unable to turn over by yourself, it is important that your family helper understands the need and techniques for frequent repositioning—at least every two hours is a good rule of thumb. Having a pull or draw sheet placed under you will greatly help another person turn you over. He or she folds a large sheet in half twice, forming a band slightly...Read entire article »

Care of Colostomies & Ileal Conduits: Part 1 of 3

Surgery today is far more complicated than ever before. Newer techniques are saving more and more lives. However, some of these surgeries require special and continuing care on the part of the patient. "Ostomy" surgery is one. Sometimes the pathways of the digestive or urinary tracts need to be diverted. Disease such as cancer, trauma, and birth defects are reasons for "diversion." An ostomy is a general term meaning an opening made into the body. When this opening is made...Read entire article »

Care of Colostomies & Ileal Conduits: Part 2 of 3

How to Irrigate It is absolutely essential that the irrigations be done correctly so that the best results can be achieved. Many manufacturers of irrigation equipment include specific instructions on how to irrigate with the equipment. 1. An irrigation kit contains a bag for the irrigation water. This bag is attached to a tube which has a clamp to adjust water flow. Many colostomates use a plastic cone at the other end of the tube; this cone fits snugly against...Read entire article »