Making your Tummy Happy….the differences between the “Biotic Brothers” Pre and Pro

By Patty Kunze, BSN, RNC and Roberta Palmer, RN 

Discussing your digestive health…what is the difference between the “Biotic brothers” PREBIOTICS and PROBIOTICS? They sound alike, but are they?? Just like children, they may be from the same family but they act differently, yet play well together. We are here to clear up the myths and make it easier to understand for all of us.

First of all, lets dispel two common myths about these prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics and probiotics are not the same even though they sound similar. Also, one is not better than the other as they serve different functions when it comes to digestive health. Actually, both have to work closely together in order to support your digestive health.

Prebiotics - These are soluble fiber and antioxidant rich compounds found naturally in fruits and vegetables that once fermented in the gut feed the good bacteria.

Probiotics - These are LIVE beneficial microorganisms or fermented yeast that are often introduced into food products such as yogurts or oral supplements.

My Non-Surgerical Quest for a Pain-Free Shoulder

By Wendy Crawford

NOTE: This is a personal recount of a shoulder problem written in laymen’s terms. The author is not a medical professional. For medical advice, please consult your physician for the best course of action pertaining to your condition.

IIt all started about 11 years ago when the side of my left upper arm began to ache. It was one of those aches that is just kind of always present and didn’t really matter what I did or did not do. Keep in mind at this point, I had been paralyzed for 25 years due to a C5/6 level Spinal Cord Injury that I sustained in a motor vehicle accident. To say that my arms have been overused is probably an understatement! Given that the prevalence of shoulder pain rises to a peak of 50% of the general population ages 55-64 years old and much higher for wheelchair users, it is unfortunately a common problem.

I first went to my general practitioner who thought I was having an inflammation issue and recommended that I start taking large amounts of Advil, several times a day. I wasn’t thrilled about it but if it was going to remedy the situation, I was willing to try it.

After a month or so, this pain was still present and it didn’t seem like it was helping at all. It was also recommended that I go to physical therapy to exercise my shoulder and rotator cuff along with ultrasound therapy on the side of my arm. I had some slight relief but the pain still lingered so finally I was referred to an orthopedist.. After having an X-ray, she pointed to the tiniest microscopic dot and told me that was calcification forming which was causing me pain. I was finding it hard to believe that such a tiny speck on the x-ray could be the source of so much discomfort. I was also confused because it was the side of my arm that hurt not my shoulder. She explained that it was called “referred pain” which is very common with shoulders. She gave me a steroid Cortisone shot in the shoulder and told me to keep exercising.

How Women in Wheelchairs Can Prepare for Safe Travel Getaways

By Lucy Lawrence

Ten percent of the global population have disabilities, based on information from the UN Development program. With this statistic in mind, it’s not hard to see why there is a big market for accessible travel. Women who use wheelchairs, will benefit from learning how to prepare effectively before exploring new places. Even if they are already old hands when it comes to planning (and enjoying) accessible trips, proper preparation will boost the odds of pleasant and safe vacation experiences. The following safety tips will help mobileWOMEN feel confident before they go on new travel adventures.

Sign up for an Accessible Pre-planned Trip

Grabbing a ticket for a group travel experience will give you the opportunity to meet others and is safer because you will have them looking out for you. You’ll get a chance to see new places and will be an excellent way to reduce the amount of research and preparation that you need to do before embarking on your journey. So many important, accessibility-related details will be taken care of by the travel group. Destinations will have high accessibility rankings, transportation booked during the group trip will be suitable and accommodations and activities will be accessible.