Disabilities and Diseases Articles

Does your breast cancer survivor client experience lymphedema, a painful swelling of the arm caused by trauma to the lymphatic system? If so, she may want to include weight training in her exercise program. A study published in the August 13 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine (2009; 361 [7], 664–73) determined a link between weight lifting and reduced breast cancer–related lymphedema.

Having trouble convincing your male client to exercise on his own? Inform him that moderate- to high-intensity exercise may help him avoid a stroke. A study published in the November 24 issue of Neurology (2009; 73, 1774–79) found that men who engaged in moderate- to high-intensity exercise had a 63% lower chance of stroke than those who did not. The 9-year study involved 3,298 men and women (average age, 69 years). Unfortunately, exercise was not found to protect women from stroke.

For people with arthritis, tai chi practice may provide modest improvements in pain and disability, according to a research review of randomized controlled studies published in Arthritis Care & Research (2009; 61 [6], 717–24). Investigators from the University of Sydney, Australia, sought to determine how effective tai chi is in decreasing pain and disability and improving quality of life in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Owing to the low methodological quality of most studies, only seven studies were selected for analysis.

A brief qigong program may improve mood and self-esteem for people with traumatic brain injury, according to a pilot study published in Clinical Rehabilitation (2009; 23 [7], 589–98). Researchers from the University of Nottingham, in England, recruited 20 people with traumatic brain injury and randomly assigned them to participate in either a qigong exercise session for 1 hour per week for 8 weeks or non-exercise-based social and leisure activities for the same time period.

Celiac disease (CD) is an inherited autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the small intestinal mucosa. The condition is four times more common today than it was 50 years ago (Rubio-Tapia et al. 2009). The condition affects 1 out of every 105 adults in the United States (Fasano et al. 2003) and appears in children as well.

In recognition of breast cancer awareness month last October, gyms across the country plugged in special pink treadmills from CYBEX®. The equipment manufacturer’s goal was twofold—to raise awareness of the disease and to promote the importance of exercise as a preventive measure. CYBEX also donated funds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) for every mile logged on the pink 750T treadmills during the month. “This is an example of wonderful corporate citizenship,” stated Myra J. Biblowit, president of the BCRF.

A recent article published in the New York Daily News was emblazoned with the headline “Obesity Is Now the Leading Cause of Cancer.” According to the article, excess weight causes 1 in 12 new cancer cases and accounts for 8% of cancers in Europe. A report published in the September issue of Epidemiology (2009; 20 [5], 673–76) determined that pant and skirt sizes directly correlate to body mass index (BMI). Over the course of 13 years, researchers linked those with larger waist sizes to certain forms of cancer.

Suffering a stroke can often have deleterious results: inhibited quality of life and heightened injury risk due to decreased mobility, to name a couple. But don’t underestimate the ability of a client who has had a stroke.

A regular tai chi exercise program can help people better control their diabetes and lower glucose levels, according to a University of Florida study.

A regular tai chi exercise program can help people better control their diabetes and lower glucose levels, according to a University of Florida study.