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Why Some People Fall For No Reason

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Introduction When someone falls, people instinctively rush to help. If it is a toddler, we smile–after all, they’re still learning to walk. If a teenager stumbles, we assume they missed a step or were distracted. But when an older adult–say, someone over 50–falls without warning, it raises different concerns. Most of us tag it up to “old age.” But is that all there is to it? Not quite. Behind many of these seemingly random falls is something more complex: a gradual decline in balance, stability, or neurological control. Let’s take a closer look at why balance becomes more fragile with age–and why some people fall without any clear reason. Understanding the Need for Balance in Life Balance is more than just a physical skill—it’s a full-body function involving the brain, inner ear (vestibular system), joints, and muscles. If any of these systems are affected, balance issues can arise. Take, for example, an older adult with hearing problems. Unconsciously, they may begin to tilt to one si...
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Your Life Depends on This: What most people miss after an injury

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  Introduction  Imagine a world where everything stands still. The trees don’t sway. The birds don’t fly. Life, as we know it, would cease to exist. Now imagine your body that way. In today's post, we’ll guide you on why movement is essential to life.  When Injury Becomes a Problem Movement is not just about walking, running, or exercising–it’s at the core of what it means to be alive. It is the currency of life, often undervalued until it is taken away. Often, it isn’t until people experience an injury that they truly understand the importance of movement. The body hurts, so we pause. But here's the truth: prolonged stillness does more harm than good.When a joint or muscle isn’t used for a while, it begins to tighten–leading to a limited range of motion. Hence, resulting in limited range of motion. In this scenario, areas where you got injured, maybe you broke or sprained your arm, bent your knee awkwardly, or now struggle to turn your neck due to pain–it all becomes har...
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The Truth About Swelling: What Every Body Is Saying

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Introduction The human body typically functions in a balanced and coordinated way, with every system working together to maintain health. But when something goes wrong–like an infection, injury, or inflammation–it often sends visible signals. One of the most common–swelling. How and Why Swelling Happens  Let’s break down what’s happening medically. Swelling is a part of the body's inflammatory response. It is the body's natural defense mechanism that activates when tissues are injured. Let's break it down further. When you fall, sprain or strain your ankle, little damage occurs in your body such as tissue damage–where tiny blood vessels are damaged. As a means to protect the body, immediately your body releases chemical signals like histamine, prostaglandins, and bradykinin (don't be bothered by the names, just know they are hormones). These signals cause the blood vessels in the injured area to dilate (widen) and become more permeable for blood flow. As a result of thi...
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What to Do When Hiccups Won’t Quit

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Introduction Today's DIY post will walk you through what to do when you—or someone around you—has persistent hiccups. While hiccups are usually harmless, they can sometimes signal something serious. Before we dive in, you might want to explore the physiology of hiccups and why they sometimes persist. Check it out here .  Materials Needed A journal or diary to record symptoms and timeline What to Do Track the Duration How long has the hiccup lasted? Occasional hiccups are common and harmless. But if hiccups last more than 24 hours, seek medical attention immediately. While getting help, continue observing the person and check for other warning signs. Check for Other Symptoms Persistent hiccups plus other symptoms may indicate a serious medical issue, such as a stroke. Ask these questions to be sure: Do I feel dizzy or off-balance? Is my voice hoarse or weak? Am I having trouble swallowing? Is there numbness or tingling on one side of my face or body? Am I experiencing na...
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The Hiccup That Shouldn't Be Ignored

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Introduction We’ve all had hiccups—annoying, sometimes funny, and usually gone in minutes. But what happens when they stay, staring right back at you? You start to wonder: could this be something more serious? While hiccups are typically harmless, persistent or intractable hiccups can occasionally signal something much more severe. For medical professionals—especially those in neurology, geriatrics, or even you reading this—these seemingly minor spasms can hint at a hidden danger: stroke. Understanding the Hiccup Reflex Arc Hiccups often seem simple: eat too fast, drink something fizzy, get stressed, or forget to drink water after eating (yes, we’ve all tried that gallon of water trick). But what’s really happening behind the scenes? Medically, hiccups are triggered by a chain reaction known as the “hiccup reflex arc.” Think of it as a relay race: irritation starts at the diaphragm, travels via the phrenic and vagus nerves to the brainstem, and loops back with the command t...
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Best Home Exercises for Infants (and Children) with Erb’s Palsy

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Introduction In our previous post , we explored how certain play activities can lead to injuries in children. Today, we're sharing a hands-on guide to help you care for a child living with Erb’s Palsy—especially when it’s present from birth. This post will empower you with simple but important steps to support your child’s recovery from home; and even after Physiotherapy visits.  Materials Needed Safe baby toys (rattles, soft balls) Journal or notepad to track progress Understanding Erb’s Palsy Erb’s Palsy is caused by injury to the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves near the neck and shoulder. It usually affects one arm, resulting in: Weakness or paralysis of the arm Poor grip on one side Limited shoulder or elbow movement Steps to Care for Your Child Step 1: Observe Carefully Pay close attention to them during sleep, play, and feeding times. Watch for: One arm hanging limply or held still Avoidance of using one arm Limited finger movement Use a journal to note daily ...
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From Giggles to Ouch: When Playtime Turns into a Plot Twist

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Introduction Every child deserves to be loved and played with–especially those energetic toddlers who love being swung around. They cling to your hands, begging you to spin them, their faces lit up with laughter and smiles that warm your heart and make you want to keep going. But what if I told you that this playful act could quickly shift from laughter to an unexpected twist? Take a comfortable seat and read on to learn more. Explaining the Possible Injury There’s an often overlooked risk when playing with children between the ages of 1 day and 3 years. Can you picture that moment when you. grab their wrists or hands and spin them around? While it may seem fun, beneath the giggles lies a hidden danger that could lead to serious injury–for the child, and sometimes even for you. During this motion, their arms and armpits are being stretched unnaturally. Beneath those tiny armpits lie delicate structures, including the brachial plexus–a network of nerves that control movement and sensati...
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