Monthly Archives: November 2011

Congresswoman Demonstrates Substantial TBI Recovery, Others Not So Lucky

Posted on November 30th, 2011

Representative Gabby Giffords recently gave an interview in which she discussed her substantial path to recovery, and her story is giving hope to the 1.7 million people in the United States who suffer traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury each year. The Congresswoman granted viewers insight into her rehabilitation as she struggled to relearn simple skills most people take for granted. Giffords’ story highlights the vast discrepancy of those who have good insurance and can afford top-of-the-line health care as compared to others without such a wealth of resources. Rep. Giffords has been in a rehabilitative hospital for about 10 months, a luxury many others suffering with traumatic brain injuries are unable to afford. A blogger for an online magazine recently wrote of her frustration with the media coverage of the story, although she personally wishes the Congresswoman well. The blogger spoke candidly about her own family’s struggles after a bus…
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Fatal Car Crash’s Legacy is to Appreciate Family

Posted on November 29th, 2011

A tragic and fatal car accident on the Indiana State Tollway in late October may serve as reminder to all to appreciate family during a stressful holiday season. A minivan carrying 10 people, traveling from Chicago to New Jersey to attend a funeral, struck a deer on the highway and was rear-ended by a semi-truck. Four people survived the accident with serious injuries. While police determined the driver of the truck was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are still investigating why the truck was unable to avoid hitting the van. They speculate he may have been speeding or following too closely. The family members were originally from Ecuador but had been living in Chicago for several years. They had hoped to introduce a new infant to their relatives in New Jersey. Indiana State Police maintain that the tollway is safe, and state that inattentive drivers are…
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Notice to Pregnant Women: Be on Guard for a Condition Your Doctor May Overlook

Posted on November 28th, 2011

Pregnant women must been on guard for a condition that may lead to severe complications for both mother and baby. Preeclampsia, also called maternal hypertension, is high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The only known cure for women who develop preeclampsia close to their delivery time is to induce labor. Obstetricians will recommend bed rest to women until it is safe to induce. A problem with preeclampsia is that the symptoms can be mild and therefore overlooked by doctors or confused with other conditions. Pregnant women with preeclampsia may notice symptoms such as severe headaches, changes in vision, upper abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness and decreased urine output. Since all pregnant women may experience these symptoms from time to time, the Mayo Clinic suggests keeping a journal of the frequency and duration of symptoms over a few days to review with a…
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