PEOPLE WITH CEREBRAL PALSY NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY
One of the first steps in treating cerebral palsy when a child is first diagnosed is physical therapy. It helps to improve motor skills and can even prevent movement problems from getting worse over time. But once they become adults, it appears that people with cerebral palsy are not getting the physical therapy treatment necessary to help with their condition according to a study published in Disability and Health by a Michigan Medicine-University of Michigan team. The study found that even though adults with cerebral palsy are more likely to have debilitating pain from musculoskeletal disorders they are receiving significantly less physical therapy than those without cerebral palsy. The researchers looked through four years’ worth of Medicare claims from adults with and without cerebral palsy who had ambulatory claims for musculoskeletal issues. Less than one-third of the general population received physical therapy treatment, and that number was even less for those with cerebral palsy. Mark Peterson, the study’s co-author and a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, stated that “adults with cerebral palsy need more, but they’re getting much less in terms of treatment.”
Cerebral palsy is the most common childhood-onset motor disability and is often only viewed as affecting children, but those children grow up and eventually become adults. Peterson writes that “children with cerebral palsy grow up, and the general population of medical providers needs to be more aware that adults with cerebral palsy are at high risk for these musculoskeletal disorders.” Peterson also believes that these adults need more access to specialists who can provide them with high-value care. The researchers said the study shows the need for greater awareness among health care providers but also better screening strategies and preventative health interventions. According to 2010 estimates from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, about 1 in 345 children in the United States have been identified with cerebral palsy. Physical therapy will go a long way toward helping these children improve their quality of life and can help them well into adulthood if they continue with treatment.
TAKE A BREAK
Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast
Inspired by DiabetesStrong.com
This succulent chicken stuffed with cheese, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes is impressive on the plate but easy in the kitchen! Our recipe makes 2 servings.
INGREDIENTS
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2 chicken breasts
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10 large basil leaves, chopped
2 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed 2 canned artichoke hearts, chopped 4 tsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 365 F. 2. Cut a slit lengthwise to create a pocket in the middle of each chicken breast. Place the breasts on a baking sheet. 3. In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, basil, and garlic. 4. Divide the mixture in half and stuff each chicken breast pocket. Using toothpicks, seal the edges of the pockets. 5. Season the chicken with curry, paprika, salt, and pepper, then bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F. 6. Remove the toothpicks and serve with rice, potatoes, salad, or roasted vegetables!
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