Derek Cervoni

As May is National Military Appreciation Month, it is a special month for those in and out of the military. We show support and pay tribute to those in the military, and we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day takes place in February each year.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day was created in 2013 by the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation (RPF) to raise awareness for people who function daily with pain and misconceptions about rheumatoid arthritis.

With Glaucoma Awareness Month upon us, we need to talk about this sight-stealing disease.  

According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, and over 60 million people worldwide have glaucoma. And by 2030, the NEI predicts that this number will increase to 4.2 million, a 58 percent jump.

Did you know that over three million Americans and more than 65 million people across the world suffer from the disorder known as epilepsy? Simply put, epilepsy is a condition where patients deal with electrical brain “storms,” which are commonly referred to as seizures.

November is Military Family Appreciation Month. It is a time when we honor, recognize and show our gratitude for those who bravely served our country. It is important to remember the unique sacrifices and challenges Veterans faced and still face each day.  

The Social Security Administration announced on Wednesday October 13, 2021 that there will be an increase in benefits for people who receive Social Security Disability (SSDI). This massive 5.9% increase is the highest COLA increase we have seen in 39 years.

The new medical criteria for evaluating musculoskeletal disorders are now in effect. The new listings contain specific criteria for evaluating the effects of musculoskeletal disorders on functioning. They also seek to resolve inconsistencies in policy applications that made it confusing for disabled Americans to get the benefits they deserved.

Many medical conditions can cause seizures. From epilepsy to brain tumors, a variety of medical disorders and viruses can result in seizures. While some seizures go away on their own with treatment, others can become debilitating and interfere with a person’s ability to work, maintain their lifestyle, and even properly care for themselves.  

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood and affects an estimated 1 in 345 children in the United States. This disability is present from birth and can drastically affect the child’s entire life. Disabilities and impairments range drastically depending on the severity of CP. However, according to the CDC, 41% of children with CP were limited in their ability to crawl, walk, and run. In addition, 31% of children with CP needed the use of special equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs.  

Every year, 1.5 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States. These injuries range from minor concussions to serious and life-threatening brain injuries. Severe brain injuries can result in a lifetime of disability, pain, and suffering.

Injured individuals may suffer cognitive impairments such as speech and language abnormalities, thinking skills, and loss of motor function. They may be unable to perform their daily care and work in their chosen profession after suffering a serious TBI.