Mesquite Rehabilitation Institute

Wanda celebrated 18 years with Mesquite Specialty Hospital on September 5th. Happy Work Anniversary!

September 8-14, 2024, is Environment Services (EVS) Week, a time to show appreciation for the dedicated EVS personnel that ensure healthcare facilities across the country are clean, safe places for patients, their families and other staff members. Thank you!

September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance

Individuals with spinal cord injuries are at risk of developing secondary health conditions that are a direct or indirect result of damage to the spinal cord. Common secondary health conditions include pain, spasticity, urinary tract infections, bowel problems, respiratory difficulties, autonomic dysreflexia, osteoporosis, and pressure ulcers. Affecting autonomy, health, and well-being, these conditions can negatively impact quality of life and participation in activities of daily living. According to studies, secondary health conditions are a leading cause of rehospitalizations and contribute to higher rates of morbidity and mortality among spinal cord injury populations. Individuals are encouraged to speak to their healthcare providers about continued medical care that may be needed following initial treatment of a spinal cord injury.

National Healthcare Environmental Services Week
September 8-14, 2024
Join us as we celebrate our dedicated staff who ensures our healthcare facilities are clean, safe places for patients, their families, visitors, and staff.

Sepsis Awareness Month
This month draws attention to sepsis, which is the body’s life-threatening reaction to an infection where its immune response damages its own organs and tissue.

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
A spinal cord injury can be life-changing, impacting an individual’s mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. During this month, we’re reminded that empathy, awareness, and progress are essential components of creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.

"No great achievement is possible without persistent work.”
- Bertrand Russell
Happy Labor Day!

Patient Success is Our Success - Mary Beth Hawbaker is an active 70-year-old retiree from Terrell, Texas. She enjoys walking, cooking, and gardening.

Admitted to the hospital due to a blood clot, Mary Beth had been experiencing vertigo for about a month, which caused her blood pressure to rise and led to vomiting. Following her initial stay, the hospital referred Mary Beth to Mesquite Rehabilitation Institute (MRI) for her continued recovery.
Mary Beth’s primary goal at MRI was to regain her energy levels. Drs. Steven Geiser and Edward Panousieris diagnosed and treated her for COPD, which significantly improved her condition. She also received physical therapy to aid with her balance and energy levels, citing her physical therapist, Gina, for the excellent care she provided.
“I now feel hopeful for a full recovery,” Mary Beth says. “I’m looking forward to being more active without feeling tired. I’m grateful for the excellent care I received at MRI.”

https://mri.ernesthealth.com/2024/08/29/mary-beth-hawbaker/

Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease that affects more than 140,000 Americans. This month brings awareness to this life-threatening disease that makes it difficult for individuals to breathe.

Patient Success is Our Success - Erica Childress, an active 55-year-old retiree from Dallas, Texas, enjoys watching movies, window shopping, walking, dancing, and spending time with her family. Recently, she began experiencing swelling and pain in her left leg and was diagnosed with cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin that led to sepsis.

Erica’s mother recommended Mesquite Rehabilitation Institute (MRI) for her recovery because she had been a patient there previously herself. "I was confident about the quality of care I would receive," Erica says. Her main goal was to regain mobility.

While at MRI, Erica worked with physical therapists to walk better and further. Now that her mobility has improved, she eagerly anticipates her return to independence. "The staff has been really nice,” she says as she expressed her appreciation for the care she received. She hopes to continue to increase her walking distances as her recovery continues.

https://mri.ernesthealth.com/success-stories/

Pain can be a significant issue for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Chronic pain after a spinal cord injury can have a negative effect on quality of life, often stemming from nerve damage or musculoskeletal issues. However, treatments are available to help manage pain, including rehabilitation and physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, meditation, visualization, exercise, splinting/bracing, and medication. Understanding your pain and working with your physician or healthcare provider to receive appropriate follow-up medical care can significantly improve your quality of life.

Deciding if your elderly parents are no longer safe to drive can be a challenging decision. If your parents are experiencing changes in vision, hearing, or memory, driving may put them and others at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost 540 older adults are injured in crashes every day.
The following signs may indicate that your parent is struggling to practice safe driving habits, which may require further investigation or conversations:
• Gets lost on familiar routes
• Receives tickets or violations
• Is easily distracted
• Has had accidents or close calls
• Has difficulty reading or recognizing road signs or traffic signals
• Unable to keep track of other cars or pedestrians
• Has trouble hearing honking or emergency sirens

Our patients enjoyed Educational Bingo! Thank you Jackie, Christina and Valora for organizing this exciting event!! 😁

Happy Patient Care Technician Week! You are the best! Thank you!

Are you up-to-date on your immunizations? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers an adult assessment tool that will provide you with a list of vaccines you may need based upon your answers. Be sure to discuss the results with your healthcare provider. Click here to take the short quiz: The Adult Vaccine Quiz | CDC

Patient Success is Our Success - Originally from Panama City, Florida, fifty-six-year-old Anthony Taylor lives in Forney, Texas. He is a licensed vocational nurse who is married with children. He enjoys cooking and shopping with his wife in his spare time.

Recently, Anthony underwent spinal surgery that caused minor complications. After his initial care, Anthony chose Mesquite Rehabilitation Institute (MRI) for inpatient rehabilitation. His wife had toured the facility and shared her positive experience with Anthony.
Anthony’s goals upon entering MRI included regaining independence and focusing on everyday tasks that he could do for himself. Anthony’s memorable achievement during his stay at MRI was when he walked with a walker after just one week of therapy.
"I’m grateful for the help of the hospital staff, including the occupational and physical therapists," Anthony says.
Despite remaining challenges with his left arm, Anthony looks forward to returning home and continuing with his healing progress.
https://mri.ernesthealth.com/2024/07/29/anthony-taylor/

Patient Success is Our Success - Eighty-year-old Joyce Green, a retiree from Mesquite, Texas, is a grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoys gardening and actively participating in her local church community through Bible study and food pantry assistance.

While walking in her home hallway one day, Joyce noticed her left arm was numb and limp. After looking in the mirror, she realized she was having a stroke. During her initial hospital stay, Joyce’s case manager and attending physician recommended that she receive inpatient rehabilitation at Mesquite Rehabilitation Institute (MRI) for her continued recovery. Joyce’s main goal was to regain her independence and drive again.
At MRI, Joyce received personalized care from the interdisciplinary healthcare team, including therapists Katie and Marnene, who focused on strengthening her left arm, taught her to use a walker, and helped to improve her ability to stand steadily. Joyce expressed her gratitude, saying, "I think they all deserve raises, especially the therapists and Nurse Robert!”
Joyce looks forward to relaxing on her daughter, Judith's, porch when discharged.
https://mri.ernesthealth.com/2024/07/29/joyce-green/

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive disease that affects motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, impacting the muscles used for activities like walking or eating. This month brings awareness to this neurodegenerative disease and encourages those affected to lead independent, successful, and fulfilling lives.

National Immunization Awareness Month
Vaccines aren’t just for children. About 40,000-50,000 adults in the United States die from infectious diseases or complications that could have been prevented by immunizations. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations.

The spine supports the weight of your upper body and is involved in moving, twisting, and bending. A strain or sprain in the lumbar (lower) spine may cause your muscles and tissues to become swollen, resulting in pain and muscle spasms. Both of these can be caused by a sudden injury or from gradual overuse.

Rehabilitation can aid with back pain and may involve:
• An in-depth evaluation by the physical therapist and treatment team
• A treatment plan customized to the individual’s specific needs
• Therapy that may include muscle stimulation, stretching exercises, massage, ice and heat therapy, or pelvic traction
• An exercise plan for the patient to continue at home

Patient Success is Our Success - Originally from Levelland, Texas, 56-year-old Pablo Banda now lives in Dallas. Close to his family, he values the time he spends with his nieces and nephews. Pablo enjoys listening to music, and before his illness, he liked to work on his truck, mow his yard, and work in his shed and house.

Recently, Pablo experienced fainting episodes for about a week due to medication he was taking. He became very unwell, running a high fever, which prompted him to call paramedics. Taken to the hospital, he was diagnosed with sepsis and acute kidney injury.
During the hospital stay, Pablo's case manager recommended inpatient rehabilitation. He chose Mesquite Rehabilitation Institute (MRI) due to its proximity to his home and family.
While at MRI, Pablo's goal was to regain the ability to walk with his cane. "My physical therapist, Martina, has helped me exceed expectations,” he says. “I’m now able to walk without my cane for short distances.”
Discharged at the end of June, Pablo’s progress in rehabilitation has been promising, and he is optimistic about continuing his recovery at home.

https://mri.ernesthealth.com/2024/07/15/pablo-banda/

Patient Success is Our Success - Sixty-four-year-old Lisa McGuyer is an active housewife who enjoys knitting and crocheting. She lives in Commerce, Texas, and is married with three adult children, one granddaughter, and one more grandchild on the way. Spending time with her family, babysitting her granddaughter, and traveling are her favorite pastimes.

Lisa's life took a dramatic turn when she was in a vehicle accident. She had lost control of her truck and hit a tree head-on. After initial treatment at an acute care hospital, Lisa was referred to Mesquite Rehabilitation Institute (MRI) for inpatient rehabilitation.
Lisa finds that the challenges of pain from the accident have been difficult to overcome. However, her positive attitude and support from the hospital staff have kept her focused on her goal of regaining mobility and returning home to her family. “I feel grateful and blessed,” Lisa says. “The staff has been very kind and helpful.”
Lisa now is able to walk and looks forward to going home to spend time with her family.

https://mri.ernesthealth.com/2024/07/15/lisa-mcguyer/

Patient Success is Our Success - LaJune Johnson, a 55-year-old educator, enjoys reading, listening to music, traveling with her husband, working out, shopping, and visiting family.
Previously diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, LaJune recently underwent knee replacement surgery on her left knee. LaJune was referred to Mesquite Rehabilitation Institute (MRI) to begin rehabilitation.
LaJune arrived at MRI with the goal of managing her pain and learning to walk on her new knee. "Once I surrendered to the process, my progress significantly improved,” she says. “The support from the hospital staff, and especially my physical therapist, Isaac, made a significant difference in my recovery.”
Using the skills the staff taught her, LaJune learned walk with weight on her left knee. She found the MRI facility and its staff phenomenal and emphasized the importance compassionate care played in her healing journey. “Everyone has been so helpful and kind,” she says.
As LaJune prepares for surgery on her right knee, she's equipped with newfound skills and trust in her ability to overcome challenges.

https://mri.ernesthealth.com/2024/07/15/lajune-johnson/

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, disrupting normal brain function. Falls are the leading cause of TBIs, especially in adults 65 years and older, but many are preventable. If you are a caregiver or family member, you can help an elderly adult minimize their fall risks by:
• Talking with the older adult and a healthcare professional about fall risks specific to the individual
• Encouraging activities and exercises that improve balance and strength
• Scheduling an appointment to have their eyes and feet checked by healthcare professionals
• Making their home safe and free from fall risks such as loose rugs, cords, uneven surfaces, and poorly lit areas

Staff celebrating World Emoji Day!
😊

Ernest Health Hydration Challenge Winner for the Mesquite campus - Congratulations Kemia Carter!

July Birthday - Katie is celebrating a birthday is month.
Happy Birthday!

Beat the heat and prevent dehydration this summer with these easy ways to increase your water intake:

• Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning
• Use a fun or colorful reusable water bottle
• Set a goal for how much water you plan to drink daily; challenge yourself to meet or exceed that goal
• Take a full water bottle with you every time you leave the house
• Set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to drink
• Eat water-dense fruits and vegetables
• Limit sugary beverages like soda and fruit juice
• Change it up: Drink 1% or skim milk, unsweetened teas, or infused water with fruit