• Patient of the Month Michele Chambers

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Meet this month’s patient of the month Michele Chambers!

    michele chambers
    Originally from Ohio, Michele moved to New York City Manhattan in 1978 fresh out of college where she ran a flower and plant design business for over 25 years. “When I first moved to New York, I worked for probably half a dozen different short-term jobs. I had a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and an associates degree in floriculture. After working in a few flower shops, I went out on my own as a freelancer and then decided to start my own business.”
    In 2015, Michele moved to Louisville after her wife and business partner of 27 years died suddenly. A little over two years ago Michele married her second wife at the Cathedral on 4th Street, saying “It opened up a whole new dimension to living a happy life.”
    Currently Michele runs an antique toy shop. “I’ve always worked with my hands so I started buying vintage toys and working on them. This winter I opened up a vintage toy booth store at Fleur de Flea market. I love what I do! I love meeting people, talking about toys, selling toys, buying toys, it’s great fun!”
    Fun Fact: 80% of the toys Michele has in her shop she has repaired herself, often with dental tools!
    In 2014, Michele fell and broke her knee cap. In 2017, she discovered that the wires wrapped around her knee cap to help keep it in place had stretched and were growing into her ligaments. Michele immediately called Dr. Grossfeld who helped repair the problem. “Dr Grossfeld has helped me tremendously! I wouldn’t think of going to anyone else.”

    Vitamin D Deficiency: What You Need to Know

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    In recent years an increasing amount of attention has been given to the importance of vitamin D. Since vitamin D comes from exposure to the sun, and most full-time jobs require sitting at a desk all day, many people are deficient in this essential vitamin. In fact, a study documented in Medical Express found that around 80% of people who work a regular 9-5 job have a vitamin D deficiency. Furthermore, global lockdowns due to Covid-19 make the risk of Vitamin D deficiency even higher. This common affliction has few obvious symptoms at first but grows increasingly severe without treatment. Due to the chemical complexity of the vitamin, it plays roles throughout the entire body and is vital to maintaining good health.

    Vitamin D comes from UVB which is produced from the sun and absorbed by our skin. The energy is converted to vitamin D3. The D3 is carried to your liver, then kidneys, and is finally transformed into active vitamin D.

    What is a Vitamin D Deficiency?

    The obvious answer would be that a vitamin D deficiency occurs when your body does not receive enough of the “sunshine vitamin”. However, let’s dig a bit deeper. What symptoms can a vitamin D deficiency cause? Depending on the severity, it can cause a variety of symptoms including the following:

    • A weakened immune system (getting sick often)
    • Fatigue
    • Bone pain
    • Depression
    • Bone loss
    • Hair loss
    • Muscle and joint pain

    These symptoms vary from person to person and can have long-term implications that require medical treatment. For example, according to Harvard Medical School, one of the main roles of vitamin D is increasing the intestinal absorption of calcium which can aid in bone health. This means that conditions such as osteoporosis can be directly worsened by a vitamin D deficiency.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    If you fear that you have a vitamin D deficiency, you should do is consult with your healthcare provider immediately. Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, it is recommended to check vitamin D levels during your annual blood test. The amount of daily vitamin D needed by a person varies depending on a number of factors including age, diet, health status, and UVB exposure. According to Medical News Today, a sufficient level is between 50-125 nmol/l.

    If you find that you have a deficiency, developing a plan with your healthcare provider is essential. Some modes of treatment include:

    • Taking daily or weekly supplements. Low-dose supplements can be bought over the counter, while higher doses may require a prescription.
    • Eating a diet rich in vitamin D. This includes foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, seafood, etc.
    • Getting more exposure to natural sunlight.

    Even if you don’t have a deficiency, eating a well-balanced diet and spending 15-30 minutes outside at least three days a week is key. During long winter months with little sunlight, even more sun time is required. Many people don’t realize they are deficient until they receive a diagnosis. Anyone is susceptible to a vitamin D deficiency, but luckily treatment is available.

    If you are worried that you or someone you love has Vitamin D deficiency, we can help! To contact an experienced double board certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine doctor serving patients across Kentucky and Southern Indiana, call Orthopaedic Specialists at 502-212-2663 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stacie Grossfeld.

    Broken Arm? Here’s What You Need to Know

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    A broken arm is a fairly common injury, especially for kids on sports teams or playing outdoors in the summer months. However, the recovery process requires continued effort in order to insure optimal healing. Here are some commonly asked questions about the process and what to expect over time.

    How should you deal with a potentially broken arm?

    In some cases, it can be difficult to discern if an arm is sprained or broken. The main symptoms of a broken arm are severe pain, bruising, swelling, numbness, broken skin and/or difficulty with movement. Even if you are unsure of the type of injury, it is a good idea to treat the arm as broken. First, try to stabilize the arm by fashioning a sling out of a towel or sturdy cloth. You can also ice it for 20-30 minutes to relieve pain. Go to an Emergency Room as soon as possible—in many cases, the arm can be treated and cast in the E.R. For more severe cases, such as shattered bone or ruptured skin, outpatient visits and surgery are required.

    How long does it take to recover?

    Recovery depends on the type of breakage sustained. If surgery is necessary, recovery will naturally take longer than a smaller fracture treated immediately in the E.R. The location of the break also matters. The long bones of the arm (ulna, radius, humerus) generally recover faster than breaks in wrists and elbows, which often require surgery.

    Once the arm is put in a cast, sling, brace, etc., complete immobilization is essential to recovery. This immobilization process can be a couple weeks or months, based on the factors addressed in the previous paragraph. Once the injury is healed enough, physical therapy is needed before performing strenuous activities. It may be a few months longer until the arm is healed fully.

    Kids generally recover faster than adults, especially elderly adults suffering from arthritis. Leading a healthy, active lifestyle and consuming proper amounts of calcium and vitamin D can help strengthen bones and reduce risk of breakage.

    What activities can you do during the recovery process?

    During the period of immobilization, activity is very limited. One must be very cautious and should not partake in risky activities. Going on walks, to the movies, farmer’s market, or a museum can be fun activities with limited arm movement required. Casts should not get wet so activities such as swimming are not permitted, which can be very difficult in the summer! Once the arm has healed more, you can introduce activities that don’t put pressure on the arm. These include jogging, playing an instrument, or driving.

    If you are worried that you or someone you love has suffered from a broken arm, seek immediate medical attention. To contact an experienced double board certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine doctor serving patients across Kentucky and Southern Indiana, call Orthopaedic Specialists at 502-212-2663 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stacie Grossfeld.

    Patient of the Month Tina Johnson

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Meet this month’s patient of the month Tina Johnson!

    tina johnson

    Tina was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, but raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison. “My mother is from Kentucky, so I came to Bowling Green every summer my whole life and always loved it. I decided to go to WKU for graduate school, and met my husband, Dee Johnson. We married and settled in Louisville, Kentucky and have two daughters, Ciarra, 32 and Kenya, 24.”

    Tina is a member of a public service sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is currently the President of the Louisville Alumnae Chapter and is in her 2nd term. In 2018, Tina retired from being a School Social Worker for Jefferson County Public Schools after 30 years of service. During that time, she was recognized as School Social Worker of the Year and was also the President of the Kentucky Association for School Social Work and the President of the Midwest Council for School Social Work.

    “I have been working part time for the University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work, for 14 years now and love teaching others how to become great social workers. I have truly enjoyed my career of School Social Work!!”

    Recently Tina experienced several life changing events, beginning with her testing positive for the coronavirus.

    “I am not sure how I became infected with the virus, but the weekend before I got sick, I went to five different public places. It was a beautiful day that Saturday, so I ran a few errands. The city shut down that Monday, March 16th which is the very day I started feeling a bit sick. I felt very tired, I was running a low-grade fever and I just did not feel like myself. I took the test on Friday, March 20, 2020. The test took eight days to come back!! By the time it came back, I was in bed, very sick and I knew I had it before I got the results. My fever shot up to 101, I had the chills, I had a horrible cough, I had zero taste and smell, therefore no appetite, and just felt sicker than I have ever felt in my life. But the moment they called and told me I tested positive for the coronavirus, was still a horrible, shocking, scary feeling. I remember holding my breath, when I asked, so what does that mean!!?

    Since I was able to breathe and would not need a ventilator, my husband and I decided I would stay at the house instead of going to the hospital.

    The hospital did not feel safe as things seemed chaotic, plus my husband was not able to stay there with me. He was not going to drop me off and then leave and go back home! They told him to quarantine himself away from me at home, but he said no way, he was staying in the same room with me, so he could be there if I needed him. He said there was some nights, I was just moaning and groaning non-stop all night!  He said he felt anguished because he was not sure how he could help me. 

    I kept losing weight because I was not eating at all. I said to my husband one night, “it is not the virus that is going to kill me, I will die of starvation and not having any nutrients in my body”. That really scared him, so he started bringing applesauce, crackers, mashed potatoes, Gatorade or whatever he could bring in the room to try to get me to eat and drink. When I finally was able to get some food down, I started throwing up violently every day and it was always so painful when that wave of nausea would come over my body. It made me dizzy and weak at the knees. I felt like crying, but never did. I was too sick to even cry.  Everyday I would wake up hoping I would feel better, but it just did not happen, for at least three solid weeks!

    My fever of 101 finally broke on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020.

    I thought that was symbolic that it was Easter, the Lord’s Day of Resurrection!  I started to feel a little better and was able to eat a bit more. But then severe constipation set in once I started eating, to the point where I was bent over with pain. In between these episodes I was calling my doctor and she was prescribing meds for the nausea, the constipation, and the nagging dry cough. We just treated each ailment as it came up. Even after I started feeling better, I would still have this draining fatigue that would just hang on. I would get up, get dressed, eat a bit of dinner and before I knew it, I was putting on my pajamas again and going back to bed. I would look forward to laying back down every day.

    So it is just something that takes a while to run its course and makes you feel like you could actually die! I kept thinking, I have not planned anything, I do not have my final wishes written down! It was very terrifying some nights. I do not know what I would have done without my husband of 37 years. I called him my Angel. He was truly there for me every minute. He finally took the test and he was negative even though he slept in the same bed with me every night. God kept him negative so he could take care of me! That is my philosophy anyway.” 

    Sadly, Tina’s 89 year old Mom was battling dementia during this time. She was quarantined to her room for so long at her facility, and did not understand what was going on.

    “She is a very social person and she was not able to have any visitors. I normally saw her 3-4 times a week and we would have a good time. She was also very outgoing. She went into the hospital at the end of April because she stopped eating and drinking so her kidneys started to fail. I think she just got depressed from being quarantined so long and basically gave up. She did not know what happened to her family. She also could not have visitors in the hospital, but once they moved her to hospice, she could have one visitor. I was honest with them and told them I had dealt with the coronavirus, but my doctor said I had recovered. Because I did not have proof, they would not let me come to be with my mother.

    I was so beyond devastated. I felt the coronavirus and quarantine had affected both of us. Luckily, my sister from Atlanta, drove up so she could be in the room with her and then did a Zoom connection to include my other sister in North Carolina and I in the room. Then I felt much better! Then I started to worry as I knew her time was near and I felt people would feel leery of me at the service. She passed away one day after Mother’s Day on May 11th. I went to Shawnee Park to take the Covid 19 test again and it came back one day before her service on May 15th. It was negative! I was grateful. Only ten of us could attend her service. That also made me sad.

    I am different.

    I have always been a positive, outgoing person, but I now feel even more empowered to live my best life! God spared me for a reason. There were people dying every day on the news from the coronavirus. But I continued to get better. As I age, I want to be more involved in my health options. I want to know what medications I am on and why. As a result of the virus, I ended up losing 40 lbs altogether and my goal is to maintain the weight loss and lose even morel I feel blessed every day that I am alive and I am still smiling! I have JOY within! 

    Dr Grossfield has been a positive light in my life.

    I read her article when she was featured in the Women’s Magazine and it gave me a more personal side of who she is. She has brought all the latest medical information to me about my knees where we can avoid knee replacement altogether, which is a much healthier option for me. I am grateful for that. She is a great listener when you want to discuss your options and she makes you a part of the process and discussion. We decide together what we want to do to make things better for me. I just had knee surgery to get rid of inflammation and it took a year for my schedule to free up enough to wear a brace for four weeks. She did not pressure me. She let me decide when I was able to do the surgery and I appreciate that. I respect her knowledge and pleasant demeanor. I am looking forward to my bright future!”

    4 Ways Triathletes Can Prevent Injuries

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    As multisport athletes, triathletes have the unique challenge of navigating potential injuries in three disciplines. Fortunately, there are some basic preventative measures that can mitigate the risk of these injuries. Here are 4 things triathletes can do to prevent injuries:

    Be Mindful Of Your Experience In Each Discipline

    Most triathletes get into the sport after having spent some time training and competing in one or two of the disciplines. This often means that there is a discipline that they are very inexperienced with. It can be hard to take a new discipline slow and steadily build on it when you are used to performing at a high level. However, doing so goes a long way in preventing some common overuse injuries. For instance, many triathletes come into the sport from cycling and running backgrounds and haven’t swam in years. Taking the swim too fast can both instill poor form if done non-intentionally and may lead to shoulder injuries from overuse.

    Cross-Training Is Key

    On first glance, it may seem that triathletes are inherently good at cross-training. They practice three disciplines, after all. However, it can be easy to forget some of the functional requirements you will need to remain healthy in training. Core strength is one good example. Focusing on your core can help with triathlons in a lot of ways, like improving bike form to prevent back pain or keeping stability while running to avoid over striding.

    Focus On Flexibility And Mobility

    Staying flexible is so important for everything triathletes do. Reducing tightness in key areas of the body can help form in all three disciplines and significantly lowers chances of chronic overuse injuries. Take some time to learn specific stretches that help with the aches and pains you feel as you train.

    Dealing with any muscle tightness can also be aided by physical therapy, either through appointments with a professional or on your own. At-home care like using foam rollers for acupressure treatments can be really effective in managing tightness. Tight calves, hips, necks, and more can all be helped through regular rolling and stretching.

    Listen To Your Body

    It can be hard to cut back on your training schedule when an ache or pain starts to creep in. You may have distance and time goals you want to hit before that next big race, and taking time off can seem harmful. However, backing off just a little when you start to notice an issue can prevent long-term problems. This may mean slowing down a workout, cutting back its length, or even skipping it for a rest day. If you respect your body when it’s giving you signals that something is wrong, you’ll be much healthier and able to actually train and compete!

    Dr. Stacie Grossfeld has decades of experience helping patients recover from injuries. If you are concerned about an injury you have developed, you deserve the best care possible. For more information on injury treatment and surgery for triathletes, please contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld and the Orthopaedic Specialists at 502-212-2663.

    Patient of the Month Rhonda Goodall

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Meet this month’s patient of the month Rhonda Goodall!

    Rhonda Goodall

    Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Rhonda studied interior design at Eastern Kentucky University. She got her start as an in house designer for First National Bank in 1976 and became one of the first female officers within the bank (back when the open office concept was taking off and cubicles were replacing private offices). After her time at First National, Rhonda went on to work as a space planner and art consultant, offering creative solutions for developers, commercial offices and some residences; first partnering with Bittners Design Firm and later working independently with clients like PNC Bank.

    After dealing with a lingering back injury affecting her knees, Rhonda was referred to Dr. Grossfeld by a friend. Upon noticing the local art in the waiting room and throughout the office, “I immediately found a kindred spirit in Dr. Grossfeld. I thought to myself, this woman loves art and even looks like a piece of art with the way she dresses!”

    Currently Rhonda owns and operates the Goodall Gallery on Stilz Avenue in Louisville Kentucky, a building that used to function as a beloved grocery store called Naps but now houses her painting studio and gallery.

    While she has dedicated much of her career to being creative for everyone else, Rhonda is now focusing on cultivating a creative environment for herself where she can share her passion for painting and inspire others to express themselves as well. Her next adventure will be in the form of Creative Play Shops, where she aims to help people embrace creativity in a playful, natural way; teaching others how to relax and see the artist inside of themselves.

    However, it wasn’t until she was 40 years old that Rhonda started painting herself. “I was working 80 hours a week and on the weekends I would paint. I would get these visions, and just couldn’t stop. I’d always been interested in art and allowing things to happen naturally or just come to me.”

    When it comes to art and design, Rhonda has a holistic philosophy. She describes her creative process as a zone that ebbs and flows. To help get her in the zone, she practices daily rituals, like camera walks in nature, writing in her journal and working in her garden to help her get out of her head. “Painting isn’t a thinking thing it’s a feeling thing. For example, I love painting flowers when I’m not feeling free but lately I’ve observed more realism popping up in my work.”

    You can view Rhonda’s work online by following her Goodall Gallery Facebook Page.

    goodall gallery

    Dr. Stacie Grossfeld’s Most Recommended Supplements

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    There are many natural supplements that can help with inflammation, pain, heart health, and more.

    Here are Dr. Grossfield’s top three supplements.

    Turmeric Supplements

    Turmeric is a spice that is a member of the ginger family. Curry powder often contains turmeric. The active portion of turmeric is curcumin (Curcuma longa). Turmeric treats inflammation and has various anti-carcinogenic properties. The anti-inflammatory and free radical-scavenging properties of curcumin have been well documented.

    Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties due to its suppression activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer that activate B cells, which induces various inflammatory stimuli. It has been shown scientifically and published to decrease the level of serum markers for interleukin IL-1B, IL-6, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

    Turmeric is safe for most adults. High doses or long term use can cause indigestion, nausea or diarrhea. Patients with gallbladder disease should avoid Turmeric because it can worsen the condition. The recommended dosing as an antioxidant is 500 mg per day. The maximum recommended dose is 2000 mg per day.

    Glucosamine with Chondroitin Supplements

    Glucosamine and chondroitin are part of normal cartilage. They are part of the building blocks of what makes up articular cartilage in your body. Glucosamine and chondroitin come in tablet, capsule, powder, and liquid forms. Dr. Grossfield has had many patients state that this supplement helps to reduce their arthritic symptoms. Several studies completed at the NIH suggest that glucosamine with chondroitin may help reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

    The recommended dose is 1500 mg daily of the glucosamine and 800 mg to 1200 mg daily for the chondroitin. They can be taken once daily or they can be divided into 2-3 equal doses.

    Fish Oil

    Fish oil is the best source of omega–three fatty acids ( EPA and DHA), which block inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins. They are converted by the body into powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins. Fish oil is an essential fatty acid our body needs to function properly. There have been some soft data that suggests that fish oil will help to reduce the effects of osteoarthritis on the knee joint. Several studies performed on animals show a positive effect on arthritis when fish oil is ingested.

    We do know that fish oil has an excellent cardiac protective effect because it lowers blood triglycerides that circulate in the bloodstream, protecting against heart disease and reducing high blood pressure. There is data that suggests that fish oil may be helpful with arthritis. It may be worth trying fish oil as a supplement to improve your joint health if you have arthritis. The recommended dosing of fish oil supplements is 2500 mg twice a day: up to 5000mg per day.

    Dr. Stacie Grossfeld has decades of experience helping patients manage pain and injuries. If you are concerned about an injury you have developed, you deserve the best care possible. For more information on injury treatment and surgery, please contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld and the Orthopaedic Specialists at 502-212-2663.

    Patient of the Month Ian Lawler

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Meet this month’s patient of the month Ian Lawler!

    arthur lawler

    Ian is originally from California and moved to Kentucky when he was 10 years old. He joined the military when he was 19 and in 2012 had to undergo quite a few surgeries. Since then, Ian has worked with Dr. Grossfeld to help treat his knee, shoulder, and soon his hip. “It’s awesome that she works so well with veterans and always seems eager to help. I’m really appreciative of her always being willing to answer questions.”

    Ian owns and operates Somerset Martial Arts, an after school, summer camp, fitness and martial arts program in Somerset, Kentucky. In addition to coaching martial arts, Ian is currently preparing for the 10th Annual Refuge Strongman Classic on August 1st. Though he has never trained for the strong man competition before, it was the only fitness contest he could find between now and the CrossFit Open in October. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 all the competitions around have been cancelled. “I honestly don’t care how I perform, as Strongman is not my sport, but I am trying to be as prepared as possible.”

    Ian is looking forward to participating in the CrossFit open in October for the 2021 season and is anticipated to be in the top 2% of the world this year. He is hoping to be the fittest in Kentucky. Barring any injury, Ian’s goal is to make it to the games in the summer of 2022 where he’ll be 32 years old and one of the oldest (if not the oldest) CrossFit Games rookie to date.

    Ian started competing in fitness after being a professional MMA fighter.

    “I still love fighting but the preparation for fights took so much away from my family while giving so little that I couldn’t justify it anymore. Fitness is something that helped me prepare for fights and I had always watched the CrossFit games. When I realized I still had the fire to compete, I decided CrossFit was it! In CrossFit it doesn’t matter who your manager is, what promoters you know, how many tickets can you sell, how big your social media following is, or what team you’re with. If you can make the time hacks, if you can lift the barbell, if you can beat the person next you, then no one gets to over look you. It doesn’t matter how marketable you are. In CrossFit you either can or cannot, which for me was much simpler and now I love it!!!”
    When asked what keeps him motivated, Arthur responded, “I want to stand in the sunlight competing against the fittest on the planet, then look at my wife and my children, smile and say I made it against a lot of obstacles, against a lot of doubters, that my hard work and faith paid off! And of course remind them that they can achieve anything they put their everything into.”
    When he’s not trying to become one of the fittest people on the planet, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and children, training, and reading.

    COVID-19 from an Orthopaedic Surgeon’s Point of View

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    covid-19

    Humans are creatures of habit, touch and interaction. This pandemic pulled the rug out from us in all of those areas. We are on the other hand a resilient species. That trait will allow us to overcome this pandemic.

    Running an orthopaedic surgery practice amidst COVID-19 became a whole new world. Having essentially a similar routine for the last 23 years builds habits. Knowing that during the week I am starting my day with a workout at a gym, getting Adam ready, dropping him off at school, then off to the office to see patients and ending my workday day in the operating room, was set in stone. All that changed over night.

    Touch was no longer allowed except with a gloved covered hand.

    This touch needed to be restricted to very brief periods in order to stay six feet away from my patients. A lot of what I learn about someone’s injury or diagnosis comes from the physical exam which requires touch. The simple act of shaking a persons hand when greeting them in the exam room was stopped. I learn a lot from that initial skin to skin contact with a person. A sweaty hand means they are super nervous, a strong muscular hand with calluses lets me know their occupation vs a fragile hand with a slight grip. All of this insight, gone. The touch to their shoulder after telling them the treatment plan or a high five to a kid that just got their cast off was no longer proper either.

    Every interaction was so different.

    I read my patients faces as I discuss treatment plans and get their medical histories. With a mask on its hard to read expressions. Clues that maybe they didn’t understand what I just said or seeing what treatment plan they liked best, were no longer there. You can see some expression in peoples eyes and their foreheads but most of their facial expression is lost with a mask over their face. This made it challenging to “read” people.

    Our patients craved in person interaction, especially the ones living alone. They just wanted to talk. I got to hear life stories, viewed pictures of pets and heard about grandchildren more than I had ever before in my career.

    However, there were so many patients I saw at the height of the pandemic that were terrified and looked to me as a doctor, for answers regarding the coronavirus. I make decisions in my practice of orthopaedic surgery based on medical literature, 2 years of data, metrics and years of experience. Regarding covid-19, I had none of these resources and could not give science based answers. I had no data, no metrics, no science, no past experience to rely on for answers. The information was rapidly changing daily. My resources became physician lead Facebook pages, Medscape, the data being collected from John Hopkins website, the New York Times and the Wallstreet Journal. Not my typical go to sources for medical information.

    As restrictions are easing and life is starting to have a hint of returning to a more normal routine, small things like touch and interaction become even sweeter.

    The Orthopaedic Specialists are still open and here for you! We are safely administering injections and seeing to all of our patients needs. Dr. Stacie Grossfeld is also providing virtual orthopedic and sports medicine consults to patients who don’t wish to make the trip into the office. Most types of insurance are accepted. Set up is easy with the use of Zoom Video Conferencing and a smart device. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 502-212-2663!

    Brain Exercises Recommended By The Experts

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    The brain is a muscle that contains trillions of neurons and manages bodily functions. Like all muscles, it requires some working out to remain healthy and fit. Most people don’t realize that their brain can atrophy, especially as they age. Healthy brain habits can delay muscle loss and degeneration by several years, if not indefinitely. The first step is to maintain a healthy diet and physical exercise schedule. If your body is fit, your brain will get all the nourishment it needs. Here are some forms of brain exercise that people can add to their healthy lifestyle.

    Various Forms of Brain Exercise

    1. Switch Hands

    This is a simple, slightly bothersome task, but it can give your brain a big workout. When people use their non-dominant hand, their brain is forced to work harder and focus more. Even simple tasks like brushing your teeth can have an impact. It forces the non-dominant side of the brain to develop, so you’re building new connections and exploring new pathways.

    2. Keep Your Eyes Closed

    Perform regular chores with your eyes closed. Things like washing your hair, folding laundry, washing dishes, or even making a bed, can be done safely even if your eyes are closed. That forces your brain to focus and utilize different senses like touch or sound to complete the task. You use different pathways or neural connections, which sharpens your brain’s ability to process information.

    3. Learn Something New

    Learning something new always engages the brain in different ways. Every new skill forces the brain to make new connections or utilize its resources more efficiently. Learning something complex like music or a new language can engage different areas of your brain. Some of these regions are underutilized and could use some exercise.

    4. Socialize More

    Socialization is a complex task that requires a lot of focus and energy. The brain has to navigate different conversations, pay attention to others, and engage in various activities like consuming meals or watching entertainment. Research suggests that people who socialize more are less likely to develop degenerative mental diseases like Alzheimer’s. So, if you have just moved or don’t have any close friends, consider joining a club or community group to socialize more.

    5. Participate in Activities That Utilize All Senses

    Your senses feed a lot of information to your brain, so participating in actives that engage all of these senses can help. Traveling and exploring is a great way to engage all senses. You can look at new things, smell different fragrances, listen to a wide range of sources, and taste different cuisines.

    Cooking is also a great activity as it engages all the senses. You see and feel all ingredients, taste to determine if the dish is turning out correctly, smell cooking aromas, and experience food through all those senses.

    6. Meditate

    People have been meditating for thousands of years and for good reason. It doesn’t just reduce stress- it forces your brain to work differently. Meditation helps improve focus, self-awareness, empathy, and mood. Plus, it can even improve your working memory capacity significantly. People who meditate regularly are sharper, more productive, and less likely to become frustrated. Meditation also forces individuals to focus inward and actively control the flow of thoughts.

    These are just some of the many ways in which you can improve your brain’s function. Activities like playing chess, trying to solve puzzles, and painting can help engage different areas of your brain as well. People can play online brain games designed to improve function. Experts haven’t determined whether these games have any material impact, but they do keep the mind active through brain exercise.

    Dr. Stacie Grossfeld and Orthopaedic Specialists are here to help. For an appointment with a board certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine doctor in Louisville, Kentucky, call 502-212-2663 today!