Westbury resident Andres Loperena remembers a time when he struggled to kneel down and tie his own shoes. In high school, he sported slip-ons so no one would notice.

That was only 12 years ago, but it feels like 40, Loperena said.

These days, the 30-year-old weighs 100 pounds less than when he graduated high school. He has turned his own weight loss journey into a business: Pledge To Fitness in Bellaire.

I built Pledge as a solution to all my problems, Loperena said. Its all the answers to the questions I asked years ago. People gave me 4,000 places to go, 1,500 diets to follow. I think Pledge would have been the solution to my problems.

He basically synthesized all he learned from his own experiences into one place, where he can create customized programs for individual clients.

The first step is a 3D body scan, which provides body composition and fat percentages, as well as concise weight and measurements.

Then, Loperena or a trainer on his team asks clients to describe in detail their own health journey.

Tell me how you got here, Loperena asks.

Combining the information from the scan with personal stories allows Pledge to build a program that matches an individuals lifestyle and goals. Each fitness prescription blends strength training, mobility work, massage, yoga and Pilates. In addition, clients are coached in nutrition and recovery.

Weve become a one-stop shop, Loperena said. People come in so beat up from other places. You need massage, corrective exercise.

He wants each person who walks through his doors to know that Pledge will take care of them.

Were worried about you holistically, he said. Were worried about you in the long-run. I want to help you start living a different life.

No one ever said that to him. Instead, Loperena learned gradually.

Originally from Venezuela, he moved to Houston with his parents Martin Loperena and Clara Rojas in 1999 at age 10. His mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and she came to the area for its world renowned medical care. The family also wanted to be close to his uncle, cardiologist Gustavo Grieco.

Loperena shouldered stress from the move and worries about his mother. He took comfort in the junk foods he was discovering in his new hometown, especially Diet Mountain Dew, candy and pizza. When he started driving, fast foods were a new temptation.

By his freshman year in high school, Loperena weighed 227 pounds.

Then, he discovered he had sleep apnea, after landing in the hospital with petit mal seizures, which are short but can be dangerous.

I was always tired, he said. I was always in bed. I was depressed.

By senior year, Loperena weighed 350 pounds. He was finally getting treatment for his sleep apnea but still gaining weight, despite trying fad diets like Atkins and South Beach.

After graduating, Loperena went to Spain with his family in the summer of 2008.

I didnt fit anywhere, he said. I didnt fit in the chairs. I didnt fit through the doors. This isnt normal. Im living a lifestyle that doesnt make sense.

By the time Loperena enrolled at the University of Houston, change was in the air.

I just had enough, he said.

While in college, he met with a nutritionist who taught him about portion control, and joined Life Time Fitness, where hours on the elliptical machine helped him drop 80 pounds. He also tried Quick Weight Loss Center and lost another 76 pounds - but gained much of it back.

At school, he discovered psychology, which would become his major.

The big anxiety issues, fitting in, self-esteem were all part of the class, Loperena said. I was like, I didnt know we came with a manual. I wanted to learn more.

All of these small moments combined changed trajectory. Rather than plan a career as a therapist, he decided to help people as a trainer who could guide them through fitness and nutrition.

I wasnt quite sure of how to get there, but even if I could help one person, I wanted to do it, Loperena said.

With weight loss came improved health and emotional well-being. He no longer had sleep apnea or seizures. Something as simple as being able to kneel down and tie my shoes helped me fell like no one can stop me now, he said.

Loperena signed up at National Personal Training Institute in 2012. He became certified in personal training, sports nutrition, as well as kettlebell and suspension (TRX) training.

At age 23, Loperena started his own company. At first, he operated as a team of independent trainers at another gym, but he quickly became frustrated with not having his own facility. He wanted to create an environment where all of the trainers operated in the same way and followed the research on how to best help others.

Lets make the training the best we can, he decided. Fitness is a relationship. You have to love fitness, since you have to do it for the rest of your life. If theres any relationship thats worth working on, its that one.

Last year, Loperena made Pledge to Fitness a brick-and-mortar reality. Before COVID-19, he was operating a team of 10 trainers and serving 80 to 90 clients, including his parents.

Then the pandemic halved his clientele.

Still, Loperena has no plans to abandon on his dream of helping others reach their health goals.

Thats why he settled on the name, Pledge. Its a promise he makes to support clients on their journey - as well as a nod to the pledge they must make to commit to their own health.

This is personal, Loperena said. We take your health personally here - and that makes a difference. Its never too late to start - and every minute you have with a better quality of life is a better minute.

At Pledge to Fitness, all ages and fitness levels are welcome, he added.

Bellaire resident Donna Grehn looks forward to her workouts at Pledge, and stops by three days a week for sessions. She first started training with Loperena at her home - and was excited to learn that he opened a location in her neighborhood.

He really listens, said Grehn, who was an aerobics instructor for 10 years. I know how to work out hard, but I needed to work out smart and differently. If Im going to lift weights and change my body, hes the guy Im going to.

Heights resident Will Drennan believes that Loperenas own story better equips Loperena to help clients like him.

Trainers who start out fit and ripped from the beginning, they dont know how I feel, he said. Starting off skinny and staying fit is definitely different than starting out bigger and trying to lose weight.

Loperena never makes Drennan feel judged - or asks him to stick to a strict diet. The trainer never pushes him through pain in a fitness routine.

Hes struggled through this - and he gets it, Drennan said. He takes everything in steps. You dont have to do it all at once, unlike other gyms.

And that makes health more obtainable, Drennan explained.

Weight loss is a journey - but then you have to learn to keep it off, Drennan said. You have to have a sustainable way of getting there and staying there. Thats what I like about Pledge - its realistic. And that makes it a much better experience.

Lindsay Peyton is a Houston-based freelance writer.

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After losing 100 pounds, Houston trainer makes a Pledge to help others change their lives - Houston Chronicle

Rebel Wilson is saying goodbye to 2020 by sharing one last reflection on her Year of Health, during which she accomplished her goal of losing 60 pounds. Signing off for 2020! she captioned an Instagram post featuring two before-and-after photos from her journey. I like these two pictures cause together they represent the UPHILL JOURNEY Ive been on this year with my YEAR OF HEALTH mission.

The Pitch Perfect star actually met her goal a month early, sharing a snapshot of her weigh-in on Instagram in late November. Even though its not about a weight number, its about being healthy, I needed a tangible measurement to have as a goal and that was 75 [kilograms], she wrote, which is 165 pounds. The scale read 74.6 kilograms.

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All year, Wilson worked alongside celebrity trainer Jono Castano, who helped her develop a simple but effective fitness regimen (7 days a week!), and she also cut sugar and junk food from her diet. The actress reportedly followed the Mayr Method, a restrictive diet inspired by the Mayr Cure created by Austrian physician Franz Xaver Mayr, M.D, which eliminates sugar and caffeine, reduces gluten and dairy, and encourages chewing food 40 to 60 times. According to People, Wilson visited Austrias detox and wellness center VivaMayr to help her achieve results with the method.

At 40, shes proud of what she accomplished over one short (and overall challenging) year. Guys, now I gotta think: what will my goal/s be for 2021?? she continued her reflection. Thanks for following my adventures this year and to all the people who made 2020 so special! She finished by encouraging fans and followers to create a plan for achieving their own goals: What are your goals for next year? Believe in yourself, work hard, you can do it!

The comments section filled with congratulations and awe, and many shared their personal aspirations for the new year. What a great close to a crazy year! So much love for you, Rebs! director Mark Hapka commented. Another fan added, Your journey has been the most wholesome thing to see in 2020. Regardless of body size or not your smile is beaming of confidence and self assurance. I have walked the same path and it is not easy! I just wanna commend you.

You look fabulous and inspired me to do the same, another wrote. Heres to a happy, healthy 2021.

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Rebel Wilson Reflects on Her Uphill Journey Following 60-Pound Weight Loss in 2020 - Prevention.com

Its the end of 2020 and for some of us, its about celebrating the end of this emotionally draining year. For others, it may spark adverse feelings as the coronavirus pandemic prolongs. Despite your personal outlook, you may find yourself with a drink in your hand, especially during New Year's Eve celebrations.The holiday seasonis popular for extravagant feasts and nostalgic traditions, andthese festivities are also notorious for alcohol overindulgences.

This time of year, experts predict that more individuals will resort to heavy drinking to cope with the current state of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic in addition to lockdowns, less social interactions, increased stress, and unemployment has created a perfect storm for more people to turn to drinking as a way to cope, especially during the holiday season, says Dr. Kristamarie Collman, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Prse Medical. A report published earlier this year showed that adults ages 30 to 59 reported drinking 14 percent more than last year. Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to numerous illnesses, such as heart disease and liver disease in addition to mental health disorders, according to Collman.

If alcohol is a part of the celebrations, drinking in moderation is your safest bet. According to Dietary Guidelines for Americans, this is defined as having up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks for men. However, this holiday season, you may not realize when you had one too many with all of the Zoom gatherings at home, says Dr. Collman. It will probably not be uncommon to wake up the next morning and find yourself in a dazed state, experiencing a variety of unpleasant hangover symptoms. In an exclusive interview with The Beet, Dr. Collman provides recommendations on some natural remedies that harnesses the power of plants to ease and heal a bad hangover:

Ginger and Peppermint have been around for thousands of years and have been used in helping to improve nausea symptoms. Research has shown that ginger may impact certain receptors in the digestive system that may soothe an upset stomach and reduce nausea, says Dr. Collman.

A 2017 review published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found that ginger is filled with bioactive compounds and anti-inflammatory properties to prevent nausea and vomiting. In a 2020 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, peppermint oil significantly reduced the frequency of nausea, vomiting, retching, and the severity of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Ginger and peppermint tea can be made by seeping some dried ginger or peppermint tea leaves in a pot of hot water, respectively.

Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family and has been used for thousands of years for a variety of illnesses. Specifically, it was in traditional Indian medicine systems such as Ayurveda to heal disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system, according to the National Institute of Health. Turmerics active ingredient is curcumin which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. This works well to help prevent inflammation and reduce pain, says Dr. Collman.

A 2018 study published in The Journal of Immunology found that curcumin in turmeric inhibits inflammation by suppressing the pathways that activate it in the body. Not only can turmeric be added to rice, soups, and stews but also can be used to make golden milk, a caffeine-free delicacy. Dr. Collman recommends that it may be beneficial to mix turmeric with black pepper as it can help your body to better absorb the turmeric.

If someone is experiencing hangover symptoms such as vomiting, they are at risk for electrolyte losses and imbalances. Foods such as avocados, bananas, and leafy greens (like spinach and kale) are rich in nutrients which can help to replace important minerals and vitamins that may have been depleted, says Dr. Collman.

Low intakes of potassium have been linked to high blood pressure, increased insulin resistance (risk of type 2 diabetes), and poor bone health, according to the National Institute of Health. A 2019 study published in Nutrients found that over half of the potassium intake in the sample of adults came from minimally processed foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Making a smoothie with these ingredients could be a simple way to incorporate these foods, but depending on ones digestive symptoms, it might be easier to have small bites throughout the day, says Dr. Collman.

When you have one too many, you may feel dehydrated with symptoms such as a dry mouth or headache. This is because alcohol is a diuretic, which can cause your body to remove fluids through your kidneys, ureters, and bladder at a faster rate than other liquids, according to the Mayo Clinic. Replenishing one's system with hydrating foods may aid in alleviating symptoms caused by dehydration, says Dr. Collman.

She recommends foods such as watermelon and cucumber, which are not only water-rich but also have essential nutrients such as vitamin A, magnesium, and potassium. Other fruits high in water per cup include strawberries (151ml), plums (143.9ml), and apricots (133.8ml), according to USDA Food Data Central. These food items can be added to the diet by consuming as a snack, smoothie, or even used to make a salad, adds Dr. Collman. Make a snack plate filled with water-rich fruits like berries, melon, cantaloupe, and grapes while you are drinking to stay hydrated.

Increasing ones water intake may certainly help to ease hangover symptoms. Besides the refreshing taste, coconut water can help with hydration and has an abundance of electrolytes (such as potassium and magnesium) and minerals beneficial to the body, says Dr. Collman. After a heavy drinking session, it is best to drink lots of water to restore your hydration levels, suggests the Mayo Clinic.

A 2018 study published in Cell Metabolism found that alcohol-induced dehydration, stimulating water intake for hydration balance. If you feel like you have a drink or two during the festivities, try pre-gaming with a glass of water to reduce your chance of waking up with a hangover. Drinking water before and after the booze is your best bet to have a good morning the next day.

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5 Natural Hangover Remedies That Work, According To a Doctor - The Beet

The younger generation (late 20s and early 30s) tend to choose beverages such as sparkling water, green tea and kombucha over sugary drinks like soda. And instead of buying groceries at big box or multipurpose stores such as Walmart or Costco, they look for more specialized grocers such as Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, which sell options that are more ethically sourced and contain less processed ingredients, according to a study of 12.5 million millennial social media posts by CBD Marketing.

As you begin your nutritional and weight-loss journey in 2021, consider experimenting with new ingredients and cooking methods that will prevent you from getting bored with your food intake. To get you started, we asked nutrition experts about nine foods from a definitive list of60 millennial foodsby Buzzfeed, a website that reaches nearly 83 percent of millennials, according to Nielsen Holdings.

1. Avocado toast, perhaps the most obvious millennial food because it appears on restaurant menus and is a staple of weekend brunch, can make for a nutritious breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack. Avocados are a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are heart healthy and serve as a good fat replacement for butter. The fruit (yes, avocados are a fruit) also contains 10 to 11 grams of fiber per avocado, said VanBeber.

"Pairing a third of an avocado with one slice of 100 percent whole grain bread can provide between 15 to 20 percent of daily fiber needs for adults over 50 years of age, said Elizabeth Spencer, a registered dietitian at Northwestern Medicine Center DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois.

However, be watchful. One medium avocado packs between 250 and 300 calories, so it may be too many calories for a meal or snack, especially when combined with other food items. Older adults often need fewer calories and higher amounts of specific vitamins, minerals and protein, she added.

2. Caulifloweris a vegetable common to many household crispers that has taken on new popularity as a carb replacement in the form of cauliflower crust and rice. For those looking for a savory alternative, there are also versions of cauliflower wings and cauliflower steak. These are lower in calories and carbohydrates than their starchy meaty counterparts and, obviously, work for vegans and vegetarians.

"Replacing rice with riced cauliflower or wheat in pizza crust with cauliflower can significantly cut down on carbs while retaining fiber, leading to feelings of fullness, as well as increasing daily veggie servings, said Spencer. Cauliflower is also a rich source of choline, which aids in muscle movement, metabolism, and nervous system and brain health. So, clearly, it's good for people of all ages.

However, cauliflower pizza and snack foods don't pass as healthy when combined with piles of cheese and pepperoni, which can increase calories and bring up levels of sodium.

"As with other processed foods, the best rule to follow is fewest ingredients is best,' said Maxine Smith, a registered dietitian with Cleveland Clinic's Center for Human Nutrition in Ohio.

3. Kalehas been a darling of leafy green lovers for years now. It provides nutrients that are important for healthy bones, heart, brain and the gut, says Smith.

It is versatile and can be used in salads and soups, or cooked as a side dish on its own. Most recently, millennials have transformed the ingredient into kale chips, burrito wraps, and juice another great way to cut the carbs.

However, because it is a cruciferous vegetable (meaning that it contains a sugar called raffinose) it often is left undigested in the gut until bacteria ferments it, leading to gas and bloating, said Spencer. Cooking kale may alleviate the problem.

"Kale also contains a high amount of vitamin K, which helps our blood clot, said Spencer. Older adults on blood thinners should be mindful of their vitamin K intake and work with their doctor and registered dietitian to safely fit kale into a healthful eating pattern."

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Is 2021 the Year to Eat Like a Millennial? - AARP

Nature has blessed us with a lot of immunity-boosters and giloy is one of them.

Owing to the pandemic, the demand for giloy also rose potentially and for good reason- from boosting immunity to promoting weight loss and keeping the skin young and healthy, Guduchi giloy, as it is known by its Ayurvedic name is one powerful antidote to ailments and illnesses. Extensively found in India, Giloy root and powder have been extensively used since ages to treat and prevent infections, finds mentions in ancient texts as well. In fact, according to Ayurvedic beliefs, it is one of the three 'Amrit' plants or works as an anti-mortality drug which contains natural healing properties.

With a slightly bitter taste, the stem of the Giloy plant is said to have potent nutritional benefits. The roots and leaves also promise numerous benefits and alleviate health problems. We explain to you some of the best, helpful benefits of consuming the wonderful herb regularly, and the best ways to have it:

1. Works as an excellent fever reliever

If you are looking for a natural way to bring your fever down, look no further than giloy. Both Ayurveda and modern science support the working of Giloy in bringing down the temperature and cooling the body down, particularly in chronic, recurrent cases.

Since Giloy has antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties in it, it helps to boost immunity, act down on inflammation (which results in a fever or spiked up the temperature) and reduces body heat. Ayurveda also suggests that Giloy works to remove the toxic 'Ama' in the body, which is caused by improper digestion or consumption of unsuited foreign particles.

Thus, by keeping toxins away and regulating body temperature, Giloy works to keep inflammation levels under control and keep a person healthy. Drinking Giloy twice a day can help fight fever when you are battling an infection. It can also suit kids who do not like taking medicines.

2. Vitalizer for the heart and the body

People who are disturbed by problems of chronic fatigue and exhaustion are often advised to add supplements like giloy to their diet plan. Giloy is wonderful for your heart and works to revitalize the entire body. It reduces stress levels, fights toxins, alleviates anxiety and its soothing properties can calm the body down.

You will be surprised to learn that frequent consumption of a powerful natural herb like Giloy can also boost mental power, memory and cognitive functions.

3. Rich of antioxidants, anti-cancer propertiesGuduchi Giloy also contains a strong dose of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents which promote healthy living. Small studies have suggested that giloy can act as a good anti-cancer drug.

Animal studies have showcased that administrating part of the giloy root, which contains a natural chemical called Tinospora cordifolia could bring down the size of metastatic potential of melanoma cells.

A pilot study done by researchers based out of AIIMS also found that certain Ayurvedic drugs, such as Giloy could be really helpful in treating cancer and improving health for patients who were administered strong chemotherapy. Isn't this wonderful?

4. Keeps the immune system young and healthy

One of the strongest reasons behind the resurgence of Giloy in the modern day and age are the benefits it carries for ones immunity. Not only does the herb fight infections and toxins naturally, but it also contains immunomodulatory effects which keep the immune system in good shape, boost its power and strengthen metabolism. A strong and healthy immune system acts as our first line of defence and keeps many illnesses and germs at bay. Consumption of giloy and other immunity-boosting herbs should be increased after an age, or for people who are bogged by problems of frail or bad immunity.

Since it vitalizes and recharges the immune system, giloy is also used to treat certain liver, urinary tract and gut infections.

5. Aids digestion

Giloy also works wonderfully to root out problems related to digestion and gut functioning. According to multiple studies and researches conducted worldwide, Guduchi Giloy, with its vitalizing properties can aid digestion, prevent problems such as stomach infection, diarrhoea, acidity, nausea as well as colitis, with regular intake. It also takes care of stress levels, which can also cause gut problems and indigestion.

6. Helps manage blood sugar levels

There is yet another benefit for people suffering from prediabetes, diabetes and related health problems. According to Ayurvedic experts, giloy acts as a hypoglycemic agent and helps treat type 2 diabetes. Giloy juice has shown wonderful results in people with high blood sugar levels.

Regular consumption can also manage and prevent additional problems which may flare up with uncontrolled blood sugar- such as obesity, inflammation and may even slow down ageing.

7. Improves vision

According to traditional beliefs, giloy mixed with water can be applied on eyelids, or consumed regularly to bring benefits for vision and improve eyesight. It's a custom which is still practised in many parts of the country.

Since it is also touted to contain strong anti-ageing properties, it further works to improve your vision and slow down signs of degeneration, fine lines and wrinkles.

The best way to have Giloy

Giloy is widely used and available in many forms- be it the root, powder or capsules or syrups. An individual can choose to have Giloy root in its entirety, have it as a daily supplement or use the powdered version. Do remember to check you use organically sourced versions so as to ensure maximum gains out of your immunity booster.

Giloy can be had daily, safely in a variety of ways. While the most commonly used way is to mix Giloy powder in milk or water and consume it regularly.

Many also prefer having giloy juice on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning.

Making a giloy kadha (concoction), in addition to other spices and herbs is a wonderful way to enrich your diet with goodness.

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Giloy health benefits: Reasons to add giloy to your diet and boost immunity - Times of India

With the New Year just days away, we may all be tempted to embark on a new diet in order to lose the weight gained during 2020.

Since the world shut down in March, we have all over-indulged and let our exercise plans go out the window.

So, when better than the New Year to get back on track?

Well, according to the experts, the New Year is the worst possible time to start a new diet.

Speaking to Extra.ie, Director of Nutrition at Viridian Nutrition, Aimee Benbow, noted that the idea of a New Year diet and fad diets could have a negative impact on our relationship with food.

After over-indulging during the festive break, much of the population feel the need to set strict boundaries and resolutions in relation to food consumption in January, she explained.

Although it is great that people feel motivated to get healthy, in doing so, this can impact our relationship with food and lead to unhealthy attitudes.

Restriction of certain foods often leads us to crave them even more. When we break our resolutions we mentally beat ourselves up and feel more discouraged.

This leads us to eat more unhealthy foods as a pick up and so creating a negative cycle of behaviour.

Fad diets are often popular for a moment in time but are often not formulated or designed by a trained nutritionist or dietitian.

They are devised to assist with fast weight loss and are often promoted as the magic bullet to weight management.

Usually, these types of diets cannot be maintained long term and in fact can lead to increased food intake and a higher consumption of unhealthy foods.

Aimee went onto explain that fad diets can also neglect some food groups and this, in turn, can impact both weight loss and our bodies.

If you do want to lose weight in the New Year, the nutritionist said there are some golden health rules to keep in mind when looking at your diet.

One of the most important considerations when wanting to lose weight is ensuring healthy dietary choices are adhered to, Aimee told Extra.ie.

Opting for a colourful diet rich in fruit and vegetables, plenty of fibre, good quality protein and essential fatty acids are all a step in the right direction in obtaining weight loss.

Work to eliminate highly processed foods rich in refined sugars and hydrogenated fats from the diet and if you need a snack, select unsalted, unsweetened nuts and seeds.

Exercise also plays a crucial part in the weight loss journey. Aim for 150 minutes of activity a week.

So, if you do want to embark on a new diet in the New Year, make sure you do it safely and dont be too hard on yourself.

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Expert reveals why New Years diets could do more harm than good - Extra.ie

After a near-fatal cardiac event and emergency heart transplant surgery, a 58-year-old woman experienced a series of severe complications that kept her in the hospital for 13 months. Preparing her to go home required a prolonged, coordinated effort by a multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation experts.

The patient was transferred to NYU Langone Health from NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue on October 1, 2019, after suffering cardiogenic shock due to unexplained infiltrative cardiomyopathy. She was treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) while awaiting a heart transplant, which she received eight days later.

By mid-December, the womans condition had stabilized sufficiently for her to be transferred to inpatient care at Rusk Rehabilitation. However, her persistently fragile medical conditionwith repeated episodes of nausea and vomitingprecluded significant improvement. In January 2020, diagnosed with a gastrointestinal bleed, she was moved back to acute care.

Over the following months, the patient experienced a cascade of morbidities. In February she pulled out her percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ) tube, leading to peritonitis and kidney failure; she was subsequently placed on hemodialysis. In March she developed a right chest seroma, pneumonia, and neutropenic sepsis. She underwent washout and debridement of the seroma, as well as a subclavian graft replacement. As the year wore on, she developed wound dehiscence in the right shoulder and hemothorax in the right chest, complicated by fevers, hypotension, a deep vein thrombosis in the left lower extremity, a mild stroke, spinal compression fractures, and recurring pneumonia. She underwent a tracheostomy and chest tube placement.

Having survived this succession of traumas under the exceptional care of NYU Langones clinicians and support staff, the woman was transferred back to the inpatient unit at Rusk Rehabilitation on October 29, 2020.

This was one of the most complicated patients Ive ever seen, says Jeffrey M. Cohen, MD, clinical professor of rehabilitation medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and medical director of Rusk Rehabilitations Medically Complex Rehabilitation Service. She had been through so much, and she was profoundly deconditioned. Our mission was to help her get her life back to the greatest extent possible.

When the woman arrived at Rusk Rehabilitation, she was barely able to roll over in bed. She required maximum assistance to go from supine to sitting and to transfer from her bed to a chair. Although she was able to eat orally, she needed nocturnal tube feedings to maintain adequate nutrition. Due to the tracheostomy and other factors, her speech was both hypophonic and dysphonic.

Physical therapy, led by Rusk Rehabilitation expert Jacklyn Ward, PT, began with a focus on bed mobility and transfers from sitting to standing. From there, the patient progressed to ambulating with a rolling walker; initially she could go no farther than 25 feet and needed contact guarding to prevent injury, but her distance and agility steadily improved. She underwent wheelchair mobility exercises to build her upper-extremity strength and endurance, and step-up exercises to enable her to negotiate stairs and curbs.

Occupational therapy, led by Brittany Cuthbert, OT, emphasized self-care. We worked on grooming while standing at a sink, Dr. Cohen explains. We also practiced toilet transfers and upper- and lower-body dressing skills, such as putting on a T-shirt, underwear, and pants. The patient was trained on adaptive equipment to help with shoes and socks.

The speech-and-swallow team performed a clinical bedside swallowing evaluation, which determined that she was able to tolerate regular solids and thin liquids. She was taught safe-feeding strategies and aspiration precautions, such as alternating small sips with small bites, and sitting upright for all meals out of bed.

The team also worked to improve the patients ability to communicate her needs and wants. She was fitted with a Passy Muir valve, which is designed to enhance voice and speech production, and therapists trained her in speech compensatory strategies. We worked on coordinating subsystems of voice production, including respiration, phonation, and articulation, says Dr. Cohen. The training incorporated video and audio feedback to enhance her awareness of her own speech quality.

The patient was followed closely by psychologist Catherine Atkins, PhD, supervisor of psychology for inpatient acute rehabilitation, to monitor for depression or other mood problems and to reinforce her ongoing emotional resilience.

After a month at Rusk Rehabilitation, the patient showed striking gains in strength, balance, endurance, and respiratory function. She no longer needed supplemental oxygen. She could walk 125 steps using a rollator, at 0.46 meters per secondnearly double her initial speed. She could climb as many as 7 steps. She could comb her hair, brush her teeth, and dress herself. Her speech was nearly normal, and with her dysphagia almost gone, she was able to maintain an adequate diet orally.

Still, she needed supervision for all these tasks and minimal to moderate assistance with most of themincluding such basic activities as entering and exiting a shower. She would require round-the-clock care indefinitely, and fortunately, the patients adult daughter and son were willing and able to provide it. During her time in rehabilitation, they participated in extensive education regarding functional mobility, fall prevention, wheelchair management, exercise protocols, goal-setting strategies, and other skills. They were also trained to set up and position assistive equipment around the patients home.

Once these preparations were completed, the patient was referred to the Visiting Nurse Service of New York for nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and home health aide evaluations. Outpatient hemodialysis services were arranged. And on November 30, she was discharged to her family.

Its remarkable how far this individual has come, says Dr. Cohen. At many points along the way, people who treated her didnt think she was going to make it. Now, after more than a year in the hospital, we were able to safely send her home. I consider it a huge success story.

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Helping a Heart Transplant Patient Recover from Devastating Complications& a Year in the Hospital - NYU Langone Health

The end of 2020 is finally upon us! As we happily turn the page on this year, heres a look back at the biggest stories we published. Not surprisingly, most of them were COVID-19-related. Even as we begin putting the pandemic behind us, the trends that arose this year will likely continue to influence the industry going forward.

A typical year sees the launch of 20,000 new food and beverage products. The pandemic changed that as consumers shifted away from adventurous eating and toward comfort food and many companies put their product launch plans on hold. But that doesnt mean innovation stopped it just looked a little different from before.

Read more.

The pandemic had an immediate and significant impact on the food industry, from disease outbreaks to supply chain disruptions and consumer stockpiling behavior. This article, published in March and updated in May, provides an overview of the early stages of the crisis.

Read more.

Early in 2020, we published a report based on a survey of respondents from across the food industry. Though the data are from before the pandemic, many of the trends, challenges, and opportunities are still relevant in todays climate.

Read more.

When it comes to purchasing priorities, the younger generations are different from their predecessors. But, regardless of generation, most consumers want convenience. This report, from before the pandemic started, provides a look at what consumers ages 28-39 want in a grocery shopping experience.

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In the early days of the pandemic, many food companies saw their production fall off considerably, especially those that sell to foodservice establishments. On the other hand, companies that supply grocery stores had a tough time keeping up with the increased demand.

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The pet food industry saw demand soar, in part because people have adopted more pets during the pandemic and in part because of stockpiling. This meant pet food companies had to act quickly to safely increase production.

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Sustainability has become increasingly important for food companies as both consumers and investors prioritize the health of the planet. As of early 2020, 80% of the top 25 largest CPG companies were working toward recyclable packaging for all of their products.

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The pandemic has spurred major growth in frozen foods as consumers sought to limit their trips to the grocery store. At the end of March 2020, frozen food sales were up 94% compared to the year before, with many people buying frozen for the first time.

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Its hard to believe, but 2020 is nearly over! This article summarizes what various industry experts believe will be the biggest trends for the coming year.

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Functional foods were gaining popularity before COVID-19. The pandemic has supercharged their appeal as more and more consumers see diet as a key contributor to their overall health and well-being.

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Thank you for engaging with us this year! We wish you a safe, healthy, and happy 2021.

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Food Industry Executive's Top 10 Articles of 2020 - Food Industry Executive