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For students and adults who have trouble focusing, the fidget spinner promised increased rates of attention and a higher likelihood of staying on task. But do fidget toys, like fidget spinners, actually provide any benefits for users? 

What Is A Fidget Toy

The objects reached the height of their popularity in 2017, but the idea for “fidget toys” has existed much longer. The toys largely gained traction due to their popularity on social media, becoming staples inside and outside the classroom setting. The most recognizable fidget toy, the fidget spinner, is usually flat, with two to three “legs” that rotate around the center of the object, but fidget toys take on many shapes and sizes. Fidget toys are promoted to help those who have trouble focusing, want to relieve nervous energy or anxiety, and retailers specifically advertise these toys to parents of children who have ADHD and autism.

Why Are Fidget Toys Popular?

Around 6 million U.S. children are diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, manifests in symptoms that include the inability to focus, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Some small-scale studies have shown a correlation between higher levels of movement or fidgeting and increased rates of attention in children with ADHD. Studies like this have led to the rapid acceptance of fidget spinners, especially among parents of children with ADHD or other attention disorders, as a method of minimizing distraction. 

Do Fidget Toys Help Users Focus?

It’s important to note there is a lack of peer-reviewed evidence proving the legitimacy of fidget spinners and other toys—before we can prove fidget spinners are effective, more studies need to be conducted. The studies that have been done have produced mixed results. Some studies have shown immediate helpfulness, followed by an attention drop-off in children using fidget toys in a classroom setting.

It’s important to note that, though once popular in classrooms across the country, fidget spinners have been banned by many schools, from the elementary to high school levels. Teachers, administrators and parents claim these toys cause further distraction among students and actually prevent children from focusing on class work instead of encouraging it. 

While there’s not a wealth of proven, tested information on the validity of fidget toys, it may be worth trying one out for yourself or your child at home. Talk to your Coryell Health family medicine physician for more information about fidget toys, or reach out to them today to learn more about studied, verified tools or medications to increase rates of attention in children and adults.

Do you have unused or expired medications sitting around your home? Your medications could be harmful to your loved ones, and it’s a good idea to clean out your medicine cabinet often to prevent misuse of drugs. Check your medication for specific instructions (some medications need to be flushed down a toilet or sink) or check out this article from the Federal Drug Administration for more information and to find a drug take-back site near you. bit.ly/3mW4JHa 

If you’re recovering from an illness, accident or surgery, you may need occupational therapy. This month is occupational therapy month and we’re highlighting the occupational therapy services at Coryell Health. Our amazing team works with patients so that daily tasks, like eating, bathing and getting dressed, aren’t just within reach, but can be easy again. Take your life back by starting your therapy journey at Coryell now. For more information, check out our website at www.coryellhealth.org/rehab.

In celebration of Social Work month, Coryell Health recognized David Myers EdD, LCSW-S, Lindsey Lee LMSW, Sheila Roedler LBSW, and Andrea Johnson LMSW. The compassion, collaboration, and amount of heart that these individuals have is amazing! We are so thankful to have them as part of our Coryell Health team.

Are you feeling anxious, nervous or overwhelmed? We’ve all been there. A deadline at work, financial strains and fights with family or friends can all cause stress that can sometimes feel debilitating. There are several methods of stress management that doctors and mental health professionals recommend, and successful strategies differ from person to person. There’s one method that costs less than $10, can be carried in your purse or briefcase and is helpful for adults and children. Have you tried using a stress ball to reduce your nerves? 

What Is Stress

Stress is any type of change that “causes physical, emotional or psychological strain” on your body. This strain may manifest in a headache, muscle tension, fatigue, chest pain or sleep problems. You may notice your mood shifting as well—are you more irritable than usual, unmotivated or restless? These are all symptoms that may indicate you’re experiencing stress. 

You can’t avoid stress completely, but you can manage it more effectively to reduce uncomfortable symptoms, minimizing its impact on your daily life. Stress balls might be an option for you to help manage symptoms of minor stresses. 

What Are Stress Balls?

Stress balls are small toys filled with rubber, gel, foam or other objects meant to create a “squishy” texture that allows for the holder to squeeze, twist or manipulate the ball. Stress balls were created to give people an outlet for their anxiety, and studies show they can work. What makes them effective? Squeezing the toy gives your body the chance to release some of that pent-up pressure in a tangible way. Your muscles contract and release in your hand and arm, freeing some of the strain held throughout the rest of your body into the object in your hand, forcing you to relax. Stress balls can also distract your mind away from your stress, so you’re not focusing on the cause of your anxiety. 

How Should I Use Stress Balls?

There are several ways you can use your stress ball to manage your symptoms.

1. Place the stress ball on a hard, flat surface and roll the ball, curling your fingers into it as you rotate it across the surface. Squeeze the foam tightly for a few seconds before releasing it. Repeat as necessary.

2. Place the ball between your hands while your arms are extended vertically into the air, squeeze the ball for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat as necessary. 

3. Probably the most straightforward technique, grab the ball in your hand as you walk or sit at your desk and simply squeeze it tightly for several seconds. Repeat as needed.

Other Uses of Stress Balls

Stress balls aren’t just used to alleviate anxiety. For people suffering from arthritis, stress balls are an option to try and reduce inflammation in the hands and wrists. Moving your muscles and exercising are recommended to help reduce the pain associated with the condition. For patients undergoing physical therapy treatments, stress balls provide rehabilitation and exercises that can strengthen the muscles in their hands, wrists or arms. Stress balls can also be used by patients receiving cancer treatments to maintain muscle strength during chemotherapy.  

For less than a fast food meal, you can try out a stress ball yourself. If you’re still having trouble managing your stress levels, talk to your Coryell Health primary care provider about lifestyle changes you can make to boost your mood and reduce your day-to-day tension.

Introducing Dr. James Townson

At Coryell Health, we pride ourselves on our approach to healthcare. We practice big city medicine—using the latest technologies and practicing the best in medicine—while we also provide small town care that focuses on personalized medicine you won’t find at a clinic where you’re just another number. It’s doctors like James Townson Jr., DPM, who make that possible. Dr. Townson is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and has over 10 years of experience treating patients and working in healthcare. Dr. Townson is excited to bring his expertise to our clinic. Join us in welcoming Dr. Townson to the team!

Embrace a New You This New Year

More than 36% of American adults eat fast food in a day. While it may be the quick, convenient and sometimes the only option for easy meals, fast food is not usually a wise addition to your day-to-day diet. When you do eat at these chains, focus on less processed, healthier alternatives on the menu. This new year, embrace healthy eating and focus on maintaining smart eating habits when dining at fast-food restaurants. 

We’ve put together a list of some fast food favorites from our hometown to help you make better, smarter decisions when you’re on the run. It’s always important to know what your goals are, whether it’s cutting carbs, avoiding saturated fats or lowering your sodium intake. The recommendations below might not work for the diet you’re on, but think of this as a start to making healthier choices when you’re “driving thru.” Check out these helpful tips below, inspired by the original book series “Eat This, Not That” by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding.

McDonald’s

Need to grab a quick bite? McDonald’s is often a go-to fast-food choice since it’s inexpensive and around every corner. If McDonald’s is the best option at the moment, there are several things on the menu that provide your body with much-needed nutrients and include fewer calories than other menu items. Consider ordering one of the following:

Fruit & Maple Oatmeal – A great option that’s completely customizable, this oatmeal is the perfect choice to start your day off right. Even if you don’t customize, this delicious breakfast is under 350 calories and contains 6 grams of protein!

A plain hamburger – Though it may not be the most exciting thing on the menu, a plain hamburger will keep you full. Plus, when you skip the fries, you’re skipping the added sodium, instead enjoying a meal that’s just 250 calories and contains 13 grams of protein. For a carb-reducing elimination for your burger, consider ditching the bun and enjoying just a patty, which saves 28 grams of carbs!

Sonic 

There’s a reason this fan-favorite food and beverage chain is so popular. With thousands of customizable drink choices and easy snack options, Sonic is a great after-school or work destination. Next time you’re pulling up to your favorite drive-in, consider ordering one of these healthier drink choices!

• Diet Limeade – This sugar-free drink is great for soda lovers looking to avoid caffeine, sugar and extra calories. If you want a boost in flavor, try the diet Cherry Limeade.
• Unsweet Iced Tea – If you’re craving an ice-cold drink without carbonation, try an unsweet ice tea!

Taco Bell

Good news for Taco Bell fans: everything on their menu is customizable, and you can swap out any cheese, sour cream, mayo-based sauces and guacamole for fresh pico de gallo simply by asking for your order to come “fresco style.” This will automatically reduce unnecessary fat consumption by up to 25%! Take the “Crunchy Taco Supreme,” usually 190 calories, but when ordered “fresco style”, you’ll save 50 calories.

Subway

Did you know that Subway is the most widely operated fast-food chain in the world with almost 40,000 locations? With wraps, sandwiches and salads, Subway remains a great option when looking to eat healthier when dining out. Here are a few ways to get the most out of your order:

• Ask for extra veggies on your sandwich, and avoid orders of double meat.
• Stick to generic condiments and avoid Subway’s pre-mixed dressings, which contain extra calories.
• Order your sandwich “scooped.” Save unnecessary carbs and calories when you order your sandwich with the extra bread scooped from the middle!
• Go “bunless” and order one of Subway’s salad options instead of a sub for a nutrient-filled meal that’s tasty and good for you.
• Use the chain’s nutrition and allergy guide to compare add-ons and substitutions that may make your meal healthier.

Chick-fil-A

There’s no doubt Chick-fil-A is one of the most popular fast-food chains, taking the nation by storm from 2000 to 2011, when it reached its level of current popularity. Fried chicken may not be your best bet at the restaurant—consider eating less chicken next time you visit. The local Chick-fil-A food truck in Gatesville gives diners the option to purchase salads. Chick-fil-A salads are full of nutrients and fresh ingredients, including nuts, fruit and grilled chicken. The Market Salad with no chicken is only 440 calories and includes mixed greens, apples and blueberries. 

Mexican Restaurants

If you’re craving Mexican, there are several ways to keep your meal low-fat and lower your calorie consumption. Stick to fajitas next time you’re at your favorite Mexican restaurant. Fajitas include grilled chicken, a healthy source of protein, and antioxidant-rich onions and peppers. Swap out the sour cream and cheese toppings on your tacos, burritos or bowls for guacamole, as avocados are loaded with healthy fats and vitamins. 

Next time you’re at your favorite fast-food restaurant, you now have the tools to make healthier choices to fuel your body. If you’re struggling with healthy eating and weight loss, it may be time to bring in the experts. Coryell Health has a range of surgical and non-surgical weight loss options. Our Ideal Protein Program is a physician-supervised weight loss program designed to get your eating back on track. If you still need support, we also offer surgical weight loss options led by Dr. David Gochnour, a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon. Contact your primary care provider today to see which one is right for you. Take back control of your life with the help of Coryell Health.

With the New Year just around the corner, you may be gearing up for a celebration to ring in 2023. Are you planning on wearing high heels? Beauty doesn’t have to be painful! You can feel confident in your outfit without causing damage to your feet. Here’s how:

How Heels Wreak Havoc

Love wearing high heels? Most women do! While the shoes are fashionable, trendy and a common outfit pairing, they can lead to chronic pain and many other foot ailments. 

Dr. James Townson Jr., a podiatrist at Coryell Health, has seen a fair share of health issues associated with heels.

“I have treated numerous patients who had to wear high heels every day for work, and now suffer from chronic foot pain in the balls of their feet, as well as their back, ankles, and more,” he said. “Heels can cause multiple problems to your feet and body due to significant pressure placed on the balls of the feet, the calf muscles tightening over time, and squeezing of the toes and forefoot together. All of this consequentially impacts your feet.”
-Dr. James Townson Jr.

Because your feet are meant to walk heel to toe, high heels have the potential to cause pain in your feet, hips and back. The shoes prevent your feet from their usual patterns of movement, which are designed to perfectly disperse your weight as you stand and walk. Heels disproportionately place weight on the front of your feet, putting unnecessary pressure on the joints in the rest of your body, including your hips and back as your center of gravity shifts forward. Heels can also cause ingrown toenails, which are painful and may require treatment from a physician. For regular heel-wearers, in extreme cases, heels may even lead to stress fractures!

Protect Your Feet

Don’t fret: There are ways to minimize damage to your feet when you wear heels! 

• Choose shorter heels, or heels with platform soles that reduce the angle of the shoe. This takes the pressure off the rest of your body.
• Reduce the time you’re in heels by as much as possible. If wearing heels out of the house to an event or function, consider bringing other shoes to wear while traveling to and from the venue. 
• Consider wearing wedges with more supportive heels and wider toe boxes.
• Ensure your heels properly fit and are the correct size. Your shoes should be snug, not tight, and your feet should stay upright without shifting around.
• When possible, wear flats instead. Flats can be a professional alternative to heels that minimize pain and damage to your body.

Beauty doesn’t always have to equal pain. When you choose the right heels, or save the shoes for special occasions only, you’re protecting your entire body from aches and pains. 

Are you experiencing foot pain? Get back on your feet with the help of Coryell Health’s podiatry services led by James Townson Jr., DPM. Specializing in diabetic foot care, wound care and trauma, our center produces individual treatment plans based on your lifestyle needs. Call today to learn more at (254) 865-2166.

Are you tired of home upkeep? Not only can homeownership be a drain on your finances, but it takes hours of time and attention that you could be spending on the things you love with the people you love. If you’re ready to focus on what matters, it may be time to consider downsizing.

Why Downsize?

Lower Cost

You won’t just be saving on rent or mortgage payments but on upkeep costs as well. Consider the price of home repairs, maintenance issues and insurance. Downsizing allows you to avoid the overhead costs of homeowner’s insurance and removes the burden of home repairs. Plus, you won’t be dealing with constant yard work.

These necessities alone add up quickly and that doesn’t even take into consideration things like

housekeeping, laundry, restaurants, entertainment, unexpected expenses and going on vacation. Even if staying at home sounds like it will be less expensive, it’s worth your time to consider the actual cost.

“The cost to own and maintain the person’s home–as well as the cost of potential 24/7 in-home care–may be a significant financial burden, making a senior residential community or nursing home more affordable,” Susie Keeney, Coryell Health Director of Assisted and Independent Living at The Oaks, explains. “Many of our residents found it to be more advantageous to move into one of our residential communities here at Coryell, where they receive around-the-clock care, engaging activities with friends and chef-prepared meals without the responsibilities of home maintenance.”

Convenience 

You may want to move closer to family, and now’s the perfect time to choose a smaller apartment. Choosing to relocate due to the convenience of proximity to family not only saves money but time, as you no longer need to spend hours in transit to see them. If you do have the travel bug, it’s easier to travel more when you live in a smaller apartment. You won’t be bound by upkeep that may keep you home. 

If you’re tired of constant cleaning, take heart! Apartments and studios are far more convenient to clean, and if you’re paying money to have your current home cleaned, you’ll save money here, too, as regular cleaning on your own is far more attainable in a studio or apartment.

Coryell’s Independent Living at the Oaks

What does Coryell’s Independent Living at the Oaks have that’s so great? First, our apartments and studios are easier to navigate. You can avoid going up and down stairs, safely traveling from room to room without fear, even as you continue to age. You’ll live in close proximity to those who are also retired, around the same age and often have many similar interests. Constant activities fill the calendar, so when you’re not traveling or visiting family, you’ll have plenty to do. Plus, our apartments share the same roof as our hospital, so immediate medical care is always available if necessary!

Are You Ready to Downsize?

Ask yourself these questions to see if it may be time to relocate.

• Is home upkeep taking time from family and your hobbies?
• Is your yard getting difficult to maintain?
• Is it becoming costly to remain in your home?
• Do you have too many things in your home to manage?
• Do you have unused bedrooms?

If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, it might be time to look into downsizing. What’s most important to you in your life? 

“When we ask people what’s important to them, they say their hobbies, family and safety,” Susie Keeney said. “They never say ‘my extra bedrooms.’”

Make Downsizing Work For You

If you’re avoiding downsizing because you have too many things to fit into a smaller home, you can get creative and make an apartment or studio work for you.

1. Spend time analyzing the things you have now. If you haven’t used something in the last year, donate it.
2. Set things of sentimental value aside to give to loved ones.
3. Purchase furniture items that double as storage, like a coffee table that opens to store photo albums and blankets.
4. Purchase plastic drawer sets to go in closets or under the bed for even more storage options.

If you’re ready for a life enjoying the things you love most, it’s time to consider downsizing. Independent Living at the Oaks has everything you need, from countless community events and activities to chef-prepared meals, so you can devote your time to what matters to you. Learn more about Independent Living at the Oaks on our website.