Health Tip: Before an MRI
An MRI is a diagnostic procedure used to detect injuries and abnormalities inside the body.
The University of Michigan Health System suggests how you should prepare for an MRI:
* Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you can eat, drink and take your medications as usual before an MRI.
* Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
* Do not wear any clothing with metal zippers, snaps or other fasteners, as metal can affect the results and even lead to injury.
* Tell your doctor if you have any metal plates, screws or other metal objects anywhere in your body.
* Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker implanted. Depending on the type of pacemaker, you may or may not be able to have an MRI.
Health Tip: Learning to Use Crutches
Certain injuries require the use of crutches. But learning to use them can be a challenge.
Here are suggestions from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to help you get around on crutches:
* When standing up straight, your crutches should reach to about 1 inch from your armpits, and the hand grips should be level to about the top of your hips.
* Keep your elbows slightly bent when holding the hand grips (they should naturally bend if the crutches are the right size).
* Put most of your weight and pressure on your hands, rather than on your armpits.
* Begin walking by positioning the crutches about 12 inches in front of you, and swing your body forward between the crutches, leading with the injured leg.
* When sitting down, back yourself up and gently lower yourself down into a sitting position, being careful to protect your injured leg.
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