Health Tip: After a Car Accident
Traffic accidents often cause more than physical injuries -- they can also cause emotional and mental trauma.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to prepare your mind and body for a return to the road:
* Take care of your physical injuries -- see your doctor about any post-accident pain.
* As long as your injuries permit, try to get some exercise. Speak to your doctor about setting limits.
* Talk about the experience with your friends and family. This may help you better deal with post-accident anxiety.
* Resume your old routine and daily activities.
* Teach yourself to become a more defensive driver. Always wear a seat belt, and practice good driving habits.
Health Tip: Taking a Mental Status Test
Mental status tests are given to determine the state of a person's mental health. The test, for example, can help gauge the mental progression of a physical illness such as Alzheimer's disease.
Here's what may comprise a mental status test, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
* An examination of physical appearance, including dress and grooming.
* Orientation and awareness -- knowing one's own name, address, and phone, as well as the current date and season.
* Length of attention span, and short-term and long-term memory.
* Tests to determine abilities including problem solving and judgment.
* Ability to identify objects and recall words.
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