ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Rio Rancho

12/14/2025

Happy Hanukkah to our patients, families, staff, and community members who celebrate. May the Festival of Lights bring warmth, hope, and healing to you and your loved ones this season.

12/08/2025

Shorter, colder days don’t have to mean that you move less. Staying active will help you maintain strength, balance, and overall health.

When considering outdoor activities like walking, try to plan for a time of day that still provides sunlight. Get up a few minutes earlier for a quick walk before work or use part of your lunch break to get outside. Be sure to dress in layers to stay warm and comfortable, and wear slip-resistant shoes.

If you go for a walk or run at night, stay on a well-lit path, wear reflective clothing, and consider carrying a light with you. A pet or friend also may provide extra motivation and safety for a nighttime stroll.

If you prefer working out indoors, however, create a small workout space in your house or considering joining a gym or group fitness class. Throughout the day, take stairs or short indoor walks. Do gentle stretches or squats while waiting for coffee or meals. Schedule short activity breaks throughout the day.

12/01/2025

‘Tis the season for celebrating and decorating, but it’s also when home-related accidents rise. Each year, thousands of individuals visit emergency rooms for preventable injuries that can be avoided with some simple safety tips:

• Inspect ladders before use. Place on level ground, wear slip-resistant shoes, and avoid overreaching or standing on the top step.
• Keep fresh trees watered and away from heat, or use fire-resistant artificial trees. Check tree lights for damage, choose UL-approved strands, and unplug decorations before bedtime or when leaving home.
• Keep decorations, cords, and candles out of reach of children and pets. Secure walkways, and use clips instead of nails for hanging lights.

By staying mindful, you can enjoy the holidays while keeping you, your family, and your home safe.

11/27/2025

11/24/2025

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 45% of dementia cases may be preventable or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes. Protect your brain and slow cognitive decline by adopting these habits:

• Stay physically active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, including aerobic and strength training.
• Manage health conditions: Control blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and cholesterol to support brain health.
• Engage your mind: Challenge your brain with puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing instruments.
• Maintain social connections: Stay connected through social groups, volunteering, or community activities.
• Prioritize quality sleep: Aim for consistent, restful sleep to help clear brain toxins linked to dementia.
• Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
• Address hearing loss early: Treat hearing issues promptly to reduce cognitive decline risk.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Reducing these can help preserve brain health.

11/17/2025

According to the American Lung Association, about 11.1 million U.S. adults live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), though many more may be undiagnosed. COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is most often caused by long-term exposure to smoke, fumes, dust, or chemicals—most commonly from cigarette smoke.

Chronic bronchitis causes airway inflammation and mucus buildup. Emphysema damages air sacs in the lungs, reducing oxygen flow. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, coughing with mucus, and frequent lung infections. While COPD is progressive, it is treatable with early care.

If you experience any symptoms, let your healthcare provider know.

11/10/2025

Diabetes is often misunderstood and surrounded by misconceptions. It is not simply caused by eating too much sugar, nor is being overweight the only factor. Diabetes is a complex condition influenced by genetics, weight, activity level, age, and ethnicity.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells. Type 2 diabetes results from a combination of factors, and people of any weight can develop it.

Managing diabetes involves more than diet. Carbohydrates and sweets can be included in moderation with portion control. Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. Management often includes lifestyle changes, medication, and monitoring. Insulin is essential for type 1 and sometimes needed for type 2 as insulin production declines.

If you have diabetes, always follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

11/03/2025

Being a family caregiver is rewarding, but it often comes with physical and emotional challenges. Caregivers may feel isolated as they step back from social activities to care for loved ones. Friends and family might not understand the demands or may withdraw out of uncertainty. Still, support doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, thoughtful gestures can make a meaningful difference.

• Offer to run errands or pick up groceries
• Bring over a meal or set up a meal train
• Help with chores like laundry, dishes, or yard work
• Stay with their loved one so they can take a break
• Assist with organizing medical or legal documents
• Share helpful tech tools for caregiving
• Check in regularly and listen without judgment
• Encourage caregivers to care for their own health

11/01/2025

Native American Heritage Month honors the history, culture, and lasting contributions of Indigenous people across the United States. It’s a time to recognize rich traditions, celebrate resilience, and reflect on the importance of preserving and respecting Native heritage for future generations.

10/27/2025

Flu season usually starts in October and peaks between December and February. It’s spread mainly through respiratory droplets when we talk, cough, or sneeze. To protect yourself and others, be sure to get a flu shot. Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes. If you do feel sick, stay home and away from others. A few simple steps can keep you and others safter this season.