Actress Selma Blair has found her ally in the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS). As we know, Blair has suffered from this pathology for years and has not hesitated to make it visible to help other people in the same situation. During her appearance at the Tribeca Film Festival yesterday, she was accompanied by a companion who kept an eye on her, Her service dog ‘Scout’, an integral four-legged therapist who always helps her So that the actress can continue living her life. We spoke to several experts to explain how these animals can help people with MS. But first, let’s review to know more about this disease.
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Multiple sclerosis is a Autoimmune disease Which causes the immune system to attack myelin, the substance that covers nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. It disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms can vary widely, from hand numbness and weakness to vision and coordination problems. One of the symptoms is loss of balance, which can make walking extremely difficult and increases the risk of falling. In fact, as Selma Blair said people, Your dog gives you confidence and helps you continue your routine as he places himself between your legs to help you stand and stabilize yourself when you experience muscle spasms or balance problems..
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Why can dogs help people with multiple sclerosis?
“Dogs can help patients with various conditions or pathologies. Depending on the state of evolution of the disease, therapy dogs can help people improve physically and mentally, or limit the speed of the degeneration process,” explains us. Sonia Saez, Veterinarian and Head of Communications for Purina Spain.
The strength of the human-animal bond has a huge impact on the emotional level of patients who have to deal with episodes of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. “On a physical level, the presence of therapy dogs can help health professionals meet the objectives set more effectively, making joint mobilization less expensive for patients,” he notes. For patients with limited mobility, assistance dogs can be a great help, helping people carry things, carry clothes, open and close doors or drawers.
For its part, Enrique García, Occupational Therapist of the Emis Group and Head of the Chronic Patients Unit at ORPEA Madrid Miraciera indicates that dogs primarily use a combination of observation, recognition of specific signs, and previously trained behavioral routines Identify and respond to the needs of people with multiple sclerosis. A dog’s ability to provide assistance depends on specific and extensive training and a close connection with the owner. Some ways to identify dogs are:
Monitoring physical symptoms
Recognition of physical symptoms
Change in body odor
Behavioral routines
Caution for changes in mental status
And he added that the support of a dog, as a pet or service dog, can have a significant impact on the quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis, providing both physical and emotional benefits. Actually that is what he explains in the center Orpea Madrid Mirasierra, in collaboration with Fundación Diversion SolidariaAssistive therapy with dogs is administered to a small group of users, especially with the aim of improving psychological well-being, since interaction with dogs can Reduce stress, improve mood and provide a positive distraction.
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What are these therapy or service dogs taught like Selma Blair’s dog?
“Give Therapy dogs are selected from puppies To ensure both their ability and their well-being, so that the animal enjoys the work they are doing. Therapy dogs are trained in basic obedience, as well as conducting activities that can contribute to improving patient behavior. It is important that there are animals Ability to quickly form a bond with peoples, such as eye contact, pawing or resting the head on the patient’s lap,” explains Sonia Sayez.
Likewise, dogs give unconditional love and are animals that do not judge us regardless of our physical characteristics or pathology, making the connection we make with dogs special, natural and spontaneous.
– Read: Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy
How do you recognize when your human friend needs help?
“Dogs are seriousThey are empathic by nature, and have the ability to detect changes in mood, nervousness, pleasure or discomfort. In most cases, when dogs notice that we are not well, they come to us to show their support and encourage us to form a bond to connect with them and allow us to relax. It is scientifically proven that contact with animals lowers heart rate and blood pressure, thus increasing relaxation in people around them,” said the Purina expert.
On the other hand, the sense of connection can go further, as in the case of medical alert dogs, which are capable of detection. Sugar levels rise or fall in diabetic patientsor help prevent Epileptic seizures Warning before they happen.
Enrique Garcia, from the emeis group, doesn’t want these dogs to stop remembering to train to be therapy or service dogs.
“He andTraining a therapy dog is a rigorous and ongoing process.“, ensuring that the dog can safely and effectively provide emotional and psychological support, some of the behaviors that are taught are:
Basic Loyalty
Socialization.
Calm and quiet demeanor.
Physical handling tolerance.
positive interaction.
Ignore the confusion.
Specific therapy techniques.
Adaptation.
Stress management.
And he concludes by emphasizing that the benefits seen in these patients are:
Emotional support and company.
physical support
Encouragement to exercise.
Improves psychological well-being
Reminders and cognitive aids.
Intervention in emergency cases.
Not in vain Blair confirmed this to the newspaper people The support her dog ‘Scout’ gives her and her entire family. In addition to physical help, these dogs also provide emotional support, providing a constant source of companionship and security. For Blair, having a ‘scout’ by his side doesn’t just give him confidence You also need to move forward with your career and social life Provides peace of mind for your familyKnowing that he has a loyal and capable ally to help him at any time.
– Read: Therapy with dogs to stop anorexia or bulimia
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