A study of more than 5000 adults with Diabetes highlighted the importance of family, friends, and colleagues in improving well-being and self-management. Family members are often asked to share the responsibility for disease management. They can provide many forms of support, such as instrumental support in driving patients to appointments or helping to inject insulin and social and emotional support in helping patients cope with their disease.
Through their communication and attitudes, family members often have a significant impact on a patient’s psychological well-being, the decision to follow recommendations for medical treatment, and the ability to initiate and maintain changes in diet and exercise.
Family members can feel distressed by their loved one’s diabetes due to limited knowledge about diabetes or not knowing how to support their loved one.
The family may also have misconceptions, such as believing that the patient knows more about diabetes than the patient actually reports or not understanding their loved one’s needs in diabetes management.
A diabetes caregiver should be made aware of the signs to identify any complications of eye, foot or kidney problems at an early stage and report to the physician. Paying attention to even loss of sensations or slippers slipping off the foot might be helpful to report at follow-ups.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Read More About: Tips for Diabetes Management
Knowledge about the disease, strategies to alter family routines, and optimal ways to cope with the emotional aspects of the disease are some of the aspects of diabetes self-management that family members need.
Educating family members about diabetes-care needs can help ease this strain by explaining why these changes are necessary, how these changes can best be implemented, and where to find additional information, such as healthy recipes or exercise routines.
Everyday care for diabetic patients includes “Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. Stop smoking, Keep track of your blood sugar.”
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The following 4 cornerstones of care are really important to pay attention to when taking care of a family member with Diabetes:
Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves. People with diabetes have a higher risk of health problems including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
If you have a child with diabetes, gradually teach him or her how to manage the condition: Although parents should always have a role in monitoring their child’s diabetes, as they get older, teens can take an increasing role in blood sugar monitoring and meal planning. Read more about symptoms of diabetes in children
Administering or tracking medications, encouraging changes to diet and activity levels, and ensuring regular monitoring as directed by a healthcare provider especially identifying any ulcers that don’t heal and reporting any changes in vision.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Read More About 10 Home Remedies for Diabetes
Need more information on diabetes and its related diseases? Ask Anya! Chat with Anya Bot here via Facebook and get more information on diabetes management.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
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Knowing and understanding the disease generally prepares one to manage things better. When your near one is diagnosed with cancer, initially it may be a denial phase for both of you, followed by acceptance. Accepting the facts is essential so that you can work towards taking care of the patient and his or her treatment.
As a cancer caregiver, it will be helpful for you to understand the disease condition and more importantly the stage at which the disease was diagnosed, the various tests and investigations that are advised by the doctor. This is important because the stage of the disease determines the kind of treatment the doctor would recommend. Based on the prescribed treatment, hospital stay, number of visits, side-effects, expenses, etc. will be decided. At times, surgery may be recommended followed by chemotherapy or radiation or vice versa.
Chemotherapy includes administration of various medicines to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Radiation also helps to kill the cancer cells. If either of these is given before surgery, its objective is to reduce the size of the tumor to make it operable. If given after surgery, it aims to eliminate residual cancer cells, if any. Some cancers may need multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation cycles.
Also, before each chemotherapy cycle, various laboratory investigations (diagnostic tests) may be required. This is important so that the doctor can decide whether the patient can tolerate the next chemotherapy cycle. If the results are unfavorable, the cycle may be postponed, and the patient may be kept under observation.
Sometimes the patient may have to be managed at the hospital after the treatment cycle is administered due to side effects of the anticancer medicines or radiation. Radiation or chemotherapy weakens the patient badly, and they need full-time care as well as motivation to carry on. As a cancer caregiver, it is vital to never lose hope even in sad moments.
Giving care and support during this time can be a challenge. Many caregivers put their own needs and feelings aside to focus on the person with cancer. This can be hard to maintain for a long time, and it’s not good for your health. The stress can have both physical and psychological effects. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Sometimes more than the diseased, you may feel the brunt of the treatment. Also, you may think that the initial cycles are taking a toll on the patient’s health. Do not get disappointed or lose hope. Do not hold the treatment. Your doctor is the expert who would give appropriate advice.
As a cancer caregiver, this what you need to remember:
Also Read: Exploring the Link: What Type of Cancer Causes Low Hemoglobin Levels?
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Having a family member with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) necessitates that you know more about the condition.
The disease initially and primarily affects the memory of the affected person. As the disease progresses other mental abilities like reasoning, decision-making, language, judgment is also affected.
Initially, the disease starts with mild symptoms of defects in the thought process. However, not all who suffer from cognitive difficulties develop AD. Based on the severity of the symptoms, the disease may be graded as mild, moderate or severe. Also, the disease may progress at a different pace in each affected individual.
Ways That May Help You To Support Your Family Member With AD
After confirmation of diagnosis, the patient is prescribed certain medicines. These medicines do help the patient by improving cognitive function. The doctor may also prescribe some medication to manage other symptoms like anxiety or aggressiveness. Compliance with the medication is essential to control the signs of the condition. The patient should be taken for periodic re-assessment of the disease.
In the initial or milder stage the patients generally repeatedly ask the same question or describe the same event again and again. They may forget the occasion they recently attended or the discussion they had. They also may tend to lose track of time or the day or week or month. They have difficulty remembering small things like spelling their name correctly. They tend to isolate themselves and demonstrate a lack of interest in anything. Due to the tendency of forgetting activities like banking, cooking, shopping, teaching become routine life becomes challenging. They may forget the usual way home from the office or nearby locations, so driving becomes difficult.
Since the patient may never accept that they have been diagnosed with AD, it is futile to convince them about it. Instead, the family members should focus on ways to tackle the newer problems that they anticipate due to the patient’s condition.
One may have to make alternative arrangement for the responsibilities the patient used to handle otherwise. Support may also be required to take the patient around to the doctor or for a walk or help with daily activities. Monitoring and ensuring the safety of the patient is necessary because they may unintentionally harm themselves, for example, they may use a knife as a comb or boil oil instead of milk for drinking. They may lose their way and be unable to reach back home.
In moderate cases, the patient may ask the same thing more repetitively, become restless or may suffer from unusual fears like fear of reading or bathing. Co-ordinated activities start getting affected like eating or simple activities like combing hair or clothing themselves or brushing teeth or walking. Their learned behaviour may be affected further like they may forget their driving skill or swimming. They may not be able to comprehend what is being told or may not be able to frame sentences or usually speak or read and write. They even may not be able to recognize family members or friends and neighbours. Some patients may become more aggressive
At this stage, they may need continuous monitoring and help. You may need to arrange support to manage them or become an Alzheimer’s caregiver yourself.
In severe cases, as the disease progresses, they become entirely dependent, since they almost completely forget the learned behaviour. Basic skills of swallowing or walking are wholly forgotten. They stop recognizing anyone.
In such severe cases, the patient needs complete medical care and may need to be sent to a specialized care centre.
At whatever stage the patient is, the Alzheimer’s caregiver has to gather a lot of patience and understand that it is the disease that is manifesting its symptoms. A dear one not recognizing you may be very distressing. Nevertheless, since there is no cure for AD, it is essential to accept that managing symptom and supporting the patient in his or her daily routine are a few ways one can help the patient.
Talk to them slowly framing simple sentences. Don’t be too assertive, listen to them. Be reassuring in case they feel unsafe and helpless. Tell them simple jokes. Use their favourite music or book to distract them if they are too agitated. Try to perform small tasks with them helping you like arranging books on the shelf or wiping dishes or stacking folded clothes.
Also Read: Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom: A Research-Supported Health Exploration
You may also want to talk to family members of other patients with AD or join a group so that you can get some practical tips on managing the patient. This may also help you to discuss particular problems which normally other people may not understand.
Closely tracking the patient’s condition, ensuring safety and caring for their general hygiene with periodic follow-ups with the doctor are some critical way in which you can care for your family member with AD.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Read More About: How To Manage Stress? Signs And Symptoms Of Stress In Women
Extreme diets are dangerous. The current societal environment is marked with a different perception of beauty, which can largely be attributed to advertisements and the media portraying an ”ideal” body type, thereby forcing vulnerable youngsters to fit into a ‘society approved mould.
Losing weight and attaining an ideal body type features prominently on most people’s to-do list, then be it a New Year’s resolution, planning a big event or holidays. A healthy weight is crucial for longevity, but unfortunately, the diet industry thrives on people’s desire to lose weight as quickly as they can – without putting in the work.
What we fail to realize is that there aren’t any shortcuts and that healthy weight loss can only be achieved through a balanced diet and exercise regime.
In the quest to lose weight quickly and easily, most people decide to go on an extreme diet. Extreme dieting involves reducing the calorie intake to lose a lot of weight in a short period, essentially pushing the body beyond its capabilities. As a general guide, men need around 2500 calories a day, and women need about 2000 calories a day depending on their age, and activity level. People suffering from obesity may be recommended a calorie-controlled diet to get to a healthy weight, but this would be under a doctor’s approval, and supervision and many dieticians only recommend losing one or two pounds a week. While extreme dieting may have the desired effect, there are health dangers associated with such a dangerous lack of calories. If you are considering an extreme diet, you should ensure that you have a full understanding of the health risks and side effects of cutting calories and restricting your food choices.
In my experience and research, I advise against extreme dieting, especially for young individuals. In a study, it was found that self-led extreme dieting actually led to more weight gain over time. Instead, focus on adopting balanced and healthy eating habits to maintain a healthy weight in the long term.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Extreme diets yield extreme results – but not always in the way you would like. They are more likely to make you feel sluggish, moody, nauseous and achy. Plus, in the long term, they can set you up for metabolism problems, rebound weight gain and life-threatening medical conditions. The following is a breakdown of the changes that happen in your body when you boycott carbs, drink every meal or deprive your body of the calories it needs.
Dehydration
The immediate ”success” on a crash diet is just an illusion, as any pounds which are lost, are likely come from water rather than fat. When on a restricted-calorie or carb intake, the first source of energy the body burns, long before fat – is glycogen which is a form of carbohydrate stored in the liver and muscles and attached to every gram is water. Symptoms of dehydration include a headache, fatigue, and dizziness.
Changes in Blood Sugar Levels
Since extreme diets are associated with yo-yoing or gaining back all of the weight that was lost on a diet, they contribute to insulin resistance and potentially Type 2 diabetes, as per a 2013 Diabetes study.
Muscles Break Down
Malnutrition and extreme diets are deeply connected. Malnutrition can lead to atrophy of muscles throughout the body, leading to muscles wasting. If weight loss is extremely fast, the muscles of the heart can atrophy. Extreme low-calorie liquid diets, for instance, have been linked to ventricular arrhythmias and death. A weakened heart is a serious problem that could cause a threat to life
Metabolism Slows
When one is following extreme diets, the body experiences a calorie deficit and energy levels drop, metabolism will naturally slow to conserve energy. This can stall weight loss and lead to the loss of muscle tone.
Malnutrition Begins
In the case of extreme diets, severe diet restriction leads to many nutrient deficiencies such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins (especially vitamin A, D, E, & K) and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, sodium, etc. These are essential food groups, and their absence in the diet can be the cause of numerous deficiency diseases. Abruptly resuming a regular diet can cause the phosphorus, magnesium and potassium levels to drop and lead to heart failure.
Brain Suffers
According to research published in The Journal of Neuroscience, extreme diets or any crash diet, even if it contains an adequate supply of carbohydrates, increases the brain’s levels of the stress hormone corticosterone, making the brain more susceptible to stress, increasing the risk of depression and predisposing you to future binge-eating behaviours.
Based on what I’ve seen in adults, chronic dieting can lead to various symptoms such as constantly thinking about food, feeling easily distracted and irritable, experiencing fatigue, and having a tendency to overeat or even binge eat. The mechanism behind this is that restrictive dieting can put the body in a state of deprivation, leading to increased cravings and a heightened focus on food.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
The best way to lose weight and sustain weight loss is to make a lifestyle change in your eating and exercising habits.
Eating healthy food, including protein and carbohydrates as well as lots of fruit and vegetables, while limiting saturated fat and sugar intake is the best ‘diet’ to lose weight safely. A healthy diet also needs to be subsidized with physical activity to reach health goals.
If you are concerned about your weight or eating habits or need advice on how to safely diet and lose weight, get in touch with a doctor.
Also Read: Pegan Diet: A Comprehensive Guide on Its Advantages and Challenges
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder is commonly known as ADD and is a neurological condition, often characterized by attention-related, impulse control or hyperactivity.Attention means notice taken of someone or something or regarding someone or something as interesting or important or the action of dealing with or taking special care of someone or something. Difficulty in paying attention or maintaining focus is roughly called Attention Deficit Disorder. People who have ADD generally lose focus or can sustain focus for a lesser span than an average person or are impulsive or hasty.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Most of us are aware of what is first aid and use it as soon as required to nurse even the smallest bruise. But when we are hurt emotionally, do we make an effort to treat ourselves or seek emotional first aid? Does it need to be taken care of? Well, yes! It does.
We may be shattered emotionally for one or more reasons like loss of a dear one, work-related issues, peer pressures, societal concerns, humiliation, rejection, loneliness and depression, etc. If we are physically fit, but emotionally drained it does, in turn, may affect us physically.
Also Read: Physical and Mental Signs of Depression
It may also lead to loss of sleep, irritability, impulsiveness, loss of appetite, which in turn is going to affect your overall health and performance. This may become a vicious cycle worsening your ability to even think of coping with the problem. Most of the time you may end up making inappropriate decisions.
Rather than letting yourself pass through such an avoidable mental and subsequent physical harm, you can practice emotional first aid like you may be using home remedies to treat trivial ailments. Emotional first aid is simply a method of helping yourself to cope up emotionally to handle the situation positively instead of getting bogged down by it.
So how do you practice emotional first aid? Since each being has a different personality and temperament, the method would be highly individualistic. However, there are certain general means that may help you at some of the other time.
Read more to Debunk myths on mental health.
Thus, emotional resilience is a must and it needs to be practiced as soon as required to live life to the fullest.
Also Read: Pregnancy Fatigue: Unraveling Causes and Research-Backed Solutions
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
If we look around, we may find so many millennials continuously drowned in their gadgets; some are playing video games, other on social networking or watching some live streaming or videos or rushing to be successful. Staying away from home or alone also could be the factor affecting the status of the mind. There appears to be constant competition in their minds; it could be with themselves or their peers or social networking sites.
The race could also be to perform better in interviews, in offices, click better selfies or keep oneself up with current trends. There is this ever-increasing thirst for being the best or having the most updated information about popular things. The reason they want to catch up and remain in this competition is not only a result of the evolution of technology but also because of the way the entire society has changed.
There is a constant evaluation of youngsters by society regarding their lifestyle, career, and aspirations. This leads to a continuous struggle to match the same. They struggle to meet the milestones set by society. Some of these could be unrealistic because each person is different and has his or her own intellectual and physical capacity. There could be limitations to what one could achieve.
Nevertheless, accepting one’s limits working around them and still growing requires some introspection. This is in turn needs time. But, millennials have already set up a hectic schedule for themselves and trapped by their aspiration to achieve rigid benchmarks. There is always a particular uncertainty that they are worried about.
‘Whether I would be able to or not? Am I going to be left behind? Am I doing enough? Will my selfie get enough likes? Will I be trolled? Will I be earning X amount by the time I am 30?’ ”¦and many more are the nagging fears they live with. This leads to distress and loss of peace of mind.
It is essential for one to understand that a healthy mind and body are the two most important things to let the best in oneself come out. One should be able to identify at what point the wish is changing into an obsession. Having such clarity will help one to draw a line and take appropriate decisions.
Also Read: What is Reiki Healing: A Comprehensive Understanding Through Research
It is essential to maintain a balance between things that are important for your work and health. Not letting the anxiousness control oneself and pressurize into pushing one’s limits too far. One should be able to practice self-control when one realizes that the demanding self is affecting one’s mind and in turn sleep. With adequate restraint, one can get over the distress caused due to the various stressors. Introspection can play a vital role in setting goals.
Playing a sport, eating healthy, spending time with positive people, restricting screen time, reading inspiring stories, setting realistic goals are some of how you could help yourself and stay away from negative pressures. Trying not to compete unless you have evaluated yourself with the capabilities required to achieve the same is the best way to achieve positive results. Have clarity on what you want and what you can achieve. Avoid obsessing and start living.
Also Read: How to Relieve Tension in Neck and Shoulders Resulting from Anxiety: Proven Techniques and Solutions
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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