Battling For Health

While college students plan their parties and high school students consider their weekend options; while your coworkers give thought to what movie they’ll see this weekend and family members consider how they might celebrate Easter, your plans remain the same. 

Whether you have dinner with family, attend a religious service or plan to stay home, one thing is constant.  You are a caregiver.

And there is at least one characteristic that is common among almost all caregivers, we are stressed and we need HELP.  You will rarely find a caregiver who says, “I’m all set, I have all the help and support I need.  My family readily chips in and I get a break whenever I need it.”

So, let me give you some practical suggestions as to how to get some much needed help:

ASK–I know that your brother should know that you take care of mom all week and that you need a break on the weekends.  But he didn’t renew his subscription to “Mind Reader Today,” so his skills have gotten a bit rusty.  Besides, you make it look easy and you seem to have everything under control.  So let him know that you need some help. 

BE SPECIFIC–”I could use some help you know” is not a request.  It’s a statement yelled in anger, frustration or desperation.  Or, it’s  breathed under your breath, either way, it still does not express what you really need. Try these specific requests and see how they work out:

• John, would you sit with mother on Saturday morning from 9 to 1?
• Mary, would you please prepare lunch for mom on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays?
• Mike, would you be willing to give mom dinner on Tuesday evenings?
• Linda, I know your schedule is tight. We are all stretched.  If I give you advance notice, would you handle taking mom to the doctor (or wherever)?

GET MOM OUT OF THE HOUSE–This one depends on what stage of Alzheimer’s you are dealing with.  Senior centers and Adult Day Care programs are excellent options.  They provide:

Opportunities for your loved one to socialize

Skill appropriate activities

Opportunity to get exercise 

A much needed break for YOU. 

In addition, many provide transportation to and from the center as well.

YOU GET OUT OF THE HOUSE–Consider paid help.  I have only one older brother.  At the time I was caring for my mom, we did not live in the same state.  So, I was pretty much on my own 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  It was a formula for disaster and depression.  Eventually, I hired someone to come in and help out.  On occasion, my husband or a church member would hold the fort down while I took a quick breather.

It was during my caregiving days that I buried superwoman along with her big red “S,” blue spandex and red cape flying in the wind.  I suggest you have a ceremony right now, let the superman/woman thing go. It’s a great cartoon, but doesn’t work in real life.

If you want to serve your loved one well and for the long haul, learn to ask for help and take care of YOU. 

Assignment–Get some HELP!

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Today, as I continue the discussion about incontinence in those affected with Alzheimer’s disease  I’ll talk about proper skin care, odor control and keeping yourself as a caregiver protected.

Yesterday’s post was dedicated to incontinence related products.  They work wonders in preventing leaks and stains when accidents occur.  However, the sealing characteristic that makes the products effective is the same one that causes potential skin issues.

The products tend to seal moisture IN.  That’s great for clothing and furniture, but not so great for skin; as the urine and or feces then remains in contact with the skin.  That is why the number one measure for protecting skin is CLEANLINESS. 

Pads and undergarments must be changed frequently.  AND the area must be cleaned gently with mild soap and water or wipes.

There are several products on the market, that are kin to diaper cream for babies.  They are creams, potions and lotions that form a moisture proof barrier on the skin.  I must stress though that the use of these creams does NOT replace the need for undergarments to be changed frequently and for a thorough washing of the soiled area.  It is also important for the affected person to change positions and/or shift weight often so as not to put too much pressure on one area for too long.

There are several mild soaps on the market, usually labeled as personal care wash or perineal or peri-wash.  These are formulated specifically to be used in the genital areas.  Most are safe for men and women. 

Antisceptic/anti-bacterial sprays are convenient because many of them are “no rinse” formulas and designed to kill germs and neutralize odors. Most do have fragrance of some kind, so be on the lookout for allergic reactions.

Now, as to the potential odor in the room.  Better to prevent odor than to attempt to remove it. But, if you have dealt with this issue you are well aware that as we have stated in earlier posts, everyone poops and the truth is that sometime it doesn’t smell very good.  First line of defense, crack a window (and keep it cracked).  It’s important to have fresh air circulating. 

Grocery stores and the mega marts have a plethora of air fresheners.  Most just perufme the air.  Personally, I like one called pure citrus.  Its a little pricy, over $4.00 for a 7 ounce can at the store, but it’s available on line for a much better price.  It worked for us.  Seemed to clean the air and leave a LIGHT citrus smell.  Find one you like and keep plenty close by. 

During my caregiving  years, I found that there were so many products that I needed someone to guide me through them and explain which ones were best given my mom’s situation at the time.  You might find it helpful to call a company that specializes in medical supplies, explain your specifics and allow them to give you some advice.  Try Kanawha Medical.  I believe you’ll find the customer service department to be knowlegable and genuinely interested in helping you to find the best products possible.

It feels terribly impersonal, but consider wearing gloves.  Lets’ face it, you are not dealing with toxic or nuclear waste.  You are however dealing with bodily waste.  It’s easy to spread bacteria and gloves do provide a barrier.  Of course, the best barrier is thorough handwashing.  Running your hands under the faucet for 10 seconds or rubbing that antibacterial gel for 5 seconds, is NOT  handwashing.  You should sing “Happy Birthday” twice while you are washing your hands with soap and water, it should take about 30 seconds.

Below you’ll find the links for the week’s posts thus far.   Yes, incontinence is a difficult part of Battling the Monster, Alzheimer’s Disease, but it is doable and my goal is to help you to say, “I can do this” and provide you with the information and tools to make your job easier.

You Gotta Do What You Gotta Do….Dealing With Incontinence

Alzheimer’s Disease and Incontinence

Incontinence Products

Up for tomorrow.  Caregiver’s Corner

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Hodgkin’s Disease (HD) or Hodgkin Lymphoma is a type of lymphoma, not to be confused with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Lymphoma is a cancer that begins at the cellular level of the immune system. For more information on lymphoma in general see the excellent article in our archives.

Hodgkin’s Disease is identified by the presence of the Reed-Sternberg cell.

Hodgkin’s Disease/Hodgkin Lymphoma is broken down into two basic types: Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (95% of all cases) and Nodular lymphocyte-predominate Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL). NLPHL is rare and is identified by a popcorn cell.

HD can start anywhere in the lymphatic system but usually begins in the lymph nodes of the chest, neck or under the arms. It can spread from node to node and into the blood stream.

Classic symptoms of HD:

• Enlarged lymph nodes in the upper body that are painless
• Painful lymph nodes after consuming alcohol
• Unexplained weight loss, poor appetite
• Night sweats
• Itchy skin
• Respiratory distress, or chest pain
• Unexplained weakness or lethargy

These symptoms are very general and could indicate other diseases, which is why it is important to see a doctor right away for a complete physical. A follow up blood test, chest x-ray and/or CT or PET exam of the lymph nodes and spleen may be indicated. A biopsy (lymph node or bone marrow) is a final tool to check the cellular make-up of your lymphocytes.

Treatment:

Treatment plans will depend on the staging of the disease. Lymphoma has four stages. Stages 1 and 2 are limited disease and stages 3 and 4 indicate more extensive disease. Treatment is individualized and may include combination therapies.

Basic treatment modalities offered for HD may include:

Chemotherapy-Chemotherapy options for adult HD patients are discussed on the Lymphoma Network website.

Radiation-The basics of radiation therapy for the HD patient can be found on the Oncology Channel.

Stem Cell Transplant-For more information the National Cancer Institute provides a fact sheet called: Bone Marrow Transplantation and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation: Questions and Answers. It is in pdf format.

The American Cancer Society reports that in 2008 the estimated new cases and deaths from Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States are 8,220 new cases and 1,350 deaths.

Adults and children get HD but the most common groups are young adults (ages 15-40) and late adulthood (after 55).

Cause and Prevention:

The cause is unknown and so prevention of the disease is not possible.

There are disease indicators, those factors that have been found to be common or proven to indicate an increased risk per the American Cancer Society:

• Epstein-Barr virus-the risk is somewhat higher in individuals who have had EBV which is the virus that causes mono.
• Age-the age group characteristics listed above.
• Gender-HD is slightly more prevalent in males than females
• Geography-Most common in the U.S., Canada and northern Europe.
• Family History Risk Factor-Much higher if you have a brother or sister with HD.
• Socioeconomic-Higher risk is noted in people with a higher socioeconomic background.

Resources:

**The New York Times features an in depth article called Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in their Health Guide, dated today, March 20, 2008. This is an excellent resource. Print it out and save it.**

The American Cancer Society: Learn About Hodgkin’s Disease.

The Hodgkin’s Lymphoma page of the National Cancer Institute.

The Lymphoma Information Network:For information on Adult and Childhood Hodgkin’s Disease.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Cure Hodgkin’s.com

The Lymphoma Research Foundation

For support: The Violet Ribbon Campaign: Uniting the Hodgkin’s Disease Community.

Please send a note if you have other valuable resources you would like mentioned.

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Lauren Paul from Jane Wesman Promotions has sent not one, but 3 copies of The Healthy Carb Diabetes Cookbook for the readers of Battling Diabetes!

This month, the contest for the books will be a little different. You do not have to blog, just post a comment! You can post : “Enter me, please” or “Hey, neat, I want the book”, or even tell me all about your favorite recipe. Heck, tell me about your dog. Just be sure to place that you are entering the contest in you comment somewhere.

If you have friends who would benefit from this book, tell them about the contest or enter for them and send it as a gift!

For a review of The Healthy Carb Diabetes Cookbook, check out THIS post. (new window)

The contest will be open to new entries until midnight, April 2cnd. The winner will be chosen on April 3rd. Do not miss out on this great cookbook and thank you again to Lauren for providing such great books to sponsor our contest!

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I’ve just been told by somebody from the U.S. East Coast, that today - March 20 - is the official start of Spring.

Wow. Goodbye winter! Hello Spring! For us arthritics (people with arthritis) is a start of a better season. The time when we can enjoy leisurely walks to the park or to our homes and offices.

Walks on weekends; it doesn’t really matter what time of day, be it early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The point is, with spring, we have all day of the week to stretch our legs. To say goodbye to laziness and ignore our ever dependable couches for long…

That. And your garden. And barbecues. And picnics!! Oh MY! There are just too much outdoor activities to choose from. So, why not un-fuse your butt off the couch for once?! Ha ha ha.

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By Sharon A Bell

Schizophrenia is the most common and severe form of psychosis or thought disorder. It affects both men and women and appears to run in families. Because the exact cause of this condition is unknown, it may be difficult to treat and is usually permanent.

“About one percent of the population has schizophrenia, which is a disease of disorganization of social and psychological function including social withdrawal and eccentric behavior,” according to Drs. Donald S. Kornfeld and Philip R. Muskin in “The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide.”

There are many types of schizophrenia. In the catatatonic type, the patient may exhibit excitement and lack of interest alternately. In disorganized schizophrenia, the person is incoherent and either has no emotions or shows the wrong ones at the wrong time. Paranoid schizophrenia is characterized by bizarre delusions. The individual may believe that he or she is a famous star, is being chased by aliens or being hunted by agents who want to kill him or her.

“There may be a loosening of associations, with the affected person’s conversation jumping from one idea to a completely unrelated one. Or the schizophrenic may chatter away and yet fail to convey any information. Speech is vague, very abstract, or repetitive. The schizophrenic may play with language, making up new words that seem highly important but make no sense to anyone else,” said Dr. David E. Larson, editor-in-chief of the “Mayo Clinic Family Health Book.”

Schizophrenia may appear during adolescence or in late adulthood. The former is marked by lack of interest in social activities and personal hygiene. The schizophrenic’s face is expressionless and his attire is strange or eccentric. He talks in an unusual way and his statements may sound humorous or absurd. In between those bouts of disordered behavior, the schizophrenic may seem normal at times.

“Hallucinations are common, and the person is especially likely to hear voices, although schizophrenia is not to be confused with cases of multiple personality. The schizophrenic’s face tends to be expressionless and the voice is a monotone. The normal sense of self has been lost,” Larson added.

The second variety of schizophrenia often appears in the late 20s or early 30s. Abnormal speech, thought and behavior patterns usually arise from a stressful event.

Severe forms of schizophrenia, especially if the patient appears to be dangerous to himself/herself or to others, is best treated in a hospital. Treatment includes electro-shock therapy (which uses electric current to treat depressive disorders), antipsychotic drugs to reduce excitement and improve the person’s thought processes, and psychotherapy (a method of treating emotional problems by means of establishing a good relationship between the therapist and the patient).

To sharpen your mind, take Neurovar. For more information on this powerful supplement, go to www.neurovar.com/.

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine www.HealthLinesNews.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Bell

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Who remembers playing Pac-Man? Come on, ‘fess up. Basically Pac-Man moves through the maze eating the dots.

If you need a refresher, here’s a Tribute to Pac-Man from YouTube.

How does Pac-Man relate to cancer?

It’s all about visualization. Visualizing the very last cancer cell in your body being eaten up and destroyed by white cells, chemotherapy or radiation.

Visualization. The technique of creating images and actions in our mind and stepping into them in our reality. A method of teaching, understanding and coping.

Viktor Frankl, physician, and Logotherapist, who lived through the horrors of German concentration camps shared in this book, Man’s Search for Meaning, “everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms–to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s way.”

How do Pac-Man, visualization and attitude affect the cancer battle?

Unfortunately measuring the mind and the connection to the immune system is not always easy.

Biofeedback. Biofeedback is one measurable tool. Biofeedback is a methodology which utilizes techniques to assist patients to control body function such as blood pressure and heart beat and muscle tension by responding to their own body reactions.

The Continuum Center for Health and Healing describes biofeedback or self-regulation, this way: “…the ability to observe oneself and acquire the skills needed to make changes in one’s physiology, behavior, or even lifestyle in order to promote well-being and health.”

In the early ’90’s oncologist O. Carl Simonton, MD and psychologist Stephanie Simonton, Ph.D pioneered psychosocial cancer therapy. Getting Well Again, applies his self-awareness techniques. Today the Simonton Cancer Center shares the ten tenets which are based on the theory that our beliefs, belief systems and our emotions are central to health and healing.

Alternative Therapies? Is this thinking outside the traditional box of medical care? Yes.

Memorial-Sloan Kettering uses the term “complementary” to describe its Integrated Medicine Service, “…which addresses the emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and families,” and includes therapies, education, workshops and clinical trials. The services go beyond traditional medical standards and includes access to unproven therapies and modalities of care.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a division of the National Institute of Health is a U.S. government agency whose mission is to “explore complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, train complementary and alternative medicine researchers and disseminate authoritative information to the public and professionals.”

Today alternative methods of care is standard fare for cancer facilities across the United States.

Nutritional Therapy is the practice of supporting immune function and keeping the body strong during the traditional therapies such as chemo and radiation and helping the body during the recuperation phase. Cancer Treatment Centers of America is one of the pioneers in this therapy, going the extra step to provide in-hospital classes on nutrition and offering their own supplements for outpatients.

MD Anderson offers patient education and resources of complementary/integrative medicine options.

The University of California, San Diego Medical Center, Moores Cancer Center offers an incredible range of therapies from accupressure and Qigong, to guided imagery and music therapy.

And isn’t that what it’s about? Providing the therapies that make the cancer patient well again.

Pac-Man Theory? Why not?

It’s all about options in care.

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By Sharon A Bell

In some people, it is a mild illness. In others, it can lead to permanent disability. This is the nature of multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable disease that affects 300,000 people in the United States alone.

Myelin is a fatlike substance that covers the nerve fiber found in the brain and spinal cord. It is an essential part of the nervous system since it enables the nerves to carry electrical impulses to and from the brain where they can be acted upon by the appropriate part of the body.

In multiple sclerosis (MS), myelin is damaged for unknown reasons. As a result, normal nerve impulse transmission is impaired and the person experiences a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the brain and spinal cord is affected.

“An electrical short circuit develops, and normal electrical impulses cannot be carried by the nerves. The type of symptoms that result depends on where in the brain and spinal cord this process takes place, but usually, multiple sites are involved. Myelin has some ability to repair itself, but with repeated attacks of inflammation, scarring (sclerosis) takes place and permanent loss of function may result,” according to Dr. Timothy A. Pedley in “The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete-Home Medical Guide.”

MS is believed to be an autoimmune disorder wherein the body develops antibodies to attack myelin. Some say a virus is behind this disorder. The victims fall between the ages of 20 and 40, and are usually women. Symptoms may appear slowly or rapidly and the disease may disappear from time to time.

In the early stages, MS may be marked by blurred or double vision, difficulty walking, weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation. Later, the patient may suffer from tremors, loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty speaking, and impotence.

“It is not possible to provide a typical picture of multiple sclerosis. Some of the common symptoms, however, include loss of vision in one eye, double vision, loss of coordination and trembling of a hand, instability in walking, spasticity, loss of bladder control, and peculiar spontaneous sensations such as pins-and-needles feeling over part of the body, called paresthesias. At first the patient may have only intermittent symptoms. Since the physical examination at this stage may be completely normal, the patient’s complaints may be dismissed initially as ‘pyschosomatic’ or ‘hysterical,’” Pedley explained.

While some patients may recover dramatically, MS is an incurable disease and the survival rate of sufferers can fall anywhere from a few weeks to 50 years. For relief of symptoms, the doctor may prescribe cortisone drugs together with physical therapy to retain muscle function.

“Adequate rest and sleep are important. Complications such as bed sores, contractures, spasms, and bladder and kidney infections can usually be prevented with physiotherapy and good nursing care. Excessive heat should be avoided. Psychotherapy may help in rehabilitation. Very strenuous and fatiguing exercise is not beneficial and may be harmful,” said Kurt Butler and Dr. Lynn Rayner of the University Of Hawaii in “The Best Medicine.”

To strengthen your body, take Immunitril - your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system. For details, visit www.bodestore.com/immunitril.html.

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine www.HealthLinesNews.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Bell

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Sugar Substitute, How Much Is A Cup?

I can not count the number of times in the past when I have tried to figure out just how much of a sugar substitute to use in place of sugar in a recipe. I admit, I have just gone by taste plenty of times. So I spent a little time tracking down the correct measurements for a few popular sweeteners to share. I am also working on my own brown sugar substitute. Hah, don’t worry, Julie is not mixing up chemicals in a lab, just trying to figure out the best ratio of sweetener to molasses in a recipe to get that brown sugar taste.

Measures

Many artificial sweeteners are changing their formulations to be able to measure equally a cup for a cup. Equal has their ‘Spoonful’ version, while Splenda has it’s own version used cup for cup as well. Sweet n Low has a brown sugar alternative as does Splenda.

But when faced with packets the math can be frustrating. One packet of most brands equals two teaspoons of sugar, but what about cup measurements?

*Equal:

24 packets is equivalent to 1 cup of sugar
12 packets is equivalent to ½ cup sugar
6 packets is equivalent to ¼ cup sugar

Equal has 4 calories per packet and does not do well in recipes calling for long periods of high temperatures. Use the specially designed recipes on the boxes or on the Equal website. www.equal.com

*Sweet n’ Low:

12 packets is equivalent to 1 cup sugar
6 packets is equivalent to ½ cup sugar
3 packets is roughly equivalent to ¼ cup sugar

4 calories per packet. Can be used in all cooking and baking without losing its’ sweetness factor. The Sweet N’ Low website offers recipes. www.sweetnlow.com

*Sweet One:

12 packets is equivalent to 1 cup sugar
6 packets is equivalent to ½ cup sugar
3 packets is roughly equivalent to ¼ cup sugar

4 calories per packet. Can be used in all cooking and baking without losing its’ sweetness factor. The Sweet One website offers recipes. www.sweetone.com

Soon to Come

After some investigation and research, I will be posting information concerning aspartame, much like the Agave post. According to a recent comment, I may be incorrect in my assumptions. Please stay tuned for an update!

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