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Health

How social workers promote diversity, equality and inclusion in their work

March 2, 2023 by Theo Leave a Comment

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Social workers form the bulk of mental health service providers in the United States. At more than 200,000, they outnumber psychiatrists, psychologists and psychiatric nurses.

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) alone employs more than 15,000 social work professionals. Nearly half of all trained disaster management volunteers are trained social workers.

These professionals are a fixture in communities all over America. They are employed in schools, senior centers, prisons and hospitals, as well as public and private agencies.

Their work is not limited to mental health. Social workers are tasked with helping individuals and families who for one reason or another may be struggling. The average social worker deals with everything from addiction to violence within the home to the elderly who may be having difficulty accessing basic services.

A good social worker knows how to promote diversity, equality and inclusion. Not only do they have to be culturally competent themselves, but they must also teach others the value of inclusivity and diversity in the communities where they work.

You may be contemplating enrolling in higher education in social work but asking yourself: “What can I do with an MSW?”

Many people assume that good career prospects do not exist for social workers. They may see the profession as government employees who go from home to home trying to iron out problems within troubled families or assist people deal with addiction or mental health issues.

Although social work is indeed a challenging career, it is also very rewarding. With a master’s degree in social work, you can climb to the highest ranks of the profession whilst helping people at their most vulnerable. You can be involved in overseeing other social workers and crafting policies that uplift communities, families and individuals.

You will also be tasked with teaching those you supervise the value of diversity, equaliy and inclusion in their work. You can choose to work with families and children within the criminal justice system or help improve mental health within your community. The VA and the private sector also have employment opportunities for social workers, and with a master’s degree, you can expect to join management before too long.

Even as you investigate higher education options in social work, it is important to know the meaning of diversity, equality and inclusion, and how they impact social work.

What is diversity in social work?

Think about your community. If it is like most communities in America today, it encompasses people of many different races, religions and sexual orientations. That is diversity. Diversity is more than race and ethnicity; it refers to all the factors that make a person unique.

As a social worker, you will encounter all sorts of people. To do your job effectively you must learn to accommodate them and treat everyone equally and fairly. You must learn to respect different cultures and understand that what may seem normal to you may be odd to another because of their upbringing, culture and beliefs.

When we talk about diversity many think about race and ethnicity, but it goes beyond that.

Imagine, for example, a White social worker who serves the elderly in a community that is largely White. A certain elderly lady of the same race and ethnicity is one of his clients, and every time he visits she insists on reading a few bible verses and saying a prayer before they get started.

If the social worker does not share her religious beliefs this may become particularly irritating, and over time they may stop providing services. The old lady falls through the cracks.

A good social worker would not let a client’s religion get in the way. They would find ways to work around it so that they can deliver services as required.

The role of diversity is to ensure that services are delivered to all, regardless of where they come from, what they believe in, or their culture.

How can a social worker become more diverse?

Diversity does not come easily, especially for those who have grown up in small, homogeneous communities, but there are certain things that you can do to become more tolerant of others:

  • Develop cultural competence. This means learning about other cultures so that you can understand them better. Cultural competence allows you to accommodate people from different backgrounds.
  • Interact with people of different ethnicities, religions, races and backgrounds. If some aspect of a certain culture is difficult to understand you do not have to let it interfere with your job. Take it as it is and serve all your clients with equality and fairness. It is important to keep in mind that we are all affected by bias. It is only by being aware of it that one can eliminate it.
  • Be an avid learner — as outlined in the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics, these professionals are required to be knowledgeable about the history, traditions, cultures, art and family systems of different ethnic groups. This is a lot of knowledge, and you have to be an avid learner to internalize all that is required. Reading is one way you can become more familiar with other cultures. You can also watch documentaries and attend cultural events. Making friends with people from different parts of the world is a very effective way of getting a better understanding of who they are and their belief systems.
  • Become a social justice advocate — as you go about your daily duties you should be aware of stereotypes within your community and point them out. Many people do not know that they have biases. As a social worker, you are an authority figure in your community and those around you listen to you. Make others aware of their stereotypes and talk with them about the value of treating everyone equally. Use whatever tools are at your disposal to support the rights of the underprivileged.
  • Recognize minorities and honor their contribution to the community — every community has people who make outstanding contributions to the wellbeing of others. Use your position to honor them and let everyone know that they contribute to the betterment of the community at large.

What is equality in social work?

Equality in social work can be a confusing concept. Treating all people equally often ends with mixed results. As a social worker, you need to assess each case to determine how best they can be helped.

The measures you take to help a drug-addicted person in a financially stable family, for example, will differ from those that you take to help an addict from a poor family.

For the former, you can recommend a private rehabilitation center, but for the latter, a government-run rehabilitation center will have to do. Although you take different actions, the aim of both is the same — they will be weaned off their addiction and become useful members of society.

Equality is more about making sure that your clients get what they need to help them out of their predicament. The needs of individuals and families differ, so you should make assessments so that you can distribute resources most effectively.

To give you another example, two women, both of whom experience violence in the home, may need very different interventions. One may need to leave the home right away, while the other may need to get a job so that she becomes self-reliant.

Knowing your clients well is the only way you can deliver what they need.

Each community is unique so requires different interventions, but there are certain things you can do to ensure equality across the board:

  • Do not rush to help unless there is an emergency. Rather, take the time to talk to your clients and understand their particular circumstances so that you can develop effective and long-lasting solutions.
  • You should not assume that you have all the answers. Many social workers will tell you that their clients are aware of what they need, and all they lack are the resources. Talk to your clients and other professionals. Include clients in finding solutions whenever possible.
  • Know what resources are available to you. In many communities, families are not aware of government resources that they can use to uplift themselves. As a social worker, it is your job to find out what resources you can offer. Look into government programs, charities and even private businesses that may be willing to help.
  • Learn from more experienced colleagues. They have a better feel for the issues of the community and they may have a fairly good idea of what solutions should be implemented.

What is inclusion in social work?

Social workers typically work with people who have experienced some form of discrimination, which leads to social exclusion. Clients, whatever their background and social problems, should feel valued and included in their communities.

Take the example of a young mother who struggles to balance the demands of childcare and a job. She does not have time to meet with other young mothers in her community, and as a result may feel isolated, excluded and depressed.

Ideally, together with their social worker, they should find ways to get her more involved in community activities. It can be by finding childcare solutions or a less demanding job.

Elderly people can easily feel excluded, especially if they have mobility issues. Handicapped people may also not feel valued and included. It is the job of the social worker to make sure that they are integrated and valued in their communities. Here are some ways this can be done:

  • Understand the real reasons behind the exclusion. Some are physical and some are psychological. Talk to the client and together work out ways in which they can participate and feel valued.
  • Make the community aware that these people are there and should be included whenever possible. If you become an advocate for them and let them be seen they are more likely to make friends and feel included.
  • Organize whatever resources are needed for better mobility and comfort. For the elderly, for example, driving is a challenge, and they miss out on community activities because they have no means of travel. If you can organize for one of the businesses to donate vehicles to transport them, you will encourage them to form bonds with others in the community.
  • Teach your community about inclusion and diversity. If everyone is culturally competent, they will be more welcoming to those who may be marginalized by their circumstances.

Can you learn all these things in an MSW?

A Master of Social Work covers a variety of topics. Depending on where you are enrolled, your curriculum may include modules like social work with individuals, sociological concepts and contemporary concerns, social justice and human rights, social policy and planning as well as administration of welfare services.

All these areas integrate diversity, equality, and inclusion in one way or another. If you are lucky, you may encounter these as stand-alone modules where you can study them in depth.

However, to treat everyone equally, and be culturally competent and advocate for those who are excluded in their communities, you need to develop certain soft skills. You should be a great listener, have a thirst for knowledge about other cultures and learn to be open-minded. You should also learn how to be an advocate for your clients by making sure that they are represented in different facets of the community.

Soft skills may seem like a difficult proposition in the beginning, but you can learn them as you go along.

There are short courses that you can take on how to be a better listener, how to be a good public speaker and how to empathize with others. They will set you on the right track, and so long as you remain committed to learning you will eventually hone these skills and become an excellent social worker and advocate.

You can also learn a lot from other social workers with more experience. They can help you see new perspectives and find solutions to complex problems.

Interacting with other professionals in adjacent careers may also be beneficial. These may include doctors and nurses, psychiatrists and psychologists, and even lawyers who represent the downtrodden in society.

Conclusion

To be an effective social worker, strive to understand the value of diversity, equality, and inclusion and how they affect your work. Although you may get an introduction to these issues in your master’s degree in social work, you will get a much better understanding of how they affect individuals, families and communities when you go out in the field and handle real cases.

You may have to handle some complex and challenging situations, so have a support system in place to help you come up with workable solutions.

Filed Under: Health

Tips to Control Blood Sugar Level

July 27, 2022 by Theo Leave a Comment

A normal fasting blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dl. A fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl indicates prediabetes. Anything above 125 mg/dl is considered diabetes. Now, what is diabetes? When you have diabetes, your body cannot make enough insulin or cannot use it properly. As a result of insufficient insulin, excessive sugar accumulates in your bloodstream. Untreated diabetes might damage your kidneys, eyes, nerves and other organs. Therefore, checking and managing blood sugar levels is crucial to keeping yourself healthy and leading a quality life.

Symptoms of High Blood Sugar Level

The high blood sugar level is also called hyperglycemia. Some of the early signs of high blood sugar level in your bloodstream that you should not avoid are:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Extreme hunger
  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Sores and cuts that might take a lot of time to heal
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Frequent infections
  • Blurred vision
  • Irritability
  • Ketones present in the urine (when our body cannot produce enough insulin, muscle and fats breakdown, leading to the formation of ketones)

Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar Level

Hypoglycemia is a condition when the blood glucose level in the body falls below the normal range. It is a common condition in people with diabetes, but non-diabetics might also suffer from low blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia is of two types. One type is reactive hypoglycemia, where blood sugar levels fall a few hours after eating a meal. Fasting hypoglycemia is mainly linked to a disease or medicine. Some of the symptoms of low blood sugar level are:

  • Hunger
  • Shakiness
  • Sweating
  • Anxiety
  • Pale skin
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Crankiness
  • Fast heartbeat

Causes of High Blood Sugar or Diabetes

Some of the causes of high blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia are the following:

  1. Your body is not using natural insulin properly.
  2. The dose of medicine or insulin you are consuming is not working properly, leading to increased blood glucose levels.
  3. Your body cannot balance the carbohydrates you are consuming with the amount of insulin it produces.
  4. Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise
  5. Physical stress from an illness like cold, flu or other infections.
  6. Emotional stress from the excessive workload, family conflicts or relationship problems.
  7. Intake of steroids for some other condition.
  8. The Dawn Phenomenon: It is a condition when certain hormones surge every morning at around 4 am or 5 am. An endocrine condition called Cushing syndrome leads to insulin resistance.
  9. Pancreatic disorders such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis or pancreatic cancer.
  10. Certain steroids and diuretics
  11. Surgery and trauma
  12. Gestational diabetes when pregnancy leads to reduced insulin sensitivity.

Tips to Control Blood Sugar Level

High blood sugar levels, if left untreated, can lead to several complications. Neglected diabetes can be life-threatening, too. Here are some tips that can help you to keep your blood glucose level within the desired range:

  1. Regular exercise can increase your body’s insulin sensitivity.
  2. Eating a low carbohydrates diet can reduce spikes in blood sugar levels because carbs break down to form glucose.
  3. Eating a fibre-rich diet can slow down your digestion and thereby absorption of sugar by the body.
  4. Staying hydrated is beneficial in keeping blood sugar levels within the desired range. Moreover, drinking the right amount of water helps the kidneys to flush out excess sugar.
  5. Portion control is crucial for reducing blood glucose levels. You should monitor your serving sizes and avoid eating in restaurants and food joints.
  6. Eating foods with a low glycemic index can keep your sugar level in control while
    satisfying your taste buds. Foods with low and medium glycemic indexes are good for people with diabetes.
  7. Stress is a prime cause of spikes in sugar levels. Therefore, stress management through yoga and meditation is important.
  8. Eating food items rich in chromium and magnesium helps in the regulation of sugar levels in our bodies.

Can Diabetics Donate Blood?

Can diabetics donate blood is a tricky question. But the answer is easy. Yes, people with diabetes can donate blood if their blood sugar level is within the normal range, and they are not suffering from any other health condition before donating blood. You can talk to your doctor if you have diabetes and want to donate blood. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar level and overall health and advise whether you can donate blood or not.

Conclusion

You must control your blood sugar level to maintain overall health and body fitness. Both high and low blood glucose levels can be detrimental to your health. Therefore, you should monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to avoid critical situations. Coming back to the question, Can diabetics donate blood? Well, it depends on whether people with such health conditions control their blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients should exercise regularly and eat healthy to keep themselves away from additional health problems.

 

Filed Under: Health

Tips on How to Lower Your Stress

May 23, 2022 by Theo Leave a Comment

Stress refers to the response of the body to demands or challenges. Everyone experiences this mental tension or emotional strain, triggered by events ranging from minor daily struggles to significant trouble. And the response may include elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and certain emotions like anger and fear. While there are times when it can be a positive thing, chronic stress can lead to various health-related problems. Therefore, you need to keep it at a minimum. To that end, here are some tips that should help you lower your stress levels.

  • Exercise regularly

Apart from the many physical benefits, exercise has also been an effective stress reliever. Whenever the body engages in physical activity like aerobic exercise or weightlifting, it releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that help relieve pain and create general feelings of well-being. Therefore, it makes sense to incorporate an exercise routine into your daily life. It may sound like a lot, especially for those working on busy schedules to begin with, but it’ll go a long way in helping you stay healthy and combat stress.

  • Try CBD products

While the research on CBD or cannabidiol’s effects is still in its infancy, many studies show that it may have medicinal and therapeutic properties, including reducing stress. So whether it’s hemp smoked on rolling papers or ingesting edibles, it’s worth trying CBD products out if you find yourself experiencing too much stress. However, be sure that you consult with your doctor before making any purchases. While these products are generally safe, some may experience adverse reactions. So it’s worth consulting a healthcare provider first.

  • Study and practice relaxation techniques

Beyond smoking CBD products with paper cones, giving yourself enough time can help you manage your stress and protect your body from its undesirable effects. With various relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing, you can keep your stressors at bay and live a happier life. Best of all, most of these techniques take little more than a few minutes to do and don’t require any equipment, so you won’t have to spend too much time or make any purchases to achieve the desired outcome.

  • Reduce stress triggers

It’s not always possible to avoid everything that may cause you stress. However, there are triggers that you can steer clear of. For example, if you get stressed out by tight deadlines, try to organize your schedule better using time-management practices to avoid getting yourself in this situation. Or, if you find yourself often overwhelmed with work, seek assistance from your colleagues or bring it up to your supervisors. They may be able to address your concerns effectively.

Conclusion

Stress will always be a part of daily life—there’s no getting around this fact. Whether it’s the pressure at work, traffic on the road, or trouble at home, experiencing stress is normal. However, by following these tips, you can keep the stress down to a minimum and avoid all of the potential effects it can have on your body.

Filed Under: Health

Pharmaceutical Waste Management in Hospitals: Safe and Effective Disposal Solutions

May 5, 2022 by Theo Leave a Comment

Pharmaceutical waste management in hospitals is a critical issue. Improper disposal of these materials can lead to environmental and health hazards. This blog post will discuss the safe and effective ways to dispose of pharmaceutical waste in hospitals. We will also provide some helpful tips on reducing the amount of pharmaceutical waste produced in your hospital.

What is pharmaceutical waste and why is it important to dispose of it properly?

Pharmaceutical waste is any unused or expired medication and any other medical waste that contains pharmaceuticals. This type of waste is considered hazardous because it can be harmful to the environment and human health if it is not disposed of properly.

Another reason proper disposal is important is that many pharmaceuticals contain controlled substances. These are drugs that have the potential for abuse and can be harmful if not used as directed. If these drugs end up in the wrong hands, they could be used for illegal purposes.

Controlled substances must be disposed of according to specific regulations set forth by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

What are some methods for disposing of pharmaceutical waste?

There are several methods for disposing of pharmaceutical waste. The most common method is incineration when the waste is burned at a high temperature. This method is effective at destroying the hazardous materials in the waste. However, it can also produce harmful emissions that can impact air quality.

Another common method for disposing of pharmaceutical waste is landfill disposal. This involves burying the waste in a secure landfill. Landfill disposal is a safe and effective way to dispose of pharmaceutical waste. However, it can be expensive and takes up a lot of space.

A third method for disposing of pharmaceutical waste is recycling. This involves breaking down the waste into its individual parts and then using those parts to create new products. Recycling is a safe and effective way to dispose of pharmaceutical waste. It is also good for the environment because it reduces the need for new materials.

How can you reduce the amount of pharmaceutical waste produced in your hospital?

There are several ways to reduce the amount of pharmaceutical waste produced in your hospital. One way is to use less hazardous drugs. Another way is to donate unused or expired medications to programs that collect and distribute them to people in need. You can also reduce the amount of pharmaceutical waste produced in your hospital by disposing of it properly.

What are the consequences of improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste?

Improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste can have serious consequences. It can contaminate the environment and pose a health risk to people who come into contact with it. Improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste is also illegal in many states.

Final thoughts

Pharmaceutical waste management is a critical issue for hospitals. Proper disposal of these materials is essential to protecting the environment and human health. There are several safe and effective methods for disposing of pharmaceutical waste. You can also reduce the amount of pharmaceutical waste produced in your hospital by using less hazardous drugs and disposing of them properly. However, improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste can have serious consequences, so it is important to be aware of the proper methods for disposing of these materials.

Filed Under: Health

ADONIS Fertility International

February 7, 2022 by Theo Leave a Comment

Fertility aspect plays a really essential role, especially when it comes to conception. Many families around the world are facing problems with the reproductive system – both male or female – and proper diagnosis and treatment can be an only option.

ADONIS Center for Reproductive health provides the most technological treatment of infertility with the help of comprehensive approach, qualitative equipment and individually adapted plans which lead to success.

Infertility and its impact 

Infertility is the inability of a sexually active, non-contraceptive couple to achieve pregnancy within one year.

The main causes of Infertility can be considered the pelvic organs, inflammatory diseases, genetic pathology, congenital anomaly of the reproductive organs, surgical intervention in the reproductive system, etc.

Of course, every case is unique and special. That’s why an individually adapted examination plan with proper diagnosis will help to identify your correct сondition and the condition of your reproductive system.

Often, Infertility may cause inflammatory diseases, tumor neoplasms which are  dangerous to health.

ADONIS Fertility Programs 

The Fertility Branch of ADONIS clinics includes several directions aimed at patients’ successful procreation.  

There are the following ones: 

  • IVF therapy
  • Surrogacy treatment
  • Prenatal care services
  • Delivery services

Every treatment direction has a number of Programs developed according to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine standards and even above it. We provide both medical and nonmedical services on our own basis. Such an advantage provides an additional comfort for our patients, while constant control over the processes ensures their safety.

Safety and confidence

ADONIS Infertility treatment process is carried out in compliance with personally adapted treatment plans.

First consultation with a skilled ADONIS specialist will help you to clear out all unknown aspects, while the doctor determines the information needed for further treatment process – case history, hereditary predispositions, chronic diseases, personal intolerance, etc.

All this information will be a basis for the examination process in ADONIS ‘own laboratory.

We control all treatment stages because your safety and confidence is of the highest importance.

Moreover, you can take an advantage from various ADONIS services:

  • ADONIS’ own cryo bank – the highest quality equipment and constant subzero temperature for proper donor material storage.
  • ADONIS’ own Surrogate base – totally healthy and examined candidates you can select according to your wishes and requests.
  • ADONIS’ own Donor base – purified and safe genetic material for your infertility treatment is available without waiting lists.
  • ADONIS’ own embryo laboratory – embryo creation using the latest accurate equipment with modern Neonatology Department to ensure your future baby’s total health.

The whole list of ADONIS services for Infertility treatment you can find at our website https://adonis-international.com/branches/fertility/.  Sign up for your first consultation and begin a new life.Private fertility clinic (agency) Kyiv Ukraine

Infertility treatment can be overvalued and hardly accessible in most clinics all around the world (Olive Fertility clinic, for example).

ADONIS Fertility International creates the best facilities and comfort for the clients who have problems with the reproductive system. Affordable prices, expanded Programs’ filling, individual approach and professional staff – that’s what ADONIS provides for the patients on an ongoing basis.

We are waiting for you!

 

Filed Under: Health

6 Supplements You Can Take Boost Your Immune System – DavidPaul Doyle Naturwise

January 20, 2022 by Theo Leave a Comment

A strong immune system is one of the best ways to keep illness at bay. But, with the crazy schedules we all lead, it’s important that we take care of ourselves in any way possible to stay healthy, according to experts like DavidPaul Doyle Naturwise. This means eating right and supplementing with key nutrients to help your immune system do its job.

Here are six supplements to take to boost your immune system:

1) Zinc

This essential mineral is one of the most important if you’re looking to keep illness at bay. A zinc deficiency can damage your immune system. But zinc isn’t just about warding off colds and the flu: it also helps enzymes function properly and can even help to stabilize your blood sugar.

Zinc is especially important during times of high stress because the adrenal glands need zinc to produce cortisol, which we all know is essential for warding off illness. The best natural source of zinc? Oysters! Other good sources include red meat, pumpkin seeds, spinach, and cashews.

2) Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help fight off free radicals that can damage your cells as well as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. A good intake of vitamin C may also protect you against heart disease and arthritis and boost your immune system.

Fruits and veggies such as oranges, strawberries, and broccoli contain high levels of vitamin C. Try to eat at least one serving daily because it’s water-soluble, and you’ll likely urinate away much of what your body doesn’t need. If that isn’t enough, there are numerous supplements available.

3) Elderberry

Elderberry is a powerful antioxidant and has played an important role in preventing illnesses such as the flu, colds, and infections; according to experts, the elder reduces inflammation and stimulates the production of your body’s own antibodies to fight off infection. It also enhances phagocytosis, which is the process in which your white blood cells wipe out bacteria and pathogens.

For best results, look for a supplement that contains elderberry extract and natural vitamin C and take it before you get sick to prevent illness from setting in.

4) Echinacea

This herb’s benefits can improve your immune system’s ability to respond to everyday stress. Echinacea also helps your cells release interleukin, a natural compound that helps to reduce inflammation and prevent illness.

Experts recommend taking 600mg three times daily to ward off common illnesses. If you’ve already gotten sick, 1,000 to 2,000 mg should be taken every three hours until symptoms disappear.

5) Garlic

This powerful herb contains sulfur compounds that have been shown to help fight a number of medical problems, including infections and high blood pressure, as well as boosting your immune system’s ability to ward off illness. Taking garlic supplements may also prevent cancer.

In addition, this pungent food can help you lose weight because it can speed up metabolism and help you burn fat. Be sure to use only fresh, organic garlic in cooking and purchase supplements that contain odorless ingredients because garlic can cause bad breath and body odor!

6) Green Tea

Green tea contains catechins, which are antioxidants that may prevent illness by protecting your cells from free radicals. One of green tea’s most active and powerful catechins is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This compound might stimulate your immune system, which may help you ward off illness.

Filed Under: Health

Caring for Loved One’s with Parkinson’s with Joon Faii Ong

December 8, 2021 by Theo Leave a Comment

A caregiver is a person who provides care for another individual, usually for reasons of health, age, or disability. The physical and mental demands of caregiving can be daunting, and it has been suggested that as many as six million Americans provide care to seniors and those with disabilities.

Dr. Joon Faii Ong has first-hand experience caring for Parkinson’s patients and gives some tips for those caring for loved ones with Parkinson’s at home.

People who suffer from the disease Parkinson’s are often put in a situation where they cannot be cared for by themselves anymore because their motor skill has either deteriorated or completely stopped working. When this happens, family members often have to step up and care for these loved ones on top of their full-time job.

As a physician, Dr. Ong knows first hand about the toll that caregiving can take on the family caregiver, frequently leading to depression or complete burnout. As Parkinson’s usually progresses slowly over many years, these stresses are only exacerbated by the long-term effects of caregiving.

The good news is that there are ways for family caregivers to manage the stress associated with being a caregiver. Dr. Ong offers these simple tips that anyone can do to improve their well-being while caring for their loved ones:

1) Get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise regularly

It’s important not to neglect your physical health while taking care of a loved one. Try to get at least 6 hours of sleep a night, exercise daily, and have a healthy diet.

2) Keep in touch with family and friends

Don’t shut yourself off from the outside world by only concentrating on your loved one. Instead, remember to make time for special events, visit family often and keep up with your favorite hobbies.

3) Be certain to take care of yourself

Sometimes, family caregivers feel that they don’t deserve any time for themselves. It’s important to make sure that you do what is necessary for your mental well-being; go out with friends, watch a movie or play games on the computer.

4) Learn how to communicate effectively

Make sure that your loved one with Parkinson’s understands what you are saying. Be concise in your speech and try to avoid jumping from one topic to another quickly.

5) Find support groups for caregivers

There are many different support groups available for family caregivers, spouses of patients, and other supporters who want to learn more about how they can help.

6) Learn new skills to help your loved one cope with their disease

Family caregivers need to learn how to deal with the frustrations of Parkinson’s so that they can get through difficult times. With early diagnosis and proper management, these negative behaviors can often be stopped before they begin.

7) Take care of yourself first

Many family caregivers take care of loved ones with Parkinson’s all day and then spend the rest of their time taking care of chores around the house. You must make time for yourself as well. Otherwise, your own health will begin to suffer.

8) Avoid power struggles

It is common for family caregivers to deal with their loved ones suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. Try not to engage in arguments with them, as it will only lead to frustration on both sides. However, if you find that an argument starts up often, try avoiding that discussion subject.

Filed Under: Health

Urology Issues to Watch For with Dr. Cletus Georges

December 7, 2021 by Theo Leave a Comment

The U.S. medical system is best known for its outstanding cutting-edge research and treatment of medical illnesses and conditions. However, sometimes we can fail to provide our patients with important preventative care strategies to protect them from certain health risks, including cancer development.

The following are the most prevalent forms of cancer that affect men throughout the U.S., as listed by Dr. Cletus Georges. However, it is important to understand that these cancers can be prevented or delayed with regular medical examinations and check-ups, so see your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms associated with them:

Colorectal: The colon and rectum in our bodies are in charge of storing the feces healthily. They expel solid waste from our bodies after they have absorbed water from it. This guarantees that the nutrients from food will be absorbed into the bloodstream before being passed out through excretion.

Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the U.S., accounting for about 40% of all forms of gastrointestinal cancer development. This is directly related to people neglecting proper bowel movements, which leads to the feces being stored longer than normal within our bowels.

Prostate: The prostate is an organ that produces secretions responsible for providing the sperm with nourishment and mobility. This gland is found around the urethra (urinary tract), the last passageway for our urine to be removed from our bodies. The prostate secretions are responsible for flushing out any leftover male hormones that remain in the body.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer development in men (after skin cancer). In addition, it is more common for men over the age of 50 to develop this type of illness.

Skin: Skin cancer ranks second in terms of most diagnosed forms of cancer in people worldwide. Between one and five million new cases are diagnosed each year, depending on geographic location. Even though this type of cancer is very prevalent, it is also very treatable.

Skin cancer starts with pre-cancerous lesions that are very easy to recognize. However, once these lesions develop into skin cancers, it would be best for you to see a dermatologist immediately so they can start you on the right treatment plan before any permanent damage is done.

Kidney: When our kidneys fail, it is called renal failure, and it is responsible for the inability to remove waste from our blood. The main function of this organ is to produce urine, which flushes out any harmful toxins or substances that may have been absorbed into our bloodstreams throughout the day.

Kidney cancer generally has no symptoms until it starts spreading, during which time it would be extremely difficult to treat. The best prevention for this illness is regular medical check-ups, which will ensure that your kidneys are fully functional and there are no irregularities in their appearance or performance.

Melanoma: Melanomas originate from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the pigment in our skin called melanin. This pigment protects us from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds.

Melanoma skin cancer avoidance depends on our behaviors to protect our skin from any type of damage and work closely with a dermatologist if there are any irregularities in our pigmentation.

Filed Under: Health

Why You Should Choose The Best Ophthalmologist You Can Find

October 29, 2021 by Theo Leave a Comment

When you begin to suffer with problems that are related to your eye care it can often be a little troubling for you. The only thing you want to do at that moment is to find the Best Ophthalmologist possible so as to receive the care and treatment that you need. Your first thought is to see the best person for the job so why then is it so important to use the Best Ophthalmologist you can find? There are actually many reasons for this but it would be worth just considering a few.

Qualifications – When you are looking to find the Best Ophthalmologist the most obvious pointer as to why they are the best is down to the qualifications that they have. The qualification to practice as well as the skill, ability and knowledge in all areas of Ophthalmology is something that cannot be undermined. An Ophthalmologist will have dedicated many years of their life to learning and gaining experience in all areas involved in their field. If you were to visit an eye doctor you would want to have every confidence that they will be able to do the very best that they can for you.

Diagnosis and Treatment – The best Ophthalmologist will be very experienced in looking at many different scenarios and looking deeply so as to diagnose a specific finding. They will be able to tell so much from looking in to your eyes and reviewing anything that they may initially think is a problem. You may be worried about a diagnosis but you may be worrying about nothing as some things when found early can be quickly diagnosed and treated. The best Ophthalmologist will ensure that they are very thorough throughout your consultation and diagnosis and they will ensure that they have your health at the top of their priority list. Treatments to certain eye problems can also be very simple and can help to recover in a short period of time.

Surgery and Recovery – Sometimes the diagnosis of an eye problem can actually lead to you needing to have surgery. Surgery though, is another word that may make you fear the worst but when using the best ophthalmologist, you have no need for being overly concerned. You will be in the safest hands and they will know exactly what is involved in the surgery that awaits you and they will be able to talk you through every step of the way. They will also guide you in the best way to go regarding your recovery. They will want you to have a quick but safe recovery after a surgery has taken place. Ophthalmologists do not want to leave you with a negative experience, they want to keep you as calm as possible by explaining the details and ensuring that you know what is ahead. You can be sure that using the best ophthalmologist that is available will give you a positive experience from start to finish.

 

Filed Under: Health

Poolside Fun: Enjoy Swimming Amid The Pandemic

June 23, 2021 by Theo Leave a Comment

Nowadays, with everything that has been going on around us, there is a growing need for us to cool off and chill out at home. The global health crisis may have been keeping us locked up in our homes, but that doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop as well. Many of us may have been developing cabin fever, but there are ways to beat the pandemic blues.

One of the ways to beat these blues is to spend time by your at-home pool. Swimming is a great exercise that can pump up your heart rate and boost your immune system during this time. Another perk of spending time by the pool is taking fresh new photos for your social media feed.

What are the pool essentials you need to put together a great home photo shoot by your pool?

Poolside Essentials

Spending time by the pool is always a fun time, especially if you spend it with family. Apart from swimming your way to good health, you could try setting up a poolside photo shoot with your loved ones as a way to beat your cabin fever symptoms.

Here are things you need to achieve those Instagram-worthy poolside photos.

Before you take those photos, you need to plan your pool outfit. When shooting poolside photos, whether for yourself or with your family, always assume that your clothes will, indeed, get wet. Using clothing and accessories that can get wet will provide you more flexibility with your poses. Opt for cotton or linen for your clothing, and try a silicone bracelet as your accessory.

Apart from what you wear, you also need to plan what props you will be using. This will add a dash of extra style to your photos.

A beach umbrella and cute pool floats will look extra cool when you pair them with your pool outfit. Other pool accessories such as a candy-colored speaker, cute towels, and bright-colored water jugs will also add a pop of color to your photos.

These are some things to get you Instagram-ready for your photo shoot. However, in taking poolside photos, you will need specific gear, especially if you want your photos to be more dynamic than a beside-the-pool shot.

Underwater Gear

When taking poolside photos, or underwater photos, you will need the right gear. You wouldn’t want your smartphone or camera to take a beating from the water. Get the right equipment for your poolside and underwater needs to make sure you get the most out of your at-home pool photo shoot.

If you are planning on using a camera, you will need an underwater camera bag. Don’t skimp on this gear because this will protect your camera from getting damp or soaking wet. Before you test out the bag with your camera, try it out with a piece of tissue paper first to see if the bag works well. If the tissue paper comes out dry, you are good to go.

You can also put a silica gel pouch in the bag before submerging it in the water to avoid the camera from fogging up.

Now, it’s time to try different jumps, expressions, and props for your ultimate pool photo shoot!

Benefits of Swimming

Apart from using your pool as a photo shoot location, get the most out of your home pool by practicing swimming regularly. Swimming has many benefits for your fitness that can greatly benefit you and your family, especially during this time.

Here are the benefits of swimming that you can acquire from using your home pool.

Chlorine kills germs that may have been lurking in your pool. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that properly maintained chlorine and other disinfectants can prevent pools from transmitting the virus. Although you may be using a home pool, knowing that a properly maintained pool cannot transmit the virus is still a good fact to know.

Swimming is a good physical exercise that is low-impact. As swimming is gentle on the joints, it can be a great way to gently get back into shape after months of being sedentary due to the quarantine restrictions. Build your strength and endurance even through a 30 or 40-minute swim.

Improve your overall health by integrating swimming into your daily routine. Swimming is a good cardiovascular exercise that may help build up your lung strength which is also greatly needed during the pandemic.

Given that swimming is a gentle exercise, these are some benefits of swimming that the whole family can enjoy.

Your residential pool can be a source of happiness and good recreational activities during this time that could beat the slump of isolation. Make the most out of this and invite your household members to join you in enjoying the benefits of your pool.

Filed Under: Health

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Hi friends, I’m Theo and I’ve been blogging for a few years. I love to read and write, listen to music, explore life, travel, and cook, to name a few.My favourite way to pass time is to cozy up on the couch with a good book and have music playing softly in the background. Read More…

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Hi friends, I’m Theo and I’ve been blogging for a few years. I love to read and write, listen to music, explore life, travel, and cook, to name a few.My favourite way to pass time is to cozy up on the couch with a good book and have music playing softly in the background. Read More…

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