Posts under ‘Health’

My mom has suffered greatly from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a debilitating condition characterized by symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. It is among the most common gastrointestinal conditions in the United States. Here are some behavioral changes that have helped reduce her symptoms.

• Abstaining from alcohol use

• Losing weight if needed

• Eating dark chocolate

• Eating smaller meals

• Making dietary changes

• Wearing loose-fitting clothes

• Avoiding lying down for 3 hours after a meal

• Raising the head of the bed

Eating disorders are most common in adolescent females and young women. It can be especially dangerous for people with diabetes. Here are ways that therapists treat diabetes and eating disorders:

• Recommend eye exam

  People with eating disorders and diabetes are at a higher risk of developing retinopathy. It is important for them to get regular eye checkups.

• Family Therapy

  Adolescents in particular may have problems within the family. Family conflict can lead to difficulty adhering to diabetes management.

• Talk about glucose with patient

  Therapists often have patients identify how poor eating habits can impact their blood glucose levels.

Anxiety is commonly associated with diabetes especially in children. Today’s blog will focus on needle phobia associated with children. The following are symptoms and solutions to alleviate symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Rocking

• Crying

• Hyperactivity

Solution:

• Talk to doctor about oral medications instead of injection.

• Using visual and auditory stimulation (ex. blowing bubbles, singing)

• Cognitive strategies such as counting, reading stories

• Drawing

• Listening to music

• Reading

People with medical illnesses are often at a higher risk for mental health conditions. This can in turn affect the way people manage their illnesses. November is diabetes awareness month. As part of the awareness month, the next couple of blogs with cover diabetes and its link between depression, anxiety, eating disorders and serious and persistent mental illness.

Research has shown that people with diabetes have a higher rate of depression. The rate increases as complications increase. One of every three people with diabetes experience symptoms of depression.

Here are things therapists think about when treating depression and diabetes:

Here are 5 steps you can take to cope with the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the swine flu.

• Be aware of the emotional strains

  Many people react to health scares in different ways. People may be more angry or short-tempered, children may be more jumpy, etc. It is important to be aware of how you are doing, in order to cope adaptively.

• Stay informed (in moderation)

  However try not to be over-stimulated with information, as this can cause more anxiety. Modern technology allows for information to be disseminated in many forms (internet, TV, radio, and newspapers).

This blog is continued from two other blog series on breast cancer awareness. Studies have shown these are two other treatment options that have helped patients suffering from breast cancer.

Benefits of changes in diet and exercise:

• lower breast cancer risk

• greater survival rate

• better psychological health and well-being

• improved quality of life

• improved estrogen levels

Benefits of relaxation training:

• decreased duration of nausea

• reduced anticipatory nausea

• decreased duration of vomiting

• decreased anxiety

• decreased depressive symptoms

• lower hostility

This blog is continued from yesterday’s blog on breast cancer awareness and how to cope with depression . Some patients with breast cancer (studies show prevalence rates to be anywhere from 2% to 19%) can also feel symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. These include recurrent re-experiencing of a trauma, phobia, and physical signs of hyperarousal. The following factors can increase the prevalence rate of PTSD in those suffering from breast cancer:

• a history of precancer intrusive memories.

• depression

• hopelessness or helplessness

• problems interacting with physicians and nurses

• lowered cancer-related self-efficacy

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is a serious illness that affects many women around the world. Serious illness can take a toll on one’s emotional health as well. Studies have estimated that depression is prevalent among women with breast cancer anywhere between 2% to 40%.

Symptoms of Depression:

• persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

• loss of interest or pleasure in activities

• restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying

• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism

• sleeping too much or too little, early-morning awakening appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain