Posts under ‘Health’

Prescription drugs can be helpful when used properly. If you or someone you know is taking prescription drugs, here are some tips to take them safely. Also, always consult your physician and pharmacist for any questions or concerns.

• Follow directions

  It is important to follow medication directions carefully.

• Don’t take initiative

  Don’t increase or decrease doses without consulting your doctor, as this can have adverse effects.

• Don’t stop

  Do not stop taking medications on your own.

• Don’t break up medications

  Don’t crush or break pills.

• Avoid heavy use of drugs or alcohol

  Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol excessively can cause an increase in blood pressure.

• Exercise regularly

  Exercising is a great way to lower blood pressure, gain more energy, burn calories, etc.

• Choose a healthy diet

  Include lot so fruits and vegetables, and limit salt intake.

• Try relaxation techniques

  These include yoga and biofeedback mechanisms. Also it helps to breathe deeply, as well as relax with music.

• Work a little less

  Learn to manage stress, even perhaps work less.

Resources:

• Family Doctor

There are many risk factors to high blood pressure:

Biological Factors:

• Older age
• Race
• Family History (genetics)
• Pregnancy
• Gender
• Chronic kidney disease
• Adrenal and thyroid disorders
• Chronic kidney disease
• Tumors or other diseases of adrenal gland

Social Factors:

• Socioeconomic status

Lifestyle Factors:

• Smoking

• Stress

• Lack of physical activity

• Being overweight or obese

• Alcohol addiction

• Too much salt in the diet

Resources:

• WebMD

• Medicine Net

My family has always had a history of high blood pressure. My mom in particular has struggled with it for many years. High blood pressure means high pressure in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. While blood pressure can change with posture, exercise, stress or sleep, it should normally average 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic for adult age 20 and over. 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are believed to have high blood pressure.

Typically people with high blood pressure have symptoms of:

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).