February 15, 2012
Health Matters
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by Annabelle Stevens and Carolyn Stone
Caregivers are the unsung heroes of our society, looking after loved ones around the clock, often with little help, few financial resources, and no recognition of their efforts compared to people who work outside of the home. In many cases, people are forced to try to be caregivers and balance their need to work all at the same time.
Millions of people in the United States are serving in the role of primary caregiver for a loved one with physical, medical, age-related or emotional challenges. In this guide, the authors outline some of the best strategies to avoid caregiver burnout if you suddenly find yourself in the role of caregiver.
You will learn:
* The first steps to take if your loved one is diagnosed with an illness or has been in an accident
* Developing an effective care plan for your loved one
* Assembling and coordinating a care team for your loved one
* Dealing with insurance companies
* How to handle social security and disability claims effectively.
You will also discover:
* How to plan for the future, no matter what the diagnosis or prognosis
* Dealing with end-of-life issues in a practical, as well as emotional way
* The best ways to deal with the more stressful aspects of caregiving
* The best places to get help, advice and support as a caregiver
* A self-care plan to help keep you healthy so you can avoid caregiver burnout.
Caregiving can be one of the most difficult jobs you will ever face. Fortunately, help is at hand. Taking care of yourself as a caregiver with the help of this guide can be the first step toward healthy and successful caregiving, no matter what short-term or long-term caregiving situation you may be dealing with. Start putting your action plan in place today, for a healthier tomorrow for you and your whole family.
Word Count=13,050
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: DEALING WITH THE DIAGNOSIS
CHAPTER 2: DEVELOPING A CARE PLAN
CHAPTER 3: DEALING WITH A LOVED ONE INDIVIDUALLY
CHAPTER 4: TAKING CARE OF THE CAREGIVER
CONCLUSION
FURTHER READING
ACTION STEPS
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Annabelle Stevens and Carolyn Stone are two of the main writers and editors for the popular health website Healthful-Goddess.com, and the authors of over two dozen health and self-help guides.
Buy Now: Coping with Caregiving: A Guide to Caring for Your Loved Ones Without Suffering from Caregiver Burnout (Health Matters)
February 13, 2012
General, Health Matters, Non-Fiction
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In May 2010, a noteworthy study was released which implied that there may be a connection between pesticides and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For the study, approximately one thousand children were tested for organophosphates. Organophosphates are a group of common pesticides used for agricultural purposes.
The difference between this study and others performed in the past is the fact that the children studied with this test were not all from agricultural communities. This naturally led to the question: “If organophosphates were detected, where was the exposure coming from?”
This is a reasonable question because there are laws preventing the use of organophosphates in the home. So if the children in the study were not living on a farm, then where are the insecticides coming from?
The most logical explanation was that that children were ingesting pesticides through the foods they eat. Organophosphates are commonly used to spray various fruits and vegetables. The study that was released in May 2010 showed that the children showing levels of pesticide exposure had double the chance of exhibiting symptoms of ADHD. The samples were obtained through urinalysis.
While the findings of this study do not firmly establish a connection between ADHD and pesticides, it does present a strong possibility. This possibility needs to be further researched to determine if organophosphates can lead to ADHD in children.
Exactly what will Organophosphate do?
You may be wondering exactly how organophosphates can lead to ADHD symptoms. To understand this, you need to know how they function.
Organophosphates have the ability to disrupt the neurological enzyme in the brain known as acetylcholinesterase (AChE). This is the same enzyme specifically targeted in insects. Organophosphates prevent this important neurological enzyme from working properly in the insects.
Since it has been shown in other studies that ADHD is linked to AChE not working properly in their brain, it is seems logical to conclude that pesticides which target this chemical might be at fault.
What can you do?
You’ve probably heard that you should always rinse off the produce you bring home from the supermarket before eating it, but this isn’t all you should do. Just washing off your produce doesn’t guarantee that all the pesticide residue will be removed. It is also important to consider that your children have smaller bodies than adults, which means their rate of exposure per body weight will be different from ours. They are also growing as well. Therefore, the rate of ingestion, absorption and effects on the body can be very different for children compared with adults.
Even if you did get all of the pesticide residue off of the outside of the produce, it is possible that the organophosphates may have penetrated through the skin and into the edible parts of the produce. This is possible because not only are fruits and vegetables sprayed at various stages of the growth period, but these pesticides soak into the soil as well. This means that the roots of the plant may “drink up” the pesticides and disburse them throughout the actual plant.
Therefore, the best thing you can do to make sure you and your family are safe from organophosphates through the foods you eat is to purchase organically grown food. This can be quite expensive, of course, but buying this produce and washing it well has been known to reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms in children.
You might also consider buying locally grown produce from farmer’s markets and discussing with them what pesticides they use, if any. Many will use natural methods, such as cross-fertilization of crops with plants that deter the insects which prey on the cash crop.
Frozen fruits and vegetables cultivated in hothouses and them flash frozen are also likely to not contain as many pesticides and even colorings and preservative solutions as those shipped all over the world, or from one end of the country to the other.
One other suggestion is to grow your own crops in your land and use only natural insecticides or repellants.
Whatever way you decide, see if you can start eating more fresh food more consciously, washing it well whenever possible and discarding the skin even if it is edible. Then see if there is any change in your child’s behavior, especially if they have already been diagnosed as having ADHD.
For more information on ADHD in children, you might be interested in:
ADHD: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR PARENTS What It Means When Your Child is Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Health Matters)
Homeschooling Success for Child with ADHD (Life Matters)
School Success Secrets for Children with ADHD (Life Matters)
February 9, 2012
General, Health Matters, Non-Fiction, Self-Help - Life and Mind Matters
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While there isn’t anything wrong with giving a child medication for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), many people prefer to investigate natural remedies first. There is nothing wrong with this as some children don’t have symptoms that are overly aggressive and can easily manage them naturally. Regardless of your thoughts regarding natural remedies for ADHD symptoms, they can be helpful and should be given some consideration.
Below are a few natural remedies for ADHD. Keep in mind that these natural methods may not work on all children and may only reduce the aggressiveness of symptoms. Therefore, it’s vital that you discuss the best approach for managing your child’s ADHD with a medical professional so you can explore all of your options.
+Manage Their Diet.
There have been many studies done that have made connections between ADHD symptoms and the pesticides used on the fresh fruits and vegetables we eat. Therefore, it may be helpful to begin purchasing only organic produce that is free of these chemicals.
Additionally, try to limit the amount of canned, frozen and/or prepackaged foods that you use. If you do need to buy them, try to purchase foods with minimal artificial coloring and flavors, as well as minimum preservatives and other additives. Some food additives may also increase symptoms of ADHD in children. Sugar and gluten should also be monitored carefully if your child has ADHD.
+Try Using Herbs.
There is a lot of literature available regarding various herbs and the effects they have on us and our behaviors. For children with ADHD, it can be hard to get them to calm down and relax, especially before bedtime.
Chamomile is a wonderful natural remedy for this, and also aids in digestion. It can be used inexpensively in herb teas, and the dried flowers can be used in pillows as part of aromatherapy.
Lavender is another useful herb, to be take both internally, and used as aromatherapy. It can be drunk as a tea, and a few drops can be used to sweeten cakes, cookies and candy. In its dried form it can be used as a pillow or as drawer sachets to keep clothes smelling fresh, as well as surrounding your child with a soothing scent.
Both herbs are known to relax people and they are inexpensive and widely available. Depending on the troubles you are having with your child, you may want to visit with an herbalist or a natural health food professional before experimenting with herbs you aren’t familiar with.
+Adjust Your Lifestyle.
While a daily routine is recommended for all children, it is vital for those with ADHD. Children with ADHD can find the smallest changes to be overwhelming. Therefore, it can be extremely beneficial for families with ADHD members to create a consistent schedule where certain activities take place at the same time every day. It provides children with ADHD a stable schedule that they know will occur every day, and gives them extra security and less anxiety.
Being consistent and letting children know what to expect, and what is expected of them, can be some of the best ways of helping them deal with ADHD.
+Try Exercise
In addition to creating a consistent family routine, incorporating exercise into your daily routine can be beneficial for children with ADHD to. It allows them to get up and release the built-up energy they have in a constructive way. Consider exercising as a family by riding bikes, swimming, hiking or horseback riding. You can also enroll your child in an athletic activity if he/she enjoys sports too.
You might also like to try yoga with your child. It not only helps them build strong, lean muscle, it can also help them achieve more mental focus through simple meditations. A meditation is usually a way of concentrating on a single point or idea, and can definitely improve a person’s attention span.
+See a Therapist.
There are many therapists who are extremely knowledgeable about ADHD and various methods and techniques for handling its symptoms. Taking your child to see a therapist regularly is another helpful and natural way to reduce ADHD symptoms and help them feel more in balance in their lives.
These are just a few suggestions for natural remedies that you can try for ADHD which do not involve any harsh chemicals or side effects. For more information on ADHD in children, you might be interested in:
FURTHER READING:
ADHD: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR PARENTS What It Means When Your Child is Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Health Matters)
Homeschooling Success for Child with ADHD (Life Matters)
School Success Secrets for Children with ADHD (Life Matters)
February 9, 2012
General, Health Matters, Non-Fiction, Self-Help - Life and Mind Matters
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It is calculated that over 32 million people are fulfilling the role of unpaid caregiver to a loved one. As parents age, and indeed people are living longer than ever before, and couples put off having children, many people are also ending up as “Tweens,” performing a caregiving role for both an older parent or parents, and for toddlers or dependent children/teenagers as well.
Caregiving can be emotionally demanding at the best of times. It can also be extremely demanding financially as well. If a severe mental or physical disability is part of th equation, it can make an already difficult situation one of extreme hardship for the caregiver.
As people live longer than ever before, they and their children will have to make some difficult decisions about caregiving. With at least 5% of the older population now falling prey to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementing illnesses, it is best to discuss what provisions should be made to deal with this, rather than just wait until things get so bad that everyone ends up in turmoil.
Providing constant care for a person with dementia or other disabilities can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing, and caregivers frequently become overwhelmed by their situation before they even realize what has happened.
It is emotionally stressful to have to switch roles, from cared-for child or spouse, to caregiver of a mother or father, husband or wife. Dealing with a seemingly logical adult who suddenly becomes emotional or illogical is a hard transition for many adult childen, who have come to expect that their parents will always be ‘reasonable.’
If the couple is older and the husband or wife suddenly starts to show signs of illness, this can be a real shock and trigger depression and even grief. Loss of romantic and intimate partnership between married couples can often be very distressing to the loved one who is ‘left behind’ as their loved one vanishes into Alzheimer’s-induced mental states, which can range from pleasantly docile to aggressive and combative, especially in the evenings (commonly referred to as ‘sundowning’).
Overly stressed caregivers may not attend to their own well-being, which puts them at much greater risk for illness, alcohol or drug abuse, depression, anxiety, and even death.
This very stressed state of affairs is often referred to as caregiver burnout.
Loneliness and isolation and the sense of never having enough time, or being able to do enough, or of not being up to the task, feeling angry, resentful, and then experiencing guilt over these feelings, can all take their toll very quickly.
Caregiver burnout benefits no one. People being tended to by a stressed caregiver are more likely to be neglected, abused, or in the case of the elderly, prematurely placed in an institution in order to ‘solve’ the problem, though often it presents other issues for everyone concerned.
The loved one can also end up stressed and depressed themselves as a result of their caregiver’s difficulties.
Therefore, caregivers should periodically assess their own physical and mental health, and seek help when appropriate and available, to care for themselves and avoid caregiver burnout.
FURTHER READING:
Coping with Caregiving: A Guide to Caring for Your Loved Ones Without Suffering from Caregiver Burnout (Health Matters)
February 9, 2012
General, Health Matters, Non-Fiction, Self-Help - Life and Mind Matters
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Caregiver burn out is the phrase commonly used to refer to a person looking after a loved one at home, usually full-time. They may need to look after their loved one due to some form of physical or mental disability. In the process of looking after them, the caregiver may start to neglect themselves and then their health will start to suffer.
With over 32 million people in the role of caregiver to a child or elderly parent, sometimes both at the same time, caregiver burn out is on the rise in the United States. Fortunately, there are several ways to deal with the demands of caregiving and balance your needs with those of your loved one.
Here are some suggestions for avoiding caregiver burnout:
*Ask for assistance.
You can’t do everything alone, and no matter what you are expecting of yourself, no one expects you to be a superhero. Set priorities and ask family members, friends, and neighbors for help. Think flexibly about all that is needed in each 24 hour period, for both you and your loved one, and then plan a timetable as to how it is going to be fulfilled. Not everyone needs 24 hour care, nor intensive care. Attendance upon your loved one could be through a home health aide, day care, adult day care, or a ‘sitter’ for your loved one, no matter what their age.
*Acknowledge negative feelings; don’t ignore them.
Disturbing emotions, such as guilt and resentment, are normal. Recognizing and accepting them are the first steps towards dealing with them effectively. Share your feelings with loved ones and consider consulting a professional counselor if you start to feel overwhelmed by your emotions.
*Take regular breaks.
Continue to pursue some outside activities and social contacts no matter how busy you are as a caregiver. In the long run, maintaining such interests will help you be a better caregiver than one who is burned out and running on an empty fuel tank, drained of any energy because you have not been resting enough and getting away from the demanding role of caregiver.
*Maintain Your Own Health
Your physical health affects your mental outlook and your ability to cope with all types of daily challenges. Be sure to eat well, exercise, and get enough rest. Neglecting your own basic needs benefits no one in the end. If you burn out, what will happen to your loved one? Or you? If you get sick with flu, who will run the household? If you were to suffer from a major illness, who would look after you both? Take care of yourself every day, and do not skip your regular check ups with the doctor and dentist.
*Join a Support Group
For those who say they have no time to get away, the great thing about the Internet is that you can get support online, even if not in person. These groups create an opportunity to share feelings and offer practical suggestions about how to cope with the demands of caregiving. Some are general groups, while others can help with a variety of specific medical conditions, such as children with ADHD or adults with Alzheimer’s. Often you will get a lot of advice and ideas you never thought of before and these forums, chat rooms and groups are available around the clock no matter where you are in the world.
*Get Help From the Professionals
As with a lot of other emotionally difficult situations in life, when something bad happens to you, you may feel overwhelmed, and as if you are the only person in the world that it has ever happened to. But the truth of the matter is that it has happened to a lot of other people before, and there are professionals who can help you get through these trying times.
Spend time doing your research and finding out what free resources are available to you. Keep in close contact with doctors and other medical professionals, and visit your own doctor for regular check ups. Tell them what you are going through, and ask for advice and resources they might be familiar with.
The average life expectancy for men is 75 years, for women, 80. As all of us live longer, the baby boom means we will have a larger percentage of older adults in American society than ever before, but with far fewer younger people to care for them.
At the same time, people are often leaving having a child until much later in life, or even starting a second family later in life (John Travolta’s wife Kelly Preston had another baby through a seemingly healthy natural pregnancy at the age of 49!).
The truth is that people can become disabled at any age, especially through accident or illness, let alone through the natural processes of aging. Caring for the caregiver needs to be focused on now, and put at the forefront of our social agenda as our population ages, so that no one ends up ‘falling through the cracks’, either those requiring care, or the caregiver.
FURTHER READING
Coping with Caregiving: A Guide to Caring for Your Loved Ones Without Suffering from Caregiver Burnout (Health Matters)
February 8, 2012
Children, General, Health Matters, Non-Fiction
No Comments
Many parents of children who have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have a number of common issues that give them a great deal of difficulty. If you’ve ever found yourself saying or thinking the following, then you are not alone:
“I know it’s the ADHD that causes him to do these things and that it’s not his fault, but I’m at the end of my patience. How can I help my son to behave better?”
“How is my child ever going to succeed in life like other children?”
It is easy to feel guilt over thinking these things, but if these ring are true for you, it is important to take steps so that you and the other members of your family do not feel overwhelmed.
Fortunately, we are learning more and more about ADHD every day, what works for children (and adults) with this condition, and what doesn’t.
Here are a few suggestions as to several tried and tested ways to improve the quality of life for your child with ADHD and your whole family.
1-Be firm and consistent.
Rules and guidelines are particularly important to a child with ADHD. It helps them understand what you (and other adults) expect and helps reduce stress. Do not give them a ‘free pass’ in terms of disruptive behavior. Pick your battles, however. Don’t punish them for the things they can’t do. Reward them for the things they can.
2-Use pictures as visual reminders to help improve memory.
You can create a chore chart out of pictures cut out of magazines or images from the Internet/clip art to help keep your child on task.
3-Stick to a set schedule.
Post your schedule where everyone can see it. Make it visual with images or clip art as above.
4-Help your child to stay organized by making lists.
With the help of a computer, make a list of all the things they need for their school day, such as a school bag, gym kit, shoes, toys and clothing. Read off the checklist and have them identify each item and put it in their bag. You can also make a game of it and reward them for a job well done.
5-Give simple and clear instructions.
Keep things brief and clear. If you want them to perform a large task, like cleaning their room, consider breaking it up into sections, such as one corner of the room at a time.
6-Minimize disruptions, or prepare for them.
Try to keep to a set schedule and your lives on an even keel. If there are big events coming up in the house, like the holidays or a vacation or trip to see relatives, lead up to the even gradually and try to do the same things that you do at home with them when they are away, such as bring some standard books and toys and continue their rewards system. The unexpected can be fun and exciting, but it can also cause your child with ADHD to behave impulsively or inappropriately and be extremely disruptive.
These are just a few of the ways that a child with ADHD can stay on task and not be disruptive. Try these techniques and see what works best for your child.
FURTHER READING:
ADHD: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE FOR PARENTS What It Means When Your Child is Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Health Matters)
Homeschooling Success for Child with ADHD (Life Matters)
School Success Secrets for Children with ADHD (Life Matters)
February 8, 2012
Health Matters
No Comments
by Annabelle Stevens and Carolyn Stone
The Internet is all around us, and seems to offer a wonderful opportunity for education, business, entertainment and socializing, but underneath the ocean of possibilities your teen can surf through lie hidden dangers.
An increasing number of studies have shown that Internet addiction is a real problem, and it is growing, especially among teens. In this timely report, you will learn:
* What Internet addiction is
* What the signs and symptoms of Internet addiction are
* Why some teens are more susceptible to Internet addiction than others
* What to do if you think your teen may be addicted to the Internet
* When to seek professional help for Internet addiction
and much more.
If you are concerned about how much time your teen is spending online, or what they are doing online, download this report now and start taking action to help your teen beat their Internet addiction.
Word Count=12,500
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS INTERNET ADDICTION?
CHAPTER 2: SIGNS OF INTERNET ADDICTION
CHAPTER 3: THE SYMPTOMS OF INTERNET ADDICTION
CHAPTER 4: COMMON DANGERS ON THE INTERNET
CHAPTER 5: SOLUTIONS TO INTERNET ADDICTION
CONCLUSION
FURTHER READING
APPENDIX
ACTION STEPS
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Annabelle Stevens and Carolyn Stone are two of the main writers and editors for the popular health website Healthful-Goddess.com, and the authors of over two dozen health and self-help guides.
Buy Now: Coping with Teen Internet Addiction (Health Matters)
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by Annabelle Stevens and Carolyn Stone
