The stress of the holidays comes and goes, but ongoing stress -- even at low levels -- can harm health and well-being, experts say.
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself by learning how to manage stress day by day, according to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter:
* Look for signs. Catch stress early by watching for signs such as headache, gut discomfort, tense muscles and fidgety sleep. If you notice these stress alarm signals, it's time to use stress-management techniques.
* Exercise. Even a short walk can improve your mood and reduce stress.
* Eat well. A healthy diet provides your body with the energy to handle daily stress. Making unhealthy food choices and skipping meals can lead to fatigue, greater susceptibility to illness, and a general feeling of poor health.
* Set limits. Refuse some tasks to keep schedules less hectic. This will help you be more productive and successful with the tasks that you do decide to tackle.
* Vent. Friends can provide important social support by listening to your frustrations or providing encouragement.
* Escape. Pleasant distractions such as a good book or movie can help take your mind off your worries.
* Bliss out. Relax with a hobby, exercise, meditation, prayer, slow breathing or anything else that provides you with a feeling of calm.
* Still stressed? Get help. Seeking out help isn't a sign of weakness, it's good judgment.
I hope and pray that this information has helped someone you love today...that might even be you:)
Allow yourself to share your experience with this invisible illness and help yourself and others too. Share your tools, how you deal with everyday life, and gain access to information on Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome and Fibromyalgia (CFIDS/FMS). My mission is to empower patients to take control of their health by providing my own story and experience with treatment information, quality health products, community, and advocacy.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Helpful hints for lowering daily anxieties
Give Stress a Holiday
Hectic lifestyles and anxiety may be an unavoidable fact of modern life, but it's important to manage stress to prevent or reduce stress-related health problems.
Mismanaged stress can result in chronic fatigue, body aches, changes in appetite and increased use of alcohol, drugs or cigarettes, according to experts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Here is some information I found that the VA offers on following stress management tips:
* Exercise regularly, even a half-hour every day. Be sure to consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise program, however.
* Sleep well -- between six to 10 hours a night.
* Drink between four to eight glasses of water a day.
* Take time to do something you enjoy.More information
Try to remember that The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about coping with stress.
Good luck....I hope and pray that this information has helped someone today.
Hectic lifestyles and anxiety may be an unavoidable fact of modern life, but it's important to manage stress to prevent or reduce stress-related health problems.
Mismanaged stress can result in chronic fatigue, body aches, changes in appetite and increased use of alcohol, drugs or cigarettes, according to experts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Here is some information I found that the VA offers on following stress management tips:
* Exercise regularly, even a half-hour every day. Be sure to consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise program, however.
* Sleep well -- between six to 10 hours a night.
* Drink between four to eight glasses of water a day.
* Take time to do something you enjoy.More information
Try to remember that The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about coping with stress.
Good luck....I hope and pray that this information has helped someone today.
An AHRQ-convened panel of researchers went a step further—identifying 11 drugs on the list that should be avoided entirely by older patients:
* Barbiturates such as burabarbital, secobarbital, and pentobarbital. These sedative hypnotics, or tranquilizers, can cause unconsciousness and death in large doses. They also are associated with serious withdrawal problems.
* Flurazepam. Similar to Valium, this drug can cause sedation, putting older people at increased risk for falls. Better agents and shorter-acting ones are available.
* Meprobamate. This older drug used for the treatment of anxiety is very sedating and highly addictive.
* Chlorpropamide. One of the first oral diabetes drugs, the drug can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Shorter-acting and overall better drugs are available for older persons with diabetes.
* Meperidine. Better known as Demerol, this drug is a narcotic and can be sedating. Safer alternatives are available.
* Pentazocine. A narcotic known as Talwin, this drug acts as a painkiller. It causes confusion and hallucinations.
* Trimethobenzamide. Tigan is an anti-nausea drug that has central nervous system side effects. More effective drugs are available.
* Belladonna alkaloids. Along with the remaining drugs on this list, belladonna alkaloids relieve gastrointestinal spasms and generally should be avoided by older people. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and urinary retention.
* Dicyclomine. Like belladonna alkaloids, this drug relieves gastrointestinal spasms and generally should be avoided by older people. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and urinary retention.
* Hyoscyamine. Like belladonna alkaloids, this drug relieves gastrointestinal spasms and generally should be avoided by older people. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and urinary retention.
* Propantheline. Like belladonna alkaloids, this drug relieves gastrointestinal spasms and generally should be avoided by older people. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and urinary retention.
I hope and pray this information has helped a loved one today. Please take care of your older friends and family members!
* Flurazepam. Similar to Valium, this drug can cause sedation, putting older people at increased risk for falls. Better agents and shorter-acting ones are available.
* Meprobamate. This older drug used for the treatment of anxiety is very sedating and highly addictive.
* Chlorpropamide. One of the first oral diabetes drugs, the drug can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Shorter-acting and overall better drugs are available for older persons with diabetes.
* Meperidine. Better known as Demerol, this drug is a narcotic and can be sedating. Safer alternatives are available.
* Pentazocine. A narcotic known as Talwin, this drug acts as a painkiller. It causes confusion and hallucinations.
* Trimethobenzamide. Tigan is an anti-nausea drug that has central nervous system side effects. More effective drugs are available.
* Belladonna alkaloids. Along with the remaining drugs on this list, belladonna alkaloids relieve gastrointestinal spasms and generally should be avoided by older people. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and urinary retention.
* Dicyclomine. Like belladonna alkaloids, this drug relieves gastrointestinal spasms and generally should be avoided by older people. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and urinary retention.
* Hyoscyamine. Like belladonna alkaloids, this drug relieves gastrointestinal spasms and generally should be avoided by older people. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and urinary retention.
* Propantheline. Like belladonna alkaloids, this drug relieves gastrointestinal spasms and generally should be avoided by older people. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and urinary retention.
I hope and pray this information has helped a loved one today. Please take care of your older friends and family members!
Checklist: 11 Ways to Ensure Proper Pain Management
• Don't wait until chronic pain is too severe to treat. Pain is easier to prevent than treat. Begin to understand the kinds of medications that you might take if you begin to have pain.
• Talk with your physician about your concerns for good pain care. Be assertive, and tell your doctor you will not tolerate under-treated pain.
• Demand comfort care in your advance directive. Be clear and assertive.
• Ask a family member or friend to be your advocate if you cannot speak for yourself. Keep this person informed of your pain.
• Maintain a pain record. Note location, time of day, severity, and what relieved the pain. Share with your doctor or nurse.
• If you're receiving hospice care, identify your pain level for the nurse at each visit.
• Understand your doctor's orders for your pain medication. Make sure you understand the frequency, dose and type of medication. If you have questions, ask them.
• Insist that you have enough pain medication for weekends or holidays.
• Get the names and phone numbers of any doctors covering for your physician.
• If you are hospitalized and your pain is not being treated, ask to speak to the medical director or nursing supervisor.
• For end-of-life pain, expect medication amounts to increase rapidly.
I hope and pray that this post has helped someone today.
• Talk with your physician about your concerns for good pain care. Be assertive, and tell your doctor you will not tolerate under-treated pain.
• Demand comfort care in your advance directive. Be clear and assertive.
• Ask a family member or friend to be your advocate if you cannot speak for yourself. Keep this person informed of your pain.
• Maintain a pain record. Note location, time of day, severity, and what relieved the pain. Share with your doctor or nurse.
• If you're receiving hospice care, identify your pain level for the nurse at each visit.
• Understand your doctor's orders for your pain medication. Make sure you understand the frequency, dose and type of medication. If you have questions, ask them.
• Insist that you have enough pain medication for weekends or holidays.
• Get the names and phone numbers of any doctors covering for your physician.
• If you are hospitalized and your pain is not being treated, ask to speak to the medical director or nursing supervisor.
• For end-of-life pain, expect medication amounts to increase rapidly.
I hope and pray that this post has helped someone today.
Glossary: Pain Management
addiction: a term referring to compulsive drug use, psychological dependence and continuing use despite harm. Addiction is frequently and incorrectly equated with physical dependence and withdrawal. Physical dependence, not addiction, is an expected result of opioid use.
chronic pain: a persistent state of pain whereby the cause of the pain cannot be removed. Chronic pain is often associated with long-term incurable or intractable medical conditions or disease.
opiate: drugs whose origin is the opium poppy, including codeine and morphine.
opioid: a scientific term denoting both natural (codeine, morphine) and synthetic (methadone, fentanyl) drugs. A type of medication related to opium. Opioid's are strong analgesics.
palliative care: sometimes referred to as comfort care or hospice care, palliative care is a comprehensive approach to treating serious illness with a focus on keeping dying patients comfortable through pain control and addressing psychological, social and spiritual concerns, instead of treating the disease or condition.
terminal illness: a condition that is incurable and irreversible.
I hope and pray that this information has helped someone today.
chronic pain: a persistent state of pain whereby the cause of the pain cannot be removed. Chronic pain is often associated with long-term incurable or intractable medical conditions or disease.
opiate: drugs whose origin is the opium poppy, including codeine and morphine.
opioid: a scientific term denoting both natural (codeine, morphine) and synthetic (methadone, fentanyl) drugs. A type of medication related to opium. Opioid's are strong analgesics.
palliative care: sometimes referred to as comfort care or hospice care, palliative care is a comprehensive approach to treating serious illness with a focus on keeping dying patients comfortable through pain control and addressing psychological, social and spiritual concerns, instead of treating the disease or condition.
terminal illness: a condition that is incurable and irreversible.
I hope and pray that this information has helped someone today.
9 Symptoms Not to Treat Yourself
Get to the doctor or an emergency room immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
1. a feeling of pressure or squeezing in your chest;
2. severe pain, especially in the head, chest or radiating down one arm;
3. blurred vision;
4. trouble talking or swallowing;
5. weakness or paralysis on one side;
6. dizziness and confusion;
7. blood in your urine or stool;
8. unrelieved depression;
9. shortness of breath, fever and/or a cough with a yellow-green discharge.
I hope and pray this information has helped some individual out there seeking help and answers.
1. a feeling of pressure or squeezing in your chest;
2. severe pain, especially in the head, chest or radiating down one arm;
3. blurred vision;
4. trouble talking or swallowing;
5. weakness or paralysis on one side;
6. dizziness and confusion;
7. blood in your urine or stool;
8. unrelieved depression;
9. shortness of breath, fever and/or a cough with a yellow-green discharge.
I hope and pray this information has helped some individual out there seeking help and answers.
Help lower your family’s risk of catching and spreading colds or flu by taking these preventative steps:
Give Staying Healthy A Shot
An easy way to help prevent your kids from getting the flu is to give them a flu shot. The flu shot can reduce the average child's chances of catching the flu by up to 80% during the flu season. The CDC's Flu "Fact Sheet" recommends that people who are at "high risk" for catching the flu, those between 50 and 64 years of age, and those who can transmit the flu to people in these categories, should get vaccinated each year.
Practice Good Health Habits
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following for helping to prevent the spread of cold and flu:
* Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to help protect them from getting sick too.
* Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
* Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
* Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Your kids need to wash their hands for at least 30 seconds to effectively kill germs. Kids can measure the time by singing "Happy Birthday" song twice.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Keep Your Home Clean AND Disinfected
Germs can live on surfaces for long periods of time. Cleaning with soap and water only removes dirt, it does not kill germs. Use some type of disinfectant spray or sanitizing wipes to kill germs on commonly touched surfaces throughout the home.
Disinfectant Spray
* Kills 99.9% of germs on commonly touched surfaces around the home (when used as directed)
* Easy to use in every room
* Keeps germs off areas your family comes in contact with every day
Sanitizing Wipes
* Kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses when used as directed
* Now with Micro-Lock™ fibers that trap and hold the germs instead of pushing it around
* The convenient way to clean and disinfect your household surfaces, no sponges and no mess
Ask your doctor or nurse. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information. This guide is provided for informational purposes only and it is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for the cold or flu.
Have more questions about the flu?
* Click here to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more information or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Household Germ Holders or “Hot Spots”
* Doorknobs
* Toilets handles
* Telephone Receivers
* Countertops
* Faucets
* TV and Game Remotes
* Keyboard
This year, make some resolutions you’ll want to keep! Vow to live healthier—you’ll be happier! Try our tips for staying healthy, including starting a diet and exercise program that’s right for you.
Practice Good Health Habits Every Day
Photo of CLEAN & SMOOTH® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap, Any type of Disinfectant Spray and Sanitizing Wipes
* Try to wash your hands as much as possible to prevent the spread of germs that can lead to illness. Try CLEAN & SMOOTH® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap to kill germs and bacteria, leaving your hands smooth and clean.
* Kill household germs. Soap and water alone won’t do the trick—try disinfectant spray or sanitizing wipes to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses* on commonly-touched surfaces.
Eating Right
* Before starting any diet, consult with your physician. He or she can help you decide what program is right for your health needs.
* Take it one step at a time. Start by making small changes in your diet—like adding two more fruits or vegetables to your daily meals or cutting down on snacks.
* Always eat breakfast. Eating in the morning can help you stay satisfied until lunch and prevent you from overeating the rest of the day. Avoid sugary cereals that will leave you wanting more—try oatmeal or a low-calorie breakfast bar.
* Take it home. When dining out, ask for a doggy bag as soon as you get your meal. Pack up half right away so you won’t be tempted to eat the whole dish in one sitting.
* Skip dessert. Okay, you don’t always have to miss out—but just don’t indulge every day! And when you do sneak in some sweets, eat a smaller portion or share with a friend.
Get Moving!
* You don't have to be a marathon runner to exercise a fast walk in the morning and an evening stroll can help you burn lots of calories.
* Find a plan that works for you. Whether it’s joining a gym, jogging, taking aerobics classes, or riding your bike, do what you enjoy. You’ll see better results in the long run if you find activities that you can keep doing over time.
* Even after you figure out what works for you, don’t be afraid to try some new things! Take a new class, exercise with a friend, or try a different machine at the gym. You’ll keep your routine fresh and interesting!
* Don’t give up. Miss a few days of exercise? Don’t throw away the whole week! Today’s a new day—give yourself another chance to improve your workout routine.
I hope and pray that this information is helpful to someone today and in the future.
An easy way to help prevent your kids from getting the flu is to give them a flu shot. The flu shot can reduce the average child's chances of catching the flu by up to 80% during the flu season. The CDC's Flu "Fact Sheet" recommends that people who are at "high risk" for catching the flu, those between 50 and 64 years of age, and those who can transmit the flu to people in these categories, should get vaccinated each year.
Practice Good Health Habits
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following for helping to prevent the spread of cold and flu:
* Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to help protect them from getting sick too.
* Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
* Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
* Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Your kids need to wash their hands for at least 30 seconds to effectively kill germs. Kids can measure the time by singing "Happy Birthday" song twice.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Keep Your Home Clean AND Disinfected
Germs can live on surfaces for long periods of time. Cleaning with soap and water only removes dirt, it does not kill germs. Use some type of disinfectant spray or sanitizing wipes to kill germs on commonly touched surfaces throughout the home.
Disinfectant Spray
* Kills 99.9% of germs on commonly touched surfaces around the home (when used as directed)
* Easy to use in every room
* Keeps germs off areas your family comes in contact with every day
Sanitizing Wipes
* Kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses when used as directed
* Now with Micro-Lock™ fibers that trap and hold the germs instead of pushing it around
* The convenient way to clean and disinfect your household surfaces, no sponges and no mess
Ask your doctor or nurse. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information. This guide is provided for informational purposes only and it is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for the cold or flu.
Have more questions about the flu?
* Click here to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more information or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Household Germ Holders or “Hot Spots”
* Doorknobs
* Toilets handles
* Telephone Receivers
* Countertops
* Faucets
* TV and Game Remotes
* Keyboard
This year, make some resolutions you’ll want to keep! Vow to live healthier—you’ll be happier! Try our tips for staying healthy, including starting a diet and exercise program that’s right for you.
Practice Good Health Habits Every Day
Photo of CLEAN & SMOOTH® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap, Any type of Disinfectant Spray and Sanitizing Wipes
* Try to wash your hands as much as possible to prevent the spread of germs that can lead to illness. Try CLEAN & SMOOTH® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap to kill germs and bacteria, leaving your hands smooth and clean.
* Kill household germs. Soap and water alone won’t do the trick—try disinfectant spray or sanitizing wipes to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses* on commonly-touched surfaces.
Eating Right
* Before starting any diet, consult with your physician. He or she can help you decide what program is right for your health needs.
* Take it one step at a time. Start by making small changes in your diet—like adding two more fruits or vegetables to your daily meals or cutting down on snacks.
* Always eat breakfast. Eating in the morning can help you stay satisfied until lunch and prevent you from overeating the rest of the day. Avoid sugary cereals that will leave you wanting more—try oatmeal or a low-calorie breakfast bar.
* Take it home. When dining out, ask for a doggy bag as soon as you get your meal. Pack up half right away so you won’t be tempted to eat the whole dish in one sitting.
* Skip dessert. Okay, you don’t always have to miss out—but just don’t indulge every day! And when you do sneak in some sweets, eat a smaller portion or share with a friend.
Get Moving!
* You don't have to be a marathon runner to exercise a fast walk in the morning and an evening stroll can help you burn lots of calories.
* Find a plan that works for you. Whether it’s joining a gym, jogging, taking aerobics classes, or riding your bike, do what you enjoy. You’ll see better results in the long run if you find activities that you can keep doing over time.
* Even after you figure out what works for you, don’t be afraid to try some new things! Take a new class, exercise with a friend, or try a different machine at the gym. You’ll keep your routine fresh and interesting!
* Don’t give up. Miss a few days of exercise? Don’t throw away the whole week! Today’s a new day—give yourself another chance to improve your workout routine.
I hope and pray that this information is helpful to someone today and in the future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)