Most ailments that plague people from time to time tend to have debilitating effects on the body. They weaken the body system and its defenses thereby reducing its ability to function properly. This results in weakness and general fatigue of the body.
Getting the body back to form again takes more than just medication. A good nutritious diet, combined with the right treatments will aid recovery and get the patient back on his feet in no time.
What you eat while recuperating from an illness may depend on the nature of the ailment. For those who have undergone surgical procedures such as appendectomy, doctors usually recommend a special diet, which is fluid-based. For other convalescents recovering from illnesses such as malaria, emphasis should be on foods that aid recovery and regaining of health and strength. These include foods that contain protein, minerals, vitamins and other essential nutrients that the body needs to recover. Protein is especially recommended for the invalid as it is essential for the growth, maintenance and repair of body tissues, and is also a good source of energy.
Unless advised otherwise by the doctor, the invalid should take lots of fluids to replace body fluids lost during illness and to prevent dehydration. Fluids could be in the form of water or fruit and vegetable juices. Fruits are especially important as they contain essential vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre, which help in the indigestion and constipation problems that plague most invalids.
The ideal diet for the invalid should be fluid-based, semi-solid and soft foods that are nutritious and easily digestible. Light foods such as soups, porridge dishes, pudding, light salads and fruit juices should be taken at first. Later, as the invalid begins to get better, other easy-to eat, nourishing foods like eggs, fish and ground meat, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables should be reintroduced into his diet.
Showing posts with label STAY HEALTHY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label STAY HEALTHY. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
RECOVER FAST AFTER ILLNESS_2
A little exercise for the invalid will also help in speeding up his recovery. Engaging in activities such as brisk walking, cycling, tai-chi and aerobics will boost his strength and get him back to optimal health within a short period of time. However, it is important that the invalid does not overexert himself doing those exercises. The invalid should talk to the doctor about the appropriate workout program for his condition.
If, however, the invalid has to stay in bed during the period of convalescence, there are other ways through which caregivers can keep him cheerful and comfortable, and help him on the way to full recovery. Bed, as most of us know, is not such a comfortable place when you have to stay there for days on end.
Provided the doctor agrees, it better to let the person get up, at least for part of the day, rather than staying cooped up in bed. It is important that the invalid stays active and occupied, so as to reduce loneliness and boredom. Children can play with toys, picture books, pencils and crayons for writing, drawing and painting. Teenagers will likely be happy with simple adult activities like collecting coins, stamps, badges or photos, carving, sewing, doing crossword puzzles, reading, or listening to music.
Television is, of course, popular with all age groups, and it does help to keep an invalid amused–in small doses. It is not wise to make the TV a babysitter by leaving the invalid alone with it for long stretches. The caregiver should always check beforehand on the programs the invalid is to watch. Violent or over-exciting movies, for example, could be especially distressing for a sick person.
Except his illness is contagious and he has to be in isolation, the invalid should be made to feel he is “one of the family” by including him as much as possible in home life, and letting relatives and friends pay regular visits. Sick people feel better, and get better more quickly, if there is activity going on around them and they can share, even a little, in normal day-to-day life.
For the invalid, even though you are burning to get back to work, or school, it is important that you actually rest during your convalescent period. With the proper diet, adequate rest, quality treatment and a little bit of exercise, you should be up and fully recovered in a short space of time. When you are recovered, make the necessary lifestyle changes that will help to keep you healthy. Lose weight if you are obese, exercise regularly, eat natural and low fat foods, including fruits and vegetables, manage your stress levels, cut down on alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
You should also pay adequate attention to your personal hygiene and sexual habits. Get well soon.
If, however, the invalid has to stay in bed during the period of convalescence, there are other ways through which caregivers can keep him cheerful and comfortable, and help him on the way to full recovery. Bed, as most of us know, is not such a comfortable place when you have to stay there for days on end.
Provided the doctor agrees, it better to let the person get up, at least for part of the day, rather than staying cooped up in bed. It is important that the invalid stays active and occupied, so as to reduce loneliness and boredom. Children can play with toys, picture books, pencils and crayons for writing, drawing and painting. Teenagers will likely be happy with simple adult activities like collecting coins, stamps, badges or photos, carving, sewing, doing crossword puzzles, reading, or listening to music.
Television is, of course, popular with all age groups, and it does help to keep an invalid amused–in small doses. It is not wise to make the TV a babysitter by leaving the invalid alone with it for long stretches. The caregiver should always check beforehand on the programs the invalid is to watch. Violent or over-exciting movies, for example, could be especially distressing for a sick person.
Except his illness is contagious and he has to be in isolation, the invalid should be made to feel he is “one of the family” by including him as much as possible in home life, and letting relatives and friends pay regular visits. Sick people feel better, and get better more quickly, if there is activity going on around them and they can share, even a little, in normal day-to-day life.
For the invalid, even though you are burning to get back to work, or school, it is important that you actually rest during your convalescent period. With the proper diet, adequate rest, quality treatment and a little bit of exercise, you should be up and fully recovered in a short space of time. When you are recovered, make the necessary lifestyle changes that will help to keep you healthy. Lose weight if you are obese, exercise regularly, eat natural and low fat foods, including fruits and vegetables, manage your stress levels, cut down on alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
You should also pay adequate attention to your personal hygiene and sexual habits. Get well soon.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
COPING WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Arthritis generally, is an inflammation of one or more joints. In its most common and troubling forms arthritis may occur in several joints of the body as a long term condition that may cause progressive disability.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting about 80% of people over 65 years of age, although only 25% may actually have symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis is by far the more serious, painful and potentially crippling form of arthritis. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, characterized by swelling, pain, stiffness and loss of function of the small joints of the fingers, shoulders, neck, elbows, knees and hips that may progress to other parts of the body. Not only is it chronic, rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by flare-ups and remission of symptoms. Women are three times as likely to get the disease as men, and the age of onset is usually 30-50 years. Other associated factors include improper treatment of injuries around the joints, genetic factor, environmental factors and infection.
Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints primarily, but may affect supporting connective tissue throughout the body causing fever, weakness, fatigue, and deformity. Destruction of cartilage, erosion of the bones and loss of use of the joint itself can occur over time.
Although no cure has been discovered, the disease can be controlled. Pain relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs are used, as well as programs of exercise, rest, heat and assistive devices to maintain joint motion and function.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting about 80% of people over 65 years of age, although only 25% may actually have symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis is by far the more serious, painful and potentially crippling form of arthritis. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, characterized by swelling, pain, stiffness and loss of function of the small joints of the fingers, shoulders, neck, elbows, knees and hips that may progress to other parts of the body. Not only is it chronic, rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by flare-ups and remission of symptoms. Women are three times as likely to get the disease as men, and the age of onset is usually 30-50 years. Other associated factors include improper treatment of injuries around the joints, genetic factor, environmental factors and infection.
Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints primarily, but may affect supporting connective tissue throughout the body causing fever, weakness, fatigue, and deformity. Destruction of cartilage, erosion of the bones and loss of use of the joint itself can occur over time.
Although no cure has been discovered, the disease can be controlled. Pain relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs are used, as well as programs of exercise, rest, heat and assistive devices to maintain joint motion and function.
COPING WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS 2
WHAT YOU CAN DO
(a) Strengthen your body: becoming a couch potato because of your illness will only make things worse. A sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles and increase fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis patients. You should engage in low impact exercises such as walking, tai-chi, water aerobics and light swimming as they will help to boost your strength and endurance.
You should also do stretching exercises to maintain your flexibility. Consult your doctor on the best workout plan for your condition.
(b) Control your weight: Excess weight puts extra strain on the joints, it is important that you embark on a weight reduction / maintenance program, if needed. Chose a diet programme that will help you to maintain the appropriate weight for your body. You should also talk to your doctor about taking fish oil and vitamin E supplements for the beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.
(c) Take things easy: While exercise is important in building up your strength, getting enough rest can also do much good. You also need to ease up on strenuous activities that may aggravate the condition. Plan your day and activities and make out enough time for rest. Consider using assistive devices like canes, walkers and supportive shoes, as well as household appliances that simplify everyday cooking and cleaning. Consult an occupational therapist if you are having difficulty in everyday duties.
(d) Clear your mind: Daily meditation, breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques help in relieving stress and in improving overall wellness. Relaxation exercises reduce muscular tension and help to relax the body, thereby protecting against injuries and enhancing circulation. Acupuncture and spa therapy can also be helpful in reducing pain.
(e) Heat /cold applications: Applying heat (using a heating pad, a piece of cloth soaked in hot water or a hot bath) can ease muscle tension and throbbing pain. Also cold application (from an ice pack or a cold bath) can numb painful joints and reduce muscle spasms.
(f) Stay informed-Get all the information you can on the latest rheumatoid arthritis research and alternative therapies.
This information will help you know about your illness and keep you up to date on the best available treatments for your condition. Get a grip on rheumatoid arthritis by learning all you can about it today.
(a) Strengthen your body: becoming a couch potato because of your illness will only make things worse. A sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles and increase fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis patients. You should engage in low impact exercises such as walking, tai-chi, water aerobics and light swimming as they will help to boost your strength and endurance.
You should also do stretching exercises to maintain your flexibility. Consult your doctor on the best workout plan for your condition.
(b) Control your weight: Excess weight puts extra strain on the joints, it is important that you embark on a weight reduction / maintenance program, if needed. Chose a diet programme that will help you to maintain the appropriate weight for your body. You should also talk to your doctor about taking fish oil and vitamin E supplements for the beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.
(c) Take things easy: While exercise is important in building up your strength, getting enough rest can also do much good. You also need to ease up on strenuous activities that may aggravate the condition. Plan your day and activities and make out enough time for rest. Consider using assistive devices like canes, walkers and supportive shoes, as well as household appliances that simplify everyday cooking and cleaning. Consult an occupational therapist if you are having difficulty in everyday duties.
(d) Clear your mind: Daily meditation, breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques help in relieving stress and in improving overall wellness. Relaxation exercises reduce muscular tension and help to relax the body, thereby protecting against injuries and enhancing circulation. Acupuncture and spa therapy can also be helpful in reducing pain.
(e) Heat /cold applications: Applying heat (using a heating pad, a piece of cloth soaked in hot water or a hot bath) can ease muscle tension and throbbing pain. Also cold application (from an ice pack or a cold bath) can numb painful joints and reduce muscle spasms.
(f) Stay informed-Get all the information you can on the latest rheumatoid arthritis research and alternative therapies.
This information will help you know about your illness and keep you up to date on the best available treatments for your condition. Get a grip on rheumatoid arthritis by learning all you can about it today.
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