LLT #215 : AGEING and PAIN - They Go Together! Right?🩼😟👵🏽👴🏽 WRONG!💃🏽🕺🏽
#agingprocess #arthritispain #elderlyhealth #immunesystem #frailty #fallrisk #healthyaging #familycaregivers #jointpain #jointhealth #movement
You're older- "expect pain some day , somehow".
Does this sound familiar?
As we age, yes some changes happen as part of the ageing process, but it is NOT A DISEASE, nor is it inevitable, nor do you just have to resign yourself to "living with it".
It IS a time when things are what they are🤷🏽♀️
Join me as I discuss 7 common age related pain concerns, AND, tips to mitigate, or treat
Yes , we're "keeping it real" but NOT "giving in"! 💃🏽👵🏽👴🏽🕺🏽
As life goes on, especially if you have led either an active, or sedentary lifestyle, genetics, environment, things change in our bodies!
So what to do?
1/ MOVE! - joints, muscles and bones, need to keep going to be healthy- Exercise!150 mins a day; also light weights are helpful for muscle building, stability, reduced frailty.
2/The benefits of being active are more than skin deep- it improves your mood, helps with heart health, reduces the risks and severity of NCDs
3/"The Big "C"- Cancer- colon, breast, prostate, can affect older persons to a slightly higher degree as the health of cells, small mutations, and slowing of the normal healing processes make this concern valid (and scary). There are several studies which also show the benefits of exercise.
4/ EAT your vitamins- fatty foods, green vegetables, healthy starches- if not easily chewed- make a shake! Make soup!
5/Mineral and joint supplements do help- check with your doc for the best for you
6/ If the pain needs medication to ease your discomfort- use it! ( yes under supervision)
7/ CAVEAT⚠️🛑 ⚠️!
There are signs that may indicate a much more serious health concern- life and limb:
IMMEDIATELY seek medical help if there is : sudden pain that worsens despite any intervention, back pain that is associated with inability to use the toilet; sudden fall which was preceded by dizziness or confusion; a joint that suddenly becomes swollen, painful, or causes fever.
Meanwhile:
Focus on the 5 "F"s:
1/ Fun 2/ Friendship and Family 3/ Focus (mindset) 4/ Fitness (start low and go slow) and 5/ Fluids (hydrate! - it does help , in everyway! 💃🏽🕺🏽
You Got This!!!💘🎯We Got This!🎯💘🫱🏽🫲🏾!
From my heart to yours always💗
Dr. Lana
Compassion Fatigue What is it? Is this YOU?#compassionfatigue #caregiverburnout #familycaregivers #emotionalhealth #emotionalrollercoasters #anxietyanddepression #familydynamics #dementiacare #dementiasupport #seekhelp
You have cared and cared, and taken care of- and now you can care NO MORE!😩😩
COMPASSION FATIGUE may be defined this way:
"When a caregiver takes on the emotional stress and trauma of a person within their care. It causes a lack of empathy (understanding the feelings and situations of someone else) or a lack of care for the person within your care."
Some signs and symptoms:
4 PHYSICAL:
1/🕯️Changes in sleep patterns - especially unable to get or stay asleep
2/🕯️ Physical exhaustion- you feel listless
3/ 🕯️Changes in appetite and/or weight. (increased or decreased)
4/ 🕯️Unexplained headaches- notably. a throbbing" sensation top, sides or forehead
4 EMOTIONAL
1/ 🕯️Withdrawal from friends, family and other loved ones - you just don't want to talk to anyone - you DISCONNECT, especially if you feel no one cares
2/🕯️Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed - don't have the energy to care
3/ 🕯️Feeling hopeless and helpless, irritable; (and yes, even resentment towards the person you care for angry, sad, guilty😡😤😒🥹
4/ 🕯️You self-neglect in many ways - you may see no point, or could not care for how people see you- it doesn't matter😔
What CAN you do?
4 WAYS TO COPE:
1/ 😊Be AWARE of your feelings- it happens- it's normal ; NOTHING is "wrong with you"💓
2/ 😊🫂TALK- share how you feel with a trusted friend who maybe able to offer suggestions , or even practical assistance. The BEST "Listener " is GOD, -pray and pray and pray!
3/ 💃🏽🚶🏽🏃🏽🎽👟EXERCISE- even 5 minutes a day- go to the bathroom just to take some deep breaths!
4/ 😊🫂CONNECT! with friends- Facetime, a phone call, or invite for a cup of tea- whatever you do , you need to be with "your tribe"
💥💥Call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S.). Someone is available to help you 24/7. Seek your local hotline crisis centre if you feel so overwhelmed that you are considering self harm.
When you have been thrust into this role and feel that all your best efforts at the daily grind is more than you can bear, compassion fatigue is a condition that NEEDS help; it is more than just "feeling tired".
The "superhero cape" needs to come off and it's time for YOU.
You got this!
One day/hour at a time
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana
Why Do Persons with Dementia and Alzheimers STOP Eating or Drinking? What to DO? 🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖
#alzheimer #alzheimerawareness #elderlycare #nutritionandlifestyle #nutritionist #healthyaging #brainhealth #seniorcare #familycaregivers #thelonggoodbye
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Dementia and its most common subset, Alzheimer’s disease are neurological brain disorders that cause impairment with memory, thinking skills, and behaviour.
Daunting? Yes!
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖As these diseases progress, they often affect taste, smell and mood, as well making mealtimes and hydration a "battle of wills"😖
Dangers: Dehydration, constipation, infection, frailty, poorer immune system, falls, fractures, death.
Reasons:
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖Pain
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖Depression and apathy - no desire
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖arthritis in the jaw- eating is just uncomfortable
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖Infection especially lungs and bladder - let's not forget anosmia from COVID-19
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖Some medication alter taste
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖Memory Impairment-- they simply forget to eat
What can you do?
🍽️🥤😊 Vary the colours and textures of food and the utensils; use "watery fruit" such as watermelob
🍽️Lightweight cups and mugs are easier to hold
🍽️🥤Be alert to signs of dehydration and when you may need the doctor
🍽️🥤 Seek the advice of the nutritionist
🍽️🥤When nothing works- walk away , cool heads and come back in a few minutes
🍽️🥤Eating is a SOCIAL event-, so eat WITH them- selfcare, comraderie, familiarity.
Let us embrace these "new normals" in an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, empathy and love
One day/hour at a time
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana
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Overwhelmed? Let's connect: 📧lana@lanaannemd.com
For more insights and connect for a FREE face-to-Face 15 minute Zoom call, and a place where we can connect as Family Caregivers and fellow Physicians on my website: lanaslittlethings.com.
