Corie Richter – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com Here today, better tomorrow. Sat, 01 Dec 2012 03:56:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.3 https://wp-media.familytoday.com/2020/03/favicon.ico Corie Richter – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com 32 32 When it always hurts: Dealing with chronic pain https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/when-it-always-hurts-dealing-with-chronic-pain/ Sat, 01 Dec 2012 03:56:04 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/when-it-always-hurts-dealing-with-chronic-pain/ Science does not always know why someone has pain; nor can they relieve chronic pain all the time even if…

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Science does not always know why someone has pain; nor can they relieve chronic pain all the time even if they know the cause. However pain is real, whether or not anyone can figure out why it is happening.

Pain is complex and the causes vary, as do the treatments. When doing research on any medical condition, always make sure your source is qualified. To understand this problem better, a few good sites are webmd.com and mayoclinic.com. All their articles are written or edited by physicians in the specialty.

There are international organizations dedicated to the study of pain relief, and some are available to everyone, such as the IASP.

Pain and its moderation are directly related to how the brain and nervous system perceive it. So, while your ankle may hurt, it is the nerves and brain deciding how much. There is a much more detailed explanation here.

If your pain is chronic (more than 6 months), and your doctor has not been able to help, it is time to see a pain management specialist. This is a physician specially trained in identifying and relieving pain. If after you have followed the advice of the pain management specialist and are told there is nothing more to be done, then it may be time to consider alternative therapy.

Beware of products that claim to cure you of almost any ailment

There are many offered on the web as well as popular magazines. You will be wasting your money and the products (natural or not) can harm you as well as react poorly with a medication you are taking.

Practitioners who claim to rid you of pain with secret formulas or devices

They are probably fake.

Taking more supplements than are recommended

Too many can become harmful to the nervous system and increase pain, as well as have bad interactions with medications. Ask your doctor if it is safe to take with your medicine. As always, get quality products: the most expensive is not necessarily the best, and the least expensive does not mean it is less effective. Research the products.

What Can Make the Pain Worse?

Stress

The body and mind are influenced by the challenges you face every day. Learn how to identify and modify it. Many people of faith find they can obtain relief through prayer.

Depression

Emotions greatly influence the amount and severity of pain; especially in the head, neck, and back. Chronic pain can also cause depression, making it worse. Seek professional counseling to stop the cycle. Do not isolate yourself.

Inactivity

What we now know is that activity increases circulation and mobility, as well as decreases chronic pain. In addition, movement and interacting with others go far in relieving depression!

Alternative Ways to Relieve Pain

Acupuncture

This oriental practice is one of the oldest and most respected throughout the world, for its ability to interfere with pain pathways. Treatment often requires several sessions, but you will know within the first two if it will work. Make certain the practitioner is reputable and experienced.

Biofeedback

Helps you take charge of how your brain reacts to pain. There are several ways to do it, and methods can be found on the web; as well as classes in some communities and workplaces.

Topical capsaicin

Made from chili peppers. The ointment or cream is absorbed through the skin, and is quite widely used for arthritic pain with considerable success.

Fish oil supplements

Known to reduce inflammation, which may lie at the heart of the problem.

The bottom line

While some chronic pain may not yet have a cure, there are ways to provide a margin of relief. The key is not to let it take over your life. Always have hope that it will improve.

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Live long with diabetes https://www.familytoday.com/self-care/live-long-with-diabetes/ Sat, 20 Oct 2012 21:20:03 +0000 http://www.famifi.com/oc/live-long-with-diabetes/ Practical advice for taking charge of diabetes and not letting it take control of you.

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Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been a diabetic for some time, you will eventually recover from the fright and then get upset. No need for either. We have the tools to control the disease, as well as an advanced knowledge of how to treat it. The key is that you understand you are in control. There are plenty of trusted organizations around the globe to include the International Diabetes Foundation, World Diabetes Foundation, and, more than likely, in your country as well.

Ways to get your life back:

Stop feeling sorry for yourself

Move on with your life.

Learn how to count carbs

Work with your clinician or dietician to see how many you can consume daily. Find out what carbohydrate counting is. This is especially important if you are Type 1 (insulin dependent) but also significant if you are Type 2.

Get recipes you and your family can be happy with

There are a lot of places on the web where you can get great recipes for free. Lack of sugar doesn't mean lack of taste these days. It will be good for you, and your family. We found some by Paula Deen, as well as DiabeticLivingOnline; and there are plenty more if you do a search.

Be attentive in monitoring your blood glucose

The tighter the control, the less likely it is you will have serious complications. But do not go crazy over every slight rise.

Use reliable sources for information

Ignore stories from well-meaning but poorly informed family and friends; anecdotes are not facts! Check out this website for diabetic myths. There are online magazines, but make sure the writers are medical people and not just patients with stories to tell. Diabetes informationis also freely sent by most insurance companies and makers of diabetic supplies.

Exercise regularly

It will help control your blood sugar as well as improve your mental outlook (not to mention how great you will look!)

If you require injectables to treat your diabetes, there are ways to make your life more flexible and comfortable:

Insulin Pumps

These are actually for those on immediate acting insulin, not the other types of injectable medications. The devices are easy to use and give the user considerable flexibility with what and when they eat. Diabetic children's glucose levels are significantly easier to control with a pump. While the pump itself, as well as the supplies, is costly, many insurance companies cover the cost. For more detailed descriptions, and unbiased comparisons, check out diabetes.net.

Do not reject medication because a needle is involved

The medication that requires injections is among the most advanced available and will most likely prolong your life span and quality. "Being afraid" is not a valid reason to reject treatment. Get over it.

Insulin Cooler

Whether traveling or when the lights go out along with the fridge, having one of these simple devices is a small investment with big rewards. There is a relatively new type that does not require ice. You merely saturate an inner pad with cold water and it will keep your insulin at safe levels for a few days. Check out the manufacturer, Frio.

Change your shoes frequently

Blisters and calluses are harder to avoid and heal in diabetics. The longer you wear your shoes, the more likely you are to get a foot wound.

Wear sunglasses

Diabetics, especially living in higher elevations, are at increased risk for cataracts,among other eye maladies. Seeing an eye doctor regularly can keep you from going blind.

A diabetes diagnosis doesn't mean an end to an enjoyable life. Follow these tips to improve your quality of life, even with diabetes.

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