And according to the Family Caregiver Alliance, research has Kicking Stress to the Curb
shown that caregivers for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s
disease or dementia are twice as likely to develop depression One in five adults is considered a familial caregiver – a
as those treating patients with other ailments. The day-to-day job that can be a strain to even the most capable. But there are
outlook for patients with dementia can change daily, taking ways to identify, control and reduce the stress that comes with
the mental and physical health of a caregiver with it. being a one-person support system.
The first step caregivers can take to keep healthy, Woosley
Stroke said, is to keep living their own lives.
According to the National Stroke Association, 730,000 “When you’re caring for that person on a 24-hour basis,
Americans suffer from strokes yearly. Of those 730,000, nearly you don’t really give yourself permission to do the things you
160,000 will die – and the lives of those who survive will need to do for your own personal care, be it a break or your
be forever altered. The aftermath of a stroke can leave a per- own health, because your focus is on taking care of that other
son suffering with paralysis, vision problems and emotional individual,” she said.
volatility – each of which poses a unique set of challenges for It’s also important for caregivers to realize that they’re
caregivers. Stroke rehabilitation typically involves intense ad- not alone, as one of the crucial parts of caregiving is asking
aptation for both the patient and the family – a transition that for help. Reaching out to friends, local programs or support
can be both frustrating and stressful to an aide. groups can be pivotal to staying healthy. Caregivers can seek
the help of programs like the Shepherd’s Center, Woosley said,
Parkinson’s Disease which tend to ill family members to give a caregiver time off
The effects of Parkinson’s disease are vast and varied. The during the week.
disease, which is caused by the destruction of nerve cells in “These programs allow you to do whatever you need to
the brain, causes tremors for some and impairs cognitive func- do that would be beneficial to your mental wellbeing, be it
tions in others. Parkinson’s is most common in those aged 60 swimming or sitting outside or shopping –whatever your own
or older, and an estimated 1 million United States citizens cur- therapy would be,” Woosley said, adding that those without
rently live with the disease. Many with the disease experience access to these organizations can seek the help of friends and
balance problems, rigidity and loss of movement. Serving as family, instead.
a caregiver for a patient with Parkinson’s can be physically “So many feel like they cannot give themselves permis-
exhausting. sion to be away,” Woosley said, “but they need that.”
June is BE WELL WITH BRENNER month at BestHealth
®
Medical Imaging and Of Course I Don’t Want My Kids
the Pediatric Patient to Be Overweight ... But How?
Monday, June 1, at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at 6 p.m.
Did you know parents are now Dr. Joseph Skelton, pediatric gastroenterologist and Director
encouraged to keep a medical of Brenner FIT, shares strategies families can use to promote
imaging record for their children, physical fi tness, healthy eating habits and overall wellness.
similar to that of a vaccination Call (336) 716-2255 to register.
record? Dr. Lynn Anthony, pediatric
radiologist with Brenner Children’s
Breastfeeding Basics
Hospital, discusses the importance
Wednesday, June 10, at 6 p.m.
of tracking a child’s imaging exams
Confused by all the information—and misinformation—out
so parents and medical providers
there about breastfeeding? Join WFUBMC lactation consultant
can make informed decisions.
Debbie Gordon for information and answers to your questions.
Call (336) 716-2255 to register.
Call (336) 716-2255 to register.
For a complete list of events, visit www.besthealth.com.
BestHealth is located in Hanes Mall across from the U.S. Post Offi ce.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Sunday.
MAY 2009
9
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