ASTHMAAsthma: A respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. It usually results from an allergic reaction or other forms of hypersensitivity
PreventionIt is important to know what triggers an individual's asthma attack to ensure appropriate preventative measures can be put in place.
However, asthma attacks can be prevented or reduced by taking medication daily (usually called controller or maintenance medications such as Ventolin), avoiding asthma triggers, and modifying one’s environment (such as minimizing dust and other allergens). Management* During a bout of asthma, patients find it easier to breathe while sitting up than lying down. So help them get into a comfortable sitting position.
* Most asthma patients know what they need to do to deal with an attack. So it is best to ask them. Ask if they have an inhaler and where it is. If they don't have one, ask them if you should call for help. *Many asthma patients carry not only an inhaler, but a written instruction card as well. An asthma attack can temporarily rob the patient of his ability to speak. In such situations, an instruction card explaining what needs to be done can be invaluable. If there is such a card, just do as it says. * Help them use the inhaler. An inhaler is designed to deliver a specific dose of asthma medication. The medication relaxes the patient's airways and helps restore normal breathing. Medication is so important that in case the patient doesn't have his or her inhaler available, most doctors say that it is ok to use someone else's. Nothing else you can do has nearly the same effect as taking the right medication. In general, you should give two to four puffs of the inhaler and then wait for about five minutes for the next dose. Position the mouthpiece of the inhaler between the patient's lips. Let him know when you are about to give a puff so that he can breathe in at the same time.Wait for several seconds before you deliver another puff. Or until he lets you know he is ready for the next one. * Once you've given medication, observe the patient for several minutes. Is it getting easier for him to breathe? * If it appears that they are not responding to the medication within ten minutes, call an ambulance. And continue to deliver about four puffs of medication every five minutes while waiting for the ambulance. The medication will help prevent the asthma attack from getting worse even if it doesn't seem to provide immediate relief. * Stay calm throughout the episode. This will help the patient remain calm as well. If he panics, it will worsen the asthma attack and make it far more difficult for him to breathe. So talk to him calmly, to reinforce the feeling that everything is under control. This is vitally important. |
DIABETESA disorder of the metabolism causing excessive thirst and the production of large amounts of urine.It is also the inability of the body to produce, or the inability to metabolize, the human hormone insulin.
There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is less common, this is when the body can not produce insulin and will require constant injections. Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function, or the cells in the body do not react to insulin. PreventionReduce portion sizes- this can include eating breakfast everyday, less on your plate, having meals and snacks regaurly, making healthy choices when going out to eat.
Move more each day- whilst doing household chores dance to music, take the stairs not the elevator, taking walks, whilst watching TV march on the spot. Make Healthy Food choices- cook with a mix of spices instead of salt, eating foods made from whole grains, choosing low fat options. Nurture your mind, body and soul- Don’t try and change your entire way of eating and exercise in one turn, give yourself a pampering time eg reading a book, taking a long bath Be Creative- honor your health and be creative Treatment
If diabetes is not managed effectively it could lead to issues such as eye complications, foot complications, heart problems, mental health (depression, anxiety), hearing loss, strokes and many more. |