7 tips to manage schizophrenia

7 tips to manage schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a treatable mental illness characterized by distortions in speaking, thinking, and behavior accompanied by auditory and visual hallucinations. It is estimated that 3.5 million people in the country have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other related mental illnesses. However, most symptoms significantly improve with treatment. But since there are too many myths and half-truths about the condition, you must learn the following tips to manage schizophrenia:

Learning the truth and facts about schizophrenia

Lack of awareness has resulted in the proliferation of myths about schizophrenia. It can confuse the person affected and their immediate circle of family and friends who may be their caregivers. Knowing the truth is essential for both patients and caregivers.

Schizophrenic patients are not dangerous.

They have a mental illness.

They do not have a split personality or multiple personality disorder.

They can get better with a structured and continuous treatment.

Parental or societal influences do not cause schizophrenia.

Learning about symptoms

A person with schizophrenia may exhibit one or more of its typical symptoms. Knowing the typical symptoms can help one prepare to take adequate preventive measures per the doctor’s advice. While an individual can work on managing stress independently, it is advisable to go to a doctor if they experience severe and intense mood changes, thoughts, or symptoms of a psychotic episode. Some typical symptoms of schizophrenia include:

Absentmindedness

Changes in behavior and mood

Frequent bickering with people around you

The inability to focus, concentrate or plan for activities

Inability to express any feelings

Lack of energy and constant fatigue

Lack of interest in routine activities

Paranoia

Seeing or hearing things

Unusual thoughts

Being optimistic

Though schizophrenia is a chronic condition with no cure, extensive studies and research have helped doctors create new and effective treatment methods and therapies. Behavioral therapies, cognitive behavioral therapies, psychotherapies, counseling, social skills training, and supported employment have helped improve their lives. Do not hesitate to talk to family, friends, and caregivers about the condition and seek their support whenever it is needed. There are numerous examples of people becoming better after receiving continuous treatment. Being positive about an individual’s or their loved one’s health can help recover faster.

Working proactively to cope with stress

Stress can worsen schizophrenia, as the affected person may be unable to cope with too many things around them. Loud noise or too much activity around them can cause stress and trigger symptoms. Faster heartbeat, nausea, headache, sweating, and grinding of teeth are some physical symptoms that they are going through stress. They may also repeatedly process old and unhappy memories. They will likely go through phases of fear, irritability, mood swings, and paranoia. They may walk up and down, cry without reason, take drugs or alcohol, isolate themselves, hide or lash out at people next to them. If the following symptoms are noticed, one can do the following to manage stress:

Turn off the lights, lie down or take a nap

Listen to music or do anything relaxing

Practice deep breathing

Stop doing high-energy activities

Talk to a dear one about the symptoms

Connecting with support groups

Numerous organizations work with people with schizophrenia. These groups educate them, provide advocacy, support employment, and can connect them with other people with schizophrenia. One can register with leading support groups like National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Schizophrenia Alliance, or any active group. One can also connect with other patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and learn how they managed their illness.

Being prepared for an emergency

Despite best efforts, there may be a situation where a person could not read the symptoms correctly. An individual could face a situation where they may experience abnormal symptoms or see a loved one experience symptoms like:

Inability to differentiate between real and unreal situations – this is known as a psychotic episode

Hearing and seeing things others cannot hear or see

Repeated suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting themselves or others

Inability to wean off drugs or alcohol

In such cases, it is best to reach out immediately to family, friends, or 911 so they can receive appropriate treatment. Doctors may also suggest hospitalization based on the intensity of the symptoms.

Preparing a detailed plan for recovery

Relapses during treatment are common and could be triggered by stress, use of alcohol, other illness, abrupt treatment discontinuation, or fatigue. It is best to discuss with the doctors and plan to do things that help reduce stress. Pay attention, identify the early warning signs, and contact the doctor immediately if the signs are noticed. Please do not assume that the symptoms may go away on their own. Set up a routine and plan the day so that one has adequate time for rest and a minimum of eight hours of sleep.

What are the early warning signs of a relapse in schizophrenia?

There are multiple early warning signs that one may have a relapse after a period of lull. Develop awareness of the physical and mental changes an individual may go through. Some early warning signs of a potential relapse are:

Blushing

Decision-making problems

Feeling numb

Hastened heartbeat and breathing

Hearing voices

Hiding

Inability to take part in or listen to conversations

Isolation and withdrawal

Mood swings characterized by anger

Sudden sweating

Unnecessary worry about mundane things and situations

Talk to the caregivers, and take time to figure the thoughts out. If one cannot do it independently, talking to primary responders and requesting medical attention will be beneficial.

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don't have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother's body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies. However, avoid bananas if you have allergies, a bout of cough and cold, or diabetes. Mothers can eat bananas after any meal or even add them to smoothies or pancakes as part of a meal. Fatty fish Fatty fish are naturally rich in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Fish like salmon and sardines are one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for mothers and their infants. A deficiency of vitamin D in infants, though uncommon now, can lead to weak and deformed bones. These fish also contain DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid essential for an infant's brain and heart development. DHA can be naturally found in breast milk if a mother eats fatty fish, eggs, or red meat. Omega-3 acids can also help in preventing postpartum depression. Mothers can choose from freshly caught fish, buy from verified farms, or use canned salmon. However, ensure that you have salmon or sardines twice a week to get its benefits and increase the production of breastmilk production. Homemade stock Soups and broths are wholesome and satisfying meals for nursing mothers. The most significant advantage of broths or soups is you can make large quantities and freeze them. The first three months can be hectic for new moms, which is why broths are perfect. They are nutritious, time savers, and can instantly replenish nutrients and strength. Mothers can use the bones and cartilage of chicken or lamb for meat broths. However, slow-cook them as the soup will have time to absorb all the nutrients and minerals from the meat and bones.  On the other hand, vegetarian mothers can make soups and broths of various vegetables and lentils. Bell pepper, carrots, celery stalks, french beans, lentils, mung, cottage cheese, and peas are ideal ingredients for vegetarian soups. Broths and soups can also help deal with postpartum depression and help regain bone density. It can also help reduce joint pain and strengthen joints right after childbirth. Leafy green vegetables It is widely known that green leafy vegetables contain multiple nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, and K, fiber, minerals, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach has a high concentration of phytoestrogens and iron. When a nursing mom increases the intake of spinach, it raises the estrogen level and helps stimulate milk production. Phytoestrogens also help in regulating and reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They are low on calories; hence, you do not have to worry about gaining weight. One serving of green leafy vegetables daily is the recommended quantity for nursing moms.  Mothers can also eat broccoli and Swiss Chard, which are high in calcium and iron. The daily calcium requirement for nursing moms is about 1,300 milligrams a day. Kale or collard greens also can supply about 20% of the daily calcium requirement. Moms can also have milk and yogurt to ensure they receive the necessary supply of calcium. They can add greens to salads, smoothies, soups, or casseroles. Cigna breast pump Cigna is a global health service company that offers health, pharmacy, dental and supplemental insurance, and Medicare plans. You can get 100% of Cigna's insurance for hospital-grade and standard electric breast pumps with a prescription from your physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner. Cigna also covers the cost of renting a heavy-duty hospital-grade breast pump if a standard breast pump fails. Elvie Free Elvie, one of the brands covered by Cigna with a doctor's prescription, has introduced a revolutionary, silent wearable breast pump that women can discretely fit in their clothes. It is a wireless breast pump that can be operated through a smartphone. This easy-to-use pump can be used confidently and without any hassle. Since it is silent, it can be used anywhere without any disturbance or the need for privacy. Moreover, there are no tubes or pipes. It consists of five easy-to-assemble and clean components that make pumping clean and safe. If you're a new mother who wants to try out breast pumps, give this a try after consulting a doctor. 

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7 simple snack ideas that can reduce cholesterol levels

If the cholesterol level in an adult is above 240 mg/dL, they have high cholesterol. The level varies for men and women based on their age. 12% of adults and 7% of adolescents in the country have high cholesterol. Besides treatment, nutritional regimes and exercise are key to lowering cholesterol levels. A person with high cholesterol must commit to a diet that does not spike the current numbers. Here are some snack options that can lower cholesterol levels: Avocado Avocado is a must-have item in the kitchen if an individual has high cholesterol. It is rich in healthy fats that keep one satisfied, and it has 0 cholesterol. Avocado is also versatile; add it to egg, chicken, or vegetable salads, and make guacamole, toast, or salsa. If there are young kids with cholesterol, avocados can be included twice a week in ways that appeal to their palette. Here are some easy-to-make avocado snacks: Avocado and salmon toasts Avocado and cucumber roses Grilled avocado with hummus and tahini Avocado and chicken or egg salad Guacamole with baby carrots Baked avocado fries Baked chips If an individual is working towards lowering their cholesterol levels, it takes a lot of commitment and discipline. Doctors would have banned fries, but one can still enjoy healthy fries once in a while. Just bake them instead of deep frying them. Also, it should be had in moderation. Baking vegetables can prevent the intake of greasy oil full of unsaturated fats. Homemade baked fries are better than processed baked fries. Use healthy homemade dips and salsa instead of store-bought dips while eating chips. They may contain hidden sugar and salt that can add to weight gain. Here are some healthy ideas for baked chips: Sweet potato Zucchini Pumpkin Green Banana Carrot Beetroot Bitter Melon Fruity snacks One or 1 ½ cups or 2 to 3 servings of fruit is ideal for people with high cholesterol. It can help to keep your LDL cholesterol in check. Fruits are rich in soluble fiber and can aid the body in getting rid of cholesterol. Some fruits contain pectin, which can help in reducing cholesterol. Fruits are also beneficial for heart health. Fruits can be eaten in rotation or by making a fruit bowl, mixing an individual’s favorite fruits. If one prefers fruit juice, it can be had without sugar. Some fruits that help in lowering cholesterol levels are: Tomatoes Apples Lemons Limes Oranges Grapefruit Papaya Strawberries Salads Fresh homemade salads can be a wholesome meal or a snack. Doctors advise people with high cholesterol to eat five or six smaller meals daily instead of three heavy meals. Salads can be one of the items on the daily menu. But it can be beneficial only if one goes in for homemade salads. Store-bought salads may have preservatives and additives in their salad dressings. Vegetables can be chopped in advance, and one can add the dressing just before eating the salad. Make dressing out of lime, vinegar, pepper, and honey, avoid using store-bought dressing, and say no to croutons. Some salad ideas that aid in lowering cholesterol are: Apples, walnut, cheddar salad Cucumber avocado salad Garbanzo and rice salad Pineapple, carrot, cabbage, celery, and onion salad Quinoa, broccoli, and tomato salad Baby spinach and prawn salad Cholesterol-lowering beverages Snacks need not be solid all the time. If one feels hungry but not enough for a meal, they can also use beverages that help reduce cholesterol. Hot chocolate without sugar twice a day or green tea twice a day can be ideal snacks. Nuts and seeds Nuts and seeds are superfoods of micronutrients, unsaturated fats, and fiber. Most importantly, they are rich in antioxidants that help keep one healthy during the period when they are making changes to their new lifestyle and food habits. Have a handful of mixed nuts every day. The best nuts and seeds that aid in lowering cholesterol numbers are: Almonds Flaxseed Pistachios Pumpkin seeds Sesame seeds Sunflower seeds Walnuts Whole grain snacks Whole grains are highly recommended for lowering cholesterol as they contain zero cholesterol. It also adds to weight loss, a leading cause of high cholesterol. Slowly replace refined grains with whole grains like amaranth seeds, brown rice, bulgur, rye, quinoa, steel-cut oats, barley, wheat berries, and wild rice. Some healthy whole grain snack ideas are: Cereals Energy bars Melba toasts Muffins Oatcakes Popcorn Smoothies combining whole grains and fruits Tortillas Whole grain bread, pasta, pita bread Whole grain buns and rolls Whole grain cookies Importance of lowering high cholesterol Management of cholesterol through a nutritional regime is just one approach. It may not be entirely helpful unless combined with a structured treatment and regular exercise. Giving up on a low-cholesterol nutritional regime halfway can cause a spike in the numbers and put one at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Many assume that only people with a higher BMI are at a risk for higher cholesterol. Cholesterol does not give out any symptoms; many find out they may have higher numbers during a routine blood test. Undetected or untreated cholesterol can lead to the following complications: Atherosclerosis Fat deposits in artery walls Heart attack Hypertension Stroke Type 2 diabetes

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