Health is your wealth magazine Feb 2016

MENTAL HEALTH

MANAGE YOUR CONDITION

IMPROVE COGNITION

IMPROVING AWARENESS

THERAPY

RELATIONSHIPS

February 2016

www.HealthisYourWealth.co.uk

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 1

Editors Message

Happy New Year! a big welcome to 2016 ! Our new years resolution is ‘to drink more water’. Simple, achievable and very good for you. This is especially important if you are taking mediation on a regular basis over a long period of time as the toxins may build up in your liver and kidneys and drinking plenty of water will help your body ‘flush’ them out.

Plus it’s quick to do and free. It takes 13 repetitions to form a habit so the sooner you start the quicker it just becomes part of your routine!

Readers Letters …

Send letters to: letters@healthisyourwealth.co.uk respond to each one!

Please note that some of these articles are written by patients who are still in recovery. These articles are unchanged and may contain spellings, punctuation and grammar mistakes.

A copy of our medical disclaimer is on our website It looked great!

Have read a few articles from it.

Very insightful.

Sophie, MENCAP

Domonic, Editor

Thank you for your letters. We can’t acknowledge all the letters but will aim to Please note that errors and omissions are exempt from this publication. For terms and conditions please see www.HealthisYourWealth.co.uk

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 2

Contents Editors message and Reader Letters Contents Contributors

2 3 4

RELATIONSHIPS Family Relationships

5-9

Children's Corner

10-12

A Parents Uncertainty

13-15

Living with Brain Injury

16-18

THERAPY Exercise -Body Maintenance

31-33

Speech Matters

34-37

Alternative Therapy

38-40

MANAGE YOUR CONDITION Golden Nuggets

41-44

Wind and Bloating

45-46

Learn to pace yourself

48-49

IMPROVING AWARENESS Statistics and Awareness

19

Macmillian Cancer Support

20

MENTAL HEALTH

IMPROVE COGNITION Train Your Brain

50-53

Brain Training Applications

54-56

Coping post hospitalisation

21-24

Book Review

57

Anxiety

25-28

Movie Review

58

Subscriptions

59

Key Contacts

60

How to keep motivated

30

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

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Contributors To this issue Thank you to the authors who had input to this magazine. Without your valuable content this issue would not have happened!

Brain Training: mybraintraining.com

Family Relationships: Patricia Webb

Mental Health: Becky Wickes

Children's Corner:

Claire Kearns Living With Brain Injury: Theresa Barron

Statistics and awareness Erica Bart

Parents Uncertainty: Alan Morris Exercise: Body Maintenance: Michelle Reb Speech Matters: Thomas Liedbecker

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

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Head injury staff may feel

Family Relationships

avoid talking to children.

They might also feel anxious

“Ways of helping

about

dealing

with children’s distress,

children cope with Head

or lack the confidence to advise parents on the importance and how to support

Injury”

children.

Giving children information and explaining

How do you explain head injury to

head injury is paramount t enabling them with

children?

a clearer understanding. Like adults, children

head injury and the issues and changes they have experienced as a result of it. If children are not furnished with this knowledge they have

a

tendency

to

create

their

own

explanation of events, which can often be inaccurate and lead to incorrect conclusions.

information about head injury. Children’s understanding

of

illness

and

injury

increases as they get older. The same is thought of their understanding of head injury. As a result, it is helpful to provide information at a level that is suitable for your child to understand. Even very

Adults (understandably) worry that children

young children are sensitive to the

might be upset by discussion of their relative’s

‘emotional atmosphere’ in the family and

injury and so try to protect them from this.

will pick up on and sense distress in

However children do want information and

others.

report feeling upset when they are not aware

Certainly children around the age of five

of what is happening.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

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Relationships

need information to help them make sense of

It helps to start by knowing what

have a greater understanding of what an

likely to expect the injured person to make a

injury is. However, they are likely to struggle

full recovery, and so may need help in

to understand everything. They will also find

understanding the long term nature of head

the idea of problems being long term or

injury. Children of this age may need guidance

permanent difficult to understand, and so they

knowing what to tell peers. They may also

are likely to expect the relative to make a full

need help in knowing how to behave

recovery.

‘normally’ towards the relative and not try to

A very important issue to bear in mind with

‘over-help’.

this age group is that they typically view

Teenagers can generally comprehend the

everything in relation to themselves and so

complexity of head injury (similar but slightly

maybe likely to blame themselves for the

different to adults), and so can be told about

accident. Children may not tell you about

issues such as the severity, seriousness, extent

these beliefs without some encouragement,

of recovery, and permanence of the injury.

therefore we have found that it is very

However,

important to reassure all, but especially

emotional support to be able to cope with this

younger, children that they are not to blame

information.

for the injury.

they

will

need

considerable

Try to prepare what you are going to say in

Children age 6–12 years at this age group are

advance of talking to them. Taking into

capable of having a more sophisticated

account their age and what they already know.

understanding of head injury; for example, they will understand both its ‘seen’ aspects



specifically affects their relative outlining

(such as physical problems) and its ‘unseen’

all areas of difficulty

aspects (such as cognitive problems) if they are clearly explained. However, they are still

State what a head injury is and how it



Focus on the injured person’s strengths

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 6

and abilities, so that a balanced picture is given



what is actually said.

What else can help children?

Discuss recovery and the likelihood of some long-term problems. Balance this

There are a number of other ways that children can be supported.

with an optimistic statement about the Try to keep children’s daily routines as

future

‘normal’ as possible, which is almost



Acknowledge that the child may be feeling sadness and fear, that this is normal, and that it will improve



injury. It helps if they can continue with after-school activities, clubs, and hobbies,

Ask the child to repeat what you have

but you may need to have extra help to

said (so you can check for any

maintain this.

misinterpretation)

Tell the school what is happening—they

Ask the child if they have questions.

may be able to offer some extra support and will be sympathetic if the children

It is important to be prepared for some direct and difficult questions that could upset you

seem upset or show changes in their behaviour.

(e.g. ‘Will he ever walk again?’). Very young children benefit from lots of physical contact

Emotional support

(e.g. sitting on your lap) when being given

Most children cope well with regular

‘bad’ news. Most important of all is to remind

information about what is happening to

yourself that there is not one ‘correct’ thing to

their relative combined with the chance to

tell children or a ‘right’ way to say it. A

talk through their feelings with an adult

willingness to talk to them and to listen to

they know and trust. Younger children

their concerns is much more important than

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

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Relationships



impossible in the early stages of the head

might prefer to draw or ‘play out’ how they

Children may need to relearn ways of

are feeling (using dolls, toy hospitals) rather

communicating with relatives who have speech

than talk.

and language problems.

Should the relative is away from the family

Children are best supported by adults who are

for a prolonged period encourage regular

managing their own stress. Therefore it is

visits to the relative alongside telephone calls,

important to look after yourself in order to be

e-mails, and letters. If visits are not possible it

able to look after others.

is helpful for the children to see photographs

When do children need extra support?

of the relative as they are, especially if they have changed significantly as a result of the

Children

injury.

throughout the whole of their relative’s

If children are able to visit the rehabilitation unit, ask if they can observe and participate in their relative’s therapy sessions. This provides

need

support

and

information

recovery, but there are key times when they might experience heightened levels of stress and may benefit from additional help.

an opportunity for children to spend time with

Children may need:

their relative and to learn about head injury



and its treatment. However, it is important to

help to deal with the emotional shock of the accident

plan visits involving children carefully, and to avoid visiting when children are tired, which



relative might die

the injured person might find difficult.

Maintain

physical

contact

between

Honest answers about whether their

the



Information about medical equipment and

relative and children, although there may be

machinery in advance of seeing the

some anxiety about this if the injured person

relative for the first time so that they are

has severe physical limitations.

prepared

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

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



Help in setting realistic expectations for

leaving home, which many children who

the future

have parents with chronic conditions find difficult because of guilt and worry that

Help in coping with setbacks (e.g. if their relative does not make progress)



the family may not cope without their help

Ongoing emotional support in the event

Is it all bad for children ?

of the relative remaining in a reduced So far we have focused on the possible

awareness state, PVS, or coma.

negative effects of family head injury on

When the relative discharged home Children may require assistance with:

children; however, this is likely to be only one part of the picture. Research is beginning to show that coping with

Preparing for the relative’s return home.

It is not uncommon for children to resent the parent returning home, especially if the separation has been prolonged and new routines have been established



difficult situations can bring out the best in children and can have a positive effect on their overall development. When they are well supported through stressful experiences, some children say that it

Support so that they do not to take on the

made them more emotionally mature,

role of a carer.

taught them important coping skills that they might not have otherwise learnt, and

Long term Children

may

need

ongoing

helped them see themselves as strong emotional

people. They also said that their relative’s

support to cope with the effects of living with

injury provided them with a different

someone with head injury and to make normal

perspective on what was important in life

transitions, such as going to university and

and that they appreciated their family more.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

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Relationships



Children’s Corner “Supporting Siblings” It can be really tough when a brother or sister gets a brain injury. The sibling might be feeling….

making things better for him or her. Below is an account from a mother in this situation;

Sad

“I went into practical mode at hospital. I

Guilty

told my daughter she should stay at home

Unimportant

and we would find someone to be with her.

Lonely

Fobbed her off, that’s what I think now. I

Left out

shoved her to one side so I didn’t have to worry about her. I hope it didn’t feel like

It might be hard to know what to feel and

that for her. It was never meant to be that

whether it is even right to feel anything at all

way.

because this did not happen to you. It is

precious girl to let her know that I loved her

important to remember a brain injury does not

even though it seemed that I didn't. I wanted

only affect the person who got hurt/who is

to hold my daughter, but I wanted to know

unwell; it affects the whole family so it would

what was wrong with my son, and that took

be unlikely for siblings to not be affected.

priority then.”

I couldn’t reach out to hold my

Brothers and sisters are often forgotten when

This not unusual, and it can be difficult for a

a brain injury occurs since parents naturally

sibling to deal with. Brothers and sisters may

focus on the child that has been hurt and

feel:

devote most, if not all, of their time, to

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 10





Mum and Dad have forgotten about

Siblings in these situations highlight the

them

following areas when discussing how life has changed

Everything has changed, and not in a Schoolwork

good way





Friendships

do not understand what is happening

Missed experiences

Enormous guilt that they were not there

New rules

on that day, or for thinking of

It can sometimes be much harder for a

themselves at such an awful time

young person to express how they feel.

Worried

about

the

future

for

themselves, their sibling and/or the

How children react will largely depend on their age and understanding of the situation, as well as the kind of support

family as a whole

that is available to them.

When a child with a brain injury returns home from hospital it can be difficult for siblings to make sense of why their brother or sister is getting more attention or is acting

Having the

chance to talk to a parent, relative, family friend or another person that they feel comfortable with can make a huge difference and ease the burden for them.

differently, particularly if they look much the same as they did before. It does not help that we all tend to think that leaving hospital means that the person is better, when in fact leaving hospital can be the starting point for a whole host of new concerns and problems.

Everyone deals with things in different ways, and it is normal to have mixed feelings. There are lots of brothers and sisters who have been through these situations. Here are some useful tips they

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

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Relationships



People are not explaining things so they

have used, and you should encourage

able to identify ways in which the school or

children:

friends can provide support.



If you want to know more about what is

The Child Brain Injury Trust provides a one-

happening, ask

off grant of up to £100 to children with an

Try talking to Mum and Dad and

acquired brain injury and/or their brothers and

explaining how you feel

sisters to use towards something they might

If this is too difficult, think of someone

enjoy – Give a Child a Chance Grant; ask for

else that you get on well with and try

our Grants and Funding Leaflet for more

talking to them about how you are

information or speak to your Regional Child

feeling. It might be a friend, relative,

and Family Support Coordinator. The charity

teacher or even a neighbor

is able to provide a list of useful publications

If you cannot work out exactly what

and information about events that brothers and

you want to say, try writing it down. It

sisters might be interested in.

might be a letter, poem, song or a diary.

The Child Brain Injury Trust also produces a

You don’t even have to show anyone

booklet called “You’re not the only one”. This

what you have written, but it might help

can be obtained from the Trust on 0303 303

you to figure out how you are feeling

2248 or downloaded from our website









Spend some time with friends just having fun

www.childbraininjurytrust.org.uk

Things that parents can do to help It is useful for school to be aware of what has happened. Your son or daughter will be dealing with a lot of emotions, and if teaching staff are aware of this they might be

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

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balance had returned the facial paralysis

“A Parents Uncertainty”

had gone and little by little he managed to improve his vision and hand and eye coordination. Surviving in the outside world would mean coming to terms with ourselves each other but not forgetting what we had both gone through.

Meningitis was Kyle’s original diagnosis, now Kyle had forgotten the young man in the next bed, downy fuzz growing on his face voice breaking but his mind burned

toddlers mind. This lad was a victim of the,’ take some Calpol and we shall see in the

morning,’ approach

to

medical

management. ‘’Why didn’t I have something as simple as Meningitis?’’ Asked my son.’’ I wouldn’t have a head full of ironmongery.’’ Kyle was recovering from encephalitis the pressure within his skull regulated by a tube draining fluid into his tummy.

We had faced death and disability together, within the safe confines of the hospital Kyle’s

About a week later we sat down to watch a documentary about meningitis. We saw a baby with black necrotic dead tissue on his cheek, his fingers and toes destroyed.

The

overwhelming

assault

of

the

meningitis organisms did not only affect the brain the way Kyle’s encephalitis had, but attacked tissues particularly fingers, toes, the nose and part of the face, it often

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 13

Relationships

out by meningitis, a teenager with a

started at the periphery the parts of the body

well. I cannot claim the credit, I think he

furthest away from the heart.

recovered in spite of me, I can be proud as a

The case from the programme that I

Dad that I didn’t hinder this new life too much.

remember best, was a young lady with both her legs amputated as a result of Meningitis,

The ‘why’ child never went away. He grew and

she was going to use her prosthetics for the

asked more questions. When you are twelve

first time. She holds the parallel bars, jokes

realising that the best medical minds are

with

strides

stumped by your case, it’s a wake up call. Other

purposefully forward into the future. In the

children asked the questions that were solvable,

back-round, Mum hovers nervously, out of

the answers found in the text books, Kyle asked

her daughter’s eye line.

the questions that weren’t on the page or the

the

physio-therapist

and

internet. He was such a pain his teachers I knew the anguished face the look of

provoked him to ask better questions, now he

desperate concern, hidden as soon as her little

searches for answers. Once he wanted to be

girl fast becoming a woman, could notice. I

able to help a child with encephalitis be

knew that face, I had seen it in my own mirror

diagnosed quickly and be spared the pain,

too often, the girl was so brave, so was Kyle, I

doubt and uncertainty he faced, we faced

was not.

together.

His illness made him a scientist a seeker after

I could not show how frightened I was how

truth, his illness made me a single parent,

angry that my golden child had been struck

fighting or not fighting for my child. The

down. I wanted the tireless runner the why

hardest act was to learn to let go. Hold a bird in

child who wanted everything explained I

your hand too tightly and the bird suffocates,

wanted him back. In some ways he never left.

too loosely and the bird flies free. The time to

I don’t know why Kyle recovered and stays

spread my hands and let him fly free came, the

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 14

alternative a suffocated caged in child or just

cause swelling of the brain. The effects

as bad a parent chained to his child was too

depend on how much pressure where it is

horrible to contemplate.

applied

The football player, the video game player

complication was that the normal flow of

who wanted join the RAF was gone. The old

CSF (the fluid surrounding the brain) was

Kyle was gone but the new Kyle was just as

blocked, resulting in a build -up which

exciting interesting and ultimately accepted

created pressure on his brain. The medical

and loved.

staff are armed with more Intel now and

Teenage is a period of challenges and angst

advancements in technology have eased

for parents too. Sometimes the illness pressed

diagnosis meaning earlier treatment.

and

for

how

long.

Kyle’s

the pause button or at least slow motion, was Alan Morris

Relationships

fate allowing me to catch up with the new person emerging?

A chrysalis cannot return to being a caterpillar, we only have to wait for the butterfly to emerge, is that what parenthood is all about?

I often say I held my sons hand for several

Is this magazine in your doctors waiting room yet?

weeks. The truth is he held mine.

Foot note Encephalitis is fortunately a rare disease, it can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Since Kyle’s illness another form that is auto immune has been recognised. All varieties

IF NOT GO TO www.HealthisYourWealth.co.uk

and click on subscriptions.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 15

During a seizure there is a sudden abnormal

“Living With a Brain Injury”

electrical disturbance in the brain that results in one or more of the following symptoms:

 Epilepsy

Involuntary movement of your head, body, arms, legs, or eyes, such as stiffening or shaking.

One of the problems that can occur after a



Unresponsiveness and staring.

traumatic brain injury (TBI) are seizures.



Chewing, lip smacking, or fumbling

Although most people who have a brain injury will never have a seizure, it is good to understand what a seizure is and what to do if

movements.



visual images.

you have one. Most seizures happen in the first several days or weeks after a brain injury.

Some may occur months or years after the injury. The majority of people who have

Strange smell, sound, feeling, taste, or



Sudden tiredness or dizziness.



Not being able to speak or understand others.

seizures are helped by medications. Rarely,

Symptoms of a seizure happen suddenly, and

seizures can make you much worse or even

you are uncontrollable without medicine.

cause death.

Seizures usually last only a few seconds or minutes, but sometimes continue for 5 to 10

What are Seizures?

Seizures happen in 10% of people who have a TBI. The seizure usually happens where there is a scar in the brain as a consequence of the injury.

minutes. You may have a bladder or bowel accident or bite your tongue or the inside of your mouth during a seizure. When the seizure is over, you may be drowsy, weak, confused or have a hard time talking to or understanding

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 16

others. After a severe seizure, one that lasts

people with epilepsy will have this

longer than several minutes, it may be harder

problem for their whole lives.

for you to stand, walk or take care of yourself

The cause of your brain injury can help

for a few days or even longer.

doctors figure out how likely you are to

Conditions that could increase the risk of

have seizures.

having a seizure include:

•

•

High fever.

brain injuries caused by bullet wounds

•

Loss of sleep and extreme fatigue.

have seizures.

•

Drug and alcohol use.

•

•

Chemical changes in the body such as low

sodium or magnesium, or high calcium.

Around one fifth of people with

closed head injuries that cause bleeding between

the

brain

Approximately quarter of people who have an

not penetrated in the injury.

•

About two fifths of people who

early post-traumatic seizure will have another seizure months or years later.

Late post-traumatic seizures: A seizure

more than seven days after a brain injury is a

late

post-traumatic

skull

seizure.

Approximately four fifths of people who have a late post-traumatic seizure will have another seizure (epilepsy). Having more than one seizure is called epilepsy. More than half the

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 17

Relationships

A seizure in the first week after a brain

called

the

means the skull and brain contents were

injury is called an early post-traumatic seizure.

•

and

experience seizures. A closed head injury

Seizures and TBI •

Almost three fifths of people with

need 2 or more brain surgeries after a brain injury experience late post-traumatic seizures.

Medications to control seizures Medications that are used to control seizures are called antiepileptic drugs. These drugs may be used for other conditions, such as chronic pain, restlessness, or mood instability. Side effects of AEDs usually improve after you've been taking the medication for 3-5 days. Some common side effects of are: •

Sleepiness or fatigue.

•

Worsening of balance.

•

Lightheadedness or dizziness.

•

Trembling.

•

Double vision.

•

Confusion.

Blood tests may be needed to make sure you are getting enough of the medication and to make sure the drug isn't causing other problems. Sometimes your doctor will prescribe two or more of these medications to stop your seizures.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 18

Statistics and Awareness The following information was compiled

There are 100,000 people in the UK who have

are

diagnosed

with

Multiple

Sclerosis (MS)

recently by leading charity organisations. The numbers presented here are approximate and

1 in 500 people in the UK have

may have increased.

Parkinson's with 127,000 people are currently diagnosed

There are 3.3 million people claiming disability living allowance in the UK and

Approximately 25,000 people in the UK

according to the department of health 15

have

million people are diagnosed with a long term

Syndrome)

ME/CFS

(Chronic

Fatigue

Approximately 5,000 or 7 in every There are5.4 million people suffer from

100,000 in the UK are diagnosed with

asthma in the UK and Someone dies every

Motor Neuron Disease

seven hours from asthma 1 in 3 people who have a traumatic Every 8 hours in the UK someone is told they

experience suffer from post traumatic

are paralysed through spinal cord injury

stress (PTSD)

In the UK 354,000 people are admitted to hospital each year with brain injury

800,000 people in the UK suffer from Alzheimer's. This disease is expected to

50,000 people each year are in recovery in the

near 1 million very shortly

UK from a Stroke Cancer affects 2 million people in the UK

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 19

Improving Awareness

illness

diagnosed, through your treatment and beyond, we’re a constant source of support to help you feel more in control of your life. We are millions of When you have cancer, you don’t just

supporters,

worry about what will happen to your

campaigners and people affected by

body, you worry about what will happen

cancer. Together we make sure there’s

to your life. How to talk to those close

always someone here for you, to give

to you. What to do about work. How

you the support, energy and inspiration

you’ll cope with the extra costs.

you need to help you feel more like you.

At Macmillan, we know how a cancer

We are all Macmillan.

diagnosis can affect everything. So

For support, information or if you just

when you need someone to turn to,

want to chat, call us free on

we’re here, because no one should face cancer alone.

professionals,

volunteers,

0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm)

We can help you find answers to questions about your treatment and its

or visit macmillan.org.uk

effects. We can advise on work and benefits, and we’re always here for emotional support when things get tough. Right from the moment you’re

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 20

Some examples of elements you may

Mental Health

wish to include in your care plan are: • Emergency contacts - who to call in an emergency or crisis, and other details

Coping Post Hospitalisation

such as what time they might be at work etc.

Being admitted into hospital can be difficult to process, and you may feel nervous or unsure as you approach your discharge date. Whilst at first a hospital may seem overwhelming, it may soon begin to feel safe, meaning that the

psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, and other professionals. If your NHS trust has a crisis line it is a good idea to include that also.

• The details and address of your local

insecurity.

“A departure plan is vital!”

hospital and A&E department • Medication - you may have had your medication changed in hospital, or you may have started some for the first time.

It is important to have a plan when you leave

Keep a record of what you are taking, the

hospital, and it is a good idea to begin getting

dose you are taking, and any effects it

this into place before you have left the ward.

might have on you and ensure you leave

That way you know you are making steps

hospital with the right quantity to last you

towards coping better, and recovering, outside

through to the renewal date. Setup an

of an in-patient environment.

automatic renewal with a your doctor and

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 21

Mental Health

idea of leaving brings with it feelings of

• Details of your care team - this includes

most pharmacy’s also now deliver to your

better than anyone else. It may be hard for you

home!

to talk to those closest to you about what has

• Warning signs - many mental illnesses have warning signs that they are worsening, or that an episode is on the horizon. It is important

happened, but you could also help in contributing towards their education regarding mental health.

that you keep a log of how your personal

“Don’t rush back!”

warning signs might appear, so that if you were to become ill again, they would be

One of the most important things you should

flagged up for early intervention.

bear in mind once you have left the hospital, is

Your mental health care team are vital in helping you on the road to recovery, and it is important that you trust them with your care.

Building long lasting relationships with your team will help you to understand your illness better, and will help prevent relapses in the

to take life slowly. Do not rush back into work, school, or university. If you need to have a day in bed then do so, don’t put pressure on yourself to go back to how you were before hospital, as this may result in you becoming ill again.

future. Work with them during appointments,

It may be an idea for you to research social

and with any challenges they might set you,

groups or support groups in your area.

and you may notice an improvement in your

Attending these can help you to feel less

quality of life.

alone,

Whilst having a medical team is vital to a quick recovery, it is also important to have a

and

help

you

to

build

lasting

relationships with people who understand the same situations you have been in.

solid emotional support system around you.

The idea of returning to a work or school

Friends and family can provide us with help

environment may be difficult, but most

in the darkest of times, and can understand us

institutions and employers are understanding

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 22

of these situations. Try approaching your

these and cope with them in the best way

boss, or the head of your school/university

that you can.

and explaining what has happened to them. If you are hesitant about doing so, there are mental health advocates available through some charities, or a relative or friend may be to help you.

Other healthy choices will also help you, such as choosing to eat a balanced diet, ensuring you get a small amount of exercise and fresh air daily, and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine or street

If you have been put on medication, or have had your medication changed, then you should find out what you can about it. It is a good idea to ask for patient leaflets, or discuss

misleading at times, so it is best to ask for it from a healthcare provider.

Sleep is essential to ongoing mental health, and this is especially important following a hospital stay. Make sure you get the minimum amount required each night, but also try to not oversleep as this will also impact on your wellbeing.

“Avoid Stress!”

Making healthy life choices can also help you on the road to recovery following a hospital stay. For example, avoiding things in life that

“Learn which coping mechanisms work for

may stress you out will certainly help you,

you”

whether that be a certain person, a situation, or anything. Other stressors are sometimes unavoidable, but you can work with your care team in order to ensure that you can overcome

Self soothing activities can also play a vital role in helping to keep you mentally

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 23

Mental Health

it with your doctor. Information online can be

drugs.

stable, and whilst you may feel as though some are ‘too basic’, they have been shown in therapy time and time again to work. Some examples of self soothing activities are: • Colouring in • Drawing or painting

Rebecca Wicks

• Writing

Twitter @thebibli0phile • Reading • Watching TV • Yoga • Going for a walk • Playing an instrument Leaving hospital can be a scary prospect, especially if you have been in there long term, however it is completely possible to rebuild and lead a fulfilling life. The advice mentioned above is only a small amount of what you could do in order to help yourself cope following discharge, and it will be a case of finding out what works for you.

ashbourne-taxis@hotmail.co.uk

Ashbourne TAXIS offers a door to door taxi service. Specialist in providing transfers to and from the doctors office / hospitals / airports.

Co-ordinating with airport special assistance and hospital porters so that both your destination and pickup is stress free. When making a booking please specify that you would like special services included and quote reference “health” and we will be only happy to help make sure you get to your destination with ease.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 24

tells you something bad will happen if

anxiety ....

you do, something awful. In response you

If depression is the black dog in the corner

interaction with people, which ultimately

then anxiety is the gnawing monster on your

only feeds the original fear.

squirrel yourself away indoors and avoid

back. It will cling to you, drain you of energy and leave you shaking like a steam train on

Acute episodes are those moments where

rusty rail tracks.

you are pushed right to the edge and suddenly the world around you is distorted. Everything speeds up and you

would be such a significant problem for me I

can't reach out or steady yourself. There

might not have believed you. Mental health

are usually identifiable catalysts, small

issues have been familiar since my early teens,

errors that your mind can run with and

mostly that looming shadow of catatonic

blow up to extreme proportions.

depression, but I'd never really experienced anxiety beyond what is considered the norm. It

“small things can set your mind

was only in my mid to late twenties that it

racing�

started to creep up on me, and now at the age of 28 it is a constant, stalking presence.

Perhaps a smashed plate, a late bus, a spilt drink, or the anticipation of a particular

There are two types of anxiety. Generalised

event or occasion that you are facing.

anxiety disorder can develop as a nauseating

Your head will play tricks, add two and

terror that sits in your stomach. In can come in

two together to make five, and obsess to

waves, rising and falling, churning like a

an extent where you feel tied in knots.

washing machine. It stops you going out and

I am currently in London, dog sitting for a

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 25

Mental Health

If you'd told me a few years ago that anxiety

friend while she is on holiday. My aim has

smart and has her head held high, she is on the

been to use the opportunity to meet up with

way to work or an important interview or

friends who live nearby and be as social as

appointment. Transform yourself into her

possible while I am here. This is proving to be

shoes and detach yourself from the mental

quite challenging and I am having to draw on

processes that are holding you back.

various coping mechanisms to get by. Busy train stations and fast moving crowds are very

It is also crucial to try to understand that a

much a trigger for anxiety, as well as the

situation may be less that ideal and bad

pressure of interaction with others. It is a

experiences do happen, but it does not mean

wearing but worthwhile struggle to stay

the end of the world. Ask yourself

present instead of avoiding and retreating into a safe but ultimately smothering shell. But I

'what's the worst that can happen?'

refuse to give up and let anxiety win. then keep questioning and pushing, "and so

“detach yourself from the mental

what if it does....what would that mean?' 'So

processes that are holding you back�

what if I do make a fool out of myself, so what if someone doesn't like me, so what if I get

There can be some real strength to be gleaned from the familiar lesson "fake it till you make it". Although putting on a pretence long term is not a solution as recognising your own self worth is important, courage taken in small bursts of role playing can be beneficial. Take on the character of the woman stood next to you waiting for the underground train. She is

into a disagreement....so what? Why does it matter?' We all mess up and make mistakes, it is part of being human. You may come up against

judgement,

discrimination

or

prejudice, but that has more to do with the instigator than it does about you. Not caring about the insignificant things is far more difficult than it should be, but it is a goal that

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 26

can be achieved with practice. In turn, be

second. I have to try and remind myself

patient with yourself and recognise baby steps

that I cannot rely on those thoughts, I

that will eventually add up to a mile. It is easy

cannot trust myself. It is common for me

to throw in the towel and label yourself a

to want to seek a lot of reassurance from

failure if you do not manage to do something

other people but I also have to resist this

you intend to, but on the days that you just

doing too much, as it can create

make it as far as the end of the road when the

annoyance and unease where there was

day before you only made it to the front door,

not even an issue to originally address.

that is still a success!

Being able to identify and separate the physical elements of anxiety from the

deluge of thoughts that run through my head

mental is also really important. The

at marathon speed. I am usually able to

racing heart and quickened breathing that

distinguish irrational from rational but when

may come on either in a fight or flight

my anxiety is particularly raging it can be

nervous episode, or as a result of mental

harder to do so. Paranoia sets in and I find

distress, is simply the body's reaction to

myself interrogating myself and harshly

panic. It does not mean that you are in

assessing my every move, how I look, how I

any actual danger.

act, the words that come out of my mouth.

Distraction is a key element in addressing Even

after

walking

away

from social

anxiety. If available to you, talking

situations I will pick apart my actions with a

therapy can be of great benefit, but

fine tooth comb and find imaginary evidence

individual

mindfulness

to support flaws and wrongdoing. Regret.

meditation

can

Guilt. Self hatred. I have to step away for a

difference. and there is an array of

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

also

Page 27

exercises make

a

or real

Mental Health

My own anxiety manifests very much in a

literature and information available in relation

crowds. Reach out if you feel yourself slipping

to practicing both. Adult colouring books or

and let others support you. Good friends will

games that sharpen your brain into a focus

be there to hold you up when you are lagging.

beyond the anxious feelings can also be of great use, as well as knitting, drawing or

Anxiety

might

often

feel

completely

writing. It is okay and entirely healthy to need

overwhelming but it can be controlled and

time out and space to yourself. Make a list of

contained. Although it is unlikely to ever be a

activities you can read through and try out

complete after-thought, it can be put into a box

during those moments when everything starts

that sits in the background of your thoughts,

to feel too much and your mind becomes too

which slowly through experience and the

distorted to think straight. In doing so your

testing out of different situations will become

anxiety should gradually begin to lessen until

smaller. Try to enjoy spending time with other

it is at a more stable level.

people and letting them spend time with you.

Those moments can be treasured and put into

Most of all remember you are not alone.

a new box of positive memories.

Mental illness can feel personal and isolating but it is far from uncommon. According to

Claire Kearns

anxietyuk.org More than 1 in 10 people are

@_shewrites_

likely to have a ‘disabling anxiety disorder’ at some stage in their life and an estimated 13% of the adult population will develop a specific form of anxiety known as a phobia at some point. That woman next to you on the tube platform could have just repainted her face after an emotional break down among the

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 28

informed choices. The Infoline gives

Mental Health help and support services If you are experiencing mental health problems or need urgent support, there are lots of places you can go to for help.

Samaritans

information on types of mental distress, where to get help, drug treatments, alternative therapies and advocacy. Mind also has a network of nearly 200 local Mind associations providing local services.

Saneline Telephone: 0845 767 8000 (6pm-11pm) Website: www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/ support/helpline

Provides

non-judgmental

Saneline is a national mental health

emotional support for people experiencing

helpline providing information and support

feelings of distress or despair, including those

to people with mental health problems and

that could lead to suicide. You can phone,

those who support them.

confidential,

email, write a letter or in most cases talk to someone face to face.

Mind Infoline Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) Email: info@mind.org.uk Web site: www.mind.org.uk/help/ advice_lines Mind provides confidential mental health information services. With support and understanding, Mind enables people to make

ChildLine Telephone: 0800 1111 Email: http://www.childline.org.uk/Talk/ Pages/Email.aspx Website: www.childline.org.uk ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen. You can contact a ChildLine

counsellor

for

free

about

anything - no problem is too big or too small.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 29

Mental Health

Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call) Email: jo@samaritans.org Website: www.samaritans.org

realistic with your goals” politely ask whether

“How to KEEP

all therapeutic options have been explored? If you have reached the end of your journey with

Motivated?”

them thank them for their time and effort and

People making promises they

ask for a maintenance exercise plan. Once this

can't keep

has been received validate that you have understood it correctly, that you are executing

This happens to us all however it’s even worse

the plan correctly and arrange a follow-up

when it is concerning your health prognosis.

appointment to ensure you are consistently doing everything in the right way. This

Generally the medical teams do not promise

appointment is also useful to assess if any

anything at all. Phrases like "we will make

decoration or progress has been made with

you the best you can be" are often used which

your condition and to fine tune your plan.

really doesn't commit them to any. However

Make Good Use Of Your Time!

every now and again someone promises to deliver something that really they can't are made. Not often but a slip of the tongue or

This

speaking

to

opportunities. Certainly it allows you to spend

misinterpretation and false expectations. When

more time doing things you enjoy but also it

reality does not meet expectation this can

allows you to explore alternative therapies

cause stress and upset which leads to a feeling

such as hydrotherapy or Yoga plus forms of

of being let down or that you are not trying

meditation like Mindfulness which may benefit

hard enough.

you! For some ideas take a look at the

without

clarity

can

lead

situation

gives

you

numerous

Alternative therapies article on Page 39 As soon as anyone says “You have to be

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 30

Exercise, “Maintenance for your body !”

As the day’s are darker in winter and temperatures decrease, you may be tempted to

independent. However you must double

hang up your exercise gear until spring.

check with your therapist and / or clinical physician that they are appropriate before

Don't! Stay active throughout winter so you do

starting any exercise program.

not have to start again in spring and rush to get the “beach body”.

Don't worry if you've not done much for a while, these exercises are easy, gentle to follow and can also be done indoors.

our the NHS “ Couch to 5K running plan and Strength and Flex exercise plan”, which are

More energy

ideal for beginners.

Regular exercise will make you feel more And if you're not keen on exercising outdoors, check out the NHS 10-minute home exercise routine.

energetic, which should make it a little easier to get out of your warm bed on cold, dark mornings.

If you're looking for something less energetic, these strength, balance, flexibility and sitting exercises are ideal if you want to improve your health, lift your mood and remain

Your body’s immune system may also benefit. If the shorter days are affecting your mood, being active can improve your sense of wellbeing.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 31

Therapy

If you're short on ideas for getting active, try

You may be tempted to eat more during the

so consider wearing a hat as well and don't

colder months. Exercising will help you

forget a decent pair of gloves.

manage your weight better and keep your body in shape. Especially during Christmas

Stay safe

and new year it is common to eat, drink too much plus not get enough sleep.

If you're exercising after dark, keep to well-lit areas and wear bright and reflective clothing.

Some great tips on eating a healthy balanced

Ideally, exercise with a friend, but always tell

diet and taking regular exercise to maintain a

someone where you’re going and what time

healthy body weight are:

you intend to return. Avoid listening to music

Warm up

while running outdoors. Not hearing what’s going

on

around

you

can

make

you

If you’re starting a new exercise regime,

vulnerable, especially when crossing the road.

don’t overdo it. Slowly build the amount of

If rain or ice is making exercise dangerous, do

exercise you do. If you can't manage 30

it another day. The weather might be better

minutes in one go, break it up into 10-minute

tomorrow, an injury could take weeks to heal !

chunks.

If you have a cold Always warm-up for up to 10 minutes before you start. Walk at a brisk pace, or jog in order

Colds are more common in winter, but you

to warm your muscles.

don’t necessarily have to stop exercising if you’re feeling under the weather. Use your

Make sure you’re warm if you’re going

common sense “If your symptoms are not

outside. Wear several layers to keep the heat

severe and you generally feel OK, then you

in. A lot of heat escapes through your head,

can exercise. If you feel absolutely rotten, then

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 32

it’s best not to go.” However, it’s important

warm and be careful if it’s wet or icy.

not to exercise if you have a fever. A fever is when your body’s temperature is 38°C

If being outside when it's windy, raining

(100.4°F) or above and is rarely a symptom of

or snowing doesn’t appeal, rent a fitness

a cold.

video and try doing some exercise at home

Do something you enjoy

Choose an activity that you enjoy. Now might be the time to try something new that you can do indoors, such as: •archery •badminton •bowls

•fencing •fitness classes •five-a-side football

Suffered an injury?

•judo •pilates •squash

Book an appointment with TG Physiotherapy Care today.

•swimming •table tennis •tai chi

TG Physiotherapy Care has venues in Nottingham

•yoga

You can contact us on: You don’t even have to stop doing outdoor activities.

Tel: 07866-464-385 (Within the UK) Tel: +44 (0) 7866-464-385(Outside the UK)

If you enjoy running, don't let cold weather

Email: tripti@triptigyan.com

put you off. Get tips on running outdoors in winter. You could take a long walk at the weekend or go for a bike ride. Just wrap up

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 33

Therapy

•cycling •dancing •curling

Speech Matters “What is Dysarthria?”

As a result of these problems, a person with dysarthria may be difficult to understand. In

Dysarthria is difficulty speaking caused by problems controlling the muscles used in speech.

produce short phrases, single words, or no useful speech at all.

A child or adult with dysarthria may have:



some cases, they may only be able to

Dysarthria does not affect intelligence or

slurred, nasal-sounding or breathy

understanding, but a person with the

speech

condition may also have problems in these



strained and hoarse voice

areas. Speech problems can also affect



excessively loud or quiet speech

social



problems

education.

speaking

in

a

regular

The muscles used for speech are controlled

difficulty

with

tongue

and

lip

by the brain and nervous system. Dysarthria can develop if either of these is damaged in

movements



and

"gurgly" - sounding or monotone speech



employment

What causes dysarthria?

rhythm, with frequent hesitations



interaction,

some way.

• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), which may lead to constant drooling

Dysarthria can either be:

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 34



Developmental – when it occurs as a

How can a speech and language

result of brain changes before or

therapist help?

during birth, such as cerebral palsy



Acquired –

when it occurs as the

Speech and language therapists (SLTs)

result of brain changes later in life,

play an important role in identifying

such as damage caused by a stroke, a

and assessing children and adults with

head injury, a brain tumor, or a

dysarthria.

progressive

as

guarantee that speech and language

Parkinson's disease or motor neurone

therapy can improve the speech of

disease

everyone with dysarthria.

condition

such

However,

there's

no

Treatment success depends on the Dysarthria

in

children

is

extent and location of the brain damage

developmental while dysarthria in adults is

or brain dysfunction, or the stage of the

often acquired, although both types can

progressive condition that's causing it.

affect people of any age.

Treating dysarthria Whether dysarthria will improve with speech and language therapy depends on what has caused the condition and the extent of the brain damage or dysfunction.

Some cases may remain stable while others may worsen over time.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 35

Therapy

usually

An SLT will try to improve and maximize



your ability to talk, help you find different

speaking

ways of communicating, and help you and



your family adapt to your new situation.

professionals that includes people from the health, social and voluntary sector.

strategies to improve speech, such as slowing speech down



a programme of exercises to improve the volume or clarity of speech



assistive devices, such as a simple alphabet board, an amplifier, or a computerised voice output system

speak slowly, saying one word at a

time if necessary



leave a clear space between each word



make sure you are in the same room when talking and face your listener

An SLT may recommend:



put extra effort into stressing key

words

 They will work as part of a team of health

take a good breath before you start



engage the listener's attention (for

example, by touch or calling their name) before you begin talking to them



keep sentences short and avoid long

conversations if you are feeling tired



reduce

background

noise

–

for

example, switch off the TV or radio



repeat yourself if needed

Communication tips Tips for family, friends and carers Tips for people with dysarthria If you are speaking to a person with If you have dysarthria, you may find it helpful to:

dysarthria, you may find the following advice helpful:

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 36



reduce distractions and background

Communicating

noise when you have a conversation

diagnosed with dysarthria maybe a



look at the person as they talk

little frustrating at times as you may



after speaking, allow them plenty of time to respond – if they feel rushed or pressured to speak, they may become anxious, which can affect their ability

avoid finishing their sentences or correcting any errors in their language as this may cause resentment and

feel like your having to constantly question

the

speaker

repeat

themselves so it is clear as to what they are saying. However remember it is

overtime they are misunderstood.

Over time you will get used to your new voice and so will your friends and family. Soon it will just become part of

if you do not understand what they are trying to communicate, do not pretend you understand as they may find this

who you are and you won’t even remember what you sounded like before dysarthria!

patronising and upsetting – it's always best to be honest about your lack of understanding



to

if necessary, you could ask for clarification

by

questions

paraphrasing

or

asking

yes/no –

for

example, say: "Did you ask me if I'd done the shopping?"

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 37

Therapy

frustration



someone

just as frustrating for the speaker as

to communicate



with

Alternative Therapy What complementary and alternative therapies are out there and how do

illness. For example, acupuncture is used to

you access them?

treat back pain. Complementary and alternative

The term 'complementary and alternative

therapies sit outside of what is known as

therapies' refers to a wide range of treatments

conventional medicine. Drugs approved for use

used to treat or prevent illness and promote

in

wellbeing. They are not the same as

thoroughly tested by experts through well-

mainstream conventional medicines.

designed and carefully controlled clinical

conventional

medicine

have

been

trials. These trials can be repeated to show the There are some widely used treatments with

same

therapeutic

effect.

Complementary

no good research evidence of effectiveness,

therapies are used in addition to conventional

for example homeopathy however we will not

medicine. Alternative therapies are used

includes ‘remedy type medicines’. Anyone

instead of conventional medicine.

using a complementary and alternative therapy should continue to see their GP and keep them

Generally for complementary and alternative

informed of the treatments they are having.

therapies, there is a need for more research into the effectiveness of the treatments. Nobody

What are complementary and alternative therapies?

Both kinds of therapy aim to treat or prevent

should replace their conventional medicine with

an

alternative

therapy,

or

use

a

complementary therapy, without speaking to a

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 38

medical professional (eg a GP) for advice and

Can complementary and alternative

information.

therapies be used to treat dementia?

These

subjects

also

change

regularly.

There

has

been

some

high-quality

Therapies that are considered alternative at

research into the treatment of conditions

first may become more mainstream over time

associated

as research studies find robust evidence for

complementary and alternative therapy.

their effectiveness. These can then become

However, there is still a need for more

integrated

into

specific research into the effectiveness of

practice,

to

conventional point

using

complementary and alternative therapies (eg

evidence for the treatment of symptoms

acupuncture) are now available on the

closely linked with dementia (such as

National Health Service.

memory loss) with complementary and and

alternative

alternative therapies.

therapies are non-invasive and rarely cause unpleasant

or

long-lasting

side

effects.

Accessing complementary and

Although most complementary and alternative

alternative therapies

treatments are generally safe, there can still be

As

a

starting

point

for

accessing

risks. There are serious safety concerns about

complementary and alternative therapy,

some therapies. For example, some herbal

the first person to speak to is the GP. They

preparations (eg St John's wort) may interact

may be able to give information about the

harmfully with conventional drugs. It is

evidence or provide details of local

therefore very important that you inform your

practitioners.

doctor about what you are taking.

Some

types

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

of

complementary

Page 39

and

Therapy

these therapies. There is no strong

complementary

that

dementia

some

Many

the

healthcare

with

alternative therapy may be available on the NHS for some conditions (where there is evidence of benefit and cost-effectiveness), but it can depend on where the person lives. For example, acupuncture may be available on the NHS in some areas for the treatment of low back pain and chronic headaches. Currently none of the complementary and alternative therapies for the treatment of dementia are available on the NHS because there is a lack of evidence for them.

However, for other conditions a person with dementia may experience (such as back pain), NHSfunded treatment may be available in some areas.

When speaking to a practitioner about the cost of treatment, it is important to ask what the cost covers. For example, there may be a fee for a consultation, as well as a fee for any treatment given, and possibly a fee for any medicines or remedies that need to be bought.

When all other medical avenues have already been explored then it may be worth looking into

Is this magazine in your doctors waiting room yet?

IF NOT GO TO www.HealthisYourWealth.co.uk

and click on subscriptions.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 40

infecting your own hands.

“Golden Nuggets, Strategies to increase Independence�

Keep well this winter

Sore throat

Sore throats are common in winter.

Changes in temperature, such as going

Some health problems, such as asthma, sore throat and cold sores, are triggered or worsened by cold weather. Here's how to help

icy outdoors, can also affect the throat.

You maybe vulnerable when the season changes from autumn to winter or back to spring.

Colds

Top tip: One quick and easy remedy for a sore throat is to gargle with warm salty

You can help prevent colds by washing your hands regularly. This destroys bugs that you may have picked up from touching surfaces used by other people, such as light switches and door handles. It's also important to keep

water. It won't heal the infection, but it has anti-inflammatory properties and can have a soothing effect. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of part-cooled boiled water.

the house and any household items such as cups, glasses and towels clean, especially if someone in your house is ill.

Top tip: Use disposable tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs to avoid constantly re-

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 41

Managing Your Condition

your body deal with cold weather ailments.

from a warm, centrally heated room to the

Asthma

drinking rehydration fluids (available from pharmacies), you can reduce the risk of

Cold air is a major trigger of asthma

dehydration.

symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of

Painful joints

breath. People with asthma should be especially careful in winter. Remember to keep your inhaler with you and ensure that it

Many people with arthritis say their joints

is not empty of out of date!

become more painful in winter, though it's not clear why this is the case. Only joint symptoms

Top tip: Stay indoors on very cold, windy

such as pain and stiffness are affected by the

days. If you do go out, wear a scarf over your

weather.

nose and mouth.

Top tip: Many people get a little depressed

Norovirus

during the winter months, and this can make them perceive pain more acutely. Everything

Also known as the winter vomiting bug,

feels worse, including medical conditions.

norovirus is an extremely infectious stomach

Daily exercise can boost a person's mental and

bug. It can strike all year round, but is more

physical state.

common in winter and in places such as hotels

Cold sores

and schools.

Top tip: When people are ill with vomiting

Most of us recognise that cold sores are a sign

and diarrhoea, it's important to drink plenty of

that we're run down or under stress. While

fluids to prevent dehydration. Young children

there's no cure for cold sores, you can reduce

and the elderly are especially at risk. By

the chances of getting one by looking after

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 42

yourself through winter.

humidity is low. Moisturising is essential during winter. The best time to apply

Top tip: Every day, do things that make you

moisturiser is after a bath or shower while

feel less stressed, such as having a hot bath,

your skin is still moist, and again at

going for a walk in the park, or watching one

bedtime.

of your favourite films.

Top tip: Have warm, rather than hot,

Heart attacks

showers. Water that is too hot makes skin feel more dry and itchy.

Heart attacks are more common in winter.

blood pressure and put more strain on the heart. Your heart also has to work harder to

Flu is a major killer of vulnerable people.

maintain body heat when it's cold.

The best way to prevent getting flu is to have the flu jab (or flu nasal spray for

Top tip: Stay warm in your home. Keep the

children aged 2 to 18). The flu vaccine

main rooms you use at 21C (70F) and use a

gives good protection against flu and lasts

hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep

for one year.

warm in bed. Wrap up warm when you go out and wear a hat, scarf and gloves.

Top tip: Find out if you're at risk of getting flu by asking your GP. If you're in

Dry skin

a high-risk group, see your GP to get the vaccination.

Dry skin is a common condition and is often worse during the winter, when environmental

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

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Managing Your Condition

Flu

This may be because cold snaps increase

exposure to certain medications, a previous

“Golden Nuggets, Strategies to increase Independence” Tinnitus is the hearing of sound when no external sound is present. While often described as a ringing, it may also sound like a clicking, hiss or roaring. Rarely, unclear voices or music are heard and the volume may be soft or loud, low pitched or high

head injury and earwax. It is more common in those with depression.

Occasionally, the sound may be heard by someone else using a stethoscope: in which case, it is known as objective tinnitus. Those who have tinnitus that occurs with the same rhythm as their heartbeat also need further testing.

pitched and appear to be coming from one ear or both. Most of the time, it comes on gradually however in some people, the sound causes depression, anxiety or interferes with

Prevention involves avoiding loud noise.

Typically,

management

involves

sound

generators, such as listening to headphones or hearing aids may help some people. As of

concentration.

2013, there are no effective medications. It is

“Tinnitus is common in brain injury patients”

common, affecting about 10-15% of people but people with brain injury are more susceptible.

However most people tolerate it well with its being a significant problem in only 1-2% of

Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom that

people.

can result from a number of underlying causes. One of the most common causes is noise-induced hearing loss. Other causes include: ear infections, disease of the heart or

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 44

Try to cut down on foods known to cause

“Wind and Bloating” Remedies for wind and bloating

“Get rid of bloating by cutting out fizzy drinks and foods that cause wind. Sit down to eat and take regular exercise.”

wind and bloating, such as:



Beans



Onions



Broccoli



Cabbage



Sprouts



Cauliflower

being bloated, when your tummy is stretched, puffy and uncomfortable. It often happens after a big weekend or over a festive season.

However ensure that you still eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. If you get constipation, take steps to prevent it with a fibre-rich diet, drinking lots of

If your stomach or tummy often feels bloated,

fluids and taking regular exercise. Even a 20-30 minute brisk walk four times a

it could be due to:

week can improve your bowel function!



Excess wind



Constipation



Swallowing air (from talking while

Try not to talk and eat at the same time,

eating etc)

sit down to eat (sitting upright and not slumped over), reduce the amount of fizzy



Coeliac disease

drinks you consume, stop chewing gum



Food intolerance

and chew with your mouth closed so that



Irritable bowel syndrome

you’re not taking in excess air.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 45

Managing Your Condition

Most of us have experienced the feeling of

Coeliac disease and bloating Coeliac disease

noting everything that you eat and drink and

is a common digestive condition where your

when bloating troubles you most. But don't get

intestine can't absorb gluten found in wheat,

rid of food groups long-term without advice

barley and rye. Pure oats do not contain

from your GP.

gluten, but people with coeliac disease may need to also avoid oats as they are often

Irritable bowel syndrome and bloating

processed in factories that also process wheat and there is a risk of cross-contamination.

People with irritable bowel syndrome often

Apart from bloating, if you have Coeliac

complain of bloating, especially in the evening.

disease, eating foods containing gluten can

The bloating of IBS doesn’t seem to be linked

also trigger diarrhoea, abdominal pain and

with excess wind. It can help to cut down on

fatigue.

fatty or high-fibre foods. Peppermint tea or capsules and probiotics have also been

Food

intolerance

and

bloating

Food

reported to help ease IBS symptoms.

intolerance can lead to bloating when: If your bloating symptoms persist, consult your



Your bowel doesn’t empty properly.



The food causes gas to be trapped.



Increase gas is produced due to the food.

GP to rule out a more serious condition.

The main offenders are wheat or gluten and dairy products. The best approach if you have a food intolerance is to eat less of the culprit food or cut it out completely. To establish this keep a food diary for a couple of weeks,

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 46

Managing Your Condition

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 47

condition, although it's more common in

“Learn To Pace Yourself”

women than men and usually develops when people are in their early 20s to mid-

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes

40s. Children can also be affected,

persistent

usually between the ages of 13 and 15.

fatigue

(exhaustion)

that

affects everyday life and doesn't go away with sleep or rest.

How it affects quality of life

CFS is also known as ME, which stands

Most cases of CFS are mild or moderate,

for myalgic encephalomyelitis. There's

but up to one in four people with CFS

some debate over the correct term to use

have severe symptoms.

for the condition, however we will refer to the condition as CFS.

Why it happens

CFS is a serious condition but many

It's not known exactly what causes CFS.

people, particularly children and young

Various theories have been suggested,

people, improve over time.

including:

Who is affected?

It's estimated around 250,000 people in



Viral or bacterial infection



Immune system problems



Hormones imbalance



Stress and emotional trauma

the UK have CFS. Anyone can get the Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 48

(CBT)

How CFS is diagnosed  There are specific guidelines about the diagnosis and management of CFS. CFS

A

structured

exercise

programme 

should be considered if you meet

Medicine to control pain, nausea and sleeping problems

specific criteria regarding your fatigue – Most people with CFS improve over

other conditions – and if you also have

time, although some people don't

other symptoms, such as sleeping

make a full recovery. It's also likely

problems or problems thinking and

there

concentrating. A diagnosis can then be

symptoms get better or worse.

confirmed if these symptoms are

Children and young people with

experienced for several months.

CFS are more likely to recover fully.

How CFS can be treated

Everyone with CFS responds to

be

periods

when

Different terms for the condition



treatment differently, so your treatment plan will be tailored to you.

will

Chronic

fatigue

syndrome

(CFS) 

Myalgic

encephalomyelitis

(ME) Some of the main treatments include: 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy



Systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID)

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 49

Managing Your Condition

for example, it can't be explained by

Brain Training “Each issue will include exercises to strengthen your brain!”

The rules of brain training: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Try and do a minimum and maximum of thirty minutes each day.

Try and commit to doing for ten weeks. This duration requires that you set time to one side to complete this.

It has to be challenging to work. If it’s to easy there are no benefits.

To keep motivated set yourself rewards. If you complete an exercise give yourself a reward, something to look forward to!

As well as doing exercises on your own work with others to increase your social skills.

Word Search Exercise For The Brain BODYWARMER EASTER GARDEN GROUNDHOG LAWNMOWER NEW YEAR OUTSIDE SEASON SPRING

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 50

Brain Training Applications “A selection of applications that are fun but will also improve cognition�

This maze is much more complex than usual. You start in the middle and have to escape to exit in the left hand side. However there are multiple dead ends and only one

solution! Perhaps time yourself to see how long it takes you, take a note of the time and try it again a few weeks later. Have fun!

Improve Cognition

START

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 51

“MyBrainTraining - the Online-Fitness-Center for your brain!”

Overall,

it

has

approximately

MyBrainTraining Professional

been

10%

of

noted

that

patients

with

schizophrenia commit suicide.

(proven effective in study with Depressed schizophrenia patients are

Schizophrenia Patients conducted by University of Hamburg, Germany, Prof. Steffen

at particularly high risk for suicide the first few months after diagnosis and after hospital discharge. The University of

Moritz)

Hamburg

utilized

MyBrainTraining

Professional in a study with a total of 90 Approximately

25%

of

schizophrenia

patients experience course-related

subjects diagnosed with schizophrenia and

depression. Depression in patients with

participated

in

a

randomized-

controlled study executed via the Internet.

schizophrenia is linked to reduced social

and

vocational

functioning,

increased likelihood of psychotic relapse and

Re-hospitalization,

and

other

problems. Depression in patients with schizophrenia also has been linked to undesirable life events, especially “exit events” such as losing people in their lives, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempts,

and

completed

All subjects were either former patients or have

participated

in

online

forums

pertaining to psychotic disorders. Various control

measures

ascertain

their

were

disorder

employed with

a

to high

probability, e.g. checks for plausibility. After a

baseline

evaluation,

subjects

were

randomly assigned to three treatment

suicides.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 52

groups:

confidence in own judgment in the meta-cognition treatment arm at time

(1) MyBrainTraining

Professional

(standard version).

(2) MyBrainTraining

of follow-up. This indicates that patients

Professional

h a ve

b e c o me

mo r e

–

conscious about their problematic

including a meta-cognitive extension

cognitive strategies leading to altering

(now part of the standard version)

of decision making patterns.

(3) Control Group. The frequent use of MyBrainTraining

Notably, subjects showing reluctance to make decisions could, per current readings, be an important indicator for

of depression; the correlation between

avoiding

using MyBrainTraining Professional and

symptoms of psychotic disorders and

the reduction of feeling depressed was

harmful behavioral consequences.

or

reducing

recurring

significant.

To The frequent use of MyBrainTraining

learn

more

www.MyBrainTraining.com

Professional with metacognitive extension (assessment

of

confidence

in

please

one’s

judgment; feedback on mistakes when being overly confident or responding too hastily) led to a significant reduction in premature/hasty decision making (i.e. reluctant decision making – measured by the so-called “Fish Test”) and high

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 53

go

to

Improve Cognition

Professional led to improving symptoms

Turn on Show When Locked to make your

iPhone Medical Feature

Medical ID available from the Lock screen. In an emergency, this gives people who want to

Use Health on either your iPhone or iPod touch. The Health app shows you data from

help some important information, like the emergency contacts you've entered.

your health and fitness apps all in one place.

Here's how to access Medical ID on a locked

You can also save your important health in-

iPhone:

formation in Medical ID for easy retrieval in case of emergency.

To get started you will need the Health app works with iOS 8 and later plus an iPhone 5s or later

Swipe to unlock. Tap

Medical ID feature. To make your important

Emergency.

health information accessible in case of emergencies, you can personalize your Medical ID on your iPhone..

To add emergency contacts and health information like your birth date, height, and blood

Tap Medical ID on the

type, tap Medical ID >

emergency call screen.

Edit.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 54

• Children aged 4-6 years shouldn’t have

Sugar Smart

more than 19 grams of added sugar per day – that’s 5 cubes* • Children aged 7-10 years shouldn’t have more than 24 grams of added sugar per day – that’s 6 cubes* • From 11 years and up, we shouldn’t have

Download the Sugar Smart app now to see

more than 30 grams of added sugar per

how much total sugar is in your everyday food

day – that’s 7 cubes*

and drink. The Change4Life Sugar Smart app

much total sugar is in the things you’re buying, eating and drinking, to help you spot it

So start scanning! Just scan the barcode and see how much total sugar it contains**

more easily so you can make healthier choices and cut your sugar intake.

The app includes over 75,000 popular food

For hints and tips to cut down on sugar, search Sugar Smart.

and drink products and is based on the most extensive data available. The NHS are continuously working to improve this app. and

*Based on 4 gram sugar cubes

are adding more and more products all the

**The number of sugar cubes shown is

time.

based on total sugar in grams per

Without us realising it, we’re all eating and drinking too much sugar:

pack/100g or ml/portion divided by 4 grams (the weight of one 4 gram sugar cube).

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 55

Improve Cognition

is designed to show quickly and easily how

the right order. Think carefully for each swipe.

WordBrain

This is actually the real challenge with WordBrain.

ALL LEVELS ARE SOLVABLE! This application is very good for keeping your mind sharp and is worth a look!

What will it do?

May improve focus and concentration. Good for co-ordination and processing speed

It starts very easy but gets challenging quickly.

Find the hidden words, slide your finger over

How friendly is it?

them, see the puzzle collapse. Do it all in the

Easy for all ages to pick up and play but does

correct way and order and you will be able to

require a higher level of cognitive processing

clear the grid.

as the game increases in difficulty

The game features 15 languages and there are

What phone/system is it compatible with?

580 levels per language! Even the smartest

Available on Google Play and iTunes

word game enthusiasts will have a real challenge to complete this game.

If you are not carefully solving the puzzle in

Review of application and rating We give this a ★★★ rating.

the right order, including the right letters for

Its

very

good

and

each swipe it might end up being insolvable

plus it’s free and highly addictive

when only one or a few words remains. In that case, just restart that level and try to solve it in

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 56

simple

to

use

Book Review Where is the Mango Princess? “A Journey Back from Brain Injury�

that explores the very nature of personality-and the complexities of the heart.

Humorist Cathy Crimmins has written a deeply

personal,

wrenching,

and

often

hilarious account of the effects of traumatic brain injury, not only on the victim, in this case her husband, but on the family.

When her husband Alan is injured in a speedboat

accident,

Cathy

Crimmins

reluctantly assumes the role of caregiver and learns to cope with the person he has become.

No longer the man who loved obscure Japanese cinema and wry humor, Crimmins' husband has emerged from the accident a childlike and unpredictable replica of his former self with a short attention span and a penchant for inane cartoons. Where Is the Mango Princess? is a breathtaking account

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 57

Movie Review The Crash Reel one explosive issue, traumatic brain injury (TBI). Through 20 years of sports and footage, the Crash Reel chronicles the epic rivalry between Kevin and Shaun White which culminates in Kevin's life-changing crash and a comeback story with a difference. The film also showcases the Pearce family, including Kevin's father, glass-blower Simon Pearce and Kevin's brother David C. Pearce who describes The Crash Reel is a documentary film directed by Lucy Walker. Lucy first met Kevin Pearce she was immediately struck by Kevin and wanted to make a documentary film about him, and the result is The Crash Reel, which premiered at Sundance in January 2013 as the Opening Night Gala film in the Documentary Premieres section.

The film is described as a jaw-dropping story of one unforgettable athlete, Kevin Pearce; one eye-popping sport, snowboarding; and

his struggle to accept his Down Syndrome.

An emotional film which captivates the viewer and shows how devastating a traumatic brain injury is on the survivor, friends and family.

Additionally

this

film

demonstrates

the

importance of wearing a helmet which has certainly become more common place within the snowboarder and skiing community.

We give this film a ★★★★ rating of “must see” as it will appeal not only to sports enthusiasts but also to also people in with head injury.

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 58

Print & e-Magazine Subscriptions For Patient Waiting Room Reading!

Simply send a blank email to subscribe@healthisyourwealth.co.uk OR Click Here!

Copy and paste the web address below or type the www address into you web browser.

NOTE The E-Magazine is FREE!!!

And can be printed out for your patients to read.

www.healthisyourwealth.co.uk and click on Subscriptions Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 59

Key Contacts Sales/ Advertising Carolyn Wright Director of Sales Telephone: +44 (0) 1332 416131 E-mail: cw@healthisyourwealth.co.uk

Positive Mental Attitude

Website / BLOG for: www.HealthisYourWealth.co.uk

PMA@HealthisYourWealth.co.uk

webmaster@HealthisYourWealth.co.uk

Feedback / Comments / Testimonials feedback@HealthisYourWealth.co.uk

Information / Enquiries

www.facebook.com/HealthisYourWealthMag

info@HealthisYourWealth.co.uk

Letters / Articles hiywmag

letters@HealthisYourWealth.co.uk Subscriptions

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Editor: Editor@HealthisYourWealth.co.uk

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

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This publication helping increase awareness for these organizations:

Health is Your Wealth Magazine

Page 61