http://theluckyberry.com
More than 50 million Americans provide care for an adult who is disabled or ill. These caregivers provide an invaluable service. But because they focus so much attention on others' needs, caregivers often ignore their own needs and it takes a very high toll.
Caregivers are about twice as likely to be depressed, suffer from sleep deprivation, and have poor overall health as non-caregivers. In fact, the stress of caregiving could even shorten life. In a study reported in the journal American Family Physician, caregivers older than 65 who experienced stress while caring for an ailing spouse had a 63 percent higher risk of death in the next four years than those who were not caregivers.
Caregivers can reduce these risk by caring for themselves. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid the isolation that can come with caregiving. Stay in touch with family and friends. Consider joining a support group.
- Make sleep a priority. Research has found that chronic lack of sleep can increase the risk of depression, obesity, and heart disease.
- Exercise. Studies show that caregivers who engage in regular exercise have lower blood pressure and experience less stress, anxiety, anger, and depression than caregivers who don't stay active.
- Watch your own health. See your doctor regularly. Look for signs of depression, such as loss of interest in things you normally enjoy or a drastic change in appetite.
- Get help. When people offer to help, let them. Have a mental list of ways others can lighten your load, such as grocery shopping. Seek out community services available in your area.
Copyright © Neil Harper
http://theluckyberry.com
No comments:
Post a Comment