For Primary Caregivers(articles)

Author:  Darlene Kvist Original publishing date: August 20, 2016 “When you experience the on-going stress of caregiving, good nutrition becomes critical to maintain your health and well-being.” Nutrition is an important factor for the well-being of a caregiver. Being a caregiver can be tiring and stressful but good nutrition can make it easier. Food not only improves the immune system but also has an impact on their daily moods and well-being. Caregivers often tend to de-prioritize their own meals while taking care of Read More

Original publishing date:  January 29, 2020 Publisher: Thrive Global Author: Elaine Lipworth “All my priorities have changed. What’s important now boils down to an appreciation for the blessings in my life, from moment to moment.”  Elaine, a caregiver to her husband, shares how her life changed, after her husband was diagnosed with Brainstem Cancer. Cancer being a chronic disease, has its own effects on the family of the care-receiver. The everyday routine of the family changes according to their loved one’s schedule. Read More

Let’s talk about a person – ‘ X’ – caregiver to a chronically ill or permanently disabled family member. X is aware that a caregiver needs frequent breaks, even if small ones. So X diligently finishes a long list of chores, takes the trouble to make a cup of tea, and sits down to enjoy it. Before the first sip, the patient needs attention. X’s tea break is unexpectedly over! When this happens again and again…boom! X is filled with Read More

  Do you force yourself to wake up and go to work after spending a night looking after your loved one? Do you often take unplanned leaves and then fret about it? Do you feel awkward when asking your boss for a half-day for the third time in a week? Do you rebuke yourself for not being able to attend that important meeting with the client because you were on hospital duty? If you nodded a yes to even one Read More

Publisher: Abilities.com – The resource for the diability community Author: Dr. Darla Clayton Each parent who has a child with special needs goes through challenges of different kinds but are united in the purpose of providing the best care for the child. The author, Dr. Darla Clayton is a Coach and psychologist and also has a son who has cerebral palsy. She identified her son’s strengths which lay in adaptive sports and was inspired to form a company that provides sport Read More

Anxiety is a common phenomenon that occurs in response to stress which can manifest physically too. Everyone responds in his/her own way to stress and while a few are able to recognize its impact, many are not. Identifying stress and preparing an appropriate response helps in coping with it. Many a times life give us a stress and anxiety causing events and one of them is the diagnosis of a serious health condition for a loved one. When someone in Read More

Even though the majority of smokers and lung cancer patients are men, the incidence of lung cancer among women especially non-smokers is rapidly increasing. Women smokers are increasing under the garb on “women’s empowerment”. “But there is some science to suggest that women might react differently to nicotine and that women’s DNA is damaged more easily and more profoundly by carcinogens in tobacco.” Research in the US, UK and Taiwan suggest that the proportion of lung cancer patients who never Read More

Publisher: Net Of Care Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) occurs when the body’s natural protection from illness is destroyed due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The immune system weakens drastically and these patients become more prone to certain cancers and other illnesses. For people with AIDS, regular infections can lead to life-threatening situations. Caring for a loved one with AIDS is complicated not only because of providing day-to-day care but also fear of one’s own health. Also, the stigma attached Read More

Publisher: Everyday Health Author: Julia Califano Lung Cancer affects a patient and their caregivers physically, psychologically and financially. When dealing with the condition and its treatment the care team needs to address different challenges and help ease the rough journey. A number of professionals with different specializations and skills can help. Healthcare professionals that can provide guidance for the treatment, alleviate symptoms and address side effects while others support non-medical aspects for patients and caregivers. Medical Management – Oncologists (Thoracic, Read More

Publisher: American Lung Association Author: American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel Dealing with a lung cancer diagnosis can be traumatic not only for the patient but also for the caregiver. For both, as normal as it is to worry, it is also important to start accepting your emotions for what they are and make peace with the situation. “As humans, we need to release the psychological distress we’re feeling to those we trust. This helps us feel connected Read More