Caregivers of Those With Special Needs

Caregiving is an important responsibility that can only be replaced by self-care.  When there is a member of a family with special needs, it takes another family member to provide that self-care care through care-giving.

A care-giver will improve the quality of life and replace self-care by taking responsibility for the loved-one.

A caregiver will be faced with his own responsibility to self-care plus that of the family member with special needs.

For the caregiver there may be many challenges along the way. It is vital that the caregiver keeps a balance in his/her life to maintain health throughout.

Here are some tips from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on how caregivers can help themselves and the loved one be safe and healthy throughout. The following topics are covered:

• Keeping informed
• Getting support
• Be an advocate
• Be empowering
• Keep balance in the family
• Take care of yourself

Click to read each in detail.

Too Much Cow's Milk May Cause Anaemia

Parents and family must be aware of the effects of overfeeding young children with cow's milk.

Milk provide protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin-D, vitamin-A and calcium and minerals

A recent study found  that too much cow's milk can cause iron deficiency in young children. It also found that the increased intake of vitamin-D is of no benefit to them.

The participants for the study were 1,366 healthy children age 2-5 year of age. Researchers collected data from them during routine health visits.

The parents reported milk intake; their vitamin-D and iron stores were then calculated.

The result showed that for every 250 mls of milk taken their blood ferritin decreased by 3.6%. Children who drank more milk had lower levels.

The researchers believe that 2 cups of milk per day is sufficient for adequate vitamin-D without putting the child at risk for anaemia. 

Children can obtain nutrients found in cow's milk from other milk alternative products, in order to prevent the risk of iron deficiency

Click here for a healthy eating guide to calculate the daily food requirements for children age 2-5 years.