Caring For A Family Member With Schizophrenia

Caring for a family member with schizophrenia is a challenging and a responsible role that can leave the care giver stressed out and feeling down.

Family members own needs are sometimes not met leaving them in need of care themselves.

Caregivers can do a lot to ensure their needs are not left out.  This starts by:

• Being realistic about what to expect from the loved one
• Knowing what is expected of themselves
• Accepting that the loved one has a mental illness

Caregivers can make their work easier by being informed, by knowing what support is available for the loved one and for him/herself.  Being informed about the disease would allay any anxiety and remove unnecessary myths associated with it.

Support from mental health centers and mental  health workers can relieve some of the burden, making it easier for the caregiver to cope.

Here is a list of some common problems that  may present, The article has tips on how caregivers can best handle them . They are:

1.  If the loved one refuses to accept treatment
2.  If the loved one makes bizarre statements
3. if the loved one gets very angry

Click Here to read the article for tips on to deal with these situations.

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.

CVD Risk Not Increaed with ADHD Drugs

Adults with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and their family members should be relieved to know that medications to help with the disorder do not increase their risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

At a recent study researchers wanted to know what the risk of cardiovascular disease is with the use of ADHD drugs. 

Some ADHD medications cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure levels and was the cause for the concern.

The study from 1986 to 2005 found that  ADHD medication did not increase the risk for CVD; when compared to people who didn't use ADHD medication, those who used them were not associated with increased risk.During the study there were 1,357 heart attacks, 296 sudden cardiac deaths and 575 strokes.

Participants were adults age 25 to 64 who were on prescription for either:

1. Amphetamine
2. Atomoxetine
3. Methylphenidate

 The researchers used computerized records to analyzed data.
Read more on the study.

Alzheimer's Disease Risk Increased By Problem Gene

A gene which is said to help the immune system control inflammation in the brain  has been linked to alzheimer's disease.

According to a recent study the problem version of the gene triples the chances of one developing  the disease.

Medical experts are excited about the discovery, because it paves the way for more research and new treatment. They believe that treatment to correct the gene's malfunction may help in the treatment of the alzheimer's.

The gene is called TREM2, and is present in only 1% of the population.

Until recently medical experts believed that only one gene raises the risk for alzheimer's disease. Whereas 17 % of the population has that gene, more than 1/2 of alzheimer's patients do.

The recent study has identifed the TREM2 as a another.

Read more about this gene in TheSpec.com.