7/3/2009 @ 9:25:37 am by encouragingvoice.com

Illness of a Spouse

When a tragic ailment afflicts a spouse, it is very touching to see how couples cope and support each other with love, compassion, commitment and dedication. The spouse which is the caregiver will need to deal with many thoughts and certainties, which may include anger, denial, guilt, fear, isolation, grief, money issues and sexual needs.

The spouse providing the care needs to develop a plan to cope with stress. This could include taking some time away for physical and mental wellness, joining a good support group, initiate a life separately from the illness and view the encounter as a spiritual crossing. The response to constant sickness can add tenacity that comes from strong and mature love. The need to recognize that mature love and loyalty comes with strength and an attentive desire to keep the marriage together.

It is important to treat the ailing spouse with gentleness and to make sure that you enjoy helping them out with their needs. Prepare meals and make the tray setting attractive by adding either real or fake flowers. Stay with them while they eat in case they need assistance. This will prove to them that the love and warmth is still a vital part of their relationship.

Provide clean linens daily and make sure to arrange their pillows so that they are comfortable and will be able to rest properly. You may also provide them with a back, foot or leg message before bed. This would help initiate a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for them. Should the ill spouse be mobile, assist them with a shower and give them the privacy they may need. Their hair may need to be washed, combed and brushed. By helping them, this will add a personal touch.

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7/2/2009 @ 10:46:53 am by encouragingvoice.com

Chemotherapy Support

Chemotherapy support is available all over the world. There are thousands of sufferers in all walks of life who need this desperately. Chemotherapy is treatment with drugs to impede the growth of cancer cells. These drugs are referred to as anti-cancer drugs. Chemotherapy can be used alone or with radiation therapy or surgery. There are many unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, etc. Necessitating the chemotherapy helps to minimize these side effects. New treatments are being found, but chemotherapy is foremost at this point in time.

It is therefore vital for the diagnosed person to understand the treatment and realize that there is much support available. Many educational programs are available and most are free. Telephone workshops are also available to help get the message out as to what support is available and in many areas Community Education Workshops are available for the patient as well as the caregiver. More than 45,000 people are helped in this way every year.

Leading oncology experts can be contacted by Telephone Education Workshops avenue. They have access to the up-to-date information. Any important subject can be addressed during these workshops, i.e. doctor-patient communication, pain management, quality of life, diagnosis, treatment options and so on. This service is also free.

Support can be gleaned from Cancer Care Education Services Films that have been produced on the subject. "The Aviatrix" is one such film by a young survivor. Books are available everywhere. Information is available online. Support groups are very effective and encouraging, allowing patients to compare notes with those in the same boat. There is also a lot of nutritional help available, and are needed, as patients eating habits are affected by cancer and this type of help is vital.

Pain management is very necessary and available, helping with vision changes, skin and nail changes, urinary, kidney and bladder changes. All of these things need to be addressed and supported. It is also important to remember to stay positive when undergoing chemotherapy.

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7/1/2009 @ 9:03:06 am by encouragingvoice.com

The Grieving Process

Grief is a normal response to a loss. The loss can be anything that is significant to you. It could be a loved one, job, home or pet. The grieving process is a natural way to grieve. Approaching grief in a healthy manner can have a positive impact on your life. Looking at the grieving process as a growing process can be one positive approach.

When you first experience a loss, you may feel the need to deny the loss and ignore the pain. You may want to push past it and get through it. Facing it head on and accepting you loss can help you grow stronger. Accepting the you have lost someone or something important to you is the healthiest way to begin to deal with your loss. During this time it is good to express you feelings about your loss and be open to accepting help and support from those around you. You may build stronger connections with those around you by reaching out and accepting help.

Take time to heal and let yourself know it's okay to feel the pain. It is also important during this time to take care of yourself so you can stay physically and emotionally healthy during this time. Find ways to cope with the stress you feel when you suffer a loss. Last, it is important to feel okay with moving on and enjoying the rest of your life. You can still cherish the memory of the loved one.


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6/30/2009 @ 5:01:24 pm by encouragingvoice.com

Quick Meal Ideas

Salads top the list for meals that are not only quick, but can be an excellent way to get the family to eat more vegetables. Let’s start the list with a quick Mexican salad. This will take less than 30 minutes to prepare, including 15 minutes for cooking time. Use your favorite collection of salad veggies, and add one can of heated chicken chili, and sprinkle on some shredded cheddar cheese. You will have a nutritious, low fat lunch, or light dinner. Serve with a pita or some corn chips.

Eggs are a good food for quick meals. Whether it's for breakfast or lunch, what could be quicker than a good dish of scrambled eggs? Give them a Spanish flavor by adding some diced peppers and onions. Serve them plain on a plate or wrap them in a warm pita or tortilla. Add some zest with a topping of salsa. You can also give some hard-boiled eggs an Indian flavor. Start with some cooked brown rice, add a little olive oil and some raisins or currants. Dress it up with a lightly sautéed apple, and add in your hard-boiled eggs.

For something a bit more substantial, try some baked salmon. Some like to marinate their salmon, but if you want the full salmon flavor, try baking it in a 500 degree preheated oven with just some dots of butter and a sprinkle of dill. 10 minutes for each inch of thickness should do it. Don’t let it dry out and be sure to take out when the flesh is opaque. If you're not a dill fan, you can substitute a little lemon. Serve with your favorite veggies and a sweet potato.

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6/29/2009 @ 11:33:10 am by encouragingvoice.com

Dealing with Ill Pets

It can be very saddening and time consuming when dealing with an ill pet. The choice of a veterinarian is important both for you and your furry companion. You will want one with a good reputation and a caring attitude. When you decide on a vet try to be as informative as you can. If your pet is ill, make a note of his symptoms and how long the pet has been sick. Your vet will appreciate all the information you can give him so he can make a diagnosis.

After your vet has made a diagnosis, you will be better prepared to deal with the illness. Make your pet as comfortable as you can and keep them warm. Always make sure your sick pet has access to food and water if they need it. Lend support to your pet and periodically check on your pet for signs of improvement.

Dealing with an ill pet can be very stressful for the owner, but simple maintenance steps can be taken and you may be able to avoid more serious complications. You might want to invest in a good book that deals with pets symptoms, illness, and has a good section on first aid for the animal. These books often have excellent advice and treatment for the ill pet. A small investment could pay off with less worry and stress on you and your pet.

Being prepared is one of the best steps you can take for the recovery of your pet, and having good information is a way of being prepared for dealing with your pets illness.

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