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Family Caregiving for Seniors - SageCorner Blog
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Feb
6
Written by:
Lori Paterno
2/6/2012 11:47 AM
When do you try different approaches to problems and when do you rely on a doctor only? Being fiercely independent, I always like to think that I can manage my own health without a doctor. I have, in the past, managed to try a large number of what are called “alternative” therapies. Some have worked, some have tasted just awful, and some have not worked at all.
While I do not recommend doing anything unusual for you or your loved one, I would like to encourage some low-risk ideas to take more control of health outside the doctor’s office.
One idea relates to nutrition. Unless your loved one has some kind of reaction, drug interaction, or a certain rare disease (it is important to ask before making major dietary or exercise changes), an increase of fruits and vegetables and a decrease in highly processed foods and baked goods likely does improve overall immunity and health. Exercise, within reason and with the blessing of a doctor, is known to release natural painkillers called “endorphins,” and improve circulation and range of motion. Physical things like massage, heat or cold therapy, or even getting outside for natural light have also shown some promise for certain issues.
3 comment(s) so far...
Re: Alternative Therapies? Just Ask...
Goes right along with what my doc told me.
By JC on
2/9/2012 12:43 PM
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Re: Alternative Therapies? Just Ask...
After being newly diagnosed with Young-onset Parkinson's, I was looking for something in addition to the meds. All patient stories said exercise everyday. It doesn't have to be strenuous. Sometimes I just do a couple of songs on my Wii Black Eyed Peas Dance (it's not a pretty dance at age 45 lol) and take the dog out for a 5 or 10 minute walk. Since I started, my symptoms are decreased during the day and I sleep so much better! If I don't get some exercise in, I can be a real mess!
By pib103 on
2/15/2012 4:27 PM
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Re: Alternative Therapies? Just Ask...
I think it is great that you have taken action to exercise every day - most don't realize how much it helps until they do it long enough for the benefit to become obvious. At first, exercise may even highlight a person's pain - but over the long-haul, if the doc says it is okay, it usually helps.
By Lori Paterno on
2/16/2012 3:00 PM
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Lori Paterno, M.Ed. Has a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling From Penn State University. She has over 20 years professional experience in Human Services, Counseling, and Education.
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