DIALYSIS DEFINED

DIALYSIS DEFINED
Dialysis is the clinical purification of blood by dialysis, as a substitute for the normal function of the kidney.
It's the process of removing waste products and excess fluid from the body. Dialysis is necessary when the kidneys are not able to adequately filter the blood.
Dialysis allows patients with kidney failure a chance to live productive lives. there are two types of dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis.
Each type of dialysis has advantages and disadvantages. Patients can usually choose the type of long term dialysis that best matches their needs.

Dialysis is the medical procedure to remove waste or toxin from the blood and adjust fluid and electrolyte imbalances by utilizing rates at which substance diffuse through a semipermeable membrane:

a: The process of removing blood from artery (as of a kidney patient), purifying it by dialysis, adding vital substances, and returning it to a vein- called also hemodialysis.

b: A procedure performed in the peritoneal cavity in which the peritoneum acts as the semipermeable membrane- called also peritoneal dalysis

During hemodialysis, you will be hooked up to a machine that takes over the kidneys' job of filtering blood.
Before the first session, the doctor will need to create an entrance into one of your vessels so your body can be connected to the filtering machine during each visit. this is called a vascular access. It is a place on your body where blood cam be removed and then returned. this can be done by;

• connecting an artery to a vein to create a larger blood vessel area, called a fistula 
• joining (grafting) an artery and vein together using a soft plastic tube
• inserting a thin plastic tube into a large vein in the neck or groin area of the leg; this type of access is temporary. 

When your kidneys are healthy, they clean your blood. they also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. When your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work your kidneys used to do. Unless you have a kidney transplant, you will need a treatment called dialysis.

Experts recommend creating an access weeks or moths before your first dialysis session so it ha s a chance to heal properly before using it.

How long each hemodialysis session lasts depends on;

• How well your kidneys work
• how much fluid you gain since your last dialysis session
• how much waste has gathered in your blood since lst dialysis session 
• your weight
• the type of hemodialysis machine being used

SIDE EFFECTS OF DIALYSIS

The kidney dialysis treatment itself usually does not cause any pain or dicomfort. However, some patients may develop low blood pressure, which can lead to headache, cramping, nausea, and vomiting. This usually goes away after a few treatments.

If you are on dialysis, you may also feel like:

• You have less energy. Dialysis can cause you to feel tired.
• You are depressed. depression is a common problem among many patients on dialysis. but it can often be treated. Talk to your health care provider if you are feeling depressed.
• You may also feel like you have less time to get things done. Kidney dialysis require strict scheduling and adjustments to lifestyle, which can disrupt your ability to work or enjoy everyday activities. This may be frustrating for you or your family. Counselors may be able to help you cope.

Most patients on hemo-dialysis require treatments three times a week  for three to five hours or more a day.
this is often done at a dialysis center or hospital, although some patients on hemodialysis- along with a family member or friend- maybe taught how to perform the procedure at home. Your health care provider will discuss your options and determine which setting is best for you.

Patients who are on peritoneal dialysis have a little more independence, since this type does not have to be done at a clinic. It can be performed while you go about your daily activities or sleep.

Catheter- related infections are common concern for people who are on peritoneal dialysis.
Keeping your catheter area clean and bacterial-free helps prevent dangerous infection. If an infection affects the peritoneal cavity, you will not be able to continue with peritoneal dialysis.

Tips for preventing an infection include:

• Always wash your hands before touching your catheter,
• Wear a surgical mask when performing an exchange
• Use an antiseptic wipe to clean your access site
• Check your supplies for signs of contamination

WHAT IS A RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME.

WHAT IS A RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME.

A residential care home is a long-term care facility devoted to providing lodging, meals and care to elderly and/or disable adults. also known as adult family homes. board and care homes or personal care homes, residential care homes are small in scale, typically housing no more than 10 residents at a time.
Most care homes are located in single-family homes in residential neighborhoods. Residents share common areas such as a living room and dining room, but will generally also have their own private room.

When to consider a Residential Care Home

Residential care homes are occupied by seniors with a variety of ages, health conditions and genders.
Many residents require assistance with basic self-care, such as dressing and bathing, and need 24-hour supervision. This intensive level of care is often hard for a senior's family to provide within the home, especially if family members do not live nearby.
A decline in physical mobility may also necessitate a move to a residential care home.
residential care homes are designed with seniors' needs in mind and can make getting around much easier and safer fpr elderly residents.
Declining health is another big reason many seniors move into a residential care home. Care home workers are trained extensively in emergency response as well as in maintaining health for seniors with a variety of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's or multiple sclerosis. the staff may also offer physical therapy or other rehabilitative services on site.
Recovery process is easier and faster in the calming familiarity of the similar home environment
Family support and participation: Your loved one also has the control and ability to lead a meaningful , independent life.
Professional caregivers are committed to involving your family in the care process and keeping everyone in clear communication. This includes routine calls or visits with your loved one at no additional charge.
Your peace of mind: When you bring these professional caregiver into your loved one's life, you're doing more than premium care for your loved one. you'e also ensuring peace of mind for you.

HOW TO CHOOSE A QUALITY RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME

HOW TO CHOOSE A QUALITY RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME

The best residential care homes will emphasize their efforts to promote and maintain an independent and healthy lifestyle as much as possible, rather than simply taking care of basic medical needs. A good home should offer a wide range of community and social activities in addition to basic services.
It is important to look for a residential care home that provides many levels of care. once a senior has moved into their new home, it will be best if they can stay there as their needs increase. Fortunately, many residential care home offer this feature.

Quality homes will offer a high quality of life for their residents, including spacious, well-decorated rooms and communal areas, handicap-accessible design, and healthy, appetizing food.

Paying for a Residential Care Home

Most residential care home will charge an "all-inclusive" monthly rate that includes the cost of care, room, board, activities and supplies,. Seniors who resides in a residential care home may often pay less over the course of their stay ae compared to a larger assisted living community, which offers the same type of services, because mane assisted living communities charge extra fees for care services. The average monthly cost of an assisted living community in the U.S.A. in 2010 was $3293.00 although priced vary widely across the country.
While using the personal savings of a senior and/or family is the most common way to apy for care, residential care homes are more than other types of long-term care facilities to accept Medicaid. Veterans benefits and long-term care insurance are other ways to finance a stay in a residential care home.

considering your options.

Chances are if you're researching senior care, you've heard a lot about senior housing options such as a nursing homes, assisted living, adult day care, retirement community, or continuing care retirement community, 

These elderly care options all have unique benefits, however, at home care is often the preferred choice for seniors who wish to age in place in their own home. your financial, social, and health situation will often determine which environment you choose.

Depending on your loved one's needs, you may opt for him or her to receive non-medical in home care to provide them with services throughout the day when you're unable to attend to their needs.

When families choose the in home option of aging they are often choosing to keep the family together.

Residential care homes are a great choice for seniors because they offer the dignity and fulfillment that comes with independence, while also ensuring safety, health, dignity and convenience.

 

 

YOUR GREATEST WEALTH IS YOUR HEALTH

YOUR GREATEST WEALTH IS YOUR HEALTH

Health is wealth. There is nothing  in our life that is more valuable than good health. without health there is no holistic, no happiness, no hope and no peace. 
A healthy person with bad health cannot fully enjoy the pleasure of being wealthy.

Health is more than money, and sweeter than honey. Money cannot buy health and happiness. A healthy person remains in a state of bliss and happiness.

A person with sound health enjoys a stable life that also include a healthy mental condition. Our health depends upon several factors, such as food, pollution, sleeping habits, mental condition, air, water, and sunlight. Morning walks and physical exercises are very helpful for the fitness of our mind and body.
We should take proper care of our health, body, spirit, and soul, so that we can enjoy the complete holistic life offers.

When we are ill, our bad health robs us of sound sleep and appetite. life becomes a miserable for one and a burden for significant others. On the other hand, a healthy person enjoys good food and sound sleep.for him the world is a beautiful place. and life is good.

A healthy person feels the goodness of life and works hard to realize his dreams. He never complains.
He is always happy and cheerful. Though, he may be poor, he may have to work very hard to earn his living, but even the richest man would envy him for his good health.

It is your primary responsibility to take care of yourself, live healthy, eat healthy food, be active, drink enough amount of water, avoid smoking and alcohol,  exercise regularly, avoid accident and injury to self and others.

YOU ARE IN CHARGE IN CHARGE DON'T MESS IT UP !

ARTHRITIS AND YOU

WHAT IS ARTHRITIS

Painful inflammation and stiffness of the joint.
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age.
The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Typically, pain, aching, stiffness and swelling in and around one or more joints characterize rheumatic conditions. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.

Although the word "arthritis" means joint inflammation, the term is used to describe around 200 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affects joints, the tissue that surround the joint, and other connective tissue.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other common rheumatic conditions include gout, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

symptoms

The symptoms of arthritis usually appear gradually but they may also occur suddenly. arthritis is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65 but it can also develop in children and teens.
Arthritis is more common in women than men and i those that are overweight.

PAIN: Arthritis pain can be constant, or may come and go.
SWELLING: The affected joint may become red and swollen, feeling warm to the touch
STIFFNESS: Stiffness is a typical arthritis symptom, especially when waking up in the morning or after sitting at a desk or riding in a car for a long time.
JOINT STIFFNESS: Difficult moving a joint or getting up from a chair should not be hard or painful.

DISABILITY
Impairment in the ability of people with arthritis to perform essential daily tasks may interfere with their work, their purpose in their community, or the care they can provide for their family.

PHYSICAL EXERCISE

Physical activity and exercise have been shown to benefit people with people with arthritis by improving pain, function and mental health.

RISK FACTORS:

Certain factors have been shown to be associated with a greater risk of arthritis. Some of the risk factors are modifiable while others are not. 

NON- MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS:

AGE: The risk of developing most types of arthritis increases with age
GENDER: Most types of arthritis are more common in men women. Gout is more common in men than women.
GENETIC: specific genes are associated with a higher risk of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematousus (SLA) and ankylosing spondylitis.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION?

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue and decrease energy
• feelings of guilt, worthless, and/or helplessness
• feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• irritability, restlessness
• loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• overeating or appetite loss
• persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• thoughts of suicide attempts

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE INCLUDE:

• TALKING ABOUT KILLING OR HARMING ONE'S SELF
• expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped
• an unusual preoccupation with death or dying
• acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red lights)
• calling or visiting people to say goodbye
• getting affairs in order (giving away proved possessions, tying up loose ends.)
• saying things like "everyone would be better off without me" or "I want out"
• A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy

depression carries a high risk of suicide.anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. call 1800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-8255 or the deaf hotline at 1-800-799-4889