Rolling News Health Snippets Page:
Chat Issue Winter 2006
New Course/Group Starts Early 2007
"Symptom Management And Medication Group" The group runs over a total of sixteen sessions
For full details click this link
Chat Issue Spring 2006
Water as a powerful medicine
I recently stumbled across a nursing review of alternative medicines to anti-side effect drugs. The report highlighted that the best medicine of all is water. Patients on antipsychotic drugs (e.g. drugs for schizophrenia, manic depression, paranoia etc) need a minimum of 2 litres (8 mugs) of water a day.
The report highlighted that few people get enough water and this can cause kidney problems, migraines, headaches, skin disorders and constipation.
Large amounts of water not only flush the system of toxins but also reduce hunger pangs if dieting. Water can be taken in many forms such as squash, diluted unsweetened fruit juices, fruit and vegetables, salads and herbal tea etc.
Tap water is the cheapest form of water available and to make it taste better it is recommended that a suitable container is cooled in the fridge before use.
Chat Issue Winter 2001
Patient Perspective: Clinic Procedure
I would like to point out an area of patients/staff relationship which could be improved and make hospital routine safer for all concerned. I know from my own experience that stress levels can be raised when the clinic team wishes to approach a patient for various reasons; such as introduction to medication or a move to ICU, and feels it necessary to form a "care and responsibility" (C&R) team just in case.
This happened to me when I was asked to go to the annexe and I immediately felt the tension and expectation of staff. Some were waiting outside the annexe and some were seated inside. I felt vulnerable and wondered what they were going to do to me. In effect the clinical team created a 'fight' or 'flight' situation. Luckily, I was in control of my emotions and only showed some anger, which covered my fear of the unknown. So, everything turned out OK. However, some patients have reacted violently to this situation and needed to be restrained.
I feel that the tension produced by the shock of being suddenly confronted by a number of staff could easily be prevented. Staff could simply explain to the patient that although a number of staff will be present they will not be used unless needed and that they are only present for security reasons.
Patients could be told that if they feel overwhelmed or threatened they can simply sit for a while walk out and go to their rooms or have a cup of tea to calm down, but explain that the issues need to be confronted and a care plan must be drawn up to deal with the issue in question.
Chat Issue Winter 2001
Clozaril and its effects
When I first commenced on Clozaril I was very apprehensive and anxious. For the first few days I felt lethargic and worried about the way I was experiencing its effects. Other side effects include excess salivation and constipation. During this time the nursing staff were very supportive and reassured me throughout. I also felt the weekly blood-testing was a nuisance and unpleasant. But through my experience, the frequency of testing decreases with time to once monthly. I'm so glad that I commenced on Clozaril due to its positive effects of stabilizing my mental health. This has also improved my quality of life living with a mental illness. A bit of advice, don't knock it until you try it. It helped me so it can help you.
