Published on: 19 January 2019
Last Updated on: 09 August 2019
There are many kinds of addiction to nicotine. One can only feel the urge to smoke on special occasions, for example at weddings or before exams. Some smokers only enjoy a cigarette in the morning, but cannot imagine starting a day without it. Others only smoke alone, never in a group. Some of them smoke a pack a day, others – a pack a year. But every kind of regular smoking (even if it happens rarely, but still regularly) is an addiction. In some way it limits you. Even if you only smoke once a year, but still feel bad if you don’t have a cigarette this one time, you are addicted. Don’t limit yourself! This article will help you decide to quit, change your habits and stay resistant to the urge of having “just another one”.
Step 1. realize:
It happens quite sometimes that somebody says “I’m not addicted, I don’t need to do it, but I want to”. If you do so, try not to smoke and check your feelings. Is the lack of nicotine distracting you? Do you still feel you want to smoke, even if you say “you don’t need to”? Then maybe you are not as free as you think you are? The first step to getting out of nicotine addiction (and any other addiction in fact) is realizing that you have one. You don’t need to smoke every day to be addicted. But if you feel bad without having a cigarette, it’s quite obvious, that the nicotine is limiting you.
Step 2: choose the right moment:
It’s not easy to change your habits from one day to another. It will take some time and effort. That’s why it’s good to choose the right moment for quitting. If you know, you’ll be going through a lot of stress, for example, because of an exam or big changes in our life, it may not be a good time to quit. Try to find a time, when nothing extremely stressful can happen. Maybe a summer vacation? Maybe some peaceful time in the year? You’ll know better yourself. It can be rather hard to focus on your goal when you have a lot of things going on. And that doesn’t mean you cannot do it! It just makes it easier to quit, when the circumstances are favorable.
Step 3: change your mindset:
The most important thing to know is why you want to quit. Motivation is key. There are a lot of reasons to stop smoking, not only health issues and the money you spend on it. The most important thing is to free yourself from an addiction that limits you in your everyday life. So don’t think of it as a punishment. It’s not that you cannot smoke, you will just not need to do it anymore! When you think of not smoking as another limitation, it will be a lot harder.
Step 4: find a way:
When you decide to quit, you might find it hard at the beginning. That’s why it is helpful to find something to help you through it. Maybe a new hobby? Some exercise? And if the urge to smoke something is too strong, you could also try nicotine-free e-cigarettes. If you never tried this non-traditional way to smoke, you can find some cheap vaping deals online. Ideally, you should quit not only the nicotine but also the habit of smoking itself but remember – one step at a time.
Step 5: stay strong:
In the beginning, it can be hard not to smoke any more. But you can help yourself by changing your mindset – again. Don’t think that you are punishing yourself – in reality, you are rewarding yourself with life without addiction, live-in freedom. You’ll no longer feel bad or distracted when you have no time or opportunity to smoke. And don’t forget about all those benefits living smoke-free brings to your health. Your body will thank you and you’ll feel better. An idea is to write down all the good things that are coming from your non-smoking and keep the list in your wallet to look at it in the moment of weakness.
Step 6: enjoy!
Of course, it’s not an easy process to quit an addiction, especially when it has been going on for a while. You may feel weird without the cigarette breaks you used to take. You may miss the connection smoker have with each other. You may miss the relief that smoking gave you – but here’s the thing – it only gives you this relief if you are addicted. For a non-smoker, it makes literally no sense. So what’s the point of doing it anyway? Quit now and enjoy your life in freedom, you are not going to regret it.
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Any Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), or individual considering moving into this booming area, will probably be aware that it involves more than supporting patients through short term illnesses or meeting their needs in a hospital or nursing home.
As a rule, the older a patient gets, the more likely they are to experience chronic health complications which interfere with their day-to-day tasks. For much of history, such patients were written off, encouraged to take to their beds and be supported entirely by others, doing very little. They often didn’t live very long. But all that changed on account of one remarkable nurse, Dorothea Orem, whose legacy continues to shape the nursing profession today. This article examines her groundbreaking self-care deficit theory and looks at how AGNPs might use it for their nursing career.
Dorothea Orem
Dorothea Orem was born in Baltimore in 1914 and studied nursing in the late 1930s. This was a time when nursing schools were still a new phenomenon and there was a lot of experimental thinking in the nascent profession. Though she spent time on the wards as a staff nurse, she also worked as an administrator and consultant over the course of her career, spending her later years focusing on theory.
A naturally focused and attentive person, she soon began recording observations about the patients she worked with, leading to her self-care deficit theory of nursing, for which she strongly advocated for her entire life. It was theory which, in its early years, transformed the way nurses thought about patients and their duties. It laid the foundations for nursing today.
Universal Self-Care Requisites
Orem’s theory recognizes eight universal self-care requisites, or SCRs. Here, universal refers to things every human needs, regardless of circumstance. Air is needed for respiration. Water is needed to maintain a healthy level of hydration. Food is needed to maintain healthy energy levels and prevent starvation. Elimination or toileting, a polite way of referring to the expulsion of urine and feces from the body, is required too.
In addition to these four things, Orem posits that every patient needs a balance of physical activity and rest. Everyone needs social interaction, but also some alone time. People need to manage their lives to avoid or remove hazards, and, finally, they need to promote normality. This means that they need to achieve and maintain a way of living and relating to the world which is normal for them as individuals and does not involve psychosis.
Health Deviation Self-Care Requisites
When patients are recovering from injury or illness, or living with a chronic illness or disability, they can be described as experiencing a health deviation. This is not pejorative – it simply establishes that they differ from the norm. Health deviations are more common in older demographics, as they have additional self-care requisites.
These requisites include following doctors’ instructions (taking medicine on time), identifying problems caused by their conditions and attending to them effectively (sitting down until a dizzy spell passes), and knowing when and how to seek help from a caregiver or healthcare professional.
It is also important that these patients can understand and accept that their bodies have changed and can adjust psychologically to cope with it.
What Is A Self-Care Deficit?
A self-care deficit occurs when people are no longer able to carry out basic tasks. This can be because a disability makes them physically impossible to perform, or a number of other reasons. For example, some people get so overwhelmed by the way their bodies have changed that they stop trying to live. This doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve sympathy – it is an understandable response to an extreme situation – but it might mean that there is potential for improvement.
For some people, self-care deficits are permanent or are likely to worsen due to progressive illnesses. For others, however, they can be temporary, even in extreme old age. Self-care deficits stemming from a broken arm, for example, will normally dissipate after the arm heals, but this is less likely if the patient has learned to feel helpless in the meantime.
Assessment, Diagnosis, And Implementation
When using Orem’s theory, nurses have three steps to work through. The first is undertaken during the initial assessment of a new patient and involves identifying any self-care deficits. These are not always obvious from looking at a patient and the process may require gentle but persistent questioning. Some people may be embarrassed and hesitant to talk if they are unable to care for themselves.
The second involves full diagnosis of the deficits, including establishing causes. The third step is to draw up a treatment plan based on these diagnoses. In her work, Orem stressed the importance of recognizing that every patient is a unique individual, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this type of planning. In each case, AGNPs will need to work with the patient to establish the most effective way forward.
Five Ways Nurses Can Help
There are five strategies nurses can use to address self-care deficits when establishing patient care plans:
For the most severely incapacitated patients, it may be necessary to perform actions on their behalf, such as washing or dressing them.
Patients struggling mentally or who lack confidence can be guided through actions, ideally to the point of independence.
Patients can be taught new ways of approaching day to day tasks which make them easier to accomplish, such as taking a break to have a shower in the afternoon if it is too hard to find the energy at other times.
AGNPs can focus on the patient’s environment, making it easier for them to carry out self-care activities, such as suggesting kitchen gadgets to reduce the physical effort involved in preparing meals.
Finally, AGNPs can train a family caregiver to provide appropriate support.
These five strategies involve numerous actions, skills, and tools that nurses can use. Patients may need particular assistance with the following tasks.
Helping With Eating
Patients should always be encouraged to do as much for themselves as is reasonably possible. When it comes to eating, nurses should start with encouragement. Many older people lose their appetite and don’t feel motivated to eat, especially when it requires effort. So, an AGNP can point out that they have more energy when they manage to eat regular meals.
If the patient can get food to their mouth by themselves, nurses should resist the temptation to assist, even if they sometimes drop the food. Instead, nurses can reassure them that this is not uncommon and all they need to do is take a little more time. Nurses should also be alert to the possibility of choking issues and arrange X-rays if concerned. If some food proves difficult to eat, they can discuss the possibility of dietary adjustments.
Helping With Toileting
Nurses should reassure patients that, awkward as they may feel, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. The nurse must ensure they can transfer on and off the toilet safely and consider options like raising the height of the seat or installing grab. If there is a risk of falling, AGNPs may suggest bedpans for use when no caregiver is present. If adult diapers are needed, nurses should ensure that patients know how and when to change them (even if they are not soiled) and how to protect their skin against rashes or bruises caused by wearing them. Finally, nurses can also discuss medical options for softening stools or speeding up or slowing down digestive transit.
Helping With Dressing And Grooming
A balance must be struck between helping patients be more independent in dressing and grooming themselves and enabling them to maintain a style or standard of appearance that is natural for them. Some older men prefer to be clean shaven but end up growing beards because it is easier to trim a beard than it is to shave safely and neatly, for example. Some clothing options can be easier to get into than others, depending on a patient’s particular mobility difficulties. Simple devices such as a stick with a hook on the end can make adjusting the back of a garment or doing up a zip much easier. Nurses should pay particular attention to footwear to make sure patients can stand or walk safely.
Reducing Hazards
Whether a nurse is helping a patient to move around and complete self-care tasks in a hospital ward, a care home, or their own home, they must always pay attention to hazard prevention. Hazards can include mess, a layout created without regard for disability, or other people or pets moving around. Nurses can start by ensuring that the patient is aware of the risks and can recognize dangerous situations.
They should discuss simple measures like installing handrails or changing routines to make it easier to keep the area tidy. Nurses can also ensure that the patient can summon help if something goes wrong, by persuading them to install an alarm system or carry a charged mobile phone at all times, for example.
Care With Communication
Often, older patients who have self-care deficits also have difficulty with communication, whether due to physical or cognitive disability. Depending on their lifestyle in recent years, they may also be unfamiliar with modern technologies, but shy about admitting this. It is important for nurses to make sure that when they are addressing issues around essential needs, the patient understand them properly and vice versa.
It can be helpful to use pictures in communication, which are often available in support materials. When meeting a patient in the place they are going to be living, the nurse and patient can explore it together (in stages, if necessary) so both parties can directly identify issues.
Seeing Each Patient As An Individual
An essential tenet of Orem’s theory is that patients must be treated as individuals. This increases the chance that they will stick to treatment plans, as well as directly improving their psychological wellbeing.
Any nurse that’s interested in Orem’s theory and is considering joining this field will be looking into gerontology nurse practitioner programs online. The best courses place a lot of emphasis on adaptability and on learning how to manage different types of patients in different environments. The program at the University of Indianapolis, for example, encourages students to develop the patience and listening skills essential to getting to know patients and making them a part of the process. This communication and relationship building is essential to developing plans which will really benefit patients over the long term. The course at the University of Indianapolis is an eight-semester program designed for working nurses, involving part-time study and an intensive clinical placement.
The Nursing Profession Continues To Benefit
Thanks to Orem and her self-care deficit theory, patients are no longer left to waste away as they begin to struggle with old age. Generations of nurses who have practiced this theory have observed that, even in later life, patients can often improve and regain their self- care abilities with the right support. Advances in assistive technologies continue to make this even easier.
The right support, focused on facilitating and encouraging independence, enables seniors to go on living satisfying lives on their own terms for much longer. Even when they need extensive practical support, giving them more control helps to maintain their morale and ability to navigate the final chapter of their lives. In the process of providing this support, AGNPs also get what they really want; to see their patients thrive, no matter what they must overcome to achieve it.
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Everyone experiences heartburn from time to time or has the occasional upset stomach. But for those who experience these symptoms more frequently, it could be a sign of long-term Gastrointestinal Conditions.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 60 to 70 million people in the U.S. are affected by gastrointestinal issues. But what exactly is a" gastrointestinal issue," and what parts of your body can experience the impact?
Gastrointestinal Health 101
The gastrointestinal system gives your body what it needs to function. The system breaks down food, extracts nutrients from it, and converts these nutrients into energy. It also protects your body against harmful substances by blocking them from your bloodstream.
The gastrointestinal tract primarily consists of the following:
Esophagus:
A hollow tube running through the neck and chest that connects the mouth to the stomach. Muscles in the esophagus push food into the stomach.
Stomach:
A large organ that holds foods and breaks them down using enzymes and acids.
Liver:
The organ that filters toxins from the blood and produce bile, which further helps break down food into proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
Gallbladder:
A sac-like organ that stores the bile the liver produces then releases it as necessary.
Pancreas:
An organ that produces enzymes like insulin, which aids in the breakdown of sugars.
Small intestine:
As the stomach passes along food, this organ starts breaking it down while absorbing the majority of its nutrients.
Large intestine:
This organ contains billions of bacteria that turn food into waste (feces). At this same time, the large intestines remove water and electrolytes from what is left of the food for your body's use.
Rectum:
A small space at the end of the large intestine provides temporary storage for waste.
When you eat something, each of these organs plays a role. To kick off the process, saliva begins to break down food. With the help of other enzymes, food continues breaking down as your system propels it by muscular contractions through the digestive tract. This process is called peristalsis.
Gastrointestinal organs and their fluids exist in a delicate balance. Diet, stress, and illness can upset this balance and cause pain or discomfort.
Common Gastrointestinal Conditions and Disorders
There are a variety of common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders like constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux. Though some Gastrointestinal Conditions are genetic and outside of your control, you can still prevent many complications or subdue symptoms by eating a balanced diet, practicing healthy bowel habits, and following the CDC guidelines for cancer screening.
Some common disorders—like celiac disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, and leaky gut syndrome—are generally manageable with proper care and direction from medical professionals. If you experience severe pain or think you may have a more serious condition, see your doctor as soon as possible.
1. Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. People with this problem cannot eat food made from these substances because it triggers a response in their small intestine, which over time becomes inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients.
If you have celiac disease, you'll feel sick after eating something with gluten. Symptoms include bloating and gas, abdominal pain, fatigue, and nausea. Though there's presently no cure, most people who follow a strict gluten-free diet can reduce flare-ups and promote intestinal healing.
3. GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD) is a condition where your stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, irritating the esophagus's lining. It is essentially the same as acid reflux, except the symptoms are more intense and frequent.
Common symptoms include a burning sensation in your chest after eating, having difficulty swallowing, and feeling like there's a lump in your throat. You may also regurgitate food or sour liquid. People with GERD often feel worse at night, which can cause other problems like a chronic cough, laryngitis, asthma, and disrupted sleep.
There are over-the-counter remedies such as antacids and H2 blockers, but more intense symptoms may require prescription medication. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, eating large meals, or eating late at night can aggravate GERD.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common GI disorder that affects the large intestine. If you have this chronic condition, you will feel abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, certain factors play a role. Someone with IBS may have abnormalities in their digestive system or may have had a bacterial or viral infection that left an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines. Changes in gut microbes can also lead to IBS.
Though there is no cure for IBS, taking medications, and making lifestyle changes can alleviate the symptoms. For example, you can exercise regularly, eat smaller meals, and focus on minimizing stress. In terms of regulating your diet, you can try consuming more probiotics and limiting caffeine, dairy products, and spicy foods. Medicalprices.co.uk has a complete guide about IBS.
4. Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerant individuals cannot break down lactose, the natural sugar in milk. If you're lactose intolerant, your small intestine doesn't produce enough lactase (the enzyme) to digest lactose (the milk sugar). Undigested lactose then moves into your large intestine, where it interacts with the bacteria, causing bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Aside from avoiding dairy products altogether, lactose intolerants can take over-the-counter lactase enzyme tablets that aid in dairy digestion.
5. Leaky Gut Syndrome
As part of the digestive tract, the intestines allow water and nutrients to pass through their walls while blocking harmful substances. The ease with which substances pass through the intestinal wall is called intestinal permeability. When this permeability becomes compromised, toxins and bacteria may escape from the intestines into the bloodstream.
This condition is called a leaky gut syndrome, and if left unchecked, it can cause inflammation throughout the body. Symptoms may include bloating, gas, food sensitivity, fatigue, and skin problems. Though more research needs to be conducted on this condition, a few probable causes include:
Consuming too much sugar or alcohol
Long term use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen
Deficiencies in vitamins A and D and zinc
Chronic inflammation throughout the body
Stress
Bacterial imbalance in the intestines
Yeast overgrowth in the digestive system
To reduce symptoms, you can work on improving your overall gut health. First, you can limit your carb intake, as harmful bacteria thrive on sugar. You can also increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your body by eating foods with probiotics such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
You may also want to consider powdered collagen protein supplements. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that gives structure to connective tissues, ligaments, and skin. The protein also provides structure to blood vessels and may strengthen compromised intestinal walls.
Avoiding a Pain in the Gut
While some gastrointestinal conditions can be severe, other GI issues and symptoms are common and manageable with lifestyle changes. If you maintain a healthy diet with your unique gastrointestinal needs in mind, you can treat your symptoms and live free of gut pain.
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Oral hygiene is an essential part of our daily routine, and choosing the right toothpaste is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. However, with increasing concerns about the impact of our daily habits on the environment, many people are now looking for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional toothpaste brands.
Put together by Tutu’s Green World, here are some of the benefits of using eco-friendly toothpaste for both your teeth and the planet.
Natural Ingredients
Eco-friendly toothpaste is made with natural ingredients that are safe for your teeth and the environment. Traditional toothpaste brands often contain harsh chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, and artificial colors and flavors. These chemicals can be harmful to both our health and the environment. In contrast, eco-friendly toothpaste is formulated with natural ingredients that are gentler on our teeth and do not harm the environment.
Reduced Plastic Waste
Traditional toothpaste tubes are made of plastic and are not recyclable, which leads to a significant amount of plastic waste. Eco-friendly toothpaste brands offer alternatives to plastic packaging, such as biodegradable or recyclable materials. Some brands even offer toothpaste tablets that can be purchased in refillable glass jars, eliminating the need for any plastic packaging at all. By choosing eco-friendly toothpaste, you can significantly reduce your plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Ethical And Sustainable Sourcing
Many eco-friendly toothpaste brands prioritize ethical and sustainable sourcing practices. For example, some brands use bamboo or other renewable resources to create their packaging. Others use ingredients that are sourced sustainably and ethically, such as organic coconut oil and aloe vera. By choosing eco-friendly toothpaste, you can support brands that are committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.
Cruelty-Free
Many eco-friendly toothpaste brands are also cruelty-free, meaning that they do not test their products on animals. This is an important consideration for those who are concerned about animal welfare. By choosing a cruelty-free toothpaste, you can be sure that you're not contributing to animal cruelty in any way.
Better For Sensitive Teeth
Eco-friendly toothpaste brands often offer options that are formulated with natural ingredients that are gentle on sensitive teeth and gums. This means that if you have sensitive teeth, you can find a toothpaste that won't cause discomfort or irritation. Additionally, many eco-friendly toothpaste brands offer options for people with specific oral health concerns, such as gum disease or bad breath.
Fluoride-Free Options
Many traditional toothpaste brands contain fluoride, which is known to be harmful if ingested in large quantities. Eco-friendly toothpaste brands often offer fluoride-free options that are safe for both adults and children. Additionally, some eco-friendly toothpaste brands offer options that are specifically formulated for children, with flavors and packaging that are appealing to kids.
Health Benefits
Eco-friendly toothpaste can also offer health benefits beyond just being better for the environment. Natural ingredients can be gentler on the teeth and gums, and some can even help to whiten teeth and freshen their breath. Additionally, by avoiding harsh chemicals, eco-friendly toothpaste can help to promote overall health and well-being.
In conclusion, choosing eco-friendly toothpaste is a simple and effective way to protect your teeth and the planet. With natural ingredients, reduced plastic waste, ethical and sustainable sourcing, cruelty-free practices, options for sensitive teeth and fluoride-free options, and potential health benefits, eco-friendly toothpaste is a great choice for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the planet and their own health. So why not switch to eco-friendly toothpaste today and start protecting your teeth and the environment?
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