Published on: 31 July 2019
Last Updated on: 28 January 2022
Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in a woman’s life but it comes with various complications as well. Thus, dealing with pregnancy is surely not a bed of roses. Many women complain about infections during the tenure of pregnancy and if such infections would remain untreated then the health condition may deteriorate. If you are expecting a baby then you should know what kinds of infections one can encounter during pregnancy. It is always better to be informed. So, stay tuned as you will get genuine information in the coming paragraphs.
What kinds of infections women can encounter while being pregnant?
One of the most common infections that women face during pregnancy is a skin infection. But in most cases, it is not that severe, for example, one may experience the problem of rashes, swelling, acne, etc. Chances of getting a common cold are also really high in case of pregnancy. These are minor types of infections and would not prove to be a threat to the mother or the baby. But there are lots of infections in pregnancy that may prove to be quite dangerous.
Some of the infections that must not be ignored at all are urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis, bacterial vaginosis, GBS, viral infection, etc. These infections can be termed as dangerous and can prove to be a serious threat for the mother and the baby. The symptoms of all infections would be different. For example, in case of yeast infection, you may feel severe itching around the vagina, in case of urinary tract infection there can be a burning pain while urinating, in case of sexually transmitted infection, there can be symptoms like swelling, fever, pain, etc. Thus the symptoms associated with different infections would be different.
What should be done in order to avoid infections during pregnancy?
You can avoid infections during pregnancy in the following ways –
Make it a habit to wash your hands frequently. It can help in avoiding a lot of infections.
Don’t eat the food already consumed by some other person and also avoid sharing drinks.
In many cases, it is seen that women face trouble when they consume undercooked or raw meat. So, simply avoid this habit.
Avoid meeting with people who are already having contagious infections.
Get flu shots after consulting your doctor.
These are some of the simple ways by which you can avoid infections during pregnancy.
Some genuine tips for your guidance
If you have got a minor infection then it may go away on its own within a few days. But if the problem is persistent and severe then you should not hesitate to consult a medical practitioner. The doctor would diagnose your condition and you will come to know which kind of infection is creating the trouble. Presently there are advanced level infection treatments during pregnancy and such treatments can ensure the absolute safety of the mother as well as the unborn baby.
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You might have heard the term “functioning alcoholic” and wondered what it even means. Then, you might be searching for the meaning of the term and what it means to be a functional alcoholic. Then, let’s throw some light on the meaning of functioning alcoholics for your better understanding.
We often relate alcoholism with people who are unable to function properly in their lives. This stereotype of alcoholic individuals seems to be not accurate. This is because several individuals who are alcoholics seem to function properly and deal with their daily tasks properly.
If this is the case, then why are these individuals living a regular life while being alcoholic? While other groups cannot function properly because they are constantly under influence.
Therefore, in this article, we not only discuss what is a functioning alcoholic but also how they differ from those with more visible signs of alcohol dependency.
Perception About Individuals Battling Addiction
Your concept or perception of an alcoholic will change when you learn how a functioning alcoholic person works. They are capable of living or maintaining a normal life while battling alcohol addiction.
At one glance, you might not even know this person might have an addiction. Because they can do all their daily duties smoothly. Therefore, why was this term created, which means someone who is functioning even when dealing with addiction?
This challenges the common stereotype of an alcoholic person who lives an undisciplined and disheveled life. The term “functioning alcoholic” could be used to describe a person’s condition, but it is not officially recognized.
In the field of psychiatry, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) doesn’t recognize this term officially. However, several professionals use this term to describe a specific alcoholic person’s condition.
So, understanding the phenomenon of the functioning alcoholic is important. Because it helps identify people who are going through this hardship. When you recognize a functional alcoholic, you can help them get the right treatment, which will get them better.
Functioning alcoholics often hide their struggles with addiction while maintaining a normal facade. So, it becomes harder for you to recognize them and get them correctly diagnosed. Therefore, you must read this article to know how to identify one. This is so you can help them get the right treatment for recovery.
What Is A Functioning Alcoholic?
A functioning alcoholic seems to live a normal life while dealing with alcohol addiction. These individuals, you will observe, can do all the regular tasks and maintain a lifestyle without alcohol overriding their lives.
Even if they are always under the influence, they can hold down a job and other obligations. Not only that, but they can also excel in some areas of their lives without alcohol overriding their entire life.
Therefore, it becomes hard for you to identify these individuals. Because they look perfectly normal from the outside while dealing with addiction.
These individuals know how to keep their professional and social lives separate from their addiction. You see, functional alcoholics are aware of their alcoholic addiction, which helps them hide it easily. They become skilled at hiding their shortcomings from the world.
However, this addiction of a functioning alcoholic does not affect anyone other than themselves. It does affect their own lives if kept unchecked in the long run. As they continue to hide their struggle with alcohol, it becomes much more troublesome as time goes on.
Functioning Alcoholics Live In The Grey Area Of Addiction
A functioning alcoholic lives in the grey area of addiction, where addiction coexists with competence. While they are functioning like a regular individual, they also hide their addiction from their friends, family, or colleagues.
So, they operate much more separately than an alcoholic consumed with addiction and a normal non-alcoholic.
So how will you recognize a functioning alcoholic when they are living just like any ordinary person? You see, functioning alcoholics often rationalize their drinking habits as rewards for their accomplishments.
So, if they can get their work done, they reward themselves. Again, if they do their duty towards their family, they will reward themselves with a drink.
Again, their coping mechanism for dealing with the stress of daily responsibilities is through alcohol. So, when they accomplish their responsibilities day-to-day, they reward themselves with alcohol.
But this facade of normalcy is fragile as they become more dependent on alcohol over time. As they start to deal with life problems with alcohol, this results in psychological issues.
Maintaining a long-term facade of alcohol addiction is not the only problem a functional alcoholic face but health problems, too.
High Functioning Alcoholism vs. Traditional Alcohol Use Disorder
Traditionally, you could identify an alcoholic person from their visible signs of dysfunction. These dysfunctional problems were frequent performance issues, relationship problems, and deteriorating health.
In contrast, high-functioning alcoholics may lead seemingly successful lives, masking their dependency behind a façade of competence. They may hold prestigious positions, maintain social connections, and even drink expensive wine without raising suspicion.
Despite their ability to keep up appearances, high-functioning alcoholics often deal with a significant internal struggle. They might spend considerable effort hiding the extent of their drinking from others and themselves.
This can involve elaborate routines to cover up the smell of alcohol and secret drinking sessions. Again, a functional alcoholic persistently worries about being discovered because of their addiction.
You will see that the stress of maintaining a double life can be extremely problematic in the long run. In the long-term, this coping mechanism with alcohol can only affect negatively both physically and mentally.
Along with the stress of hiding their addiction to alcohol and dealing with life’s problems, a functioning alcoholic is bound to break down at some point. This will lead to their worst fear of revealing their true nature.
It’s this dual existence that differentiates high-functioning alcoholism from other overt alcohol use disorders. Other alcohol disorders are more visible due to their impact on an individual’s life.
Recognizing The Signs of Alcohol Abuse
There are significant risks to being a functional alcoholic despite its outward appearance. Because their pattern of drinking can be more than seven drinks per week. This leads to health risks in the long term. Again, continuous dependence on alcohol to deal with life can have adverse effects on the person’s psychology.
From binge drinking episodes to the inability to stop drinking despite its negative consequences, these are some of the recognized risks of alcohol addiction. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit or cut back on alcohol consumption.
Recognizing signs of a high-functioning alcoholic can be challenging as they are good at hiding their addiction. Therefore, it’s essential to identify these individuals, get them diagnosed correctly, and treat them properly.
It’s important to note that these behaviors can be subtle and easily overlooked, especially when the individual is still managing to fulfill their personal and professional obligations. Over time, you will see that the consequences of high-functioning alcoholism become visible.
Be it strained relationships, personality changes, mental health issues, and physical health problems related to alcohol abuse. You will start to see its effects on a functional alcoholic.
Risk Factors and Consequences
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of high-functioning alcoholism, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and untreated mental health issues.
While they may avoid some of the immediate consequences associated with traditional alcoholism, such as job loss or legal troubles, high-functioning alcoholics are still at risk for severe health problems, including certain cancers and mental health issues.
These health problems can include liver disease, heart disease, and neurological impairments that may not become evident until later in life. The psychological consequences are equally concerning, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders that can deteriorate the quality of life.
Moreover, high-functioning alcoholics may face social consequences over time, such as eroded trust in relationships, marital strife, and a gradual withdrawal from social activities as they prioritize alcohol over personal connections.
Despite maintaining a veneer of normalcy, the cumulative effect of these risk factors and consequences can lead to a tipping point where the individual’s ability to function at a high level is compromised.
It is crucial to recognize these long-term risks and understand that the lack of immediate, visible consequences does not diminish the urgency for intervention and treatment.
Seeking Support And Treatment For The High Functioning Alcoholic
Addressing high-functioning alcoholism requires a comprehensive approach involving medical professionals, support groups, and rehab centers in Los Angeles specializing in addiction medicine.
Loved ones play a crucial role in encouraging their family members or close relatives to seek help, but it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Initiating this conversation can be delicate, as it often involves breaking through a wall of denial built up by the individual over time.
Friends and family need to be informed about the nature of high-functioning alcoholism, to offer non-judgmental support, and to avoid enabling behaviors that can perpetuate the addiction.
The process of seeking support often begins with an honest self-assessment or an intervention by concerned loved ones. This step is vital in helping the individual recognize the extent of their problem and its impact on their life and the lives of those around them.
Professional interventionists can be instrumental in this phase, providing the guidance needed to navigate what can be a highly charged situation. Once the individual acknowledges the need for help, the next step involves finding the right treatment program.
Treatment can range from outpatient therapy sessions to accommodate the individual’s work schedule. Or a more intensive inpatient program where you must take a temporary step back from daily responsibilities.
The treatment choice should be tailored to the individual’s specific circumstances, considering their level of addiction, personal responsibilities, and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
Throughout the recovery journey, ongoing support is essential for maintaining sobriety. Aftercare programs and sober living communities offer continued guidance and support, helping the individual to reintegrate into their daily life with new coping skills and a renewed focus on health and wellness.
Support And Treatment Facilities
Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide a vital lifeline for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders, offering a sense of community and understanding.
These groups facilitate peer-to-peer support and shared experiences, creating a space where individuals can speak openly about their struggles without fear of judgment.
Treatment facilities offer residential treatment or outpatient tailored programs designed to address the unique needs of high-functioning alcoholics, providing medical supervision during the withdrawal process and equipping them with coping strategies for maintaining sobriety.
These facilities often employ a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical treatment, psychological counseling, and behavioral therapy to address the complex nature of addiction. The programs may include individual therapy sessions, group therapy, educational workshops on addiction, and relapse prevention planning.
In addition to traditional treatment methods, some facilities offer holistic therapies such as meditation, yoga, and art therapy, recognizing the importance of treating the whole person.
The Importance Of Mental Health Resources
Recognizing that alcoholism is not solely a physical dependency but also a mental health problem is crucial. Access to more mental health resources, including therapy and counseling, can help individuals address underlying issues contributing to their alcohol use and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
These resources are vital in treating the emotional and psychological aspects of alcoholism, which often include stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders that may co-occur with substance abuse.
By providing a supportive environment for open discussion about mental health, individuals can gain insights into the emotional triggers that lead to drinking and learn new strategies for managing these triggers.
Therapy can also assist in repairing relationships damaged by alcohol abuse, rebuilding trust, and improving communication skills. In addition, counseling can offer guidance on how to establish a balanced life. You can set achievable goals and create a supportive network that fosters their long-term recovery.
Treatment programs need to integrate mental health services as a core component of addiction recovery, called dual diagnosis treatment. This integration ensures that individuals receive a holistic approach to their treatment, addressing all facets of their well-being.
As society continues to destigmatize mental health issues, the hope is that more people will feel empowered to seek the help they need without fear of judgment or stigma.
Ultimately, enhancing the availability and accessibility of mental health resources is a critical step in supporting the recovery journey of functioning alcoholics. Their lasting sobriety helps improve their mental health issues.
High Functioning Alcoholics: Is There Such A Thing?
High-functioning alcoholics can often seem to have it all together, balancing significant responsibilities while battling their addiction in silence.
Despite heavy drinking, they are typically individuals who seem to lead productive lives. They often excel in their careers, maintain social relationships, and uphold daily routines.
This can make it difficult is difficult for others and sometimes even for the individuals themselves to recognize the problem, as their success often masks the underlying issues.
We can help individuals struggling with high-functioning alcoholism by raising awareness and providing support. This will help them regain control of their lives and improve their overall life.
How to Help a Colleague (...Who is Also Recovering)
Helping someone in recovery from alcoholism is as simple as learning the signs and subtly helping.
But remember they are on a journey, not at the destination. Part of that journey includes being open about their lives but not praying too much. A casual “How are you doing today?” can go a long way.
Be Responsible Yourself First!
Help your co-workers make healthy choices by creating a clean, responsible environment.
Don’t go to work events where the primary focus is drinking, and don’t invite them to join if you do.
Be mindful of their limits; never encourage or force them to drink more than they feel comfortable with.
If they make the choice to leave an event because others are drinking too heavily, offer to accompany them.
Find Alternative Activities
Encourage them to engage in healthy activities, even if it is during office breaks. You can go for a walk with them at lunch or get involved together in a wellness group at work.
Not only do these kinds of activities help alleviate stress, but they also give your colleague something positive to focus their energy on.
Plus, showing that you’re willing to invest in their well-being as professionally appropriate helps build a stronger working relationship between the two of you and gives them an added source of support while they recover.
Do not Get Too Personal
But still, you need to draw the line and not become too personal with them. You should only keep any conversations limited to work-related topics unless they would like to share them with you.
Be mindful of their personal space as well because, in the end, it is their own recovery.
Supporting a colleague in recovering from alcoholism requires empathy, respect, and understanding.
By being a supportive colleague, you help to not only nurture their recovery but also help foster an inclusive and compassionate workplace. Remember, it’s the little things that mean a lot.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to understand that high-functioning alcoholism is a real and serious condition. When you acknowledge its existence, you take the first step towards addressing the unique challenges it presents.
With the right resources and support systems, you can improve functioning alcoholic individuals to live a life free from alcohol. You can find them the help they need to recover from alcohol dependency.
Therefore, you need to know about functional alcoholism and identify functional alcoholic individuals.
Read Also:
How 12-Step Works As Addiction Recovery Support
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Many homeowners opt for a paved garden to cut down on the necessary workload and keep it tidy with little expense or effort. We have detailed below some examples of the benefits you will be missing out on by not having a healthy lawn and garden. A good lawn and plants can help make us feel better, be more popular with friends and neighbors, while also being a positive force for the environment.
Health Benefits of a Garden
We may not realize how much an outdoor space can help to keep us healthy and fit. If you are lucky enough to have a garden that is well maintained, you will benefit from having fewer allergies and pests bothering you in the peak season. A beautiful garden will keep pest’s away by not providing them with an ideal environment for breeding, and the pollen count will be lower due to having plants and trees that have a lower pollen count. The university in California has also noted that patients with a view of the gardens recover quicker than those with interior views only, meaning your garden can actually help to cure you of ailments. Along with the physical gains, you will get from having a garden that has been looked after you will also gain from the mental side. Having a beautiful area to sit and relax in after a hard day at the office will reduce stress levels and help those who have attention deficit disorders, allowing them to concentrate more when needed.
Socializing Benefits of a Well-cared-for Garden
Many homeowners are paying more attention to their outside spaces than ever before. The reason we want to have a great back yard is to create additional living space for the family to relax. If you take care of your lawn and keep the different types of weeds under control, you give your family a great space to eat and socialize. A garden in great shape can also offer young children an additional play area out of the house where you know they will be safe and secure. A common feature in a lot of back gardens is having a space to eat and entertain friends, usually a decking or well-designed patio with a barbeque area that you can use when the weather is good. Gain the admiration of your friends by creating a garden that looks good and provides you with a great socializing space to enjoy.
Environmental Benefits of a Garden
Possibly the most significant benefit that having a well looked after the garden is the ecological aspect. Having healthy trees, plants and turf will eat up carbon and replace it with oxygen providing a much-needed boost for you and the local environment. Lawns will naturally absorb a lot of the sun’s radiation while also providing a cooling effect whereas patios, concrete and asphalt will store heat and radiate it back in the air which can make the temperatures soar during sunny spells. Good quality turf will help to retain the soil far better than a sparsely seeded lawn, at the same time it will help soak up the rainwater. As the water will not evaporate back into the atmosphere after a mild shower, this will stop your garden from feeling humid and hot throughout the summer months. A well thought out garden will give much-needed help to wildlife by providing a habitat that they can live in while keeping the unwanted pests at bay. Your garden will attract birds and other insects that eat or repel the nasty bugs that no-one wants to see while they’re enjoying the serenity of their yard.
Start Your Dream Garden
Having a healthy lawn and garden is not as much work as some would have you believe. Choose grass seed that will flourish in your area and start sowing your lawn. Having a good variety of plants and trees that require little maintenance will compliment your lawn area and can be done at a minimal cost. Get down to your local garden center or horticulturists and find out what plants will work in your garden. Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get in touch with nature once again and don’t hesitate to make this a communal activity for you and your family.
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Visiting a chiropractor offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance physical and emotional health.
However, a common misconception is that people only seek chiropractic care when they're already in pain or can no longer bear discomfort.
Many need to realize that a neck specialist singapore can play a crucial role in preventing these issues from arising in the first place.
While most individuals associate chiropractic care with addressing back pain, it's essential to be aware of other indicators that may prompt a visit to a chiropractor at your nearest local wellness center.
Signs You Should See A Chiropractor
Chiropractic care is often associated with back pain relief, but its benefits go far beyond that. Chiropractors are trained to address various musculoskeletal issues and can help improve your overall well-being.
While back pain is a common reason to visit a chiropractor, numerous other signs and symptoms can indicate you should seek their care.
Let’s explore ten signs that you should consider making an appointment with a chiropractor.
1. Persistent Back Pain
Experiencing relentless back pain indicates that consulting a chiropractor is a sensible and proactive step. Such pain can take on diverse forms, whether it's the nagging ache in your lower back, the discomfort in your upper back, or even the stiffness and unease in your neck area.
The value of seeking a chiropractor's expertise lies in their capacity to provide non-invasive, natural treatment options that not only relieve your pain but also significantly contribute to the overall improvement of your mobility and physical health.
The persistence of back pain can be incredibly disruptive to your daily life. It can hinder your ability to perform routine tasks, affect your mood, and diminish your overall quality of life.
Whether your discomfort is rooted in a specific incident, like an injury, or the result of prolonged stress and poor posture, chiropractors are adept at getting to the bottom of the issue.
Chiropractic care is centered on the principle that proper spine and musculoskeletal system alignment is crucial for maintaining good health. This alignment promotes optimal nerve function and the free flow of vital energy throughout the body.
By pinpointing and addressing misalignments or tension in your spine, a singapore chiropractor can offer you effective, non-surgical solutions to tackle the root causes of your back pain.
2. Chronic Headaches
Frequent headaches are a common complaint that can often be traced back to tension and stress within the neck and spine. This connection between the musculoskeletal system and headaches is crucial to chiropractic care.
Chiropractors employ a variety of techniques and adjustments to address these issues, ultimately leading to a reduction in both the frequency and intensity of headaches.
What's particularly appealing about chiropractic care is that it provides relief without needing medication, which can sometimes bring unwanted side effects and dependency concerns.
Headaches, whether tension headaches, migraines, or other types, can significantly disrupt your daily life. They can lead to discomfort, sensitivity to light and sound, and even nausea. This is where chiropractic adjustments come into play.
By targeting the root causes of your headaches, which might involve misaligned vertebrae or muscle tension, chiropractors work to correct these issues and promote a healthier, pain-free existence.
3. Limited Range Of Motion
If you've become aware of a decline in your ability to move your arms, legs, or neck as freely as you used to, it could indicate an underlying problem. In such cases, turning to a chiropractor can be a wise decision.
Chiropractors are skilled at pinpointing the root causes of mobility issues and are well-equipped to employ strategies to help you regain your full range of motion.
Diminished mobility can significantly affect your daily life and overall well-being. It may lead to discomfort, limitations in your physical activities, and even impact your quality of life.
Chiropractors understand the intricate relationship between the musculoskeletal system and your mobility and specialize in addressing these concerns.
When you visit a chiropractor for mobility issues, they will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the precise causes of your limitations. This often involves a physical examination, discussions about your medical history, and perhaps even diagnostic imaging like X-rays.
The chiropractor can develop a tailored treatment plan to restore your full range of motion by identifying misalignments, muscle imbalances, or other musculoskeletal issues.
4. Frequent Muscle Stiffness
Muscle stiffness often indicates that there might be issues with the alignment of your musculoskeletal system.
When your muscles feel tense and unyielding, it can indicate that something isn't quite right within your body's framework. This is where the expertise of chiropractors becomes invaluable, as they are well-equipped to address this problem and promote improved muscle flexibility.
Stiff muscles can be more than just a discomfort; they can impact your daily life and overall well-being. This sensation can limit your range of motion, hinder physical activities, and even lead to pain and discomfort.
Chiropractors deeply understand how the body's structure and function are interconnected, and they specialize in addressing these specific concerns.
When you turn to a chiropractor with muscle stiffness complaints, they critically evaluate your condition. This typically includes a detailed physical examination, discussions about your medical history, and any relevant diagnostic procedures like X-rays if necessary.
5. Poor Posture
Poor posture is a common culprit behind a myriad of health problems and physical discomfort. Your posture, the way you hold your body when sitting, standing, or moving, plays a vital role in your overall well-being.
Fortunately, chiropractors possess the expertise to assess your posture and offer guidance on adjustments that can help you stand taller and promote better health and comfort.
Chiropractors are uniquely positioned to address posture-related concerns. During a chiropractic assessment, they thoroughly examine your posture, pinpointing areas of misalignment or tension in your musculoskeletal system.
They will then develop a personalized plan to help you achieve and maintain a more upright and healthier position.
Chiropractic adjustments and techniques focus on realigning the spine and joints, reducing muscle tension, and enhancing your body's overall function. These targeted adjustments can relieve discomfort associated with poor posture and help you maintain the necessary habits to keep your posture in check.
Are Chiropractors Worth It?
The worth of chiropractic care largely depends on an individual's specific needs and circumstances. Chiropractors can benefit many people, particularly those seeking relief from musculoskeletal issues, back pain, and certain headaches.
Chiropractic care is often praised for its non-invasive and drug-free approach, focusing on addressing the root causes of problems rather than merely alleviating symptoms. It can also be a cost-effective alternative to more invasive treatments.
However, it's essential to consult a qualified chiropractor and carefully consider your health goals. For some, chiropractic care may significantly improve well-being, while for others, alternative forms of treatment may be more suitable.
Whether chiropractors are worth it should be based on individual health needs and preferences.
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