2021 Dec Articles Archives

Summer sun warning

AT LAST!!!!! Summer is here, bringing with it long, lazy outdoor days in the open and under the African sun. Having fun under the sun is awesome but please take measures to protect you and your family from sunburn and heatstroke, even if you have toned or dark skin.

Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Wear a minimum of 30 SPF factor sunscreen and re-apply every two hours, especially if swimming or sweating. Don’t forget the ears and lips.
Seek shade or cover up during peak sun times between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UV light.

Too much sun?

Sunburn shows differently in lighter and darker skins. Lighter skin will typically look red and feel hot, painful, or tight. Darker-skin, people may not notice any redness, but their skin may feel hot, sensitive, and itchy. Sunburn usually improves on its own within a week but severe cases can lead to dangerous heat strokes. An icy cold bath may help, but contact a healthcare provider, or emergency services if your sunburn includes:

a high temperature
shivering
blistering or swollen skin
feelings of tiredness, dizziness, or nausea
headaches
muscle cramps

Cancer warning

We all know that too much sun can cause cancer, even though the sun is not the only culprit. Please be aware of the following signs as early detection is critical when having to deal with Cancers, signs may include:

large, changing, or asymmetrical moles
sores or bumps that bleed or ooze
unusual-looking skin patches that don’t heal

People with darker skin tones are more susceptible to a type of cancer called acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) which presents as spots in slightly hidden places, such as:

the hands
soles of the feet
under the nails
dark spots, growths, or patches that appear to be changing
patches that feel rough and dry
dark lines underneath or around fingernails and toenails

Please check your skin once a month and follow up with a dermatologist and or healthcare professional, at least once a year to stay on top of things or call LifeAssist if you have any concerns. Enjoy the great outdoors but remember to stay safe.

zara2021-12-01T10:16:55+00:00

Tis’ the season to be jolly

Many of us look forward to celebrations at this time of year, and for some, it’s an opportunity to kick back and relax with a couple of alcoholic beverages. However, drinking beyond one’s limits can have adverse consequences, such as fights, motor vehicle accidents, and in some cases leading to depression and in worst-case scenarios, fatalities.

Immediate effects

The specific effects of alcohol on each individual will vary; but it’s impossible to make good decisions when you’re intoxicated, and there’s no way to sober up quickly.

Initially, drinking may make you feel happy and excited, but it decreases inhibitions and leads to reckless, sometimes dangerous decisions such as drunk driving, or unprotected sex, followed by severe slumps in mood.

As more alcohol is consumed, reaction times get slower and behaviour becomes poorly controlled, sometimes even aggressive—leading to fights and other types of violence.

Alcohol, both over time and after a single incident of binge drinking, can damage the heart, leading to strokes, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats called “holiday heart syndrome,” which can cause heart attacks, even in the young and healthy.

Your immune system also takes a knock. Even one night of drinking a little too much can affect your body’s ability to fight infections, for up to 24 hours.

Continued drinking can also lead to blackouts, alcohol poisoning accompanied by severe vomiting, liver damage, and at even higher levels, can stop vital life functions.

Don’t be fooled

Many think that if they stop drinking and have a cup of coffee, they will sober up and be able to drive safely. The truth is that alcohol continues to affect the brain and body long after the last drink. It enters the bloodstream from the stomach, causing unnecessary risks to your health and personal safety for hours.

Plan ahead

Don’t underestimate the effects of alcohol indulgence this holiday season. If you decide to drink, stick to a limit (one or two drinks), and make sure you don’t drive or swim under the influence.

If you feel that you or a family member have a drinking problem, please call LifeAssist to talk to a counsellor. Let us help you.

zara2021-12-01T10:31:36+00:00

Stress over the holidays

HOW TO COMBAT THE CHAOS TO KEEP THE PEACE

Not feeling particularly joyous at this time of year? Exhausted after a challenging 12 months? You’re not alone. Many find that the holidays bring as much stress as they do joy. But there are tools to help.

Be kind

You can’t change how others act during the stresses of the holiday season, but you can change how you respond.

A person may be suffering from something you may not be aware of, and that’s why they’re acting this way.’ This may help to soften your frustration and helps you be more compassionate, and thus not personal.

If things do get tense with someone, take a few deep breaths. This can shift things and give you a new perspective.
Remember that the holidays are especially difficult for those who are alone. Perhaps you can extend an invitation or find a way to help those without family and friends at this time.

Be grateful

With long lines, terrible traffic, and visiting family, the holidays can get hectic. When overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle make a mental list of all the good things that have happened today, or what you are grateful for. Even if this moment seems stressful, think of ways to make it more pleasant. Perhaps give a compliment to the person next to you, or notice what’s around you with fresh eyes and an open mind.

Go easy on the booze

While the holidays are all about relaxing and letting go at parties, remember that alcohol is a depressant. It not only disrupts your sleep, but has negative effects on your body and brain the next day. It also lowers your inhibitions, leading to everything from overeating and accidental gossip, to accidents, amongst other aspects.

Time out

When things become too overwhelming, grab a moment to yourself away from the chaos of friends, family, and kids. An abundance of loved ones is incredibly special, but it can also feel intense, so hiding out for a few minutes in a quiet corner can bring sweet relief.

If you’re feeling particularly stressed or anxious at this time, please contact LifeAssist and speak to a professional counsellor, at no charge to you.

zara2021-12-01T10:29:56+00:00

New Year’s Goals

The start of a New Year gives us the opportunity to reflect and make changes to help us become the best versions of ourselves.

But why are resolutions so hard to keep? A recent survey showed that only about 10% of people who make resolutions still stick with them by the time February arrives.

Willpower isn’t necessarily to blame. The real problem might be the resolutions we choose. We often set goals that are too vague, or too big. When we fail, we’re left feeling guilty and disappointed.

This doesn’t mean we should give up on resolutions. We need to focus on making small, manageable changes that can help cultivate positivity and improve overall mental health.

Here are some examples:

Shake it up. Studies show that movement is an effective medicine to help manage depression. You don’t have to run a marathon or even join the gym but set aside time for a regular short walk or dance class to keep you mentally and physically sharp. What makes this different from the classic, “I want to lose five kgs” resolution, is that you’re focused on the action, not the outcome.

Switch off. Growing research shows a negative connection between screen time and psychological well-being. While we know that Instagram and Facebook are not true reflections, it’s hard not to compare yourself with others and feel anxious and inadequate because your own life appears less exciting. Try taking time out from social media. You might be surprised that you are not missing out and that you feel happier. You’ll probably even have more time to dedicate to the activities and people that bring you joy.

Nourish friendships. Being around other people is critical for our health. Allocate time this year to connect and deepen relationships with the people in your life that inspire you and nurture your soul. Rather than meeting at a bar, get out into nature, attend a cultural event, or try something new.

If you’d like to discuss solutions to make 2022 a better year, please contact LifeAssist and we will help you put some wellbeing strategies in place.

zara2021-12-01T10:05:45+00:00