Mandy, Author at Serendipity Mommy

3 Things to Know When Someone You Care Is Facing Cancer

December 2, 2020 by Mandy

It’s not easy when you learn that someone you know – a friend, colleague, or loved one dear to your heart – has cancer. And it’s not easy to let go of general beliefs that cancer can lead to death in most cases. Some of the stories that we hear or read on the news have been ingrained in us. People often pick up impressions about dealing with cancer patients from such stories, movies, and the internet.

Fortunately, you can do yourself a big favour by looking at the scientific facts. Not all cancers lead to death, and in the majority of cases, the physical and emotional toll it takes on the person can be reduced to a significant level through knowledge and patience.

1. Expect Physical Changes

Cancer affects not only the inside organs but the physical appearance of the person as well. Those are the side effects of either cancer itself or the treatment that one undergoes, such as chemotherapy and medications. So obviously, expect the person with cancer to have:

Weight loss or gain
Appetite loss or gain
Tiredness
Hair loss
Changes in smell or taste
Disfigurement
Changes in skin colour
Insomnia
Lack of interest in work or hobbies

And so on.

2. Expect Emotional Turmoil

Every person eventually develops his or her own way of coping with cancer. Sometimes the affected person may resort to conflicts for little or no reason. The next thing, he or she will develop a habit of staying silent and get all bottled up and tensed. The person’s emotions may change every day, even every hour. In fact, cancer doctors inform us that the person’s fluctuating hormones – as a direct result of cancer – can shape their emotions and memory.

The alternative: Expect this to be normal. Understand that some amount of conflict is the new way for the person with cancer to talk or express how they feel. This shouldn’t be a serious matter if you educate yourself and be prepared to face such changes. Knowing the ways in which people with cancer deal with emotional turmoils differently will lead you to change perspective, try a new way of communicating, and move on.

In essence, there are no true behavioural patterns about cancer patients that fit all of the people. Expect that the person will have good days and bad days, and learning to live with this uncertainty is the first step towards a cure. Over time, you will be able to adjust with these emotions and to the new reality in your life.

3. Expect Improvements and New Coping Mechanisms

People with cancer develop new ways to cope with their disease. Paul, for example, has always believed that stress or worrying is a precursor to more serious side effects of his thyroid cancer. So he found a new passion and is now a guitar player for a popular music band. His cancer went into remission because he believed that any amount of stress couldn’t be good for the health.

Some people with cancer use humour or alternate lifestyle to find relief from this illness’s serious nature. Additionally, work can bring a great sense of importance in a person’s life. A person with cancer can not only boost their self-worth through work but focus more on their skills and ability rather than the illness itself. All of these coping mechanisms can enable one to meet issues head-on without fear. Their passion and interest in something can become opportunities to delve more deeply into their own feelings, concerns, and needs.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN SUPPORTING CAREGIVERS?

December 2, 2020 by Mandy

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Being a caregiver is a daunting responsibility. If you are a family caretaker, you will do anything to make your loved ones feel comfortable. However, there is still no denying the fact that caring for a patient is an exhausting task. If mismanaged, caregivers can suffer from mental and physical health problems and put up with the consequences of severe fatigue. And this is where nurses play a significant role in lending support.

Caregivers are individuals, paid or unpaid, who take up the responsibility to care for another person. The person needing the care could either be a child, an older person, or any person suffering from physical incapacities where they cannot take care of themselves. For example, a hired governess may have the responsibility of handling elderly patients who have dementia. Such patients often lose their memory over time and are unable to carry out even the daily activities.

Cutting it short, caregivers play a vital role. They are often over-worked, and nurses play an essential role in easing their duties. Here is how:

1. OFFER PROFESSIONAL CARE GUIDANCE

In specific scenarios, where the family cannot opt for professional nurses, a relative or close one may take up caregiving. Moreover, such families may also find healthcare centers too expensive. They may decide to take care of the patients in their house. These alternatives may seem less costly.

Nurses can help by providing individuals necessary guidance on how to take care of the patients. They can also assist in situations where caregivers may find it hard to cope and offer advice for their queries. Since nurses are well-equipped in inpatient management, they can provide the professional support needed by caregivers. Nurses have a well-rounded role in healthcare management, and it is not only restricted to supporting doctors, even though it is one of the many responsibilities of a nurse. If you are keen on helping your community through your profession, learn more about how you can become a nurse practitioner.

2. TAKE UP CARETAKING ROLES ON BEHALF OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Not every household is equipped with the financial capacity to afford a healthcare facility or a professional at-home nurse. In such situations, volunteers from within the family may take up the job. However, it can become too complicated for such individuals to fulfill the role without the necessary skills or instruments in specific scenarios. Nurses can assist by offering to take up part-time roles as caregivers for these households. It will ensure that patients stay under professional scrutiny. Also, this will allow the nurses to train the individuals regarding things they may not already know.

3. KEEP A CHECK ON THE CARETAKER’S HEALTH

One aspect most people forget to focus on is the health of the one providing the care. Since all the attention is on the patient, caregivers are often prone to neglecting their mental and physical health.

Like we said earlier, caregiving is an exhausting job. Handling the issues of another individual, along with taking care of their emotional well-being, may get nerve-wracking. It slowly drains the responsible individual unless they constantly check on their own mental and physical needs. Nurses can assist by keeping a check on the well-being of the caregivers. Often, the caregivers may, out of love, give up on their rest to take care of the patients. Even though this may seem doable initially, it is quite a detrimental habit in the long-run.

Moreover, such individuals responsible for patient upkeep also need time off to recoup their mental stability. Constant interaction with the patient and handling caregiving duties may get way too stressful. It is why caregivers should maintain a routine of time-offs where they get to unwind, relax, and come back with a rested frame of mind. Nurses can guide and provide them with the necessary opportunities to relax.

4. ASSIST IN DETECTING EMOTIONAL TURBULENCE IN PATIENTS

One common consequence of terminal illnesses is depressive or emotional turmoil. Suffering from depression can worsen the symptoms of a disease. It is essential that patients who show signs of emotional disturbance get the appropriate treatment immediately. However, caregivers who are not familiar with such situations may fail to understand or detect the signs of deteriorating mental health in patients. And this is where nurses play a vital part. They can help these individuals acquire skills necessary to see depression in their patients. Also, they can guide how to care for patients who suffer from emotional instability.

5. OFFER ADVICE ALONG THE JOURNEY

Caregiving is a responsibility. If you are not a professional, it just becomes all the more terrifying. However, nurses can provide a lending hand by being available to offer advice round-the-clock. This way, the caregivers may not feel alone. It will also reduce much of the stress of taking up the caregiving responsibility.

CONCLUSION

Nurses play a significant role in the healthcare sector. And likewise, they also have a vital role in supporting caretakers. Taking care of a patient comprises a significant part of the treatment; therefore, caregivers need all the support they can get. Individuals in the circle or community should come forth and assist in any way possible to lessen their burden. If you are a professional nurse, remember to play your part in making the community a better place for everyone by supporting whoever needs it!

5 Themes for Your Kids Birthday Party

December 1, 2020 by Mandy

So you’re planning your kids birthday party. Happy birthday and good luck. These things can be a whole lot of work. To make your job easier we highly recommend choosing a fun theme. Not only does this help you tailor the party to your kid’s personality but it also helps make all the little choices you’re going to make easier. If you want to up the ante and make your kid’s birthday more special for him and his friends, give them a loot bag they’ll never forget. Curate candies, toys, and little tokens to add in a loot bag. If you opt to make homemade treats, you can place the sweets in food-safe flexible packaging so they can stay fresh and lengthen their shelf life. What will the cake be? What about entertainment? Should you hire a jumping castle? There are all kinds of questions to ask and when you have a theme these choices get that much easier.

To that end, we’ve put together 5 great and general themes to help you get started.

Princesses– If you have a little girl, you’ll know exactly what a princess party theme means. Lots of colour, music and Disney references. Luckily there isn’t too much in terms of licencing to worry about, lots of places have themed items these days, this company even hires princess-themed jumping castles (among many other themes). Just remember if you hire a pony, someone is going to have to clean up after it.
Super Heros– There are more superhero-themed things out there than you can shake a cape at. If your child loves to dress up and run around saving the world this is a great theme. Once your child and all their mates are running around dressed up as their favourite heroes remember to take some photos. In fact, setting up some photo station with props can be fun for the kids and their parents.
Pirates– It’s funny how time changes things, once a violent scourge of the high seas now reduced to delightful characters fit for a child’s birthday. The romantic old notions of adventure on a tall sailing ship and hunting for buried treasure make for great fun and games as well as oh so many fun voices to do. Probably the easiest theme to make a goody bag out of, chocolate gold coins and eyepatches all around.
Sci-Fi– All things futuristic and aliens themed can be the way to go here. From Star Wars to NASA a sci-fi themed kids party offers all sorts of things to explore. For decorations think about using lots of different flashing lights Since so many kids these days love and understand technology a sci-fi theme is perfect for your little gadget enthusiast.
Cars, Train and Anything That Moves– If you’ve got a child already asking when they can get their driver’s licence then this theme might be right for you. There are tons of popular examples of popular brands for smaller kids, things like Thomas the Tank Engine or Pixar’s Cars movies. For older kids, a trip to the go-cart track might be the best way to do it.

Bonus Kids’ Birthday Party Theme

Does your child’s birthday fall in the winter month? Throw an ice-skating party for your little one to go with the season. Ice skating is incredibly fun, and kids are sure to love playing on the ice. For this kind of party, you also have to invite the children’s parents so there are more adults to keep an eye out on the kids and avoid accidents. Prepare picnic food, such as sandwiches, wraps, mini pies, and cupcakes, so everyone can fuel up when they get tired. Don’t forget to prepare winter-themed party favors to make the day extra special and memorable for everyone.

No matter what theme you pick for your kids next birthday party with a little planning and patience you can make it a success. Remember, it’s not so much about the theme that you pick but what you do with that theme. Get going and plan a theme with kids party hire and have a blast!

Top signs you’re ready for a new pair of gorgeous glasses

November 26, 2020 by Mandy

Be honest. How long have you had those glasses? A year? Maybe two? Maybe longer? It’s easy to fall into the habit of wearing the same pair of glasses every day for the next few years. It just becomes part of your routine.

When you know that the pair you’re wearing suits you and make you feel good, it’s difficult to let go! However, it’s important as part of maintaining your eye health to regularly change your glasses and monitor any changes in your vision. Here we’ll explore the top signs that you’re ready for a new pair of glasses.

They’re looking a little worn

Wonky frames, constantly slipping down your nose, scratched or clouded lenses, or even tape around the nose bridge – if your current frames are presently sporting any of these features, it’s definitely time for a new pair. Don’t hold off any longer, treat yourself to a new set and you’ll wish you had done it sooner – check out these Oakley glasses for some inspiration.

You’re constantly battling headaches

Headaches can be caused by lots of external factors. Too much screen time, fatigue, stress or even diet. Another common cause of headaches is eye strain. Just because you can see through your glasses, it doesn’t mean that they’re the right prescription. You should have your eyes tested at least once every 12 months. If your days are suddenly marred by headaches and migraines, it might be time to get your eyes tested and a new set of frames.

They’re just not you!

A lot can happen in a year. If your style has dramatically changed, or you’re swapping your brightly colored hair for something a little more modest, then you might want to change the style of your eyewear too.

There might be a particular style that you want to have but in the past, it’s been out of your price range. Or you might be eager to swap your old, heavier frames for something lighter and for something that suits your personality. If you haven’t shopped for new eyewear for some time, you might be surprised at the options now available to you.

You need something more high-tech

Eyewear technology is always evolving, which means finding a pair of glasses and lenses that complement your lifestyle is much easier than it used to be. If your current set is quite outdated, then they won’t have the benefits of transition lenses, anti-scratch films, lightweight materials and even blue-light blocking technology. These days, wearing the right pair of glasses can completely enhance your vision.

And finally, you just don’t like wearing them

No one should hate wearing their glasses. Especially when they need them to see! If you dislike your current frames and hate the way they look, then why waste any more time? Start shopping online for a new set of frames today and find a pair that really work for you. Find a pair that complement your face shape, skin tone and lifestyle and you’ll be much happier and confident.

Tips for Planning a Much-Needed Mommy Getaway

November 26, 2020 by Mandy

There’s no denying that the pandemic has put a tremendous amount of pressure on mothers. Taking extra precautions to safeguard the kids’ health and safety, tending to their emotional needs during these uncertain times, ensuring they keep up with their education, and maintaining the financial means to provide has been anything but simple. Whether you have the support of family and friends or you’re going it alone, chances are you’re at your wit’s end.

If you’re going to continue to be the rock that your kids need, you have to find time to cater to yourself. What better way to tune into your needs than a mommy getaway? More than just a proper diet, regular exercise, a decent night’s sleep, and doing things you enjoy, a solo trip gives you that much-needed break you need to recharge and rejuvenate.

No Excuses

The idea of taking a trip alone has likely got your mind all over the place. How can you take a trip and leave the kids home? How are you going to find the funds to afford a decent getaway? Chances are, you’re thinking of everything possible to talk yourself out of this excursion. However, if you’re going to have a good time, you need to pump the brakes on the excuses. The reality is, you need this trip, it’s not selfish, and you can plan a getaway on a budget.

Decide on a Budget

Don’t allow something like limited finances to ruin your mommy getaway. There are lots of ways you can plan a relaxing trip on a shoestring budget. You can opt to travel to neighboring cities or states, take your car instead of going on a plane, and find free and affordable activities instead of splurging on entertainment. Having a travel budget will ensure you can still meet your financial obligations.

Find a Sitter

Unless you want to spend your entire trip worried about the wellbeing of your children, you’ll need to find someone you trust to watch them. You not only want to find someone that’s available on your travel dates, but you want someone who will put the needs of your kids first. Start by asking close relatives.

Keeping the pandemic in mind, it is best to select family members that are the least exposed to the coronavirus. Asking your sister, who’s a nurse, for example, might be a bit risky. However, your parents have likely been sheltering in place and are, therefore, a safer bet. As you never know what could happen between now and your mommy getaway, ask someone who can also serve as a backup in the event, something goes wrong with your first choice.

Make Arrangements for Work

Whether you’re an essential worker, a remote employee, or operating a business from home, securing the workplace before going on your getaway is ideal for enhanced relaxation. Before your trip, you should ensure that you have tied up any loose ends on projects and assignments you have outstanding. You should also delegate tasks and even consider designating an employee or manager to run things while you’re gone.

Plan Your Getaway

Now that you’ve removed all your excuses and covered your responsibilities, you’re ready to plan your getaway. Based on your budget, decide where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and what you’ll do once you arrive. The best part is you get to select things that bring you joy and comfort.

You can lay out on the beach with your animal print bikinis and soak up the sun for a few days. If you have the funds for it, you can treat yourself to some new outfits with a nice shopping excursion. If you’re interested in exploring the arts, history, and culture of a destination, try visiting museums and participating in community events. Another option is to focus on health and wellness with a relaxing retreat.

No one has been pushed to the limits more than mothers amid the pandemic. Though the challenges continue, finding a way to escape for a few days is ideal. A mommy getaway is just what you need to release some tension, unwind, and enjoy yourself despite all that’s going on. A fun and relaxing trip will not only make you feel better, but it will put you in the best position to continue being there for your family when they need you most.