6 Ways to Manage Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes small lumps of cells to form in various parts of the body. These lumps are called granulomas. The most common parts of the body for granulomas are the skin, lungs, lymph nodes, and eyes. However, they can form anywhere. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition, but there are ways to deal with the symptoms.
Below are 6 ways to manage sarcoidosis.
Home Health Care Springfield PA – 6 Ways to Manage Sarcoidosis
#1: Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall good health. It also reduces the risk of developing serious health conditions, like heart disease. Research shows that there are some foods that can reduce inflammation. Antioxidants are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, so adding them to your aging relative’s diet may help with sarcoidosis symptoms.
#2: Quit Smoking
All smokers can benefit from quitting. However, if your aging relative has sarcoidosis that affects the lungs, quitting is very important. A doctor can help with cessation strategies, including medications.
#3: Include Physical Activity
Physical activity is a healthy habit that can improve health. Sarcoidosis can make it difficult to exercise, but even a little activity is better than none. Ideally, your older family member should aim for at least 30 minutes per day on most days of the week.
#4: Get Enough Sleep
Many people with sarcoidosis experience fatigue. It can make it hard for them to do their regular activities and affect their quality of life. Getting enough sleep at night and resting when needed may help them to feel better. Encourage your family member to practice good sleep habits, like sticking to a regular schedule and avoiding caffeine near bedtime. If the senior is having difficulty sleeping, talk to the doctor. There are treatments that can help.
#5: Seek Emotional Support
When sarcoidosis symptoms have a serious impact on an older adult’s life, they may need to talk to someone about it. A counselor can help them to work through the difficult emotions of having a chronic condition. It may also help to join a support group. There are many options for support groups, including both in-person groups and online groups. If a support group specifically for people with sarcoidosis isn’t available in the senior’s community, a group for people with chronic illness may also work.
#6: Hire Home Health Care
Home health care can help your loved one to take steps toward making lifestyle changes for managing sarcoidosis. Home health care providers can plan and cook healthy meals. A home health care provider can also help the senior to be more physically active, but also allow them to rest when they need to. To allow the older adult more time to rest, a home health care provider can take care of things around the house, like cleaning and laundry.
Sources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11867-sarcoidosis-treatment-options
https://www.knowsarcoidosis.com/For_Care_Partners
https://www.knowsarcoidosis.com/Living_With_Sarcoidosis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350358
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Springfield PA, please contact the caring staff at True Direct Home Health Care today.
Doc, as he is called by everyone - staff, patients and clients - first experienced home health care and hospice care while as a colleg student at King's College as he cared for his mother every day while she first battled COPD and then lung cancer. It was during this time that he came to understand that caring for a patient was more than just clinical expertise.
"Admittedly, my strongest attribute is my communication skills and the simple fact that I love to help people. Even the smallest thing you can do for someone really can mean so much to them long term. In fact, it could change them forever. That's what providing quality personal home health care should be all about."
In his spare time, he cooks for homeless shelters and children's music and arts events. He also is highly involved in his local youth sports soccer academy as a coach and Board member.
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