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Sweet Alternatives in Treating
Diabetes A Cuddle A Day Keeps the Doctor Away As the graying of America increases and lifestyles change to accommodate illness, retirement, relocation and loss of a loved one, the disease of loneliness is quickly becoming an epidemic. These transitions affect not only the mind, but also the body. Although the elderly do not have a monopoly on loneliness, it appears they are the silent victims. Many times instead of verbalizing their feelings, they choose the stiff upper lip approach. This social isolation in some elderly can lead to Depression, which suppresses the immune system. Coupled with the chronic illnesses they may or may not have, feelings of anger, grief and loss are magnified and what was once an independent, resourceful person is now rendered helpless. The companies of an animal, in this instance a furry, four-legged therapist has proven to be instrumental in their healing, both physical and psychological. According to Willis (1997), the introduction of a pet to care for and nurture can shift the locus of control from external to internal. This in turn enables the person to play an active role in making decisions about their health and well being.The history of animals helping people dates back to the 17th century and contains references made about the benefits of horseback riding for gout and neurological disorders, and as a morale booster.(Willis,1997.) According to Willis (1997), Florence Nightingale wrote, "A small pet is often an excellent companion for the sick, for the long chronic cases especially". In addition to assisting the physically challenged, animals are also important when treating the lonely and depressed. According to Duncan, loneliness is a stress-like pain, which evokes feelings of injury/loss, grief, fear, fatigue and exhaustion. Stress can trigger the same physiological responses as a broken leg, and alter the production of hormones which affect many other systems in the body.(Duncan,1995) Duncan further describes stress as being implicated in contributing to the origin or severity of diseases such as cardiovascular, strokes, migraines, gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, as well as autoimmune disorders. Studies have concluded that the presence of and contact with a companion animal will lower a person’s blood pressure when comfort through touch is present.These studies are not limited to cats and dogs specifically, and also include observing fish in a tank and the effect of a person’s blood pressure being lowered. Baker Medical Research in Australia has discovered that pet owners also have lower triglyceride and cholesterol than non-owners.(Interactions,1992.) According to Jennings (1997), physiologic health benefits of pet ownership may be related to moderation of autonomic responses and increased exercise. These studies support the hypothesis that pets provide health benefits by decreasing anxiety and sympathetic nervous system arousal. In relation to the effects of pet ownership on psychological health, pets are seen as a moderator of life’s stressful events. Studies have revealed that pet owners had fewer doctor contacts than non-pet owners. This may be related to time spent with their pet, and affective attachment to the pet which enabled the person to get through the stressful event and not succumb to illness. (Jennings, 1997.) In other words, a cuddle a day keeps the doctor away. Animals also create a sense of community within institutions, such as nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. They provide a form of non-threatening, non-verbal communication and tactile comfort. As a result, this contact helped to break the cycle of social withdrawal, hopelessness, and loneliness. The morale of both patients and staff improved, and the animals acted as a socializing catalyst. (Fraser,1992.) Recommending a companion animal can be an effective treatment for some lonely elderly to improve their quality of life and compensate for their social, economic and health losses. The nurse must complete a thorough assessment before recommending a companion animal. This assessment is based upon the client’s mobility and vulnerability, and with emphasis on the fact that pets should not be seen as a panacea to relieve the loneliness created by lack of human companionship. Pet therapy is synonymous with holistic nursing because it embodies the concept of mind, body and soul. It can be used with Roy’s adaptation model to help relieve stressors in the environment, and promote relaxation and stimulation, or with Watson’s Care Model to assist with gratification of human needs and as a provision for providing an environment which is supportive, protective, mental, sociocultural and spiritual. In summarizing the effects of pet therapy on health promotion, I would include the following: (Pet Food Institute,1994.) 1. The presence of pets has proven to lower blood pressure and relax patients. 2. Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. 3. Pets give non-judgmental warmth and affection. 4. Animals stimulate the senses of smell, touch, vision and hearing.Since animals relate non-verbally, they can be especially comforting to people whose impairments interfere with verbal expression. 5. Pets encourage playfulness, promote laughter, increase physical activity (such as taking a pet for a walk), and may even accelerate recovery from illness. 6. Satisfying the human need to touch and be touched is often difficult for older people. Pets provide a socially acceptable way for both men and women to meet this need. 7. Pets seem to promote social interaction. Socially withdrawn persons have increased smiles, verbalization and reaching out to others when pets are around. 8. Animal assisted activities and therapy has been shown to increase longevity in persons who have had a heart attack. 9. Elderly pet owners go to the doctor less frequently. 10. Elderly pet owners have lower death rates. Pets produce a positive outlet; they have needs and meeting those needs relieves some of the distress felt by the elderly, such as loneliness and aching to feel valued. I am convinced that pet therapy is the perfect prescription to provide love and support whether its a dog, cat, bird, fish or rabbit. The joy they bring can help the elderly come alive again, and stir up memories that no other therapist can.For more information on pet therapy and the effects of animals and society walk your browser to www.deltasociety.org. References Duncan,S. (1995). Loneliness: A Health Hazard of Modern Times. Fraser,C. (1992). Pets Meet the Needs of the Lonely Elderly. Jennings,L. (1997). Potential Benefits of Pet Ownership in Health Promotion.Journal of Holistic Nursing,15. (4). 358-372. Pet Food Institute. (1994). 10 Health Reasons Why Pets Are Great For Senior Citizens. Willis,D. (1997). Animal Therapy. Rehabilitation Nursing.22 (2). 78-81. Sweet Alternatives in Treating
Diabetes As a proud member of the baby boomer population and a follower of the motto, "Do Your Own Thing", I woke up recently and discovered I had become my parents. Both of my parents were diabetic and had coronary artery disease, but I proclaimed that would never happen to me and stayed within my wall of denial. However, I was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, and my wall of denial began to crumble. According to an article from Mayo Clinic (1998), Type 2 Diabetes affects 15 million Americans. Most of these people are overweight and only about half are aware they have the disease. This is a very insidious disease and may go unnoticed until complications begin to develop. These complications may be apparent in the form of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease or vision problems. Type 2 Diabetes is also referred to as non-insulin dependent Diabetes, and adult-onset Diabetes. Unlike Type I Diabetes or insulin dependent Diabetes, the pancreas makes some insulin but not enough. According to the Mayo Clinic, int type 2 Diabetes your cells can become resistant to insulin’s effects, and prevent insulin from controlling your blood sugar.(Mayo Clinic,1998). In an article by Biamonte, (1999) entitled Diabetes: Controlling the Sweet Scourge, he addresses some high risk factors for this illness. They include being overweight, lack of exercise and over the age of thirty with a family history of Diabetes. According to Biamonte, the standard approaches for treating diabetes is reducing the amount of starches and sugar, as well as reducing the total calories in the diet. This may or may not be in addition to taking insulin or oral hypoglycemics.Although managing Type 2 Diabetes is a balancing act of weight control, diet,exercise and nutrition, it is also the prescription for healthy living. In conjunction with this therapy, there are also some sweet alternatives. The sweet alternatives I am referring to here are not artificial sweeteners, but rather a change of attitude and lifestyle which will control blood sugar levels, and promote a healing environment. Diabetes is a chronic illness and living with this condition can be like riding a roller coaster. In an article from Advocate Health Care, the author addresses the emotional ride of living with chronic illness and its ups and downs. Although chronic illnesses may differ the characteristics of denial, anger, fear and hope remain the same. (Advocate Health Care,1999). These emotions are like layers of an onion and as you begin to peel one layer the other one surfaces. Writing in a journal, attending a support group and speaking with a counselor are healthy ways of addressing these feelings. Some alternative therapies utilized in conjunction with traditional treatment include Acupuncture, Guided Imagery, Yoga and Prayer. Acupuncture can be used to assist with the pain from neuropathy, the painful nerve damage of diabetes. Guided Imagery is effective in producing positive images which promote relaxation, and in turn decrease stress and can lower blood glucose levels. Yoga assists the person in accepting the illness through exercise and the introspection it provides in quieting the mind. Prayer provides hope in living with this illness and the fact that we are not alone. In addition these therapies induce relaxation and decrease stress by focusing on one’s breathing and centering which in turn lowers blood glucose levels. Chronic illness needs a complete lifestyle change for body, mind and spirit. Dispelling some of the myths about Diabetes and adopting their truths is an essential first step in understanding the illness. Myths about Diabetes as addressed by Steel (1998) include, diabetes controls your life, and chronic illness means you have done something wrong in your life. According to Steil, the truth is Diabetes has less control over your life when you take charge of it. This means scheduling time for exercise, and asking for advice with meal planning. The other truth about Diabetes is that it forces one to stop blaming themselves or others, and realize how lucky they are to have this awakening and begin to nurture themselves and validate their feelings of being a strong and enduring person. (Steil,1998.) According to Louise Hay, (1987) the probable cause of Diabetes is longing for what might have been, a great need to control, deep sorrow and no sweetness left. A new thought pattern for changing this could be: This moment is filled with joy. I now choose to experience the sweetness of today. Reciting daily affirmations for people with Diabetes such as the following described by Steil may help change old thought patterns to positive new ones. I embrace a new perspective of "wellness," and free myself from what "should have been." Diabetes can teach me to know my own limitation, discover self-recognition, find resolve, and be elated with my own heroism. I allow my feelings about Diabetes to enhance my ability to see pain in others. I can use what I know to heal others with compassion. Living with a chronic illness is not pleasant, but challenging the curves it throws makes us stronger and more aware of the need to care and nourish our body, mind and spirit. In other words, if life throws us a lemon, make lemonade.For more information on Diabetes and Alternative Medicine therapies browse the following web sites: Health Touch On Line http://www.healthtouch.com and American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org. References Advocate Health Care(1999). An emotional ride. Advocate Health Care Home Page www.advocatehealth.com 3/1/99 1-3 Biamonte,M. (1999). Diabetes: Controlling The Sweet Scourge. Wellness Web Home Page www.wellweb.com 1/21/99 1-4 Hay,L. (1987). You Can Heal Your Life. Carson, California:Hay Hourse, Inc. 162 Mayo Clinic Health Information News (1998). Healthful Lifestyle Key toDealing with Type 2 Diabetes. Mayo Education web page. www.mayoedu.com 1/20/98 1-3 Steil,R. (1998). Myths about Diabetes. Thrive On Line Health and Medicine www.thriveonline.com Needles &
Addiction: A Different Point of View This is not an article on intravenous drug use or the needle exchange program, but rather the use of Acupuncture in treating substance abuse. Although one can be addicted to various substances such as smoking, over-eating, and gambling, this article will focus on chemical dependency, addiction to alcohol and drugs. Research suggests that addiction may be a way of replenishing the body with chemicals to promote relaxation and decrease feelings of stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, this quick fix is just a temporary Band-Aid, and the tolerance that develops from this destructive behavior is insidious and lethal. Although detox, rehab, and twelve step programs are excellent tools of recovery, anxiety and cravings for the drug are still paramount. Changing "stinking thinking" does not happen overnight, and sobriety is more than putting down a drink or drug. Alternative therapies have become a partner with traditional treatment approaches to help the addict decrease these cravings and promote relaxation. According to Smith (1993), acupuncture is beginning to become accepted as a treatment that relieves stress, craving and withdrawal symptoms in substance abuse patients. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that consists of stimulating designated points on the skin by inserting very small needles. According to Shen Nung, the father of Chinese Medicine, the body has an energy force running through it called Qi. This Qi controls the physical, emotional and spiritual forces in one’s life which in turn affects their health. All is well until the meridians that the Qi travels on through the body become obstructed. This obstruction creates an imbalance between Yin and Yang which causes disease. According to Singer (1998), Qi is composed of two parts the Yin and Yang. These opposite forces can work together when balanced; however an upset in the balance can cause disharmony in nature as well as disease in the body. Acupuncture can restore this balance between Yin and Yang and promote recovery. According to Singer (1998) , Auriculotherapy, acupuncture done using the ear is a commonly used treatment in the United States. The ear has many acupuncture points which correspond to other organs and parts of the body. Five tiny needles are placed in each ear which correspond to specific organs including the nervous system, lungs, liver and kidneys. These needles create a shift of emotions from negative to positive, while reducing the physical symptoms of withdrawal and anxiety. This is done by triggering the release of natural body chemicals, including endorphins which create this reaction. (Singer,1998.) According to Smith, denial is a major defense mechanism used by addicts which inhibits their recovery and prevents them from asking for help. Acupuncture helps chip away at this denial by reaching the needy part of their psyche that wants help. Since most addicts have difficulty with trust and verbalizing their feelings, acupuncture provides a safe, non-verbal environment to begin to reflect on their thoughts and self responsibility. (Smith,1993.) Benefits obtained from acupuncture include the following: 1. Reduction of cravings. 2. Stress and hostility are decreased. 3. Trust is developed and allows the process of self disclosure. 4. Medication is reduced or eliminated. 5. Decrease in anxiety and an increase in relaxation. 6. Greater ability to solve problems in daily living. 7. Spiritual connection with one’s self which helps resolve denial. 8. Stability and continued abstinence after completion of program. Before starting Acupuncture consult your physician and ask the Acupuncturist questions
about the treatment and how to receive maximum benefits from Acupuncture. For more
information on acupuncture browse the following web sites, www.acupuncture.com In summary, acupuncture may open the channels which allow one’s life energy to flow and create a safe and non-verbal environment which taps into the sacred self. Healing can’t occur until we begin to feel, and acupuncture quiets the mind and allows this journey to begin. References Singer, J.(1998). Acupuncture, A Brief Introduction. Acupuncture Home Page www.Acupuncture.com 3/14/99 1-6 Smith,J. (1993). Acupuncture Helps Programs More Than Patients.NADA Conference, May 1993
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