Getting fat

Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson, Gleaner Writer

Dear Counsellor:

I have schizophrenia and am taking my medications. However, I am gaining weight and am worried about developing diabetes mellitus.

- Mark

Dear Mark:

Weight gain is associated with the medications used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Some people don't gain weight while others gain a lot.

You need to be on a weight-management programme as well as a stress-management programme. You need to discuss with your doctor the possibility of changing your medication. Some medication doesn't cause a lot of weight gain.

It is important that your blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol be checked regularly. If you need extra help with your weight programme, you need to see a nutritionist. In your weight-loss programme, you need to set goals and work towards them.

Diet and dietary restrictions need to be considered. Initially, you need to make an inventory of your food intake and see what you eat daily for a week.

Also, make a list of your favourite foods. You will have to make exchanges at mealtime and substitute various foods. You need to keep a check on the amount of calories that you eat. Get familiar with the calorie content of your various foods.

In preparing meals, you need to have several servings of fruit and vegetable. Drink plenty of water and your main meal should be at daytime. Reduce the amount of sugars, starches and fats that you take in. You don't have to feel deprived of your favourite desserts. With food exchanges, you can have a small amount of dessert sometimes.

Exercise is important. You can walk daily for half-hour. Exercise is good for your heart and is useful in treating depression. Are you depressed? Many individuals with chronic illnesses do get depressed and have difficulty coping. Check your mood, energy and motivation. Sometimes we eat more because we are depressed.

Spirituality is important. We sometimes have issues with our existence and we feed our selves whenever we get anxious about life. You need to pray daily and have a personal relationship with God. This will decrease your existential anxiety.

Senility

Dear Counsellor:

My husband has dementia and it is proving too stressful for me. I need help.

- Marcella

Dear Marcella:

Dementia is a common condition, and being a caregiver can be stressful. You need a break to get rest and renew your spirit.

Do you have children? Let the children help you with some of the chores. You will have to see that your husband eats his food, bathes himself and uses the bathroom.

Someone needs to watch him closely as he may wonder from home. Keep talking with him as he may still understand something.

Dementia is a chronic condition. It usually starts with memory lapses and later the individual doesn't recognise anyone. As the saying goes, 'once a man, twice a child'.

You will need to employ someone to help you as your husband will require constant care. Can you take your husband to church with you? Initially, you will have to try to function as normally as possible.

Get help from family and friends.

Send comments and questions to Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson by email to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call her at 978-8602.