Central Carolina HEALTH - Summer 2011 - (Page 14)

QRA: SUPPORT How to Help WHEN LOVED ONES TACKLE TOUGH PROBLEMS, YOUR SUPPORT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE MY FRIEND IS TACKLING A WEIGHT PROBLEM. HOW CAN I HELP WITHOUT EMBARRASSING HER IN SOCIAL SITUATIONS? Dr. Sajeevan suggests finding out what your friend believes will help by asking her directly. She might want you to do something as simple as go out for coffee instead of ice cream or help her find some tasty low-fat foods. Or, she may ask you to join her at the gym or give her a ride to Overeaters Anonymous. “Whatever you do, don’t make every conversation about her weight, and don’t monitor her decisions. It’s not your job to play food cop,” she stresses. “Trying to be supportive helps someone feel respected and worthy especially when they’re dealing with being overweight.” Centra l Ca Care N rolina Hospit al’s P etwo or next rk offers sam rimary -day ap e-day p Take a dvanta ointments. ge b 877-8 92-26 y calling 60 tod ay. Conne to Ourct Netwo rk MY HUSBAND SUFFERS FROM DEPRESSION. I TRY TO HELP, BUT HE REFUSES. SHOULD I LEAVE HIM ALONE? “This is not a time to say, ‘I trust you to do the right thing for yourself.’ Make sure he’s seeing his doctor and taking his medication, if any. Remind him that depression is an illness, not a failure, and that proper treatment can and will help. Invite him on low-key outings. Most importantly, if he talks about or threatens suicide, don’t leave him alone. Call 911 or seek help immediately,” cautions Dr. Sajeevan. MY BROTHER’S TRYING TO KICK HIS SMOKING HABIT. WHAT CAN I DO TO BE SUPPORTIVE WHEN HE VISITS? The American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society agree: Be a cheerleader, not a coach. Keep healthy snacks around for his urge to chew on something. Distract him from cravings with an activity. Celebrate milestones like a day, a week or a month without tobacco. Dr. Sajeevan advises, “When he slips, remind him that he’s doing something difficult, remind him how far he’s already come and encourage him to try again. And if he hasn’t joined the Quit Now NC program offered through the NC Prevention Partners, tell him about the free counseling service they offer, available by phone by calling 800-QUIT-NOW.” Sujatha Sajeevan, MD, boardcertified family medicine When it comes to bad health habits, quitters can win—especially with a little help. Sujatha Sajeevan, MD, board-certified family practice physician on staff at Central Carolina Hospital, says, “If you want to support a loved one who’s making a challenging lifestyle change, think positive. Be honest, accept them, empathize with them, and be sincere in your efforts to help them. Accept their struggle and don’t reject them or shame them for having a problem. Being able to understand how they feel about their problem is very important if you’re going to be a support system. Constant motivation is a major key in helping someone quit a bad health habit.” 14 | S U M M E R 2 0 1 1 1 in 4 Number of people in a March 2010 American Psychological Association survey who said they struggled to make lifestyle changes because they were doing it alone.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Summer 2011

Central Carolina Health - Summer 2011
Table of Contents
Healthbeat
Fit for Life
Help When They're Hurting
Health Smart
Q+A
Women and Stroke

Central Carolina HEALTH - Summer 2011

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