Care Corner – Caregiver cause from the CDC

Caregiving can take its toll on you mentally, physically, and emotionally. The work of care is to remain in a state of focus while serving another human being. The post Care Corner – Caregiver cause from the CDC appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald.

Care Corner – Caregiver cause from the CDC

Dr. Tyra Oldham

Herald Contributor

Caregiving can take its toll on you mentally, physically, and emotionally. The work of care is to remain in a state of focus while serving another human being. When this state of focus shifts, we see breakdowns in care and services. What is typically top of mind is that caregivers are subject to becoming ill or dying before the person they care for. Now there is more news about the impact of care. The research concerns the body and the side effects of continual care for others.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that caregivers are subject to arthritis. The by-product of bending, transfers, lifting, and pulling on the body is arthritis.

Imagine supporting your loved one or client for 8-14 hours a day, lifting, turning and managing tasks that require fingers, arms, and legs to leverage the work needed in care.

The CDC’s new study found that “more than 1 in 3 caregivers have arthritis, and nearly half of them reported activity limitations because of it.” The basis of their finding is caregiving “requires physical exertion, arthritis may affect both caregivers’ health and the care they can provide.” When caregivers are given the opportunity for self-care and respite, the decision to rest and take personal time is essential to the care process for everyone.

The CDC revealed, “Physical activity and lifestyle management programs for arthritis can help caregivers ease their arthritis pain and improve physical function and quality of life.”

My response is to prevent the onset of arthritis by exercising, stretching, and managing care activities proactively and effectively.

To determine the efficacy of this study, the “CDC examined data from 17 states to assess arthritis among caregivers of a family member or friend. Approximately one in five adults (21%) was a caregiver. Arthritis was more common among caregivers than non-caregivers (35% vs. 25%). Compared to caregivers without arthritis, those with arthritis provided similar types of care and were more likely to have provided care for at least 5 years and for at least 40 hours per week.”

The study’s outcome revealed that those with arthritis reported additional infirmities and disabilities. The study says, “those without arthritis, including mobility issues (38% vs. 7%, respectively).”

The strength of this report is to identify the role of care and its side effects that have long-term implications for a quality, healthy life.

The ability to manage the caregiver’s care is tantamount to the airline’s advice for an emergency, which is to place your mask on first before assisting others. Caregivers must take on active self-care to combat the infirmities and disabilities that the CDC suggests are potential side effects to care.

To learn more about this study, go embargo lifts at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7144a1.htm?s_cid=mm7144a1_w

For more information on care support and caregiving advice, write or email the “Care Corner.” Want to discuss care? Care Corner is that place to talk care, address questions for current and potential caregivers, and provide suggestions on agencies, services, and tips to assist in a care journey. (Read more of the article from the Herald Newspaper- subscribe now) 

The Care Corner is for everyone, no matter their age or process in care. For more information on caregiving, send your questions to Care Corner at the Cincinnati Herald or via email at care@carecorner.info.

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