 Life is full of twists and turns. As the general population of the United States is getting older, many of us find ourselves in a role that we did not expect, but graciously accept. Balancing entry into this new role can be overwhelming to even the most "together" individual. But how and when should you ask for help?
Recognizing that you need to step back and ask for assistance should not be met with shame. It may be difficult, but by taking a moment to realize that a helping hand is needed, you benefit both yourself and your loved one. Here are some thoughts to consider when you are not sure where to start when asking for help. It’s Different For Everyone The timing is up to you to consider bringing in resources to alleviate your personal situation. Caregiving responsibilities can often affect various aspects of your day-to-day. Personal relationships become strained or productivity may slip at work. Finding balance when you can with trusted partners, family, or friends can lead you to living a more balanced life and put you in a better frame of mind to care for your loved one. These are signs to be mindful of when signals arise that it’s time to ask for help:
Where To Turn Not everyone has access to the same resources and support, however finding what works best for you is important. You are not alone and resources are there to help. In speaking with several caregivers, we found some commonality in where to turn. Family and Friends are great, and probably the easiest to rely on because you know and trust them. Taking stock in the people in your life and planning the best way they can offer help is a great start. Sometimes just having the small things handled can add up, alleviate stress, and take some of the burden off your shoulders. Qualified individuals that are trained to help with caregiving can bring benefit and you may learn helpful techniques when dealing with difficult transitions. They bring a knowledge of what to do and can also work towards improved mental health for your loved one by not being absolutely emotionally invested. While professional services range in pricing, financial assistance may be available and may be covered by insurance. Don't be afraid to ask for references or a trial period. Easing your mind when dealing with strangers can often ease the mind of your loved one. Tips For Asking We often find that the people closest to us may not be completely aware of what the issues are. Be honest and open with your family and explain what you need help with. Be specific as well. Dropping hints or being subtle will not yield anything but confusion. Instead of saying, “I need help,” define the task you need help with, and then directly define the timeframe the help is needed. Value their perspective and opinion during these conversations. Have open dialogue and ask how they would like to contribute. Be open to what they are willing to do and don't assume their comfort level with the situation is the same as yours. Remember - It’s Not Easy You know what you are up against. You also know when the time is right for you. Assuming everyone around us can see we need help is not the right thought process. If you have open conversations with those around you and research resources with intention, this can bring you the assistance that you may need.
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Caring for an aging loved one isn’t easy and talking about end of life is even harder. The Pharma-C Company joins with Care Right Inc. to help you and your loved one’s get organized BEFORE a crisis situation hits. Get organized with us so that you know what paperwork is needed and where your loved one is keeping it!
Adjusting To Life After Birth You made it Mama! Congratulations on your recent birth. You have successfully navigated pregnancy, endured the labor and delivery and now start the journey of caring for your new little one and yourself. The next six weeks traditionally are called your postpartum period. Chances are you're not feeling like yourself right now, and that’s OK - it’s completely normal. Each individual will experience varying timing, but the important piece is to not push yourself and take next phase slowly.  Taking Care of Yourself
If this is your first baby, you may not know what to expect. First recognize that with all the hard work and finding a new routine, adjusting to life after birth will have its challenges. Your new baby is going to need to be fed, changed often, and needs your attention. And you're more than likely getting less sleep, or struggling to find quality time with your partner, other children, and everyone wants to meet the new addition! Throughout all of this you will want to find time to take care of you. Hang in there. Eventually you will fall into a new routine. Self-care is an important part of your postpartum recovery. Every Mom will tell you, finding a moment for yourself is nothing to feel guilty about. Here are some tips on practicing self-care.
Taking Care of Your Body Often during the postpartum period, especially after vaginal delivery, you may find that you have developed hemorrhoids. While this is completely normal, the itching and discomfort when you are already not feeling your best can be difficult. While these tend to resolve on their own within six weeks of birth, if treated correctly many women see quicker resolution. Pharma-C Medicated Hemorrhoidal Pads are a convenient and easy way to heal irritated anorectal tissue. Made with soothing Witch Hazel, they provide immediate relief from burning, itching and irritation associated with hemorrhoids. When you are in need of a quick clean up, and conventional bathing isn’t an option, try Pharma-C-Wipes disposable Water-Activated Bathing Cloths. This unique, no rinse product gently cleanses and leaves no sticky residue. It is designed to either use one cloth at a time or activate the entire pack for a full-body bathing experience. You’ll feel better when you feel cleaner! Time For Baby Adjusting to life after birth should be a joyous time. Despite the challenges that come with it, the sheer joy of watching your little one grow and develop is what this next stage is all about. You’ll be fine, Momma! Remember to take care of yourself and caring for your baby will come naturally!  This new year is the perfect time to make resolutions for ourselves and our families. As a family caregiver, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to making resolutions that will help us provide the best care for our loved ones. To help make this process easier, we’ve put together 10 of our top resolutions after speaking to a few caregivers and their goals for 2023. These resolutions are designed to give you the tools you need to provide the best possible care for your family members.
It Is All About Perspective As a family caregiver, it can be challenging to maintain a positive attitude, especially when the role becomes overwhelming. Being optimistic will help caregivers cope, reduce stress, and help them get through tough times. You become stressed when you believe you are not able to cope with the demands placed on you on a daily basis, from work to family to caregiving. You can manage your stress by taking breaks, exercising, getting together with friends, and asking for help. Our Top Resolution Suggestions We spoke to some of our favorite caregivers and this is what they had to say! 1) “I Deserve To Have Me-Time In My Schedule” - You tell yourself you don't have time to do anything that you enjoy, that you'll never see your friends, or to just sit back and relax for a little while, but taking a break from time to time is necessary so you can go into things feeling rejuvenated. 2) “I am going to exercise more and eat a healthy diet” - Family caregivers often neglect the basics of a healthy lifestyle, but you endanger your health if you consume fast food and live a busy, but a largely sedentary lifestyle. 3) “My Healthcare Matters” - Although caregivers spend a lot of time managing their loved ones' appointments and medications, they rarely pay as much attention to their health. Have you seen a doctor lately? 4) “I am going to educate myself on what comes next for the person I am caring for” - When you have a handle on your loved one's situation, you can plan with fewer surprises that could upset you. 5) “I will connect with those that understand” - Caregivers are often hesitant to talk about how they are feeling. But this is important in expressing their feelings. If it feels unsafe to speak with friends and family, find a caregiver support group—either in person or, more often, on the Internet. 6) “Professional counseling is not something to be embarrassed about” - A counselor can guide you as you sort through your emotions, providing you with tools for how to deal with the difficult emotions of being a caregiver. Select a therapist who is knowledgeable about caregiver issues and dynamics. 7) “I am going to set boundaries” - A family caregiver may spend increasing amounts of time and energy responding to an elder's care needs. However, this is understandable when a loved one is in need. There may be times when you need to say no and rely on someone else. 8) “I will let go of the past and focus on their care” - The tables are often turned as loved one's age and those who have typically been providers instead become the recipients of care. But who can possibly push our buttons better than Mom, Dad, our sibling, or even our spouse? In other words, focus on your healing emotional wounds instead of ignoring them. Talk to a group member or your counselor for guidance. 9) “I will be compassionate with myself” - Cut yourself some slack if you find yourself feeling guilty about your caregiver burnout. Put your critical voice into your head and replace it with care and empathy. 10) “I am going to reach out for help” - Maybe you're smiling wryly now. "Those are lovely resolutions," you think. However, it may be time to get help. You don't have to do it alone. 2023 is yours to control and help is out there.  The joyous occasion has been announced and you are starting the journey toward becoming a new Mom. Maybe it’s for the first time, or you are extending the family tree. Either way, your body will start to experience the changes that come along with the process. At Pharma-C we focus on products and the process of what is needed when you find yourself in the situation of being a caregiver. Often, we all forget that the first lesson is caregiving is how we treat ourselves.
Let's take a look at a few self-care tips on this wonderful experience of expecting a child. Follow Your Doctor’s Advice Although women have been giving birth since the beginning of time, each pregnancy is different. Your personal experience is based on you. Your healthcare provider will help guide you on the steps that are needed to have a healthy pregnancy. Following your doctor’s guidance is key for the next nine months for both you and your new baby. Listening to your body is a great way to stay in tune with the changes that you are experiencing. If something feels wrong, seek guidance. Even if it is nothing to worry about, sticking close to your doctor is the right thing to do. Eat Healthy While maintaining a healthy diet is good for everyone, keeping your nutritional needs in sharp focus while pregnant is especially important. Your new baby is depending on you to provide the nutrients they need to develop and grow. A healthy diet means that your baby stays strong in the womb. There’s lots of recommendations on what to eat and not eat during a pregnancy but the common recommendation is to eat plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, calcium-rich foods and foods low in saturated fat. Craving that juicy burger from Wendy’s is normal. Indulge yourself but keep in mind the long-term goal of a healthy diet. Recognize That Your Body Is Changing. The aches and pains that come with expecting a child are not the only things that can take you by surprise. Your body is working to develop a new life and issues that may not have been prevalent before may all of a sudden appear. Out of nowhere you may experience stronger body odor during pregnancy. While inconvenient, this is completely normal and indicative of all the wonderful changes that are going on in your body. Excess sweating is due to producing an increased quantity of a hormone called estradiol, which is the main culprit for underarm odor. If this is of concern, keep a packet of our water activated Bathing Cloths on hand. The rinse free cloth is enriched with Aloe and Vitamin E, that nourish and soothe skin and leave no sticky residue. They are perfect for home health care or on-the-go cleansing. Hemorrhoids are just the unattractive fact of pregnancy and the postpartum period that will follow. Your face is glowing, but the discomfort is real. They are uncomfortable and distracting, but handling them effectively will ease this sudden occurrence. When this happens, we have two solutions for you. Our Medicated Hemorrhoidal Pads with Witch Hazel provide immediate relief from burning, itching and irritation associated with hemorrhoids. These pads are pre-moistened with 50% Witch Hazel to soothe, cool and protect irritated anorectal tissue. Another great option is our Medicated Foam with Witch Hazel. You can conveniently turn toilet tissue into a moist hemorrhoidal wipe that is completely flushable. Stay Active Just like eating healthy is for everyone, staying active while pregnant has many benefits. While it is best to speak with your healthcare provider prior to strenuous exercise, an active routine has many benefits. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, women who stay active during pregnancy can reduce their labor and recover faster. The benefits also include the fact that you may be less likely to experience complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and the effects of postpartum depression. Staying active may also make you feel better throughout your pregnancy. Managing your own personal care during pregnancy is a great way to enjoy the journey you are on right now. Take time to revel in the maternal glow and prepare for the arrival of your new one. Pharma-C is here to support your journey with our personal care products. You focus on the new life you are bringing into the world. We can’t wait to meet them!  Chances are if you are on our site, you may be dealing with a difficult issue, or the transition of a loved one. Your own mental health and well-being is critical to the care of those around you, so we thought we would give some advice on learning to laugh more. Laughter is after all, the best medicine.
First, understand that laughter can be healthy for you because it stimulates an endorphin release. Slight chuckles and smiles won't do the trick because only true laughter has what it takes to release the chemical in your brain. Knowing how and when to laugh is truly in your control! We encourage you to give yourself the gift of laughter. Save The Funny Stuff for a Rainy Day Just like going to the store and stocking up on healthy foods, you can also keep a stockpile of funny items and some comedy to avoid bad moods. When the blues hit, you may not be in the mood to search for cheerful items, so having them at your fingertips beforehand is a great way to reference when needed. Taking the time to gather some smile-inspiring items gives you a treasure chest to dig through on a bad day. Store it on your phone, laptop, or tablet. That way you have access to these items when needed! You can maintain control of turning negative emotions into positive ones with just a click. Humor Is in the Eye of the Beholder What makes you laugh? It may not be the same as those around you. Prioritize your own humor. You may even want to seek out someone who shares your sense of humor. It has been said that often the people we hold dearest to ourselves in life share the same sense of humor we do - that is the best friend to have. This is why our first tip is important. Collecting items in advance that humor you and lead to laughter can keep your mind positive. You don’t need to explain your humor. Accept your own individuality and give yourself permission to laugh. Making a personal space for whatever brings you laughter feels good! Don’t Hold Back Laughter Learning to let it all out can be difficult, especially when you feel it may not be the time to laugh. Many people hold back laughter because it feels inappropriate. In times of crisis, grasping onto laughter and humor is good for mental health. Suppressing laughs can become automatic and we lose awareness that we are doing it. When you see someone laughing, think positively about the joy they are experiencing and the freedom of their expression. Most of all, laugh as often as you can with the ones you love. Taking the time to build memories that we can look back on later can be helpful when working through a transition or in a difficult caregiving situation. Did you know that laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress? It may just be what the doctor ordered. In 2022, we’re entering the next phase of the second decade of this century and life is intense. Food and gas prices are high and there’s no way to predict when they will come down or when life will stabilize once again. Life is stressful.
Compounding this, more people than ever are caring for aging loved ones, and it can be overwhelming. If you are raising a family or have a job, the responsibility of making sure your loved one still receives the care they require can weigh heavily upon you. You want to be sure those you are caring for get their needs met. Because caregivers don’t always get the rest they need, you can feel tired throughout the day. Self-care is vital, both for you and the loved one you are caring for. We know this is easier said than done. The following are tips for caregiver self-care that will make a difference in your life by allowing you to be at your full capacity so you can give the quality care that your loved one’s deserve. Get Enough Sleep Depending on the schedule you are keeping as you care for your loved one, making sure you get the sleep you need will give you the energy and vitality to respond when you are needed. Mothers of newborns will often nap when their babies are napping so they can catch up on their rest. It’s the same for caregivers of the aging. It might be tempting to work on a project or watch a movie when your loved one is sleeping, and these tasks are important, but unless you’re getting enough sleep at night, you might want to use some of the time to take a nap yourself. Eat a Healthy Diet Many people know about stress eating. Foods containing sugar or your favorite comfort foods can help sooth your stress, but the effects are temporary and often come with consequences. There is nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite treats occasionally, but make sure your regular diet is healthy. You will feel better and you’ll be able to give your loved one the best care. Take Part in Enjoyable Activities Time may be limited as a caregiver, but as mentioned earlier, self-care is essential so that you can be at your best when caring for the needs of others. Are there activities you enjoy? Make time for yourself. Do things for you, too. Pharma-C-Wipes Finding ways to make life easier will help you give the care you want, both to your loved one and with your own self-care. Pharma-C-Wipes provides products that support you in your day-to-day role. That’s why we created products that are safe and effective while being efficient and practical for those who use them. For more information, visit https://www.pharma-c.com  The holiday season is upon us. It is traditionally the time of year of great celebration and family gathering. The season to spread cheer and be merry. For many however, the season can be marked by sadness and the reality of the decline of a loved one. Recognizing that the holidays can be difficult for some, we wanted to give a nod to our home caregivers and the challenge that lies ahead of them. While we cannot ease the burden, we thought we would share some tips to make the holidays less stressful.
Communication Take the opportunity to communicate with loved ones during the holiday. If you are providing care for an individual that is in a state of decline, it may be burdensome to accept visitors and allow loved ones and relatives the chance to visit. There is an opportunity in this. This may give you the ability to communicate with those around you that you may need some help. While it may be difficult, it may be the invitation they need to provide assistance. Find a way to include a note in holiday cards and greetings to distant relatives and loved ones about the individual you are caring for. This can be a nonthreatening way to inform them about the realities of the caregiving situation. Accept and Adapt You may have been the individual that people relied on to entertain during the holidays. Be honest with those around you and inform them that your caregiving responsibilities may be taking a significant amount of your time. It may mean letting go of tradition and allowing someone else the opportunity to host the entertainment. Decisions will have to be made based on what may be simplest and enjoyable for you and the one you are caring for. If you choose to entertain, take into consideration the person you are caring for. It may be best to create a “visiting room” where loved ones can take turns visiting without the distraction of the holiday event causing too much stimulus and anxiety. Focus On Meaningful Traditions Often, we focus too much on making the holidays perfect. Instead, this year focus on meaningful traditions that are easy to execute and maintain. Perhaps when decorating, bring only the most significant decorations out. Take into consideration starting new traditions. Instead of focusing on loss, find new ways to celebrate the holiday. In years past maybe you had walked the neighborhood to view the lights and decorations. Turn this into a comfortable drive instead and find new areas to explore. Meal Adjustments For many, food plays a big part in celebrating the holidays. While this may be difficult, realize that large meals take time to prepare and may be an unwanted expense. Try paring down, instead of eliminating, and simplify the process. Perhaps this year host a potluck or even cater the meal and split the cost with those attending. If there is one menu item that is the star of the meal, focus on that item and prepare less of everything else. Bear in mind the individual you are caring for and ask, if possible, what they would like to enjoy. Keep Self-Care at the Top of The List All throughout the year, you give. The holidays may have you feeling like you have to give even more. This may make you feel run down and as if the tank is empty. It is far too easy to allow your own care to slip at this time of year. Take time for you. Sing holiday songs, eat tasty treats, and enjoy what you can around you. Find assistance that allows you to step away from what you are doing and spend time indulging yourself with a warm cup of coffee or cocoa at a cafe. Your resilience is what can make the holiday brighter. The only way to do this is to carve out some “you time”. Remember that the time you have with loved ones is precious. While the feeling of loss and grief can prevail at times, staying present in the moment with loved ones and those you care for can be the greatest gift of all and time well spent. Don’t borrow trouble from tomorrow and find ways to enjoy the day you are in.  Wet wipes and other pre-moistened products for personal and caregiving use have become a staple in the American home. These products often offer patients and caregivers a quick and easy solution that benefits all parties involved. The consumer and professional demand for wipes used in various settings was expected to increase through 2023, but the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the course of these products and all signs point to unforeseen demand in the future with the escalation of personal use.
Why are wipes so wildly popular? The consumer market demand is driven by two factors. Preference and convenience. In a recent study, it was noted that two out of three patients prefer wet wipes to traditional topical creams, ointments, lotions, or gels. When being used in a caregiving scenario, it was noted that wipes allowed for more targeted use that gave comfort when being used. A group of participants in this study noted that individual packages for each wipe are more convenient and discrete when on-the-go, but larger more economical tubes or jars were prefered for home use. Others noted that limiting application to the areas that needed attention was important, but were also less messy than topical applications. It Started with Chicken! Thankfully back in 1958, Arthur Julius had a thought and a vision for what was needed in the market and the first iteration of the wipe came into existence. In 1963 he started selling Wet-Nap products to Colonel Harland Sanders for use in hand washing by customers of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Not long after pre-moistened wipes became a staple in the beauty industry predominantly being used for cleansing or moisturizing the skin, baby care, hand washing, makeup removal, washing the body when bathing was not practical, feminine, and other personal cleansing. Soon, the trend caught on and the use of wipes became a widespread phenomenon. As technology and need developed, pre-moistened wipes were then introduced for therapeutic purposes. Early FDA-approved drugs delivered utilizing pre-moistened applicators include acne treatment drugs, retinoids, antibiotics, antifungals, steroids, and local anesthetics. It seemed as if a time before wipes had never existed! Personal care has become an important part of our daily lives and society interacts with wipes daily. Better than sliced bread? You be the judge. Then Came Pharma-C Reinventing the wheel is not what is needed. Taking the time to improve on a great idea can be a great benefit. At Pharma-C, for over 15 years, we have been dedicated to providing you with high-quality first aid, personal care and home health care products that really work. Wipes are a particular passion of ours and that is why it is important to us that we create products that are both safe and effective while being efficient and practical for those who use them.  In 2022, we’re entering the next phase of the second decade of this century and life is intense. Food and gas prices are high and there’s no way to predict when they will come down or when life will stabilize once again. Life is stressful.
Compounding this, more people than ever are caring for aging loved ones, and it can be overwhelming. If you are raising a family or have a job, the responsibility of making sure your loved one still receives the care they require can weigh heavily upon you. You want to be sure those you are caring for get their needs met. Because caregivers don’t always get the rest they need, you can feel tired throughout the day. Self-care is vital, both for you and the loved one you are caring for. We know this is easier said than done. The following are tips for caregiver self-care that will make a difference in your life by allowing you to be at your full capacity so you can give the quality care that your loved one’s deserve. Get Enough Sleep Depending on the schedule you are keeping as you care for your loved one, making sure you get the sleep you need will give you the energy and vitality to respond when you are needed. Mothers of newborns will often nap when their babies are napping so they can catch up on their rest. It’s the same for caregivers of the aging. It might be tempting to work on a project or watch a movie when your loved one is sleeping, and these tasks are important, but unless you’re getting enough sleep at night, you might want to use some of the time to take a nap yourself. Eat a Healthy Diet Many people know about stress eating. Foods containing sugar or your favorite comfort foods can help sooth your stress, but the effects are temporary and often come with consequences. There is nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite treats occasionally, but make sure your regular diet is healthy. You will feel better and you’ll be able to give your loved one the best care. Take Part in Enjoyable Activities Time may be limited as a caregiver, but as mentioned earlier, self-care is essential so that you can be at your best when caring for the needs of others. Are there activities you enjoy? Make time for yourself. Do things for you, too. Pharma-C-Wipes Finding ways to make life easier will help you give the care you want, both to your loved one and with your own self-care. Pharma-C-Wipes provides products that support you in your day-to-day role. That’s why we created products that are safe and effective while being efficient and practical for those who use them. For more information, visit https://www.pharma-c.com |
Pharma-C-WipesLife is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn. It is important to us that we create products that are both safe and effective while being efficient and practical for those who use them. For over 15 years, we have been dedicated to providing you with high-quality first aid, personal care and home health care products that really work. Archives
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