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.
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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.