I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
6 Ways For Reducing A Fever
Vickie Armstrong
A fever is accompanied by cold chills, hot flashes, and aches all over your body. Although a fever can make you feel downright awful, it is typically harmless. In fact, getting a fever is a sign that your body is trying to heal itself from an infection. The good news is that there are several ways you can alleviate a fever at home.
1. Get Plenty of Rest
One of the most effective ways to relieve a fever is to get plenty of sleep. When your body gets proper rest, it has a chance to repair itself and create more white blood cells that attack viruses. Aim to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. To help you fall asleep easier, avoid drinking caffeinated beverages in the evening.
2. Eat Nutritious Foods
Even if you do not have much of an appetite right now, it is still important to fuel your body with healthy foods. They will help boost your immune system and recover from the fever faster. Eat foods like fruits, vegetables, oatmeal chicken soup, and whole wheat toast.
3. Take a Lukewarm Bath
Soaking in a lukewarm bath for about 30 minutes can cool a fever, helping you feel better. Consider adding some essential oils to the bathwater to relax your muscles.
4. Stay Hydrated
When you are dealing with a fever, it is even more important to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Water can flush out toxins from your body, helping you recover faster from a fever. It is also helpful to drink sports drinks, like Gatorade, as they replace lost fluids and minerals.
5. Don't Bundle Up Too Much
The chills from a fever can make it tempting to wear lots of layers and snuggle under a heavy blanket. However, doing this can actually cause your fever to go up. To avoid this, wear one layer of lightweight clothing and sleep with a light blanket at night.
6. Take Over-the-Counter Medication
Over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are also effective at alleviating fevers. If you take two tablets every six to eight hours, you should feel better.
Following these tips can help you break a fever. However, if your fever lasts more than a couple of days, you should go to an urgent care center. A doctor can give you a full examination and determine if you are suffering from a more serious condition or not.
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