If you have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you are not alone. Studies have found that approximately two percent of the adult population will be diagnosed with some type of thyroid condition. Thankfully, there are many cutting-edge treatment options to consider. One of the most prevalent involves a medication known as T3. T3 may also be marketed under brand names such as Cytomel and Triostat.

While used to treat the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, T3 may sometimes be employed to lose weight. In order to appreciate why this is never a good idea, it is first necessary to understand how T3 functions from a pharmacological perspective.

What is the Purpose of T3?

T3 is actually a hormone that healthy thyroids will naturally produce. T3 is an abbreviation for triiodothyronine and it serves a host of metabolic purposes. These include boosting the metabolism, providing cells with energy in the form of oxygen, temperature regulation, and maintaining the nervous system.

Unfortunately, there can be times when the thyroid fails to produce sufficient amounts. This clinical condition is known as hypothyroidism. Taking a T3 medication will help to replace the natural hormone that is no longer present. This can provide numerous benefits including:

• Increased energy levels and alertness
• Improved sleep
• Stronger bones and muscles
• Enhanced sex drive
• Fewer aches and pains

The T3 tablets here at International Pharmacy have also been associated with weight loss over time. While this is indeed a side effect, this is not their intended purpose. Let’s now take a look at why T3 should never replace traditional weight-loss strategies.

The Hidden Dangers

Considering the beneficial effects outlined in the prior section, it stands to reason that some individuals may choose to take T3 tablets in order to reduce their body mass index (BMI). After all, this medication helps to speed up the metabolism and boost energy levels; two key factors associated with losing weight.

The main issue here is that T3 taken in excess (or not as initially prescribed) can produce unintended side effects. For example, one study conducted by the National Library of Medicine found that T3 can sometimes cause the cardiac muscles to enlarge.

Another potential issue is the fact that T3 taken in excess may actually induce hyperthyroidism. Common symptoms include an increased heart rate, feelings of anxiety, a decreased tolerance to heat, and even long-term heart failure. These risks are certainly not worth the reward of losing a few excess pounds.

However, there are still some individuals who feel that T3 is a useful tool when losing weight. The main takeaway point here is that any type of self-medication can lead to potentially serious consequences. This is why it is always important to consult with a physician or a thyroid specialist. There are plenty of other effective ways to reduce your body mass index without risking your health. In other words, a bit of hard work and dedication will go a long way!

In today’s digital age, we all are surrounded by technology and gadgets. Children and teenagers are more tech-savvy than ever before and have a vast exposure to social media and digital devices. As much as technology facilitates our daily life, it also has its pros and cons. The excessive use of digital devices comes with its drawbacks, and one of them is stress.

Stress has become a significant concern among parents and teachers as it affects children’s mental health and well-being. Therefore, it’s essential to teach stress management techniques to kids and teens in a digital world.

Understanding Stress in the Digital Age

To manage stress in this setting, it’s essential to understand the different causes and impacts of stress, and how to combat them with techniques that can be taught to kids and teens.

Stress is simply a physical and emotional response to a perceived threat. The response can be both positive and negative and can either help or hinder performance. In the digital age, technology has made life easier in many ways, but it has also created new stressors that can be challenging to manage.

Causes of Stress in a Digital World

The digital age has brought about many new stressors, including information overload, social media pressure, and a lack of clear boundaries between work and personal life. Kids and teens are at an increased risk for stress due to their increased use of technology, exposure to cyberbullying, and lack of coping skills.

Impact of Stress on Kids and Teens

Stress can be particularly harmful to teens, as it can hinder their academic and social success. Chronic stress can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, and can also manifest physically as headaches, stomach-aches, and other symptoms.

Techniques for Managing Stress

As parents and caregivers, it’s critical to teach kids and teens techniques for managing stress, rather than just telling them to “calm down” or “relax.” Here are five powerful techniques for managing stress that can make a significant difference in the lives of young people:

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are ancient practices that have been shown to lower stress levels by helping people stay in the present moment. Teaching kids and teens mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery, and mindful eating can help them focus on the present and reduce anxiety.

Breathing Techniques

Deep breathing exercises can help regulate the body’s nervous system, which can calm the mind and reduce stress. Teaching kids and teens how to take slow, deep breaths can help them relax and reduce stress.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Physical activity is a natural stress reliever and mood booster. Encouraging kids and teens to exercise regularly can help them manage stress and maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that exercise can also improve academic performance and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Sleep Management

Getting enough restful sleep is essential for managing stress. Teaching kids and teens healthy sleep habits like unplugging from devices an hour before bed, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can help them sleep better and feel more refreshed.

Healthy Eating Habits

Eating a healthy diet filled with nutritious foods can provide the nutrients young people need to manage stress and other challenges. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce stress and maintain a healthy weight.

Setting up Parental Controls

A way to manage stress caused by technology is to limit your children from using it. There are several ways you can help them limit screen time:

Parental Controls on Windows

Parental controls help parents monitor and control their child’s computer activities. Windows provides built-in parental controls, which allow parents to set limits on screen time, block inappropriate content, and set age-appropriate game ratings. By using parental controls, parents can limit the amount of time their children spend online, prevent them from accessing adult content, and protect them from cyberbullying. There are different ways to set up parental controls on windows, we’ve collected some of them:

How To Set Up User Accounts for Kids and Teens

Setting up user accounts for kids and teens is easy and important. It allows parents to create a separate login for their child, giving them access to only those apps and files that are appropriate for their age. By doing so, parents can track their child’s activities and ensure that they are using technology safely. It’s also important to make sure that parents retain administrative access to the computer, so they can make changes as needed.

Time Limits and Screen Time Management

Screen time management is essential to reducing stress levels in children and teens. Excessive screen time can disrupt sleep patterns, cause eyestrain, and even affect mental health. Setting limits on screen time can have a positive effect on the child’s overall well-being. Parents can use apps and tools to set time limits, remind their children to take breaks, and even schedule “no device” time. Encouraging outdoor activities and hobbies that do not involve screens is also beneficial.

Blocking Or Filtering Inappropriate Content

Blocking or filtering inappropriate content is crucial to protecting children and teens from online dangers. Parents can install software that blocks or filters adult content, social media, and games that are not age appropriate. This prevents children from accessing sites that may contain virus or inappropriate content and creates a safer online environment.

Monitoring and Reporting

Lastly, monitoring and reporting software helps parents keep track of their child’s online activity. This software can report on the websites their child is visiting, who they are talking to, and even give periodic screenshots of what their child is viewing. This way, parents can easily spot any warning signs of cyberbullying, online predators, or any other safety concerns.

Parental Control Apps

Parental control apps are digital tools that help parents monitor and control their children’s online and digital activities. These apps offer a range of features such as time limits, content filters, app blockers, and location tracking. Parents can use these apps to protect their children from cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online predators, and excessive screen time.

Features and Benefits of Parental Control Apps

One of the most significant advantages of parental control apps is that parents can set limits on their children’s digital usage and prevent them from accessing harmful content. These apps also support location tracking, which gives parents peace of mind, knowing where their children are at all times.

Best Practices for Using Parental Control Apps

While parental control apps can be helpful tools in managing stress and ensuring child safety, it’s essential to use them correctly. Parents should have open communication with their children about why they are using these apps and what are the benefits. It’s crucial to respect the child’s privacy and build trust by using parental control apps as an instrument for safety, not surveillance.

Conclusion

The excessive use of digital devices leads to screen addiction, which triggers anxiety and stress in kids and teenagers. It interferes with their sleeping schedule, eating habits, and social interaction, among other things. Stress management techniques help children and teenagers to cope up with stress and anxiety and maintain a balanced life.

In conclusion, it’s essential to encourage kids and teens to implement the given techniques for healthy digital habits. By teaching them how to manage stress and maintain a healthy balance between online and offline time, we can help them thrive in today’s digital world.

 

If your loved one has been moved into an Eastleigh care home in Minehead (or elsewhere) because they have become too frail to look after themselves, this can be very worrying for children who may not fully understand the considerations behind such a move. But taking your child to see their relative in their new home is a great way to help your elderly loved one settle in, and can also help to reassure your child that Grandma or Grandpa is being well-looked after. Here are some ways to help prepare your child for their first visit to a care home.

Tell Them What it Will Be Like

Explain to your child what kind of a set-up the home has. Knowing that Granny or Gramps has their own private living space can be a relief for shy children who want to speak to their relative, but are too shy to do so in front of others. If your elderly relative has dementia, do warn the children that if the resident is having a bad day, you won’t stay too long, and might not get to visit with their grandparent as thoroughly as they might have liked. Knowing what to expect can take a lot of the stress out of the visit, so do be honest, so their expectations are met.

Remind Them of Their Manners

While the children might have been able to run a little wild at their grandparent’s house in the past, remind that things have changed and that the grandparent is now sharing their living quarters with other people. Therefore the children should use their inside voices, speak politely to the other residents, and generally behave politely until they are safe and sound in their grandparents’ room.

Tell Your Relative That You’re Coming

Do warn your relative that you are coming, so they are prepared for your children to descend on them! Just as it is better for your child to be prepared, so it is for your elderly relative!

Visit on an Activity Day

Try to visit the care home on an activity day when there will be other children visiting their grandparents and taking part. This will be a lovely way for your parent and children to re-establish their bond, so the rest of the visit – and all future visits – go well, with all parties content to spend time together.

If All Else Fails: Distract Them!

While older children should be able to be relied upon to be mannerly, even if they are uncomfortable or wish to leave; this is not so easy with younger children who can become whiny, fretful or even throw temper tantrums. If this is your child’s personality, take steps to ward off any unpleasant behaviour by bringing along a book, a puzzle or even a hand-held game for them to sit with quietly, while you finish your visit.

 

Nurses are at the forefront of patient care and act as drivers of healthcare change, including using technology such as telehealth. As medical technology improves, the use of telehealth in nursing continues to soar, providing tools to enhance patient outcomes as well as improve access to quality healthcare.

There has been an increase in senior citizens over the past years. This has led to an enhanced need for health care services. This, coupled with the recent nursing shortages, have led to adapting new technology to ease the situation. Telehealth is one of the solutions as it ensures more people can receive timely nursing care.

What is telehealth?

Telehealth is the utilization of communication technologies to provide healthcare at a distance. Thanks to combined advances in communications, informatics, medical technologies, and computer science, it has become a valuable tool.

Typically, telehealth involves remote monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and other measurements obtained by a device worn by patients and sent electronically to medical personnel. Smart personal devices and smartphones are used for collecting, disseminating, and analyzing health status due to their enhanced global presence, even in remote communities.

The onset of COVID-19 led to increased use of telehealth. Although the services have been available in the US for decades, usage pre-covid 19 was relatively uncommon. Barriers such as jurisdiction regulations, insurance coverage, and technical challenges slowed down the uptake of the use of the technology.

During the pandemic, telemedicine emerged as a way of delivering socially-distanced care. In response, policymakers lifted most of the regulatory, financial, and technical barriers that hindered previous telemedicine expansion activities.

How does telehealth work?

Telehealth allows a provider to care for a patient without an in-person visit to the office. Many services are included in the general telehealth umbrella, but fundamentally it requires an internet, cellular, and Bluetooth connection.

Say, one needs to speak to a nurse online via video chat; they will require a digital device and internet connection. Depending on the nature of the visit, one might need a private space to connect with the healthcare provider. Furthermore, they must ensure the device has working video and sound capabilities.

In some instances, there is the use of remote patient monitoring devices. These devices allow providers to monitor, report and analyze acute patients’ chronic or acute conditions outside the clinical setting. They enable real-time understanding of the patient’s disease state, enabling the provider to make proactive clinical decisions.

Common types of telehealth in nursing

Nurses need to be equipped with the knowledge of utilizing current technology to improve healthcare. By taking an Online MSN FNP, nurses can gain the necessary skills to adopt technologies such as the ones discussed below:

• Live video conferencing

This common type of telehealth in nursing allows the nurse and the patient to interact in real time via a video chat. The video conferences are conducted on secure telehealth-specific platforms like video chat platforms such as Zoom or Skype.

Nurses can utilize live video conferencing to carry out prior consultations for chronic or acute care needs, follow-up procedures, or explain pre-op and post-op procedures to a patient.

• Store and forward technology

Store and forward telehealth collect clinical information and send it electronically to another site for evaluation. Typically, the information includes medical history, demographic data, laboratory reports, and files.

A nurse uses a computer or a smartphone to collect and send information. The data can be transmitted by electronic mail, uploaded to a secure website, or through a private network.

The technology is a convenient way for nurses to counsel patients about non-pressing issues without coordinating schedules. Moreover, it reduces waiting time since specialist reports are received within a few hours of the request.

• Remote patient monitoring

RPM involves using electronic devices and telecommunications software to monitor patients with needs or conditions without requiring them to travel to a physical location. As stated earlier, the technology is used for patients with chronic conditions. It allows nurses to check the patient’s vital signs, including heart rate, blood sugar, etc.

There are many remote patient monitoring devices available on the market today. Here are some of the common ones:

• Blood pressure cuff: They calculate a patient’s heart rate and blood flow by measuring changes in artery motion. These Bluetooth blood pressure cuffs are akin to the ones in hospitals but send data in real time to clinicians for review.
• Glucometer: This device tests the patient’s blood sugar through a small blood drop placed on a test strip connected to the device. The patient puts a tiny blood drop on the test strip, which the meter reads to generate the blood glucose reading. The reading is then transmitted to the provider in real time for review.

The glucometer is often used by patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes. They use it daily to help the provider understand how some factors affect the patient’s diabetic symptoms and blood sugar.

• Pulse oximeter: This is a non-invasive clip, sometimes attached to a patient’s finger or earlobe. It is used to measure light wavelengths that determine how much oxygen is circulating in the red blood cells of a patient. It also reads the pulse of the patient.
• ECG + Stethoscope: An ECG captures the lung sounds and heart function. It is often used for patients with cardiac conditions such as coronary artery disease or arrhythmias. The stethoscope amplifies the body’s internal sounds, allowing the provider to capture lung, heart, and bowel sounds.
• Activity trackers: Wearables or activity trackers allow providers to track their patient’s heart rate, steps, sleep, and fall risk. They give the provider a window into a patient’s daily routine, assisting them in understanding how these activities affect the health and symptoms of patients.

Interactive patient engagement systems

Telecommunication technology can be utilized in person to streamline routine responsibilities and improve education and communication between patients and nurses. In-patient facilities and hospitals are utilizing patient engagement systems that incorporate TVs, tablets, videos, and other technology to help and educate caregivers and patients and give a convenient way for patients to get assistance with non-clinical wants during their stay.

How does telehealth nursing change the way nurses care for patients?

Telehealth is vital in many ways for both nurses and patients. It affects how nurses care for the patients and the quality of services the patients receive. These are some of the ways telehealth is impacting nursing:

• Balanced nurse workloads

Nurses often juggle many clinical, caregiving, and administrative tasks. The country is expected to experience a further shortage of nurses in the next decade as many nurses reach retirement age. Coupled with the increased number of senior citizens, nurses might have a heavier workload. Therefore, nurses must be empowered to use their time, resources, and energy wisely to ensure patients get the highest care level while avoiding stress and burnout.

Telehealth provides nurses with the right tools to balance their workload. Nurses can save time and energy and work more efficiently. For instance, telehealth can facilitate more interactive and effective methods for educating patients on healthcare.

• Enhanced access to care

Most people live more than 30 minutes away from a hospital. This complicates matters when it comes to healthcare provision. Patients with no transportation or limited resources may put off or skip medical appointments. A telehealth visit eliminates this issue that might keep patients from seeking healthcare.

People in rural areas lack access to care that prevents hospitalization or disease progression. With telehealth, patients can access the best specialists despite their location.

• Lower costs

Telehealth enhances efficiency, saving healthcare facilities money they spend on staffing, training, and technology. For instance, telehealth lowers the number of appointment no-shows, eliminating scheduling problems and the cost that comes with them.

• Improves peace of mind

Telehealth allows the remote monitoring of patients. This means that nurses can track important patient health information outside clinical settings. With telemonitoring, nurses keep tabs on patients released recently from the facility or those at high risk of heart attack or stroke. This increases peace of mind for everyone.

The ongoing patient data collection enables providers and patients to respond to issues quickly. It can also allow patients to recover at home, freeing up beds for those with acute illnesses.

• Better management of chronic conditions and aftercare

Telehealth makes it easier for checkups and monitoring after patients have been released from the hospital. Through biosensor devices and wearables, nurses can monitor a patient’s vitals to ensure that their recovery is progressing according to plan. If patients have inquiries, they contact the nurse without needing to return to the hospital in person.

The future role of telehealth in nursing

The role of telehealth in nursing is evolving. While the benefits are many, there are still challenges to implementing telemedicine effectively.

Lack of access to broadband internet can limit telehealth services in rural areas where other healthcare is often required. Also, telehealth is affected by limits of licensure to provide services across state lines, patient recovery concerns, and online prescribing regulations. Some of these areas have seen significant improvement, and it seems the future of medicine will tilt toward telehealth.