Tag: life

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Lupus and Eye Health

Lupus is one of several types of autoimmune diseases that cause the body’s own immune system to mistakenly attack and damage healthy tissues. Despite the different types of autoimmune diseases that exist, many of the symptoms are shared such as joint pain, digestive issues, fatigue, swelling, and hair or skin problems.

Another symptom that is often associated with having an autoimmune disease is dry eyes. This occurs when the eyes fail to produce enough tears or lack the proper amount of lubrication. According to research, over 30% of people with lupus suffer from dry eyes. If you have dry eyes, you may feel as if something is in your eye along with pain, itching, burning, or watery eyes. There are some lupus patients that also get diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome which is another autoimmune disease that attacks the glands of the eyes as well as the saliva in the mouth.

If you are under the care of a Rheumatologist, he or she may require that you see an eye doctor every six months especially if you take certain medications that can impact the eyes such as Plaquenil and Methotrexate. With dry eyes, you may use over the counter products such as humidifiers or eye shields to help with symptoms.

For more severe issues, you may need artificial tears or your doctor may prescribe eye drops. There are numerous brands available, but there are two brands that should no longer be purchased due to recent recalls that have been linked to serious eye infections and vision loss. With the number of cases increasing, the CDC and the FDA are warning consumers to stop using and return the following products:

  • Artificial Tears distributed by Ezricare, LLC and DELSAM Pharma which was associated with severe eye infections in over 55 patients and one death. The infections were cause by a drug resistant bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • In addition, it is advised to stop using DELSAM Pharma’s Artificial Ointment.

It is so important to be aware of what we are putting in and on our bodies and to be our own advocate. If something doesn’t sit well with you, trust your intuition and speak up. After all, no one knows your body better than you do.

-Monaye

https://www.drugwatch.com/drugs/ezricare-artificial-tears/

https://www.drugwatch.com/legal/ezricare-artificial-tears-lawsuits/

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Mental Health Matters

2022 is upon us! Many people look forward to a new year with anticipation. We aim to leave the past behind and to move towards new goals that often include better health. I am sure that you have heard the term health is wealth. What comes to mind when you think of health? If you are anything like me, you may have only thought about the physical aspect. Everywhere we turn, we are reminded to exercise, eat well, and drink enough water on a daily basis. While those things are important, there is another area of our health that should be prioritized as well.

Mental health is a subject that many people shy away from. If you suffer from poor mental health due to stress, financial issues, or relationship problems, you are perceived as weak. So, what do most people do?

They suffer in silence.

They smile when they’re hurting.

They throw themselves into activities to numb the pain. (drinking, sex, exercise, or overeating etc.)

None of these things help us with the underlying issues. While both men and women can be affected by poor mental health, men are often affected more due to the societal pressures to be masculine and strong. If the issues go unaddressed for too long, it can lead to suppressed emotions, medical issues, feelings of despair, and lead to extreme measures to stop the pain. I have read too many stories where mental health was the culprit behind someone taking their life. Suicide is not the answer. We can all strive towards improving our mental health by:

  • Avoid self-criticism- value yourself
  • Take care of your body.
  • Talk to someone if you need to. Therapy does not equal weakness.
  • Practice mindfulness- meditate or practice yoga.
  • Change up your normal routine. Try new things.
  • Set realistic goals. Don’t over commit.
  • Surround yourself with positive people.

Remember, everything starts in the mind, and our mind needs to be healthy too.

Monaye

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Managing Holiday Grief

The holidays are upon us and while many people are decorating and taking advantage of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, others are not as excited. They may be grieving the loss of a loved one. As a certified Grief Specialist, I was invited to speak on this topic recently.

First, let me define grief. It is the normal and natural response to any type of loss in a person’s life. Of course, death is what usually comes to mind initially, but we can grieve due to divorce, the end of a relationship, employment changes or even health status. (I had to grieve for what Lupus changed in my own life.) Regardless of who or what it is that we grieve, we don’t have to shy away from what we feel. We may feel loneliness, sadness, anger or even anxiety. The reason that holiday grief can be more difficult is because we are exposed to all of the stimuli that makes us more aware of the change that has occurred in our lives. For example, songs, certain smells, or places that we visit can evoke memories of what was.

So, how do we deal with those feelings? Do we rely on short term behaviors that numb the pain such as overeating, drinking alcohol, shopping or throwing ourselves into work? I have done a few of these things at various times in the past and not only are they unhealthy, but they don’t help us. The key to healing our hearts is to address and complete what is emotionally unfinished within that loss. This is how I help grievers.

No one has the right to tell you how long to grieve, but my suggestion during this season is to embrace your strength and courage that has led you thus far. If you’re living in a new body due to chronic illness, every day is a victory. Yes things may be different, but you are a warrior! If you need to cry, shout, curse, or journal about it, do that, re-adjust your crown and continue walking tall. If you’re missing a loved one, try and focus on the good times shared with them, the blessing that they were to your life, and the memories you will forever cherish. Family traditions may not be the same, but you can create beautiful new memories with those you do have. After all, your loved one still resides in your heart and they always will.

Monaye

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Pressure Challenge

Life is full of ups and downs. Some days are better than others. On the tougher days, we may feel large amounts of pressure. Pressure to meet deadlines. Pressure to make difficult decisions. Pressure to just “get better.” Regardless of what pressures we face, what matters is how we choose to deal with them.

The decision is really up to us. We can cave to the pressure or we can welcome the pressure.

Yes, you read that right. Think back on difficult times in your life where you couldn’t see a way out. You made it right? It is often during those times (the process) that we experience growth.

Let’s look at two of the most beautiful gems in the world: diamonds and pearls. They both go through a process to become the beautiful pieces of jewelry that ladies love to wear.

In order for a diamond to be formed, it has to endure a tremendous amount of heat and pressure.

When an oyster shell is irritated or damaged, it produces a pearl. What would happen if we made an effort to face our issues like the diamond or the pearl producing oyster shell? We could share our testimony with others. Or encourage and help those going through similar struggles.

My challenge to you is to dig deep when you are up against pressure. You’ll never know what beautiful thing is waiting on the other side.

Monaye