Because the need for care never stops, neither do we !

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Physiotherapy

Reduce workplace spinal issues

To coincide with Spinal Health Month, Nightingale’s home physiotherapist sheds some light on workplace back pain, reduce spinal issues and the need to focus on prevention rather than cure, especially for entrepreneurs.

Wherever you are reading this, take a look around you. It’s likely you’ll see someone with their neck bent at right angles looking at their phone, hunched over a laptop or slouching in an ill-designed chair. It won’t be long before one of them awkwardly stretches their neck, back or shoulders in an attempt to rid themselves of some form of musculoskeletal discomfort.

Back pain is the leading cause of sick days in the UK and the main reason people are forced to leave the workforce early. According to research, a third of British employees have taken at least one day off work due to back or neck pain in the past year. Nearly a quarter feel it has a negative impact on their working life – and this is before a global pandemic forced people to work from home in unorthodox settings or on poorly suited furniture.

Having treated patients for the past ten years, I’ve noticed an increasing trend of business owners, particularly SMEs, investing in preventative care for themselves and their employees rather than let their business be impacted by long and often repeated periods of absence.

Generally speaking, desk-based workers using computers are more susceptible to neck pain and lower back pain, although there are many related musculoskeletal conditions that arise from spending significant portions of the day in the same position.

For entrepreneurs and start-ups, many of these issues are exacerbated by the twin issues of stress and, particularly in the UAE, air-conditioning. There is a clear link between stress and a tightening of the muscles, especially those around our shoulders and down our spine, and this can lead to a painful condition known as Tension Myositis Syndrome. Similarly, cold air causes muscles to contract, and prolonged exposure – especially when sleeping in an overly chilled room – can further aggravate these problems.

These types of musculoskeletal conditions tend to build up over time and, left unattended, can get to the point where they start to become significantly detrimental to the patient’s health. Preventative treatment with a physiotherapist aims to avoid this buildup of mechanical stress on the body and avoid the painful episode entirely.

Act now, save long-term

I advise organisations to obtain guidance on correct workplace setup and habits, especially with desk-bound employees. Most companies give at least some basic guidance on this front but not all invest in giving their staff adequately supportive chairs, desks and equipment to reduce the mechanical stress. Again using UK figures, we know that just 23 percent of employees had been offered advice or tips by their employer on how to sit at their desk – and only six percent report they are actively encouraged to move around to alleviate the issue. If you / your company need advice on work place ergonomics, get in touch with us.

For employers looking to go the extra mile to prevent workers’ neck and back pain, it may be worth commissioning external specialists to assess and advise the best ergonomic furniture and setup for the staff to suit the nature of their work.

There are also several tech options for businesses to consider when looking after their staff’s back health. In this modern age, several accessories are available to promote healthier working, from adjustable screen stands to standing desks or active seating which encourages the use of your core muscles when sitting.

Likewise, employers can consider initiatives such as Step Jockey, an app that “nudges” staff to move a little more each day. A healthier ethos in the corporate culture may prove beneficial in empowering employees to take breaks from their desk and stay active, for example by organising lunchtime walks or offering gym incentives to personnel.

The employed can also adopt healthier habits to encourage preventative care while in the workplace. It may seem simple, but an instruction to keep moving might be the best. If your job leaves you sedentary for long periods of time, make it a point to take breaks and move your joints and muscles at least every half hour. Find opportunities to stand up and, better yet, walk around like when on the phone. Try and customise your workstation to fit your dimensions; consider the height of your screen, your back support and the height of your knees so that you are seated in a comfortable position.

This is especially important for entrepreneurs and small business owners. You may feel like you have to be over your laptop 24 hours a day, but taking breaks, getting exercise and finding the best furniture is probably the best investment in your business you can make.

Categories
Baby Care Newborn Baby Post-natal Sleep training

What constitutes of Co Sleeping?

What is Co Sleeping?

In simple words, it’s when the mother and baby sleep on the same surface together in close proximity. 

Is it safe to co-sleep with your baby? and can it be done safely?

As a midwife, I always recommend babies to be put in their moses basket or cot to sleep, as Babies should have a clear sleep space, which is easy to create in a cot or Moses basket.  I know however that families also wish to bed share, therefore we recommend making your bed a safer place for baby whether you doze off accidentally, or choose to bed share. Our advice on co-sleeping with your baby will tell you how. For safer co-sleeping:

  • Keep pillows, sheets, blankets away from your baby or any other items that could obstruct your baby’s breathing or cause them to overheat. A high proportion of infants who die as a result of SIDS are found with their head covered by loose bedding.
  • Follow all of our other safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of SIDS such as sleeping baby on their back
  • Avoid letting pets or other children in the bed
  • Make sure baby won’t fall out of bed or get trapped between the mattress and the wall
  • Get the help of a newborn care nurse

As a midwife, we communicate clearly to our new mothers the dangers of co sleeping. There are times where co sleeping should not occur:

  • Either you or your partner smokes (even if you do not smoke in the bedroom)
  • Either you or your partner has drunk alcohol or taken drugs (including medications that may make you drowsy)
  • Your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks)
  • Your baby was born at a low weight (2.5kg or 5½ lbs or less)
  • Never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby, this can increase the risk of SIDS by 50 times

Why do some mums find co-sleeping easier?

Few mothers find it easier to co-sleep with their babies for the following reasons:

  • Breastfeeding convenience 
  • They believe babies are more settled with them skin to skin
  • They believe babies sleep longer making them have more rest periods 

Questions to ask yourself when you co-sleep with your newborn:

  • Why are you co-sleeping? And how long? 
  • Do you just want to co-sleep for a few months or years? 
  • Are you utilizing co-sleeping as a backup for those desperate moments before you and your baby are ready for sleep coaching? 
  • Do you have trouble putting your baby to sleep? Get help from our sleep trainer
Categories
Lactation consultant

How can a professional lactation consultant help you

Breastfeeding is the best, most natural way of feeding your baby, providing protection and the right amount of nutrients for healthy growth and development.

Wondering how a professional lactation consultant can help you?

As it is very important for your baby to get his antibodies during his/her first few months, breastfeeding has to be done properly. If you find it difficult to do it yourself, get the best lactation support you need from the best lactation consultant at the right time.

We provide a balanced approach to breastfeeding by solving the common practical problems involved. You can get your questions answered and get the needed support through our one-to-one sessions from the comfort of your home or from our clinic on a private session. We offer online video chat and telephonic consultation as well.

Mothers or Mothers-to-be, you have come to the right place for a compassionate and non-judgmental support in your journey to become that super mom for your toddler.

The most important characteristics of breastfeeding:

  • Breast milk contains the main nutrients that your baby needs in first months of growth
  • Breast milk is quickly digested if compared to other types of milk
  • Breast milk doesn’t cause gases, dyspepsia or bowel irritations
  • Breast milk contains immune bodies that protect the baby from infection with some diseases specially during first days after birth
  • Breast milk is safer to the baby, also it doesn’t need to be prepared as other types, furthermore it always keeps its temperature constants
  • Water existence with good quantity to protect the baby from dehydration and thirst
  • Feeding itself is beneficial for you, as it helps uterus to return to its normal condition
  • Breastfeeding provides tight connection between the mother and the baby, as the baby feels warmth, love and safety
  • Elongation of breastfeeding usually causes stoppage of menses and that leads to spacing between births
Categories
Lactation consultant Maternity Care Newborn Baby Post-natal

Mastitis and Lactation

Answers to the most common questions about Mastitis in lactating women.

Q. Is it OK to breastfeed with mastitis?

A. Yes, midwives and lactation consultants encourage feeding with mastitis to ensure the breasts are fully empty.
Not emptying the breasts will increase the severity of mastitis.

Q. How common is mastitis while breastfeeding?

A. Mastitis is common, occurring in approximately 1 in 5 women. Mastitis most often happens in the first 4 weeks of breastfeeding when cracked nipples, positioning problems and breast engorgement are most common.

However by seeking the correct support and guidance from your midwife/lactation consultant then this number can be decreased.

Q. What does the beginning of mastitis feel like?

A. The beginning of mastitis may have fever symptoms, redness on breasts, engorgement, tingling sensation, and pain. 

Q. What are the main causes of mastitis?

  • Milk that is trapped within the breast/milk ducts caused by Ineffective feeding, incorrect positioning, having a shallow latch, and going long periods without feeding.
  • It can also be caused by bacteria build up on the skin/saliva which enters milk ducts through cracks in the skin/nipple.

Q. Does mastitis go away on its own?

Sometimes regular effective feeding/expressing is enough. However, depending on the severity may require antibiotics/ readmission into hospital.

Q. What are the best treatment for Mastitis?

The best treatment for mastitis are;

  • Warm Compress
  • Pain killers (anti-inflammatory)
  • Antibiotics (if required)
  • Rest
  • Fluids
  • Regular Feeding/Expressing

Note: You should consult your Doctor before taking any medications.

Categories
Elderly Care Palliative Care

Competency in palliative nursing

Palliative Care   

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care is based on the needs of the patient, not on the Patient’s prognosis. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment.

Improves quality of life:

Palliative care teams focus on quality of life. They treat people suffering from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses such as:

  • Cancer
  • Congestive heart failure ( CHF)
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Kidney disease
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Parkinson’s
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and many more.

Relieves Suffering from Symptoms and Stress:

The goal of Palliative care is to relieve suffering and provide the best possible quality of life for patients and their families. Symptoms may include:

  • Pain
  • Depression
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty of sleeping
  • And anxiety

Also Palliative care team will work with the patients to identify and carry out patient’s goals: symptom relief, counselling, spiritual comfort, or whatever enhances patient’s quality of life. Palliative care can also help patient to understand all of their treatment options.

As an experience Palliative care provider, we should obtain below given quality of services for patients:

Competency in palliative nursing

  • Communication skills. A highly developed range of sensitive and facilitative communication skills is to be expected in nursing, but is not unique to a palliative setting. …
  • Psycho-social skills
  • Teamwork skills
  • Physical care skills
  • Life closure skills
  • Interpersonal skills

patient and family - pain management

What is the difference between Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care?

PALLIATIVE CARE END-OF-LIFE CARE
Living with a life-limiting illness with any prognosis Ongoing medical treatments as appropriate
Symptom management Hospice care / Home supports for Elderly
Maximizing quality of life Weeks to months to live
Spiritual healthcare Symptom management
Psychosocial support Spiritual healthcare
Maximizing community supports Psychosocial support

Principles of palliative care

  • Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process.
  • Neither hastens nor postpones death.
  • Provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms.
  • Integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of care.
  • Offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death.
Categories
Baby Care Maternity Care Newborn Baby

Neonatal cause of SIDS & risk factor

WHAT ARE SIDS CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or cot death is the unexpected death of healthy newborns or infants under 12 months of age, which remains unexplained despite extended investigations including necropsy, death scene examination and medical history study.

Now-a-days, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is one of the main reasons of death among children less than one year old, especially those who are between 2 and 4 months. In most cases, death occurs quickly and during sleep time.

As for the causes lying behind SIDS, they are still unclear and uncertain. Yet, there are many risk factors increasing the exposure of some babies to SIDS, let’s have a look at the most important ones:

Brain abnormalities

Some babies are born with abnormalities, in a part of the brain that controls breathing and consciousness during sleep, and that’s what makes them more prone to SIDS than their peers.

It is to be noted that brain damages are caused by babies’ exposure to poisonous substances or lack of oxygen whilst in the womb.

Accidents after birth

Babies’ exposure to some accidents after birth, such as lack of oxygen, excessive carbon dioxide intake, overheating and infections, may negatively affect their breathing and lead to their sudden death. It is to be noted that some of these accidents may occur while babies are sleeping on their stomach.

Immunity disorders

An increase in the number of cells and proteins in babies’ bodies may lead to their sudden death, as some of these proteins can affect the brain and speed up the heartbeat and breathing rate during sleep. And the result: Eternal deep sleep!

Metabolic disorders

Some babies may die without showing prior signs, if they suffer from metabolic disorders that will prevent their bodies from processing fatty acids, the build-up of which could lead to sudden disruption in breathing.

In addition, there are other environmental factors to increase the likelihood of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, such as:

  • Baby sleeping on the stomach
  • Baby sleeping on a soft mattress and a bed with loose cover
  • Baby co-sleeping with another child
  • Covering baby with many blankets
  • Mother smoking while pregnant
  • Exposing baby to cigarette smoke after birth
  • Premature birth or low weight birth

As you may have already noticed, some of the SIDS causes or risk factors are inevitable, while some others can be prevented, by not smoking during pregnancy, by not putting the baby on his/her stomach to sleep, not smoking around him/her and not overheating his/her room, etc. Caring for your newborn baby is very important.

Categories
Baby Care Weaning

Preparing food for babies and the safety precautions to be considered

Preparing food for babies and the safety precautions to be considered.

When your baby is around 6 months old (We recommended and advocate breastfeeding exclusively until six months of age) and shows some signs like putting toys and objects in their mouth, chewing fists or watching others who are eating with interest and trying to take food off the plate, it’s time to wean your baby.

Note: If you have difficulties in breastfeeding, consider getting some breastfeeding support.

Weaning: The term weaning is derived from the Anglo-Saxon ‘wenian’, which means “to become accustomed to something different.”

By the time they are one year old, most children will be eating three meals per/day of chopped, mashed family food. Help on weaning support is provided by our expert nurses.

When you start weaning, it should be done in a hygienic way and the utensils should be clean and free of germs. Always wash your hands with soap and water before making baby food. If you are sampling, use a fresh spoon and wash it off every time you do.

Use only well-scrubbed and washed produce, clean hands, utensils, cutting boards and countertops.

Remember the following tips for Food Safety:

  • Wash properly. Some vegetables or fruits that are grown close to the ground may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning in babies (like Clostridium botulinum).
  • Peel the skin neatly and remove any seeds or pits. When cooking meats and fish, remove all gristle, skin and bones before cooking.
  • Cook food until it’s very tender. Eggs, meats and poultry should be well cooked because babies are prone to food poisoning by under cooked food.
    • 145°F for fish and whole cuts of meat
    • 160°F for ground beef and egg dishes
    • 165°F for all types of chicken and poultry
  • Steaming and microwaving in just a little water are good methods to retain vitamins and minerals.
  • Honey, Salt and Sugar should be avoided in the early stages of weaning. Never add honey to foods or drinks for children under 12 months. Also avoid adding corn syrup or other sweeteners as they only provide extra calories but not nutrients.
  • Check that the food is of proper temperature before you give it to your baby.
  • Avoid foods which have choking risk (examples are whole grapes, raisins, pieces of hot dog etc.).
  • Pureed foods can be thinned, if needed, by adding breast-milk, formula, or water.
  • Cow’s milk and milk alternatives should not be used during the first year.
  • You may freeze the food for later use, but it is always better you don’t store for extended period. Store in single portions and take only small portions as necessary and discard any leftovers.
  • If you’re cooking the same food for the rest of the family, remove the baby’s portion before adding salt and seasonings. A baby’s taste buds can be very sensitive. As the baby grows and becomes more used to table food, feel free to add seasonings (other than salt).

Make sure any cooked food has cooled right down before offering it to your baby. 

Preparing homemade food for babies requires extra care that it should be safe and to the nutrients are retained.

What is Baby led weaning:

  • Baby-led weaning means giving your baby only finger foods and letting them feed themselves from the start instead of feeding them puréed or mashed food on a spoon.
  • Some parents prefer baby-led weaning to spoon feeding, while others do a combination of both.
  • There’s no right or wrong way. The most important thing is that your baby eats a wide variety of food and gets all the nutrients they need.
  • There’s no more risk of choking when a baby feeds themselves than when they’re fed with a spoon.

Food allergy in babies:

Young children at a higher risk of getting a food allergy include:

  • Babies with eczema
  • Babies who already have a food allergy.

Research shows that these babies may benefit from the earlier introduction (from 4 months of age) of complementary foods (solids),including foods containing egg and peanut in a form to suit the baby.

If in doubt consult your paediatrician 

Contaminated food may contain bacteria like Listeria, E. coli or Salmonella. Always take precaution when you are pregnant and with babies.

Categories
Home Care

Health benefits of fasting in Ramadan

There are many health benefits of fasting in Ramadan!

  1. During the fasting day, the body transitions from burning consumed carbs to burning stored fats and this assists in losing excess fat and unwanted weight.During the fasting day, the body transitions from burning consumed carbs to burning stored fats
  2. During Ramadan, the body gets the opportunity to detox from all the calories that were consumed on normal days.body gets the opportunity to detox from all the calories
  3. The body controls blood sugar levels during fasting and functions normally without calorie intake.body controls blood sugar levels during fasting
  4. People who suffer from inflammatory diseases are at lesser risk during fasting as the body reduces the number of markers.inflammatory diseases are at lesser risk during fasting
  5. When fasting, teeth do not get exposed to acid attacks like when eating all day.When fasting, teeth do not get exposed to acid attacks like when eating all day
  6. Ramadan helps improve mental health of people as they get together and spend quality, precious time together.
  7. Ramadan helps us avoid bad habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol drinking.avoid bad habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol drinking
Categories
Home Care Night Nursing

Home Care Services in Dubai – What You Need to Know

Home care - Dubai
Home care – Dubai

Expert home care and healthcare services in Dubai is difficult to come by. The thought about returning home after a stay in any hospital or clinic is most endearing to any patient. Whatever the nature of the illness or the health condition of the patient, it is both more cost-effective and reassuring for the family to get the patient back home.

Everybody is comfortable of the known and emotionally connected environment that a home provides. But it is better said or wished than done. It’s a daunting task to care for the sick and dependent patient at one’s home, while also being attentive to the patient’s recovery and providing her with ample support to pursue normal activities. So, in comes health care agencies that provide capsule packages for home care depending on the type or severity of the condition.

In a city like Dubai this is especially true for expat families who are mostly two members and with or without children. So, it’s not possible for one of the partners to take a long break from office and even if one is able take that, taking care of children at home as well as caring for the sick one is not a possibility. And if an elderly person needs such medical attention and care at home, it is all the more imperative to get professional home health care services to provide care and nurturing support to elders who are often more sensitive than not. Plus, there are certain conditions like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease require specialized care from trained medical nurses in home.

The most common features or services  a top-quality home care health agency in Dubai must include:

Case Analysis and Patient Coaching:

The foremost thing is to take in stock of the situation and analyze the patient’s case and design a tailor-made template for her. An advanced health care agency must also ask relevant questions to the patient party to understand the basic environment at their home and derive a fair idea about their lifestyle before designing a package for them. It also helps to coach the patient beforehand to break the ice and make him mentally sign up for the upcoming process and set health goals together in order to keep her motivated.

Trained Nursing Care:

All-round in-home nursing services must include maintaining daily log of the patient’s vital parameters, signs and symptoms as well as proper management of such symptoms and preventing further complications.

Elderly Care:

This is a major area which requires not only medical proficiency but a positive body language and attitude and a sensitive behavior as elders are susceptible to loss of self-esteem in such situations. A well-mannered home care nurse should be able to make a patient feel comfortable while assisting them with day-to-day activities and private rituals as well as self-grooming. Daily home elderly care services include assisting with daily living, dispensing of medication, diet monitoring, helping with movement and prevention of bed sore, as and when applicable.

Palliative Care:

Specialized home palliative care is an important part of home healthcare services as this form of alleviation and soothing of pain makes the journey of life more bearable for patients suffering from terminal illnesses. This also involves a psychological tuning as one needs to spread a message of positivity as far as possible while respecting the patient’s dignity and stay true to medical supervisions.

Cancer Patient Care:

Cancer patients require specialized care and medical attention as a slight change or unwarranted move might disturb their process of recovery and sense of equilibrium. Holistic healthcare for cancer patients at any stage also require an alert and active trained home care nurse.

Maternity and Infant Care:

Stay-at-home maternity care nurses are required by most families post childbirth for optimal postnatal care that includes assisting the new mother with lactation, breastfeeding and providing her ample rest such that she can recover fully. Monitoring the baby’s feeding and sleep cycles as well as helping parents adapt to the multiple needs and moods of babies is a process that home care maternity nurses attunes them with.

Alzheimer’s Disease Care:

Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease require round-the-clock monitoring of not just the patient’s day-to-day activities but also engage her with mental activities like word games and number games and thus help them not to sink into a psychological loop. Plus, such patients often require attention for going out.

In Nightingale Dubai, we have home care & health care nurses with strong credentials and with a proven track record of having handled delicate medical conditions. We provide sustained medical home healthcare service packages that take care of the patient’s unique condition. We mutually set recovery goals with patients and their families. And our home nurses are able to take care of both mild, acute and terminals illnesses.

Clinical & Post surgery / Post operative care:

Nightingale Home Nursing provides an Elite Hotel or home Nursing Service for you post operatively (Post operative care). Our Dubai Health Authority DHA registered Nurses have international recognized Qualifications in Post-Operative Nursing allowing you to combine your Surgery with an extended comfortable stay in the region while enjoying all that Dubai has to offers,

Request home care services:

If you are applying for a job, please use the career page.

Call now:
800UAE

Categories
Baby Care Child care Maternity Care Night Nursing Post-Cesarean Care Post-natal

How to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

One of the biggest worries for many new parents is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which refers to the sudden unexplained death of an otherwise healthy baby under the age of one, usually during their sleep. Premature babies, or those with a low birth weight, are at greater risk, and it tends to be slightly more common in baby boys. Thankfully, SIDS is rare, and the prevalence has fallen significantly over the past few decades as advice about reducing the risks is more widely shared. While healthcare professionals don’t know exactly what causes SIDS, a lot of research has been done into the things parents and caregivers can do to create a safer sleeping environment for their little one.

Do’s for reducing SIDS

WHAT ARE SIDS CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
WHAT ARE SIDS CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

Based on advice from the NHS UK, recommendations are as follows:

  • always place your baby on their back to sleep
  • place your baby in the “feet to foot” position – with their feet touching the end of the cot, Moses basket, or pram
  • keep your baby’s head uncovered – their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders
  • let your baby sleep in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months
  • use a mattress that’s firm, flat, waterproof, and in good condition
  • breastfeed your baby, if you can
  • recent studies have found that using a pacifier while the baby is sleeping reduces the risk of SIDS

Dont’s for SIDS

  • smoke during pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby – both before and after birth
  • sleep on a bed, sofa, or armchair with your baby
  • share a bed with your baby if you or your partner smoke, or if you’ve been drinking alcohol, taking any sedative pain relief-medication or sleeping pills
  • let your baby get too hot or too cold – a room temperature of 16C to 20C, with light bedding or a lightweight baby sleeping bag, will provide a comfortable sleeping environment for your baby. NB. here in the UAE, we’re used to much warmer temperatures, and the recommendation is 22 to 24 degrees Celsius. Signs your baby may be getting too hot include sweating, or their chest feels hot.

You should also visit your pediatrician and/or midwife for regular check-ups to assess their health and development. At Nightingale, we provide a wide range of postnatal support at home or in our clinic, provided by fully-trained nurses.

Contact us to find out more.

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