A Nursing Assistant's Online Journal

A group of researchers claimed recently that if people will only have a long term commitment to healthier food intake and/or exercise on the succeeding years, this will help bring down the risk of developing diabetes. Based on their study, taking an additional step at a time toward healthy lifestyle significantly lowered their risk of developing the said disease despite their family history of diabetes or of being overweight.

This new study, which was led by Jared Reis Ph. D., highlighted 5 healthy habits that were deemed to bring a significant effect on lowering the person’s risk fall to diabetes. These healthy habits include maintaining a normal weight, avoiding smoking, being physically active, drinking alcohol moderately or no to drinking, and opting for hale and hearty diet.  The research result revealed that individuals who follow at least one of those five stated healthy behaviors reduce their chances to suffer from this metabolic condition at about 30% percent.

Diabetes is the 7^th leading cause of death in the United States and this health condition allows the government to spend $174 billion every year, not to mention the $116 billion paid for direct medical expenses. Meanwhile in WHO data, diabetes ranks 9^th as the leading cause of death worldwide. Since 2000, the American Diabetes Association estimated that there are a total of 171 million people who are suffering from diabetes who have been diagnosed to have diabetes and this figure is projected to increase up to 366 million in 2030.  This is exactly the reason why healthcare professionals who often comes wearing a white lab coat and uses stethoscope as among their primary medical instruments, keep on advising everyone to avoid unhealthy lifestyle behaviors to curb the risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.

It has been a norm in the United States and other developed countries that once a person becomes old or is incapable for taking care of himself due to mental or physical problems, the family will immediately send him to nursing homes – a type of facility that provide long term care for elderly beings. It is housed with experienced therapists, caregivers, and other nursing staffs who will provide continuous nursing care or 24-hour supervision to less active or frail elderly people.  

With the great number of people being sent in nursing facility every year, I can say that caregiving or nursing aide will always be one of the careers where you can find employment, even in a slow economy. So for those who have a dedication of helping others but do not have enough money to obtain a degree in medicine, caregiving is an ideal option.

I’ve worked as a resident caregiver in one of the private institutions based in Georgia before I become a nursing assistant. And based on my experiences, I can say that caring someone who badly needs your help is really overwhelming and fulfilling to the heart. The salary is not bad especially for someone who has no working experience yet as it ranges from $8.91-$12.70 per hour.  Working beyond your schedule is also paid fairly. Moreover, if your client comes from a well-off or generous family; expect to receive a higher bonus especially if they are impressed with the service you provide to their loved ones.  

Just like any other professions, there are also some qualifications required for caregiving jobs. The applicant should be at least 18 years of age and possesses that caring personality. It is also important for a caregiver applicant to have a license since he or she is expected to promote a healthy living for adult by assisting in their activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, toileting, shopping, cooking, cleaning the house and managing schedules appointments. Helping in taking the medicines and monitoring the vital signs of elders depending on the recommendation of their attending physician is likewise included in the day-to-day tasks of a caregiver. When taking the vital signs, some procedures will require the use of basic hospital medical equipment like thermometer and sphygmomanometer thus, it is necessary for a caregiver to be adept in using such instruments.  Furthermore, the ability of a caregiver to speak English clearly and record plan updates are essential.