When Feeling Burned Out

Burnout can and does strike anyone who’s under continuous pressure to perform or achieve.  Also, anyone who’s just plain tired of what they’re doing can burn out.

Burnout isn’t something that hits out of the blue. Rather, it is a long, slow process arising from repeated frustration and unmet expectations.

Here are some symptoms of burnout:

• Loss of energy
• Weariness
• Self-doubt
• Reduced efficiency
• Apathy

Different people respond to burnout in different ways: by feeling guilty or irritable, denying anything’s wrong, blaming others, or working even harder.  These responses are futile, though, and only fan the flames. 

Here’s what you can do to prevent burnout or nip it in the bud:

• Pay attention to any signals your body is sending. Insomnia, overeating, and other minor complaints may be signs of burnout.
• Ask yourself what you really expect to accomplish in your career or personal life. Are your expectations realistic? If not, re-evaluate your goals and make sure they’re reachable.
• Mentally distance yourself from work.
• Treat yourself to something special from time to time. A pleasant break, a change of scenery, or a slight indulgence can reduce negative feelings that often lead to burnout.
• Reduce work hours – if possible. Take breaks. Learn to delegate some tasks.
• Learn meditation or practice other relaxation techniques to help you through stressful periods.
• Pursue some kind of physical activity. 

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com

Help for People Who Snore and Twitch

Older adults – especially men – tend to develop two kinds of sleep disturbances. 

One is sleep apnea: Breathing stops for short periods of time and is followed by loud snoring. The other is nocturnal myoclonus, or restless legs: frequent jerking motions that sometimes awaken both the jerker and the person who shares the bed.

Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated can make breathing easier and discourage snoring. Since being overweight and drinking alcohol seem to aggravate both sleep apnea and myoclonus, losing excess pounds and avoiding alcohol can help. Sleeping pills, too, can aggravate sleep apnea, so people who have this problem should use other natural ways to get a good night’s sleep.

You may suffer one or both of these sleep disturbances and not even know it unless your partner complains – and you should take the complaints seriously.

Sleep apnea may seem like nothing more than a nuisance, but it can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you or your partner has this problem, see a doctor.

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com 

Guard Against Denture Trouble

Dentures require active care, not just a nightly soak. Improper denture care leads to bad breath, unsightly stains, diseased gums, and damage to the dentures. Daily dental hygiene should include these measures:

• Brush your tongue and gums with a soft brush to keep your breath fresh and your gums healthy.
• Brush your dentures at least once a day with denture-cleaning products.
• Rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution (1 teaspoon of ordinary table salt in ½ cup warm water) after meals and before going to bed.
• Don’t leave your dentures where they can be lost or accidentally damaged.

How you eat can also protect your dentures, so take these precautions:

• Cut your food into bite-size pieces.
• Chew your food slowly and avoid biting down hard.
• Dentures make your mouth less sensitive to both heat and cold. So check the temperature of food and beverages before eating or drinking to avoid burning yourself.

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com 

Guide Against Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness for those over 55 years of age. The central part of the retina (the macula) deteriorates, leading to loss of central, or “straight ahead” vision. One or both eyes may be affected.

If you’re 40 or older, you should have annual eye exam to check for macular degeneration.

Ask your ophthalmologist about home testing for signs of further degeneration. A simple home screening device is available from most ophthalmologists.

Talk with your doctor about laser treatments, which may be effective for 10 to 20 percent of those with macular degeneration that’s detected early.

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com