We are delighted to announce that we will be attending Fitfest on the 29th October at The Nutshell in Winchester.
If you are over 65 and struggling to find a fitness or exercise routine that suits you, then Fitfest is the place to be. Fitfest gives you the opportunity to trial different fitness and exercise options and provides an excellent way to socialise whilst doing a fitness activity.
Meet fitness exhibitors, including personal trainers, fitness clubs and other health experts.
Fitfest is FREE for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you.
What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by the body’s overwhelming response to an infection. Sepsis develops when an existing infection triggers an extreme immune system response in the body. The body responds by releasing proteins and other chemicals to fight it. Sepsis occurs when this response gets out of control, triggering extensive inflammation. Severe sepsis can lead to septic shock, a medical emergency and without urgent treatment, it can be fatal.
Stages of Sepsis
There are 3 stages of Sepsis – see flow chart opposite:
Sepsis Symptoms
It’s possible to mistake the symptoms above for those of another condition, like?pneumonia, COVID-19, or cancer.
In addition, sepsis symptoms can be particularly hard to identify in infants, children, and people with:
It’s best to seek medical assistance right away if you suspect sepsis. A health professional can examine you or the person you care for to make a diagnosis.
Who does sepsis affect?
Sepsis can affect anyone, but people with any kind of infection, especially bacteraemia, are at a particularly high risk.
Other people who are at a high risk include:
- People older than 65 years old,?new borns?and infants, and pregnant people.
- People with medical conditions such as?diabetes,?obesity,?cancer?and?kidney disease.
- People with weakened immune systems.
- People who are in the hospital for other medical reasons.
- People with severe injuries, such as large?burns?or wounds
- People with weaker immune systems, including people with?HIV?or those undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer
- People in intensive care units (ICUs)
- People exposed to invasive devices, like intravenous catheters or breathing tubes
Treatment for sepsis
Sepsis needs treatment in hospital straight away because it can get worse quickly.
You should get antibiotics within 1 hour of arriving at hospital.
If sepsis is not treated early, it can turn into septic shock and cause your organs to fail. This is life threatening.
You may need other tests or treatments depending on your symptoms, including:
- treatment in an intensive care unit
- a machine to help you breathe (ventilator)
- surgery to remove areas of infection
- You may need to stay in hospital for several weeks.
Recovering from sepsis
Most people make a full recovery from sepsis. But it can take time.
You might continue to have physical and emotional symptoms. These can last for months, or even years, after you had sepsis.
These long-term effects are sometimes called post-sepsis syndrome, and can include:
- feeling very tired and weak, and difficulty sleeping
- changes in your mood, or anxiety or depression
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
DO.
- ask your work about changes to your working hours or conditions while you’re recovering
- do some gentle easy exercises to build your strength (see https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/strength-exercises/)
- get regular rest and sleep
- try to prevent infections – for example, by washing your hands regularly
- try to eat little and often if you have a small appetite
DON’T
- do not try to rush your recovery – give yourself time
Pam had a stroke 7 years ago and up until then she was a very active lady, enjoying many holidays and travelling experiences abroad.
Pam is an artist who during her travels enjoyed painting “on the spot”. She has exhibited at the Chelsea Art Exhibition, the Mall Gallery and the Not The Turner Prize show. She used to get her inspiration while travelling and loves painting on the spot in both watercolours and oils.
She was born in the Belgian Congo and from the age of ten travelled variously in the south of France, Switzerland and Belgium before settling in Chieveley. She started painting when she was very young and her experience of living in hot countries and abroad has influenced her work. She has painted in Cuba, Zanzibar, Morocco and Australia.
Pam’s stroke was sudden and life changing, she has muscle weakness down one side and is wheelchair bound. She finds this frustrating and challenging as it prevents her from doing a wide range of activities. However, she ‘chooses to stay living in the comfort of her own home where she has some wonderful neighbours, she enjoys a high quality of life and remains as independent as she can. This has been achieved by Pam having a live in carer there to support her needs.
Pam loves to get out and about and to meet new and interesting people. She often goes out with her live in carer to places such as:
- Antique Fairs and Antique shops
- Swimming
- Painting Exhibitions
- Book Fairs
- Going to local Garden Centres
- Visiting friends
Her live in carer facilitates and welcomes friends and families that visit.
Pam’s live-in care also helps Pam to continue enjoying her beautiful garden by assisting with:
- Planting new plants
- Some light gardening
- Keeping the bird feeders topped up
- Feeding the fish
- Watering the plants
Pam also enjoys watching DVDs with her live-in carer and listening to music together. She recognises that having some quality companionship is a vital part of her maintaining emotional wellbeing.
We work hard to find the perfect live in carer for our clients, we know how much live in carers support and enhance the quality of life for people.
If you know someone that has got to the stage where they need a bit more than the regular pop in carer visits, we would be more than happy to visit them in their home and talk about the options available to them.
Live in care has become a much more preferred option than going into a Care or Residential Home and would be our pleasure to help make that happen.
We will listen to your wishes and needs. We will talk to you to get to know you so we can try to find you a Live-in Carer with common interests and beliefs. This is in addition to the necessary care qualifications, skills, and experience.
Stroke Resources you may find useful.
Stroke Association is a UK Charity. It works to prevent Stroke and to support everyone touched by Stroke. They have a helpline, an online community and run local and online Stroke support groups.www.stroke.org.uk
