Christmas is a time to share gifts, warmth, and hugs. Unfortunately, that is never the case with everyone; In fact, the lonely get lonelier during this time.

For those struggling to fit in, Christmas is a time when those few people you had in your circle go off to be with their families. It is typical for many people to experience loneliness and isolation when the jingle bells and mistletoes are in the air.   

Why lonely when others make merry?   

You could blame it on the media - there is that perfect Christmas image that we have been made to believe in since we were kids. You have seen it on TV, in the press and social media; the family who get along ,having a great time, the dinner parties, the gifts and smiles. All that could make you feel inadequate.   

It could also be that your family doesn’t get along perfectly when Facebook and Instagram speak otherwise about your colleagues and friends. On the other hand, other lonely people on Christmas don’t have a family to go home to, as in the case of expatriates far from home.    The well-worn phrase that says the money is the root of all evil applies in this case too; without enough money to travel home to be with your family, you will likely spend your Christmas wallowing in loneliness.    

Overcoming loneliness is necessary    

Loneliness takes a toll on mental health and emotional strength. A lonely person is continuously sad and feels empty. They gradually sink into depression and start feeling worthless. The sufferers feel isolated, neglected and deprived.   

The festive season might open the Pandora’s Box of loneliness and inadequacies but without care all that could spiral into a mental health crisis. It so often happens that lonely people befriend the bottle, casual sex or white powder, just anything to make them forget that they are alone.   

According to data from the CDC, men are 4 percent more likely to commit suicide than women. It is probably because women are naturally better at making new connections. Suicide is a high risk for divorced and widowed men, and Christmas is the hot corner down the road.   

The knock effect of loneliness on work    

Even long after the season, the adverse impact that Christmas loneliness had on the mind of workers can be damning at work. Employers would have to deal with an employee(s) who has lost focus or struggling with addiction and low self-esteem.   

What employers can do    

Christmas bonus: Financial stress could be the primary cause of anxiety and loneliness. A Christmas bonus can go a long way to help employees travel and be with family and afford to facilitate all other social functions in the festive period.

A survey done by Harris Interactive shows that 73 % of all employees prefer a Christmas bonus to a party.    

Christmas cards: A Christmas card might sound like a small thing, but employees far away from home would surely appreciate it. Some of your workers might have been secluded by family due to their beliefs or sexual orientations or just a silly row. A card can help to cheer them up.   

Reach out on the phone: It could be a simple text message or a phone call. A friendly conversation can help to lift the spirits of an employee who lacks human contact.   

Loneliness during Christmas is a common occurrence due to various reasons - top among them alienation from family, financial stress and loss of family members. It often leads to a downturn in mental health, causing anxiety and depression that can affect performance at work long after Christmas is done and dusted. Employers can take steps to be there for their workers by putting the right measures in place early enough.

Look after yourselves and others this Christmas.

Mayfair, we care

Diabetes mellitus is one of the oldest known human diseases. It has been advancing relentlessly in modern times mostly in developed countries and is now among the leading causes of death. Below is a brief overview of what you need to know about diabetes.   

What exactly is it?   

Many people have heard about it and many know someone who suffers with the condition but few know exactly what it is.

This condition arises when the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin doesn't work normally.  There are a number of reasons why insulin secretions may be reduced. An individual could be affected by more than one cause. The main causative agents of diabetes include genetics, being overweight, infections and pancreatic diseases.

The Types of Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes; namely Type I and Type II, but it is worth noting that there are also several other subtypes.

Type I diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).  Type I afflicts around 5% of diabetics. Those affected must have regular injections of insulin. 

Type II diabetes is also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). It is the most common type, affecting over 90% of diabetics. This type generally hits around the middle or later life. However, younger patients are increasingly diagnosed with Type II diabetes.

The Symptoms and Complications of Diabetes

The classical symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst, excessive appetite, and excessive urination. However, few symptoms show early in the disease. Other symptoms include dehydration, tiredness, lethargy, and blurred vision. 

As diabetes progresses, its effects can be devastating, affecting all organs of the body. Diabetes can cause large blood vessels due to plaque buildup (made up of cholesterol and other fats). Plaque ruptures can form blood clots, which impede blood flow to vital areas like the heart and brain.

Reduced blood flow increases the risk of having a heart attack, suffering a stroke.  It can also lead to peripheral arterial disease (lack of blood flow to the lower limbs). This may cause pain and discoloration in the lower legs and slow healing wounds. If this continues for a long time, it may increase your risk of amputation. 

Long periods of high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in your eyes, nerves, and kidney. This can lead to eye problems, diabetic kidney disease, and nerve damage.

Protecting Yourself from Diabetes dangers

The first thing you need to know is that you will not inevitably develop complications simply because you have diabetes. Research has shown that the better your blood glucose control, the less likely you are to experience any complications. It has been demonstrated that diabetics can normalize their blood sugar levels by following a simple diet and increasing physical activities.

The diabetic diet is very low in fat and high in fibre. Consume more natural fibre-rich foods, simply prepared and low in fat. Avoid refined and processed foods. Markedly reduce fats, oil, and grease.

Along with proper diabetic control, giving up (or not starting) smoking can reduce your chances of developing complications. Smoking and diabetes definitely don’t mix.

All of the aforementioned dangers are more common in individuals who smoke.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a common condition and seems to be increasing in incidence worldwide. However, there is some good news too.  There is a great deal of research into prevention, cures, and treatments of the symptoms and complications. Our understanding of the disease has increased dramatically, and the future prospects for diabetics are promising.

Mayfair we care.

Additional References https;//www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes

First of all, what is high blood pressure? We hear the phrase and think we understand, but do we really know what it means and what the implications could be?

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in the arteries as it is being pumped around the body by the heart. When your blood pressure exceeds an upper limit for an extended time, you have high blood pressure, or hypertension.

In adults high blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure (when my heart is contracting) of 140 or more, and or a diastolic pressure (when the heart is relaxing) of 90 or more.

However, to get a true picture, it may be worth getting your blood pressure measured more than once. Going to the doctor can be stressful (white coat syndrome) and stress can cause it to arise.

Why is high blood pressure dangerous?

High blood pressure is dangerous because the heart, brain and kidneys can withstand increased blood pressure for long periods, and people with high blood pressure may feel perfectly well for years.

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t doing damage if it is not controlled. High blood pressure can overload the heart accelerating the artery clogging process known as atherosciences. This in turn can lead to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney failure.

Why should people check their blood pressure?

All adults should have their blood pressure checked every 1 to 2 years although anyone with a direct family history of it should have a chat tomorrow afternoon.

Adults who experience symptoms of hypertension such as swollen ankles and fingers, breathlessness, blurred vision, frequently bleeding nose and persistent morning headaches, should have the blood pressure checked immediately.

Do you need medication to control high blood pressure?

While it is true that many people need drugs to control her blood pressure, others can reduce it, or lower the dose of the drugs needed to control it, with lifestyle changes.

A healthy diet alone maybe all that is needed to reduce blood pressure.

An American study showed that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods, and high in fibre and protein, is sufficient to significantly reduce blood pressure in people with mild hypertension.

For anyone with more severe hypertension it is advised that, along with a healthy diet, they lower the alcohol and salt intake to lose weight, and exercise regularly.

Mayfair we care.