This week, I experience the foretaste of in sickness and in health. It's not fun seeing him in agony, battling the forever-evil flu virus for a week. But I learn how to take care of the sick and I find showering him with much tender loving care a rewarding experience. :)
Taking good care of the sick is important to ensure speedy recovery. I have a few general points that I find pretty helpful:
1. The patient needs love and constant encouragement: So, just be around him. Your presence means a lot to him.
2. The patient needs a lot of rest and sleep, preferably in a quiet environment: Be a quiet and calm company. Don't ask too many questions and just let him rest as much as possible.
3. The patient needs plenty of fresh air and light: Make sure the room where the patient is resting is airy and has plenty of light.
4. The patient needs to feel comfortable: Get ready wet cloth to relieve the patient if he's feverish.
5. The patient needs constant hydration: Make sure there's plenty of plain water or 100Plus in the room. Herbal tea or honey lemon ginger tea are good beverages for sore throat.
6. The patient needs nutritional meals: The best suggestion is chicken soup combined with vegetables and even pasta. According to University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital, researchers from Mt. Sinai Medical Center found that chicken soup speeds the flow of mucus through the nose when compared to regular steam. This can not only ease the symptoms of a stuffy or runny nose, but can also help fight off infection as mucus excretion is a mechanism that the patient's body uses to flush out the harmful bacteria. Additionally, chicken soup helps keep the patient's body hydrated in times of illness.
So, I cook a pot of chicken soup with ginger, garlic, onions, potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms. We enjoy our meal. :)
Finally, a quote to summarize this week's Reflect 52 post:
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book.
- Irish Proverb
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