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The holidays are a cherished time of year. As we head into December, ANC is sharing some ways to understand stress and how you can best manage it through whatever your holiday festivities may bring. Enjoy!
Common Points of Holiday Stress
The biggest concerns patients face about their holiday plans include diet and travel restrictions. However, there are ways to observe safety recommendations while still enjoying your family celebrations.
Traveling with Dialysis
For patients on dialysis, travel can seem daunting but with the right plan can be thoroughly enjoyed. Our biggest advice for patients on dialysis is to use time to your advantage. Planning allows your local dialysis units to coordinate sessions with dialysis units in your travel destination. This is especially important if you plan to enjoy a long stay.
Another important consideration is your travel location. Within the U.S., travel can become an issue due to inclement weather in regions like the Midwest and East Coast. Make sure you have enough supplies saved and can withstand a few days of snow. You can even ask your care team about backups to transportation services or coordinate with family for rides to your appointments.
Managing Stress and Health
For our patients who battle stress regularly, here are some tips to be mindful of as the holidays approach. The first strategy is to be honest with yourself. If you feel the physical or mental symptoms of momentary stress, be sure to check yourself. Go to a secluded area and self-regulate, check your blood pressure, and, if needed, don’t shy away from getting assistance from family and friends to help regulate your stressors.
Supporting Those With Kidney Disease
From the perspective of family members and caretakers, there are several ways to help your loved ones enjoy holiday travel safely and healthily. Offering kind reminders to your loved ones to take care of themselves by drinking water and following their medication plans can be a great way to ensure accountability. You can also provide help by assisting with preparations before travel. Finally, observing signs and signals of deteriorating health can be a life-saving way to support your loved ones.
Expert Tips and Advice
To summarize, our providers recommend planning ahead of time to best assess your travel plans and how to manage stressors associated with the holiday season. At ANC our team is well-equipped to help you provide you with the resources you need to plan for safe and fun festivities. As we progress throughout the month, be sure to consult with your family members and care team regarding your holiday plans so you can be best supported and enjoy your downtime to the fullest!
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