Health in a Minute
Looking for quick answers to frequently asked healthcare questions? Health in a Minute is here to help. Here, professionals provide insight on topics from medical and dental care to mental health, aesthetics, and more. Read on for the latest round of expert advice.
Q. I’m caring for my mother and starting to feel easily irritated and withdrawn while helping with end-of-life care – is this a sign of compassion fatigue, and what coping strategies can help?
A. Yes, feeling irritable and withdrawn while providing end-of-life care can be signs of compassion fatigue. This can develop when caregivers prioritize others’ needs over their own, especially during intense caregiving periods. It’s important to recognize these signs early and know you’re not alone. At Alexian PACE, we understand that caring for a loved one is both meaningful and demanding – that’s why we make it a priority to support our caregivers. We offer counseling and a team of professionals to support you, along with a supportive adult day center to give both caregivers and participants the care and respite they need.
Coping strategies like setting boundaries, taking breaks, and connecting with others can make a big difference. Caring for yourself is essential to continue showing up with compassion for those you love.
Lorna Birch, MD
Medical Director, Ascension Living Alexian PACE
Q. What are some early signs of codependency in romantic relationships, and what approaches are commonly used to help couples navigate it?
A. Codependency in relationships involves both internal and relational dysfunction, often rooted in low self-worth and insecure attachment styles. It can stem from childhood experiences, generational or cultural patterns, abuse, neglect, dysfunctional family systems, or trauma. Common symptoms include: over-functioning while a partner under-functions (common in addiction dynamics), difficulty setting healthy boundaries, fear of abandonment, people-pleasing, control issues, low self-trust, resentment, trouble receiving, a strong need for external validation, and manipulation to get needs met – often without realizing it. Many also struggle to even identify their own needs. Codependency is something people can heal and grow out of with deliberate healing and work. This is a very common dynamic I work with in my practice, and I more than welcome those reading to reach out if you may be interested in learning more about how to overcome codependency in your own story.
Karisa Kaye, LMFT, CST
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I Love Us Relationship & Intimacy Counseling
Q. My husband recently had minimally invasive thyroid surgery and his voice is very hoarse. When can he expect his voice to return to normal?
A. In any approach to thyroidectomy, some degree of postoperative voice change is fairly common, and the extent of change ranges from minor alterations of voice pitch or tone to profound hoarseness or difficulty controlling air escape and voice fatigue. Both mild and severe symptoms can be the result of intubation-related trauma, local inflammation about the nerves that control voice (superior laryngeal nerve and recurrent laryngeal nerve), traction or compression trauma to the nerves, or direct injury to one of the nerves. Most often, voice changes begin to improve or totally subside within a few weeks. Less frequently, symptoms may remain significant to the patient (and the surgeon) for several months and gradually resolve. Rarely, voice changes or impairment fail to improve or are life-altering and may need to be addressed. Noninvasive vocal training can be beneficial, and interventions including surgery to improve voice are available in some centers.
Michael Roe, MD, FACS
General/Endocrine Surgeon, University Surgical Associates
Learn More: 10 Common Myths About Thyroid Disease
Q. What can be done to help with teeth grinding and clenching related to TMJ?
A. TMJ pain is often the result of overuse. During the day, the muscles that move the jaw are active while eating, talking, etc. If you also use them excessively by clenching during the day, and/or grinding your teeth at night, the muscles become overworked and sore. During the day, you can consciously try to keep your teeth apart or unclenched. In fact, teeth should only touch when you swallow. If you wake up with sore jaw muscles, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep. Ask your dentist about getting a night guard that keeps the teeth apart at night and breaks the muscle feedback loop that allows grinding.
Bill Childress, DDS, MD
Oral Surgeon, Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga
Learn More: Botox for TMJ & Other Questions, Gum Recession
Q. I’m already using a retinoid at night – can I combine it with a hyaluronic acid serum, or should I alternate them?
A. Retinoids and hyaluronic acid serum are both great skincare product choices for anti-aging. Retinoids work by helping the skin turn over more quickly, which unclogs pores and helps reduce sun damage. Retinoids also stimulate collagen production, which helps reduce fine lines and acne scarring. Retinoids, however, can cause irritation and dryness of the skin, especially with first use. Hyaluronic acid serum acts as a humectant by drawing water into the skin for a plumping effect. I like to apply my hyaluronic acid serum after using my nightly retinoid cream to help reduce dryness and irritation. They work perfectly together and make a great combo for amazing looking skin.
Laura Cleary, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, Four Bridges Dermatology & Cosmetics
Learn More: Skincare as You Age
