supporting clients and carers​

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Understanding the journey

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When someone receives a diagnosis of ALS/MND, it can be hard to know what direction to take and what the options are. That's why Rachael Marsden, a highly experienced Consultant Nurse who has specialised in MND/ALS for the past 25 years, is available to support You Nutrition Clinic clients. Rachael can help you to navigate the following at any stage of your journey: 

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New to MND: 

• Support navigating an MND/ALS diagnosis

• What should I expect 

• Options for counselling

• Available NHS support/services

• Financial support e.g. PIP funding/Continuing Health Care funding/other funding and resources

• What additional support is available e.g. MNDA

• Advice on genetic testing and what to consider

 

Specific symptom management: 

• Breathing issues.

• Swallowing. 

• Saliva management.

• Mucus production. 

• Bowel movements. 

• Neck support.

• Paralysis. 

• Speech. 

• Pain.

• Sleep. 

• Other (ability to list what is bothering them)

 

Guidance on medication options (pros and cons): 

• ALS medications

• Other medications (skin, gut, etc). 

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Equipment: 

• Equipment options (for movement/paralysis, breathing, mucus, pain etc). 

• Support regarding PEG/RIG 

• Blended diets

 

Relationships: 

• Advice on sexual interaction. 

• Advice on relationship management. 

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Reach out to us at info@younutritionclinic.com for a 1:1 consultation.

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meal planning 

 

When a family member or friend receives a neurodegenerative or neurological health diagnosis, it's normal for family members to feel out of their depth. We are aware that meal planning for clients with special dietary needs can be challenging.

 

For many neurodegenerative clients, the challenge can be keeping nutrient levels up and preventing weight loss. Clients often do their own research and have a particular dietary model in mind that they would like to follow, which your assigned practitioner can guide you on. Your neurologist or your assigned practitioner may also want you to follow a specific dietary model, or may have some specific dietary requirements to consider, which can feel challenging to implement as the carer.

 

Practitioners are available to support carers who need a little help developing meal plans or meal ideas for themselves and/or their loved ones, with consideration to all of the challenges that go along with neurodegenerative health conditions. 

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Reach out to us to find out more information on support available, pricing and availability. 

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support for carers

​​When someone receives a life-changing diagnosis, it can also have a knock-on effect on the health of those around them. It's normal for family members to feel anxious and worried. Being a carer can have a potential impact on physical, mental and emotional health, as well as financial implications that can greatly contribute to stress levels.

 

Stress, anxiety, worry, tiredness and exhaustion can play havoc with our health. Cortisol, the main stress hormone, has been shown to negatively impact a number of aspects of health, including immune, gut, metabolic and hormonal health. In addition to life stress, lack of sleep can also drive up levels of cortisol and impact health outcomes. It's so important to manage this appropriately so that there are no knock-on adverse outcomes and carers remain in the best health possible to fully support their loved ones. 

That's where we can support you. Practitioners are available for consultations with family members who are concerned about their stress levels and any related symptoms, and want to optimise their health outcomes. ​

 

Lifestyle support, including dietary intake, exercise, and management of stress and sleep, is all key to improvement in the symptoms often experienced by carers. ​Often, diet and lifestyle changes alone aren't enough to correct imbalances, so therapeutic nutraceuticals can be utilised to optimise nutrient status and balance biochemical pathways. Various tests may be recommended, including: 

 

• Metabolic health

• Gut health

• Genetic risk factors

• Nutrient status

• Stress levels

• Hormonal health

• Toxic load

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In addition, Rae, our Breathwork and Movement Practitioner, can offer you 1:1 sessions to calm your mind and support your sleep.  

 

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support for predisposition

​For some family members, in addition to the worry around a loved one's health outcomes, there may be concern for their own health outcomes, particularly if a genetic link has been established to a neurodegenerative health diagnosis. You are not alone.  Kerry, Jessica, Nicolle and Melody are available for consultations with family members or those who have concerns about developing a neurodegenerative condition, and will help you to optimise health outcomes from the earliest possible stage.

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further support

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On occasion, further support from external practitioners may be recommended, which may include counselling, physiotherapy, and personal training for exercise support. Guidance will be provided to ensure that you have access to the most appropriate practitioners.​​ Your practitioner will guide you on this.