The world of Tzu Chi Sep-Oct 2022 (Vol.143)

2022 • 10 46 ellness Translated by Lee Hung Jiew Mum Fell! I cannot walk this care giving journey on my own. Besides taking turns with my family members and relatives to take care of my mother, I also enlisted a physiotherapist. With adequate diet and physiotherapy, she has managed to stand up and walk slowly within two months. For this, I am content. T he day after March 8, International Women’s Day, my mother accidentally fell at home and was hospitalized. She was found to have a fractured leg and underwent surgery a few days later. In Singapore, research data indicate that one in three of the elderly aged 65 and above, has experienced at least one fall annually. This number increases with age. For elderly aged above 80, one in two falls at least once a year. After a fall, older adults will experience changes in their ability to care for themselves. My beloved uncle, for example, experienced this years ago. With no other choice, he ended up residing in a care centre until the day he drew his last breath. After receiving the news of my mother’s fall, an image from the Diamond Sutra appeared in my mind. It was the scene where Subhuti asked the Buddha, “How should one tame one’s mind?” I tried my best to calm myself and then proceeded to make arrangements to return home to Ipoh. As soon as I stepped into the house, I observed that there was abundance of health food of various brands on the dining table. I laughed it off and said to my mother, “Looking at the bottles and jars on the table, I can tell that you must have been popular in town!” It is quite common for patients, who are physically compromised, to have low morale and have such thoughts. “I did not do anything wrong, but why am I experiencing this kind of suffering?” It was miserable to be physically unwell, but the sincere support from our family members, relatives and friends during this time, was akin to light in the darkness. Nutrition intake is key Nutrition intake is one of the important factors affecting post-surgical recovery of wounds and fractures. It is not only essential for patients suffering from bone fractures to consume additional calories and protein, but also imperative to pay attention to the intake of calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. Dairy products such as milk and cheese, high-calcium soy or plant-based milk, soy products, and low-oxalate dark green leafy vegetables, like broccoli, bok choy and Chinese kale, are some sources of calcium suitable for vegetarians. Although vegetables, like spinach, are rich in calcium, their high oxalic acid content can impede calcium absorption. Those who are unable to obtain sufficient calcium from their diet during this critical period may consult a dietitian on supplements. Abowl of vegetable soup for added nutrition Vitamin D helps absorb calcium from the blood stream and channel it to the bones.