After reading this lesson what precautions you would suggest to your elders about edema. (AS7)

Edema is a condition in which there is accumulation of fluid in the interstitial cells which is located beneath the skin or one more cavities of the body. It causes swelling in the body parts. Generally this occurs in elders due to their inactive nature.
The following methods are recommended by healthcare professionals

i. Compression stocking: It reduces the fluid buildup and improves circulation.

ii. Movement: Sitting and standing for too long promotes the fluid flow into the legs specially travelling to long distances. Leg exercise increases circulation while preventing fluid retention in the legs and feet moving and using the leg muscles helps pump excess fluid back to the heart.
People with swollen feet or legs, shall keep the legs elevated above the level of heart for 30 minutes a day or 3 or 4 times a day.

iii. Low salt diet: Taking low salt diet can prevent or reduce swelling. Reducing the amount of salt including table salt in the diet may prevent swelling problems from reoccurring.

iv. Avoid temperature changes: Temperature changes to very hot or cold can make edema worse. This can happen when going from hot outdoors into an air conditioner building or vice versa. Avoid hot baths, hot showers when swelling occurs.

v. Diuretics, medications help increase urine output, excrete water and sodium.