HEALTH: Coping with retirement

2009/09/01

Q: I will be retiring from work in four months and am petrified about being redundant. Ever since I completed my degree in my mid-20s, I have been gainfully employed. My anxiety about retirement is affecting my ability to sleep at night, although I have no financial problems and my children are grown up and have families of their own. Why is this happening to me? — Mohktar, Kuala Lumpur

DR YEN: It’s normal for you to experience some anxieties and fears about retirement. Most people do after being in the workforce for a long time. But the adjustment period should not last more than six months. Retirement should be relaxing, but it doesn’t always mean you have to stop working.

If you enjoy working, you can get a part-time job or one with flexible working hours that does not stress you out unnecessarily. It is good to hear that your finances are not a source of worry.

There are lots of things people can do with their retirement: relax, go back to university, start a new hobby or try a part-time job. You can also have more quality family time with your loved ones. Don’t forget to get regular exercise, eat healthily and look after you health.

However, if you continue to be disturbed and are unable to sleep, you should consult a psychiatrist.

Q: I hardly drink water on a regular basis, let alone meet the required amount needed. I notice that my lips and skin are dry. Are these signs that I am dehydrated? — Sujatha, Klang

FARAH DIBA: Water is vital for our body. Your body needs about two litres of it each day. Water is also critical for temperature regulation, kidney function and even to prevent constipation. Drinking at least eight glasses (two litres) of water per day is recommended. Parched lips and also dry skin could be an indicator you are not drinking enough fluids.

Q: What are some of the often overlooked symptoms of a heart attack? — Zulkifli, Kuala Selangor

DR RAHMAN: The most common symptom of heart attack is central chest pain. It can also present itself in many other forms. During heart attack one could complain of feeling tired, breathless, dizzy, as well as feel choked.

Other symptoms include having a toothache, nausea and vomiting, epigastric pain as in gastritis, heart beat becomes erratic and thus palpitations for no apparent reason, perspiration and feeling numbness over the inner side of left arm (from the armpit to the elbow).

In diabetics, it can trigger severe hyperglycemia/diabetic coma. When a person who appears normal suddenly collapses, always think of the person as having a heart attack.

DATUK DR NOR ASHIKIN MOKHTAR
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Primanora
Medical Centre

COL (R) DR ABDUL RAHMAN MOHD ALI
Consultant Physician and Cardiologist

Darul Ehsan
Medical Centre

DATIN FARAH
DIBA KHAN
Chief Dietitian
Prince Court
Medical Centre

DR YEN TECK HOE
Consultant Psychiatrist
Private Practice

DR FOO WANG LENG
Paediatrician