Dear Counsellor:

I have been working for several years and sometimes I have difficulty in getting vacation leave. I am convinced that I need to get my vacation leave to be able to perform at a very high level.

- Toniann

Dear Toniann:

Vacation leave is very important. We all need to take a break from the regular routine and rejuvenate ourselves. It would be useful to have a roster of leave arrangements with everyone in your department. Usually, the concern is that there is inadequate coverage for the department.

Temporary staff can fill in when people go on leave. Each company should make it a policy that vacation leave is mandatory and each employee should arrange to take his annual leave. It has been shown that productivity increases when people are rested and their minds positive. Positive thinking and positive behaviour are good for productivity.

Each company should have an employee-assistance programme to help workers to organise their lives so that personal problems don't interfere with productivity at the workplace.

Incentives should be given to employees who can organise their workload. Companies should make it policy that there are enough temporary workers so that productivity is not affected. Companies need to have wellness seminars to help employees lead healthy lives. It is important that the health of staff is in the forefront of any policy or procedure. Employees need mental-health days to rejuvenate themselves.

Pain in knees

Dear Counsellor:

My mother has been diagnosed with arthritis of the knee. She has been given analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents with minimal relief. I am thinking of getting a wheelchair for her.

- Sheila

Dear Sheila:

Arthritis is one of various physical problems that affect individuals, particularly as they grow older. Arthritis can be crippling and result in physical disability. Some individuals become demoralised because of the chronic pain and minimal relief. Depression commonly accompanies the chronic pain.

There are various techniques and devices to address knee problems. Restriction of activities is very problematic. It's best to see the orthopaedic surgeon and the rheumatologist to get their opinion on your mother's knee. Your mother may need to undergo a number of exercises, as prescribed by a physiotherapist. There are devices that enable an individual to walk around and function.

When individuals are confined to a chair or a bed, they may become depressed and have to be treated for depression. It is good to continue walking for as long as is possible. A wheelchair can be used to give some relief but you need to encourage routine activities, walking and simple exercises. The specialist will guide you as to the exercises needed.

It is important to get your mother to attend her church and committee meetings as loneliness and isolation can result. There are many individuals who have arthritis of the knee but are still active.

Need some help with personal or family problems? Email Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call her at 978-8602.

Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson