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Q: Do psychiatric medications raise cholesterol? What should be done about it? Some psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, put patients at risk of elevated cholesterol and blood pressure and weight gain. In particular, antipsychotic drugs, such as 'olanzapine' and 'risperidone', can affect hormonal mechanisms, causing changes in lipid levels and increasing cholesterol levels. This much can be done to prevent this from happening. Á Regular check-up: Cholesterol and blood pressure should be checked periodically under the guidance of the doctor after starting the medicine. This regular check makes it easier to deal with any changes in time. Á Improve diet and exercise: A good and balanced diet and regular exercise can help control cholesterol. Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing saturated fats like oil, ghee, and fast food. Á Doctor's advice: If your cholesterol is rising, it is very important to consult a doctor. A doctor can change or add medications as needed, and prescribe a diet or exercise plan that is right for you. Á Lifestyle changes: Incorporating practices like yoga, pranayama, and meditation into daily life can also balance stress and hormonal changes in the body, which can help control cholesterol. If you experience more tremors due to medication, a medical review can be done on the advice of a doctor. Question: My child is bullied at school. What should be done? Bullying involves harassing children. It can have a very serious impact on children's mental health. Bullying has a profound effect on a child's mind and in this the child needs to be properly guided in order to avoid it. The following methods are effective for this: Á Listen to the child and explain: Acknowledge the child's experience and feelings. Getting to know what causes him pain and how he feels about it. Make the child feel confident when talking. Á Talk to the teacher and school staff: If the school's cooperation is necessary to take appropriate measures to prevent bullying in the school, try to connect with the teacher and the school staff. Á Teaching resilience: Teach a child resilience skills to react to bullying, such as building self-confidence, making friends, and expressing emotions appropriately during times of stress. Á Training to stop bullying: Schools can be requested to provide special training to teach all students how to deal with bullying situations. Á Joining a support group: If there are anti-bullying support groups for kids in your area, help your child join them. }
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