Finding Holiday Gifts For Friends and Family Coping With Illness
--Local Physician Offers Tips
One in a series of articles designed to make the Pee Dee healthier

By: Sue Rudnicki, Program Director
Wound Healing Center at Marion Regional Healthcare System

The old saying “it’s the thought that counts” is really true according to a local physician who reminds people that are choosing holiday gifts for family members or friends coping with illness to consider the person’s needs.

Dr. Parakkat Krishnan, MD, Medical Director of the Wound Healing Center at Marion Regional Healthcare System, treats chronic wounds where he sees people with diabetes and cancer as well as those with arterial and vascular diseases.

“Many of us get caught up in the traditions of the holiday season and want to do things just as we did in the past,” said Dr. Krishnan. “However, for the elderly and those coping with illness, the holidays can be very stressful and tiring. When choosing a gift, it is important to think about the recipient’s health and how the gift will be used.”

Dr. Krishnan offers some tips:

•    Slippers are a common gift for the elderly but don’t buy based on outside appearances. One in five Americans over 60 has diabetes and improper footwear can cause serious health problems. Inspect the inside of the slippers for seams that could irritate skin or cause a wound. Consider side wrap slippers with Velcro fasteners for recipients with swollen feet.

•    The sugar and cholesterol in holiday treats can be a health risk for those with diabetes and arterial disease, so consider a fruit basket, a health-conscious cookbook or an appliance such as a juicer. Many gift basket sellers also offer sugar-free, low sodium or health-related gifts.

•    Bring the holidays to someone who is homebound or too tired from an illness to decorate. Wreaths and poinsettias brighten any room or offer to assist the person in putting up their own treasured holiday decorations.

•    For someone who is battling a serious illness, the act of sending out holiday greetings can be overwhelming. Help compose and duplicate a brief note then set aside an afternoon when your friend can sign cards as you handle addressing and mailing them.

•    Share a New Year’s resolution and become a partner in your friend or family member’s health. Agree to go on a diet and exercise together or ask if you may drive them to doctor appointments and also pick up prescriptions.

•    Your understanding and time are the best gifts. Don’t force someone who isn’t physically up to it to celebrate the season with gusto. Instead, spend a quiet visit with them and let them know that having them there to share the holidays is what matters most.


The Wound Healing Center at Marion Regional Healthcare System is located on Highway 76 between Marion and Mullins. A National Healing Corporation Wound Center, it specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions and offers hospital-based outpatient wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy as well as disease management and diabetes care. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has awarded National Healing Corporation Disease-Specific Care Certification for wound care. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (843) 431-CARE (2273) or visit them on the web at www.MarionCountyMedical.com