Recently there has been a spate of articles in the press stating that the very vitamins we have been encouraged for years to take as daily nutritional supplements may in fact significantly decrease our lifespan. Just today I read an article that said Vitamin E, which has been recommended for years as the best way for men to reduce the risk of cancer, may be responsible for an increase in prostate cancer. Does this sound vaguely familiar to the cycle of "eat eggs they are good food....don't eat eggs because they are bad for cholesterol.....to once again, eat eggs cause they're good for you"?? There are studies that show virtually anything you want them to, so what are we to believe? Are there studies available through the AMA which has conclusive data and results? Should we all immediately stop taking our 1-a-days?
Vitamins are drugs. Drugs are chemicals. Food at its essence is chemicals as well. But, no one is recommending we stop eating, are they? We will always be reminded, and rightfully so, to eat responsibly. Eat healthy foods. Eat balanced diets. Eat smaller, more appropriate, portions (not "super-sizing" everything). Often we find this sage wisdom easier said than done for any number of legitimate reasons. Vitamins taken in the appropriate and recommended daily dosages, are meant to help us with healthy balances when our food intake and diet do not.
I am not a doctor. I am not a research scientist. I do; however, consider myself to be educated and in good health. My good health I attribute to eating "pretty" healthy most of the time and I take daily vitamin supplements to help me with balancing my nutrition. I also exercise regularly, drink lots of water, and get an annual check up with my doctor during which I always get my blood tested.
I for one am not going to give up my vitamins since I believe they do help me stay healthier than I might be otherwise. I hope I am right about this. I will continue to watch the media for any further information that gets conveyed and should it begin to show conclusive data that vitamins are indeed bad for us, then I will change my diet by eating my words.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Thought for the day....are you accepting??
I recently read a post on the FB page of Oriah Mountain Dreamer which I felt was worthy of re-posting.
"And that’s the biggest difference between acceptance and resignation: resignation feels like defeat and breeds hopelessness and helplessness; acceptance of what is, even when conditions pose real difficulties, helps us focus on what remains and can be cultivated without denying real loss. It encourages us to see and allows gratitude to arise for what can be enjoyed even in the face of difficulties beyond our control. And acceptance opens the door to spontaneous compassion for those who are facing similar or more serious limitations.
Resignation is a shrinking, a turning away from life. Acceptance is an expansion, an opening that helps us find the courage to be who we are and do what we can. I’m not saying it’s always easy, but I am deeply grateful to have had the time and a place close to the earth where I could see through some of my denial, wrestle with and step away from resignation, and find renewed awareness and acceptance. . . . again!"
As we all age and face dealing with chronic ailments and changing life conditions....many are harder to deal with than others...and our ability to accept them vs. resign ourselves to them I believe is critical to our ability to live a healthy life as we age. Comments??
"And that’s the biggest difference between acceptance and resignation: resignation feels like defeat and breeds hopelessness and helplessness; acceptance of what is, even when conditions pose real difficulties, helps us focus on what remains and can be cultivated without denying real loss. It encourages us to see and allows gratitude to arise for what can be enjoyed even in the face of difficulties beyond our control. And acceptance opens the door to spontaneous compassion for those who are facing similar or more serious limitations.
Resignation is a shrinking, a turning away from life. Acceptance is an expansion, an opening that helps us find the courage to be who we are and do what we can. I’m not saying it’s always easy, but I am deeply grateful to have had the time and a place close to the earth where I could see through some of my denial, wrestle with and step away from resignation, and find renewed awareness and acceptance. . . . again!"
As we all age and face dealing with chronic ailments and changing life conditions....many are harder to deal with than others...and our ability to accept them vs. resign ourselves to them I believe is critical to our ability to live a healthy life as we age. Comments??
Monday, August 22, 2011
Volunteerism
The need for volunteers to provide community service is ever present. Why volunteer? Why be bothered?
I often hear seniors complain about being alone, being isolated. In fact,survey after survey shows that isolationism is the number one issue for our seniors population. I don't get it. There are so many things that need to be done, so many opportunities to get engaged in the community, it is hard for me to really understand how people can not find something worthwhile to engage in for themselves. Yes, I appreciate that often there are numerous obstacles to overcome, such as transportation, but all too often these are excuses not reality.
Years ago when my children were much younger they were "made" to do community service. We volunteered through our church to serve Holiday dinners at the local food pantry for homeless families, we volunteered to clean the parks through the boyscouts, we collected food for the local food pantry, and we donated money annually to a charity of my kids choosing. Why did we do this? Because, I felt it was important that my children develop an appreciation for something larger than themselves. They needed to understand the sense of community and their place in it. They also needed to appreciate how fortunate they were compared to some, and not only to remain humble but to give back to the community as much as possible to help those less fortunate.
Did these lessons always work? Did they ultimately learn this appreciation? Yes; but I confess, I had help. In 2007, while living in San Diego area, we lost our home and all our belongings in one of the area's wild fires fueled by the Santa Ana winds. It was terribly traumatic for the family; but, especially the kids. However, they lived through it and are better for it. They experienced first hand the value of community service and volunteerism as a recipient. All of a sudden they were truly homeless, without personal possessions. They had no home, with a warm bed, in which to sleep. All the clothes they had were the ones they were wearing. All of a sudden, when someone they didn't know held out a helping hand, they understood the value.
My daughter, who at the time was entering her senior year of highschool, used this experience as the basis of her college admissions essay. This was her very big and personal "AHA" moment. Now all those years of "forced" volunteer work she was made to do made sense to her. She had now benefitted and was able to internalize the value to herself, and in turn others. She was overwhelmed with the graciousness and unselfish giving from the community - churches, schools, other organizations - but more specifically from her friend, peers, and other warm hearted individuals. It was personal, it was a person- to- person caring that she felt. It was what let her move forward and recover from the fire's trauma on her life. She continues to reach out to others through her volunteer work and I believe she always will.
This was true for my other children as well.
Should this type of personal trauma be necessary for someone to learn the value of community service and the value of being a volunteer? NO. But, it does serve the purpose to illustrate how it does occasionally come full circle. Seniors who can volunteer, should. it solves the problem of being isolated from the community, it establishes tremendous personal esteem, and it absolutely benefits others who need it the most! Comments?
I often hear seniors complain about being alone, being isolated. In fact,survey after survey shows that isolationism is the number one issue for our seniors population. I don't get it. There are so many things that need to be done, so many opportunities to get engaged in the community, it is hard for me to really understand how people can not find something worthwhile to engage in for themselves. Yes, I appreciate that often there are numerous obstacles to overcome, such as transportation, but all too often these are excuses not reality.
Years ago when my children were much younger they were "made" to do community service. We volunteered through our church to serve Holiday dinners at the local food pantry for homeless families, we volunteered to clean the parks through the boyscouts, we collected food for the local food pantry, and we donated money annually to a charity of my kids choosing. Why did we do this? Because, I felt it was important that my children develop an appreciation for something larger than themselves. They needed to understand the sense of community and their place in it. They also needed to appreciate how fortunate they were compared to some, and not only to remain humble but to give back to the community as much as possible to help those less fortunate.
Did these lessons always work? Did they ultimately learn this appreciation? Yes; but I confess, I had help. In 2007, while living in San Diego area, we lost our home and all our belongings in one of the area's wild fires fueled by the Santa Ana winds. It was terribly traumatic for the family; but, especially the kids. However, they lived through it and are better for it. They experienced first hand the value of community service and volunteerism as a recipient. All of a sudden they were truly homeless, without personal possessions. They had no home, with a warm bed, in which to sleep. All the clothes they had were the ones they were wearing. All of a sudden, when someone they didn't know held out a helping hand, they understood the value.
My daughter, who at the time was entering her senior year of highschool, used this experience as the basis of her college admissions essay. This was her very big and personal "AHA" moment. Now all those years of "forced" volunteer work she was made to do made sense to her. She had now benefitted and was able to internalize the value to herself, and in turn others. She was overwhelmed with the graciousness and unselfish giving from the community - churches, schools, other organizations - but more specifically from her friend, peers, and other warm hearted individuals. It was personal, it was a person- to- person caring that she felt. It was what let her move forward and recover from the fire's trauma on her life. She continues to reach out to others through her volunteer work and I believe she always will.
This was true for my other children as well.
Should this type of personal trauma be necessary for someone to learn the value of community service and the value of being a volunteer? NO. But, it does serve the purpose to illustrate how it does occasionally come full circle. Seniors who can volunteer, should. it solves the problem of being isolated from the community, it establishes tremendous personal esteem, and it absolutely benefits others who need it the most! Comments?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Seniors and their pets....
Last week my mother's dog died.
My Mom is 87 years old, and for the past 14+ years has lived alone with her dog, Blackie. Blackie was a mixture of shepherd, collie, and who know what else but to my mom he was pure gold. He was her sole, and soul, companion for most days. They had a very special relationship to say the least. Seven years ago my Mom was diagnosed with stomach cancer and had to have her stomach removed as part of the prescribed therapy. She lives today, healthier than before her diagnosis, thanks to her dog, Blackie. On those days, in the weeks and months immediately following her surgery, when she felt like she couldn't, or didn't want to go on, she did so simply to take care of her dog. She made herself not only get out of bed, during her surgery recovery, but she made herself go out and walk her dog. Not only did this help, if not accelerate, her physical recovery but it also gave her the mental and spiritual activity she needed to stay engaged in her own well being, for the well being of her pet. My family owes a great deal to this animal!
He served not only as her constant companion, but also as her protector. The neighborhood we were raised in, like many in urban areas, has significantly changed over the past 40+ years. The demographics changed along with an absence of pride in home ownership. The collegial family atmosphere of our childhood neighborhood simply disappeared to be replaced with an atmosphere of drugs, hoodlums, violence, and fear. Still, my Mom would walk her dog twice a day without fear. Once, out on one of their early morning excursions, they were attacked by a neighbor's untethered pitbull terrier. Mom ended up with multiple wounds on her forearms but Blackie prevailed until help arrived in the form of a friendly motorist who noticed their dilemma and stopped to help them. Blackie was known and respected throughout her neighborhood. Candidly, this protected Mom...kept her safe in her home as most knew to keep their distance from her protector, Blackie.
Now Blackie is gone and I find myself worrying much more about my Mom. I worry about her safety and her overall sense of well being. I have tried to convince her to move from her home (and neighborhood) or to get another pet, another "Blackie"; but her response, "I am likely not to be here long enough to raise another dog, and I am not moving from my home!". Many of us tend to take pets for granted, or even find them a nuisance with which we a forced to tolerate. In his death, I have gained new appreciation, not just for Blackie; but, for every pet that provides irreplaceable companionship for our seniors. Anyone, disagree??
My Mom is 87 years old, and for the past 14+ years has lived alone with her dog, Blackie. Blackie was a mixture of shepherd, collie, and who know what else but to my mom he was pure gold. He was her sole, and soul, companion for most days. They had a very special relationship to say the least. Seven years ago my Mom was diagnosed with stomach cancer and had to have her stomach removed as part of the prescribed therapy. She lives today, healthier than before her diagnosis, thanks to her dog, Blackie. On those days, in the weeks and months immediately following her surgery, when she felt like she couldn't, or didn't want to go on, she did so simply to take care of her dog. She made herself not only get out of bed, during her surgery recovery, but she made herself go out and walk her dog. Not only did this help, if not accelerate, her physical recovery but it also gave her the mental and spiritual activity she needed to stay engaged in her own well being, for the well being of her pet. My family owes a great deal to this animal!
He served not only as her constant companion, but also as her protector. The neighborhood we were raised in, like many in urban areas, has significantly changed over the past 40+ years. The demographics changed along with an absence of pride in home ownership. The collegial family atmosphere of our childhood neighborhood simply disappeared to be replaced with an atmosphere of drugs, hoodlums, violence, and fear. Still, my Mom would walk her dog twice a day without fear. Once, out on one of their early morning excursions, they were attacked by a neighbor's untethered pitbull terrier. Mom ended up with multiple wounds on her forearms but Blackie prevailed until help arrived in the form of a friendly motorist who noticed their dilemma and stopped to help them. Blackie was known and respected throughout her neighborhood. Candidly, this protected Mom...kept her safe in her home as most knew to keep their distance from her protector, Blackie.
Now Blackie is gone and I find myself worrying much more about my Mom. I worry about her safety and her overall sense of well being. I have tried to convince her to move from her home (and neighborhood) or to get another pet, another "Blackie"; but her response, "I am likely not to be here long enough to raise another dog, and I am not moving from my home!". Many of us tend to take pets for granted, or even find them a nuisance with which we a forced to tolerate. In his death, I have gained new appreciation, not just for Blackie; but, for every pet that provides irreplaceable companionship for our seniors. Anyone, disagree??
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Birthdays....Bah, Humbug!!
Just yesterday I had the otherwise joyous occasion of another birthday; but, several years ago I decided to no longer celebrate them. I made this decision out of fear. Fear of aging! Who wants to get old?? Older??
Well, I suspect in reality we all do. If for no other reason than it does beat the alternative which is not being alive any longer to celebrate the occasion. I have long heard the adage "Everyday I wake up on this side of the grass, it is a great day"! In spite of all our aches, pains, and complaints, I hope we would all feel this way down deep. So, I decided to quit celebrating getting older; but, to start celebrating being alive. Celebrating life!
While on any given day I may not feel like aging any more, I will always feel great about being around to recognize another year of life.
Life is a journey filled with all manner of bumps, twists, turns, surprises - and, yes, aches and pains. Sorrows and grief. Happiness and joy. It is important we respect the sorrows and grief life deals to us; but, more important we focus on the joys and happiness. Life is meant to be lived. Meant to be celebrated. Meant to be wonderous, and joyous.
A client of mine once expressed it his way, "you know, everyone dies but not everyone lives". Please, do yourself a favor, be kind to yourself and live life to its fullest!
Well, I suspect in reality we all do. If for no other reason than it does beat the alternative which is not being alive any longer to celebrate the occasion. I have long heard the adage "Everyday I wake up on this side of the grass, it is a great day"! In spite of all our aches, pains, and complaints, I hope we would all feel this way down deep. So, I decided to quit celebrating getting older; but, to start celebrating being alive. Celebrating life!
While on any given day I may not feel like aging any more, I will always feel great about being around to recognize another year of life.
Life is a journey filled with all manner of bumps, twists, turns, surprises - and, yes, aches and pains. Sorrows and grief. Happiness and joy. It is important we respect the sorrows and grief life deals to us; but, more important we focus on the joys and happiness. Life is meant to be lived. Meant to be celebrated. Meant to be wonderous, and joyous.
A client of mine once expressed it his way, "you know, everyone dies but not everyone lives". Please, do yourself a favor, be kind to yourself and live life to its fullest!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Dementia
Games To Help With Dementia
Any activity you try with alzheimer’s and demented patients works only if you utilize the skills they have (nothing too difficult, it will frustrate them) and builds upon skills they used to have. this helps their memory to become stronger by doing things that remind them of being young. i was an activities director at a nursing home for two years on the unit specifically set aside for demented patients and am getting my masters in gerontology. these suggestions are all things i have done that have worked.
try the following:
Bingo (helps use hand eye skills, auditory skills, and its fun for them)
Scrabble (even if they can’t spell, adding up the points and winning gives great joy and comfort)
Guess the Song (or Sing the end of the song) make sure its songs that she would know (usually stuff from the 30s and 40s (you can download this stuff). music brings demented patients back and jogs memory.
Hair and Nail Salon: Fingernails can get really gross when you’re not paying attention to your hygeine, and demented patients can scratch themselves or others if they’re not kept neat. Try a full manicure (with lotion, hand massage, cleaning under the nails, let her choose the color) This promotes her self esteem, reminds her of being young and beautiful, physical stimulation (touching) helps the brain work better. same with the hair, by rolling curlers and set her hair once in awhile. this works for the same reasons as above.
Easy Cooking: this helps them to use their skills they have forgotten and brings them a feeling of being needed.
you can buy a bread machine for pretty cheap. make different kinds of bread (let her suggest what kind of bread) just have her add the ingredients to the machine and turn it on.
Wrapping Presents: sounds weird, but we had a little "Baby Shower" once with food, presents, decorations, etc. they absolutely loved wrapping the presents. we helped with tape and scissors of course.
Coloring: this seems a bit juvenile, but the ladies who were higher functioning than the rest (they could still pay attention to an individual task if nobody was telling them what to do) absolutely loved coloring. its soothing, and they really get into it.
Tea Time: if she doenst like tea, use something else. dress her up for it. make it seem like a formal, fun event.
Find some old tv shows on DVD ( I love Lucy comes to mind, the Three Stooges, anything you know she liked when she was little. A lot of them like that old TV show Lawrence Welk. Its on PBS on saturdays i think. just tape a couple episodes.
try the following:
Bingo (helps use hand eye skills, auditory skills, and its fun for them)
Scrabble (even if they can’t spell, adding up the points and winning gives great joy and comfort)
Guess the Song (or Sing the end of the song) make sure its songs that she would know (usually stuff from the 30s and 40s (you can download this stuff). music brings demented patients back and jogs memory.
Hair and Nail Salon: Fingernails can get really gross when you’re not paying attention to your hygeine, and demented patients can scratch themselves or others if they’re not kept neat. Try a full manicure (with lotion, hand massage, cleaning under the nails, let her choose the color) This promotes her self esteem, reminds her of being young and beautiful, physical stimulation (touching) helps the brain work better. same with the hair, by rolling curlers and set her hair once in awhile. this works for the same reasons as above.
Easy Cooking: this helps them to use their skills they have forgotten and brings them a feeling of being needed.
you can buy a bread machine for pretty cheap. make different kinds of bread (let her suggest what kind of bread) just have her add the ingredients to the machine and turn it on.
Wrapping Presents: sounds weird, but we had a little "Baby Shower" once with food, presents, decorations, etc. they absolutely loved wrapping the presents. we helped with tape and scissors of course.
Coloring: this seems a bit juvenile, but the ladies who were higher functioning than the rest (they could still pay attention to an individual task if nobody was telling them what to do) absolutely loved coloring. its soothing, and they really get into it.
Tea Time: if she doenst like tea, use something else. dress her up for it. make it seem like a formal, fun event.
Find some old tv shows on DVD ( I love Lucy comes to mind, the Three Stooges, anything you know she liked when she was little. A lot of them like that old TV show Lawrence Welk. Its on PBS on saturdays i think. just tape a couple episodes.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Fall Risks Amoung Older Adults
Consider the following statistics:
*Every 18 seconds an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall, and every 35 minutes a senior dies following a fall,
*Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths amoung people age 65 and older, accounting for almost 16,000 deaths in 2005,
*One out of every three people aged 65 and older falls each year despite the fact that research shows most falls are preventable,
*It cost more than $19Billion each year to treat injuries from falls, with the average hospitalization from a fall costing ~$17,500,
*By 2020, the annual costs for fall-related injuries are expected to reach $54.9Billion (in 2007 dollars)
For those of us nearing this age group called "seniors", and for those of us that have parents well into, and beyond, this age group this is a set of scary, and very concerning, statistics!
Falls happen for any number of reasons; some related to accidents, some to chronic illnesses, and some due to an acute illness (say, a stroke); but, as suggested many are preventable. I will use my own mother, who is 85 years old and still lives alone in her home of 50 years, as my example. Several years ago she developed macular degeneration in one eye which severely limited her vision. She then developed cataracts which have been subsequently removed; but, further limits her vision. While she is generally pretty darn healthy, she occassionally suffers dizzy spells - probably from not drinking enough water and dehydrating, especially during the summer months. She is gradually; but, surely becoming increasingly frail. However, she is fiercely independent and quite stubborn (ringing any bells?). Even though I have continuously advised against it, she will still go outside on a 90+ degree day, and using an old-fashioned push mower, mow her lawn.
Her house is two-story, and her bathroom and bedroom are both upstairs. She must make two dozen trips a day up and down those stairs. While she takes her time doing so, each trip is a chance for her to have that "accident" that will cause her physical harm. To help with preventing this, I have installed numerous safety features and caution her on at least a weekly basis about her safety. I am very fortunate that my mother does not suffer from dementia and is very capable of listening to, and following safety precautions. I still worry that each trip she makes increases her odds of a fall, and I anticipate that call informing me she has trip and fallen and is in route to an emergency room.
I will continue to encourage her to consider moving into a newer, single level living space; but, to date she has steadfastly refused to move from her home. I do everything I can to aid her in her safety; but, realize that her risks remain.
Do others of you encounter similar issues with your parents?
*Every 18 seconds an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall, and every 35 minutes a senior dies following a fall,
*Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths amoung people age 65 and older, accounting for almost 16,000 deaths in 2005,
*One out of every three people aged 65 and older falls each year despite the fact that research shows most falls are preventable,
*It cost more than $19Billion each year to treat injuries from falls, with the average hospitalization from a fall costing ~$17,500,
*By 2020, the annual costs for fall-related injuries are expected to reach $54.9Billion (in 2007 dollars)
For those of us nearing this age group called "seniors", and for those of us that have parents well into, and beyond, this age group this is a set of scary, and very concerning, statistics!
Falls happen for any number of reasons; some related to accidents, some to chronic illnesses, and some due to an acute illness (say, a stroke); but, as suggested many are preventable. I will use my own mother, who is 85 years old and still lives alone in her home of 50 years, as my example. Several years ago she developed macular degeneration in one eye which severely limited her vision. She then developed cataracts which have been subsequently removed; but, further limits her vision. While she is generally pretty darn healthy, she occassionally suffers dizzy spells - probably from not drinking enough water and dehydrating, especially during the summer months. She is gradually; but, surely becoming increasingly frail. However, she is fiercely independent and quite stubborn (ringing any bells?). Even though I have continuously advised against it, she will still go outside on a 90+ degree day, and using an old-fashioned push mower, mow her lawn.
Her house is two-story, and her bathroom and bedroom are both upstairs. She must make two dozen trips a day up and down those stairs. While she takes her time doing so, each trip is a chance for her to have that "accident" that will cause her physical harm. To help with preventing this, I have installed numerous safety features and caution her on at least a weekly basis about her safety. I am very fortunate that my mother does not suffer from dementia and is very capable of listening to, and following safety precautions. I still worry that each trip she makes increases her odds of a fall, and I anticipate that call informing me she has trip and fallen and is in route to an emergency room.
I will continue to encourage her to consider moving into a newer, single level living space; but, to date she has steadfastly refused to move from her home. I do everything I can to aid her in her safety; but, realize that her risks remain.
Do others of you encounter similar issues with your parents?
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