National Alzheimer's Awareness Month

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness month. It is estimated that as many as 5.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

According to the National Institute on Aging:

"Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear after age 60.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and reasoning—to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that as many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. After she died, he examined her brain and found many abnormal clumps (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary tangles). Plaques and tangles in the brain are two of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease. The third is the loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain.

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear after age 60.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and reasoning—to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that as many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. After she died, he examined her brain and found many abnormal clumps (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary tangles). Plaques and tangles in the brain are two of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease. The third is the loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain."

For FREE gifts for Caregivers go to: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk and for a limited time get a copy of Baby Boomers-Sandwiched Between Retirement & caregiving for only $20 at: www.BabyBoomersSandwich.com

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru

Tomorrow May Be Your Turn

I was touched by this and wanted to share it with you.

I wish I could credit the author, but have no idea who wrote this.

True Love

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.

He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be more than an hour before anyone would to able to see him.

I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to
remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing hometo eat breakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health.

He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back tears as he left.

I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

True love is neither physical, nor romantic.

True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did.

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.'

We are all getting Older.

Tomorrow may be your turn.

Sincerely,

Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

http://www.babyboomerssandwsich.com/

www.youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Tune Up Your Brain, Tune Up Your LIfe

Tune Up Your Brain, Tune Up Your Life

For the past 9 days I've been blogging about Dr. Arnold Bresky's "Nine Point Brain Tune Up System." Now, you'll have an opportunity to ask him personal questions. Dr. Bresky will be my guest tomorrow at Noon EST (9:00AM PST): www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon.

Dr. Bresky will answer such questions as:
What is our number one fearn as we age.
What is memory and what are the different types of memory?
What causes Alzheimer's disease?
What are the statistics related to BAby Boomers and Alzheimer's disease?
What are the three primary causes of memory disorders?
What are the four pillars of brain health?
What is neurogenesis and neuroplasticity?
What is cognitive reserve?
What is Whole Person Centered Care?
What is the Dr. Bresky "Nine Point Tune Up System?
What are the two biomarkers of aging?
What is the new medical paradigm for the aging population?

Be sure to tune in as Dr. Bresky discusses the notion that it is not how long you live, but how well you live. He will also discuss how to protect your brain.

I truly hope you will join us tomorrow. Remember---Memory is life!

Sincerely,
Sandra--Caregiver Guru for the Caregive Generation. www.BabyBoomersSandwich.com

www.Youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Kindness -- Point #9

Here's Point #9 from Dr. Arnold Bresky's Brain Tune Up System.

Kindness

Just as fun and laughter lifts our spirits, so do acts of kindness and generosity.

Take a few minutes during the course of each day to do something simple and kind for another.

You will not only make a positive impact in their life, but also your own.

Smile at a stranger who looks down, let a car in front of you on the freeway, give someone a sincere compliment.

Try it and see how performing simple acts of kindness improves your own mental outlook and disposition!

By signing up for the Brain Tune Up® Clubhouse, you will have full access to Dr. Bresky’s 9 Pt. System including the latest scientific research and ways to incorporate kindness into your everyday life.

I hope you've enjoyed these Brain Tune Ups, and find value in them. Also, it couldn't hurt to try them and see if you improve!

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Brain Exercises & Art Rx -- Point #8

Here's Point #8 from Dr. Arnold Bresky's Brain Tune Up System

Brain Exercises & Art Rx

There’s growing evidence that the brain is like the body—you either use it or lose it!

Both brain exercises and art Rx stimulate the brain. Brain exercises such as crossword puzzles stimulate the left hemisphere of the brain.

Art Rx stimulates both hemispheres of the brain. Art Rx is not traditional art therapy, art or drawing art.

Art Rx asks you to draw an object, break that object down mechanically and logically, and then redraw the object.

Doing so causes cross-firing between the left and right hemisphere of the brain, accelerating the generation of new brain cells.

By signing up for the Brain Tune Up® Clubhouse, you will have full access to Dr. Bresky’s 9 Pt. System including the latest scientific research and original Brain Tune Up® activities.

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Care Gier Generation
http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.Youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Hydration -- Point #7

Here's Point #7 from Dr. Arnold Bresky's Brain Tune Up System.

Hydration

Water is the Fountain of Youth! Proper hydration is vital to body and brain health.

Drinking at least six 8 oz. servings of water daily helps flush toxins from body tissues.

Most people are unaware that Myelin, a brain tissue, is easily destroyed by a build up of toxins.

For the health of your body and your brain make sure you drink enough water to keep your tissues toxin-free and well-hydrated!

By signing up for the Brain Tune Up® Clubhouse, you will have full access to Dr. Bresky’s 9 Pt. System including the latest research and ways to incorporate proper hydration into your everyday life.

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
www.BabyBoomersSandwich.com www.Youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Eating Plan -- Point #6

Here's Point #6 from Dr. Arnold Bresky's Brain Tune Up System.

Eating Plan

The Brain Tune Up® Eating Plan—Based on the Mediterranean diet.

Dr. Bresky recommends we eat fresh, seasonal foods low in fat and high in omega 3’s.

The Mediterranean diet can lower the risk of serious cognitive impairment by 40%. Omega 3’s help retain Myelin brain tissue.

By signing up for the Brain Tune Up® Clubhouse, you will have full access to Dr. Bresky’s 9 Pt. System including the latest research and recipes to enjoy the Brain Tune Up® Eating Plan.

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for he Caregiver Generation
http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.Youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Physical Exercise -- Point #5

Here'[s Point #5 from Dr. Arnold Bresky's Brain Tune Up System

Physical Exercise

We all know that optimal physical health is a necessity.

There are many different ways to achieve this, no matter what our age or current physical condition.

Even 9 minute intervals of exercise done 3 times a day will significantly improve physical health.

Physical exercise improves circulation and proper blood flow insures health and vitality in all areas of the body, including the brain.

When we exercise, growth hormones cause stem cells in the brain to grow. As always, check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.

By signing up for the Brain Tune Up® Clubhouse, you will have full access to Dr. Bresky’s 9 Pt. System including the latest research and ways to enjoy physical exercise.

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.Youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Just LIsten -- Dr. Mark Goulston

Just Listen

I just interviewed Dr. Mark Goulston (blogtakradio.com/sandra-haymon), best selling author of Just Listen, Get Out of Your Own Way, and Get Out of Your Own Way at Work.

What a treat!!! Not only does Dr. Goulston share empowering information, he is genuine, caring, and easy to listen to. I highly recommend his book Just Listen to anyone who wants to communicate in ways that help others make positive changes in their lives.

In Just Listen Dr. Goulston offers the following techniques, which he says "take just minutes, but they can change the course of a business project, a sale, a relationship, or even a life."

* Do You Really Believe That?

* The Power of Hmmm...

* The Stipulation Game.

* The Impossibility Question.

* The Power Thank You.

I will blog more about these later, but if you want to learn more now--

go to http://www.markgoulston.com/.

Dr. Goulston also offers free resources, coaching videos, and lots more!!

Sincerely,

Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.Youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Sleep -- Point #4

Here's Point #4 from Dr. Arnold Bresky's Brain Tune Up System.

Sleep

Getting 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is essential for the brain to go into deep REM sleep.

During REM the brain heals itself and memories form.

People who are sleep deprived have impaired cognitive function.

Did you know a sleep deprived person is as dangerous behind the wheel as someone who has had too much to drink?

By signing up for the Brain Tune Up® Clubhouse, you will have full access to Dr. Bresky’s 9 Pt. System including the latest scientific research and ways to make sure you get plenty of sleep.

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.Youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Get Thru to Absolutely Anyone!

Get Thru to Absolutely Anyone!!

Ever tried to get through to others by using logic, flattery, forcefulness, pleading, screaming...yet felt that you were not being heard?

My special guest, Dr. Mark Goulston, psychiatrist and author of "Just Listen" and "Get Out of Your Own Way at Work and Help Others Do The Same," will reveal the "secret" to getting through to absolutely anyone.

Dr. Goulston will discuss how to be so effective in your communications that others actually make positive changes in their lives.

Dr. Goulston explains that his methods succeed because they create "traction" rather than "resistance".

He reveals ways to pull others toward you even when they are trying to pull away. You won't want to miss this episode as Dr. Goulston discusses the reality that it is not what we tell others but what we enable them to tell us that makes a difference--a difference which includes "positive change."

Join us Tuesday, 6/22/10 @ Noon EST. blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon
See you on the radio!
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
www.BabyBoomersSandwich.com www.Youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Tunes Rx--Point #3

Here's Point #3 from Dr. Arnold Bresky's Brain Tune Up System

Tunes Rx

Once thought of simply as entertainment, music is now being recognized as a vital cognitive tool. When utilized properly, music can enhance our ability to learn, uplift our spirits, and calm us when we’re stressed or agitated.

Dr. Bresky recommends certain musical selections to uplift and others to calm.

He also recommends we listen to whatever music brings us pleasure for a few minutes during the course of each day.

Doing so elevates our mood and energy level—and we all want elevated moods and energy levels!

By signing up for the Brain Tune Up® Clubhouse, you will have full access to Dr. Bresky’s 9 Pt. System including the latest scientific research and musical selections proven to provide various types of therapies.

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.Youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Relaxation, Meditation & Prayer--Point #2

Here's point #2 from Dr. Arnold Bresky's Brain Tune up System.

Relaxation, Meditation & Prayer

Relaxation, Meditation and Prayer—Chronic stress shrinks the hippocampus, the area of the brain associated with memory. It also produces cortisol, which blocks glucose from the brain. Deep breathing exercises relax both the mind and body.

Set aside time each day to breathe deeply and commune with your inner self and higher power.

This centers you and helps you deal with daily stresses.

However you choose to relate to your creative source, Dr. Bresky recommends you do so for a few minutes when you wake and before you retire.

When practiced, this point of the doctor’s program alone will dramatically improve your overall health and well-being, as well as your ability to think clearly.

By signing up for the Brain Tune Up® Clubhouse, you will have full access to Dr. Bresky’s 9 Pt. System including the latest scientific research and various methods to achieve Relaxation, Meditation & Prayer.

Sincerely,

Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

www.BabyBoomersSandwich.com www.Youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Fun & Laughter--Brain Improvement Point #1

Here's Point #1 from Dr. Arnold Bresky's Brain Tune Up System.

Fun and Laughter

Just as adequate sleep is a necessity, not a luxury, so is fun and laughter! Many of us don’t realize how crucial it is to enjoy ourselves during the course of each day.

Enjoying ourselves and laughing releases endorphins in our brain and elevates our mood. It also improves our immune system and opens blood vessels in our brain.

A sense of humor helps us deal with the challenges life throws our way.

By signing up for the Brain Tune Up® Clubhouse, you will have full access to Dr. Bresky’s 9 Pt. System including the latest scientific research and ways to be sure you incorporate enough fun and laughter in your everyday life.

Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Http://www.BabyBoomersSandwich.com www.Youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Brain Tune Up System--Dr. Arnold Bresky

I host an Internet radio show, Baby Boomers' Sandwich, every Tuesday at Noon EST, and I absolutely have the most interesting guests. On June 29th. Dr. Arnold Bresky will be my guest. He is a most facinating man who is always on the cutting edge.

He has a new TV show and a new website featuring his Brain Tune Up® System and his new Clubhouse. Here's one of his tips listed on his website:www.mybraintuneup.com/clubhouse

"Take charge of your health! You have to believe in self-care with behavioral lifestyle changes and not just quick fixes. Remember the 4 basic pillars of brain health are: 1. Physical Activity, 2. Mental Activity, 3. Social Activity, 4. Good Cardiovascular Health. Each one of the 9 Points fits into one of these areas."

I will be sharing Dr. Bresky's 9 points over the next 9 days. According to Dr. Bresky, whether you are a baby boomer and just want to keep your brain sharp, or whether you already have memory loss and cognitive decline--his 9 point system can help anyone improve.

Here's another brain tip from Dr. Bresky.

" Not finding this week's Point 1 Fun and Laughter choices funny? Well it's hard to tickle everyone's funny bone everytime. Or maybe you just need a little more to get your 9+ hearty laughs today. Do you have any old comedy videos tucked away that make you chuckle? Are there comics in your morning newspaper that make you giggle when you read them? And don't forget that you can always just start laughing, which may inspire others to join in. The important thing is that you can't be depressed when you are laughing. Laughter truly is the best medicine!"

Hope you enjoy his tips as much as I do. Plus, I find implementing them to be beneficial.
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.Youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Internet Summit - Los Angeles

My husband and I are off to an Internet summit in Los Angeles early this morning. Twelve of the world's most renown Internet gurus will share their knowledge with those of us priviledged enough to attend. (http://www.dreamstorealitysuccesssummit.com/).

It begins on Friday. I realize this is short notice, but if you are in the area and would like to attend, you can come as my guest. Use code VIP47 when you register.

Tracy Repchuck is my Recurring Riches for Life Coach. She is also the bestselling author of 31 Days to Millionaire Marketing Miracles, and will be one of the presenters. She is an amazing woman with an incredible story.

If you want to turn your Passion into Profits - you can get your free report at: http://www.millionairemarketingmiracles.com/

Sincerely,

Sandra--Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

An Aging Well Tip--The Great Paradox

A few months ago I joined the National Speaker's Assoction-AZ, and as a candidate, I get to learn from the best of the best. Here's a great article from a member of NSA-AZ, Beth S. Cole. Beth can be reached at:

http://www.beth-cole.com/ or www.agingwellcoach.com/ .

An Aging Well Tip--The Paradox

A Great paradox--efforting coexisting with ease.

This may be one of the most perplexing of life’s mysteries – learning to relax in the midst of great exertion. Many of us feel that we have to do one or the other: take it easy OR give it our all. Doing both at the same time can be a difficult concept to internalize. I know for sure that the two opposites need to coexist within us. Many secrets lie in understanding how to be completely at ease when boring full speed ahead. When we recognize this dichotomy – when we adjust to what at first seems like a contradiction, we can achieve more satisfactorily, be efficient and pursue our goals with elegance.

I had my first AHA! moment about this topic in 1988. I have always loved competitive sports and while watching the Olympics that year I saw an amazing performance by sprinter Florence Joyner (also known as “Flo-Jo”). She finished the 100 meter race about 3/10 of a second ahead of her nearest rival and as she glided across the finish line, she was smiling, calm, and totally in the moment. She was running faster than any woman ever had and yet she appeared to be totally relaxed. She exerted as much as she could while still staying “loose.” It was obvious even on the television screen that she had mastered this technique. I thought it was a miracle and I truly wanted to replicate that in my life.

I didn’t though. I kept up my frenzied life of working long hours, being ambitious, trying to be a “supermom” to my three girls. In the midst of all the busyness, I rarely felt relaxed. I loved what I did in those days so I enjoyed my life but I constantly PUSHED.

It has taken many years for me to see the value of this challenge.

I can still find it difficult more than I would like to let go in a moment of concentration or intense work. Yet when I do, I always seem to find a special gift, which often is discovery of an easier and better way to do a task.

Wise men and women have been advising us for centuries to surrender. They have written about finding the ease in the midst of tension and then feeling the joy in a significant release.

I just wanted to write a reminder for you and me.

Beth S. Cole

Thank you Beth. I needed to be reminded of this Truth!

Sincerely,

Sandra--Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.youtube.comsandrawhaymon

Ethical Decision Making

Remember to join me and Viki Kind today @ Noon EST blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon as we discuss ethical decision making for family & professional caregivers."

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
www.babyboomerssandwich.com www.youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Care-grieving and Kind Ethics

Are you experiencing care-grieving?

Please join me Tuesday, June 15, 2010 @ Noon EST: www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon. Viki Kind will be my guest. Viki is a clinical bioethicist, medical educator, hospice volunteer and the author of: The Caregiver’s Path to Compassionate Decision Making – Making Choices for Those Who Can’t.

If you are a caregiver for an elderly loved one, how would you answer these questions?
1. Does your loved one have the ability to make his or her own decisions?
2. Based on past conversations, do you know what your loved one would want in various medical situations?
3. How can you keep your elderly loved one included in ways that are safe for her/him to participate?

Wouldn't it be a relief to know that you are making decisions your loved one would want?

Join me and Viki as we discuss ways caregivers can be empowered to make appropriate, kind and ethical decisions.

We will look at ways families and healthcare professionals might be guided through the process of making decisions for those who are losing or have lost capacity to make decisions for themselves.

We will also discuss Viki's adaptable system for making difficult choices, including end-of-life decisions, while respecting the individual's values and beliefs. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution but can be adapted depending on the person's level of incapacity and the situation.

Who should listen? Any and everyone caring for elderly loved ones, especially those diagnosed with Alzheimer's (or other types of dementia), strokes, brain injuries, mental illness, developmental delays or other mental limitations will benefit from listening to this episode.

Listeners will learn the decision-making pathway and tools to help give voice to those who can't speak for themselves.

Listeners will also learn specific strategies, questions to use, and how these tools will work in real life situations.

Respect and compassion are the core values of this decision-making process.

Whether you a professional caregiver or a family caregiver, you will come away feeling more knowledgeable and confident about making decisions for those in your care.

As Viki would say: "Have a kind and respectful day."
Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Helping Elderly Loved Ones Find Value and Meaning--Part Three

The average man (woman) does not know what to so with his/her life,

yet wants another one that will last forever.

(Anatole France)

When some people become unable to participate in physical activities, they focus their energy, time, and atention on spiritual matters and personal reflection.

Some who have "wandered from the fold" make a concerted effort to return to the teachings of their youth and renew covenants and religious practices and traditions.

Some request a picture or statue of Christ or other religious or cultural figures, or rosary beads, prayer shawl, or prayer books to use when praying.

Others may ask for scriptures or other religious books to read or listen to, or for small altars or shrines to be constructed.

Some may request particular objects or potions believed to have healing powers.

Yet others may request that caregivers and family members pray with and/or for them.

Some request their names to be placed on prayer rolls so others might pray for them.

Take time to explore personal desires of those you are charged with taking care of.

Sincerely,

Sandra -- Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.youtube.com/sandrawhaymon