Make the Most of Your Words With the Media

Have you ever wondered what a "soundbite" is?

Have you ever wondered what you should wear when making a promotional video?

Does the thoughts of talking with a reporter about a cover story for your business scare you?

What would you do if something great happened to you and reporters show up without notice?

God forbid, but what if something bad should happen at your business and reporters show up without an invitation?

It seems, sometimes, many reporters try to make people look like a fools during an interview. Would you like to be prepared for that, come accross looking really smart, and outwit the reporter?

There are certain phrases that should be avoided when talking to the media. Would you like to know what those are?

Would you like to have an abundance of resources to help you learn more about how to communicate with the media, and how to communicate more effectively in your social media correspondence?

If you answered yes to even one of these questions, you won't want to miss The Baby Boomers Sandwich Show www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon Tuesday, August 17th. at Noon ET (9:00AM PT).

I hope you will join me and my special guest Lori Allen,author, speaker, and radio host. Lorri will discuss how to effectively communicate with the media.

Lorri is the founder of "Good News!" a company that works with people who want to craft a clear media message and with organizations that want to communicate quickly, in a crisis.

She also coaches newsmakers who want to improve their ability to answer questions or who need confidence in front of reporters.

In addition, Lorri provides 'insurance" against looking silly or stupid on television. Her clients have gone on to appear on PBS, the Home Shopping Network, and Good Morning America, as well as local news programs.

If you want to improve the quality of your communications or learn how to more effectively communicate with the media, you won't want to miss this episode.

Sincerely,
Sandra-Caregiver Guru
P.S. Don't forget to claim your gifts at http://www.answersforboomers.com/

Independence

Well, another Independence Day is almost over. I truly hope all of you enjoy the independence we may sometimes take for granted.

Not only is it a blessing to live in a free country, but if you are still living independently, that is another huge blessing!!

Think of the thousands of individuals who're living in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. And, how about all those who've lost the ability to drive and have to "depend" on others for transportation.

Worse yet, what about those who can no longer walk and have to "depend" on others to help them get from one room to another.

Or those who are bedridden and have to "depend" on others to keep them fed, clean and dry.

When I think about Independence Day, I think of Freedom--Freedom to walk and drive and live in our own homes, as well as live in the greatest nation on Earth and enjoy all the freedoms so many have given their lives for.

I thank everyone who is presently serving in our armed forces and all those who have ever served to protect our Freedom. And, I thank God for blessing our nation and me personally.

If you have loved ones in care facilities--go visit them. If you don't know anyone who's living in an assisted living facility or nursing, go visit someone there.

And, give thanks that you have freedom of movement to be able to go. It will bless their lives as well as yours.

I pray that I never take any of my Freedoms for granted.

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

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

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

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

Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time.

Then your tine on earth will be filled with glory.

(Betty Smith, A Tree Grown in Brooklyn)

Thinking about, as well as creating a written list, of the things and people we are thankful for and the blessings and positive events in our lives releases neuro-chemicals, which help fight depression, boost the immune system, and enable us to feel nbetter in general.

It may be helpful, for you as well as your elderly loved ones, to write down something you and they are thankful for that begins with each letter of the alphabet every day and try not to use the same words two days in a row.

Reframing one's situation often enables individuals to cope by finding meaning and value in their present situation.

This time in life might provide a good opportunity to tell their life's story. They might want to write their memoirs or record their story on DVD so their heirs might have the opportunity to enjoy it.

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 One

In every language, every culture, the most difficult words you have to say are:

"I'm sorry. Forgive me."

Desmond Tutu

Spiritual and religious frameworks offer a means of evaluating one's life. Indiviuduals may search for ways to "make wrongs right." They may also seek ways to be forgiven so they might be released from guilt and shame.

For some individuals, this might come only by means of formal "confession" to a member of the clergy Therefore, you might ask your elderly loved ones if they would like a private visit with a priest, minister, bishop, or other spiritual leader.

They may also need to forgive others for perceived past transgressions.

When loved ones are angry, bitter, or resentful and seem unable to get out of their victim role, it might be helpful to encourage them to reframe their experience and look at their situation from a different perspective.

In a loving way, you might suggest they focus more on what they can do rather than what they can't do. They may no longer be able to walk, but perhaps they can sit and write names on the backs of photos and put those into albums.

They might be able to make phone calls for a charitable organization, read to pre-school children or help a child or adult leard to read.

Help them create a list of things they could do and would enjoy doing. Then find ways to make those things happen. This will help them to focus on ways they can continue to make contributions to their families and to society in general.

Sincerely,

Sandra -- Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

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

Three Ways to Avoid Losing Your Assets to Long Term Care

Hope you can join me tomorrow (6/8/10) at 12:00 noon EST. www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon for the episode "Three Ways to Avoid Losing Your Assets to Long Term Care."

My special guest, Noah Kendrick (Financial Advisor) will discuss ways to protect your retirement income from the risk of long-term care expenses and how to protect your investments from being sold to pay for long term care. He will also review a new option (Self Insuring) which allows money designated for long-term care to remain liquid. You won't want to miss this episode.

See you on the radio!
Sincerely,
Sandra -- Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Behavioral Signs of Spiritual Unrest in Elderly

There is no distance on this earth as far away as yesterday.

Robert Nathan

Behavioral signs of spiritual unrest or spiritual crisis may include self-injurious behaviors, constantly hollering out for others to help them, and frantically asking advice from others. Begging for pain medication or to be "put out of their misery." repeatedly questioning "Why me?' withdrawing from others, and refusing to help with their own baths or with feeding themselves all suggest a lack of resolve. Anger outbursts and/or power struggles with family members or other caregivers further imply a lack of internal peace.



Spiritual and religious frameworks offer a means of evaluating one's life. I will write more about this later.

Sincerely,

Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

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

Blog Talk Radio-Connecting Beyond the Name Tag

Happy Memorial Day and thanks to all who have served to ensure our freedom and safety!!! There is great love and appreciation and admiration for you!!!!

Please join me tomorrow, Tuesday, June 1, 2010 @12:00 noon EST (9:00AM PST), http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon for the episode, "Blending Old School Networking with Social Media." Do you have difficulty getting beyond the name tag? Want to become a power networker? My special guest, Dr. William Saleebey, author of "Connecting Beyond the Name Tag" and I will discuss fundamental differences between old school networking and current social media. Dr. Saleebey will also explain why individual differences are so important in understanding how we make connections with others.

You won't want to miss this episode.
Sincerely, Sandra-Caregiver Guru for he Caregiver Generatiojn
http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.youtube.com/sandrawhaymon

Unresolved Past Isues Between Caregivers and their Elderly Loved Ones

True reconciliation does not consist in merely forgetting the past.

Nelson Mandela

Unresolved past issues may manifest in physical and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, shortness of breath, panic attacks, restlessness, agitation, depression, insomnia, and nightmares. Generalized pain or pain that frequently changes location and is not alleviated with sufficient pain medication are other expressions of unresolved issues. Being afraid to die and conmcerns about afterlife also suggests individuals are unsettled about their past.

Sometimes individuals who are struggling with issues from their past may have feelings of dispair or feel that they have been abandoned by God, deity, or deities. They may refuse to take medicines secondary to the belief that they deserve to suffer--to be in pain and to be punished. They may also refuse pain medications beause hey want to be alert and maintain some sense of control of their faculties.

I'll write more about behavioral signs of spiritual unrest tomorrow. Happy Memorial Day, and thanks to all who have served and sacrificed to keep us safe and free--including allo family members who have worried and prayed and suffered the loss of loved ones in the pursuit of freedom!

Sincerely,

Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

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

Empathic Presence - A Gift from Caregivers

I slept and dreamed that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service.

I acted and behold, service wa joy.

Rabindranath Tagore

Empahic listeners are relaxed but engaged at the same time. They ask questions and explore without prying.

Empathic presence includes providing a non-judgemental environment, which offers psychological permission to talk openly and honestly. The listener maintains appropriate eye contact and offers reassuring, appropriate touches if culturally acceptable.

Empathic presence also requires listening beneath and beynd the spoken words for deeper meanings, acknowledging the other's suffering, and validating her/his feelings.

Empathic listeners may be required to admit hen they don't have answers. Empathic presence may also necessitate being happy and rejoicing in another's accomplishments at a level of genuine sincerity that conveys to the other person her/his importance.

Empathic presence decreases feelings of abandonment and isolation. It may also allow indiciduals to come to terms with their own internal struggles while affirming their dignity, self-worth, and personhood.

Give the gift of love--empathic presence!

Sincerely,

Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

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

Listening - an Act of Love for Caregivers

Presence is more than just being there.

Malcolm S. Forbes

Sometimes just feeling "heard" might be enough to reduce anxiety and lessen a person's distress. Therefore, it is vitally important to provide opportunities for your elderly lover ones to talk about their fears and help them identity sources of comfort.

Engaging elderly folks in a review of their life and helping them affirm their personal contributions that added value and meaning to the lives of others may help them feel better about this stage in their lives.

You might begin this process by simply asking them to tell you what they are most proud of or about the happiest time in their life. You might also ask them how they would like to be remembered.

Listening is an act of love, and empathic presence involves total engagement with the person to whom you are listening.

I will write more about this tomorrow. Take care and love others by listening to them.

Sincerely,

Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

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

The Passionate Art of Caregiving

All the art of living, lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.

Havelock Ellis

Please join me Tuesday, May 25, 2010, 12:00 Noon (EST), 9:00 AM (PST) http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon

How do we, as caregivers, help heal the souls of those we care for? What part of our own soul connects with others and allows us to be a healing influence to all who come in contact with us?

According to Dr. Jose Rodriguez, Florida State University: "To touch, to listen, to care, and to love is to heal. To think, to learn, to teach, and to share is to heal." You won't want to miss this episode as my special guest, Dr. Rodriguez, discusses the passionate art of caregiving.

Dr. Rodriguez will share stories from his new book "HEAL--Humanism Evolving through Arts and Literature." Be prepared to allow healing to take place in your own soul as we explore how life, art, music and love heals.

Sincerely,

Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation/Scroll down for You Tube Video

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

Three of the Five Strongest Emotions Felt by Caregivers

Anger is a symptom, a way of cloaking and expressing feelings too awful to experience directly--hurt,bitterness, grief, and most of all, fear.

(Joan Rivers, Still Talking)

Anger is another emotion that is fear driven. Oftentimes, people express anger because it seems safer than expressing fear. Caregivers, especially women, report being angry about many things including:
- Angry that siblings don't help take care of their parents.
- Angry with herself for not confronting siblings and delegating part of the responsibilities.
- Angry that her parents didn't plan for "that day" sooner/better.
- Angry that she didn't see "that day" coming and better prepare for it.
- Angry at medical professionals.
- Angry that there are too many choices.
- Angry that there are not enough choices.
- Angry that it's "expected" that she delay her own life plans and cater to parents--while siblings continue with their lives uninterrupted.
- Angry that her job/career is compromised (ie., having to turn down promotions, or greater responsibilities, or fun projects that might require travel, or she might even have to quit her job to take care of her folks.)
- Angry that she has to use her sick leave and vacation time to take care of her folks.
- Angry that "no one understands" what she's going thru.

Anguish

Female caregivers report extreme anguish over trying to:
- "please" her mother/father and trying to "please" her husband.
- the choice between moving her mom/dad in with her and disrupting her family life and moving her folks to a care facility, or allowing them to remain in their own home at the risk of serious consequences.

Loneliness

Although there are approximately 65 million caregivers in the United States, most caregivers report feeling lonely, isolated, and afraid. Eighty percent of caregivers are unpaid and care for a dependent adult seven days a week.

Fear driven emotions are often exaggerated when we are tired or have multiple life stressors. So, remember to take care of yourself. Your role as caregiver is but one of many roles. Other aspects of your life continue and there needs to be balance. I will share ways you might take care of yourself while caring for your elderly loved one(s) tomorrow. Scroll down for You Tube Video.

Sincerely,
Sandra, Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
www.babyboomerssandwich.com/ www.youtube.com/sandrawhaymon
www.Twitter.com/CaregiverGuru
www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon

Our Emotions are the Children of Our Thoughts.

Men (and women) occasionally stumble over the truth,

but most of them will pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened.

(Winston Churchill)

Our emotions (feelings) are not secondary to what has happened or what someone did or said, but rather what we tell ourselves about what has happened or what was said. We are not emotional victims of our environment.

If we don't like what we are feeling about something or someone, we can change those feelings by simply changing our thoughts, what we tell ourselves, what we believe--all or some of which may or may not be true.

Nothing and no one can make us feel angry, happy, sad, or any other emotion. Nor, can we make another person angry, happy, sad, etc.

The notion that we can make another person feel anything is omnipotent. And, the belief that others have the omnipotent power to make us feel is irrational thinking.

Just imagine what an insane world it would be if humans could control the emotional responses of others. We would all be mere puppets, waiting for someone to pull our strings to get a response. Our feelings and emotional responses would always be at the mercy of everyone and everything in our environment.

No one has power over another's emotions. We are all born with the wonderful ability to choose our feelings by choosing what we tell ourselves.

So it is with caregiving. You are free to choose to be angry and resentful that you have fallen lot to this role by telling yourself that it is not fair and you do not deserve to be burdened with such weighted responsibilities.

However, if you don't like being angry and feeling resentful you could tell yourself that the opportunity to care for other human beings and do for them that which they cannot do for themselves is an honor and a privilege offered to a select few.

Your emotional response would perhaps then change to feelings of compassion and empathy for the person you're caring for, and gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow. Thank goodness no one can plant in our emotional garden but us. Scroll down for You Tube video

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

http://www.twitter.com/caregiverguru

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon