Monday, November 1, 2010
Advancing Our Understanding of Alzheimer's Disease
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Thirty years ago, we knew very little about Alzheimer’s disease.
Since then, scientists have made many important advances. Research supported by NIA and other organizations has expanded knowledge of brain function in healthy older people, identified ways we might lessen normal age-related declines in mental function, and deepened our understanding of the disease.
Many scientists and physicians are now working together to untangle the genetic, biological, and environmental factors that, over many years, ultimately result in Alzheimer’s.
This effort is bringing us closer to the day when we will be able to manage successfully or even prevent this devastating disease."
Receive four FREE gifts for Caregivers at: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Gura
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Attn: Caregivers of Elderly Relatives
Did you know that according to The Natioal Alliance for Caregiving that there are 65.7 million caregivers in the U.S.?
This is 29% of the U.S. adult population and 31% of all U.S. households!
48.9 million caregivers are taking care of an adult and 3.9 million are taking care of a disabled child.
12.9 million care for both an adult and a disabled child.
41.9 million caregivers are women, while17 million men are taking care of an adult relative—usually their mother.
Are you the "designated caregiver" for your elderly relatives?
Do you often feel overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and ashamed?
Are you afraid of not making the "right" decisions?
Do you question your judgment, and feel guilty no matter what you do?
Do you feel lonely and think no one understands what you're going through?
Are you torn between spending time with your spouse, your children, and the needs of your
parents?
Are you torn between your career and taking care of your parents?
Are you confused about levels of care, medical advance directives, and living arrangements?
In my latest book Baby Boomers--Sandwiched Between Retirement & Caregiving
I share everything I learned while caring for my mother and step-father (who were both in diapers), and from the experiences of hundreds of other caregivers with whom I worked in my practice as a psychologist.
I also added a thorough research of medical choices, legal jargon, living arrangements, assistance programs, and resources so that you'll have everything you need at your fingertips.
Plus, I have an entire section on how to prepare for retirement!
Smokie Sizemore will interview me regarding caregiving issues via telechat for Smart Womans Club http://smartwomansclub.com/teleclasses.asp. The call in number is 1-218-862-1300 then enter 989912#.
Hope you will join us Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 8:00PM ET (5:00PM PT).
I will also be giving away TWO gifts:
The Caregiver’s Emotional Quiz – 100 Emotions That May Shock You as a Caregiver and How to Feel Good About All of Them, and
The Elderly “Red Flag” Checklist-117 Warning signs That Your Elderly Loved One May Not be Safet Living alone.
Check out my new website: http://www.answersforboomers.com/
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru
Monday, July 26, 2010
10 Easy Exercise Tips to Reduce Pain and Improve Your Quality of Life
Do you have an acute injury or suffer pain from overuse?
Do you have an old athletic injury that you've never been able to get completely over?
Or, are you an athlete who just wants to improve your performance?
Are you suffering pain from an industrial injury, or ache from manual labor?
Is your balance compromised due to pain in you feet?
Are you recovering from surgery?
Has your posture declined because of neck, back or shoulder pain?
Have you lost strength and mobility in your muscles and joints?
Have you fallen or been in an automobile accident that left you feeling stiff?
Is the lack of physical fitness an obstacle to your success in other areas of your life?
If you answered yes to even one of these questions, you won't want to miss this episode.
My special guest, Terry Roach, Registered Kinesiotherapist and President of Body Stabilization Training, Inc. will tell us how we can reduce, eliminate, and avoid pain in our bodies by using proper body mechanics.
Terry has overcome multiple traumas to her own body (bicycle crashes, punctured lung, broken ribs, lower back and neck surgeries)and has successfully returned to Masters World cycling competitions to defend her World titles and records.
Terry's remarkable recovery from all these accidents and insults is attributed to her Body Stabilization Training.
Be sure to tune in Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at Noon EDT (9:00AM PDT) as Terry discusses proper body mechanics which will relieve your pain and improve your quality of life! www.BlogTalkRadio.com/sandra-haymon
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
http://www.babyboomerssandwich.com/
Monday, July 19, 2010
Where Will Your Folks Live When They Can No Longer Live Alone?
Ever feel overwhelmed with all the choices of living arrangements?
Are you concerned about how to talk to your folks about the need to make such a life-changing decision?
Do you worry about whether you will know when the time has arrived that your folks can no longer live alone?
Ever wonder what the differences are between assisted living and skilled nursing care?
My special guest, Debbie Griffiths, RNC, and author of Little Lady, Big Dream will discuss the answers to these and many other questions associated with caring for an ill or aging loved one.
Debbie has spent most of her adult life caring for elderly residents.
She built her own assisted living facility and operaated it for almost a decade.
Have your questions ready and take advantage of this great resource.
www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon 11:00AM EDT
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Common Dementias Including Alzheimer's
"Alzheimer’s disease is the Most common type of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases.
Characteristics include difficulty remembering names and recent events is often an early clinical symptom; apathy and depression are also often early symptoms. Later symptoms include impaired judgment, disorientation, confusion, behavior changes, and trouble speaking, swallowing and walking.
Hallmark abnormalities are deposits of the protein fragment beta-amyloid (plaques) and
twisted strands of the protein tau (tangles).
Vascular dementia (also known as multi-infarct or post-stroke dementia or vascular cognitive impairment) is considered the second most common type of dementia.
Impairment is caused by decreased blood flow to parts of the brain, often due to a series
of small strokes that block arteries.
Symptoms often overlap with those of Alzheimer’s, although memory may not be as
seriously affected.
Mixed dementia characterized by the presence of the hallmark abnormalities of Alzheimer’s and another type of dementia, most commonly vascular dementia, but also other types, such as dementia with Lewy bodies.
Dementia with Lewy bodies includes a pattern of decline which may be similar to Alzheimer’s, including problems with memory and judgment and behavior changes. Alertness and severity of cognitive symptoms may fluctuate daily. Visual hallucinations, muscle rigidity and tremors are common.
Hallmarks include Lewy bodies (abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein) that
form inside nerve cells in the brain.
Parkinson's disease - Many people who have Parkinson’s disease develop dementia in the later stages of the disease.
The hallmark abnormality is Lewy bodies (abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein)
that form inside nerve cells in the brain.
Frontotemporal dementia involves damage to brain cells, especially in the front and side regions of the brain.
Typical symptoms include changes in personality and behavior and difficulty with language.
No distinguishing microscopic abnormality is linked to all cases.
Pick’s disease, characterized by Pick’s bodies, is one type of frontotemporal dementia.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rapidly fatal disorder that impairs memory and coordination and causes behavior changes.
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is believed to be caused by consumption of products
from cattle affected by mad cow disease - caused by the misfolding of prion protein throughout the brain.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus - Caused by the buildup of fluid in the brain.
Symptoms include difficulty walking, memory loss and inability to control urine.
Can sometimes be corrected with surgical installation of a shunt in the brain to drain
excess fluid.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which a person has problems with memory, language or another essential cognitive function that are severe enough to
be noticeable to others and show up on tests, but not severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Some people with MCI go on to develop dementia. For others, the symptoms of MCI do not progress to dementia, and some people who have MCI at one point in time later revert to normal cognitive status.
To learn more about the potential role of MCI as a transitional state to early Alzheimer’s disease, see the section, Special Report: Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease." www.alz.org/national/documents/reports
The National Alzheimer's Association provides invaluable information and services. I sincerely hope you will join me and my special guest, Debra Anderson, Programs Manager for the Alzheimer's Association-Desert Southwest Chapter, Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Noon EDT (9:00AM PDT) - www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon.
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Independence
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
Saturday, July 3, 2010
31 Days to Millionaire Marketing Miracle$
I have just finished reading Tracy Repchuk's book: 31 Days to Millionaire Marketing Miracle$ (2009, InnerSurfPublishing). What an amazing piece of work!!!
If you've ever thought about getting into Internet Marketing, or just wondered how it all works--this book is for you!
After drinking deeply from the expansive and deep well of Internet Marketing Information, Tracy assimilated, synthesized and distilled the whole of it.
She then, regurgitated a complete manual that guides readers thru an otherwise complicated maze in a simple, easy to understand, interesting, and fun way.
And, if that were not awesome enough---she took this book from start to bestseller in 58 days!!
Having written and published two books, I am familiar with the amount of energy that goes into researching and writing. And, I cannot fathom the overwhelming task that Tracy undertook in this project.
I know Tracy personally and can attest that she is a genuine and sincere individual.
I highly recommend this book and anything Tracy Repchuk is associated with.
But, don't take my word for it. Go to Amazon.com, order this book today, and see for yourself if I have not actually understated the value of Tracy's accomplishment.
Here are several ways you might find out more information about Tracy and the awesome programs she offers:
http://www.marketingmakeovermaestro.com/
http://www.internetmarketingnewbieclub.com/
http://www.jvcoachingclub.com/
http://www.entrepreneurinoverdrive.com/
http://www.InternetMarketingNewbieClub.com
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation
Friday, July 2, 2010
Consequences of Rushing Thru Life
In Washington, DC, at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.
About 4 minutes later, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At 6 minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
At 10 minutes, a 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly.
At 45 minutes, the musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while.
After 1 hour, he finished playing and silence took over.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell , playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.
This experiment raised several questions:
*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . .
How many other things are we missing? And, what are the consequences of rushing thru life?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Tomorrow May Be Your Turn
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.
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.
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.
Monday, June 28, 2010
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
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Kindness -- Point #9
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
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Brain Exercises & Art Rx -- Point #8
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
Friday, June 25, 2010
Hydration -- Point #7
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
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Eating Plan -- Point #6
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
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Physical Exercise -- Point #5
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
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Just LIsten -- Dr. Mark Goulston
Sleep -- Point #4
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
Monday, June 21, 2010
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
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
