Monday, July 26, 2010

10 Easy Exercise Tips to Reduce Pain and Improve Your Quality of Life

Do you have chronic pain in your neck, back, knees, hips, shoulders, ankles, or other parts of your body?

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?

Do you ever worry about where your parents will live when they are no longer safe living 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

Monday, July 12, 2010

Alzheimer's and You--Every 70 Seconds Someone is Diagnosed With Alzheimer's

Do you have a relative or know someone who has Alzheimer's disease?

Ever worry that you might fall victim to this insidious disease?

Ever wonder what the risk factors are?

Ever wonder what the differencees are between Alzheimer's disease and other dementias?

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.

Debra will answer these and many other questions about DAT (Dementia Alzheimer's Type).

She will also discuss the 10 warning signs, revelent statistics, and how all of this relates to you.

You won't want to miss this episode as Debra explores the reality that every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease.

She will also discuss new programs for persons with an early stage diagnosis.

Debra may be contacted at:
Alzheimer's Association Desert Southwest Chapter
P.O. Box 27352
Yucson, AZ 85725-7352
www.alz.org/dsw or 520-322-6601 ext. 224

Sincerely,
Sandra - Garegiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Common Dementias Including Alzheimer's

Here's more information from the National Alzheimer's Association about common types of Dementia and their typical characteristics.

"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

Friday, July 9, 2010

Alzheimer's Statistics

There are only four kinds of people in the world.

Those who have been caregivers
Those who are caregivers
Those who will be caregivers
Those who will need caregivers

According to the National Alzheimer's Association, there are nearly ten million (9.9) unpaid caregivers in the United States.

Every 70 seconds someone in American is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

5.3 million Americans presently have Alzheimer's, and there is an estimated annual cost of $148 billion.

Alzheimer's disease is the 6th. leading cause of death in America.

Be sure to join me Tuesday at Noon EDT (www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon) to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and how these statistics may affect you.

Debra Anderson, Programs Manager for the Alzheimer's Association-Desert Southwest Chapter, Tucson, Arizona will be my guest. So, have your questions ready.



Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

Thursday, July 8, 2010

What is Dementia?

Unfortunately, thousands of people ask this question every day.

According to the National Alzheimer's Association,

"Dementia is characterized by loss of or decline in memory and other cognitive abilities. It is caused by various diseases and conditions that result in damaged brain cells. To be classified as dementia, the following criteria must be met:
• It must include decline in memory and in at least one of the following cognitive abilities:
1) Ability to generate coherent speech or understand spoken or written language;
2) Ability to recognize or identify objects, assuming intact sensory function;
3) Ability to execute motor activities, assuming intact motor abilities, sensory function and comprehension of the required task; and
4) Ability to think abstractly, make sound judgments and plan and carry out complex tasks.

• The decline in cognitive abilities must be severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Different types of dementia have been associated with distinct symptom patterns and distinguishing microscopic brain abnormalities. Increasing evidence from long-term epidemiological observation and autopsy studies suggests that many people have microscopic brain abnormalities associated with more than one type of dementia.

The symptoms of different types of dementia also overlap and can be further complicated
by coexisting medical conditions. "

I will be writing more about dementia and particularly about Dementia Alzheimer's Type over the next several days leading up to my radio interview with Debra Anderson, Programs Manager for the Alzheimer's Association-Desert Southwest Chapter, Tucson, Arizona on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Noon EDT www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon .

I truly hope you will join me.

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

Monday, July 5, 2010

Shed or You're Dead!

Ever feel that you're skin's too tight? Ever think you're stuck in old habits that keep you from growing, yet aren't sure how to shed those counter-productive habits?

Lizards grow by shedding their skin. If they don’t shed, they die.

Organizations and humans grow also. If they don’t shed, they die.

Stop! Reflect! What do you need to SHED?

What is holding you or your organization back?

Join me and my special guest, Kathy Dempsey,CSP, RN and award winning author of "Shed or You're Dead™: 31 Unconventional Strategies for Growth and Change" as she discusses today’s challenging market place and reminds us of the importance of shedding.

Kathy will talk about ways our own skin-shedding ability to adapt and navigate change is being tested now more than ever.

Kathy also encourages others to embrace the shedding philosophy that’s igniting thousands of individuals & organizations to thrive in these unpredictable times.

You won't want to miss this episode as Kathy discusses her complete Shed for Success™ system and how it empowers people to move forward with whatever is holding them back!

Have your questions ready and join us at 9:00AM PST www.blogtalkradio.com/sandra-haymon

Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru for the Caregiver Generation

Sunday, July 4, 2010

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

Saturday, July 3, 2010

31 Days to Millionaire Marketing Miracle$

WOW!!!


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

This was just too good to not pass along!

THE SITUATION

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.
During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

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.
The child stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time.
This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.

At 45 minutes, the musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while.
About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

After 1 hour, he finished playing and silence took over.
No one noticed and no one applauded.
There was no recognition at all.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world.
He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.
Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

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?
Sincerely,

Thursday, July 1, 2010

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