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Tag Archives: theknittingyarn.com

Caregiving |

May 22, 2015

| by Ina Gilmore, M.D. ("The Knitting Dr.")

Why Can Remembering and Reminsicing Transform Caregiving One Memory At a Time?

Holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Memorial Day can stimulate memories, or longings.

And sometimes it’s events or days not usually associated with memories that are the hardest.

Why?

Well, it’s because they can catch you unprepared. With an official holiday that’s associated with memories, you may have some warning that it’s coming.

How Can Remembering and Reminsicing Transform Caregiving One Memory At a Time?

When I was young, Memorial Day was an important holiday. I grew up near a town that was one of the ones starting the practice of Memorial Day after the Civil War. Oh, it never got official recognition from the federal government for founding the day. That honor went to a different town.

Still, it was a time that families would gather at cemeteries to place flowers on graves, or to plant them. And even if your family didn’t have anyone to honor, it was a time to notice the care and love others showed.

Reminiscing after the caregiving ends can give you great comfort. And like many parts of caregiving, it can also lead to intense sorrow. Focusing on the negative aspects of memories—“what if” or the “if only”—can lead to more and more pain and sorrow. While focusing on happy memories, on those moments of joy and love can lead to happiness and comfort.

Creating those happy memories while caregiving can be challenging with everything you already do. It can also be a comfort, and make your caregiving easier while reducing caregiver stress. Reminiscing can do the same. Reminiscing be allowing your carereceiver to share the memories she recalls, even if someone else thinks they’re “wrong.” We explain further in our free webinar…

Remember and Reminisce in Caregiving

In our webinar Remember and Reminisce With Purpose: Transforming Caregiving One Memory At a Time we show you…

  • Steps you can take long before the caregiving ends to keep the good memories alive and to share them…
  • The power of changing from focusing on remembering to reminiscing in you carereceiver and how it can reduce caregiver stress and…
  • Suggestions for how to preserve memories that can be started while caregiving, and final editing and preservation can be done afterwards.

The replay is available now. Just Click Here Now to Save Your Seat for the next webinar and to get instant access to previous ones. And be sure to listen to the entire webinar, because we have a special gift for you at the end.

We’re here to help you make your caregiving Happy&Healthy.

To your Happy&Healthy Caregiving,

Dr. Ina signature

Ina Gilmore, M.D.

Founder, CaregivingWithPurpose.com and TheKnittingYarn.com

Ambassador of Caregiving at www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Read the original here:
Why Can Remembering and Reminsicing Transform Caregiving One Memory At a Time?

ambassador of caregiving, beyond-caregiving, caregiver stress, caregiving, CaregivingWithPurpose.com, dr. ina, ina gilmore, theknittingyarn.com, www.howtoliveonpurpose.com | Comment
Elder Care |

July 11, 2011

| by Ina Gilmore, M.D. ("The Knitting Dr.")

Nursing Home or Live In For Alzheimer s Patient: How Do I Cope With Constant Negativity In My Home?

One of the most challenging aspects of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia can be the negativity.

While it may start out subtle and even seem intermittent, as the dementia progresses it often becomes more constant and more obvious. Someone who has always been negative but been able to filter her thoughts, not saying the first thing that pops into her head loses that ability.

So she can seem much more negative with time and progression of the dementia.

Do you remember Sophia on The Golden Girls?

Sophia was the character played by Estelle Getty.  Sophia was Dorothy’s mother, who came to live with the other ladies after her nursing home burned down.  Sophia had had a stroke and lost the ability to filter what she said.

With the magic of television—and great writers and actors—it was funny.

In real life?

Think exhausting, frustrating or even tragic…

When Janet’s mother Margaret moved in with her, initially Janet knew the adjustment would be challenging.

She never expected just how physically and emotionally exhausting caring for her increasingly negative mother would become. It was one constant complaint after another, or so it seemed to Janet.

No matter what Janet did, she always felt it was not good enough for Margaret.

Soon Janet found herself crying and upset often by Margaret’s harshness.  It seemed to Janet as though Margaret deliberately hurt her.

Until…

Margaret’s doctor diagnosed Alzheimers disease.  She explained that a loss of filtering mechanisms is part of the disease.  And someone who has always seemed negative or even hidden it well, can become more negative as the disease progresses.

In talking with her brothers and sisters, Janet realized Margaret’s negativity was there all along.  Just intermittent, and usually only overtly negative one on one.

As Janet learned more about Alzheimer’s and how to care for those with it, she found her life slowing improving.  And she adjusted to the challenges of choosing between a nursing home or live in for Alzheimer s patient.

Nursing home or live in for Alzheimer s patient from CaregivingWithPurpose

So how did Janet begin to cope with the constant negativity in her home?

Janet took the following three steps to start…

  1. Ignoring negativity…
  2. Changing her response to the negativity…
  3. Changing the channel.

How do you ignore negativity?

One way is to simply not respond to it.  For example when it’s safe to leave the room, go into another room.

How can you change your response to negativity?

Not getting upset about it is a start.  While ignoring the negativity is one way to change your response, another is to acknowledge the pain the Alzheimer’s person must be feeling.

When Janet started saying things like, “I’m sorry you’re so angry” and “I’ll not do that again” it seemed to help.  Janet took responsibility for all kinds of things she had no control over.  It seemed to calm Margaret, and by the time something similar happened again Margaret forgot about the first incident.

What does changing the channel mean?

Well, it can mean changing the subject.  Gently changing the topic, steering the Alzheimer’s patient onto a more positive one.

When Margaret would complain, Janet would gently ask her what she wanted for a snack.  Or if she’d like to set the table if it was close to a meal.  The distraction often redirected Margaret to a more positive topic.

In Janet’s case, it also meant changing what was on television.  Janet noted Margaret’s negativity increased when the news was on.  So she substituted old comedies such as The Golden Girls and The Andy Griffith Show.  Janet bought DVDs and played them for Margaret.  Sometimes all day long.

Janet noticed some improvement in Margaret’s mood, and went along with Margaret when she talked as though the characters in those comedies were real.

And Janet learned to take the good moments, no matter how fleeting, and treasure them in her heart.  Moments like when Margaret would grab Janet’s hand and say, “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”  Janet’s caregiver stress became less with time.

What do you do when you’re too tired to search for something positive?

Well, you can have something positive automatically delivered to you daily.

One of Janet’s brothers could not bear to see the changes in Margaret regularly.  So he did not visit daily.  He did like to find jokes, and instead called Janet every day with a joke.

It made Janet laugh which reduced her stress, and because the jokes were suitable for children when Janet shared it with Margaret, they both often laughed.  In this way he could feel a part of the caregiving beyond providing financial support.

And now there’s a way to get an Inspirational Thought for Caregivers delivered daily via email.

Just sign up for the FREE membership to Caregiving With Purpose!

Click on this link to sign up now and get a moment of inspiration a day!

You’ll get a moment of respite from caregiving, in addition to tips and stories about positive caregiving.

Member Card CaregivingWithPurpose.com

 

To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”
Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, CaregivingWithPurpose.com and TheKnittingYarn.com

The information on this website is for educational purposes only.  It does not replace information or recommendations from your own physician or other health care provider. Click here for Full Disclaimer

Click here for Disclosure

See the original post:
Nursing Home or Live In For Alzheimer s Patient: How Do I Cope With Constant Negativity In My Home?

alzheimer's disease, alzheimers, caregiver stress, caregiving, CaregivingWithPurpose.com, dr. ina, howtoliveonpurpose.com, ina gilmore, the knitting dr., theknittingyarn.com | Comment
Elder Care |

June 30, 2011

| by Ina Gilmore, M.D. ("The Knitting Dr.")

How Do I Approach My Aging Parents About Using Incontinence Products?


Concerned about how to approach your parent about incontinence?

You’re not alone. While it’s understandable to be embarrassed or uncomfortable when discussing incontinence products with a parent, it’s still important.

Why?

Well, first there’s the problem of accidents leading to an unpleasant smell, soiling and staining.  And more than that, there’s also a health issue if incontinence leads to other complications, some of which can be serious—even life-threatening.

When Mary’s mother Betty complained of a sore bottom, Mary decided to look.

Betty rarely complained about pain, so Mary was very concerned.  When she looked, she realized Betty’s incontinence was more severe than Mary thought.  The skin in Betty’s private areas was very red and fragile.

Mary immediately contacted Betty’s doctor who wanted to examine her.  The doctor prescribed a cream for Betty’s skin and wanted to see her again in a few days.  Mary was to check Betty and contact the doctor if anything got worse.

The doctor explained Betty’s skin could be an early sign of a serious skin breakdown known as a decubitus ulcer.  Or more commonly called bed sores.  These ulcers often are difficult to treat.  And untreated, they can lead to deep infections of underlying structures like bones.

Thankfully Betty responded to treatment.  Within two weeks she was completely healed.

Mary decided to approach Betty about preventing such a scare in the future.  Instead of scolding, Mary gently told Betty she was concerned about what kind of complications that could cause.  Together they chose incontinence products that Betty could use.  And Mary made it a point to check Betty’s skin regularly.

Incontinence products

So what are some things to consider when approaching a parent or other relative about incontinence?

  1. Medical concerns…
  2. Gently approach the subject…
  3. Bring a sense of humor…
  4. Avoid criticisms…
  5. Use benign terms.

Taking these one at a time—

1. Medical concerns. There’s probably a medical reason why the person is incontinent.  It’s important to have a doctor check for medical conditions that can be treated.  Sometimes incontinence is a sign of a urinary tract infection, for example.

Perhaps you can suggest incontinence products as a temporary option until seen by the doctor.

2. Gently approach the subject. Instead of taking charge, a more gentle approach is often warranted.  Put yourself in your parent’s place.  She may be extremely embarrassed about the condition, and uncomfortable discussing it with her child.

So it’s a good idea to gently approach the topic, using a calm voice and reminding her it is likely a medical condition.  You may even find using medical terms helpful to keep the discussion less threatening.

3. Bring your sense of humor. Without making fun of the situation, keeping the discussion light can often relieve the stress.

4. Avoid criticisms. Remember this is a medical issue.  Your parent is not purposely doing this, and cannot control it.  Decreasing her fluid intake, which she may be doing, can actually do more harm than good.  It won’t decrease the incontinence and can lead to medical problems including dehydration and its complications.

5. Use benign terms for the incontinence products. Rather than discussing diapers, use the terms “briefs” or “panties” or “pull ups” or “pads” depending upon the situation.  It can help your parent keep her dignity about the situation.

Once you approach your parent, sometimes finding the right product can be another challenge.

Have you noticed how many of the store brands are actually identical to the brand name?

That’s great when you’re looking to save money.  However, it can be less than helpful when you’re looking for alternatives.  The stores can too often seen to carry exactly the same product.  You may even find stores specializing in home health care products don’t seem to carry incontinence products.

And when you finally do find what you’re looking for, are you embarrassed to stock up and check out?  It can feel uncomfortable toting those brightly colored packages loudly proclaiming “INCONTINENCE PRODUCTS” to your car, and then into your home.

Instead, wouldn’t it be nice to choose the products in your own home, have them delivered to your door in discreet packaging with free shipping?

Of course it would!  think how much it could reduce your caregiver stress.  And now you can.  To find out more just click on this link.

Until next time…

To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”
Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, CaregivingWithPurpose.com and TheKnittingYarn.com

The information on this website is for educational purposes only.  It does not replace information or recommendations from your own physician or other health care provider. Click here for Full Disclaimer

Click here for Disclosure

 

 

Originally posted here:
How Do I Approach My Aging Parents About Using Incontinence Products?

caregiver stress, caregiving, CaregivingWithPurpose.com, dr. ina, howtoliveonpurpose.com, ina gilmore, incontinence products, the knitting dr., theknittingyarn.com | 1 Comment
Elder Care |

June 29, 2011

| by Ina Gilmore, M.D. ("The Knitting Dr.")

Easy Healthy Recipes for Caregivers: Where Does Broccoli Fit?


When your refrigerator is stocked with nutritional supplements, then you know you’re a caregiver.

You may find yourself like Mary, struggling to come up with something nutritious and tasty in a hurry.  Mary’s caregiving responsibilities too often seemed to interfere with her own healthy eating.  Too often she often found herself grabbing whatever was handy.  She knew her poor eating was making her feel worse.

One day she realized she wanted something warm and comforting.  Like soup.  With fondness, she remembered the soups her mother made when Mary was growing up.  They often warmed her body and soul.  That’s how she wanted—and needed—to feel.

She also wanted to pack nutrition into easy healthy recipes because she recognized her caregiver stress.  She felt stressed emotionally and physically.

Mary decided to add extra antioxidants and nutrients to the foods she ate whenever she could.  She wanted to make wiser choices while using easy healthy recipes.  In looking over her options, she learned broccoli has a lot to offer and can easily be made into a soup.  It showed promise as a starting point for her easy healthy recipes.

And Mary likes broccoli!

 

Easy Healthy Recipes CaregivingWIthPurpose.com

 

Why is broccoli healthy eating?

Broccoli is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable.  Its health benefits include lowering the risk for cataracts, building stronger bones, boosting immune systems and fighting cancer.

What is broccoli a good source of?

  • Dietary fiber and protein…
  • Vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6, C, E, K and M (folic acid)…
  • Minerals including potassium, manganese, calcium, chromium and iron.

Broccoli is rich in antioxidants including the two powerful ones quercetin and glutathione.  So those damaging free radicals don’t stand a chance against it!

One of those antioxidants is Q10, which helps the body produce energy.  Broccoli also contains the anticancer agents called indoles, quercetin and glutathione.

And, you don’t have to eat a lot of broccoli to get all these super nutrients.  Just one cup of broccoli provides almost 80 milligrams of vitamin C.  All this nutrition is available in only 25 calories.  What’s more, broccoli is very low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

How to choose the right bunch?

Selecting fresh broccoli isn’t difficult.

You want to look for sturdy stalks with compact, dark green florets.  Avoid wilted ones with yellowing buds, because these stalks are already past their prime.  You can store broccoli in the refrigerator for up to three days before it loses its vitamin content.

In some supermarkets, you will even find hybrids like broccoflower or broccolini, which combine cauliflower or kale with broccoli.

Trim any leaves from the stalk and the woody end of the stalk off the bottom.  If you prefer to eat only the florets, or your recipe calls for just the florets, cut the broccoli florets off the stalk, rinse under running water, and drain.  You can save the stalks for another recipe if desired.  You can also peel the stalks with a vegetable peeler to get to the center, which is often more tender.

Broccoli is best eaten cooked because it contains goitrogens, which are chemicals that block the production of thyroid hormone. The good news is you can steam broccoli for a few minutes until it turns bright green, and destroy the goitrogens.

Mary uses a vegetable steamer, and found a recipe for Broccoli Soup in the recipe book that came with her Vitamix.  Now she can make broccoli soup in the Vitamix machine in under 10 minutes, and with minimal clean-up.

How can you get a Vitamix machine?

Click on this link for information on how to get a Vitamix machine with FREE shipping.

Caregiving is a demanding job.  Mary’s time crunch and struggles to find easy healthy recipes are not unique to her.

You may be facing some of the same challenges.  Finding information and connecting with other caregivers can be difficult to impossible.

Caregivers are all busy.  And when you do find a moment to connect, it’s likely to be at irregular times or when many offices are closed.  The Internet certainly has helped bring more information to you at a time that’s convenient for you.

Still, it can be sometimes challenging to find information specific to caregivers.  Just knowing the words to search for can be challenging.  That’s why CaregivingWithPurpose.com has a Gold Caregiver Membership.

And Mary’s experiences inspired me to include information on super foods.  While some of the recipes and information are available only for the months you subscribe, because the super foods information is so important for caregivers it’s available as part of the initial materials you’ll get when you join.

Joining is easy.  Just click on this link for more information about the Gold Caregiver Membership.

Or copy and paste this web address (URL) into your browser

Members

And I’ll see you there!

To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”
Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, CaregivingWithPurpose.com and TheKnittingYarn.com

The information on this website is for educational purposes only.  It does not replace information or recommendations from your own physician or other health care provider. Click here for Full Disclaimer

Click here for Disclosure

See original here:
Easy Healthy Recipes for Caregivers: Where Does Broccoli Fit?

caregiver stress, caregiving, CaregivingWithPurpose.com, dr. ina, easy healthy recipes, healthy eating, howtoliveonpurpose.com, ina gilmore, the knitting dr., theknittingyarn.com | Comment
Elder Care |

June 25, 2011

| by Ina Gilmore, M.D. ("The Knitting Dr.")

Part 2: How Does Stress Affect Health In Caregivers?


Are you part of the sandwich generation?

If you are, then you probably know about caregiver stress.

That’s where you give care to generations both older and younger than your generation.  Like the filling in a sandwich, it’s easy to feel squeezed on all sides!  And you or your family worrying about how does stress affect health—

Nancy is a caregiver.

As the oldest, growing up she helped care for her younger siblings.  And when her parents needed additional support Nancy was the first one they called.

She ran herself ragged running errands for them, taking them to doctors’ appointments and making sure they took their medications and stayed on their diets.

Well, as closely as she could anyway.  Sometimes they just insisted that something off their diet was a necessary dessert.  And at their age, she didn’t have the heart to always say, “No.”

Just when she thought things were at their worst, her oldest daughter was admitted to the hospital with a serious illness.  Nancy and her husband Dick suddenly found themselves helping also care for three year-old triplets.

Nancy’s relaxation time seemed to be in the past.  There never seemed to be time for her to sit and knit or crochet.  Even small projects like knitted dishcloths seemed too much for Nancy.

She wasn’t sleeping, and when she’d get home couldn’t relax.  So she’d fall into bed exhausted, toss and turn, finally falling asleep only to wake up tired when the alarm rang.  More and more she felt like she was dragging herself through her day.

In taking care of everyone else, Nancy risked her own health.  Her family became concerned and wondered, “How does stress affect health?”

Because Nancy is constantly under stress, her body is always producing stress hormones.

Part 2: How Does Stress Affect Health In Caregivers?

Do you know stress hormones are actually a healthy response in an emergency situation?

Sure!  If you have to slam on the brakes when driving your car you want your stress hormones to be working properly.  They could save your life or someone else’s.

Too often, like Nancy though, caregivers produce stress hormones chronically with the often demanding caregiver stress.  And with time, continuous production of stress hormones can lead to a variety of health problems.

How does stress affect health in caregivers?

  • Psychological problems such as anxiety or depression…
  • Long-term health problems like arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes…
  • Increased infections and slower healing of wounds…
  • Obesity…
  • And more.  Some people have digestive problems, sleep disturbances and other health problems.

Nancy knew she had a problem, but didn’t know what to do about it.  It didn’t occur to her to worry, “How does stress affect health?“ Until she really just didn’t feel well.  Then one day on the Internet she came across an audio product described as guided relaxation.

Guided relaxation is a stress management tool where an expert guides you through relaxation.  Often gently helping you to relax your tense muscles.  When you relax, your stress response decreases, your stress hormones decrease and you can often get the rest you need.

Nancy bought the guided relaxation audio product, and in a few minutes after starting it could feel relaxed.  Through the audio she relaxed and was able to get more rest.  Once she got more rest, she was able to more clearly think about what she and her family needed to do.

And together they figured out how to reduce her stress.

Are you looking for a way to reduce your stress quickly and easily?

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to relax on demand.

A deep belly laugh can often break the stress and tension.  But sometimes you want a deeper, more lasting relaxation experience.

Well, now there’s a way you can!  Chief Robert and Terri Lynn TallTree have created an audio guided relaxation experience that works in 5 minutes or less.  Just click here for more information.

Or copy and paste this link into your browser http://caregivingwithpurpose.com/relax/

Check it out now.

To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”
Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, CaregivingWithPurpose.com and TheKnittingYarn.com

The information on this website is for educational purposes only.  It does not replace information or recommendations from your own physician or other health care provider. Click here for Full Disclaimer

Click here for Disclosure

 

 

 

Here is the original post:
Part 2: How Does Stress Affect Health In Caregivers?

caregiver stress, caregiving, CaregivingWithPurpose.com, dr. ina, How does stress affect health, howtoliveonpurpose.com, ina gilmore, the knitting dr., theknittingyarn.com | Comment
Elder Care |

June 22, 2011

| by Ina Gilmore, M.D. ("The Knitting Dr.")

Glen Campbell Has Alzheimers Disease?

 

Glen Campbell and his wife Kim told People Magazine he has Alzheimer’s disease.

According to the article, he’s planning a final album and a farewell tour. He and his wife Kim reportedly made his diagnosis of Alzheimers disease public so his fans would know.

“I still love making music,” Campbell told People Magazine. “And I still love performing for my fans. I’d like to thank them for sticking with me through thick and thin.”

Having enjoyed his music for years, I hope it’s a rousing success.

Alzheimer's Awareness Ribbon

Alzheimer's Awareness Ribbon

 

 

Here’s a video of Glen Campbell singing “Try a Little Kindness” from 2002 with the South Dakota Symphony and The Good Times Band. Good advice for caregivers and others who know and love anyone with Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 

Can’t see the video?

Then click on this link for the video.

 

To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”
Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, CaregivingWithPurpose.com and TheKnittingYarn.com

 

P.S. Looking for more information for caregivers? Then check out the Caregiving With Purpose Gold Membership. Just click on this link for more information.

 

The information on this website is for educational purposes only. Click here for Full Disclaimer

Click here for Disclosure

View original post here:
Glen Campbell Has Alzheimers Disease?

alzheimer's disease, alzheimers, caregiving, CaregivingWithPurpose.com, dr. ina, glen campbell, howtoliveonpurpose.com, ina gilmore, people magazine, the knitting dr., theknittingyarn.com | Comment
Elder Care |

June 18, 2011

| by Ina Gilmore, M.D. ("The Knitting Dr.")

Easy Healthy Recipes for Caregivers: Got Blueberries?


Do you include blueberries in your healthy eating choices?

Blueberries are a super food, loaded with antioxidants.

Do you know blueberries contain the highest amounts of antioxidants of any berry?

They do!  And these deep blue delicious berries are often a favorite of young and old.

When I was a kid, we spent a week every summer in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania.

The camp where we stayed had wild huckleberries and blueberries.  They grew on bushes over our heads, and usually were ripe the week we were there in August.

Here in South Carolina, early June is blueberry season.

When I eat them, I’m often transported back to the happy memories we had picking blueberries, and then eating them in pancakes the next day.  Yummy!

As a child, you also may have enjoyed eating blueberries…

Maybe even picking them! ;)

Including Blueberries In Easy Healthy Recipes For Caregivers?

Do you know… ?

Blueberries are super foods.  Truly healthy eating in addition to being delicious!

Would you have changed your view of blueberries as a kid if you knew they were also healthy?

And they can be part of easy healthy recipes for caregivers.

Are you searching for a low-calorie, high fiber fruit?

Look no further than the blueberry!  One cup contains less than 100 calories.  And a cup of blueberries is packed with one fourth the daily requirement for Vitamin C.

Why should you include blueberries in your diet as a caregiver?

Studies show blueberries help your

  • Brain…
  • Vision…
  • Even your heart!

Your brain and nervous system?

Yes!  Blueberries contain nutrients that support your nervous system, may delay brain cell death like occurs in Alzheimer’s disease and help your memory.

What about your vision?

Blueberries contain compounds called anthocyanosides and flavonoids.  They can slow visual loss, while helping prevent macular degeneration, myopia, and cataracts.

And your heart?

Anthocyanins are important antioxidants known to prevent heart disease and to support good health of your heart and blood vessels.  Anthocyanins are the compounds in red wine researchers report support heart health.

And guess what…?

Blueberries have more anthocyanins than red wine!

Plus blueberries also may help prevent urinary tract infections.

And there’s more…

The antioxidants in blueberries may benefit other conditions including hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and peptic ulcers.

And antioxidants help combat the effects of stress.  As in caregiver stress.

Who knew?

And adding them to your healthy eating plan can be a snap with easy healthy recipes.  You can add them to a fruit smoothie.  And they are delicious on a salad.

Rinsing and thawing frozen berries can take only minutes.  Truly a time saver!

Here are some precautions to consider about blueberries…

  • Milk protein seems to deplete the antioxidants in blueberries.  So instead of eating blueberries on cereal, you may want to make them a high energy snack later in the morning, or maybe try some on a salad at lunch.  Especially when you’re looking to get the extra boost from the antioxidants for caregiver stress.
  • Blueberries also contain oxalates.  They can become concentrated and crystallize, possibly a problem for those with a tendency for gallstones or kidney stones.  Your personal physician can advise you about blueberries.
  • Moderation may be the way to go instead of overindulging.  And you want to pay attention to allergies and other health concerns.

Wondering How to Select and Enjoy Blueberries?

First, pick good ones.

Choose blueberries that are firm and uniform in color, not dull or watery.

Water causes blueberries to spoil more quickly.  So they should be kept in dry containers in the refrigerator.   Blueberries should also be dried thoroughly after washing.

Frozen can be a great option if you can’t buy fresh.  Blueberries freeze nicely and can be purchased whole or smashed.

Just thaw and enjoy!

When using frozen blueberries in cooking you have choices.  You can either thaw them or include them in your recipe frozen adjusting your cooking time slightly.

Blueberries can be enjoyed from morning until night in a variety of recipes including

  • Breads and muffins…
  • Salads…
  • Sauces…
  • Desserts…
  • Even Drinks.

And they make a great “one ingredient” snack!

Blueberries can be a great addition to your healthy eating plan, and to your easy healthy recipes.

Got some favorite blueberry recipes?

Most everyone does.

And as your needs and eating changes, you may be looking for more blueberry recipes.

This month blueberry recipes are included in the Caregiving With Purpose Gold Membership subscription.

For more information just click on this link

Or copy and paste this URL (web address) into your browser

Members

To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”
Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, CaregivingWithPurpose.com and TheKnittingYarn.com

Disclosure

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is for educational purposes only.  It does not replace information or recommendations from your own physician or other health care provider.  This site does not advocate medical or other health-related self-care, and encourages you to obtain advice from your own personal physician or other health care provider.

This web site is not intended to replace medical, financial, legal, or any other professional advice.  Please use your own good judgment and consult with your own professionals before applying any ideas found within this website.

 


 

Originally posted here:
Easy Healthy Recipes for Caregivers: Got Blueberries?

body, caregiver stress, caregiving, dr. ina, easy healthy recipes, family, healthy eating, howtoliveonpurpose.com, ina gilmore, mind, news, spirit, the knitting dr., theknittingyarn.com | Comment
Elder Care |

June 17, 2011

| by Ina Gilmore, M.D. ("The Knitting Dr.")

Is the Threat of a Hurricane Increasing Your Caregiver Stress?


What does June mean to you?

Do you think of summer starting officially?

Kids out of school?

Flag Day?

How about the official start of Hurricane Season for the mainland U.S.?

Mary didn’t think much about hurricanes or winter storms until she became a caregiver for her elderly mother.

Suddenly the possibility of losing electricity was not just an inconvenience.  Losing air conditioning in 90-plus temperatures would put a strain on her mother’s frail heart.

And might result in needing to move temporarily from their home to an air conditioned motel, possibly some distance away.

The potential loss of food in the refrigerator and freezer would upset her mother…

Adding to Mary’s concerns and caregiver stress.

Just thinking about it made her realize she needed to plan for the unexpected.


Is the Threat of a Hurricane Increasing Your Caregiver Stress?

Do you have a plan for an emergency?

It could be a flood, a hurricane, a winter storm, or what’s recently been called “man-made disasters.”

When you’re a caregiver, you have not only yourself to think about but also anyone you’re caring for.  Being prepared for the unexpected emergency is a year-long goal, not just confined to one season.

What are some ways to prepare for an emergency like a hurricane?

  • Read up on disaster preparedness. You can find information at sites like NOAA or Ready.gov.  Both of them have information you may want to review.
  • Make an emergency plan ahead of time. Knowing what you need in supplies and having them available, and having a plan in how to react can help when a crisis comes.
  • Stay up-to-date with weather and news alerts. The more time you have to plan in advance, the more choices you’ll have.  Sometimes disasters strike without warning, but utilizing the warnings you have can help decrease your caregiver stress.
  • Consider options for the person you’re caring for. If there’s time, would the person you’re caring for be better off with another relative for a few days?  Or do you need to consider evacuating before the storm and before the escape routes are crowded? Knowing your options for an escape route should be part of your disaster planning.
  • Nonperishable foods, supplies and medications. Do you have enough for a few days?  Is a few days enough?

You may need to deal with not only emergency supplies, but how the person you’re caring for will react.

  • Does she understand the potential emergency?
  • Will she cooperate with a change in routine?  Or get upset?
  • Is she likely to hurt herself if the unexpected occurs?

What’s the best time to prepare for an emergency?

Before it happens!

Like this information?

Stay up-to-date with information from this blog. 

Click here to get your FREE tips, helps and information for caregivers.

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To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”
Ambassador of Elder Care, HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, CaregivingWithPurpose.com and TheKnittingYarn.com

Disclosure

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is for educational purposes only.  It does not replace information or recommendations from your own physician or other health care provider.  This site does not advocate medical or other health-related self-care, and encourages you to obtain advice from your own personal physician or other health care provider.

This web site is not intended to replace medical, financial, legal, or any other professional advice.  Please use your own good judgment and consult with your own professionals before applying any ideas found within this website.

 


 

See the original post:
Is the Threat of a Hurricane Increasing Your Caregiver Stress?

body, caregiver stress, caregiving, dr. ina, family, howtoliveonpurpose.com, ina gilmore, mind, news, spirit, the knitting dr., theknittingyarn.com | Comment
Elder Care |

June 13, 2011

| by Ina Gilmore, M.D. ("The Knitting Dr.")

What to Say In a Sympathy Card: What Do I Say To a Grieving Caregiver?

When someone dies, it’s often difficult to know what to say in a sympathy card to the family.

And do you say anything different to the primary caregiver?

Well, there may be a closeness between the caregiver and the departed that isn’t there with other family members.  It’s also likely the caregiver is emotionally and physically exhausted from caregiving.

When my parents passed, we received many cards and letters.

And I learned things about my parents I’d never known.  But it didn’t really surprise me to know they’d done nice things for people quietly and without fanfare.  It gave me great comfort to read the stories.

Not only immediately, but months later when I could fully process them.

What to Say In a Sympathy Card: What Do I Say To a Grieving Caregiver?

It can be difficult to know what to say in a sympathy card to a grieving caregiver.

Basically, you say some of the same things you’d say to any bereaved family member.  It’s s good idea to realize the caregiver likely is exhausted from caregiving.  So being kind and gentle means a lot at this time.

And cards or letters are nice.  Yes, some people prefer to send flowers.

You know, flowers only last a few days.  A card or note can be saved and reread… again and again.

Read in the moment of the most intense exhaustion and grief.  When the bereaved caregiver may not remember what you wrote.  With a card or letter it can be reread days or even months later when the memories are not as painful.

So how do you know what to say in a sympathy card to a grieving caregiver?

  • It’s about the bereaved and the departed. Not how you feel or what happened to you in similar circumstances.  And definitely not about how you think the bereaved feels – especially if you’ve never had a similar loss.
  • Sharing a happy memory of how the departed helped you is okay.  Happy memories are okay to write in a sympathy card.
  • Sometimes actions speak louder than words. The caregiver is likely in deep emotional pain, or even shock.  And if you can offer help or even just to listen that can do a long way.  Maybe you can run errands or offer to get groceries when you go.  Or something unique that only you can do for the caregiver.  It can mean a lot.

And sometimes you just don’t know what to say. It’s okay  to say that.

Sometimes you need more help in knowing how to phrase your words.  This ebook can guide you not only in the right things to say but also to do.  And even to avoid saying and doing the wrong things!

Just click on this link for more information or

Copy and paste this URL into your browser

http://caregivingwithpurpose.com/SympathyBook/

Check it out now so you don’t have to worry what to say when you need the right words.

 

To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”
Ambassador of Elder Care, HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, CaregivingWithPurpose.com and TheKnittingYarn.com

Disclosure

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is for educational purposes only.  It does not replace information or recommendations from your own physician or other health care provider.  This site does not advocate medical or other health-related self-care, and encourages you to obtain advice from your own personal physician or other health care provider.

This web site is not intended to replace medical, financial, legal, or any other professional advice.  Please use your own good judgment and consult with your own professionals before applying any ideas found within this website.

 

Originally posted here:
What to Say In a Sympathy Card: What Do I Say To a Grieving Caregiver?

body, caregiving, dr. ina, family, hospice and grief, howtoliveonpurpose.com, ina gilmore, the knitting dr., theknittingyarn.com | Comment
Elder Care |

June 11, 2011

| by Ina Gilmore, M.D. ("The Knitting Dr.")

Looking For Hope For Alzheimers Symptoms?

It’s no surprise to anyone watching the news that it’s often sad or depressing.

Uplifting stories are often brief, almost an afterthought.  If they appear at all.

Two very sad stories of persons with Alzheimers symptoms made the news yesterday.  So sad that I started to look for uplifting stories or ideas…

And I came across a couple.  First, Alzheimer’s disease is often described as “The Long Good-bye.”  Maria Shriver has a different take.  Her father R. Sargent Shriver had Alzheimer’s.  She describes the disease as “The New Hello.”

What a gentle way to turn the painful goodbye into something positive!

Hey, with Alzheimer’s symptoms you take good news wherever you can find it!

Looking For Hope For Alzheimers Symptoms?

There are studies in Toronto Canada showing that bilingual people have a delay in Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Apparently it’s seen in folks who regularly speak two languages fluently.  Not just enough to read a menu.

Bilingual folks actually form a different nerve path in the brain.  So they think differently, and use that pathway for non-language activities such as multitasking.

It’s only with the recent development of new imaging studies that learning about this phenomenon became possible.

So what happens in bilingual brains?

  • There’s a rewiring of the nerves, forming a different pathway for fluency in two languages.
  • Bilingual persons then can use these language nerve pathways or circuitry for doing thing that are non-language.
  • When a bilingual person develops Alzheimer’s symptoms, there’s a delay of five or six years compared to folks who speak only one language.  Apparently the person is able to cope because of an increase in their brain reserve.

So can we add bilingualism to increased physical activity such as walking, increased cognitive activity such as doing crossword puzzles or crafts, and increased socialization to possible opportunities to delay Alzheimer’s disease?

And maybe just maybe…

Find a cure or more effective treatment.

Although it took some digging, uplifting information about Alzheimer’s disease IS available ;)

Like this information?

Now there’s a new way you can stay up to date with this blog.

As of this week, I’m delighted to report that Caregiving With Purpose is now available by subscription on Kindle.  For more information, just click on the image…

Can’t see the image?

Then click on this link or copy and paste this web address (URL) into your web browser…

http://caregivingwithpurpose.com/Kindle/

To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”
Ambassador of Elder Care, HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, CaregivingWithPurpose.com and TheKnittingYarn.com

Bibliography:

Claudia Dreifus. The Bilingual Advantage.  The New York Times, May 30, 2011. Retrieved June 11, 2011, from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/31/science/31conversation.html.

Disclosure

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is for educational purposes only.  It does not replace information or recommendations from your own physician or other health care provider.  This site does not advocate medical or other health-related self-care, and encourages you to obtain advice from your own personal physician or other health care provider.

This web site is not intended to replace medical, financial, legal, or any other professional advice.  Please use your own good judgment and consult with your own professionals before applying any ideas found within this website.

 


View original post here:
Looking For Hope For Alzheimers Symptoms?

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