For Sale

This blog, the websites and domains: www.CheckInCalls.com, & www.IndependAid.com  are for Sale.

Interested parties should contact:  Karen@CheckInCalls.com

Giving Thanks to Our Readers

On behalf of ElderCaring, I am sending out a big “thank you” to the readers of this blog for your past loyalty.  I am in the process of shifting gears (back to what I know best and love doing, marketing and advertising).  So, as much as I’ve enjoyed serving the Elder and Caregivers market, I’ll no longer be able to support this blog with new material.

Feel free to browse the wealth of info and articles designed to help caregivers and adult children of elderly parents with their caregiving responsibilities.  Just use the Search Box to the right…

all my best,

Karen A. Cameron
Action Advertising Agency
www.ActionAdvertisingAgency.com

This blog, the websites and domains: www.CheckInCalls.com and www.IndependAid.com

 are for Sale. 

Interested?  Please contact:  Karen@CheckInCalls.com

5 Tips for Sane Living in a Tech World

From Dr. Andrew Weil’s latest book, “Spontaneous Happiness,” come his five tips for modern life.

1. Mindfulness training is an excellent way to develop your powers of attention and concentration.  Try to bring more of your awareness to the present moment.
2. Sleep in complete darkness, and try to be out in bright light during the day.
3. We humans are special animals.  Reach out to others.  Make social interaction a priority.  It is a powerful safeguard of emotional well-being.
4. Avoid or neutralize (as with noise-cancelling headphones) disturbing sounds.  Choose to listen to sounds that have positive effects on your moods (including sounds of nature).  Also, try to cultivate silence.
5. Information overload is inimical to focused attention.  Set limits on the amount of time you spend on the computer, with email, on the phone.

We all could use a break now and then from the tech devices that have become ubiquitous in our lives.  Try to take even a half hour a day to meditate, walk in nature, or otherwise step away from the bombardment of chaotic communications.  It just may lighten your mood and improve your outlook.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Just Say “No” to MSG

Did you know that 90% of Americans are sensitive to MSG?  Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is added to many processed foods to enhance the flavor.  But the neuron-overstimulating excitotoxin can cause sluggishness, headaches, pain, depression and other problems.  In one study, 90 percent of people who consumed 10 grams of MSG experienced symptoms like light-headedness and tingling in the face within 20 minutes.

Most people think that a little flavor enhancer is harmless so they fail to connect MSG to symptoms they are experiencing.  People who are sensitive to the chemical can have problems even if they’ve only consumed a small amount in a salad dressing or tortilla chips, for example.  Symptoms of MSG sensitivity can mimic those of fibromyalgia and can intensify pain, fatigue and other problems, especially for women.

To thwart the process of MSG exciting receptors on brain cells, which can cause fatigue, muscle twitches and foggy thinking, Dr. Hyman (author of “Nutritional Medicine”) suggests having 5 to 9 daily servings of fruit and veggies.  This he says prevents the overproduction of damaging oxidants in the brain.

I think avoiding MSG is the best solution.  But, the chemical can lurk insidiously in our processed foods.  Since MSG is technically a natural substance, it can be present in so-called “natural” products.  MSG can be called a number of things including “yeast extract,” “calcium caseinate,” gelatin” and “textured protein” or simply grouped into “flavoring” or “spices” on food labels.  If you get real serious about eliminating MSG from your diet, this comprehensive list of ingredients that contain the chemical is sure to be helpful.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndpendAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Exercise Outdoors: Who Me?!

If you’re like me, when the weather turns cold, you’d rather stay snuggled into your warm house than get out for some exercise.  I can think of a million things to do inside to alleviate my guilt about passing on a walk with the dog outside.  But, a brisk day can actually help you boost your calorie burn.  And fresh air can elevate your mood and raise your energy level (so you can get busting on those indoor chores afterwards!).

Check with your doctor first if you have certain conditions, like asthma, before moving your workout outdoors — and be sure to dress in layers, cover your hands, feet and ears, and listen for any extreme weather conditions that really should move your workout indoors.

Okay, as I’m sitting here writing, I’m thinking I need to heed this and get my butt outside!  You too?

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Remember, Take Time for Yourself

As a Caregiver, it’s easy to get bogged down with day-to-day tasks and meeting your Caree’s needs. But  it’s important to take time for yourself. Research shows that balancing your work with other interests enhances physical and mental well-being, and actually increases productivity. It makes you much more interesting and desirable to be around, too.  So today’s blog message is simple, “Treat yourself as you would like to be treated!”

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Dr. Weil’s 4-Week Plan to Happiness: Week 4

Week Four

The first three weeks of this plan are based on setting the groundwork for strong emotional well-being. If you still feel like you need help, try these additional strategies:

1. Herbal Remedies

• Ashwagandha: Also known as Indian ginseng, this herbal remedy has anti-anxiety and mood-elevating properties. Ashwagandha is very safe and can be used long-term. If your depression is associated with anxiety, this is a good complementary remedy to try.
• B.  SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) This supplement has the advantage of working within 24-48 hours and is quite safe. However, it can be somewhat stimulating and should not be used by people with bipolar disorder, nor should it be taken too close to bedtime. Use only the butanedisulfonate form in enteric-coated tablets, or in capsules. Try 400-1600mg a day on an empty stomach.
• Rhodiola: Also called arctic root, this herb promotes focus and concentration and has mood-elevating effects.

2. Acupuncture

Studies show that acupuncture can be a useful treatment for mild to moderate depression. Find an acupuncture practitioner who is familiar with using it for this purpose.

3. Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage helps reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which promotes both happiness and relaxation.

4. Adjust Your Posture

Your posture can directly affect your mood. To adjust your posture, try this simple deep breathing technique: Stand and extend your arms with your left palm up and your right palm down. As you take a deep breath, slowly raise your arms until your hands touch over your head. Then breathe out. Repeat twice.

Now, aren’t you glad I reposted this?  I found many of these not only interesting but helpful too.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Dr. Weil’s 4-Week Plan to Happiness: Week 3

Week Three

1. Reduce Information Overload

If you don’t create boundaries, it feels as if your workday never ends, and you never have any time, which impacts your state of mind. To ward off depression and anxiety, let your brain rest. Enforce a curfew starting at 8 p.m. and power down your cell phone, computer and television. Try this for one week.

2. Reconnect With Nature

Make an effort to get outside and reconnect with nature. It will help you unwind and eliminate distractions. You don’t have to plan an excursion to a remote national park – it can be as simple as taking a walk through the park or along a nearby river or sandy shore. Just make sure to leave your cell phone at home (or in the car) so you can disconnect and fully engage in your surroundings.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Dr. Weil’s 4-Week Plan to Happiness: Week 2

Okay, here’s Dr. Weil’s recommendations for the second week of the 4-week plan to boost your happiness quotient.

Week Two

1. Add a Mood-Boosting Supplement Cocktail

• Fish Oil: Taking fish oil can dramatically improve mood and reduce depression. Take a supplement that provides 600 mg of DHA/EPA omega-3 fatty acids. If you’re bothered by fish-flavored burps, try keeping the product in the freezer and swallowing frozen capsules. Be sure to take them on a full stomach.
• Vitamin D: Research shows that low levels of vitamin D correlate with mental disturbances and even psychosis. You may want to have your blood level tested to see if you’re deficient. Take 1000 IU  of vitamin D with your largest meal for optimal absorption.
• Multivitamin: Research suggests that adequate doses of three B vitamins – folate (or folic acid), B6 and B12 help ward off depression. Choose a multivitamin containing 400mcg of folic acid, 100 mcg of B12 and at least 50mcg of B6. Take with your largest meal to ensure absorption and avoid indigestion.

2. Reestablish Social Connections

Social connection protects people from depression. Today “artificial” interactions such as using social media have become substitutes for real interactions, which have diminished our sense of community. Relationships with family and friends are key to maintaining happiness. This week, work on reestablishing bonds with the people you care about and those you may have drifted from – powerful research shows that forgiveness improves mood. Also, build new connections.

Make sense?  Then, we’ll continue with Dr. Weil’s recommendations for Week 3 tomorrow.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Dr. Andrew Weil’s 4-week Plan to Happiness: Week 1

Came across this and thought it would be beneficial for caregivers (or just about anyone!), so I’m republishing it here at ElderCaring.

Week One

1. Cut Your Caffeine Intake

Caffeine is a strong stimulant that can affect mood and energy cycles and therefore aggravate depression. If you drink coffee or other forms of caffeine, try going cold turkey for two full days to see if you have a withdrawal reaction such as fatigue or a throbbing headache. If you notice that you are indeed dependent, you need to cut it out altogether. Try swapping coffee for oolong tea, which has less caffeine, and diet soda for sparkling water with lemon.

2.  Cut Out Artificial Foods

Foods that are refined, processed and manufactured promote inflammation within the body, which can lead to chronic disease and also impair mood. Avoid packaged foods, especially all the snack stuff like chips and cookies.  Today’s supermarket shelves are stocked with tons of healthy and  unhealthy foods. To make the right choices when walking the  aisles, opt for fresh and whole (you know, the stuff that comes from a farm vs. a factory).

We’ll continue with the rest of Dr. Weil’s recommendations in the days ahead.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Take Time Today to Thank a Veteran

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. Today’s ceremony (11/11/11) starts at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.

The Veterans Day National Committee also selects a number of regional sites for Veterans Day observances throughout the country. From decorated parades and ceremonies to military exhibits and tributes to distinguished veterans, today we honor our veterans.  If you or your Caree are a Veteran, our hats off to you.  Do something special today in recognition for a job well done.  And, for everyone else:  Thank a Vet today.

Thank you, Uncle Jerry Tylawski!

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Source:  www.VA.gov

Memories

Let Fate do her worst, there are relics of joy,

Bright dreams of the past, which she cannot destroy!

Which come in the night-time of sorrow and care,

And bring back the features that joy used to wear.

Long, long be my  heart with such memories filled.

Like the vase in which roses have once been distilled;

You may break, you may ruin the vase if you will,

But the scent of the roses will hang round it still.

— Thomas Moore

Tell us about a loved one now gone but still hanging ’round your storehouse of fond memories.

all my best,

Karen Cameron

www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Could You have Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a disease that most commonly affects people who are 60 and older. It is exceedingly rare for someone to be diagnosed with osteoarthritis before the age of 40. Osteoarthritis is distinguished from other types of arthritis more by the symptoms that you don’t get because “there are no very specific symptoms of osteoarthritis [versus other types of arthritis],” says Jonathan Edwards, MD, professor at University College London in England.

Here are some facts that can help you understand if you may have Osteoarthritis:

• Stiffness in the morning that lasts longer than 30 minutes is less likely to be a symptom of osteoarthritis, as this type of stiffness generally clears up within that time.
• Osteoarthritis affects certain joints and leaves others alone. If you have many different joints affected on both sides of your body, it’s less likely that the cause is osteoarthritis.
• Osteoarthritis rarely affects the wrist, elbow, or ankle. If you have joint pain in these areas, it’s unlikely to be caused by osteoarthritis.
• Unless osteoarthritis is far along, it is unlikely to cause pain at night.
• Joint pain that is associated with other symptoms, such as a rash or a fever, is unlikely to be caused by osteoarthritis.
• There are no blood tests that can detect osteoarthritis; however, your doctor can use a blood test to see if another type of arthritis is causing your symptoms.

Knowing how to recognize osteoarthritis symptoms — or rather those that indicate that osteoarthritis is more likely than other types of arthritis — can help you catch the disease in its earliest stages, when weight loss and exercise are most helpful.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Source:  AOL Everyday Health

Election Day Today

It’s Election Day here so I’m off at the polls.  As an Election Worker, I feel like I’m giving back to the community that provides so much to my family and me.  And, hopefully, I’m contributing to the democratic process that our forefathers worked so hard to establish.

If you have a local election today, exercise your right and fulfill your duty; get out and vote.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Handling the Transition to Assisted Living

Assisted living may conjure up feelings in older adults of losing control or facing the last chapter of one’s life. Moving can be especially hard for those who have been living in the same home or community for decades. And, imagine the difficulty of having to face the painful reality that you are no longer able to live independently.  The recipe for success with this major transition starts with a generous portion of compassion.

Don’t put it off
You may face resistance, but don’t put off broaching the subject of assisted living if you think a loved one needs help. Geriatric specialists offer these tips for starting a discussion:

• Listen to the objections your loved one may have. Let him or her know you understand those feelings. (Again, compassion helps.)
• Point out the advantages of moving to an assisted living facility, but also acknowledge it may be hard to make the move and adjust.
• Assure the senior that he is still in the driver’s seat. Let him know he’ll be involved in all decisions.
• Ask the elder about health and wellness concerns as well as location (closer to you?) or activity preferences.
• Arrange for visits to several facilities. This will give your loved one a feel for the differences and a sense of where she would be happiest.

Preparing for the move
You’ve chosen an assisted living facility your loved one is fairly comfortable with. But as packing begins, you may find that anxiety sets in. The elder may also begin grieving about the life and memories he or she is leaving behind. It might help to:

• Get a floor plan for the room. Ask the senior to show you where he or she wants things to go.
• Explain that the room is their space. They will have privacy when desired.
• Make time for your loved one to share memories. Sorting through belongings can be emotional.
• Get a program schedule from the residence. Help the elder to choose some interesting activities to attend the first two weeks.

Get a list of everything that will be provided by the assisted living facility so you don’t pack things you don’t need. Have your caree pick out favorite items to bring, like family photos and items of sentimental value. Also check with the facility to see if the senior’s prescriptions need to get transferred.

Moving day
It’s often best to do the moving yourself while the senior enjoys the day elsewhere. Perhaps he or she may want to visit a late spouse’s grave or go to a favorite lunch spot. Seeing their new room only after it is set up with all their treasured things will feel more welcoming.

Also try to call and visit often the first few weeks after the move. Listen and be understanding if your loved one complains or talks about missing his old home.  Encourage your caree not to stay in the room all day, too. If possible, arrange a weekly outing with a family member that the elder can look forward to. This might be attending church or watching a grandchild’s school play.

Then, be patient. In two to six months, most seniors adjust to their new home. Staff at the residence can provide assistance if there are still adjustment problems.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Exercise Every Day? Yes, You Can!

How many times have you said “I’m just too busy” to exercise?  Caregivers’ days are busier than most. But, that’s still no excuse for not taking care of yourself.  We CAN spare 10-minutes of our day, right?  Here are some ideas to sneak in exercises you can do in just ten (but, you may want to keep going after you get going)!

• Go for a brisk walk (outdoors, mall, office building; doesn’t matter where if you sustain it to get your heart rate up)
• Forego lunch with a friend for a walk or a visit to your local gym with your friend
• Pop in your favorite workout DVD — even if you can only do 10 or 15 minutes of it
• What’s cheap, portable and provides a quick calorie burn?  A jump rope.  Keep it with you and surprise yourself at how many times you can use it!

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

A-B-Cs of CPR now “C-A-B”

The American Heart Association is has rearranged the ABCs of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in its American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Recommending that chest compressions be the first step for lay and professional rescuers to revive victims of sudden cardiac arrest, the association said the A-B-Cs (Airway-Breathing-Compressions) of CPR should now be changed to C-A-B (Compressions-Airway-Breathing).  All victims in cardiac arrest need chest compressions. In the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest, victims will have oxygen remaining in their lungs and bloodstream, so starting CPR with chest compressions can pump that blood to the victim’s brain and heart sooner.

Other recommendations, based mainly on research published since the last AHA resuscitation guidelines in 2005:

• During CPR, rescuers should give chest compressions a little faster, at a rate of at least 100 times a minute.
• Rescuers should push deeper on the chest, compressing at least two inches in adults and children and 1.5 inches in infants.
• Between each compression, rescuers should avoid leaning on the chest to allow it to return to its starting position.
• Rescuers should avoid stopping chest compressions and avoid excessive ventilation.
• All 9-1-1 centers should assertively provide instructions over the telephone to get chest compressions started when cardiac arrest is suspected.

Such good information for us to know.  I hope you’ll consider passing it along to your friends and loved ones.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Source:  The American Hearth Association

With Vitamin E, Easy Does It

Vitamin E supports metabolism and it’s an antioxidant that protects cells and tissues from harm.  So, you might think, the more the better, right?

Not so fast.

For adults, the RDA for vitamin E is 15 mg (22.4 IU).  Most of us get close to that without much effort.  Whole grains, leafy greens, soybean, canola, sunflower and olive oils, egg yolks, nuts and seeds are all good dietary sources.

Researchers have found that vitamin E supplements above 400 IU can be harmful.  The bottom line?  If you’re taking a multivitamin, choose one with a low dose of vitamin E because most of us get plenty of vitamin E by eating a balanced diet.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Source:  Wise Woman, (HAP Newsletter), Fall 2001

10 Tips for Reducing Your Cell Phone Cancer Risk

Research findings on the potential risks of cell phone use are confusing at best.  Each month, it seems, another study is published with results that refute the previous month’s study.  What everyone can agree on is that there’s no harm in avoiding the radiation that the phone produces.

Evidence shows that prolonged or frequent exposure to ionizing radiation causes DNA damage in cells, which can eventually lead to cancer, but research is not as conclusive about whether non-ionizing radiation (from cell phones) has the same effect.  “I think only time will tell,” says Ann Louise Gittleman, author of the book Zapped: Why Your Cell Phone Shouldn’t Be Your Alarm Clock and 1,268 Ways to Outsmart the Hazards of Electronic Pollution. “And when we do have the definitive data, it probably will be too late.”

“People are not going to go without technology,” Gittleman says. “We’re not going to go backward. But in order to go forward, we need to be proactive about protecting ourselves.”

Gittleman and Dr. Jandial offer these 10 tips to minimize exposure to radiation from your cell phone:

• Limit the frequency and length of calls. Keep cell phone calls as short as possible. If the conversation starts to drag on, hang up and call back from a landline.
• Use a landline when practical. If you know you’re going to be having a lot of hours-long heart-to-hearts with your mom or your best friend, use a landline — preferably one that isn’t cordless. Gittleman says that there’s some research that indicates cordless phones may be emit even more radiation than cell phones. “It’s almost like having a mini cell phone tower in your home,” she explains. “One study showed that cordless phones caused heart rate and arrhythmias to increase.”
• Don’t chat in cars, trains, or elevators. Your phone has to work a lot harder to get signal out through the metal, so it emits stronger electromagnetic radiation, Gittleman explains. Also, if you’re using your phone in a metal container, the frequency waves it emits have nowhere to go and instead bounce back and forth in the space around you, exposing you to more-than-usual radiation.Going at high speeds (such as in a train) also automatically boosts the power of the signal to maximize the phone’s attempts to connect to a new relay antennae, Gittleman explains. More power equals more radiation.
• Only use your phone when you have a full signal. When you have poor reception, your phone has to work harder to connect, which increases the strength of the electromagnetic radiation it gives off. Don’t try to make calls when your bars are low, and if the signal goes bad mid-conversation, hang up and try again later.
• Use a headset or speaker mode. Gittleman suggests using an air tube headset, which is less conductive of radio frequency than regular wired headsets and also keeps the phone further away from your head.
• Get text savvy. Take a cue from your kids. “Younger people tend to text more, which is a good habit,” Dr. Jandial says. Texting requires less battery power and less signal strength to connect, so your phone doesn’t emit as much radiation as when you’re talking. Plus, any radiation that is released is further away from your brain.
• Hold the phone away from your head. Putting a phone up to your ear is “almost like using a mini microwave oven on your brain,” Gittleman says. Whenever possible, keep the phone at least 6 to 7 inches from your skull — including when it’s on but not in use. (Don’t sleep with it next to your pillow if you use it as an alarm clock.)
• Keep your battery charged. Low battery power makes it difficult for your phone to find a signal, so you’re likely to have poor reception and be exposed to more radiation.
• Switch sides regularly during conversation. Spread out your exposure to any radiation by alternating which side of your head is closest to your phone. This helps to ensure that no one part of your brain gets an unusually high dose.

I hope you find these tips helpful.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Source:  www.EveryDayHealth.com

Happy Halloween from ElderCaring

Halloween is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain where people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs.  The holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween.

Hope you and your Caree are in the “spirit” to celebrate Halloween with a fitting treat!

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com