You become what you think about. Throughout history, philosophers, historians and even poets have written about the power of the mind. Your thoughts become your reality. Norman Vincent Peele said, “Change your thoughts, and you change your life. If you think in negative thoughts, you will get negative results; if you think in positive terms,… Read more »
The global pandemic is affecting people on many levels. Questions arise as to whether we’ll get back to normal and when? And, what might that new normal look like? If ever we needed a daily affirming mantra, it would be, ‘one day at a time.’ We are social beings by nature. Not only do we… Read more »
Have you had strange dreams during the COVID lock-down? You are not alone. As a dream expert, many have reached out to me during this time with similar descriptions of recurrent nightmares such as this concerned dreamer: “There is a dark shadow chasing me down a dark street, and I keep looking back over my… Read more »
In February, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) requested additional testing and data for aducanumab, a promising new drug for Alzheimer’s disease. The FDA pushed the date to July 7, 2021, before making its decision to approve the new treatment. “If approved, aducanumab would be the first available treatment to potentially change the progression of Alzheimer’s,… Read more »
My mother and I could not have been more opposite. She said I came out of the womb with my little fingers daintily pointing into the air. She was one of 11, born to a fruit and vegetable peddler father and a mother who emigrated from Romania and tried her best to manage her brood.… Read more »
Oh, baby, it’s cold outside! You can feel it – and often see it – on your skin. So, tonight, plan something soothing and rehydrating for yourself…take a relaxing olive oil bath. Yes, many generations have known the secret to beautiful winter skin can be found in your kitchen. How intriguing is that? Often, secrets… Read more »
One thing experts do agree on is that technology is changing the way we’re interacting socially. Technology can be a very effective tool in reducing social isolation, especially among senior citizens, by enhancing communication and connectivity between friends, family and caregivers. Research shows belonging to social groups and networks is just as important a predictor… Read more »
Grieving is a normal process of reacting to the loss of a loved one and affects you mentally, physically, socially and emotionally. While there is no real order to the grieving process, those affected may experience a range of feelings, including denial, disbelief, anger, confusion, shock, sadness, despair, guilt and anxiety. It can also cause… Read more »
Home: “Relating to the place where one lives. The place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household.” My definition of home during a pandemic: “The place where one survives.” And not just in the literal sense because we are all dealing with the serious challenges of trying to remain… Read more »
While some people may be reluctant or afraid to have a full medical evaluation for possible dementia, the benefits to an early diagnosis far outweigh the fears. In fact, an early accurate diagnosis may be a relief for the individual and family to know – including a possible treatable or reversible condition. Once a family… Read more »
The invitation read, “Zombies and Vampires are not welcome, but the dead are invited to dine with the living at a Dumb Supper on All Hallows’ Eve.” Was it trick or treat? Think about it… Rather than mourning our deceased with tears, why not celebrate their memory with love, because love never dies? And, under… Read more »
The iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel once said, “Nature gives you the face you have at twenty. It is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.” And, of course, beyond. Most of us realize that a diligent skin care routine is a must if you want to stave off the effects… Read more »
Often, friends and family members stop visiting a loved one with dementia because they don’t know what to say or do. Planning ahead for a visit can help create a positive experience and alleviate stress for both the patient and visitor. For caregivers, when having visitors, limit to one or two people at a time.… Read more »
During these unprecedented times when we are required to practice social distancing and shelter at home, families caring for a loved one with dementia at home face increased isolation and emotional challenges. Not being able to socialize in person with friends and extended family are difficult enough for everyone. Keeping a sense of structure and… Read more »
As I write this, we are in the midst of unprecedented times, coming to grips with the idea that the world, as we knew it, is changing daily due to the coronavirus pandemic. Life seems surreal as if watching a futuristic science fiction movie, yet we are the stars. With all the doom and gloom… Read more »
This past month, the world was shocked by the news of the death of sports icon Kobe Bryant along with eight other victims on board a helicopter that crashed in Calabasas. For 20 years, basketball fans watched Kobe game after game and witnessed an athlete who was wholeheartedly committed to excellence. During Kobe’s jersey retirement… Read more »
F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “I’m a slave to my emotions, to my likes, to my hatred of boredom, to most of my desires.” Have you ever felt like you were held emotionally hostage to your thoughts and feelings and then acted out with dysfunctional behaviors that ended with negative consequences? We all have. It’s part… Read more »
Pregnancy is a wondrous time. It is filled with joy and anticipation and daydreams of what is to come. But what if midway through the pregnancy that joyous daydream is interrupted with news of a problem? My son, Nicholas, had a condition called congenital hydrocephalus which was diagnosed at my baseline ultrasound when I was… Read more »
It was a quaint little restaurant on a balmy desert night – just the two of them, she a writer, he a musician, together conversing in a syncopated rhythm of their own making. Their wine glasses clink and he proposes a toast, “hip-hip, chin-chin.” They laugh at the funny Italian cheer and are reminded that… Read more »
It’s that time of year when many people review and plan how to create optimal health in their daily lives. My question is, “Do you have a personal practice or routine that serves and supports you?” Having come from a sports science and fitness background, I came across many people who were 23-hour couch potatoes.… Read more »