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 »
I know firsthand that weight loss hypnosis works. Twenty-five years ago, I lugged around 260 pounds. Thanks to hypnosis, healthy eating and exercise, I ditched 120 pounds and have kept it off for twenty-four years. As we are in the midst of a global obesity pandemic, I am more passionate now than ever about helping… Read more »
Time…We can’t stop the clock, but if we recognize that a moment passed is a moment gone forever, we might want to make different choices about how we spend it. Money, a good name, and even health can be regained, but a tick of the clock can never be retrieved. Is that why the present… Read more »
You just got off the phone and are in shock that your friend has cancer. You are the best friend, spouse, parent, volunteer…everyone’s cheerleader. How this could happen? The New Year is here and everyone is supposed to be happy and celebrating – not talking cancer! You feel helpless. Like any good person raised in… Read more »
In today’s school age children, acts of bullying can begin as early as preschool years and continue to escalate throughout the elementary years and beyond. Bullying is a distinctive pattern of harming and humiliating others.1 Nearly a third of children 12-18 years old report experiencing bullying by being made fun of, insulted, made to do… Read more »
Family caregivers who need in-home care may not know the various types of care nor what levels of support to expect. Cost, frequency and level of skilled providers are among determining factors when choosing in-home help for a loved one. What are the differences between types of in-home care workers? Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and… Read more »
The holidays are a time of joy, anticipation, happiness, frivolity, family fun, merriment and well, high expectations. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, or any celebratory event, we tend to get nostalgic and that inner child within all of us wants everything to be picture perfect! The reality is that while perfection may be the goal,… Read more »