Ah, wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall sometimes while a caregiver is looking after mom or dad? You're not alone. Many of us rely on outside caregivers to take care of our older loved ones. Yet, we are unable to be there day-to-day to oversee how things are really going. If you've ever wanted to make sure you're getting detailed information about your loved one's day from the helpers, follow these three guidelines: Create a Sense of Teamwork. Some caregivers might be wary of the CKIC...  

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With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start looking forward to sunshine, baseball, and fruits and vegetables. If bushels and barrels of fresh, seasonal produce don’t get you excited, here are just a few reasons why they should.   Health Benefits Both fruits and veggies are high in fiber and naturally low in calories. Additionally, they are filled with vitamins and minerals that your body needs to keep you healthy and energized. Fruits and vegetables are often considered to be s...  

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According to estimates provided in Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General, approximately 1 million people in the United states suffer from Paget’s disease of bone – or about 1.3 people per 100 men and women in the 45-74 age group. While relatively rare, Paget’s is the second most common bone disease next to osteoporosis. The more we know about a disease, the better prepared we can be in the event it affects us or our loved ones. Let’s take a look at how this disease af...  

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No one likes to go to the doctor, especially when there is a chance that something may be wrong.  Though acknowledging a medical problem and receiving a diagnosis is a scary process, it’s what you do after the diagnosis that really matters. When the doctor has unfortunate news, it’s imperative to remain positive and know the facts. Calling All Doctors If you notice that something is wrong medically, don’t be afraid to contact your doctor directly. When people notice an unusual lump, bump or...  

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A few blog posts ago, I wrote about therapeutic activities you can do at home, but what about therapeutic foods you can eat at home? Believe it or not, there are a number of different items that will leave your stomach feeling satisfied and your mind feeling free. The next time you’re choosing an afternoon snack, pick something that has therapeutic side effects and reap the benefits of delicious, calming foods. Pumpkin Seeds Halloween can be a relaxing time for you because of pumpkin seeds....  

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Over the course of our lives, we’ve all been prescribed a variety of medications, but sometimes, the best remedy lies within a good old-fashioned laugh. Though laughter may seem insignificant, it can be one of the most powerful aspects of a healthy lifestyle. To name a few benefits, laughing strengthens your immune system, heightens your level of energy and keeps you in a positive mood. The best thing about laughter is that it’s not hard to come by. Most often, laughter finds us. It’s usuall...  

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What diseases run in your family? Has anyone ever been diagnosed with cancer? Who? Sound familiar? These questions, along with many others, are just a few that may be asked during an annual checkup. Personally, I answer these questions willingly, but I never take into consideration how important my answers can be. When it comes to health, a family tree can reveal a lot about you, and it may even lead to early detection. As a result, it’s important to create and share your family health histo...  

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Recently, I took a course that focused on life writing and was surprised by the therapeutic benefits it offered. For me, life writing felt a lot like journaling, and I found it to be exceptionally reflective. Then I thought… there are tons of things I can do for myself that feel like therapy. Why not take relaxation into my own hands? Creative Outlets As simple as writing may seem, it has a way of freeing the mind of chaos and helping you to focus. Maybe you had a bad day, and you want to j...  

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I love to sleep, and I’m sure you do too. Lying in bed after a long day is a rewarding and comforting feeling that I cherish. It’s no secret that our bodies need sleep to survive. However, sometimes falling asleep is easier said than done. Understanding how sleep works will help you get the right amount of rest each night. There are two different types of sleep: non-rapid eye movement, known as NREM sleep, and rapid eye movement, known as REM sleep. NREM sleep is made up of four different st...  

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When did I take my last pill? When can I take the next one? I have asked myself these questions countless times when managing my medication. When we rely on certain medicines to stay healthy, it’s important to create a daily routine that will help us remember the right pills at the right time. Understanding Medications Before you take any type of medication, it’s important to know what you’re putting in your body and how it can affect your system. Medication can be divided into two categori...  

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