Monthly Archives: May 2013

Caregivers: How Do You Relieve Stress?


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Tuesday on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk radio my guest, was Licensed Massage Therapist Wayne White.

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Wayne White, LMT

Through the art of massage therapy, Wayne took us on a journey on how massage therapy can be a tool to aid in the healing of the mind, body, and spirit.   Wayne was clear in his message that massage therapy is not a replacement for curative care, yet a viable avenue to help reduce stress while being an aid in healing.

To listen to our episode on Massage Therapy with Wayne White, simply click here!

Having balance in life allows us to ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ yet finding that balance during our busy Caregiving days can be difficult.

Here are some simple ‘Bow Tie Guy’ Tips to help you find balance and ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ heart

   BAHC!

  •         Be  willing to set aside time in your day that is just for you.
  •         Allow yourself the freedom to explore something new.
  •        Have the courage to ask for help when needed.
  •        Care for yourself as well as you care for your Caree.

 

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Be Free of Stress

Stress plays an adversarial role with our mind, body and spirit. Finding that delicate balance that will help relieve stress is essential for our well-being.  Taking that first step to help relieve  stress is often the most difficult step to take.

I would love to hear how you relieve stress in your life?  Feel free to leave your comments below or email me directly at Chris@thepurplejacket.com

                    Listen to  my show, ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ by simply clicking here!

 

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Good Morning! Thursdays are always…”Have You Hugged A Caregiver’ Day! #eldercarechat #hugacaregiver #carechat #caregiving

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Caregivers: How Massage Therapy Can Help Relieve Stress


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On Tuesday May 28th at 1:00 pm (est)  we welcome licensed massage therapist, Wayne White to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ Show on Blog Talk Radio!  To listen to the show live, simply click here! 

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Wayne White, Licensed Massage Therapist

Massage therapy is one of the most soothing gifts that one can experience in life.  Stress relief and massage therapy go hand in hand.  Those long stressful days of work and Caregiving can be removed by the simple touch of a licensed massage therapist.

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Wayne working in his studio

On today’s show, we are going to explore with Wayne the art of massage therapy and why massage therapy is essential to good mental and physical health.  Through our conversation today with Wayne, we will all learn how to ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver!’

To listen to the show live on Tuesday at 1:00 pm (est), simply click here! 

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Good Morning! Nothing is improbable until it moves into past tense

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Good Morning! Thursdays are always…”H


Good Morning! Thursdays are always…”Have You Hugged A Caregiver’ Day! #eldercarechat #hugacaregiver #carechat #caregiving

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Caregivers: Use Your Right Brain, Too!


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On Tuesday, we welcomed Benjamin Azevedo, M.D. from New Orléans Bow Ties to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog Talk Radio. To listen to our entire show, simply click here!

Our conversation was more than just about the making of beautiful Bow Ties, our conversation centered on the importance of having an equal balance in life.  Ben recently graduated from Tulane Medical School in New Orleans and will be starting his internship in San Diego later this summer.  Medical school, like any academic disciplines, can be trying, even for the most dedicated students.

Ben has always resonated with the idea that there are two sides to the brain; the left being in charge of linear analytical thinking and focuses, ordered, logical execution while the right is more expansive, creative, and boundless.  During his blog_Brainfirst year in medical school, Ben realized that he was letting his left-brain take control of his life and strip it of the art, music, and imagination that his family had fostered throughout his life.  Ben put a conscious effort into letting go of his stress and thrust himself into the exploration of what his right brain had to offer.  Ben first began to cook, to draw, to exercise more and get out into nature.  Then the idea came of creating beautiful Bow Ties, which has become a conversational piece in his work, while allowing his right brain to explore.  Along with his masterful work of creating beautiful bow ties, Ben also recognized the need for Doctors to learn how to communicate good patient care, especially when dealing with difficult end of life issues with patients and their families.    With his attraction to palliative care and hospice, Ben created an elective course at Tulane University teaching the art of communication to medical students.  The course has been well-received by both students and faculty. “This is cutting edge material”, I thought.  We all know there is more to Doctor/Patient, Doctor/Family communication than just reading a chart!   With his communication class, Ben is providing a great tool for medical students, who in most cases, would never have been exposed to such an important learning tool. 

As our conversation continued, I was struck by how much I have let my right brain linger.  As a Caregiver, I realized that I am constantly in the left – brain mode; always analyzing, worrying, thinking about the need of my caree, completely focused on his needs rather than my own.    As my weight continues to rise, while my hobbies are put on hold,  my right brain strives to be released from its shackles, to explore, to create to be free again.  I wonder how many caregivers might just feel the same way?  I know I am going to make a conscious effort to be more creative while elimination self imposed stress! 

Ben’s terrific example of letting his left brain explore, not only afforded him the opportunity to make beautiful bow ties, it allowed him to go on step further by combining the best of his right and left brain by creating such a meaningful communication class for medical students!

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This next time I run into a young physician who provides empathic communication, I will want to ask them if they took Ben’s communication class at Tulane University.   If they are wearing a bow tie, I’ll know it without even asking!  

                                                  

Listen to:

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Tuesday on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’: Benjamin Azevedo


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On Tuesday May 21st at 1:00 pm (est), we welcome Benjamin Azevedo, M.D. from New Orléans Bow Ties to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog  Talk Radio.  Ben is a recent  graduated from Tulane University in New Orléans and will be heading to San Diego to start his residency program later this summer. To listen to our show, simply click here!

Ben_Azevedo

Ben has always resonated with the idea that there are two sides to the brain; the left being in charge of linear analytical thinking and focuses, ordered, logical execution while the right is more expansive, creative, and boundless.  During his first year in medical school, Ben realized that he was letting his left brain take control of his life and strip it of the art and music and imagination that his family had fostered throughout his life. He put a conscious effort into letting go of his stress and thrust himself into the exploration of what his right brain had to offer.

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Ben began to cook, to draw, to exercise more and to get out into nature.  Then the idea came of creating beautiful bow ties which has become a conversational piece in his work, while allowing his right brain to explore!

Ben’s passion and life goals are in medicine and public health, but he has realized that without a healthy balance of the dreaming artist and the practical scholar, he would be less happy, less productive, and miss out on the vibe of his favorite city. He is grateful for a hardworking team that believes in his vision and allows him to lead a life that balances fashion and scholarship.

Every day as he looks in the mirror, buttons his shirt collar, and methodically ties his hand-made bow tie, he is reminded of the balance he is seeking. His left brain is satisfied by the process, the order, and the crisp look of the bright silk in parallel with his smile, while his right brain expounds on the imperfect asymmetry of the knot and the creativity that got him to this point. 

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On today’s show, Ben will demonstrate to us the importance of having an equal balance in our lives so that we can all ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver!’

To listen to our show, simply click here!

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Can’t listen live…NO WORRIES!  All our shows are archived for your listening convenience by clicking here! 

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Good Morning! Thursdays are always…”H


Good Morning! Thursdays are always…”Have You Hugged A Caregiver’ Day! #eldercarechat #hugacaregiver #carechat #caregiving

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How can Retirement Communities Improve Life of Aging Family Members?


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Today we welcome Andy from Patient Handling , as a guest blogger to ‘The Purple Jacket’.

Retirement communities are popular these days. Retirees prefer to live within such villages because they are spared from the typical rudiments of living with children and teens. Such places are also quieter, enabling seniors to live a quiet and more peaceful lifestyle.

 Living in retirement communities can  bring significant improvements in the daily lives of aging family members. Here are some ways these villages can be beneficial to seniors.

 Downsizing:

Retirement villages encourage retirees to arrive with as few possessions as possible. This because they will be living in a smaller space, and do not need a lot of things for just one person. While this may seem constricting, it is actually good since the retiree will not have to take care of – or clean – as many things as they would have to were they to live in a full-sized home. This way freedom from required home maintenance is a great perk. There is no sense in living in a big house. Seniors would not have the stamina, strength, and drive to take care of huge mansions.

 Social connections:

Interaction and socialization with other people is important for people. As retirees leave their careers behind, they may suddenly feel detached from the society, where they used to actively participate. Retirement communities help facilitate the need for socialization. Retirees may live in a neighborhood where all residents are retirees. This way, it would be much easier to relate with everyone in the village.

 Recreational activities:

Retirees have more time for recreation. That is why there are many facilities that encourage recreational activities within retirement villages. Retirees can thus enjoy Bingo, and other activities without having to go too far. It can be difficult for older people to travel too far for social events, which is why a retirement community will be the perfect place, since they can socialize with their friends easily. Furthermore, most retirement communities employ well-trained activity directors.

 Assisted living services:

Those who require assistance in conducting daily and basic household activities can take advantage of assisted living services offered to retirees in retirement communities. The villages employ health care professionals, medical security personnel, and other experts to provide health services within the community when needed.

 Easy transportation:

Retirees may find it harder to roam around, drive, or commute when going to places. That is why most retirement communities are designed to facilitate easy transportation. The villages are often ‘walkable’ areas. Transportation services are quickly provided for the convenience of all retirees living in the area.

 Most retirees proclaim their plans not to leave their homes when they retire. But many seniors change their stances and opt to live in retirement communities. It would be nicer to live in a neighborhood where everyone understands and relates with everyone. Before you reach your retirement age, you can already make plans for your retirement years. That should include living in an ideal retirement village.

 Andy has blogged about senior care for over 4 years and is involved in the senior  industry as a patient ceiling hoist distributor for Patient Handling. When he is not blogging, Andy enjoys spending time with his family.  Please be sure to visit Patient Handling website at http://patienthandling.com.au/ceiling-hoists/

Thanks Andy for sharing your insights and information with our readers at ‘The Purple Jacket!’

                                                                                                  Be sure to listen to 

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every Tuesday at 1:00 pm (est)

Can’t listen live to our show…NO Worries! All our shows are archived for your

listening convenience by simply clicking here.

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Tuesday on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’: LGBT Housing


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On Tuesday, May 14th at 1:00 pm (est) we welcome Hilary Meyer, Director of the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging and Tom Duffy from Secret Gardens to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog Talk Radio  You can access the show live by simply clicking here

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While trends in our society are shifting in a positive direction for equality, LGBT Seniors are still struggling with issues relating to affordable housing and how to safely aging in place.  As the Director of the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, Hilary Meyer has a keen understanding of these issues facing LGBT Seniors.  And Tom Duffy from Secret Gardens, has just opened an LGBT focused independent living center in Wilton Manors, Florida  were LGBT seniors can feel safe in their surroundings.

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Through our conversation today on issues facing LGBT Seniors, Hiliary and Tom will help us all learn how to  ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver!’

To listen live, simply click here! 

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Can’t listen to our show live…NO Worries!!!  All our episodes of ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver are archived for your listening convenience by clicking here! 

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