Tag Archives: advocate

End of Life Wishes: Let’s Talk About It!


‘Some people are so afraid to die that they never begin to live.’  Henry Van Dyke

Join us this morning (Saturday 1/26) at 10:00 am est  (9 a.m. CT, 7 a.m. PT) with Denise Brown CaregivingLogofrom Caregiving.com  on  “Your Caregiving Journey” on Blog Talk Radio.  Richard and I join Denise  to discuss Richard’s end-of-life wishes,  my decision to ‘without’ the oncologist ‘prediction’ and a variety of other to end of life topics that are often difficult to discuss, yet important to get out in the open.   TLOCJM

Listen to the show live and join the chat room click here: blogtalkradiologo

We Might Have Cancer…

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But Cancer Does Not Have US! 

 

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Caregivers: It’s Time To Get Healthy with ‘VRide’


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We do not have to do it alone!  

What is a V-Ride you might ask?  V-Ride stand for Virtual Ride, or better yet a fancy word for a ride on a stationary bike!    I am teaming up with my friends at Caregiving.com  to create awareness to caregivers health.

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Caregivers often put  own personal needs second, which often turns into weight gain or other calamities which can affect one’s health.   I’ve been there! 

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As Caregivers, we are united in our care for our caree, now through our VRide we can unite in care for ourselves.  The great thing about the VRide is that anyone can do it.  VRide is about getting fit, staying motivated and making virtual visits to other family caregivers. My first destination is to ‘visit’ another caregiver in the Orlando area.  In fact my riding partner on the west coast of Florida ‘will meet me there.’  Once we’ve made it to our destination, we’ll visit another caregiver in another state.  We’ll make stops along the way and chart our progress on a daily basis.

Here is a map of my route to Orlando…

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I have just a tad over 200 miles to pedal to ‘get’ to Orlando, it will be a daunting ride, but one that will be healthy for me. Our ‘V’ Ride allows caregivers the comfort of exercising in the comfort of their own home without the worry of leaving their caree behind. This is a win/win for everyone.

You can follow my progress here on ‘The Purple Jacket’ and on Caregiving.com   There will be updates on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, too.

Thre is an  estimated 65.7 million caregivers in the U.S; Research tells us that Caregiving can have serious physical health consequences. In fact, 17% of caregivers feel their health in general has gotten worse as a result of their Caregiving responsibilities.  I have allowed my weight to balloon up to 253 lbs, a mere  73 lbs off my target weight.

Weight as of January 19, 2013

Weight as of January 19, 2013

I know most of the weight I have put on is  because of the stress of Caregiving, yet I also have to take personal responsibility too.  If I am to Be A Healthy Caregiver, I have to take better care of myself, too.  The VRide is one way that I can give back to others while helping myself. 

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Want to join us? Great! Just start moving and post your daily activity in our VRide group. We’ll add events to our group’s calendar when we know the dates of a virtual stop and a caregiving visit.  To join our group and blog, you must be a member of Caregiving.com. It’s easy and free to join; just go here.

The Purple Jackety Highly recommends Caregiving.com

The Purple Jackety Highly recommends Caregiving.com

 Don’t let your health linger any longer, come join us on our VRide!

We Might Have Cancer…

TLOCJM

…But Cancer Does Not Have Us

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‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio


On Tuesday, January 22nd we welcome Mandy Harrell from Wearvever* USA to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog Talk Radio.  The Wearever* Brand offers comfortable, quality, affordable and stylish apparel solutions for everyday health and wellness concerns.  You can access the show live or at your convenience (after Tuesday at 1:30pm) by clicking here

The men’s and women’s line of washable, reusable urinary incontinence panties and briefs is especially beneficial for active people who want to continue their normal lifestyles without worry or emotional stress resulting from urinary incontinence.  Additionally, Wearever* offers incontinence bedding products as well as Buster Brown socks.

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As the Brand Manager for Wearever* USA, Mandy will provide us with some helpful tips and talk about their great products as Wearever USA helps us to ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver!’ 

To learn more about Wearever* USA, you can visit their website by simply clicking here.

Our show is available live or archived online for your convenience.

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To access all our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ episodes on

blogtalkradiologo Simply click here

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Caregivers: How Do We Listen at the End of Life?


On Tuesday  we welcomed  Dr. Richard Wagner, M.Div., Ph.D., ACS to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog Talk Radio.

Dr. Wagner’s book ‘The Amateur’s Guide to Death and Dying: enhancing the wagner._SL110_End of Life.”   provides us with a realistic view of a topic that is often difficult to talk about.  Out of Seattle, WA., Dr. Wagner has worked in the field of end of life issues for over 30 years.

As Caregivers, we often face the issues of death on a daily basis.  Yet as caregivers, we often help facilitate healthy transitions for the person that we care for and love.  “Curiously enough, people who are dying usually have a different priority system at this time in their life…..”   As the caregiver, we are so focused  on the needs of our caree, sometimes we just need to be present and listen.

During my Caregiving experience with Fr. Orlando, I had the privilege to hold him while he made his transition.  I would not have been able to do that without knowing from our conversations that he was at peace with his life and had accepted what was going to happen.  Of course, during those marvelous conversations, we had no idea when the time would come, yet we both knew that it would come. Those last few weeks with him were amazing and filled with raw emotions.  Honest, heartfelt conversations seemed to happen with such ease.  That was his way of preparing me for what was coming down the road.   Sometimes, listening is the best answer.

While death is not a ‘lively’ topic to talk about, I am confident that you will find the conversation with Dr. Wagner upbeat, real and sensitive.

To listen to Tuesday’s episode,  simply click here (I would appreciate your feedback on this episode.)

To learn more about Dr. Wagner, click here.

To purchase Dr. Wagner’s books, click here.

Next Tuesday, January 15th at 1:00pm (est) our guest will be Mandy Harrell from WeareverUSA .  The Wearever brand offers comfortable, quality, affordable and stylish apparel solutions for everyday health and wellness concerns.

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To access all our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ episodes on blogtalkradiologo

Simply click here

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‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio


On Tuesday January 8th,  we welcome Dr. Richard Wagner, M.Div., Ph.D., ACS to our show Be A Healthy Caregiver!  Out of Seattle, WA., Dr. Wagner is a psychotherapist/clinical sexologist and has been in private practice since 1981.

Dr. Wagner has been working with the terminally ill, chronically ill elder and dying people in hospitals, hospice and home settings for over thirty years.

We will be chatting about Dr. Wagner’s work and his book The Amateur’s Guide to Death and Dying: enhancing the End of Life.  As Caregivers, we are often dealing with issues surrounding life and death.  Our conversation will be upbeat, real and with a touch of spirituality.

To learn more about Dr. Wagner, click here.

To purchase Dr. Wagner’s books, click here.

To Listen to  Dr. Wagner on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on  Blog Talk Radio click here

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Our show is available live or archived online for your convenience.

To access all our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ episodes on blogtalkradiologo

Simply click here

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Helpful Tips from All Mobility Scooters!


I am pleased to welcome Paul Stiner from All Mobility Scooters as a guest blogger to ‘The Purple Jacket’

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Stress is natural during this time of year, especially when in a wheelchair or mobility scooter; however, we at AllMobilityScooters.com want to ensure that you have a safe and relaxing Holiday season this year. Here are some tips on how to get through the winter with your mobility aid:

  • When venturing outdoors:  It’s always best to wear multiple layers of clothing. It would also be wise to carry a cell phone in case of emergencies, even if it’s a cheap pay-as-you-go phone. If there is snow or ice on the ground, one tip we’ve found useful is to create “snow tires” on your scooter or wheelchair by securing cable ties around the tires (a caregiver may have to assist with this process).
  • When travelling out-of-town by plane: It’s important to call your airline before booking your flight. You want to make sure the plane can accommodate you comfortably with wider aisles and other helpful features. As a rule of thumb, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights or 4 hours before when flying internationally. Airline staff is generally pretty helpful when it comes to getting you on and off the plane safely and comfortably so never feel afraid to ask! For a full list of travel tips— check out this article on our AMS main page.
  • When planning to attend holiday parties/family get-together: Don’t feel afraid to make sure the host has the proper accommodations for your mobility device, especially if you’ve received your mobility aid recently. Of course when it comes to alcohol, drink responsibly, especially in unfamiliar territory. Also make sure your special holiday drinks won’t interfere with any medications you might be on.

We hope you find this post helpful. Feel free to leave any feedback or questions in the comment section below, and we’ll do our best to respond promptly. Stay safe, stay warm, and we wish you all an amazing holiday season!

Author Bio:

Paul is one of the staff writers for AllMobilityScooters.com, a one stop source for all of your mobility aid needs.  He enjoys traveling and international affairs but is also deeply passionate about issues related to health care and elder care. paul.stiner@allmobilityscooters.com

Thanks Paul for your sound advice!  heart

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Caregivers and Carees: Cherish Every Day!


 It is our hope that lets us withstand problems:

It is our beliefs that let us find solutions.

 

TLOCJM

Christmas Eve 2012

Yesterday is gone…

We Celebrate today…

We Hope For Tomorrow! 

No Matter how difficult your Caregiving experience might be…

Cherish every day!

Your love and support inspires us!

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On Tuesday’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ Show with Rob Harris…


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To purchase Rob’s book from Amazon.com, simply click on the icon above

On Tuesday’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show,  we had a wonderful conversation with acclaimed Caregiving author Rob Harris.   Rob, who cares for his wife Cindy,  has written a beautiful book, ‘We’re In This Together: A Caregivers Story.’  Rob’s book takes us on a Caregiver’s journey that is heartfelt, real and without a doubt, a true love story.   While reading the book, I felt as if I was sitting in Rob and Cindy’s living room,  having a conversation with them while sharing a cup of coffee.    Rob’s ability to pinpoint his 70 Caregiving tips to his real life Caregiving experience, is a must read for anyone who is, will be, or has been a caregiver.  There is a reason Rob’s book has been a #1 Amazon.com best seller in the Physicians & Patient category.  I highly recommend, ‘We’re In This Together: A Caregivers Story.‘  You will not be able to put the book down!  You can purchase Rob’s book through Amazon.com 

You can listen to our conversation from Tuesday’s  ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show by simply clicking here.

For more information on Rob and to follow his blog, Facebook Page and Twitter updates, please visit his website at www.robcares.com or simply click the icon below. robharrismural

 

 

 

 

The Fab 4 together

The Fab Four

Blog Talk Radio

Be sure to join us every Tuesday at 1:00pm for ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver on Blog Talk Radio.  Yes, we are on the air next Tuesday, Christmas afternoon with ‘The Fab Four’ …no, not those guys from England;  My four fabulous sisters!   Having a sister is like having a friend for life,  I am lucky enough to have four!  My Caregiving genes are rooted through the love and care my sisters have demonstrated to me over the years.  Our conversation Tuesday will be fun and upbeat.  After this half hour, you will know  why they are the ‘Fab Four’!

 

 

Remember:  We might have Cancer…But Cancer Does Not Have Us! 

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Progressive Holiday Blog Party with Caregiving.com


The Purple Jacket Highly and The Bow Tie Guy highly recommends Caregiving.com

The Purple Jacket and The Bow Tie Guy highly recommends Caregiving.com

The Purple Jacket is pleased to take part in this year’s Progressive Holiday Blog Party with the wonderful members of Caregiving.com.  The Community at Caregiving.com  is like having an extended family;  I am proud to be a part of this wonderful group!

For those first time visitors to ‘The Purple Jacket’ welcome and Thank You for stopping by!  I blog about my Caregiving SONY DSCexperience for my partner, who I loving refer to as ‘The Little One.’  He was diagnosed with esophagus cancer in August of 2011.  Given three to four months to live, he has outlived all predictions.  While each one of us deals with the reality of cancer in a different way, each one of us wants to look on the bright side of life. Yesterday is gone, today is here, not sure about tomorrow. It is our hope that lets us withstand problems; it is our beliefs that let us find solutions.

To learn more about me,  I invite you to visit my ‘about page’ on my website by clicking here.

My Blog Talk Radio Show, Be A Healthy Caregiver’  airs every Tuesday at Blog Talk Radio1:00 pm.  If you would like to be a guest on the show, please contact me at Chirs@thepurplejacket.com

Currently I am the coördinator of Senior Services with SunServe Social Services in Wilton Manors, FL.SunServe logo deb  I am also an M.A. Candidate attending Gonzaga University studying Leadership and Communication .

Remember…We Might Have Cancer…But Cancer Does Not Have Us!

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Every Day: Set An Intention For Yourself.


‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio 

On Tuesday’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ Blog Talk Radio Show, my special guest was David Levison from ‘Get2BFit’ in Fort newlogoLauderdale, Fl.  David and I talked at great length about the importance of getting into a routine the centers around our personal health and well-being, along the importance of having a good body image.     Yet one of the comments from David that stood out the most was simply this:  Every day:  set an intention for yourself.

As caregivers, we often take a back seat and never ‘set and intention’ for ourselves: I think David is on to something sunset_yoga_girlshere!    Often time as caregivers, our intentions are completely focused on our Caree.  To set an intention for ourselves seems scary, but…it is the right thing to do.  Setting an intention keeps us on track, allows us to focus on our needs, while making us better caregivers, too!

To listen to ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ featuring Chris MacLellan ‘The Bow Tie Guy’ and ACSM Certified  Trainer,  blogtalkradiologoDavid Levison on ‘Be A Healthy simply click here

Join us every Tuesday at 1:00 pm (est) for ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio.   Upcoming Guests:

December 11th:  David Treece from Treece Financial Group 

December 18th:  Author and Caregiver Rob Harris from Rob Care

If you are interested in being a guest on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ please email me at Chris@thepurplejacket.com

If you cannot join us live, you can listen to this show, or  any of our earlier episodes of ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ by simply by clicking here

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Remember…We Might Have Cacner...But Cancer Does Not Have us!

 

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