Tag Archives: Bow Tie Guy

March 18, 2013 · 8:30 am

LGBT Aging Through the Lens of Gen Silent on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio

On Tuesday, March 19th at 1:00 pm (est) we are thrilled to welcome Stu Maddux, Director & Producer of the critically acclaimed film, Gen Silent to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog Talk Radio.

Stu Maddux receiving an award

The real life stories of love, commitment, discernment, hope, happiness and despair told through the lens of “Gen Silent” are gut wrenching, yet important for all audiences in order to understand the plight of LGBT seniors in America. Producer/Director Stu Maddux does a splendid job in piecing together these LGBT pioneers who helped paved the way for what we know today as Gay Pride.

As the Huffington Post said: “The film is heartbreaking, personal and the issues are real.”

Our conversation with Stu will not only focus on the film itself, but how Gen Silent has brought awareness to LGBT Aging issues in today’s society. Through our conversation, Stu will help us all learn how to ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver.’

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

Cannot listen live on Tuesday, NO WORRIES! Each one of our shows is archived for your listening convenience by clicking here.

It is an honor to have ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ selected as a ‘Featured Show’ by the folks at Blog Talk Radio for Tuesday, March 19th!

Visit Blog Talk Radio’s front page on Tuesday March 19th for details by clicking here

Documentary ‘Gen Silent’ raises question: Do LGBT seniors need to go back in the closet (miamiherald.typepad.com)
Wengroff: LGBT equality is on us to achieve (vtdigger.org)
U.S.: One-third of LGBT Immigrants Are Undocumented (advocate.com)
‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ Every Tuesday on Blog Talk Radio (thepurplejacket.com)
CHMP’s Envision Health: Film & New Media co-sponsors The LGBT Film Series at Hunter College April 15, 20, 26th (centerforhealthmediapolicy.com)

3 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Caregiving, Gay pride, Gay Seniors, Gen-Silent, Huffington Post, LGBT, LGBT Seniors

March 5, 2013 · 5:11 pm

“America’s Safe Retirement Coach”, Jack Tatar

On Tuesday’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog Talk Radio I had a wonderful conversation with author Jake Tatar, “America’s Safe Retirement Coach.” Jack’s holistic approach to retirement planning is refreshing and right on the mark! All too often we work our lives through silo’s, yet when we focus on health, wellness, mental attitude and staying physically involved in life to our full capacity, we can maximize our retirement years to our benefit!

Jack’s sound advice for adult children having “the talk” ‘early’ on with parents provides each one of us, key insights on how to approach delicate topics such as financial planning, retirement and transitions. To listen to an archived version of Tuesday’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio, please click here

You can connect to Jac via his Website, please click here.

Jack’s new book, Having the Talk: The Four Keys to Your Parent’s Safe Retirement is also at Amazon by clicking here. Jack’s book, Safe 4 Retirement: The 4 Keys to a Safe Retirement is also available from Amazon by clicking here.

Join us every Tuesday on Blog Talk Radio for ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog talk Radio. Next Tuesday’s guest is Ernest Olivias, Jr from Natulaus Home Health Care.

You can access all our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ episodes on

Simply click here

Retirement planning in Rockville-Wheaton, Maryland (bankrate.com)
‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ On Blog Talk Radio (thepurplejacket.com)

4 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as advocacy, advocate, Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Caregiving

February 11, 2013 · 9:15 am

‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio

On Tuesday February 12th at 1:00 pm, we welcome Dr. Loren Olson author of ‘Finally Out: Letting Go of Living Straight, a Psychiatrist’s Own Story’ to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog Talk Radio .

Dr. Olson will be talking about his book ‘Finally Out: Letting Go of The Straight Life, A Psychiatrist’s Own Story’ , along with his upcoming appearances in Florida as well as his unexpected Caregiving experience.

Average … he’s not. Not only did Dr. Olson complete medical school, serve four years as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy, and embark upon a successful career as a psychiatrist; he also had a compatible eighteen year marriage and raised two daughters with his attorney wife, Lynn, before facing up to a difficult truth about himself: he is gay.

Through Dr. Olson’s expertise, we will all learn how to ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’

To visit Dr. Olson website and to purchase his book, simply click here.

Our show is available live at 1:00 pm with optional chat room for you to ask questions to our guest. (Our show is archived so you can listen at your convenience.) To access our show, simply click here.

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

Simply click here

‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ On Blog Talk Radio (thepurplejacket.com)
‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio Every Tuesday at 1:00pm (thepurplejacket.com)
Caregivers: How Do We Listen at the End of Life? (thepurplejacket.com)

3 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as Be A Healthy Caregiver, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Gay Seniors, LGBT, LGBT Seniors, Loren Olson MD

February 4, 2013 · 9:15 am

‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ On Blog Talk Radio

On Tuesday February 5th at 1:00 pm, we welcome author, Dr. Diana Denholm of ‘The Caregiving Wife’s Handbook’ to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog Talk Radio .

Dr. Diana Denholm

Drawing from her own Caregiving experience and those of six real life Caregiving wives interviewed for her book, Dr. Denholm offers her readers creative ideas, inspiration and lots of practical tools women can use to deal with the most common issues faced when husbands suffer from a protracted illness.

Through her work and experience, Dr. Denholm is going to show us how we all can ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver!’

Our show is available live or archived online for your convenience, by clicking here.

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

Simply click here

A Live Person On The Phone…YES! (thepurplejacket.com)
‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio Every Tuesday at 1:00pm (thepurplejacket.com)
Caregivers: How Do We Listen at the End of Life? (thepurplejacket.com)
Progressive Holiday Blog Party with Caregiving.com (thepurplejacket.com)
Every Day: Set An Intention For Yourself. (thepurplejacket.com)

5 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as advocate, Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Caregiving, Health

February 3, 2013 · 7:48 pm

VRide For Caregivers Health: Update Week 3

3rd VRide Weigh Inn

We are now moving into week three of our VRide to promote Caregivers Health. This week I logged just over 40 miles on the Stationary Bike and 10 miles on foot. While I did not expect to lose as much weight as I did in week 2, I am down 1 lbs from last week. I thing that is an accomplishment considering we went to a Mardi Gras Party on Saturday Night. I will admit that I cheated just a bit at the party. But, hey…you can’t diet all the time!

Happy Mardi Gras Everyone…

Check out all our #VRide participants at Caregiving.com

Continue to follow my progress here at ‘The Purple Jacket.”

We Might Have Cancer…

…But Cancer Does Not Have US!

VRide Week 2 Update (thepurplejacket.com)
Eat Less: Move More (thepurplejacket.com)
Caregivers: It’s Time To Get Healthy with ‘VRide’ (thepurplejacket.com)
Get Ready for Our Virtual Ride (caregiving.com)

A Live Person On The Phone…YES!

On Tuesday’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show my guests were Tom and Lynn Wilson from The Caregiver Partnership. . Their mission is to help individuals remain in their home as long as possible by providing products, services and helpful information to family caregivers and their loved ones, nationally. To listen to our broadcast, simply click here

The Caregiver Partnership is a direct to consumer retailer of a wide range of home health care supplies and services from incontinence products to skin care, daily living aids and mobility. Their mission is to help individuals remain in their home as long as possible by providing products, services and helpful information to family caregivers and their loved ones, nationally.

However, Tom and Lynn just don’t sell products, they are true to their company’s name as they are in partnership with their clients as demonstrated by the fact that all calls to The Caregiver Partnership are answered by a live person! And to take that one step further, the live person on the other end of the line has been a caregiver, too. You can be rest assured that the staff at The Caregiver Partnership is going to be talking to you from the perspective of a caregiver; I can’t think of a more comforting or soothing environment for a caregiver.

But… Don’t just take my word, visit The Caregiver Partnership yourself at:

a Store – www.caregiverpartnership.com

b Blog – blog.caregiverpartnership.com

c Caregiver Resources Library –www.caregiverpartnership.com/resources/categories/

Have a question for their staff, it is a toll-free call 1-600-985-1353. Tell them…’The Bow Tie Guy’ sent you!

Join us every Tuesday at 1:00pm on Blog Talk Radio for ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’: Next week’s guest we welcome author, Author Diana Denholm, Ph.D., The Caregiving Wife.

Our show is available live or archived online for your convenience, by clicking here .

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

Simply click here

Caregivers: It’s Time To Get Healthy with ‘VRide‘ (thepurplejacket.com)
Technology Eases the Process of Finding a Qualified In-Home Caregiver (virtual-strategy.com)
Caregivers: How Do We Listen at the End of Life? (thepurplejacket.com)
End Of Life Wishes: Sometimes You Just Have To Ask. (thepurplejacket.com)
The CareGiver Partnership: Customer Service Excellence Results in… (prweb.com)
The CareGiver Partnership: Addressing Dimensions of Wellness Can Help Seniors Fight Seasonal Depression (prweb.com)

4 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as advocacy, advocate, Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver

January 28, 2013 · 8:25 pm

‘The Purple Jacket’ 2012 in review

Thank You for visiting ‘The Purple Jacket in 2012. We are already off to a roaring start in 2013 with over 600 visitors. I am committed to bring the most practical and pragmatic views on Caregiving to ‘The Purple Jacket.” It is an honor to share our Caregiving experience with you!

To your health in 2013. My your Caregiving journey always have a gentle wind at your back!

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 6,200 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 10 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

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Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as advocacy, advocate, Be A Healthy Caregiver, Bow Tie Guy

January 24, 2013 · 3:05 pm

82: Who Would Have Known?

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. Aristotle

Today, ‘The Little One’ turns 82! It is a feat to recognize considering we are now 16 months past the oncologist‘s original estimation of 3-4 months to live after the completion of his radiation and chemotherapy treatments in October of 2011. We all know that Cancer is an insidious disease, unpredictable and unkind to many. While we feel blessed to have the extended time together, we are cognizant of all cancer victims and their families today.

We learned from our oncologist prediction in October of 2111 that there is really no one who can tell us how this ordeal was going to play out. There are no timetables in life: what is here today, is gone tomorrow. Knowing full well that I am not the one with cancer, I had to learn my supporting role as the caregiver as time played out. Remembering ‘TLO’ determination and commitment to ‘fight this as best I can’ still rings in my ears from October 2011. His determination is still prevalent today!

I have never liked phrase ‘terminal illness‘ …some people view life as a terminal illness. Yikes, how sad that is! The TLO and I have both buried our previous partners, in one sense that is what drew us together. Our previous Caregiving experiences give us the foresight to know that…we really don’t know what is going to happen. The best we can do is be present in the day. That is why is it our hope that lets us withstand problems, and it is our dreams that lets us find solutions.

We celebrate birthdays as milestones, and today is a special milestone for ‘TLO’. Happy Birthday to my best friend, pal and partner. May your hills always have a gentle wind at your back.

We Might Have Cancer…

…But Cancer Does Not Have US!

Got Cancer. Any Questions? (cancerwhattodoorsay.wordpress.com)
‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio Every Tuesday at 1:00pm (thepurplejacket.com)
[cancer] You feel the devil’s riding crop (jlake.com)
A Year of Reflection Fighting Cancer (ijustgotcancer.wordpress.com)
Cancer deaths drop 20 percent over 20 years (mysouthwestga.com)

4 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Caregiving, Conditions and Diseases, LGBT Seniors, oncology

January 21, 2013 · 7:15 pm

Eat Less: Move More

One of the main components to losing weight is a simple theme that I like to follow…Eat Less:Move More! There are quite a bit of diets out there for us to follow, believe me, I’ve tried a lot of them. But all diets come back to one thing…Eat Less: Move More! Another trick I learned years ago was to use smaller plates. This morning I made a two egg omelet with spinach and used a small plate which made my portions look enormous.

Sometimes weight loss and exercise is just an exercise in changing one’s mindset. Just like changing the size of my breakfast plate gave me the illusion that I was eating more, when I was actually eating less.

Deep down inside, I think we all know what we need to do in order to take the weight off. Lots of times it just comes down to changing our mindset and being around people who are supportive.

That is why our #VRide is so good for so many people. We can work at our own pace and receive all the encouragement that each one of us needs in order to feel comfortable and…affirmed!

Today I walked 3 miles and rode the stationary bike for 15 miles…It feels good to take care of myself!

If you would like to learn more about our VRide visit my You Tube Video by clicking here.

To sign up for VRide visit my friends at Caregiving.com

Remember…We Might Have Cancer…

But Cancer Does Not Have Us!

Caregivers: It’s Time To Get Healthy with ‘VRide‘ (thepurplejacket.com)
It’s Time to Get Healthy with VRide (caregiving.com)
Caregiving.com! (caregiving.com)
Weight-Loss Duet: Exercise and Dieting (everydayhealth.com)

4 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Health

January 19, 2013 · 3:09 am

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

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.

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!

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…

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

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.

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.