It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
One would think that freezing weather would cause ticks to hibernate or die, but you would have to think again. States that stay below freezing for most of the winter will not have a high risk but it is not impossible. Keep this in mind when raking the leaves and snow close to the ground.
The key is to know ticks are active and how to prevent tick bites. It’s easy to fend off these beasts by making a few changes. If you are walking in high grass, or have tree limbs brushing the trail, even dead leaves can be a host for ticks. Before you head out, spray exposed areas with DEET* making sure to spray the foot to above your ankles.
Put pant legs in socks so the tick can’t climb in. Wear a hikers hat with a trail that covers the back of the neck. No more falling off a tree limb right down the back of your shirt. They look for every chance they can get to attach to you, the host. The most critical step is to check your body, complete body, once home. Wash your clothes right away, don’t put them in the washing bin and let them move around your other clothes.
As someone who lives with Chronic Lyme Disease, I can say that preventing a tick bite is a hell of a lot better than getting Lyme.
If you’re enjoying the warmer-than-usual winter, so are ticks. The insects do not have to go into their usual hibernation on days when the temperature exceeds 40 degrees. It used to be the people who study ticks in Connecticut got pretty bored in the winter months. Not anymore.
“We used to call it tick activity season,” explained Dr. Goudarz Molaei, a tick expert with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. “We can no longer call it tick activity season as ticks are active year-round.”
When people get bit, they send their ticks to the Agricultural Experiment Station. It used to be they would get about 50 all winter long. Now they are getting around 800.
“We receive ticks daily, and some days we receive over ten tick specimens from the public,” Molaei said.
If Connecticut no longer has a non-active tick season, chances are the surrounding states are also seeing an increase in ticks during the winter. Be safe by preparing on the front end.
DEET* or no DEET, is based on your preference. There is plenty of information for your searches.
Melinda
References:
https://www.wtnh.com/news/ticks-becoming-active-year-round-in-connecticut-due-to-warmer-winters/
Posted Jan 08, 2021
When life knocks you down, drains you of energy, and weakens your resolve, the last thing on your mind is gratitude. It’s hardly surprising; after all, gratitude is an emotional response of appreciation for what we have. When we feel depleted it can feel impossible to draw from an empty reservoir.
And yet, developing gratitude during hard times is precisely what fills the void. What’s more, gratitude is the key to preventing emotional and physical breakdowns during times of stress.
The difficult circumstances we find ourselves in are not the only challenge to practicing gratitude. While it’s certainly true that gratitude can be an automatic emotional response to many of our life events, it rarely is. Rather, what’s more true is that gratitude is an internal perspective—a lens we view the world through—and one that we in fact control. The struggle to find gratitude comes from expecting life to be a certain way (and being disappointed and angry when it is not).
Maybe you have not thought about this before—what do you expect life to be like? Take the year 2020, for example—were you expecting a global pandemic? Probably not!
But really, when have we ever known what is going to happen? Over this past year, many good people developed cancer; many kind souls lost a loved one to a drunk driver; many hopeful new parents had a child born with birth defects. They weren’t expecting these life-changing events to occur, but nevertheless, they did. When our perspective of life is limited by the belief that life “should” be a certain way, we will find gratitude difficult to express.
Gratitude is only possible when we realize that all that we have is a gift.
Having worked and traveled in many countries around the world, here is my impression about differing cultures—the more we have, the less we express gratitude for it. In other words, excess leads to a feeling of entitlement. However, the opposite is true for those who live in extreme poverty: people who live in the poorest countries in the world tend to express tremendous appreciation for what they have. Moreover, they are not dissatisfied, anxiously waiting for the next good thing to come their way.
There is nothing like sharing a simple meal of bread and tea in the home of a person of modest means; indeed, the experience is humbling. Instead of a sense of anger, bitterness, or irritation for what they lack, they express gratitude for the things they do have—the ability to walk and breathe, to survive; they take note of the beautiful sky at night and the richness that friends and family provide them. Even in their poverty they willingly give away what they have to others in need.
Here’s a simple exercise to try. The next time you are stuck in traffic, frustrated that you “should” be arriving at your destination on time, try to change your focus and see what it does for your mood. A simple yet startlingly effective way to do this? Follow your senses: feel the warmth of the sun coming through the window (or perhaps your car’s heater); smell the cup of coffee sitting at arm’s reach in your cup holder; take a sip, perhaps marveling at the insulated mug that keeps it warm long past the pot; listen to a favorite song on the radio; look at your fellow travelers and allow curiosity to fill in the blanks of where they all might be headed to. Like you, they are people with hopes, dreams, and disappointment. Taking a break from focusing on your current stress will allow a brief reprieve by shifting your perspective to these small gifts in life, (and maybe even seeing all of life as the gift that it is).
When we get a hold of the idea that everything we have is a gift—and we express appreciation for the gift of life itself—we shift our perspective away from what we don’t have to what we do have. In appreciating what we have, we invite important changes to take place in our brain and body. Indeed, expressing gratitude on a daily basis provides many benefits—here are five that might surprise you.
Think of gratitude as a garden you plant. When you start incorporating gratitude practices into your activities of daily living, at first you won’t see any immediate change in your outlook on life. Lasting improvements in your emotional and physical health take time, but they will come if you are diligent. In fact, setting the intention to “plant a gratitude garden” in and of itself speaks to your capacity for hope and a more fulfilled life. And when the fruits of gratitude do show up? It will have been well worth the effort.
Evan Parks, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and an adjunct assistant professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He is the host of the Pain Rehab podcast. Online:Chronic Pain Rehabilitaiton book, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
I love the look of vintage cameras and this is my humble collection.
Melinda
Have you ever noticed how bad you feel after eating something greasy? Sure, it tastes fantastic going down, but it doesn’t take long for the bloat and mental fog to kick in. If food is thy medicine, fatty, oily, and fried foods are a shot in the foot.
Of course, everything can be enjoyed in moderation. However, there’s no denying that some foods make you feel better than others. Plant-based diets have started gaining more traction in recent years as more people begin to realize the substantial physical and mental health effects that your diet can have on you.
Studies can back this up, too. A recent one in New Zealand discovered that people who incorporated more raw produce into their diet were at a lower risk of suffering from mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Even though this study only showed a correlation and not a cause-and-effect relationship, it’s still quite promising; raw produce may have higher volumes of nutrients, which could, in turn, explain the participants’ improved mental health.
While it’s generally much better for you if the bulk of your diet is whole foods (think fruits, vegetables, grains, anything unprocessed, really), some whole foods have different effects on your health. Today, we’ll be focusing more on the mental health aspect of your diet, and what foods you can eat to preserve your health and peace of mind.
Eating food that’s been sitting around for a while might strike you as counterintuitive, but in reality, it can have some incredible health benefits. If you’re not already aware, your digestive system is home to a booming metropolis of microfauna–a.k.a bacteria–that keeps things running smoothly in your gut. These microfaunae are the caregivers of the digestive system: they break the food down, help sort the nutrients from the waste, and fight off any potential infections. Fermented foods, luckily, are loaded with this helpful microfauna, which is also called probiotics. Just as a Kansasian would want a sickly loved one to be in the hands of the best home health care services in Wichita, KS, you too should want the best microfauna to take care of your gut; they could help preserve your sanity. Foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, and kombucha are all chock full of these helpful bacteria that have a pretty significant influence on your mood. Researchers are finding that there’s a strong link between gut health and mental health, too, so next time you’re sad, hit your favorite Korean restaurant.
Have you ever heard of DHA? It’s a fatty acid found in oily fish like salmon, prawns, and trout that helps with memory improves your overall mood, and reduces anxiety. Fish is also packed with essential omega-3 acids that keep the serotonin and dopamine in your brain circulating smoothly. Not only can you improve your memory by incorporating fish into your diet, but you could also facilitate serotonin and dopamine circulation in your brain–all of which lead to a happier and healthier you.
If you’re like us, you’re a serious bread lover. Thankfully, you don’t have to ditch the carbs to feel better about yourself. However, you might have to switch up the kind you’re eating. A lot of whole grains, like quinoa, oats, barley, rye, corn, and brown rice, contain amino acids that boost your brain’s serotonin production. Serotonin has a massive effect on your mood and sleep cycle, so you could improve your general mood and sleeping patterns by merely eating more whole grains.
Consider a bowl of steel-cut oats with antioxidant-rich berries if you want to start your day off on a healthy, balanced foot. This amino acid-antioxidant combo will have you firing on all cylinders for the whole day.
When it comes to eating healthy, it’s hard to beat a rainbow of fresh produce. The unique health benefits of each fruit and vegetable are too many to list here but know that you can’t go wrong with a bowl of fresh fruit or veggies. Produce is a great mood regulator since it contains complex carbohydrates or carbs that slowly release their energy into our bodies throughout the day. This slow release translates to better-regulated moods, and therefore, a calmer you. If you want to focus on the most nutrient-dense produce, look for leafy greens like kale and spinach and antioxidant-rich fruits like berries. The vitamins and minerals in products will nourish your body the way it’s supposed to be nourished, leaving you feeling as healthy as you can feel.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!
Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”Are you feeling depressed for no reason? Sleeping more? I think about the time of year it is and know when the days start to melt away. You also have to determine if it’s SAD or depression. If your depression gets worse go see a doctor.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — seasonal affective disorder (SAD) begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer and resolves during the fall or winter months.
Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications.
Don’t brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the “winter blues” or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.
These “self-care” tips might help with seasonal depression. See a mental health professional if sadness doesn’t go away or interferes with your daily life:
I use a medium light next to me while in my office during the day.
Melinda
References:
Here are a few products I’m loving with right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, family, or co-workers. All products were found on Amazon.
It was the first time I’ve found gloves that do not have too much elastic around the wrist. Mine were always too tight. These gloves are so soft and easy to put on. No elastic issues anywhere, I’m buying another one for downstairs.
I buy most of our products from Amazon even our groceries from there. The two-day delivery time is amazing. They even offer free shipping, actually most of the time. Last year, we started watching the series they offer. We have several that we hope they will come back. We’ve only had a few duds.
They now have a pharmacy, I haven’t tried the pharmacy but I know Amazon will deliver everything they commit to. When I can order our groceries and have them delivered the same day.
I love that they had only two places and it is so easy to open and my knuckles love it. The arthritis in my hands is worse as I age so I had to make adjustments. It’s multi-colored but you can see through to your medication
They look like Moleskin’s, even with the back pocket. They have a large selection of sizes and I bought the 252-page journal, which is 5.7 inches by 8 inches. This larger size is for my ancestry work.
Melinda
I was too young to remember Martin Luther King Jr. but I do know he advocated peacefully, no violence, and no violence encouraged. He raised his voice a bit like a preacher so he got the message across.
He is respected for his messages which many could tell you about. He advocated for peace and to end segregation He didn’t pretend to advocate, he believed and took action to the street.
He lived and dedicated his life to peace and to changing society. He will always be known as a great leader and how he changed lives.
Martin Luther King was an important civil rights activist. He was a leader in the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. His most famous address was the “I Have A Dream” speech. He was an advocate of non-violent protest and became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in 1968.
In 1968, shortly after Martin Luther King died, a campaign was started for his birthday to become a holiday to honor him. After the first bill was introduced, trade unions led the campaign for the federal holiday. It was endorsed in 1976. Following support from the musician Stevie Wonder with his single “Happy Birthday” and a petition with six million signatures, the bill became law in 1983. Martin Luther King Day was first observed in 1986, although it was not observed in all states until the year 2000. In 1990, the Wyoming legislature designated Martin Luther King Jr/Wyoming Equality Day as a legal holiday.
As we celebrate his legacy, what comes to my mind is his “I Have a Dream” speech How can we think of Martin Luther King Jr. without knowing the “I Have a Dream” speech.
Nowadays it’s violent protesters, mass shootings, and violence against other nationalities. I blame the violent protestors/cowards for encouraging this behavior. If you don’t know the person, how can you hate them?
Have a great celebration for a man who made a big impact in America.
Melinda
References:
https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/martin-luther-king-day
I would love to sit down for a few days with my Granny asking questions about growing up and how hard the challenges were.
She went crossed-eyed as a child and her father died in 1930, leaving them penniless. But sheer will kept you going even when your husband left you with a one-year-old to raise.
You never complained, just kept your mouth shut.
You never raised your voice at me.
You only asked me for help once, to come over to fix the curtains in the room like I did the day before. Gramps couldn’t do it right that day.
Your boundaries were in cement, don’t break them.
Being raised by your Grandparents gives you a different view, like any generational change.
I learned working hard is the way to work regardless of the job or pay, you do your best.
The little sneaky things you did for me that Gramps didn’t know about.
One of my favorite memories was when I acted like her wheelchair was a race car while at the mall. Making car noises and laughing at the same time. The smile on our faces was priceless.
I admire you for having the strongest backbone and finding a way to survive when you couldn’t drive. You were committed to marriage no matter what, we had a few conversations on divorce.
I think about you every day.
Melinda
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
By Field Guide by Stampington
Melinda
Staring at the ground with no thoughts on my mind is one way my husband knows I have Brain Fog. He saw me staring out the window yesterday and checked to see if I was okay. He knows enough about Fibromyalgia and what the symptoms can feel like. Now that several more symptoms have joined the party, I have to work harder to keep each illness in line. Fibromyalgia can wreck many parties and unfortunately more cancelled events.
Yesterday I woke up and my back was one big spasm, this symptom, if it is one didn’t last long but left pain in the area. It could also be caused by my anemia but one in my back was a surprise to me.
I’ve been lucky, last year I had one big flare in the summer, and it felt like it lasted forever. The other flares were light which is great because I also spent a week in the hospital.
There are times when I don’t listen to myself and create much bigger issues. Here’s a bad example, I tried to manage my Urinary Tract Symptoms, severe fatigue, and eventually not able to walk. I got stubborn and resisted the hospital but when you can’t walk you know something is wrong.
PLEASE DON’T FOLLOW MY BAD IDEAS!
While taking care of myself for two months, the UTI infection turned into a Kidney Infection, I had a Bacterial Infection it took two days to identify the exact bacteria before they prescribed any antibiotic medications. My Potassium was very low which is what caused the inability to work.
I’m still dealing with the side effects of Anemia and the medication for it. And what comes along!!!!!! A flare started a couple of days ago and I have to see where it takes me.
I spend hours in bed daily, mostly not able to write and go back for a nap. I have a bad Brain Fog, which prevents my desire to do anything. I no longer feel guilt when my body needs a rest, even if it’s all day. The laundry is in the hamper, about three loads. I do a load and if it’s the next morning when I dry them, that’s fine with me.
If anyone with Fibromyalgia has had spasms in the back as part of a flare, please leave a comment. It would be nice to know if it’s Fibro or my anemia. I would really appreciate your help.
We can become very educated about our illnesses and symptoms but we can’t forget, that we are not a doctor, and no amount of reading will make you a doctor. We need to put our pride in the back seat to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Have you found an upside to Fibro? Please let me know!
I wrote this post while having Brain Fog, it’s been a couple of days now.
Melinda
I wore attachments on my head for three days. The straight lines are an indication something is wrong. I spent a year with a Neurologist as she tried to find out what was wrong with me. She had no idea, but doing searches based on the abnormal test results I figured it was Lyme and hated to be right.
Melinda
January is a busy month and there are many Awareness Days read about it.
Cervical Health Awareness Month
National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
National Volunteer Blood Donor Month
Poverty in America Awareness Month
National Obesity Awareness Week
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day
Melinda
You have probably heard the phrase ‘self-care‘ a lot over the past few years. It is a buzzword that seems to be sticking, and many are advocating for the practice of self-care to be something everyone regularly does. This is especially important for those living with chronic conditions. Being in the pain all or most of the time, along with physical limitations and fatigue, can be exhausting. Taking the time for yourself to do something that makes you feel better is more important for those who don’t have the luxury of living life in the way those without chronic illnesses can.
How do you practice self-care, even when you can’t get out of bed? It can be tricky but not impossible. Making sure you meet your basic needs of eating, drinking, washing, and maintaining your hygiene is as self-care, and for some, this is more than enough and all they can do.
If you know you are struggling with your health condition, ask others for help. Be it your healthcare provider, family, or friends, or even your workplace if you go to a place of work. Knowing when you need to relax and take it easy is something most but not all people living with a chronic illness will recognize. Plan ahead for when you feel your symptoms may get worse and lean on those around you for help to take some of the pressure off you and allow yourself time to heal as you work through this period.
It can be tempting to skip meals or reach for junk food when you feel bad. Comfort food feels well, comforting. But doing this regularly won’t serve you well when it comes to your long-term health. Even though your body isn’t 100% physical, you can make sure you are eating a well balanced and varied diet. This will help to boost your immune system and reduce those sluggish feelings associated with a diet lacking in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy foods such as seeds, nuts, fatty acids, and all the minerals your body needs to function correctly.
Once you know what you need as a bare minimum to help you manage your symptoms, develop a routine and ways of managing your day-to-day activities. Look for tools, hacks, and tricks to make things easier for yourself and allow yourself breathing space so as not to overdo it. Know your limits and make a list of what makes your symptoms worse and what you can do to alleviate them when they flare up.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Recipe from True Comfort by Kristi Cavallari
1/4 cup of full-fat coconut milk
1/4 cup almond milk
1/2 cup brewed espresso (about 3 shots)
Sweetener of your choice like a splash of maple syrup
In a small saucepan, combine coconut and almond milk, and warm the mixture over medium-high heat to your desired temperature.
Add the espresso and sweetener and whisk until combined
Pour into a mug and enjoy.
This sounds delicious, just like the ones made in Spain.
Relax and work on clearing your head for a few minutes. This is the type of self-care we need every day.
Melinda
The recipe is from True Comfort by Kristin Cavallari
I love to drink hot drinks in the winter and take a break while drinking. Just slip away for some self-care time enjoying your favorite drink. You owe yourself a chance to relax by taking mini breaks from work.
Serves 1 and can be adjusted to serve more.
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
1/4 teaspoon activated charcoal (from 2 capsules)
1/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1-2 shots of espresso
1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
In a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk over medium-high heat to your desired temperature. Pour the warmed milk into a high-powered blender and add the charcoal, rosemary, espresso, and maple syrup.
Blend until combined and slightly frothy, about 1 minute.
Pour into a mug and enjoy.
Enjoy!
Melinda
Recipe from True Comfort by Kristi Cavallari
Makes about four cups
10 apples, such as Fuji or Gala, quartered but not peeled or cored
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon allspice
Place apples in a large pot and add water until it covers the apples by one inch
Bring to a boil
Then stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and allspice
Reduce the heat to a low boil and cook uncovered for 1 hour
Then cover the pot, reduce the heat further, and cook on simmer for another two hours
Pour the cider. through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl, working in batches if needed
Place cider in the fridge and let it cool completely, or enjoy it right away while it’s still warm.
It can be kept in the fridge for one week.
I can see myself relaxing and sipping on hot Apple Cider.
Enjoy.
Melinda
This is a perfect example of a dog who was not trained by a Mother or son. There are the types of dogs who don’t want you to be a Pet Parent, both of you will go unfilled and cause the dog to act out in a way that is not normal. You HAVE to train every dog, the amount of time each dog needs can be found when you research the right type of pet for you and your family.
My husband works from home and takes both dogs on a walk around lunchtime. He was several houses away from where the boy and dog were in the front. Out of nowhere here comes this big dog attacking my husband a bit one dog twice. He was holding the dog off and was screaming for the boy to get his dog. He had no control of the dog, he would not listen to any command. The boy runs in and she comes outside, just like the boy she has no control over the dog.
This is a situation that needs immediate attention.
My little guy limped for a few days but didn’t need any treatment.
I thought about it, a not-trained or dangerous dog needs a call to Animal Services. My thoughts were simple they bought a dog not knowing they needed care and training. The dog could be a threat to our neighborhood.
I talked with Animal Services and gave her the information from the attack. I said it’s clearly a lack of training, including the mother leaving her 8-year-old in the front yard with the dog. I reiterated that I didn’t see the attack but the boy and his mother were not trained to control the dog. I said they need some training fast.
My husband had picked up the dogs at one point, and he just turned the other way and hoped the dog wouldn’t follow. The next time he walked the dogs she started yelling at my husband.
What if this happened to you as you walked down the street? Only you are injured, and your dog is in bad shape. Check to see how bad you are and get the dog to the Veterinary Clinic. Keep all of your receipts, send a copy to a neighbor whose dog was involved, and send a copy to Animal Services.
Buy the right breed, then give them everything they need to be a happy dog.
Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
Get ready to strut around your house dancing!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
Let’s talk about a subject that doesn’t come up in everyday conversation.
There are so many Azo or other Urinary tract infection medications on the shelves and you need to read the ingredients. I do most of the shopping at Amazon and they have an Azo for whatever your target is.
If you are not allowed to use NSAIDs, read each package carefully. I can’t take them and several I looked at had NSAIDs.
But the no-stain type of Azo or others. The stain they leave is bright orange and doesn’t come out in the wash.
Azo is meant as a short-term patch. If you are using it longer than recommended, don’t make the mistake I made and let it go on for two months. I knew, but I had so many health issues coming up at the same time. Letting a Urinary Tract Infection can progress to a Kidney Infection which is exactly what happened to me.
When I was in my early 20s I started getting UTIs often until I saw an Urologist.
If your clothes are wet for a long time, it can start a UIT. Back when I was diving I brought a dry change of clothes.
After sex go pee.
Change your feminine pads often.
Wear cotton panties, they breathe better.
Use a feminine wipe after a bowel movement.
I’m sure this is a much longer conversation, maybe you have a post to share.
I hope this helps.
Melinda
Whether we like it or not, we’re all going to get older – it’s inevitable. What isn’t an inevitability, however, are the sicknesses, aches and pains, and loss of memory that are often seen as part and parcel of getting old.
Although none of us can ever totally prevent the possibility of ill health, there are so many things we can all do to lower our personal risks and age as well as possible. Here are a few of the most effective:
It seems like this is always the advice, but the fact is that eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water while moderating your alcohol intake is the most important factor in your present and future health.
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and oily fish will ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need to protect your health and keep your brain firing on all cylinders.
Puzzles like crossword sudoku and memory games for seniors are not only a lot of fun, but they also help to keep your mind active. The more you use your brain daily, the fear of brain cells you will lose as you age, and the less likely you will be to develop issues like Alzheimer’s.
Obviously, when it comes to your health there are no guarantees, but a daily challenge to the brain could work wonders.
You only get one set of adult teeth, so you must do whatever you can to take care of them. As a minimum, you should brush and floss daily and see your dentist at regular intervals throughout the year. Doing this will not only help to protect against tooth loss and the wearing of dentures but since gum disease has been linked to illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, it could also help to prevent serious health issues too.
Ideally, if you want to age well, you should be active every single day of your life. Whether it’s going for a brisk walk after dinner or hitting the gym for a tough workout, you need to keep moving if you want to maintain bone density, prevent strokes, diabetes, and heart disease, and maintain good mental health. Active seniors are also less likely to have fallen, so although you may not be a senior now, you need to put the work in so that when you are older, you’re better able to cope and your quality of life is vastly improved.
Perhaps most importantly of all, if you want to age well, you should make an effort to look after your health by having regular physical exams, hearing tests, and preventative treatments. If you avoid healthcare professionals like the plague, you’re less likely to catch issues early before they become a bigger problem.
Live well and look after yourself now and you can expect to live well and have a great life as you get older!
Melinda
I can’t recall a year where my health issues have affected every month of the year. To top that off, I had traumatic experiences at two hospitals. What the hell is happening to America’s health system?
The latest traumatic experience happened this month when I stayed four days in the hospital. When I arrived at the ER I could not walk without my husband basically carrying me. I felt like death from trying to manage myself instead of going to the doctor, shame on me. The ER got the ball rolling by losing my medication list, I was so sick it didn’t occur to me until the third day when I was in full-on withdrawal from Xanax. I lit up like a fire, called home and my hubby had to drive back to the hospital at 8:30 pm to give them my list. The on-call doctor then sent all of my meds to the room and tried to make me take my morning meds too. The bacterial infection took two days to identify which sounds crazy. I left with a long list of diagnoses including chronic anemia, fluid in the heart, deficient potassium, and multiple neurological disorders. I could go on but I will end with the grossest. I reported an issue with the toilet around lunch, and the handyman around 80 years old showed up carrying a screwdriver. He spends several minutes ramming it in the toilet then goes to the sink and rinses it off. I thought I would throw up, that’s where I brush my teeth. I plan to file a complaint with the hospital and its reporting association.
Sojernes
Tardive Dyskinesia
Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease
GERD has caused another issue with my Esophagus
Chronic Fatigue
Four Concussions
Parkinsonism
There are others but these are the most important illnesses.
Add doctor’s appointments and lab work to the calendar, and it’s been a rough year.
My husband was also diagnosed with Leukemia and Skin Cancer.
I am focused on making 2024 much better than 2023.
I send hugs to everyone who needs it today.
Melinda
Wall Statues In Mayo Clinic, MN
Melinda
In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!
Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”After the hospital lost my medication list, I had to change my system to avoid going for three days without Xanax and I’m in withdrawal. When you go through the ER they don’t have your health information along with your medication list.
Because I have a Mental Illness I’ve separated those meds from the others.
At the top of the page, I write the day it was updated
12/2/24
Medication List and Health Conditions
Mental Health Medications
There is a chance the doctor isn’t familiar with mental health drugs when they see the name. Separating by using Mental Health meds first will hopefully get their attention since many of my meds have to be taken at a specific time or close to.
If you have unusual medications you may want to put top.
Other Medications
Health Conditions
Other Instructions
I end with special instructions like I have an implant and can not have an MRI.
You must always have a copy for yourself and the others who are likely taking you to the doctor or ER. It will help if you have a copy on your phone too. If I ever go to the hospital again, I’m taking enough copies to give to everyone.
You have to keep your medication list up to date, if you forget one, write it in.
I think this information will help all the doctors, and doctors will understand medical issues they may not have in their files. Will also create a conversation if needed.
Melinda
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 