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Choices ~ Healing ~ Love September 1, 2004 Publisher & Editor: Gail R. Mitchell WELCOME JOURNAL EXERCISE UPDATES AT THE SITE CAREGIVERS' CONCERNS NEWS INFORMATIVE CAREGIVING ARTICLES & INSPIRATION MESSAGE BOARDS & EMAIL BAG JOKES & HUMOR DISCLAIMER 
II hope you all enjoyed a nice holiday weekend. It's been a long week here in the city with a huge upheaval as the result of the convention. Many New Yorker's fled the city for the week while those of us who stayed chose not to wander out often, keeping appointments to a minimum. The weather changes, the hurricanes, the horrific event in Russia, have all had me down somewhat. I have been sitting in quiet sending prayers out ih all directions. We are all in need of so much healing. I had the wonderful opportunity to hear Ram Dass speak here in the city. As many of you know he was "stroked" years ago and so he has much awareness on aging, aging in place and his different concepts about what healing was all about. He spoke of spending time up at the Zen Hospice, being fully present with those whose journeys on this plane were ending. I was truly taken by what he said when asked about people caring for those who were angry and verbally abusive. He shared that it was important to create imaginative talks with loved ones when anger and resentment were building so that you didn't hold it in, letting it fester from within, wheverby your thoughts became so focused on the negative aspects of the situation and what you didn't want vs. what you wanted to have with them. So the imaginative talks would be an opportunity to change your thought processes to engage and create more of what you did want to experience with them. These thoughts and energies go out into the universe vibrationally, shifting the energy. It's a wonderful process to begin monitoring for yourselves from within. Especially when negative habitual patterns and dysfunctions always crop up in family dynamics, etc. Our intentions and the power of our thoughts are more powerful than we dare to imagine at times. We laughed so hard in the audience when he first came out, sharing his mixed emotions for the convention and what was going on less then 5 streets away/ We all had truly created a safe place to be where loved filled the room with a remarkable presence amongst almost 1500 people. I will be making a few appearances locally throughout the city during this month. I look forward to seeing some of you who are able to come out and attend the programs. May your journey be gentle and beautiful! Thank you all for your participation in our telesupport survey. We received just under 100 survey responses. Highlights in the highest ranges were as follows:
Currently, we are going to hold off on the comencement of the telesupport as we have been approached to combine our chats with another special organization. Please look for our special email that will indicate all this information during the week. It is a pilot program that will go for approximately 3 months. We may also consider incorporating the telesupport groups simultaneously. We will evaluate the needs and see where to go from there. ~ We invite you to join in our complimentary membership at: Join Us. While you are there, please take a few minutes to fill in the Caregiver Survey. Your input is extremely valuable and we will respect your privacy. Your support in filling in the survey will help us and our funders to reveal areas where programming is most needed and where it will be most effectivec. Survey. Mary C. Fridley Or click on this link: If you are interested in submitting an article(s) please go to: Submit. You will find a form for submitting your article, bio/profile, copyright permissions, etc. Please review our guidelines for acceptance, submit and we will notify you upon acceptance.
~ The world mourns the death of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D., a major figure who changed the publics' thinking about the end of life. Kubler-Ross, a psychiatrist, found that Americans in the 1960s were becoming liberated about many things, but they could not talk about death and dying. Her best-selling book, "On Death And Dying", identified the five end stages and individual goes through moving from denial through acceptance. She was a pioneer in the field. Having corresponded with her after her stroke, she found the healthcare system wasn't loving to her in hew own care. Her books and awarenesses have helped millions to heal through death and dying. May her own journey be gentle and nurturing. read more. ~ My sister and I were holding his hand when he took his last breath this morning at 11:10. He fought esophageal cancer for three long, hard years and is now at rest. It was one of the most precious moments of my life. I just wanted to thank you all for your well-wishes and kind words. I found you only a few weeks ago but you have helped, temendously. Melissa Melissa, our thoughts and prayers are with your and your sister for a gentle, nurturing healing. May your father's transition continue to be gentle and nurturing as well. It is such a special, sacred moment.. one that is very difficult to express verbally.. but it is such a healing, memorable moment.. and you will be able to carry him as well as the moment in your heart.. You were his angel, a blessing... helping him throughout this whole time... Please feel comfortable in staying with us and sharing as you continue to heal... ~ Can You Control It? A tremendous amount of stress occurs when you don't understand and accept your limitations. When you attempt to control something in life that is not within your sphere of influence how do you feel and react? What is it like for you to experience powerlessness? Can you control another's thoughts, behaviors and attitudes? Are you able to make it rain or snow? Can you make a family or friend's cancer go away? It may be easier to consider these questions from a detached perspective and say to yourself, "No, I certainly cannot control these areas." However, it's surprising how much of life folks struggle over which is not within their control. More often than not, you are not aware that you're lack of peace has to do with controlling or worrying about something outside of your grasp. I put the word "alcohol" in brackets because you may place anything in that bracket you'd like to. In fact, my invitation is for you to test it out with a few of the more nagging things in your life -- how about depression, anxiety, marital concerns, parenting issues, clutter, chronic pain... ? Admitting powerlessness in a situation does not remove responsibility. For instance, the alcoholic who admits powerlessness over alcohol is still responsible for the effects of his/her disease on everyone around them, as well as for their recovery today and in the future. This is covered beautifully in steps 2-12 of the 12 Steps. The Serenity Prayer Take the necessary steps today to unburden yourself of just one area of your life that you are powerless over. You can do it. You will discover a new freedom by taking this unique action today. Dave Turo-Shields Dave Turo-Shields, ACSW, LCSW is an author, university faculty member, success coach and veteran psychotherapist whose passion is guiding others to their own success inlife. For weekly doses of the webs HOTTEST success tips, sign up for Dave’s powerful “Feeling Great!” ezine at his web site. E-mail: Dave This course will provide support and guidance to caregivers, helping them move into this role with greater knowledge, awareness, and ease. Each session will begin with a presentation on relevant information and resources, followed by a question-and-answer and discussion period. You may sign up for the series, or for individual sessions. If you would like to attend these programs but are unable to do so due to caregiving responsibilities, our office can provide you with a list of volunteer programs and cost-effective alternatives for hiring an aid. ~ Keynote presentations by Rev Joseph O'Hare, President Emeritus of Fordham University, Rev. Douglas Ronsheim, Executive Director, American Association of Pastoral Counselors, with breakout workshops led by Ellen Bartoldus, Gail R. Mitchell, Irene A. Gutheil, Eleanor Ramos, Rev. Mihelle White and Rev. Milton Donato. Topics include, Healing Conversations: Decisions at The End Of Life, Assisting Families In The Death Of A Loved One, Creativity and Spirituality Parnters In The Healing Process, Empowering Caregivers, Helping Faith Communities to Minister to Home Bound Edlers and Partners In Healing Providing Pastoral Care In A Time Of Need. For more information: Contact Dr. Beverly Musgrave, Patners In Healing, Fordham University at 718.817.4713 ~ Evoke Your Greatness: Free Teleclass Will you be one of our 8 Players who will create what they want in 90-days? This teleclass will introduce you to John Felitto's 90-Day Game using the *Evoke Your Greatness©" process. Whether or not you go forward with the 90-Day Game, you will take away from this teleclass 4 of the 20 "Key Practices" you can use to create what you want. After this one-hour teleclass, you will know if this process is a fit for you. John has taken the best of Mind Development and Whole Brain Technologies, Emotional Intelligence and Consciousness Disciplines, Intuitive and Spiritual-Based Practices and organized them into one Comprehensive Life Design System. End procrastination, enjoy clarity, movement, momentum, AND ease while getting the job done. Finally give yourself the permission to achieve what you want. For more info and to register for the class please go to teleclass. Contact: John Felitto In 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation creating National Grandparents Day. This day is intended to remind us to appreciate the wisdom and heritage of our elders, but it's also a time to remember all the shut-ins, homebound, and lonely senior citizens living in nursing homes. National Grandparents Day reminds us to care, so please visit, phone, or send a card, gift, or prayer. Study Cites Women Most Likely To Prevent Breast Cancer With Tamoxifen WASHINGTON, DC (Obstetrics & Gynecology) -- Tamoxifen for the prevention of breast cancer appears to be most cost-effective for a specific subset of women -- namely women ages 40-50 who are at a significant risk for the disease, according to a new analysis in the September issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Read more: ~ Concerning the future of the U.S. social insurance system, Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan warned that the U.S. may have promised workers more in Social Security and Medicare benefits than it can deliver. In order to avoid "abrupt and painful" pension reforms in the future, he suggested, Social Security and Medicare benefits should be made less generous, for example through later qualifying ages and by discouraging early retirement. However, some, including Harvard University President Lawrence Summers, seem to want to push out older professors. The content of work itself makes a difference. "It's easy to be a professor at 75... it's not so easy to lift heavy objects," said Princeton University economist Alan Blinder who also criticized the proposal to push back the retirement age. Increased immigration to the U.S. could help out; requiring Social Security payments on all incomes instead of limiting taxation to workers with $87,000 in wages or less could also help. Ending age discrimination against those who want to work would be positive. With an increasing aged population, other possibilities are available. Read more: ~ About half of Alzheimer's patients suffer from developing psychiatric and behavioral symptoms such as violent outbursts, paranoid thoughts and intense anxiety while they fight against slow erosion of memory, the major symptom of Alzheimer's. These behavioral changes shock family members, close friends, and patients themselves. Fortunately, a number of new studies found out that so-called atypical antipsychotics, a class of drugs normally used to treat young schizophrenics, can reduce the psychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer's. Although some serious side effects such as an increasing risk of stroke and diabetes are reported, Alzheimer's patients and their families will enjoy benefits of new treatments. Of course, families and caregivers must be vigilant that such medications are not used to sedate elderly and thus permit lower staffing levels at nursing homes. Read More ~ The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services presents “Successful Caregiver Coalitions: What is Their Secret?” a sequel to last year’s “Building Caregiver Coalitions”. This satellite broadcast features a roundtable discussion and question-and-answer session with a panel of four representatives of caregiver coalitions. The broadcast provides an opportunity to interested parties and organizations to learn how successful caregiver coalitions were developed, reasons for their success, how they sustained their initial enthusiasm as they deal with challenging issues, suggested practices that can be incorportated to keep the group energizd and productive, and other issues relating to their ongoing success. ~ A We believe that sharing creativity and wisdom can be very rewarding and contributes to personal growth and recovery Currently; we are developing a literary project concerning the recovery and healing process following a Stroke. We are in the process of collecting and editing creative writing works on this topic. Our intention is to publish this collection in an anthology. Please contact us to confirm your interest in this project. Should you choose to participate, we would be grateful for your commitment to this expressive therapeutic process. We look forward to working together with you on this meaningful and creative healing project. Please share with us your personal experience of Stroke recovery, rehabilitation and triumph over tragedy, in your own words. We are hopeful that this writing experience will be meaningful and therapeutic for you as well as for the many readers we hope to reach. Your creative writing work will be cherished andTherapist / Educator Liz Pearl, M.Ed. KOPE Associates A web seminar, "Family Caregiving: Current Challenges for a Time-Honored Practice", will be held September 21, 2004, 10 a.m. (Pacific Time). Kathleen Kelly, Executive Director of Family Caregiver Alliance, will present at both events. More info: ~ We are very excited to be able to announce our participation in an effort to educate seniors on the very important issue of Age-related Macular Degeneration. This condition slowly disintegrates the vision of many of America’s seniors. The unfortunate truth that many seniors do not realize, however, is that you can reduce your chances of contracting AMD, and, if you catch it, AMD is treatable. As part of our work, we will be hosting events throughout the country. At each location, free vision testing will follow a brief seminar discussing the extent of AMD, the importance of early-detection, some prevention measures, and treatment. We want to be sure that you are invited to the event in your state. Have a look below to find out where we’ll be and how you can reserve a spot at the event. If you are unable to attend, Click Here to visit the AMD website for information on Age-related Macular Degeneration and how you can find treatment and how you can work to reducing your chances of contracting AMD. Monday, September 20th - 10 AM – 12 Noon - Fort Worth, Texas - Renaissance Worthington Hotel - 200 Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 - R.S.V.P: 817-332-8125 Thursday, September 23, - 12 Noon – 1:30 PM - Washington, D.C. - 2105 Rayburn Office Building - R.S.V.P.: 703-631-4211 Monday, September 27, - 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM - Miami, Florida - Hyatt Regency Miami - 400 South East Second Ave., Miami, FL 33131 - R.S.V.P: 1-800-817-3595 Tuesday, September 28, - 10:00 AM – 12 Noon - Atlanta, Georgia - Atlanta History Centre - 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 - R.S.V.P.: 404-266-0071 Wednesday, September 29, - 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM - New York, New York - Lighthouse International - 111 E. 59th St., New York, NY 10022 - R.S.V.P.: 212-821-9200 Thursday, September 30, - 10:00 AM – 12 Noon - Chicago, Illinois - The Ritz-Carlton - 160 East Pearson St. (at Water Tower Place), Chicago, IL 60611 - R.S.V.P.: 1-800-331-2020 ext. 310 Friday, October 1, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM - Baltimore, Maryland - Best Western Hotel & Conference Center - 5625 O’Donnell St., Baltimore, MD 21224 - R.S.V.P.: 1-800-331-2020 ext. 310 ~ Recent news accounts have highlighted the high cost of prescription drugs and the confusion surrounding the new Medicare prescription drug discount card program that took effect June 1. Although the National Partnership shares other organizations' serious concerns regarding this program, we believe it is important for low-income beneficiaries to take advantage of an important two-year $600 drug discount benefit. Low-income Medicare beneficiaries (annual income below $12,569 for individuals or $16,862 for couples) are now eligible for a $600 annual credit towards their prescription drug costs for each of the next two years, but they must enroll. To help raise awareness about this new benefit, the National Partnership has joined with more than 70 public and private organizations to form the Access to Benefits Coalition for Prescription Drugs (ABC Rx). The coalition has a new website that provides helpful information about the program and information on how to enroll: accesstobenefits.org. ~ Visit the new Foundation for Alzheimer's and Cultural Memory and learn about their collective reminiscence work at: memorybridge.org ~ Beth Witrogen McLeod, author and speaker on spirituality and aging as well as caregiving is interviewing for her new book about women's spirituality at midlife. She is looking especially for women who are discovering a deep and compelling urge to become more authentic at this time of life. She is also speaking with women ranging from their 40's to 80's about the midlife journey to find their authentic woman's voice. Ms. McLeod is interested in speaking with men as well who have expertise and experiences related to this issue of spirituality at midlife. For more on Beth McLeod, visit: witrogen.com ~ New York City has filed a lawsuit against dozens of the nation's leading pharmaceutical companies, accusing them of deceptively inflating the cost of their drugs and defrauding taxpayers out of tens of millions of dollars. According to the New York Times, the complaint filed in Federal District Court in Manhattan charges that 44 pharmaceutical companies and their subsidiaries -- nearly every major drug maker in the nation -- have violated federal and state Medicaid laws by committing fraud, engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices and seeking unjust enrichment. To read more to read more: ~ "Medicare Drug Discount Cards: A Work in Progress," a new Kaiser Family Foundation report, examines early experiences with the Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card Program and potential implications for enrollees. Prepared by Health Policy Alternatives, the report analyzes prices with the discount cards and finds that the cards can deliver savings off of full retail drug prices, but the savings for individual beneficiaries can vary significantly across card programs. In addition, no notable price changes were observed after the program's initial start up period. The report and an audiocast of a media briefing, including comments from the report's authors and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mark McClellan, are available at report ~ First Hand Foundation is a philanthropic, nonprofit foundation established by the associates of Cerner Corporation. First Hand helps the families of children with health problems address the financial aspects of their child’s healthcare. Generally, requests for grants and cases that receive funding fall into one of three broad categories of assistance.
In order to be considered for funding, the following criteria must be met.
~ Today's Caregiver magazine in association with the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging and Faith In Action will host The Fearless Caregiver Conference: a day of sharing wisdom, Wednesday, September 15 from 9:00am to 3:30pm at The Los Angeles Convention and Conference Center. The Fearless Caregiver Conference provides practical information, advice and support for those caring for their loved ones. The conference is designed to help attendees receive hands-on advice for his or her caregiving challenges. Learn: How to become a fearless member of their loved one's care team, tried and true "time-off techniques", expert advice for beating stress and depression, hands-on advice from local caregiving experts. Keynote Speakers: Reverend Della Reese, actor, singer, author and ordained minister and is the National Spokeswoman for Faith in Action, an interfaith volunteer caregiving program. Gary Barg is Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Today's Caregiver magazine and caregiver.com, as well as author of the book, The Fearless Caregiver.will also present. Registration: Limited free registration is available to family caregivers who reside within the City of Los Angeles. Call 800-829-2734 or go online www.caregiver.com . Registration includes lunch, vendor resources and seminars. Phoenix, Arizona residents will enjoy a Fearless Caregiver conference hosted by the Area Agency on Aging Region One on October 27th at the Shrine Auditorium in Phoenix. So Gary, when are you guys coming to NYC? Support Group For Muscular Dystrophy Just writing this to let you know my wife and I have created a Support Group for people with Muscular Dystrophy. It does cover other areas of types of MD. We added the caregiving to help those who do care for there kids or a loved one, to share there storys, as this is good therapy for all. Site . I am my wifes caregiver, (she has xmtm a very rare type) I wouldn't trade taking care of her, for any thing else. She is my gift from GOD. I truly believe he sent her to me. Oh and August is MD awareness month. Thank You Again and GOD BLESS!! Pat and Roger. One in five elderly Americans receive inappropriate prescriptions drugs, a study of 1999 insurance claims said. According to Lesley Curtis, Duke University Medical center, 162,370 patients (21%) received one or more prescription drugs which should be avoided in elderly patients or which are inappropriate for use in elderly patients. Antidepressants and doxepin- both used for treatment of depression- accounted for 23 % of claims for Beers list drugs, and 51% of these claims were for drugs with potentially harmful effects. Persons of 65 years or older are less than 15 % of the American population, but they use nearly one-third of prescription drugs. To Read More. ~ Drug Companies and HMOs Led an Army of Nearly 1,000 Lobbyists to Promote Misguided Legislation and Increase Profits: Read the full report ~ INFORMATIVE CAREGIVING ARTICLES & INSPIRATION Quotes While they were saying among themselves it cannot be done, it was done. Helen Keller If you don't let go of resentment, then you are giving your resentment power -- the more you resist letting go of the past, the more your resentment will control your attitudes and behavior Harold Bloomfield, M.D. Some people are so afraid to die that they never begin to live. Henry Van Dyke The greatest discovery you'll ever make is the potential of your own mind.- Jose Silva Accepting responsibility is the fulcrum point for succeeding at anything. Jeffrey Gitomer Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out. John Wooden Every day I live I am more convinced that the waste of life lies in the love we have not given, the powers we have not used, the selfish prudence that will risk nothing and which, shirking pain, misses happiness as well. Mary Cholmondele Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have. Norman Vincent Peale ~ You are a Beloved Child of God who is on Earth during this unique moments to co create the wonders of Heaven on Earth. You are an empowered Instrument of God. This inner knowing is opening your heart and allowing your God Self to increase the amount of Divine Light flowing through your Earthly body. People are so used to accepting the physical plane as their true reality, that they have forgotten it is merely a reflection of their consciousness. No matter how real your life challenges seem or how entrapped you are in the grip of poverty, disease, low self-esteem, loveless relationships, hatred, corruption, ignorance, war, etcetera, those distorted expressions of life can only be maintained in your life if you sustain them through your thoughts, words, actions, feelings and beliefs. If you choose to empower the Light and all of the patterns of perfection contained in that Light instead of choosing to empower the things that cause your pain and suffering, your Earthly experiences will be transformed in “the twinkling of an eye.” Realms than we are receiving at this moment. Focus on fulfilling your dreams, and miracles will happen. This article is copyrighted, but you have my permission to share it through any medium as long as the proper credit line is included. Patti CR The most destructive habit.........Worry The greatest Joy.........................Giving The greatest loss........................Loss of-respect The most satisfying work............Helping others The ugliest personality trait..........Selfishness The most endangered species.....Dedicated leaders Our greatest natural resource......Our youth The greatest "shot in the arm".......Encouragement The greatest problem to overcome........Fear The most effective sleeping pill......Peace of mind The most crippling failure disease....Excuses The most powerful force in life.........Love The most dangerous pariah..............A gossiper The world's most incredible computer......The brain The worst thing to be without.... ...........Hope The deadliest weapon......................The tongue The two most power-filled words..........."I Can" The greatest asset.............................Faith The most worthless emotion..............Self-pity The most beautiful attire.....................SMILE! The most prized possession.............. Integrity The most powerful channel of communication........Prayer The most contagious spirit...................Enthusiasm ~
Elizabeth Kubler Ross | |
