Theme Day at the b5 media Health & Wellness channel centers around the topic of Summer Fun. Hosted by Lib at Healthbolt, the round-up offers some last minute, end -of-summer suggestions. 

Check out what our bloggers have to say:

At Healthbolt Lib and Liz believe you should be able to laugh a little about your health, and thus, would like to introduce you to the Laryngospasms. Enjoy.

While it’s often difficult for Alzheimer’s caregivers to plan for summer fun, Mary Emma Allen has some ideas at Alzheimer’s Notes.

At Mental Health Notes, Alicia tells us how to find free mood boosters to manage depression and shake things up in the bedroom with Sunshine Can Help Your Brain Grow Big And Strong.

Kristina at Autism Vox goes on vacation by the ocean for fun in the sun and surf, and some reflections on summers past and how her son has grown.

“So what did your family do this summer?” If you’re still thinking of a cool answer to that question, think no more! Grace from Kids Health Notes gives us FIVE fun ideas to make the end of summer memorable.

For those of you who like to use or who want to try homeopathic remedies for those itches, aches and pains that come along with summer time fun, Marijke at Help My Hurt shares a press release that outlines what types of products may be able to help you.

Summertime is barbecue time, but Ruth at Eating Fabulous recommends you marinate your meat before grilling to reduce the formation of carcinogen compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCA) during grilling.

Karen Lynch at The Pink Ribbon Review wrote a post explaining Why Summer Fun is Just What the Doctor Ordered.

Kelly at Grounded Fitness shows us how to beat the summer heat and intensify your workouts with these special little water bottles.

I hope you enjoy these offerings.  What have you been doing for summer fun?

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(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

It’s “Summer Fun” for the Health & Wellness Channel Theme Day

I was asked, in a recent comment on a post,  what a daughter should do when her elderly father, who had broken a leg and was in a nursing home, acted like a zombie.  That previous post concerned overmedication, with a link from a post by Liz Lewis.  I had related an experience with my mom.

Since I’m not trained in the medical field nor know the complete situation with the lady’s dad, I don’t want to give suggestions that will steer her in the wrong direction. So I’ll suggest places one  might go for answers.

*Have you talked with his doctor to see why this amount of medication has been prescribed? Is your dad in a great deal of pain without the meds?

*Check the policy of the nursing home where you’re considering moving him. [She's planning to change nursing homes.] Some have a minimal drug policy unless absolute necessary for pain. This was the case with my mom.

*Check to see if your state (probably under the Dept. of Health and Human Services, Div of Elderly and Adult Services) has an Ombudsman program. I knew nothing about this until a lady called me, when I had to move Mother to a second nursing home after the first one closed. She calmed me, answered questions, and helped me get everything organized. Essentially they’re advocates for the elderly living in long-term care and nursing home facilities. The ombudsman should be able to answer your questions or help you find answers.

The problem so often is that these parent care situations come upon us suddenly. We aren’t prepared and don’t know where to turn for information. I hope this helps.

What have you found helpful when you’re at a loss for answers?

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(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Is Your Alzheimer’s or Elderly Parent Overmedicated?

Health and Wellness Channel’s theme this month centers around “Independence” and is hosted by Kendra James at A Healthy Life. 

The various bloggers have adapted this theme to their particular topic for some very interesting ideas and reading.

Alzheimer’s Notes participated with the post, Giving Up Their Independence – Discouraging for Alzheimer’s Patients. 

Losing their independence becomes one of the challenging aspects of this disease that Alzheimer’s patients and their families have to face. I discusses this topic and invite our readers to “chime in.”

Post from: Blisstree

It’s All About Independence – The Theme at the Health & Wellness Channel

 Thanks, everyone, for visiting Alzheimer’s Notes and participating in the drawing for Finding the Joy in Alzheimer’s. The random drawing has taken place…..and the winner is…..Donna Sparks.

Congratulations, Donna!  Your copy of Finding the Joy in Alzheimer’s will be on its way.

Also, when Brenda Avadian, editor of the book, answers Donna’s question (the value added part of the contest), I shall publish that on the blog. 

I’d asked those who commented to mention their connection to Alzheimer’s.  Donna said:  I’m Alicia’s mom, and I was a caregiver to both my grandmother and my mother. Many women in my family have had Alzheimer’s and I’m afraid that my sister or I will have it one day.

[Alicia, Donna's daughter, is Alicia Sparks, NAMI Affiliation Leader and b5 blogger at Mental Health Notes.  She encouraged her mom to enter the drawing.]

Liz and I shall have another drawing soon here at Alzheimer’s Notes.  Keep watching!

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(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Winner of Drawing for Finding the Joy in Alzheimer’s Announced

What recreational activities or hobbies are you involved in  this summer with your Alzheimer’s patient (parent, spouse, or relative)?  Do you have special projects you do together?  If you have children in the home, too,  you’ll be looking for activities they can be involved in with you.  These also will help build great family memories and carry you over the frustrating times.

Some of these the Alzheimer’s patient may not be able to do too well and may lose interest, but it will help keep them occupied for awhile. Others will be activities for younger children which may be all the patient can handle, too.

1. Wrting down family memories
2. Scrapbooking
3. Making mini quilts
4. Birdwatching around the yard and at bird feeders
5. Cooking foods from the Alzheimer’s patient’s era
6. Playing board games
7. Charades
8. Coloring pictures
9. Sorting and labeling photographs…great memory sparkers
10. Taking short walks
11. Splashing in a wading pool
12. Arts and crafts
13. Playing Bocce ball in the yard

With some activities, the patient may only be able to watch.  However, the entertainment often helps calm them and keep them occupied.

What activities are you involved in this summer?  What works in one situation might not in another, but if we share our successes, we can all encourage one another.

(Amazon images)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Thursday Thirteen – 13 Summer Projects for Caregivers, Alzheimer’s Patients & Children

 More food ideas from the Food Bloggers to spark up your meals and snacks. 

Sometimes it’s so difficult to get Alzheimer’s patients to eat that something different might appeal to them.  Also, experiment with something new for yourself that will add variety to your menus.

Ah!  Here’s something at the top of the list of the “not-so-healthy” foods.  However, it’s an easy recipe for Chocolate Drop Candy, in celebration of National Candy Month, just one of the holidays we discuss at All Holiday Cafe. 

Nicoise Salad, as made Nice, France, is a healthy, refreshing summer fish. It’s quick to make and may be adapted to suit your family’s tastes, suggested at Robust Cooking.

Quinoa (keen´-wah) is the most nutritious whole grain we know of. It has twice the protein of any other grain, fewer carbohydrates and more essential fat. Quinoa’s protein is a complete protein like that found in meat and eggs. Vegetarians take note! Read how to add quinoa to your diet at Ageless Beauty.

Strawberry season is in full swing here. One of my favorite summer desserts is strawberry rhubarb crunch, with ice cream.  Another Robust Cooking recipe.

Diabetes inevitably is food related, so caring for Alzheimer’s patients who also have this disease can be a challenge.  Check out these Seven Tips for Care of Alzheimer’s Patients with Diabetes at Alzheimer’s Notes.

Do you have any great summertime recipes?

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(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Healthy & Not-So-Healthy Foods from the Food Bloggers

 Throughout the week, the Health and Wellness Channel has been focusing on Celebrities and Health. 

Some are Hollywood celebrities; others come from other walks of life.  By going public with their illness, they often make the world more aware and more willing to talk about a health situation that families keep”hidden in the closet.”

You, the caregiver,  and your Alzheimer’s patient also are celebrities and heroes in this challenge with a devastating disease.

Liz and I have written a number of posts on this topic this week.  In case you’ve missed any and would like to check them out, here is a roundup:

Celebrities Health This Week’s Theme at the Health & Wellness Channel, Alzheimer’s Notes Included

Did Ronald Reagan Have Alzheimer’s Disease While He Was President

Alzheimer’s Association Celebrities Speak – Video

Alzheimer’s Notes Visits Hollywood ThisWeek

Terry Prachett Fan Sets Up Match It For Prachett Alzheimer’s Fundraising Site

Author Terry Prachett, Another Celebrity Who Faces Alzheimer’s

More Celebrities Speak Out About Alzheimer’s

Actress Arlene Francis, an Alzheimer’s Victim & Artist

Your Alzheimer’s Patient & You Are Celebrities, too

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(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Roundup of Alzheimer’s Notes for Celebrity Health & Wellness Week

To keep you informed about the inside info on the health care industry, you now have Health Care Insiders at b5media.  Written by Jennifer Hinkel and Becky Ramsey, this blog will have the latest news on what’s going on in this arena that’s of great concern to most of us.

Check out this blog, see if it has information and answers that will aid you as a caregiver as well as in your personal situation.  Let Jennifer and Becky know what information will be helpful for you.

Health care is of concern to all of us as we encounter personal and family health situations.  How nice to have a place where we can find more information about it.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Health Care Blog at b5 – News of Interest to Alzheimer’s Caregivers

We’re not obese, but want to be comfortable in our clothes, can breathe without puffing up the stairs, and can run easily if we have to chase after a wandering Alzheimer’s patient.

Also, by losing some of those pounds, we may be helping the environment and cutting down on global warming! 

 ”What!”  you say.  “Obesity/overweight and global warming are connected?”

 Yes, a study has come out that obesity may contribute to global warming.  My co-blogger, Liz Lewis, also writes at b5 media’s Health Bolt.  You may find this blogpost  interesting, Fact or Fiction: Obesity is Contributing to Global Warming?.

What will they think of next?  Let us know what you think.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Global Warming and it’s Connection With Shorts & Bathing Suit Weather, Caregivers and Alzheimer’s Patients

 With the warmer weather leading us into summer (at least in the Northern Hemisphere), Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers will be outside more.  That generally means more exposure to the sun and the need for sunblock.

Scott Warthon, at b5’s Health and Men, has some great information about Understanding Sun Protection Factor or SPF .  This helps us understand why and how the different levels of SPF work as they do.  He also has posted a chart giving us information regarding which SPF to use with which skin type.

(Scott learned the hard way…he got a sunburn!  See This is Why You Should Wear Sunblock)

(c) 2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Health Tip- Sunscreen & Sunblock Weather for Alzheimer’s Patients & Caregivers