Hello out there....
It's been awhile...I think I am ready to begin blogging again.
I don't know how many of you are still blogging or even if you still follow my blog..I will be popping in over time checking in to see who is still around, and hopefully meeting some new friends. For the few of you out there...(and you know you who are) thank you from the bottom of my soul for your support and friendship over the past eight years.
Since I last blogged....My grand daughter was only a couple months old...she is now two. Her big brother will turn six years old this month. In fact, they are going to have a new brother or sister this November. Her parents are doing it the "old fashion way" and waiting until it arrives to announce the gender. The new one will be my sixth grand child. Together, my husband and I will now have an even dozen!
My oldest grand son just started high school this year, the second oldest turns 12 in October and the "caboose" just turned 3 and started pre-school. I'm certain there will be posts about my grand kids....their adventures and mischief always crack me up.
I'm still living in Nevada, traveling back and forth on the "road to love" visiting my family and friends in California. Housing in Nevada is recovering very slowly...but I think I have come to the conclusion I will be a lot happier if I finally accept that this is where I will be living. After almost eleven years, it is time to call it home...
I continue to journal and as Julia Cameron advises, "to do your morning pages..." I dabble with my watercolors and am considering re-visiting acrylics....but writing is still my first love.
I am also working on a family project...getting all our Mother's interesting life down on paper. Not an easy task when we live in two different states. We have recently decided to invest in a recording device because she gets grouchy (and she is entitled at 89) when I keep asking her to repeat what she said to get it down in my notes....( And for those of you who remember Mom, she is doing GREAT. Feisty as ever!!)
Last New Years I made two resolutions: First, I wanted to find some way of helping others and to be of service. Second, I wanted to be more creative. I started a new poetry/consciousness blog, If you would like to check it out, here is the link: Creative Synchronicity. I even had business cards made. I also started classes in January to be a volunteer senior peer counselor. Our mission is basically seniors helping other seniors with our life lessons and experiences. We are not therapist, just active listeners who offer support and help to other seniors and hopefully, together, find solutions which help.
The program is through a community hospital and headed up by a clinical psychiatrist and retired social worker. We attend meetings twice a month with our supervisors and see our clients on our own mutual schedules at a designated location. So far, I've found it extremely rewarding and I've learned so much about myself in the process. I am very grateful for the experience.
I am still involved with Alzheimer's. I stay informed with emails from the Alzheimer's Association and follow Barbara Karnes blog. I also attend the support group Mom attends regularly, when I'm visiting her. She made such wonderful friends and she feels she can be a beckon of hope to those who are still going through it. I've attended a few support groups here in Nevada, but just haven't found one that fits yet... If anyone needs any support or if I can answer any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I'm doing a lot of reading, learning new things on u-tube videos and watching some interesting movies on Netflix. I may even review and discuss a few from time to time. I really have enjoyed some excellent books, so those of you who enjoy philosophy, consciousness, the creative process fighting resistance...we may share some excellent conversations.
I've filled a notebook with all the poetry I wrote on my former poetry blog. I just felt like I wanted to go in a different direction with my new one...
I continue to be an obsessive quote collector. I've filled several journals full of various quotes. I find it uplifting when I am down or challenges, to read from my inspirational quotes....
So that's it for now...hope to hear from you!
Showing posts with label Alzheimer's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alzheimer's. Show all posts
Monday, September 5, 2016
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Alzheimer's Awareness Week During the World Series....Wear the Bow Tie!
Alzheimer’s Association bow tie to be featured during World Series
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Monday, October 28, 2013
Getting Ready for the Alzheimer's Walk in Dad's Honor...
This coming Thursday I leave for California. Our family is walking in the Alzheimer's Walk in Huntington Beach, CA on Saturday November 3, 2013.
My preparation? Walking my dog once or twice a day...There is a 2 mile and a 4 mile walk, but I can do 4 miles easy. (I hope). We'll all be walking and talking, pushing the nephews and grand sons in strollers and the time will fly by.
Mom is not sure if she can find her fold up camping chair so she can sit on the side of the road and cheer us on...depends on the weather. I know she wants to be with us, but there is no way she could walk it. If we can get our hands on a wheel chair, we could push her...
My grand son turned 9 years old yesterday. He was THRILLED he passed the height test so he could ride the bumper cards at the fun place he chose to go for his celebration. I am looking forward to seeing him, along with the 11 year old and the newest grand son who is coming up on 7 months. He's a turbo-crawler and is pulling himself up into a standing position at the couch and then holding on with one hand, attemping to take a step. He so wants to walk and run like his big brothers...
My youngest daughter is pregnant again and we were all surprised to learn she is having a GIRL! My first grand daughter. Her 3 year old son Jacob is getting more excited about being a big brother to a baby sister. My daughter is due in April, 2014. This pink bundle will make my fifth grand child!!
I've been lying low and taking it easy this month and it feels good. Since the weather has cooled off I have been re-focusing on de-cluttering. I really want to clean out our garage so I can have the option to park my car in there if I want to.
We celebrated our 4 year Adoption Day for our rescue dog Izzy. I gave her a bath, took her for some walks, got her some chew treats, a new toothbrush, a jacket and a bag of Greenies. She's a happy girl.
We also celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary by going to a movie (Captain Philips) and to see Big Elvis. For years Big Elvis has been at Bill's Gamblin' Hall but due to their renovations, moved to Harrah's and does three shows a day, four days a week. The FREE shows are 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. His show at the Piano Bar inside Harrah's is dark on Wednesday and the weekends.
He really sounds like Elvis, but does the entire show sitting in his throne and occasionally stands up to do a short shimmy or Elvis move.... He really sounds like Elvis and puts on a great show. We had a really good time. If you come to Vegas, you should check it out. He has won first place in yearly Elvis Impersonation Contests.
We also went to the MOB MUSEUM in downtown Vegas. It is housed in the old Federal Building where the Mafia trials were held. It is three stories of memorabilia and interactive displays and videos. We spent over three hours in there. We went to celebrate my husband's birthday. We both really enjoyed it. We get a Local discount and got in for $10 each. Once you pay the entry fee, you get a band on your wrist and can park there all day as long as the museum is open and go in and out in case you get hungry and want to go downtown and get some lunch. Another Vegas attraction worth a visit...
I will post pictures of the walk upon my return.
My preparation? Walking my dog once or twice a day...There is a 2 mile and a 4 mile walk, but I can do 4 miles easy. (I hope). We'll all be walking and talking, pushing the nephews and grand sons in strollers and the time will fly by.
Mom is not sure if she can find her fold up camping chair so she can sit on the side of the road and cheer us on...depends on the weather. I know she wants to be with us, but there is no way she could walk it. If we can get our hands on a wheel chair, we could push her...
My grand son turned 9 years old yesterday. He was THRILLED he passed the height test so he could ride the bumper cards at the fun place he chose to go for his celebration. I am looking forward to seeing him, along with the 11 year old and the newest grand son who is coming up on 7 months. He's a turbo-crawler and is pulling himself up into a standing position at the couch and then holding on with one hand, attemping to take a step. He so wants to walk and run like his big brothers...
My youngest daughter is pregnant again and we were all surprised to learn she is having a GIRL! My first grand daughter. Her 3 year old son Jacob is getting more excited about being a big brother to a baby sister. My daughter is due in April, 2014. This pink bundle will make my fifth grand child!!
I've been lying low and taking it easy this month and it feels good. Since the weather has cooled off I have been re-focusing on de-cluttering. I really want to clean out our garage so I can have the option to park my car in there if I want to.
We celebrated our 4 year Adoption Day for our rescue dog Izzy. I gave her a bath, took her for some walks, got her some chew treats, a new toothbrush, a jacket and a bag of Greenies. She's a happy girl.
We also celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary by going to a movie (Captain Philips) and to see Big Elvis. For years Big Elvis has been at Bill's Gamblin' Hall but due to their renovations, moved to Harrah's and does three shows a day, four days a week. The FREE shows are 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. His show at the Piano Bar inside Harrah's is dark on Wednesday and the weekends.
He really sounds like Elvis, but does the entire show sitting in his throne and occasionally stands up to do a short shimmy or Elvis move.... He really sounds like Elvis and puts on a great show. We had a really good time. If you come to Vegas, you should check it out. He has won first place in yearly Elvis Impersonation Contests.
We also went to the MOB MUSEUM in downtown Vegas. It is housed in the old Federal Building where the Mafia trials were held. It is three stories of memorabilia and interactive displays and videos. We spent over three hours in there. We went to celebrate my husband's birthday. We both really enjoyed it. We get a Local discount and got in for $10 each. Once you pay the entry fee, you get a band on your wrist and can park there all day as long as the museum is open and go in and out in case you get hungry and want to go downtown and get some lunch. Another Vegas attraction worth a visit...
I will post pictures of the walk upon my return.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
It's Time to Wait and Pray...
I spoke with the nursing home yesterday to make sure Dad got on the list to have his hair trimmed and his facial hairs removed and mustache trimmed. Dad has always been meticulous in his grooming. When his mustache is not trimmed neatly, he continually has his tongue patrolling the edges and I know it bugs him...
While on the phone, his caregiver told me Dad was weighed on Sunday and he has lost 6 pounds this past month. He now weighs 113.
We discussed Mom and my sister's observations when Dad ate his lunch on their last visit and how it seemed it was such work for Dad to chew his food. They also commented on his choking while drinking. The male caregiver agreed and told me he noticed Dad choking too when he drank.
In the later stages of this disease, it is quite common to start having difficulties swallowing. Patients actually forget how to drink, swallow, eat, they keep their eyes closed, talk less, want to sleep more and eventually don't want to eat. We all feel this is where Dad is now.
He asked me if we would like Dad's food ground up for him. I told him I would email the family and get a vote. I emailed everyone and all agreed we should try it.
This morning I received my weekly text from the Hospice nurse, sending me pictures of the cancerous growth on his foot (which continues to grow) and Dad's vitals. 97% oxygen, 115/75 blood pressure, resting pulse rate 17, heart rate 89 and temperature 97.4. No complaints of pain, no grimacing, no moaning, sleepy, appetite this morning 80% in eating his breakfast and weight as of 8-4-13, 113.
I text her back giving her permission to have the Dietitian grind up Dad's food, but we feel if it is not appetizing and tasting good, Dad may refuse to eat it. I really am not too worried as the Dietitian there is an excellent and creative cook. We all drool over his food and it always smells and looks delicious.
We all have been talking to one another or to Mom and it seems everyone is at peace with their relationship with Dad. We all want to make sure everyone is OK because we all know what is coming...It's time to wait and pray....
While on the phone, his caregiver told me Dad was weighed on Sunday and he has lost 6 pounds this past month. He now weighs 113.
We discussed Mom and my sister's observations when Dad ate his lunch on their last visit and how it seemed it was such work for Dad to chew his food. They also commented on his choking while drinking. The male caregiver agreed and told me he noticed Dad choking too when he drank.
In the later stages of this disease, it is quite common to start having difficulties swallowing. Patients actually forget how to drink, swallow, eat, they keep their eyes closed, talk less, want to sleep more and eventually don't want to eat. We all feel this is where Dad is now.
He asked me if we would like Dad's food ground up for him. I told him I would email the family and get a vote. I emailed everyone and all agreed we should try it.
This morning I received my weekly text from the Hospice nurse, sending me pictures of the cancerous growth on his foot (which continues to grow) and Dad's vitals. 97% oxygen, 115/75 blood pressure, resting pulse rate 17, heart rate 89 and temperature 97.4. No complaints of pain, no grimacing, no moaning, sleepy, appetite this morning 80% in eating his breakfast and weight as of 8-4-13, 113.
I text her back giving her permission to have the Dietitian grind up Dad's food, but we feel if it is not appetizing and tasting good, Dad may refuse to eat it. I really am not too worried as the Dietitian there is an excellent and creative cook. We all drool over his food and it always smells and looks delicious.
We all have been talking to one another or to Mom and it seems everyone is at peace with their relationship with Dad. We all want to make sure everyone is OK because we all know what is coming...It's time to wait and pray....
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Dental Hygiene and Dementia...
I read an article yesterday in our daily newspaper, The Las Vegas Review-Journal by Kristen Hallam. In the article, Hallam states British researchers in London have determined poor dental hygiene is being linked to Alzheimer's.
A bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis were found in four out of ten samples of brain tissue taken from Alzheimer's patients, while no signs of the disease were found in brains of ten other people of similar age who did not have Alzheimer's; according to their article in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The results supported the findings of the the bacteria in the mouth enters the bloodstream through chewing or having a tooth removed and travels to other parts of the body, including the brain. After long periods of time, the build up is believed to contribute to the cause of Alzheimer's, heart disease and some forms of cancer.
The obvious goal is to improve on one's dental hygiene and to prevent the build up of bacteria causing gum disease. Alzheimer's affect the elderly, but some studies show earlier onset of the disease on younger people in their fifties.
"The World Health Organization predicted dementia cases would triple to 115 million in 2050 from 36 million worldwide in 2010."
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My Dad should have had his teeth cleaned every 3 or 4 months because of the unusually heavy tartar his body produced in his mouth. I too inherited this heavy tartar, but have my teeth cleaned regularly every six months and am phobic about flossing and brushing my teeth with my trusty Phillips sonicare electric toothbrush.
Dad always used a regular toothbrush and Close Up Cinnamon flavored toothpaste. I used to work in a dental office as an assistant and oral health consultant. I urged Dad to floss and bought him floss and discussed the importance of new toothbrushes and electric teeth brushes. Dad always wanted to things "old school" and "natural" so he would occasionally use baking soda and water.
I had read about the dental hygiene factor before and remember thinking of Dad at that particular time....
At this point, it is too late for my Dad...but those of you going through the early signs of dementia with a loved one, may take extra measures to insure their dental hygiene. Personally, I think everyone could benefit from better dental hygiene, but that is just my opinion.
A bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis were found in four out of ten samples of brain tissue taken from Alzheimer's patients, while no signs of the disease were found in brains of ten other people of similar age who did not have Alzheimer's; according to their article in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The results supported the findings of the the bacteria in the mouth enters the bloodstream through chewing or having a tooth removed and travels to other parts of the body, including the brain. After long periods of time, the build up is believed to contribute to the cause of Alzheimer's, heart disease and some forms of cancer.
The obvious goal is to improve on one's dental hygiene and to prevent the build up of bacteria causing gum disease. Alzheimer's affect the elderly, but some studies show earlier onset of the disease on younger people in their fifties.
"The World Health Organization predicted dementia cases would triple to 115 million in 2050 from 36 million worldwide in 2010."
********
My Dad should have had his teeth cleaned every 3 or 4 months because of the unusually heavy tartar his body produced in his mouth. I too inherited this heavy tartar, but have my teeth cleaned regularly every six months and am phobic about flossing and brushing my teeth with my trusty Phillips sonicare electric toothbrush.
Dad always used a regular toothbrush and Close Up Cinnamon flavored toothpaste. I used to work in a dental office as an assistant and oral health consultant. I urged Dad to floss and bought him floss and discussed the importance of new toothbrushes and electric teeth brushes. Dad always wanted to things "old school" and "natural" so he would occasionally use baking soda and water.
I had read about the dental hygiene factor before and remember thinking of Dad at that particular time....
At this point, it is too late for my Dad...but those of you going through the early signs of dementia with a loved one, may take extra measures to insure their dental hygiene. Personally, I think everyone could benefit from better dental hygiene, but that is just my opinion.
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