THE CAREGIVER “BILL OF RIGHTS” (?)

I recently came across an article (author unknown), regarding the

expectations of professional caregivers who provided health care or

homecare services. When they were randomly polled, the following

“wish list” was compiled. If you are a caregiver or the employer(s) of

one, you may be interested in this unique piece I decided to publish.

I HAVE THE RIGHT ... to take care of myself. This is not an act of

selfishness. It will give me the capability of taking better care of my

loved one (patient, etc.) thus making our lives mutually happier.

I HAVE THE RIGHT ... to seek help from others. I do recognize

there are limits to my own endurance, my strength and will power.

I HAVE THE RIGHT ... to maintain facets of my own life that do not

include the person I care for, just as I would if he or she were healthy.

I know that I do everything that I reasonably can for this person, and

I have the right to do some things just for myself. Please understand.

I HAVE THE RIGHT ... to reject any attempts (either consciously or

not) by my charge, to manipulate me through feelings of guilt, etc.

I HAVE THE RIGHT ... to take pride in what I am and in what I do,

knowing full well that I am offering my “very best” in every situation.

I HAVE THE RIGHT ... to protect my individuality and the right to

make a life for myself that will sustain me in future times, when my

my loved one (charge) shall no longer require further assistance.

I HAVE THE RIGHT ... to expect and demand that as new strides

by science are made finding resources to aid physically / mentally

challenged persons in our Country, that similar strides be made

towards aiding and supporting We Caregivers in our endeavours.

(To the above I can add but one comment ... AMEN.)

HOW TO OUT-SMART YOUR ALLERGIES

1. Wash your hair before going to bed during the pollen season. This stops

the pollen from getting on your pillows where you breathe it in while asleep. 

2. Thoroughly wash your hands immediately after petting any animal. 

3. Undress outside your bedroom, leaving allergens away from sleep area.

4. Leave a room that was just dusted or vacuumed for at least 20 minutes.

This measure will allow the airborne dust enough time to settle harmlessly. 

5. Keep windows in your car closed and set air conditioner on “recirculate”. 

6. When vacuuming, use double-thick disposable bags and HEPA filters. 

7. Replace your down, feather and foam pillows with fiber-filled products. 

8. Regularly clean the base of your refrigerator, which is a haven for rotting

food particles, bacteria, insects, dust, mold and other irritating allergens.

After reviewing the above recommendations, published by the “Asthma &

Allergy Foundation of America”, I raced out and bought “Mr. Clean”. Yikes!

AGE 30 OR OVER?

If you’re 30 years of age or older, your muscles are probably shrinking

and the erosion will probably accelerate after 45. The condition, known

as “sarcopenia”, leads to frailty and a loss of independence. More common

than osteoporosis, sarcopenia is being studied in laboratories around the

world. The latest word, according to the Mayo Clinic: “Combinations of

aerobic, resistance and stretching exercise programs have established

beneficial effects”. It always comes back to exercise, doesn’t it folks? Grrr!

LAUGHTER LINKED TO HEALTHY BLOOD VESSELS

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore

have shown for the first time that laughter is linked to the healthy function of

blood flow. Laughter appears to cause the tissue forming the inner lining

of blood vessels, the endothelium, to dilate or expand in order to increase

blood flow. My comment on that study is simply “ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!”

EATING SLOWLY MAY AID PEOPLE WITH ‘GERD’

New research at the University of South Carolina suggests that people

with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) might do well to eat their

meals more slowly. Study participants who consumed a meal quickly had

40 percent more reflux episodes than did those who took their time to eat.

After reading this, I promised myself no more “fast food” at MacDonalds.

YOU CAN LIVE LONGER!

Scientists have found two ingredients - one in red wine (also found in plain

red grape juice) and another in olive oil - that may help us to live longer.

They are resveratrol and quercetin, key ingredients that can significantly

increase the lifespan of yeast, which share many genes with humans.

Hmmm...seems like a long shot, but let’s say we “drink up” just in case!

MEDITATION ALTERS BRAIN WAVES

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin have found that the brain waves

of accomplished meditators - in this case monks - differed markedly from a

group with no meditative experience. The monks, they discovered, produced

gamma brain waves, that are associated with higher mental activity - such as

attention, learning and even conscious perception. The researchers

suggested that both short and long-term neural changes may take place.

In other words,meditation may rewire the brain’s circuitry.

Personally, I find the experiment to be very mind-boggling and perplexing.

I really don’t know what to think!

HATE EXERCISE? JUST GO FOR A WALK

I was quite surprised when I researched the American Heart Association

on the benefits of walking for exercise. Here is what walking does for you:

·Helps you lose wait ·Decreases hypertension ·Decreases risk of heart

disease ·Lowers your cholesterol ·Lowers your risk of stroke ·Reduces

your risk of cancer ·Improves your breathing ·Alleviates constipation

·Reduces risk of diabetes ·Relieves arthritis ·Elevates your mood

·Alleviates depression ·Improves your sleep ·Reduces impotence

·You will live longer. After learning this, I was prepared to join a walk-

a-thon. Well, at least take a vibrant stroll around the office cooler!

TIPS FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS

I checked with the experts for some good advice on what treatments

will work best. Here is what they advised. For mild hay fever use one

of the newer antihistamines - such as Claritin, Reactine, Aerius and

Allegra. They don’t cause drowsiness and will last twenty-four hours.

Opticrom is a good over-the-counter, effective eye drop. Corticosteroid

nasal sprays should help nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing and

they are non-addictive. Nasal sprays like Dristan and Otrivin, on the other

hand, when used for a prolonged time, can lead to rebound congestion and

may become habit forming. If your allergies are moderate to severe, allergy

injections may be appropriate. In any case, check with your doctor for your

individual symptoms. Obviously I am not a doctor, but I am an expert on the

symptoms of allergy suffering. I’ll continue my research. Achoo! Excuse me.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SMOKING CESSATION

Being a former smoker myself, I can tell you straight-out, that quitting

the habit can be painful. Every so often I like to be reminded of why I

quit in the first place. My research (from different sources), confirms

that anyone can experience positive changes in their body’s health.

Here are some benefits I would like you “would-be quitters” to know.

·Better insulin production, therefore lower glucose levels in the blood.

·Lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels ·Higher HDL (good cholesterol)

levels ·Lower triglycerides ·Lower blood pressure ·Lower risk of heart

and stroke diseases ·Improved sense of taste and smell - That last

one was my personal favourite. Mom’s homemade cooking ... mmm.

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Health care and home care information on family caregivers by AHCS.