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4 Proven Ways to Lower Your Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s
According to Rosalynn Carter, the former First Lady of the United States, there are four types of people: "those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers." Carter, a long-time advocate for the rights of caregivers, understands the challenges they face. Aging is the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease. As we live longer, our risk for this debilitating condition increases. However, there are proactive steps we can take to reduce the risk of dementia. Here are four proven ways to lower your risk of dementia: 1. Stay Active Exercise is crucial for brain health. It increases…
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SUP (Straight Up Positive) Interview
What an honor to be invited to speak on one of Teepa Snow's channels! If you don't know Teepa, check out some of her YouTube or TikTok training shorts. She has an amazing way of understanding the person living with dementia and conveying best practices to caregivers. I got my certifications through Teepa's company, Positive Approach to Care. She is the authority in dementia training. This was recorded a month after I received my first certification, Certified Caregiving Consultant. Rebekah Wilson was my mentor and also the host of SUP, (Straight Up Positive.) My interview starts around 8:45 https://www.facebook.com/teepasnows.pac/videos/407782551357027/ I have been on MANY other podcasts, radio shows,…
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10 Reasons Why Adult Coloring is Great for Caregivers – Free Printable Pages!
Did you wake up one morning and think, "I want to be a caregiver because that sounds like fun!"? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Most of us became caregivers because our loved ones needed help—not necessarily because we wanted to. If your situation is different, I’d love to hear about it! Regardless of the reason, here we are, caring for another human being. We’re all doing the best we can in a role that few of us feel prepared for. Raising kids is challenging enough, but caregiving for a spouse or parent? That’s a whole different story! Can I get an "Amen!"? Finding a Relaxing Outlet: Adult Coloring Books May…
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8 Effective Tips to Help Your Loved One Sleep Better – Caregiver Guide
Just as sleep is crucial for us as caregivers, it is even more essential for those we care for. Their brains require more time to process, reset, clear, and rest because they often work three to four times harder than ours. While we remember where we are, who we are, and who others are, they might struggle with these basic details. Here are 8 effective tips to help your loved one sleep better: 1. Cut Down on Caffeine and Nicotine Limit caffeine (found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and cola) and nicotine, especially several hours before bedtime. Caffeine can significantly affect someone with Alzheimer's. For example, my mother-in-law, who had two…
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Reduce Stress and Eliminate Limiting Beliefs with These Powerful Techniques
There are several effective brain hacks you can use for stress management. The key is to retrain your brain to respond differently to stress triggers. Although this process requires time and consistent effort, it’s entirely possible. In this article, we will discuss three of the most powerful brain hacks to help you reduce and control your stress levels. 1. Identify and Replace Limiting Beliefs We all carry some limiting beliefs within our subconscious minds, often formed during childhood. Parents and teachers sometimes instill these beliefs with good intentions, but they can have negative impacts in adulthood. For example, if you were told as a child that "money doesn’t grow on…
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5 Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout and How to Prevent It
Caregiving is a challenging, often overwhelming, responsibility. While small amounts of stress can keep us alert and focused, prolonged or intense stress can take a toll on both physical and mental health. For caregivers, this is especially true as the demands of care increase and isolation intensifies. Feelings of loneliness, depression, and sadness are common, but recognizing the signs of burnout early can help you take the necessary steps to care for yourself. You’re Doing an Amazing Job! First, it's essential to acknowledge the tremendous effort you're making. Caring for a loved one is a noble and selfless act, but it can also be exhausting. Your hard work might go…
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Is it just me?
Is it just me or do you sometimes feel anxious too? Most of us are caregivers, which is an extremely stressful job by itself. Yet, many are working a regular job while caregiving, and raising kids!! It’s called the sandwich generation, but I think at least at times, it could be called the pressure cooker generation! How can we manage the stress of all the events in our home, when added to the community, state, nation, and now the craziness of the world?I have some tips for you. First, we must recognize we aren’t alone. No situation is totally unique. Nearly 6 million people in the U.S. today are…
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How to Protect Your Mental Health During the Pandemic: Essential Tips and Strategies
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted mental health, bringing restrictions on celebrations, witnessing severe health crises, and adhering to rigorous hygiene routines. With ongoing challenges, it's crucial to focus on strategies to safeguard your mental well-being. 1. Get Some Exercise You don’t need a gym to stay active. Simple exercises like push-ups, jumping jacks, burpees, or even a jog around the block can be done at home. Besides building endurance and strength. 2. Stay in Contact With Loved Ones Loneliness and social isolation can exacerbate mental health issues. In addition, the European Medical Journal states that loneliness in older adults increases the risk of dementia and other serious health disorders.…
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5 Self-Care Mistakes You’re Probably Making: Essential Tips for Caregivers
Being a caregiver often means prioritizing your loved one's needs above your own. It's a common pattern among many caregivers, leading to neglect of personal well-being. Here are five self-care mistakes you might be making and how to correct them to improve your overall health and well-being. 1. Avoiding the Sun Many of us are cautious about sun exposure, fearing the risk of sunburns and skin cancer. However, completely avoiding the sun can have its own drawbacks. Sun exposure reduces depression, improves sleep, and increases Vitamin D naturally in the body. Remember vitamin D improves blood and boosts your immune system’s ability to fight colds and viruses. Regular exposure to…
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First Quarter Journaling Tips: Set Goals and Stay on Track for a Fresh Start
As we step into the new year, it's a prime time for fresh starts and setting new goals. The first quarter—January through March—offers a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for the year ahead. Whether you're managing a business, navigating a career, or focusing on personal growth, effective journaling can be a powerful tool to keep you on track. Here are some journaling tips and ideas to help you make the most of the first quarter. 1. Define Your First Quarter Goals Start by outlining what you want to achieve before the end of the first quarter. Reflect on both personal and professional aspirations. This could range from career milestones,…
