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In Today's Newsletter
- Life Balance As A Caregiver
- Don't worry about me, I'm fine...
- Recipe: Holiday Eating Tips for a Healthier You
- Ongoing Learning: General Administrative Tasks
Life Balance As A Caregiver
You've got cancer.
It's a heart attack.
She has Alzheimer's.
Each day, people across the globe are hearing these phrases for the first time. After the initial shock wears off, reality sets in.
 Who's going to drive her to the doctor's office every week?
Who's going to keep her house clean?
Who's going to make sure she's taking all of her medicine?
Who's going to make sure she's eating correctly?
How am I going to do all of this, and work my full time job? And take care of my own family?
According to the National Family Caregivers Association, more than 50 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during any given year. The typical family caregiver is a 46-year-old woman caring for her widowed mother who does not live with her. She is married and employed.
And she is overwhelmed.
Unfortunately, this isn't a job you apply for, or work into it over time. It's usually something that springs upon you rather quickly, and something that causes immediate adjustment to your already busy schedule.
But there are things you can do to bring balance to your life.
Don't worry about me, I'm fine...
© HeartSong Retreats, Linda Lehman-Murphy 2007
"Don't worry about me, I'm fine..."
...changing our rules to change our lives.
Until you take on the role of family caregiver, you really don't know what it means - the effect it has and will have on every aspect of your life. One issue that family caregivers truly do not know until they're 'in it' is the isolation  they can experience - both physical and emotional. If we reflect honestly, we know that in varying degrees, each of us plays a role in the creation of that isolation. The good news is that we have the amazing power to change isolation into connection simply by changing our rules.
Most of our life choices are based on our values and strongly held beliefs about the way to live. Often we live those values exactly as we learned them as children. We seldom give them a second thought. For us, these things just 'are.' As many of us take on caregiver roles in our 40s, 50s and 60s, however, we begin to discover that some of these values and the rules that support them continue to serve us well - and some do not.
Do you have values and beliefs formed in childhood that create isolation and disconnection instead of association and connection?
Continue Reading >>
Holiday Eating Tips for a Healthier You
Portion control. Eliminating or limiting certain foods is difficult during the holidays. So.....eat smaller portions, limit those foods you know you should, and don't stuff yourself.
We are not perfect, just try to be sensible. You know what your "trigger" foods are, and the effects these foods have on your mood, appetite, and energy. If you can't abstain from problem foods all of the time, try to abstain most of the time.
Get off the diet mentality. If you think of yourself as being on or off a diet, you have set yourself up and are headed for disappointment. Relax, a small taste may sooth your soul.
Don't skip meals. Eat protein with breakfast and lunch, eat 5 vegetables and fruits a day, this will give you the energy you need for the day. And protect you from hunger cravings.
Never arrive hungry. You know foods you need to stay away from. These foods are more difficult to resist when you are starving and your blood sugar is off balance. Be proactive. A vegetable snack, rice cake with peanut butter, a glass of vegetable juice, 1 or 2 whole grain crackers with a slice of cheese will curb your appetite, support your will power, and will keep your waistline in check.
Use a small plate and Eat slow. A small plate looks like a lot of food. Slowing the eating process aids in digestion and gives your brain a chance to know what the stomach is doing. Take a bite, put your fork down, and chew each bite 30 times. You will be less likely to eat on automatic pilot.
Take snacks while shopping. Spending hours in the mall will leave you vulnerable for poor fast food choices. Take healthy snacks with you, vegetables, fruit, and nuts. You will feel better; and will have better energy.
Replace sweet with spicy. Something spicy or pickled may take away your desire for sweets. Sunflower seeds may take away your taste for chocolate. It is ok to indulge in an occasional sweet; however, once you indulge your body may continue to desire sweets.
Drink water. Sometimes our craving for food may be dehydration. Keep your self hydrated, 8 to 12 glasses a day, and add a slice of orange, lemon, or lime.
Divide your plate by the food groups. Protein, vegetables, fruits, carbohydrates. Visualize one section for each food group. The carbohydrate section includes the starchy vegetables (potatoes), breads, and desserts. So adjust your portions accordingly.
Fiber is your best friend. Fiber is healthy, is a big support for weight loss, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Plan ahead. Plan around where you are going, what temptations might arise, and plan how you are going to deal with them. Decide in advance what you will allow yourself.
Eat an Apple a day. Did you know....Apples can help boost brain function.
Autumn Apple Cranberry Salad
4 tart green apples, cored and chopped
¼ cup slivered sunflower seeds
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup sliced celery
1 container vanilla yogurt.
In a medium bowl, stir together the apples, almonds, cranberries, celery and yogurt until evenly coated.
Ongoing Learning: General Administrative Tasks
Did you know Seniors Etc can help your loved one with simple home administrative tasks?
You know how complicated it can be keeping up with appointments, organizing the daily calendar, and making sure bills and letters are answered in a timely manner. And if you're doing it for more than one household, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Consider hiring a Seniors Etc caregiver to help you. We can be there to set up the appointments, and help your loved one maintain appointment times. We can ensure the mail is handled appropriately, not thrown away or tucked into the bottom of the drawer. We'll give you peace of mind, and make sure even the littlest things are handled.
Want to find out more? Contact Seniors Etc for more information, and to schedule your fact-finding consultation.
Seniors Etc
6834 S. University Blvd. #401
Centennial, CO 80122
720.529.1211
Email: info@seniorsetc.com | | 
