I’m pleased to take this opportunity to spotlight a local non-profit who I cannot say enough about. Volunteer Connect pairs Central Oregon community members with volunteer opportunities. I encourage everyone to reach out, sign up, and connect. Tia Sherry, the Outreach Coordinator, was kind enough to provide key information for those interested in working with Volunteer Connect.

I want to share this great article regarding Power of Attorney. It can be important for families to look into implementing a Power of Attorney in order to ease the transitions of changing conditions.

This is a problem that is more common than you think and in most cases, there are a lot of similarities. It may be your mom resisting care, your dad won’t stop driving, your aunt has unwashed hair and soiled clothes, but insists she can handle it. No matter what the situation...

Finding help in a time of change
Being immersed in the health care field has afforded me the knowledge of many resources and tools. I recently had the opportunity to impart this information upon a family member in a time of need. I wanted to take a moment to share not only the experience, but also a few of the resources...

Caregiving from a Distance

Although caring for an aging relative is a challenge in the best of times, it's even more difficult when it's done long distance. There are a host of issues to consider for someone in this position. They must balance the needs of their elders or aging parents with the needs of their immediate family, job & financial security. There are situations where they must decide when to travel to visit their long distance elders or aging parents, which adds more burdens financially. These challenges can be very overwhelming leading to situations of caregiver stress and feelings of guilt. Here are few strategies...

A few months ago when I reported for my annual mammogram my technician was talking about the increase in breast cancer in the Eugene area.  She attributed this increase to the lack of vitamin D.  She shared information regarding the relationship between sunshine and vitamin D. I found this very interesting and wanted to learn more about it for myself.  This is the result of my research on this topic. 

Computers can be intimidating for seniors who may not have had much experience with technology. The ability to use a computer and navigate the internet opens up a whole new world. With family members and friends relocating for jobs and school, it can become more difficult to keep in touch with those we love. With a little technical knowledge, you can easily stay connected with far away family and friends.

We’ve all experienced that tired, lethargic feeling after eating.  Sometimes you can hardly stay awake and really want to take a nap.  To feel energized after eating simply choose the right foods.  When you choose foods that release energy slowly they can give you longer lasting energy instead of those foods that are high-glycemic and give you a fast burst of energy that is short lived.

Aging bodies are changing bodies.  Being mindful and nurturing one’s own health is paramount to living a healthy and happy life.  Our body is constantly at work, it’s important to tend to it with nutrition, fresh air, and movement.  Simple morning stretches can help with accident prevention, and will awaken both body and mind.  Taking 10 minutes each morning to take care of your body will in turn lead to your body taking care of you.   The following five stretches can be done sitting, perhaps prior to breakfast, and incorporated into your morning routine. 

Allergies and colds can cause similar symptoms.  Finding out which condition you have is the first step in getting relief.