Alzheimer's Blogging:
Today was an eventful day. I had a cute patient that was 83 yrs old that was having trouble breathing. She was at the nursing home because she had a hip fracture and needed rehab. I found her lying in her bed with a nasal cannula on with 3 liters of oxygen flowing. I was told they gave her a couple of SVN treatments but the doctor said she was working to hard at breathing so we needed to get her to the hospital for evaluation. We sheet lifted her to her bed and did the usual. Took vitals, put on the ecg monitor lead, put her oxygen back on. I had to ask her this question. "How long have you been married?" She smiled and said it had been for 63 yrs. So I had to ask her one more question. "How did you stay married so long to one man." She chuckled when she answered me. "I tried not to kill him."
We made our way to the hospital and got her into a nice emergency bed. My cot on my gurney is not very comfortable you know. Her husband walked into the room and gave me a hug for taking care of his wife. I had to ask him. "How long have you been married?" He smiled and hugged me again and whispered in my ear, "It's been 63 years." So I asked him the same question. "How did you stay married to her for so long?" He looked at her with such love in his eyes before he answered me. "I just had to love her forever."
I know this isn't about Alzheimer's but I just had to share this with you. I meet some wonderful people when I work on my ambulance. God bless you all and have a great night.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
When I took care of my father in law I tried to keep dad's brain intact. I tried to keep him busy with vacuuming, and folding towels. We would go to the grocery store. I played card games with him but nothing seemed to work. Alzheimer's got the best of me and took his brain anyway. Here are a couple sights you can go on to try and help yourself or a loved one with dementia, to try and keep your brain stronger a little longer.
http://mytopfreegames.com/treasure-jewel/?sub_id=1579&ce_cid=000jtR0000001O2Swc4xTPhmsW000000 Brain Games
http://www.pmemory.com/?gclid=CPKE8um6wKYCFRRKgwodvm9KIw Memory Exersizes
Here is a simple Dementia Test:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/register_ppc_memory/dementia_reg_landing.html?st=ppc&s=GLP_035002_Dementia&c1=GAW_CM_NW&source=MEMO_DEME&kw=Dementia&cr5=4365203884&gclid=CKC1mqG7wKYCFQEMbAoddXlhJQ
Also remember it is important to eat right and exercise your body as well as your mind.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
When I took care of my father in law I tried to keep dad's brain intact. I tried to keep him busy with vacuuming, and folding towels. We would go to the grocery store. I played card games with him but nothing seemed to work. Alzheimer's got the best of me and took his brain anyway. Here are a couple sights you can go on to try and help yourself or a loved one with dementia, to try and keep your brain stronger a little longer.
http://mytopfreegames.com/treasure-jewel/?sub_id=1579&ce_cid=000jtR0000001O2Swc4xTPhmsW000000 Brain Games
http://www.pmemory.com/?gclid=CPKE8um6wKYCFRRKgwodvm9KIw Memory Exersizes
Here is a simple Dementia Test:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/register_ppc_memory/dementia_reg_landing.html?st=ppc&s=GLP_035002_Dementia&c1=GAW_CM_NW&source=MEMO_DEME&kw=Dementia&cr5=4365203884&gclid=CKC1mqG7wKYCFQEMbAoddXlhJQ
Also remember it is important to eat right and exercise your body as well as your mind.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Alzheimer's Blogging:
As I worked on my ambulance yesterday I came across this sweet women, who had no idea who I was, or anyone else for that matter since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Let me try and paint this picture.
We strolled into the hospital with our gurney to pick up a women in her eighties who just had a blood transfusion. Lying on the bed was a women with beautiful white shiny hair and pretty green eyes that had a blank stare in them. Next to her was the IV pole with the last of the blood pulsating into her veins. The nurse was busy writing her notes, and there was a caregiver sitting along side of her, waiting.
"Hi," I said as I bounced into the room looking past the nurse and the caregiver straight to my patient. She stared at the ceiling, like she couldn't hear me, while nestled under her covers.
The caregiver shot a look at me like, don't expect anything from her, as I continued to carry on my conversation.
"Hi Darlene," I continued, "I'm Marie." I looked for her hand so I could shake it. Pulling back the covers, I let my hand caress her frail hand. Her face slowly turned towards me and her eyes tried to focus on me.
"I have come to take you out of her young lady," I said with some humor in my voice. That is when the most beautiful smile began to grow on her face. The caregiver shot her eyes toward my patient. Darlene than laughed a small laugh out loud.
"That is the most response we have gotten out of her to day," replied the caregiver.
I smiled and squeezed her hand.
I had to share this with you. Just because they are diagnosed with Alzheimer's doesn't mean they aren't a human being who needs touch, laughter, and love like the rest of us.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
As I worked on my ambulance yesterday I came across this sweet women, who had no idea who I was, or anyone else for that matter since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Let me try and paint this picture.
We strolled into the hospital with our gurney to pick up a women in her eighties who just had a blood transfusion. Lying on the bed was a women with beautiful white shiny hair and pretty green eyes that had a blank stare in them. Next to her was the IV pole with the last of the blood pulsating into her veins. The nurse was busy writing her notes, and there was a caregiver sitting along side of her, waiting.
"Hi," I said as I bounced into the room looking past the nurse and the caregiver straight to my patient. She stared at the ceiling, like she couldn't hear me, while nestled under her covers.
The caregiver shot a look at me like, don't expect anything from her, as I continued to carry on my conversation.
"Hi Darlene," I continued, "I'm Marie." I looked for her hand so I could shake it. Pulling back the covers, I let my hand caress her frail hand. Her face slowly turned towards me and her eyes tried to focus on me.
"I have come to take you out of her young lady," I said with some humor in my voice. That is when the most beautiful smile began to grow on her face. The caregiver shot her eyes toward my patient. Darlene than laughed a small laugh out loud.
"That is the most response we have gotten out of her to day," replied the caregiver.
I smiled and squeezed her hand.
I had to share this with you. Just because they are diagnosed with Alzheimer's doesn't mean they aren't a human being who needs touch, laughter, and love like the rest of us.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Monday, January 10, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
Pomegranate Juice Makes a Difference:
Dr. Richard Hartman's grandfather had Alzheimer's. Wanting to make a difference, Dr. Hartman ran tests which included crushing whole pomegranates into juice. He discovered a daily glass could cut Alzheimer's harmful protein build-up in half.
Check out this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/pomegranate-juice-makes-difference
Berries Clean House in the Brain:
Berries and walnuts turn on the brain's natural "housekeeper" mechanism, according to new research. The result? The body cleans up toxic proteins linked to memory loss and dementia. Check out this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/berries-clean-house-brain
Juice Consumption Linked to Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's:
A decade-long study finds a 76 percent lower incidence for regular juice drinkers. Check out this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/juice-consumption-linked-reduced-risk-alzheimers
I love reading Alzheimer's Weekly on my computer. It is full of interesting and educational material. I am one of the baby boomers and like my father in law before me I also can get this terrible disease called Alzheimer's. It is important to keep up on anything I can do to slim the chance. I hope you find these links helpful.
Please remember it is important to take care of yourself while caring for your Alzheimer's/ Dementia loved one. Please make sure you have a good support group and get respite care.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Pomegranate Juice Makes a Difference:
Dr. Richard Hartman's grandfather had Alzheimer's. Wanting to make a difference, Dr. Hartman ran tests which included crushing whole pomegranates into juice. He discovered a daily glass could cut Alzheimer's harmful protein build-up in half.
Check out this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/pomegranate-juice-makes-difference
Berries Clean House in the Brain:
Berries and walnuts turn on the brain's natural "housekeeper" mechanism, according to new research. The result? The body cleans up toxic proteins linked to memory loss and dementia. Check out this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/berries-clean-house-brain
Juice Consumption Linked to Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's:
A decade-long study finds a 76 percent lower incidence for regular juice drinkers. Check out this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/juice-consumption-linked-reduced-risk-alzheimers
I love reading Alzheimer's Weekly on my computer. It is full of interesting and educational material. I am one of the baby boomers and like my father in law before me I also can get this terrible disease called Alzheimer's. It is important to keep up on anything I can do to slim the chance. I hope you find these links helpful.
Please remember it is important to take care of yourself while caring for your Alzheimer's/ Dementia loved one. Please make sure you have a good support group and get respite care.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 9, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
President Obama Signs NAPA Legislation
President Barack Hussein Obama II signed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) into law. NAPA creates the United States' first coordinated national strategy to confront dementia's such as Alzheimer’s.Dementia's such as Alzheimer's will only plague more baby boomers as they age. Given the scale of the Alzheimer epidemic and the growing number of Americans directly affected every single day, NAPA will provide an essential framework within the government that recognizes the Alzheimer crisis is no longer emerging but is here.
The Alzheimer's Association was a strong advocate of this new legislation. Harry Johns, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO, commented,
“The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased that a much needed plan will now be put into place to address the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, currently the sixth-leading cause of death in this country. In fact, among the 10 leading causes of death, it is by far the fastest growing — increasing more than 50 percent from 2000 to 2007. Given the devastation experienced by millions of families because of this disease and the staggering economic costs, particularly to Medicare and Medicaid, we must have an effective strategy now. The fact that Alzheimer’s is the only one of the top 10 causes of death without a way to prevent, cure or even slow it underscores the critical need for the swift, aggressive implementation of this legislation.”
•NAPA will lead to the creation of a national strategic plan to overcome the Alzheimer’s disease epidemic.
•NAPA will also establish an inter-agency council to work with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to give a full assessment of what needs to be done to address the threat of Alzheimer’s on multiple fronts including care, research and support.
•NAPA ensures strategic planning and coordination of the fight against Alzheimer’s across the federal government as a whole.
The most instrumental body in triggering the success of this legislation was the Alzheimer’s Study Group, an independent, bipartisan panel created to evaluate the government’s current efforts to combat dementia. (To read more about the Alzheimer's Study Group, click here.)
NAPA is also the fruit of years of advocacy by key organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association. Robert J. Egge, Alzheimer’s Association vice president of public policy, had this to say:
“Beyond the human impact on families which cannot be underestimated, the economic burden — with total care costs escalating from $172 billion today to more than $1 trillion by 2050 — are significant as well. Alzheimer’s leaves American families, Medicare, Medicaid and our healthcare system defenseless against skyrocketing costs, and it leaves each of us vulnerable to the wide-ranging effects of this devastating disease. We need transformative, cost-effective strategic solutions to tackle a national public health emergency with widespread social and economic consequences. NAPA will help to put the nation on the right track and we commend the Obama administration for recognizing this.”
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
President Obama Signs NAPA Legislation
President Barack Hussein Obama II signed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) into law. NAPA creates the United States' first coordinated national strategy to confront dementia's such as Alzheimer’s.Dementia's such as Alzheimer's will only plague more baby boomers as they age. Given the scale of the Alzheimer epidemic and the growing number of Americans directly affected every single day, NAPA will provide an essential framework within the government that recognizes the Alzheimer crisis is no longer emerging but is here.
The Alzheimer's Association was a strong advocate of this new legislation. Harry Johns, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO, commented,
“The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased that a much needed plan will now be put into place to address the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, currently the sixth-leading cause of death in this country. In fact, among the 10 leading causes of death, it is by far the fastest growing — increasing more than 50 percent from 2000 to 2007. Given the devastation experienced by millions of families because of this disease and the staggering economic costs, particularly to Medicare and Medicaid, we must have an effective strategy now. The fact that Alzheimer’s is the only one of the top 10 causes of death without a way to prevent, cure or even slow it underscores the critical need for the swift, aggressive implementation of this legislation.”
•NAPA will lead to the creation of a national strategic plan to overcome the Alzheimer’s disease epidemic.
•NAPA will also establish an inter-agency council to work with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to give a full assessment of what needs to be done to address the threat of Alzheimer’s on multiple fronts including care, research and support.
•NAPA ensures strategic planning and coordination of the fight against Alzheimer’s across the federal government as a whole.
The most instrumental body in triggering the success of this legislation was the Alzheimer’s Study Group, an independent, bipartisan panel created to evaluate the government’s current efforts to combat dementia. (To read more about the Alzheimer's Study Group, click here.)
NAPA is also the fruit of years of advocacy by key organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association. Robert J. Egge, Alzheimer’s Association vice president of public policy, had this to say:
“Beyond the human impact on families which cannot be underestimated, the economic burden — with total care costs escalating from $172 billion today to more than $1 trillion by 2050 — are significant as well. Alzheimer’s leaves American families, Medicare, Medicaid and our healthcare system defenseless against skyrocketing costs, and it leaves each of us vulnerable to the wide-ranging effects of this devastating disease. We need transformative, cost-effective strategic solutions to tackle a national public health emergency with widespread social and economic consequences. NAPA will help to put the nation on the right track and we commend the Obama administration for recognizing this.”
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Alzheimer's Blogging:
Please read the letter that was sent to me. Please remember you are not alone. Peace be with you.
NAPA Becomes Law
Dear Marie,
Following the unanimous approval of Congress earlier this month, and the thousands of e-mails and messages you and other advocates sent to the White House last week, I'm pleased to share that today President Obama signed the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) into law. Once implemented, NAPA will ensure our nation has what Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius calls an "aggressive and coordinated national strategy" to confront the present and rapidly escalating Alzheimer crisis.
Today is a day to celebrate. This is a victory for the 5.3 million people who live with Alzheimer's in this country and the nearly 11 million caregivers. It is a victory for you and more than 300,000 other advocates who stood up and demanded that our nation's leaders create a plan for combating this disease. The journey to take NAPA from concept to law of the land is a victory for all of us.
Tomorrow we will return to the hard but rewarding work that lies ahead. NAPA is a milestone and a very important step forward, but it is not the destination. Our destination is a world without Alzheimer's and we can only arrive there through therapies that stop this disease and improved care and support for those contending with it. Rest assured that we will work tirelessly to maintain the momentum evident today. We will work to ensure NAPA is implemented effectively so that it lives up to its promise, and we will work to advance our other legislative priorities for 2011, including a major, immediate increase in research funding.
As you know, there is no time to waste.
Please continue to stand with us in the fight against Alzheimer's. We can't succeed without you. And please ask others to join us in this effort. We'll need to call on every available voice to succeed.
Again, congratulations and thank you.
Harry Johns
President and CEO
Alzheimer's Association
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Please read the letter that was sent to me. Please remember you are not alone. Peace be with you.
NAPA Becomes Law
Dear Marie,
Following the unanimous approval of Congress earlier this month, and the thousands of e-mails and messages you and other advocates sent to the White House last week, I'm pleased to share that today President Obama signed the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) into law. Once implemented, NAPA will ensure our nation has what Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius calls an "aggressive and coordinated national strategy" to confront the present and rapidly escalating Alzheimer crisis.
Today is a day to celebrate. This is a victory for the 5.3 million people who live with Alzheimer's in this country and the nearly 11 million caregivers. It is a victory for you and more than 300,000 other advocates who stood up and demanded that our nation's leaders create a plan for combating this disease. The journey to take NAPA from concept to law of the land is a victory for all of us.
Tomorrow we will return to the hard but rewarding work that lies ahead. NAPA is a milestone and a very important step forward, but it is not the destination. Our destination is a world without Alzheimer's and we can only arrive there through therapies that stop this disease and improved care and support for those contending with it. Rest assured that we will work tirelessly to maintain the momentum evident today. We will work to ensure NAPA is implemented effectively so that it lives up to its promise, and we will work to advance our other legislative priorities for 2011, including a major, immediate increase in research funding.
As you know, there is no time to waste.
Please continue to stand with us in the fight against Alzheimer's. We can't succeed without you. And please ask others to join us in this effort. We'll need to call on every available voice to succeed.
Again, congratulations and thank you.
Harry Johns
President and CEO
Alzheimer's Association
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 2, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
Happy New Year. I like to think of starting each New Year as a fresh start. Letting go of the bad habits, or ugly thoughts and starting with a clean slate. Taking care of a family member with Alzheimer's is a very hard and depressing job. But you can overcome and turn the situation around making it something good, and positive.
Here are some sites to help you if you are depressed:
http://primeria-health.com/health/living-with-depression/?nm=google-ppc Positive Thinking Power
http://livesfit.net/depression-types-symptoms-treatment-support?adnum=3&keywords=help+for+depression&referrer=adwords-content&camp=Google-Content-Livesfit10&group=overcoming+depression&keyword=coping+with+depression&creativeid=4301172427&traffictype=content Over Coming Depression
http://hunch.com/ways-to-de-stress/?gclid=CJah_8ianKYCFR9Ngwod6070lw&SEMref=google&kw=coping+with+stress Ways To De-Stress
http://www.silvamindbodyhealing.com/lp/healing-meditation2?sr=1 Ready to heal yourself?
http://www.lifescript.com/Quizzes/Personality/Are_You_Having_A_Psychological_Breakdown.aspx?gclid=CIbG8JabnKYCFQUSbAodcAwDnA&trans=1&du=1&ef_id=TC6GZgqoEGQAAE51jPUAAERu:20110102190402:s Having a breakdown?
I hope that maybe one of these sites can help you over come your depression. Remember that Life is a gift. We weren't all dealt the same hand but we can still enjoy what was dealt to us.
Love and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Happy New Year. I like to think of starting each New Year as a fresh start. Letting go of the bad habits, or ugly thoughts and starting with a clean slate. Taking care of a family member with Alzheimer's is a very hard and depressing job. But you can overcome and turn the situation around making it something good, and positive.
Here are some sites to help you if you are depressed:
http://primeria-health.com/health/living-with-depression/?nm=google-ppc Positive Thinking Power
http://livesfit.net/depression-types-symptoms-treatment-support?adnum=3&keywords=help+for+depression&referrer=adwords-content&camp=Google-Content-Livesfit10&group=overcoming+depression&keyword=coping+with+depression&creativeid=4301172427&traffictype=content Over Coming Depression
http://hunch.com/ways-to-de-stress/?gclid=CJah_8ianKYCFR9Ngwod6070lw&SEMref=google&kw=coping+with+stress Ways To De-Stress
http://www.silvamindbodyhealing.com/lp/healing-meditation2?sr=1 Ready to heal yourself?
http://www.lifescript.com/Quizzes/Personality/Are_You_Having_A_Psychological_Breakdown.aspx?gclid=CIbG8JabnKYCFQUSbAodcAwDnA&trans=1&du=1&ef_id=TC6GZgqoEGQAAE51jPUAAERu:20110102190402:s Having a breakdown?
I hope that maybe one of these sites can help you over come your depression. Remember that Life is a gift. We weren't all dealt the same hand but we can still enjoy what was dealt to us.
Love and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
