Playing For Change

For me, singing sad songs often has a way of healing a situation. It gets the hurt out in the open into the light, out of the darkness.

Reba McEntire

There have been studies done to show the impact music has on our lives. Researchers have found that music can reduce anxiety (Wiley-Blackwell) and can help improve performance (British). There have even been studies on linking  the long effects of being a musician to better hearing (Baycrest). All of these studies show that music produces positive results in every form.

A group of people believe that music can change the world and created a movement called Playing For Change in 2005. What they did was travel around the world recording street musicians playing the same songs and then put them together in one track. From the video below you can feel how inspiring and beautiful the results were.

You can get involved as well. Some of the musicians travel the states together replicating the music and spreading the idea that music can bring us all together in harmony. The link here will take you to their website where you can purchase their documentary and read more about their hope for positive change through one of the most profound and abundant resources we have on earth.

Playing for Change Website

Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care (2011, September 13). Older musicians experience less age-related decline in hearing abilities than non-musicians. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 1, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2011/09/110913091557.htm

British Psychological Society (BPS) (2012, April 17). Listening to your favorite music boosts performance. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 1, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2012/04/120417221709.htm

Wiley-Blackwell (2011, August 9). Music reduces anxiety in cancer patients. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 1, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2011/08/110809212424.htm

Spring Funnies

As Easter has just past us and we are well headed into spring I thought it would be fun to search around for some funny Spring comics. Everyone should laugh, chuckle and giggle.

(Scientifically it has proven to lower stress!)

 Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day.  ~W. Earl Hall

The naked earth is warm with Spring,

And with green grass and bursting trees

Leans to the sun's kiss glorying,

And quivers in the sunny breeze.

~Julian Grenfell

In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.  ~Mark Twain

Choices

Imagine sitting in a restaurant that had no menu.  A limitless cap on what the chefs could whip up for their customers to enjoy. At first this sounds like the ideal situation but soon it becomes a nightmare. How does someone narrow down the options without any limitations set? In recent years with the development of technology a new age problem has come to light. The effect choice has on the public and what they can do about it are both important issues to discuss when the leading mental disorder is depression (American). Society has not been given the right tools to deal with the abundance of choice at the local supermarket or in relationships which is why people turn towards fast food and divorce.

Advertisements are on every corner blasting eye catching colors the newest and best things on the market. However this may be doing the public more harm than good. We are already faced with so many options in the world it’s even harder to ignore them when they are right in front of our faces all day. As explained by Garry Gardner Director of Research for the Worldwatch Institute in his writing The Virtue of Restraint, “Much of today's advertising, for example, sends an implicit message that is patently false: your self-worth depends on what you own. The car in your driveway, the size of your wardrobe, the electronic gadgets in your house-these externals have nothing to do with self-worth, but advertising works relentlessly to convince us otherwise (Gardner).” Not only does the advertising industry play a role in the need for more choice but it makes consumers feel unsatisfied. Always in the back of the minds of the population we are thinking about the decisions we have made and the choices we are going to make in the future. This is because our society built itself around the idea that we believe in identity.

Western expansion has caused us to believe that individuality comes from the freedom to choose every aspect of our lives. Our society correlated the freedom of choice with the freedom of individuality. We do this because it’s an option. People who don’t have options to drink bottled water or tap water are categorized as impoverished and those who have the choice are free to do what they wish. The underlying consequences for this however are severe.

                In The Paradox of choice: Why Less is More written by Barry Schwartz he describes how every aspect of our life has choice. It is not necessarily the 175 salad dressings (Schwartz) in the local grocery store we have to choose from. It’s much more than that; Education, relationships, careers are all on our minds each second of the day. Unless you find ways to manage it, it can turn into anxiety. In extreme cases people with Agoraphobia have an anxiety disorder that leaves them housebound because of their fear of what is in the world (American). Extremities like this can be prevented and choice does not have to be paralyzing.

Barry Schwartz explains that, “Choosing wisely begins with developing a clear understanding of your goals. And the first choice you must make is between the goal of choosing the absolute best and the goal of choosing something that is good enough ( Schwartz).” Accepting what is present may seem like the harder option in the moment and is not always the best option but knowing when it is okay to stop and when to keep searching comes with experience and knowledge. There are ways to do this, choices can be controlled and people can become satisfied with their decisions if they understand acceptance. It may not be about whether the blue shoes are a better match then the fifteen other colors but about the choice to accept the shoes and. With our minds constantly focusing on deciding something there needs to be limits. The way to do this is make lists. Have an ending goal of perhaps being healthy and following that list the things it takes to get there. Examples would include, choosing organic foods, shopping locally where the supermarket is within walking distance, delete social media accounts so that time can be spent going on a bike ride or hiking. When making this list of goals it is a good idea to ask one question every time an option arises “How will this choice affect me and the world around me?” In doing so the basic criteria has been set narrowing down the options.

Criteria needs to be set in order to order off a nonexistent menu. As explained in Consumer Behavior in Theory and in Action, “If the consumer is a problem solver, then he chooses among alternatives on the strength of what he knows, or thinks he knows, about them. In this sense information becomes a critical factor in the consumer’s choice process. It determines which alternatives he perceives and how he perceives them (Britt).” We decide on what we want based on what we know. Do I prefer fish over chicken? These are criteria’s set by personal tastes to limit choice. The world may not be equipped to deal with all of the options present but we aren’t starting from scratch either. Since society has not been properly primed to deal with choice the only option is to deal with it through what is already known. When one’s knowledge makes a decision based on their criteria (or lists) life becomes more about knowing who you are then what is needed. 

                With unlimited amount of options in the world and many more choices coming to the table every day it is easy to become overwhelmed and paralyzed. The way to deal with a societal norm collectively throughout research is to create criteria and set limits. It is hard to accept that what we want as a society may not be what is best for us. As Barry Schwartz said, it is a paradox. Limiting choice feels like it takes away freedoms. It takes away the perceived idea of what individuality is. But on the other hand less choice is more satisfying and productive. When the restaurant appears with no menu the best way to deal with it is with knowledge. 

American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.,
text rev.). Washington, DC: Author.

Britt, S. H. (Ed.). (1970). Consumer behavior in theory and in action. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons,
Inc.

Gardner, G. (2001 April). The virtue of restraint: Cover story. World Watch, 14 (2), 12-19. Retrieved from
Academic Search Complete data base.

Schwartz, B. (2004). The paradox of choice: Why more is less. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.

What Else Can You Do?

"You cannot plough a field by 

turning it over in your mind."

Author Unknown

Besides keeping your senior active and staying aware of medical symptoms for things like depression or Alzheimer's it would be a good idea to make sure your loved one is getting everything they need. Straight from the Home Instead website I wanted to inform you on some of the things we can provide as CareGivers.


We’ll Be There When You Can’t Be


You call her every day … you shop for her … you take care of her repairs … you drive her to the doctor and help her with paperwork. You’d like to do more, but you’ve got your job and your own family to think about, too. And yet, you worry about your mom being home by herself so many days. And you’re not alone. Nearly one in every four Americans is caring for an older adult, and the stress can take its toll.

A Healthy Solution


Home Instead Senior Care’s® companionship services not only relieve stress and worry for family caregivers, but they also provide the healthy interaction and activity that are vital for seniors in retaining cognitive abilities and physical health. Our kind and thoughtful CAREGiversSM truly enjoy working with seniors. And we find that most seniors are much more likely to accomplish tasks and participate in favorite activities when they simply have a companion with whom to enjoy them.

Companionship Services

• Offer companionship and conversation
• Discuss current and historical events
• Reminisce about the past
• Participate in crafts
• Play games and cards
• Aid with reading
• Stimulate mental awareness
• Read religious materials
• Record family history
• Rent and play movies
• Maintain family scrapbook
• Assist with entertaining
• Provide respite care
• Plan visits, outings and trips
• Visit neighbors and friends
• Maintain calendar
• Arrange appointments
• Provide reminders for appointments
• Monitor diet and eating
• Prepare grocery lists
• Clip coupons for shopping
• Check food expirations
• Record and arrange recipes
• Provide medication reminders
• Assist with Personal Tasks
• Aid with morning and wake-up
• Help with clothing selection
• Assist with evening and tuck-in
• Assist with walking
• Monitor TV usage
• Buy magazines, papers and books
• Organize mail
• Mail bills and letters
• Write letters and correspondence
• Supervise home maintenance
• Oversee home deliveries
• Answer the door
• Care for houseplants

Ten Things Not to Forget About Alzheimer's

This was an amazing seminar presented to some of our office employees by Michael R. Villanueva a few weeks ago and we thought it would be beneficial for everyone to know. If you would like some more information about these ten things please contact our Medford office at the phone number in the side bar. If you would like more information on how to keep up a relationship with a loved one who has Alzheimers click the following link: Link

1. Remember that they don't. Many times people caring for loved ones with Alzheimers will know in their mind that the person has trouble remembering but will often not act or speak in a way that acknowledges it.

2. Refrain from arguing.

3. Understand that you may not always understand them.

4. Less is more. When presented with a large array of options it can be overwhelming.

5. Know that they may get agitated or frustrated when it doesn't seem like logical situation to be upset about.

6. Don't assume your loved one is depressed when they no longer enjoy activities they once did. Apathy is a behavior which can be common in those who have Alzheimer's.

7. Often people who have Alzheimer's change their habits. Something they once loved to do; like shopping, may not be something they enjoy now.

8. Playing 20 questions with a person who suffers from Alzheimer's does not always help them remember something from the past. Usual daily questions that are normal in every day situations, but too many questions can become overwhelming.

9. Alzheimer's not only impairs memory but it can also disrupt every day motor skills like using a fork or knife. Daily activities like bathing or making coffee can prove to be a tricky task for someone suffering from Alzheimer's.

10. Denial is part of it. There may be a lack of awareness of the common symptoms of Alzheimer's in the patient as well as in their family.

Patience - Caring - Listening - Acceptance - Flexibility 

Laughing is the Cure

Give your stress wings and let it fly away.  ~Terri Guillemets

On those off day's where stress has taken over and it's hard to stay optimistic, there is a way to fix it. Studies have shown that laughing at problems, problems you have no control over or those little daily glitches can make it easier to manage. Too much stress can lead to weight gain, heart disease and cancer. Forcing yourself to laugh, at first is not easy, but the longer you do it, the more your mood has a chance to lift and you can face the challenge head on in a positive way.

What is stress?
Stress is what we describe as our response to threatening or challenging events.

Many things can cause stress throughout our lives, that we never thought would. There are the obvious "stressors" (the actual things that cause stress) like major live changes, moving to a new city, financial difficulty or a death in the family. On the other end of the stressor scale are little things like being late to an event, procrastinating or forgetting your tooth brush while traveling. Many problems with stress, besides the health and those are the specific factors in stress. Pressure, uncontrollably, frustration and aggression are all negative outcomes of stress.

However, not all stress is a bad thing. Many good things come from pressures, as long as they are not overwhelming or happen too often. But be sure that when things are becoming too much, you reach to your healthy outlet. Below are some suggestions for healthy outlets, and a list of unhealthy outlets that you should be aware of.

Healthy Outlets

• Laughter
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Reading
• Taking a long hot bath 
• Going for a walk (witch can also be a motivator)

Unhealthy Outlets

• Browsing the internet (This is a huge one! If you want to get away from things, surfing the web is the least helpful.)
• Smoking 
• Alchohol/Depressants 

If you have a different way to deal with stress let us know! Follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page.

The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it.  ~Author Unknown

Exercise - Ultimate Guide to a Smile

"I must do something" 

always solves more problems than 

"Something must be done."

Yoga is not for the faint of heart and if done incorrectly can hurt your body. But yoga can also have a positive impact on your life, increasing happiness, relaxation, flexibility, strength, posture and balance. That's not to mention the positive impact it can have on your heart, concentration and mood. Yoga is meant to focus the mind on the body to become relaxed and de-stress from the day.

Tai Chi is a lot like yoga because of all the health benefits they share-the heart is an example. I best remember Tai Chi from the movie Meet the Fockers. To the right is an example of this meditation.

However, yoga and Tai Chi may not be for the elderly, due to a lot of bending and stretching. there are still exercise classes created specifically to bend to those challenges.

When elderly are in situations where they feel more in control of their lives, being able to cook for themselves, or help cook and clean they tend to be happier and healthier. Getting out of the house and going for daily walks or taking bi-weekly water aerobics classes are things to improve the lifestyle of a loved one. Be sure to have your senior talk with their doctor before getting started.

Water Aerobics not only helps joint pain and Osteoarthritis but it's a low impact movement activity which reduces the possibility for injuries. Below there is a link to a few water aerobic exercises which can be done outside of an aerobics class during public swim. 

It is very beneficial to to everyone involved when a loved senior is active when they can be and there are simple ways to do this. Down below are not only links to water aerobic classes for beginners but places that offer Yoga and Tai Chi as well. If cost is a problem there are many scholarships available. Call the numbers on the different websites and ask for scholarship information for their classes.

Yoga - Ashland and Medford
Yoga - Klamath Falls

Tai Chi - Medford
Tai Chi - Ashland and Medford

Water Aerobics - Medford
Water Aerobics - Klamath Falls
Water Aerobics - Grants Pass

Water Aerobic Exercises

How to Say "I Love You"

Seeing as how it's Valentines day here are a bunch of ways to tell people you love them and a brief history of St. Valentine.

History of St. Valentine

Around 270 A.D. in the middle of February St. Valentine died. Which is why we celebrate Valentines day, the day to celebrate loved ones. It may seem a bit backwards but let me explain from the start.

Emperor Claudius II (a roman) came to the conclusion that single men made for better suited soldiers then married, or "attached" men with families. Claudius then made it illegal for young men to marry.

Valentine, seeing the unjust of the situation, rebelled by continuing to marry young men to their loved ones. When Claudius found out about this, he ordered for Valentine to be put to death.

There are variations of Valentines story but it sticks to history that before his death he wrote a letter entitled "For my Valentine". The validity of the history and tale of St. Valentine is a bit foggy but he stands as a figure of justice and love. And in most books, that's the mark of a hero.

Cupid
I always thought Cupid on the Disney movie Hercules was adorable. Cupid is the Ancient Roman God of love. He was the son of Mercury the winged messenger and Venus the Goddess of love according to the myths. Much of the time he was portrayed as mischievous and frivolous with his match making, but also in quite a bit of literature he was characterized as beneficent.

How to say "I love you"

French
I love you - Je t'aime (jeh-te-aim)
Be mine - être à moi (eh-tre mo-i)

Spanish
I love you - Te amo
Be mine - Sea el mio (seh el mio)

Latin
I love you - Ego amare (eh-go ah-mar-e)
Be mine - Esse Mea (ess-eh mia)

Portuguese
I love you - Eu te amo
Be mine - Seja meu (seh-jah mew)

American Sign Language (ASL)

Internet Basics

Web Browsers:

Internet Explorer

Over the years many web browsers have popped up, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari and Google Chrome to name a few. Each has their benefits but with the rapid growing pace of the internet it may be a good idea to switch from using one of the older  browsers (Internet Explorer, or Safari) to the newer ones.

Sometimes Internet Explorer prevents users from being able to open certain things on the internet, whether that be a picture, video or link. Often in the place of these you will see a red x. Also, with the increase in online shopping and social media hackers have become very sneaky when it comes to hacking Internet explorer. It is no longer the safest or fastest browser available to the public.

Mozilla Firefox

Google Chrome

So I recommend to you Google Chrome or Firefox. Either one of these (I am biased towards Google Chrome) are built to handle the viruses and hackers of today. Both are speedy (if you switch from Explorer or Safari you will be able to tell the difference) and have easy to learn features that help you stay organized.

But of course like any of the web browsers out there you will need a software that will protect you from all viruses. Web browsers are like umbrellas, they will keep you dry and safe from the basic rain (viruses) but the Trojan hackers or Keystroke Hackers (hackers that can tell everything you type) will get you. I highly recommend Norton Antivirus because it is a high quality product that does not slow down your computer and other then the necessary updates and computer scans does its job without bothering you. It does cost money but it's worth it. Getting a virus on your computer will cost way more in the end then the annual fee.

Here are the links to download the different web browsers and the antivirus software. The web browsers are completely FREE and take little time to download (you may have to do a computer restart though, so save all your work before starting the download).

Download Firefox
Download Google Chrome
Norton Antivirus

Movie Time: Family friendly

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." - Henry David Thoreau

It's the midst of winter, (48 days until spring) and it means freezing cold weather and rain. So I've compiled a list of movies to keep the winter blues away. All these movies are family friendly and perfect for those gloomy days where all you need is a smile and a laugh. 


Family friendly 


Tangled (2010)
The more Disney princess movies that are released the harder it has been for me to watch them. But I think Tangled was immaculate. The dialogue was cute and the story line gave me butterflies. Tangled was taken from the old mother goose tail of Rapunzel but with it's Disney twist. Rapunzel locked away in her tower finds the opportunity to escape to see the "starts" on her birthday when a young ruffian climbs into her tower to escape authorities. The two then go on a crazy adventure running from the bad guys and all the while catching the love bug. An adorable movie that will make you laugh and smile. 





Oliver and Company (1988)
One of my favorites! A kitten (Oliver), abandoned to roam the streets of New York city finds itself tangled up with a group of street dogs. Jenny, a young girl and her chauffeur Winston find Oliver and bring him into their home. Oliver becomes torn between being with his dog friends on the street and living with a human child who loves him. Charming music plays as the characters sing and run all over New York, very catchy.




The Parent Trap (1998)
Stuck at summer camp Annie and Hallie find each other under the oddest of circumstances. They're twins. They have never met before but are determined to unravel the missing pieces to their lives which they never really thought they had missing. This warm movie is filled with laughs and surprises. The main character's are played by a young Lindsey Lohan who outdid herself.




Fun Test:

Close your eyes and think about nothing but smiling. How long does it take until you feel happiness creep across your face?

Twitter

Facebook

Nutrition: The Junk - Food

It has all been said before, don't eat this, don't eat that. You know what I'm talking about. And no I'm not going to advocate or tell you what to do but I am going to let you know what you are eating when you pick up those around town favorites.

First off, let me explain what a calorie is. As we go throughout our day doing simple things like brushing our teeth or walking to the car we burn energy. Calories are the amount of energy in a piece of food that we are putting back into our bodies. Now if we eat too many calories, more than we burn off in a day, then the extra energy can be stored as fat.  There are different kinds of calories and many things that can effect what happens to that energy once it enters our bodies.

This is a rather short version of the process of what calories are. If you would like a more detailed description of what calories are there is a link at the end of the blog.

Foods that are high in fat and high in calories can give anyone a huge number of complications with their health. And simply, it's time to take action. If you eat foods that are high in fat, sugar and calories you are at risk for problems, no matter if you are a healthy weight or not.

Daily Nutrition Guidelines For Women

Recommendations	Women under 50	Women over 50
Calories	2,000	2,000 or less
Protein	50g	50g or less
Fat	65g or less	65g or less
Carbs	304g	304g
Fiber	25g-35g	25g-35g
Cholesterol	300mg or less	300mg or less
Iron	18mg	8mg
Sodium	2,300mg or less	1,500mg or less
Calcium	1,000mg	1,200mg

For Men

Recommendations	Men over 24
Calories	2,700
Protein	63g
Fat	88g or less
Carbs	410g
Fiber	25g-35g
Cholesterol	300mg or less
Iron	8mg
Sodium	2,300mg or less
Calcium	1,000mg

Now back to food. It is never easy to become aware of what exactly we are eating, but it is possible. An easy way to remember that the low-fat yogurt with the delicious berries' instead of the box of waffles is to write it on the top of your grocery list. If you never use a grocery list, it may be a good idea to start. When you create a grocery list it forces you to be more aware of what you are purchasing. And take a moment to look at the back of the box. Poptart's come in packages of two, and each Poptart has a surprising amount of calories, that I myself never would have guessed.

Challenge
Next time you go to the store pick three items you usually purchase (potato chips, cheese, juices) and look at their sugar and fat content compared to what is recommended daily. Then decide if that's what you want your beautiful body to be running on.

Links, Sources:

What is a calorie? http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/healthieryou/html/chapter5.html

Nutrition charts: http://www.easy-weightloss-tips.com/weightlossfacts-3.html

Nutrition: The Junk - Drinks

A ship in harbor is safe - but that is not what ships are for.  ~John A. Shedd, Salt from My Attic

Put down the soda. That extra sugar add's up pretty quickly, and truthfully does it quench your thirst or hunger for sugar? Although water may seem bland it can give you energy. It's common to drink the 12oz caffeinated drink to get you through the next hour, but it is more effective to drink a glass of water. Not only does it not slow you down with artificial chemicals and sugar but it most certainly lasts longer than a quick fix energy drink. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day will boost your energy, stamina and overall happiness. And who doesn't want all three of those?

*3

*1

I know drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day seems like a lot. It means a few more trips to the bathroom, but even if you swap one soda a day for a glass of water you can improve your health. And if truthfully, you would rather have the health problems then drink boring flavorless water here are some other great alternatives: *2

- Water with cut up slices of fruits or vegetables; lemons, strawberrys, watermelons or cucumbers. 

- All natural Green Tea (not the Lipton or Arizona) 

- Tonic and Lime (without the gin) 

- Red Wine (But limited to 4oz don't get carried away! Remember it's just a substitute for taste) 

- Vegetable blend (blend your vegetables together to be creative and healthy) 

- Soy milk (Not as bad as popular belief, try something new.) 

- Coffee (without cream, milk or sugar) 

Recipe *4

Broccoli Blueberry Smoothie 

For one smoothie combine 

• 1 cup of frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup of steamed broccoli
• 1 cup of 100 percent cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup of low-fat plain yogurt

Sweet Veggie Smoothie

For one smoothie combine

• 1 cup apple juice
• 1 cup of sliced apple (sweet tasting apples are better)
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup of cucumber (peeled and sliced)
• 2 cups of ice
• a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)

Why not go out on a limb?  Isn't that where the fruit is?  ~Frank Scully

References: 

Pictures

1. http://www.sugarstacks.com/beverages.htm

2. http://www.everydayhealth.com/photogallery/soda-alternatives.aspx?xid=tw_weightloss_20120109_soda#/slide-1

3. http://www.thatsfit.ca/2010/06/18/refreshing-summer-drink-how-to-make-healthy-cucumber-water/
4. http://www.smoothieweb.com/category/vegetable-smoothies/

CAREgiver of the Year 2011: Stephanie Aspen

Stephanie Aspen

CAREgiver of the year is a person who exhibits excellence and dedication for their services to elderly clients in their local communities. Stephanie Aspen was nominated for her dedication and high standard of performance.
---

It is with great pleasure that we, at Home Instead Senior Care, located in Medford, Oregon, nominate Stephanie Aspen as the 2011 CAREGiver of the Year. Stephanie has been a full-time employee with us since December 2010. Prior to joining our team here in Medford, she worked for the Tempe, Arizona Home Instead Senior Care office for about a year. Stephanie is known for her high standard of performance. She cares for her clients and family members with respect and dignity and is a great asset to our team as well as to the seniors in our community.

Stephanie has a passion for the seniors. Not only is she a full-time CAREGiver, she is a wife of 21yrs, a mother of 6 children and a grandmother of 5. She also met the needs of her father’s cancer, caring for him for 4 years. Aside from being a natural caregiver, Stephanie loves reading “anything,” especially historical books. She enjoys hiking, fishing and visiting Alaska. Her favorite past time is having game night with her friends and family. 

Stephanie is well known throughout Home Instead Senior Care for her compassion and energy. She is always courteous and helpful to others. She is highly respected by her peers and appreciated by her clients because of the way she treats others. Stephanie adapts herself to meet the specific needs of each client she has been assigned to. This shows our clients requests her specifically, whether she has been with them long term or just one shift. She is seen as a very positive person of our team! Stephanie is efficient and thorough in her work. The combination of her high ethical standards and experience enables her to be an excellent mentor to other CAREGivers. She is highly respected by those with whom she comes in contact and is an exemplary role model to others. Stephanie represents our Medford franchise office well as she strives for excellence in caring for our clients.

Stephanie’s involvement with Home Instead Senior Care is a testimony to her sense of compassion. She shows great concern for the welfare of others and is actively involved in finding solutions to difficult challenges. Stephanie provides excellent care to her clients, often going the extra step to make sure her clients and family members are comfortable and secure. Her life is an example of what we believe, “To us, it’s personal.” Stephanie says, “I enjoy working for Home Instead because I get to meet some very interesting clients and I enjoy their company.” She will do anything she can to make her clients more comfortable.

She is a true humanitarian. The energy and enthusiasm with which she goes about her life are remarkable. Stephanie emulates warmth, humility and compassion as she serves others and always expresses appreciation to others for their efforts. Thank you for considering Stephanie for the 2011 CAREGiver of the Year.

Sincerely,

Medford, OR office staff

Why do they use so much perfume?

Why do our elderly always have a strong smell? whether that's in their house, car or on their bodies, senior's tend to use too much air freshers. There's an interesting logic behind the smell of grandma's house. In a way it's not just because she's aging in the way we think. As our bodies get older our senses do too. Our olfactory lobes, which are above our nose, shown in the picture,  process what we smell. People, usually over 60, start to loose the ability to distinguish smells and find it hard to distinguish them all together.

In a study done at the University of Colorado Denver, published in an issue of the Neurobiology of Aging they found a confirmed difference in the ability for young adults ability to distinguish two smell's compared to those over the age of 60. The smell's blended together for those over 60 years old. If you would like to read more about this study click the SienceDaily link below. And next time there's the strong smell at your loved ones house, remember and be sensitive to the idea that they may simply not notice.



ScienceDaily
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110130104.htm

University of Colorado Denver. "Elderly lose ability to distinguish between odors, researcher finds; Smells blend together, pose hazards." ScienceDaily, 10 Nov. 2011. Web. 9 Jan. 2012. 

Nancy E. Rawson, George Gomez, Beverly J. Cowart, Andres Kriete, Edmund Pribitkin, Diego Restrepo. Age-associated loss of selectivity in human olfactory sensory neurons. Neurobiology of Aging, 2011; DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.09.036

Lung Cancer: What is it and how do you detect it

Having a loved one myself pass from lung cancer due to smoking; here is some information on the different types of lung cancer, what you can do to prevent it and overall symptoms.

What exactly is lung cancer? and How do the lungs work? This short video answers those questions perfectly.



The three basic types of lung cancer are:

Adenocarcinomas: This type is the most common, up to 50% of cases. It can be caused by, like many other lung cancers, smoking. Smoking which can affect both the smoker and non-smoker.
Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma: A subtype of andencarcinomas often develops in many places in the lungs.
Squamous cell carcinomas: Currently accounts for 30% of lung cancers, but it used to outweigh the andenocarcinomas. Are generally, and frequently in the central chest area.
Large cell carcinomas: Is a tumor on the lungs, and is the least common type of lung cancer.

Symptoms: Symptoms can be hard to detect, but be aware of the list of possible signs of lung cancer listed in this video.



Fun Fact:
In french 'to smoke' is 'fumer' pronounced few-meh.