Grandpa’s Pray without Ceasing
By Jamie Schroeder
Dedicated to Grandpa Born to Eternal Life 2005
A Grandpa prays for his children
he hopes they learn to forgive his mistakes
He prays for his grandchildren
he hopes are raised better than his own
prays for his great-grandchildren
he sees their uncertain futures.
the friends and neighbors
whom have come and gone
his dear family members
whom left behind the living
in the morning when he hears the birds
at night when he hears the crickets.
when he sees the cool sun rise and the warm sunset
the teller at the bank she reminds him of someone from his past
the rain to come and the snow to stop
soldiers who bravely fight for his peace
He prays his life had a purpose
He prays without ceasing.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
What's the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
Written by David Roeltgen, MD Neurologist, Professor
One question I am frequently asked is "What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?" On one level, the answer to this question is relatively easy and straightforward. Compare the definitions of dementia and Alzheimer's.
Dementia:
Dementia is an impairment of thinking and memory that interferes with a person's ability to do things which he or she previously was able to do.
Alzheimer's:
Alzheimer's disease is the common cause of dementia, and is particularly common in older people. Because it is the most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer's disease is commonly equated with the general term dementia. However, there are many other causes of dementia.
Distinguishing Alzheimer's disease from other causes of dementia is not always as easy and straightforward as defining these terms. In practice, people and their disorders of behavior are far more complex than simple definitions sometimes commonly imply.
Alzheimer's: Microscopic Brain Abnormalities
Alzheimer's disease is a specific form of dementia having very specific microscopic brain abnormalities. However, in typical medical practice, we do not have the ability to see microscopic brain abnormalities.
History and Examination for Alzheimer's
Therefore, distinguishing Alzheimer's disease from other forms of dementia requires a doctor to establish certain background information (the history) and define a patient's abilities (the examination), and then perhaps obtain results from certain tests.
The last step is guided by the results from the first two. Alzheimer's disease is typically a slowly progressive disorder that involves memory for recent information (short-term memory) and one or more other abilities, such as speech and language, personality, decision-making and judgment or awareness and ability to interact with the environment.
A doctor attempting to distinguish Alzheimer's disease from another form of dementia asks questions about these abilities and examines them as well. Additionally, the doctor also asks questions about and examines abilities that are typically not impaired in a patient with Alzheimer's disease. These abilities include, among others, memory for information of long ago (long-term memory), vision, ability to feel things and muscle strength. In doing these things, the doctor is attempting to determine if the pattern of impairments that the patient has are typical or not typical for Alzheimer's disease.
CT Scan or MRI for Alzheimer's
After the history and examination are completed, the doctor will commonly obtain a scan of the brain, using either a CT scan or MRI scan. The scans look at brain large-scale (macroscopic rather than microscopic) structure. (Newer scan types are being developed to begin to examine brain function and microscopic structure. In the future, these are likely to help better diagnose Alzheimer's disease.) Also, the doctor, after the history and physical examination are completed, will commonly obtain certain blood tests. Which blood tests are obtained will depend on the background history and physical examination.
One question I am frequently asked is "What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?" On one level, the answer to this question is relatively easy and straightforward. Compare the definitions of dementia and Alzheimer's.
Dementia:
Dementia is an impairment of thinking and memory that interferes with a person's ability to do things which he or she previously was able to do.
Alzheimer's:
Alzheimer's disease is the common cause of dementia, and is particularly common in older people. Because it is the most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer's disease is commonly equated with the general term dementia. However, there are many other causes of dementia.
Distinguishing Alzheimer's disease from other causes of dementia is not always as easy and straightforward as defining these terms. In practice, people and their disorders of behavior are far more complex than simple definitions sometimes commonly imply.
Alzheimer's: Microscopic Brain Abnormalities
Alzheimer's disease is a specific form of dementia having very specific microscopic brain abnormalities. However, in typical medical practice, we do not have the ability to see microscopic brain abnormalities.
History and Examination for Alzheimer's
Therefore, distinguishing Alzheimer's disease from other forms of dementia requires a doctor to establish certain background information (the history) and define a patient's abilities (the examination), and then perhaps obtain results from certain tests.
The last step is guided by the results from the first two. Alzheimer's disease is typically a slowly progressive disorder that involves memory for recent information (short-term memory) and one or more other abilities, such as speech and language, personality, decision-making and judgment or awareness and ability to interact with the environment.
A doctor attempting to distinguish Alzheimer's disease from another form of dementia asks questions about these abilities and examines them as well. Additionally, the doctor also asks questions about and examines abilities that are typically not impaired in a patient with Alzheimer's disease. These abilities include, among others, memory for information of long ago (long-term memory), vision, ability to feel things and muscle strength. In doing these things, the doctor is attempting to determine if the pattern of impairments that the patient has are typical or not typical for Alzheimer's disease.
CT Scan or MRI for Alzheimer's
After the history and examination are completed, the doctor will commonly obtain a scan of the brain, using either a CT scan or MRI scan. The scans look at brain large-scale (macroscopic rather than microscopic) structure. (Newer scan types are being developed to begin to examine brain function and microscopic structure. In the future, these are likely to help better diagnose Alzheimer's disease.) Also, the doctor, after the history and physical examination are completed, will commonly obtain certain blood tests. Which blood tests are obtained will depend on the background history and physical examination.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
by Jamie Schroeder
A Naturopathic Doctor is a practitioner who is trained and usually accredited to use alternative medicine which helps the body's ability to heal itself. ND's or NMD's us the earth's natural resources to address different aliments and conditions. These natural resources are found throughout the whole world. They're in the form of foods like fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, and seeds. For example she might recommend the herb St. John's Wart to help ease mild depression, or Chamomile to help a person suffering from insomnia, or recommend oatmeal to help protect skin from itching and relieve mild constipation.
ND's work with their patients to educate them on changing lifestyle patterns rather than to pop a pill for every symptom and resort to synthetic drugs or surgery.
I believe it's in your best interest to work with both an MD and ND to get the best care possible. MD's often do not know about the natural alternatives today. How many times did you go to the doctor for a cough and they handed you an RX for cough medicine? Countless right. I've had one doctor in 20 years tell me to use honey to help my child's cough. On the other hand, ND's may not have the ability to treat all things. Would I allow an ND to do my breast exam sure, but I would not use an ND to read my X-ray, or interpret the pathology report. Generally ND's have two years of training before they can be certified. Two years isn't enough for the best care. Both MD's and ND's working together would benefit the patient and the care he/she receives.
Click to find a naturopathic Doctor in your area. http://www.naturopathic.org/findannd.php
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturopathic_medicine
A Naturopathic Doctor is a practitioner who is trained and usually accredited to use alternative medicine which helps the body's ability to heal itself. ND's or NMD's us the earth's natural resources to address different aliments and conditions. These natural resources are found throughout the whole world. They're in the form of foods like fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, and seeds. For example she might recommend the herb St. John's Wart to help ease mild depression, or Chamomile to help a person suffering from insomnia, or recommend oatmeal to help protect skin from itching and relieve mild constipation.
ND's work with their patients to educate them on changing lifestyle patterns rather than to pop a pill for every symptom and resort to synthetic drugs or surgery.
I believe it's in your best interest to work with both an MD and ND to get the best care possible. MD's often do not know about the natural alternatives today. How many times did you go to the doctor for a cough and they handed you an RX for cough medicine? Countless right. I've had one doctor in 20 years tell me to use honey to help my child's cough. On the other hand, ND's may not have the ability to treat all things. Would I allow an ND to do my breast exam sure, but I would not use an ND to read my X-ray, or interpret the pathology report. Generally ND's have two years of training before they can be certified. Two years isn't enough for the best care. Both MD's and ND's working together would benefit the patient and the care he/she receives.
Click to find a naturopathic Doctor in your area. http://www.naturopathic.org/findannd.php
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturopathic_medicine
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Online Considerations
On line blogging can be beneficial in getting your point across to a large audience. There are some considerations you should be aware of before exercising your 1st amendment right.
Be careful when blogging or sending things on the Internet.
When you include the Names and locations of your family members, you may be putting their safety at risk. There is a potential abuse risk. I recommend any blogs, sites, and emails should not contain identifying information. When you send letters of complaint, do it direct mail, and include those you cc. in the letter. For example If you're writing to the Director of Nursing then CC. it to the Chairman of the Board and vice versa.
Be careful when blogging or sending things on the Internet.
When you include the Names and locations of your family members, you may be putting their safety at risk. There is a potential abuse risk. I recommend any blogs, sites, and emails should not contain identifying information. When you send letters of complaint, do it direct mail, and include those you cc. in the letter. For example If you're writing to the Director of Nursing then CC. it to the Chairman of the Board and vice versa.
Waves of Trouble
Waves of Trouble
I was surprised this morning when I received a phone call from a family member asking me to leave out my loved one's name in anything I write. The reason I was given, “We don’t want to make any waves or cause trouble”.
I ask you this.What’s the point then?When loved ones are not cared for in loving and kind ways, and can’t speak for themselves, then it is our job to be their voice. God’s Word tells us we should speak up for those can’t. This loved one can hardly put three words together. She needs a voice- a loud one.I’m not going to tip-toe around these matters anymore. Nor should anyone when a loved one is suffering.I am not the health care power of attorney for my loved one, In fact she has no durable power of attorney so for several years, I’ve tried to educate the main family care giver on Dementia. I’m no expert, nor do I have an MD behind my name- I’ve only done the research on this condition.For the last few months, I’ve asked nicely, I’ve been patient and respectful, I’ve watched what I’ve said, and held my tongue at times so I don’t offend those caring for my loved one. The one person I offended was the patient by not speaking up louder, creating this blog sooner, and for not demanding better care months ago.I was also told during this morning's phone call because I’m not involved with the care and because I live far away, that I should “drop it”. Should I "drop it” because someone says so. Should I turn my back on my loved one when they're being mistreated and no one is doing anything?
I was surprised this morning when I received a phone call from a family member asking me to leave out my loved one's name in anything I write. The reason I was given, “We don’t want to make any waves or cause trouble”.
I ask you this.What’s the point then?When loved ones are not cared for in loving and kind ways, and can’t speak for themselves, then it is our job to be their voice. God’s Word tells us we should speak up for those can’t. This loved one can hardly put three words together. She needs a voice- a loud one.I’m not going to tip-toe around these matters anymore. Nor should anyone when a loved one is suffering.I am not the health care power of attorney for my loved one, In fact she has no durable power of attorney so for several years, I’ve tried to educate the main family care giver on Dementia. I’m no expert, nor do I have an MD behind my name- I’ve only done the research on this condition.For the last few months, I’ve asked nicely, I’ve been patient and respectful, I’ve watched what I’ve said, and held my tongue at times so I don’t offend those caring for my loved one. The one person I offended was the patient by not speaking up louder, creating this blog sooner, and for not demanding better care months ago.I was also told during this morning's phone call because I’m not involved with the care and because I live far away, that I should “drop it”. Should I "drop it” because someone says so. Should I turn my back on my loved one when they're being mistreated and no one is doing anything?
Memory Loss and Potential Healing Herbs
"And God said, 'See I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.'" Gen 1:29
Herbal Remedies
Ginkgo may help...
a. relieve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, short-term memory loss and depression.
b. fight damage from stroke. lessen symptoms of peripheral vascular disease and Raynard's disease
Note: mild side effects including restlessness and digestive upset.
Gotu kola may help...
a. agitation
b. memory loss
Note: This is used in Ayurvedic medicine for the above including many other uses not mentioned here.
St. John's Wart may help... .
a. relieve depression
b. heal burns
Note: This has a long history of wound treatment, because it contains antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory chemicals.
Vitamins
b-12
is essential for cell replication and important for red blood cell production. It helps maintain the protective sheath around nerves. Beneficial effects treating depression and neurological disorders.
Folic Acid supplements should also be taken with b-12 because they may mask a type of anemia caused by b-12 deficiency. If b-12 deficiencies go unchecked, this type of anemia can cause irreversible nerve damage and dementia.
*This information is not intended to diagnose or take the place of medical care, talk with your health care provider, Naturopathic Doctor, herbalist, or Nutritionist about the benefits of these natural supplements.
*Sources: Reader's Digest how to fight 71 common ailments, 2003.200 herbal remedies-1997, Excerpted form The Complete Book of Natural & Medicinal Cures, 1994.
Herbal Remedies
Ginkgo may help...
a. relieve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, short-term memory loss and depression.
b. fight damage from stroke. lessen symptoms of peripheral vascular disease and Raynard's disease
Note: mild side effects including restlessness and digestive upset.
Gotu kola may help...
a. agitation
b. memory loss
Note: This is used in Ayurvedic medicine for the above including many other uses not mentioned here.
St. John's Wart may help... .
a. relieve depression
b. heal burns
Note: This has a long history of wound treatment, because it contains antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory chemicals.
Vitamins
b-12
is essential for cell replication and important for red blood cell production. It helps maintain the protective sheath around nerves. Beneficial effects treating depression and neurological disorders.
Folic Acid supplements should also be taken with b-12 because they may mask a type of anemia caused by b-12 deficiency. If b-12 deficiencies go unchecked, this type of anemia can cause irreversible nerve damage and dementia.
*This information is not intended to diagnose or take the place of medical care, talk with your health care provider, Naturopathic Doctor, herbalist, or Nutritionist about the benefits of these natural supplements.
*Sources: Reader's Digest how to fight 71 common ailments, 2003.200 herbal remedies-1997, Excerpted form The Complete Book of Natural & Medicinal Cures, 1994.
Example letter of Complaint to Director of Nursing
Formal complaint letter template.
Tips:
- Be sure to name the person you're writing the letter to for example: Dear Ann Smith, Nursing Director:
- Introduce yourself and explain why you're writing.
- Share a glimpse of what your loved one's life was like before entering the home.
- Give specific examples of the negligent care your loved one is getting.
- Try to stick with facts and objective and rational as you write the letter.
- Explain that immediate action is necessary for the care of your loved one.
Polka County Home For the Aging
1234 Plane Ave.
Polk, WI 54896
Re: Negligent care of [name of loved one],
CC: Board of Directors, Polka County Elderly Association
Dear Ann Smith, RN
[Name of Loved one] came into your facility four years ago, she was able to walk and speak. Today she is wheelchair bound, can barley speak, hardly eat, and is neglected. She's been diagnosed with Dementia. In the four years in your care, her health has rapidly declined. There are several areas of her care I want you to address with your staff.
She's was overdosed. During this ordeal a paramedic should have been called, she should have been sent to the ER and proper documentation should have been filed with the State.
She also has unexplained bone fractures, and scratches on her arms. I understand the state is investigating these matters.
Several family members have specific requests that are not being met by your staff. For example s/he is not eating well, so finger foods are the key. Some of the staff when asked why her food isn't cut to finger eating size, or the crust isn't removed from his/her sandwich, there is an attitude. S/he's been placed at a feeding table now. The staff member at the feeding table is responsible to make sure s/he eats, to cut her food, to show her how to eat it, to explain what it is- that it's good to eat. If this isn't being done, maybe re-training staff is something that needs to happen.
Your staff psychiatrist [name of psychiatrist] keeps pushing more new meds. These psych meds have dangerous side effect. For example one of the side effects of Resperdol, is stroke, [loved one], has had some strokes since on this medication. Why wasn't this medication stopped immediatly?
The staff MD, [name of MD] has not offered new safer alternatives like supplements. For example maybe Valerian root or St. John's Wart to help her cope with her aggression and depression, Vit B-12, omega-3 fatty acids found in Fish oil. Why isn't your facility implementing these proven supplements in patients suffering from dementia.
I have also noticed a lack of memory boosting alternatives activities for her brain stimulation. In the Book, Behaviors in Dementia by Mary Kaplan and Stephanie B. Hoffman, it explains how stimulating the mind encourages good things and can reduce certain behaviors. She has repetitive tapping of her legs. Now is this a side effect of the Resperdol, or perhaps is it because of under stimulated. Why isn't this facility using light therapy and/or aroma therapy to stimulate her mind?
I am forwarding a copy of this letter to the Chairman of the Board, and the Polka county Elderly Care Association. I will continue to write letters until better cared is implemented for patients in your facility- until her cuts and bruising go away, until you have re-trained your staff in proper and ethical standards of care, until you have implemented the latest helping tools for people with dementia. I will not stop until she/he is treated with the love Christ. Now, I expect [ loved one] to be treated and cared for the way he/she deserves. The sanctity of life is important to me. Please do what ever you can to ensure the care is the best it can be.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Your name and contact information
Filing a formal complaint
This was copied directly from Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Please speak up and be the voice of your loved one if you suspect abuse.If You Have Complaints Concerning Health or Residential Care in WisconsinThe Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is responsible for assuring the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Wisconsin. If an individual the public believes that a caregiver, agency, or DQA regulated facility has violated State or Federal laws pertaining to regulated entities, that individual has the right to file a complaint with DQA.There are several ways to file a complaint with DQA. Refer to the options that are listed under each provider type below.During the complaint intake process, you may be asked for the county the provider is located in. If you do not know what county a community is in, please see Wisconsin Cities, Villages, Townships and Unincorporated Places (PDF, 160 KB)In addition to the information below, please also view "Problems with Health Professionals" in the Wisconsin Consumer Guide to Health Care, especially regarding billing and insurance.Nursing HomesTo contact the appropriate DQA Regional Office directly, please refer to the Nursing Home Resident Care regional office map.To file a complaint online select: The Online Complaint Intake System.To use the toll free number to file a complaint dial 1-800-642-6552.Assisted Living FacilitiesIncludes Community Based Residential Facilities and Adult Family Homes (group homes), AdultDay Care and Residential Care Apartment ComplexesTo contact the appropriate DQA Regional Office directly, please refer to the Assisted Living regional office map.To file a complaint online select: The Online Complaint Intake System.To use the toll free number to file a complaint dial 1-800-642-6552.Facilities Serving People with Developmental DisabilitiesTo contact the appropriate DQA Regional Office directly, please refer to the Nursing Home Resident Care regional office map.To file a complaint online select: The Online Complaint Intake System.To use the toll free number to file a complaint dial 1-800-642-6552.Home Health and Hospice AgenciesHome Health Hotline (brochure): Call 1-800-642-6552 or (608) 267-1441 (Madison) for both home health and hospice.Contact the Bureau of Health Services of the Division of Quality Assurance at (608) 266-0224.To file a complaint online select: The Online Complaint Intake System.Home Health: Complete and mail the Home Health Agency Complaint Report F-62069 (PDF, 19 KB)Hospice: Complete and mail the Hospice Patient Complaint (F-62287) (PDF, 17 KB)To use the toll free number to file a complaint dial 1-800-642-6552.Clinical laboratories or analysts (including alcohol testing)Contact the Clinical Lab Section of the Division of Quality Assurance at (608) 261-0654.To file a complaint online select: The Online Complaint Intake System.To use the toll free number to file a complaint dial 1-800-642-6552.Other Non-Long-Term Care ProvidersHospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, End Stage Renal Dialysis, Outpatient Rehabilitation Agencies, Rural Health ClinicsContact the Bureau of Health Services of the Division of Quality Assurance at (608) 266-8481.To file a complaint online select: The Online Complaint Intake System.To use the toll free number to file a complaint dial 1-800-642-6552.Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment ProgramsContact the Behavioral Health Certification Section of the Division of Quality Assurance at (608) 264-9894.To file a complaint online select: The Online Complaint Intake System.To use the toll free number to file a complaint dial 1-800-642-6552.Complaints Regarding Caregiver MisconductSpecific incident between a caregiver and a resident or patient, including but not limited to:abuse (hitting, slapping, verbal, mental, sexual)neglect (intentionally withholding care, failure to carry out a plan of care, disregard of policy)misappropriation (theft of money, identity, credit cards or jewelry, misuse of property, such as using a client's phone without consent)For all misconduct complaints regarding:non-credentialed caregivers (nurse aides, home health aides, personal care workers, etc.)credentialed staff (nurses, doctors, dentists, counselors, etc.)professional staff who are certified by the WI Certification BoardCall the Caregiver Intake Unit at (608) 261-8319, Division of Quality Assurance, orTo file a complaint online select: The Online Complaint Intake System, orTo use the toll free number to file a complaint dial 1-800-642-6552
Smoothies to the Rescue
Have you heard the saying "an apple a day..."?
Many medical associations agree nutrition plays an important role in preventing and healing the body of various conditions.
Many medical associations agree nutrition plays an important role in preventing and healing the body of various conditions.
My smoothie collection is an alternative to pre-made shakes. These smoothies contain no refined sugars, hydrogenated oils, or artificial ingredients. Just take a look at the label of the store brand pre-made supplement drinks. Yuck! I wouldn't drink that nor should our loved ones. Just for research try drinking one. They're gross. Each one has a funny aftertaste.
I created these smoothies because I couldn't get my young picky eaters to eat their veggies and I didn't like the taste of the pre-made shakes. Smoothies are appropriate for people for all ages as an alternative to pre-made products.
Note: All recipes are copyright protected they are for personal use only. Request permission to publish.
For the best taste, smoothies should be drank same day they're made.
Mom's Protein Packed Smoothie
1/4 cup plain whole milk yogurt
1/4 cup whole milk
1 apple with skin
1 orange
hand full of washed baby spinage
1 carrot
1 tbs flax seed
1 tbs raw, unsalted sunflower seeds
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
Ice to chill Blend well, add 100% juice to thin as needed. The seeds with thicken the smoothie. Do not make to thick as choking may occur.Refrigerate extras for one day.
Allie's Breakfast Smoothie
1/4 cup plain whole milk yogurt
1/4 cup strawberries
1 banana
1 tbs raw unrefined coconut oil
1 tps flax seed
100% juice to thin as needed
ice to chill
Blend well
Grand Banana & Dark Chocolate Dessert
1/2 cup organic soy chocolate ice cream
1 banana
1/4-1/2 cup whole milk
1 tsp raw unsalted walnuts or pecans
Blend well.
Top with real organic whipped cream and organic dark chocolate shavings.
Substitutes
If lactose or dairy sensitive, use all soy products-soy milk, soy yogurt, rice milk rice, and rice milk icecream. You could skip the milk altogether and just add juice, but too much juice can loosen you up to much. I suggest to find a milk alternative. You may have to visit your local co-op store to find these items.
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