May 18, 2008

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

Could someone please tell me what I’m allergic to this time? This started about a half an hour after I ate my dinner of pork ribs and potatoes. Both dishes were heavily seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, red pepper and black pepper. The ribs were marinated in balsamic vinegar before seasoning. I am not aware of being allergic to anything I ate. There are three dogs in the house right now, but I treated for fleas about two weeks ago and I don’t think that’s the problem. I’ve had mal-absorption problems for over fourteen years and I’m pretty sure I’ve developed an immune deficiency (along with a whole constellation of other problems) due to nutritional deprivation. New allergies to formerly user-friendly foods and substances have sprung up in the last few years, but I can usually figure out what caused the problem. I’m clueless this time. That’s my left side - I’m holding my muumuu just under the bodice - and the welts and itch extend all the way down to my hip on that side, and all the way to the middle of my back. I tolerated the itch for half an hour or so, then went crazy scratching like a kid with chicken pox. How the heck am I supposed to figure out what did this so I can avoid it in the future? I can’t go for allergy tests: they’re incrediby expensive and I have no medical coverage. The only alternative I can see is to eliminate each of the seasonings from my diet for a while, then bring them back in one at a time to see if something happens again. I’m going to hate it if I have to give up anything on the list.

I’ve taken benadryl and smeared myself with an itch cream. It’s only slightly better about forty-five minutes later. I hope the benadryl will put me to sleep soon. The itch is much too distracting to let me write the new hidden object game review I wanted to post, so I might as well go to bed, but I won’t be able to sleep until this lets up. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

Well, screaming didn’t help!

Technorati Tags: allergic reactions, allergies, hives, insanity, itch, welts

April 24, 2008

I could really use some good stuff!

Yep, still sick. What is it now? Three weeks? Four? I can’t remember. I guess my immune system was battered and forlorn after the palgue. Now it’s allergies plus a sore throat and a really nasty cough from the vog. I’m better today than yesterday, though, so I’m seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel. I haven’t been watching the news or seeing anyone, so it’s a little difficult for me to find some good stuff to focus on. Maybe you guys could lend a hand? Tell me something good going on in your life, or something you heard on the news or found online that made you smile. You’ll be doing me a world of good, and I’ll write a post tomorrow linking you all up and telling you how much better you’ve made me feel. Just post your news below, with a link to your post if you’ve blogged it. You can do that for me, right? Yeah, I though so! I’ll try to find my own sunshine between now and then, too, because I’m sure there’s some somewhere, hiding behind a cloud just waiting for me to find it.

Technorati Tags: good news

April 4, 2008

Sudden Cardiac Arrest - do you know enough?

One of our local papers has one of those society columns that reports on big social events and talks about who’s been seen where, with whom and doing what. I’m not a daily reader, but I check it every now and then to see if any of my clients has been mentioned. A few weeks ago there was a report about a man who had suffered cardiac arrest while playing golf. His companions knew what to do and were able to save his life. Do you know the signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Would you know what to do if you or someone else started exhibiting symptoms? Do you even know what the symptoms are? They can include sudden collapse, Irregular Heartbeat and loss of consciousness. Sudden Cardiac Arrest must be treated immediately for the person to survive. It’s a good idea for all of us to know the symptoms and to understand what should be done when Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs. Check out the Sudden Cardiac Arrest website from St. Jude Medical Center to learn all about what it is, who’s at risk and what can be done to prevent or treat Sudden Cardiac Arrest. We all hope we never need such information, but if we ever do we’ll be grateful that we spent some time educating ourselves, don’t you think?

Technorati Tags: health, sudden cardiac arrest

March 26, 2008

Elder inspiration

Alice Withers came in near the back of the crowd at the Straub Women’s 10K in Honolulu, but she’s not unhappy about that. She’s participated in the Straub event for twenty years, though she slowed from jogging to walking five years ago. Alice Withers is 91 years old. She started running when she was sixty-five and has completed 150 races since then. She walks about three miles a day, lifts weights twice a week and is devoted to good nutrition. She recently took up painting to “broaden my horizons,” but faces another challenge. She wants to learn to master her computer. I suspect she’ll do just that. You can’t help but admire her optimism.

The next time you hear me moaning about my aging body, do me a favor, would you? Remind me about Alice Wither’s story. She’s a living testament that you can age without getting old. What an inspiration!

Technorati Tags: aging, Alice Withers, elder athlete, health, seniors

March 15, 2008

Stretching myself

I’m a sloth. When I work, I work hard. My job is physical and gives me a workout. When I’m not working, I sit on my duff. That routine worked fine for years, but work has been slow for a while, so I’m getting soft. I need to start swimming again and maybe get into a regular routine of walking for exercise. I haven’t started doing those yet, but this week I did fulfill one commitment I’ve made to myself. I got a yoga dvd and have started doing the exercises.

I’ve started out slow. I’m in my fifties and the only exercise I’ve done in the last decade is water aerobics. My body doesn’t stretch and bend the way it did when I was younger, so I’ve had to move gradually into the yoga routines. I do my exercises at home, alone, but I’m pretty sure if anyone was watching they’d think I don’t look as relaxed and natural as the young woman on the dvd. The important thing, though, is that I feel natural and relaxed after doing it only a few times. I was concerned about straining my back or aggrevating the bursitis in my shoulders. That hasn’t happened. The exercises are very gentle. I can’t bend or extend fully to achieve some of the positions, but that’s improved already after only a few sessions because I’m stretching myself gradually each time.

The problem with using a yoga dvd is that you can’t postition yourself properly if you’re constantly turning your head and twisting your body to see the demo, so I’ll keep doing the first routine until I can anticipate the positions without seeing them. Once I reach that level and have been doing the first series of exercises for a while I’ll feel more ready to move on to the next level. I’ve watched the entire dvd and am looking forward to progressing, but yoga is as much about breathing and relaxing as it is about exercise, so slow and easy works for me. I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to actually bring my head all the way down to my knees, but I’m more supple today than I was a week ago, so I suppose anything is possible. I’ve been using a quilt to pad my tile floor when I work out, but I’ve decided to stick with it, so I’ll be getting a yoga mat next time I go shopping. That’s the only equipment I’ll need, and buying a mat will strengthen my commitment to stick with this. This old body has served me pretty well, so it’s time I started giving it a little TLC in return, don’t you think?

Technorati Tags: exercise, health, relaxation, yoga

January 21, 2008

Pure Water 2Go

Do you grab a bottle of water every time you go out jogging or toss one in the diaper bag each time you take the baby out? How much money do you think you’ve spent for the convenience of bottled water? I work from my car and a lot of the homes I inspect are vacant and have the utilities turned off. I always keep at least two bottles of water in my car for just that reason. It’s been expensive to do that, but pure drinking water is a necessity so I’ve spent a bundle on always having some handy.

Pure Water 2Go is a portable water filtering system that will allow me to keep fresh water in my car and to refill with filtered water whenever I need to. Their water bottle filter will purify up to eighty gallons of water and last for about three months. My 16-ounce Sport Bottle is made of durable PET plastic and will last for years, so I can buy replacement filters and continue to get good use from it. I’m thinking it would be a good idea to buy a couple of extra Pure Water 2Go bottles and a few spare filers to tuck away inside my evacuation kit. The Level 2 filter removes chlorine, bad taste and odor and significantly reduces heavy metals like lead, mercury and copper. Water travels through the carbon filter as it leaves the bottle through the pop-up top and comes out clean and purified. The Pure Water 2Go 16-ounce Sport Bottle is sized just right to fit standard bike racks and the drink holders in most cars. The filtering system is light-weight, so it’s super-convenient to take with you wherever you go.

Pure Water 2Go offers an entire line of water-filtering products including shower heads, canteen filters, disinfecting tablets and even biological filters that will remove bacteria and protozoan parasites. You don’t have to go to a third-world nation to find yourself without potable water. All it takes is a power failure that shuts down your municipal water-treatment plant. Most of us have been there at one time or another and heard the warnings that we needed to boil our water before using it. If you’ve ever found yourself in that situation you know just how important clean water can be. Pure Water 2Go can help you be prepared and save you the expense of bottled water. Makes sense to me. Check them out!

Technorati Tags: bottled water, filtered water, Pure Water 2Go, water filtering systems

December 27, 2007

Your Time to Care

It took me several days to watch the entire presentation of Your Time to Care, a DVD from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America eStore. The presentation is 142 minutes long, no longer than many movies, so I certainly could have watched in in one sitting. It was emotionally-charged for me, though, and I found that I needed breaks in between viewing sessions. The DVD is intended to provide an understanding of how to provide in-home care for individuals with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. I think it does an exemplary job of accomplishing its stated task, but I also think it’s applicable to a much wider audience. My long-time readers know that I was my father’s primary caregiver in his last year. He did not have Alzheimer’s. He had had multiple strokes. His brain still functioned much as it had throughout his adult life, but his body had become a damaged vessel. The DVD helps caregivers learn how to deal with the memory loss, confusion and acting out that many Alzheimer’s patients exhibit, but it also addresses the physical needs of anyone who is unable to take care of themselves. I found myself spiraling out of control emotionally as I watched lessons in encouraging someone to eat when their body no longer sends hunger signals, and in finding dignified ways to help tend to previously very private acts of toileting and cleanliness. I’ve been there and done that, and I could not help but think that it would have been easier for me and for my father if I’d had this DVD at my disposal back then. I had instructions from doctors and nurses and nutritionists, but the step-by-step, day-to-day care issues were never addressed. I had to learn as I went along what worked and what didn’t. I’m reminded of the terrible day that I had to call 911. I had left my father alone on the toilet. He slipped and became wedged between the toilet and the tub and I could not get him up. It was horrifying for both of us, and a blow to his dignity to have strangers see him in such circumstances. Having had lessons in daily care would have spared us both that experience because I would have learned a simple lesson: don’t leave him alone in situations where he could fall. I could cite numerous examples of how the DVD presentation could have made our lives better, but I think the one suffices. I heartily recommend Your Time to Care to anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, of course, but also for caregivers taking care of adults with other diseases or limitations. I would not give up the time my father and I had together for any amount of money, but I wish I had had more knowledge about his needs during that time. I truely think this DVD could have made it a much easier time for both of us.

You can help support the mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America by shopping at their eStore. If you’re a procrastinator like me and still have a holiday gift or two to buy, please consider giving their lovely jewelry or something from their AFA quilt logo product line. Take a look at the DVD while you’re there, too. If you’re not a caregiver, you probably know someone else who is. I can think of no more meaningful gift than one that provides a caregiver with the basic tools they need as they tend to a loved one. My copy will be going soon to a friend who is caring for her mother, who has Alzheimer’s. I can’t change my own past experience, but I’m happy to be able to provide them with a practical guide that will make their lives safer and more pleasant.

Technorati Tags: Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, caregiving, home care

December 26, 2007

The day after

I was proud of my holiday table. A basket of cuttings from my rosemary bush simulated fir and surrounded some candles. Bundles of cinnamon sticks and a couple of cheery votive candles framed the basket. My oversized Christmas snowglobe completed the arrangement. I thought it lookied rather festive on the red tablecloth, and I used rectangles of the red and green plaid wrapping paper you can see in the background for no-fuss placemats. Too Martha Stewart? Well, I liked it anyway.

I noticed shortly after I finished arranging it that my left eye was itchy. By time we sat down to eat I could tell it was getting puffy. This has happened with increasing frequency over the last few years and I’ve learned to pretty much ignore it, or take benedryl if it gets out of hand. The puffiness increased greatly overnight. I knew the moment I awoke this morning what I would see in the mirror. It feels like a bag of water had been inserted under the skin of my lid, weighing it down. Still itches like the devil, of course. I don’t know if rosemary now needs to added to my list of allergies or if I got bitten by one of the mosquitos that swarmed out of the bush when I was getting my cuttings. I hope it was a mosquito. I could live without them, but I’d rather not give up my rosemary.

I’ve taken the benedryl I should have taken last night before bedtime. It will kick in in a little while. I’ll spend the rest of the day listless and groggy, with a long nap being inevitable. My list of chores for today won’t be reduced by much. I wanted to put away some of the holiday clutter, do some laundry and give the kitchen a post-cooking-frenzy scrub. I need to clean the gecko poop off of the car and should really shop for car covers so the geckos can play without causing me so much work. I thought I’d get all of that done and still have time to watch one of the movie DVDs that my Santa/friends brought. Ah, well - maybe tomorrow!

Technorati Tags: allergies, chores, eyes, gecko poop, holiday centerpiece

December 2, 2007

Chemo Angels

“Chemo Angels is a volunteer organization dedicated to adding a ray of sunshine to the lives of those undergoing IV chemo treatment. We believe people going through the physical, emotional and mental rigors of chemotherapy deserve some encouragement. Many of our Chemo Angel volunteers are cancer survivors themselves, or people whose lives have been affected by cancer in some way. Our common denominator is a desire to brighten the lives of cancer patients while they are going through this challenging time.”
~from the Chemo Angels welcome page~

Back in the 1980s my mother had a recurrence of the breast cancer we thought she had defeated. The prospect of facing chemotherapy, radiation and possible surgery again was very disheartening for her. She was devastated when the chemo made her so weak she could no longer handle the stairs in her own home and she had to move in with me. It was a horrendous time for the entire family, but there were bright spots that helped all of us, most especially her, get through it. The women from her Bible class visited regularly. When she lost her appetite they made all of her favorite foods to tempt her into eating (it worked!) Throughout her treatment she received cards and letters and small gifts that told her that someone was thinking of her and wishing her well. Those women were true angels, reminding Mom on a regular basis that she mattered, and that others cared about her and the ordeal she was going through. That’s why the work of Chemo Angels caught my attention. Chemotherapy is emotionally and physically exhausting. It really bolstered Mom’s spirits to know that people who didn’t have to care did anyway and so willingly gave of themselves to help her through a tough time. Mom eventually lost her battle, but I’m convinced that her special angels were a blessing to her and brought her great comfort. Eveyone undergoing chemothearapy should have that!

You don’t have to live in the same neighborhood to provide that kind of support (minus the personal visits) for someone undergoing chemotherapy. You can do it by becoming a Chemo Angel. It requires a level of committment so they ask you to consider other obligations you may have before you sign on. You’ll need to know that you can send a card or a letter each week for the duration of the patient’s treatment, and to send a few small gifts. Your patient may come to rely on your support, so consider helping in other ways if that level of involvement is beyond you. There are Chemo Angel programs that allow you to help with monetary support or even by donating cars, cell phones and used ink cartridges which the organization will recycle (green support!) There’s a companion program for Senior Angels, too, for those who want to bring some good cheer into the lives of older folks. Check out their guidelines to become a Chemo Angel or to submit your own name or someone else’s for the supportive attention of a personal Chemo Angel or Senior Angel!

Mahalo to my pal Chuck Foxtrot for donating his prize review to this worthy cause, and to Pelf for helping me find them!

Technorati Tags: charities, Chemo Angels, chemotherapy

December 1, 2007

World AIDS Day 2007

AIDS-related afflictions remain among the leading causes of death globally, killing 2.1 million in 2007. The Honolulu Advertiser

Why is this still happening? We have AIDS education campaigns. We see millions of dollars being poured into medicine, research and educational campaigns. Why does AIDS continue to spread and claim lives? One part of the equation is that we humans are frail creatures. We do things that we know are bad for us. We do things that we know can kill us. I’m still smoking. I hate it that I do, and that I have not been able to quit. The urge to inject drugs and to give in to the impulse to have unprotected sex reflect the same lack of control. All of the prevention campaigns in the world are not going to stop human beings from behaving like human beings. Does that mean that I think all of the efforts being made are useless? A resounding NO! There are a lot of folks who have come of age since the AIDS crisis started who have never had unprotected sex. People with HIV-positive partners are remaining disease-free because they are practicing safe sex. There are actually junkies out there using donated needles and cleaning kits. It’s reasonable to assume that educational programs and AIDS prevention kits have lowered the number of people who would have become HIV-positive without them. But it’s not enough and will never be enough to wipe out AIDS or to prevent new cases from occurring. The only thing that can end AIDS is a cure, and we’re not even close. We can treat the symptoms and delay the onset of the ravages of the disease, but we still can’t cure it. AIDS is still spreading and will continue to spread as long as there is one active case anywhere in the world. Nelson Mandela alluded to this in his speech today at a concert in Johannesburg:

“It is still alarming that for every person who receives treatment there are four others who are newly infected,” said the nobel laureate, after slowly walking to the podium with the aid of his wife and a walking stick.

South Africa has the world’s worst rate of HIV, according to recent UN statistics, with around 5.5 million people infected out of a population of 48 million.

It’s an overwhelming situation that can make us feel hopeless if we let it. What can we, as individuals do to combat such a huge problem? I believe that there are things that each of us can and should do.

We can protect ourselves. If you’re reading this post, you know how to not get AIDS, right? Be smart. Just in case you don’t know, my friend Pelf has provided that information.

We can give. Medical research is horrendously expensive. So are the programs that provide care and support to those who are HIV-positive. There are so many good causes that cry out to us each day. We each need to decide for ourselves where our charitable donations will do the most good. I prioritize for organizations that help children, but AIDS-related charities are high on my list. There are hundreds or groups that are combating AIDS and helpings those who are living with AIDS/HIV. I urge you to find one that you believe is doing good work and to support it.

We can act locally. Almost every community has organizations that provide education, pass out condoms and needle-cleaning kits and support those living with HIV/AIDS. They provide everything from food to medical care to companionship. They need bodies to carry out their programs as much as they need money. Do you have some time you can give? Wouldn’t today be a good day to start doing that?

We can urge our leaders to support AIDS/HIV-related research. Money and legislation can move us forward or can be a huge stumbling block. Today UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on world leaders to move mountains:

While “tangible and remarkable” progress has been made in a number of areas, including reducing infections and providing care, Mr. Ban emphasized the need to do more on several fronts.

“It is our crucial mission to ensure that everyone can access HIV prevention, treatment, care and support,” he said, recalling the pledge made by all Governments last year to work towards universal access by 2010.

Let your leaders know that you want your tax dollars to be prioritized to include more money for AIDS/HIV programs. Tell them you want them to support such programs locally, nationally and globally. Remind them that you vote. Their political careers depend on your support. Tell them what you want in exchange for your support at the polls.

Personalize it. There are still people in the world today who think that AIDS cannot and will not touch them or anyone that they know or love. Do you think that you don’t know anyone who has been touched by the AIDS epidemic? If so, you’re wrong. You know me. My bother died of AIDS. I urge all of my blogging friends to read Eddie’s story and to share your own stories. Put faces and names and lives to this terrible epidemic. Don’t let anyone make the mistake of assuming that AIDS only impacts “other people.” WE ARE THOSE OTHER PEOPLE.

Please, please, please support sex education in our schools. I saved this point for last because I know it’s a sticky one that will offend some of my readers. You don’t have to put your children in those classes if that would go against your beliefs, but please don’t block their availability to other children within your community. Don’t confuse your religious beliefs with worldly reality. Every child deserves access to sex education and AIDS prevention programs. Continue to teach morality-based decision making at home and within your religious community. Continue to teach and urge abstinance. Those are good things and I believe that your children will be better off for having been exposed to them. But please, don’t be an ostrich. Acknowledge that your own well-intentioned children are susceptible to temptation, as are their peers. Arm them with prevention education, and encourage your community to make sex education and HIV/AIDS prevention information available through the public school system. It’s the only place that some children will be exposed to it. It’s the right thing to do.

Technorati Tags: AIDS, HIV, World AIDS Day 2007