You’ve probably heard about practicing mindfulness before but what exactly does it mean? In short, mindfulness means that you’re focusing on being rooted in the present moment. It sounds simple enough. But just like any skill, learning to be mindful takes practice and patience. Purpose of Mindfulness Overall, the idea behind mindfulness is being actively ... Read More
Thanksgiving is a time when we show appreciation for our blessings and celebrate the bounties of delicious food with loved ones. Science suggests that it would be good for our mental and physical health to extend this practice of thankfulness throughout the year! After dealing with the coronavirus pandemic for more than three years, we ... Read More
Caring for a loved one can be immensely rewarding, but it can also bring about feelings of guilt, especially when caregivers believe they are falling short of their own expectations or those of others. Coping with caregiver guilt is important for both the caregiver’s well-being and the quality of care they provide. Here are some ... Read More
When you think of getting a vaccination shot, do you immediately remember your childhood? It’s not surprising. After all, one of Normal Rockwell’s most famous paintings is a boy waiting in the doctor’s office, looking at the posted medicine license while the practitioner readies a shot. But the truth is: vaccines protect everyone in every ... Read More
Music is a big part of life! Many of our great moments involve music; birthdays, weddings, and graduations are more enjoyable with great music. Music can invoke a special memory, change your mood, energize you, and make you want to dance. But were you aware that music may impact brain health and sleep quality as ... Read More
Many of us struggle to recall a certain word every now and then. But persistent difficulty with communication may lead to a diagnosis of a condition called aphasia. Aphasia Awareness month was in June, a great time to learn more about this condition and how it is treated. Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects ... Read More
Shirley is a 78-year-old woman who has lived an independent and active life. She raised two children on her own after her husband passed away when they were young, and she has always taken pride in her ability to manage her own affairs. However, as Shirley has aged, she has noticed that some of the ... Read More
There’s a famous song where the singer wails “All by myself…don’t wanna be…all by myself.” But being alone can bring benefits, like building empathy, productivity, creativity, and mental strength. Today, more than one in four adults over age 60 lives alone in the United States; senior women are more likely than senior men to live ... Read More
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is celebrated every year on April 16 to raise awareness about the importance of advance care planning. This day reminds people to think about their future healthcare decisions and encourages them to discuss their preferences with their loved ones, healthcare providers, and legal representatives. Advance care planning is an essential ... Read More
Our feet put up with a lot! They hold our weight, are stuffed in uncomfortable shoes, and get stepped on. We couldn’t walk, run, or dance without them. And as we age, our feet need extra care. Over time our feet flatten, become wider, and the muscle tissue in our feet wears down, causing a ... Read More
Ms. Cusumano,
Thank you for taking time from your schedule to speak with us. Your wealth of information regarding end-of-life care and the decisions associated with it are truly remarkable. Your encouragement to “break the ice and start talking about death” was a profound take away message. You helped us reimagine our approach with those who are chronically ill, realizing dying a good death doesn’t mean we are giving up on them. No one wants to suffer as their life comes to an end, which is why you teaching us about the importance of having an end-of-life plan is so critical. Thank you for helping to open our minds and our hearts.