MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'family fun'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:14:23 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992699&cid=t_195774_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1711 This is my column in July’s EM News.  Have a restful day! http://journals.lww.com/em-news/Fulltext/2011/07000/Second_Opinion__A_Rest_for_the_Heart.10.aspx We travel to Hilton Head, SC, every spring for an ‘end of school-year’ vacation. It is a tradition that started several years ago; one which our family treasures. We plan months ahead, when we arrange lodging. Then, as the date draws closer we have to restrain ourselves from jumping up and down at odd, inappropriate times. The beach calls to us in an inexplicable way. We live in a beautiful county, surrounded by mountains and lakes. It is, in itself, a worthy destination, perfect for biking, hiking, fishing and/or kayaking. But when May rolls around, our eyes turn to the east, and we long for the sand and sea. It is on... edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992699 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 22:24:09 +0100 4992699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934181&cid=t_195774_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1668 My wife was in New York City with her girlfriends last week.  Which meant I was in charge of the house, dogs and especially, the kids.  Believe it or not, I love taking care of my family!  Though I’m pretty bad at laundry, I am a passable cook, I can order carry-out with practiced skill, I make sure everyone changes clothes, brushes their teeth and behaves in a (relatively) civilized manner. The kids and I have great discussions, watch movies, read, laugh and play.  We usually sleep in my bedroom, like a bunch of large gerbils with blankets strewn everywhere.  I like to think that, as dad’s go, I’m pretty fun.  While we miss mama, we always have a good time when it’s papa time. But fun isn’t everything, is it?  Upon her return, one of my children went t... edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934181 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:39:10 +0100 4934181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298636&cid=t_195774_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1402 I have long been a man who has found it difficult to sit still.  My life has been one of near constant activity.  Whether working, playing with the children, writing or just walking around the house and yard, I do not sit, I move. Until this month.  My wife’s cancer diagnosis stopped me in my tracks.  Just over three weeks into our adventure, we have a diagnosis and plan, and have great hope for a cure.  But I still find myself slower, less busy, less driven. I have dismissed unnecessary activities and projects from my already busy life.  I have resigned from some positions.  I have done less, by far, than I ordinarily would have this time of year. And I believe it has been one of the blessings that Jan said might be hidden in her diagnosis.  She has always understood rest, s... edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298636 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:48:14 +0100 4298636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233191&cid=t_195774_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1376 Here’s my column in yesterday’s Greenville News.  ‘The Real Sometimes Collides with the Ideal.’ Or my personal title, ‘the dangers of house-porn.’ My wife and I were sitting and chatting about the holidays last week. She was thumbing through that most terrifying of all magazines, ‘Southern Living.’ I’m sure you’ve seen it. The pages are meant to represent the elegance and culture of the modern South. It is filled with beautiful photos of spotless homes, with neat, well-arranged furniture and sparkling floors and counter-tops. The food in the kitchens is stored like art-work. The porches, the verandas as clean and perfect as the day the builders and painters shook hands, collected checks and walked away. Where humans appear, they... edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233191 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:26:18 +0100 4233191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993928&cid=t_195774_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1288 Doctor Dagger Carves Up and Serves the Benefits of Rural EM Practice An Interview with Edwin Leap, MD, Featured Speaker at 2010 Scientific Assembly Rural Section Meeting Randolph Knight, MD July 21, 2010 The alternating rise and fall of the bellows, steady airflow of a hand-cranked blower and sudden metallic clangs do not mean that this rural Emergency Medicine physician is using steam-engine technology to ventilate a critical patient. Dr. Edwin Leap is just having fun with his children, in a way that only a small-town practice could provide.  In his free time away from a full-time position at Oconee Medical Center in Seneca, South Carolina, Leap enjoys blacksmithing in the forge he has erected on his 60-acre farm.  He lives on the farm with his wife Jan and four children and a number of... edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993928 Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:37:42 +0100 3993928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3891674&cid=t_195774_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1248 Hi dear readers!  Here’s my farewell to summer column; it’s in today’s Greenville News. Enjoy! Well, the blackberries are tiny, hard balls on the bushes.  The dogs never come out from under the porch, except at night.  The pool is now the temperature of a very large hot-tub and the wind has all but ceased to blow here.  School supplies have been purchased and  both children and parents are ready to get back to the work of education.  Summer is nearing its end             It feels for all the world as if I stepped in some kind of time-machine on Memorial Day, and was hurled forward to August.  But fast as it was, I do remember some things that are worth passing on to you, my sweltering, exhausted friends.             First of all, a few thought... edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3891674 Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:15:53 +0100 3891674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3676668&cid=t_195774_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1177 My wife and sons have been in Louisiana on a mission trip.  So, my daughter Elysa and I have been enjoying a week of papa/daughter time.  Despite the fact that we miss the rest of the Leap family immensely, we have enjoyed our days and nights.  And one of the things we’ve enjoyed most has been our evening swims. Around 7 PM, we slip into the pool.  The sun is going down behind the Blue Ridge Mountains, and sometimes light streams through broken clouds, leaving golden halos around the water vapor suspended far above us as we float in its related, liquid H2O.  Tonight, even Ajax the dog paused and looked up, taking it all in with the kind of perfect peace only a dog can enjoy; right before running into the woods to chase something and immediately forgetting whatever sublime emotio... edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3676668 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 01:35:36 +0100 3676668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3665944&cid=t_195774_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F183245%2F Want to take a summer trip? Check out Ontario – you could even win a free trip there for you and your family. Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3665944 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:46:28 +0100 3665944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662680&cid=t_195774_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1170 Conclusion:   Dogs don’t like to be shot by pellets; even ones moving at an almost pointless 150 feet per second.  Dogs use their keen intellect and natural skills to associate the sound of the gun and the thump of the pellet hitting them, with the maniacally happy man on the bicycle. Report:  After initial salvo, dogs remained under bushes when we returned. Problem solved.  Aren’t dogs smart?  And ain’t science cool? Edwin (Source: edwinleap.com) edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662680 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:41:36 +0100 3662680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648455&cid=t_195774_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fsponsored-post-escape-to-ontario-%25e2%2580%2593-the-museums-and-mazes-contest%2F WIN the Museums and Mazes Contest! Only in Ottawa can you come face-to-face with a prehistoric creature one day, then name a newborn calf in an urban farm the next. You’ll also try to find your way through a theme park’s collection of outdoor mazes, and then explore a world-class museum’s collection of never-before-seen artifacts. Enter now and yours could be the lucky family to do all this and more on a summer adventure in Canada’s capital. Enter today and your family of four could be the one to enjoy: A three-night stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Downtown Ottawa A $2,000 Family Travel Allowance Admission to the Canadian Museum of Nature and a gift shop welcome basket A guided tour through the Canada Science and Technology Museum, including a be... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648455 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:37:26 +0100 3648455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3610333&cid=t_195774_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1148 Here is my column in today’s Greenville News.  They haven’t put it online, so you’ll have either read it in the actual paper, or here.  Have a great day! Edwin I believe, sometimes, that one of my children is misplaced in time. Seth, who is 13, loves things ancient. He plays the bagpipes and does it well. He reads mythology and memorizes it. He hopes to one day learn to read Anglo-Saxon. He would love to have a falcon and he looks longingly at long-bows. I suspect that somewhere in the time-line, a family in medieval Scotland is struggling with a son who keeps writing the word ‘KOMPUOOTER,’ and who is ceaselessly trying to generate electricity in their stream. Anyway, several years ago Seth began a quest that grabbed us all. He came to me one day and asked... edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3610333 Fri, 28 May 2010 18:51:14 +0100 3610333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607508&cid=t_195774_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1144 Here on this balcony, in Hilton Head, South Carolina, the wind is cool, the air typically thick with humidity and my wife is reading a novel by my side.  Inside the rental, our children are winding down after days of sun, sand and sea.  Their bodies scrubbed pink by salt water and ocean breezes, their faces glowing with sun; my daughter’s lovely blond hair more blond than usual. I am on leave, in a sense.  I am not, however, in the armed forces.  Furthermore, I am not at a conference or working at all (except for a little writing, which is as much breath as work).  I am, in fact, celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary on a trip suggested and planned by my love.  I have accomplished little that the world would view as substantial this week.  I viewed it as a kind of sabbath. ... edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607508 Thu, 27 May 2010 23:18:39 +0100 3607508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552251&cid=t_195774_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1117 Is there anything more wonderful than date-night with the one you love?  Jan and I went out last night.  It was a cold, rainy May evening, and we drove down the dark highway in my truck.  The bench seat is wonderful, because she can sit right next to me, where she has been for nearly 26 years now. We were in jackets, and asked to sit next to the fire at the Copper River Restaurant.  Exhausted from a crazy weekend, we exhaled and ordered chips and cheese-dip, then dined on soup.  When we finished, we sat a while longer, our drinks refilled by our attentive waiter.  And we reflected, planned, laughed and told stories.  We discussed the year past and the year to come.  We basked in one another as we basked in the warmth. If you do not take date-nights, you are making a mistake.  Marr... edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552251 Tue, 11 May 2010 15:31:33 +0100 3552251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420568&cid=t_195774_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2F-nSGu_fgE_E%2F I’m taking a break from the normal post today for two reasons: We are on vacation for a quick week in Marco Island, Florida! There is a contest at Lydia’s Uniforms blog for the best of the top 25 nursing blogs. First of all, the pictures are of my two sons, Ryland (22) and Kingsley (14).  Ryland is pictured with the longer hair; Kingsley is my ‘little’ one with shorter hair.  The picture of all three includes my father, Jerry (84).  He has rented a condominium here every winter for the last 28 years to get out of the beastly cold in Iowa!  He stated this was the coldest winter in southern Florida that he can remember in all of those years.  My youngest son was watching the news on the computer last night and learned that our home town had just received another ‘last blast�... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420568 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:29:46 +0100 3420568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3294819&cid=t_195774_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fhappiness-comes-cheap-even-for-millionaires%2F Simple happiness The best stress busters are the cheapest A bar of chocolate, a long soak in the bath, a snooze in the middle of the afternoon, a leisurely stroll in the park. These are the things that make us the most happy, according to new research from The University of Nottingham. In a study commissioned by the National Lottery, Dr Richard Tunney of the University’s School of Psychology found that it’s the simple things in life that impact most positively on our sense of well being. The study compared the ‘happiness levels’ of lottery jackpot winners with a control group, using a ‘Satisfaction with Life Scale’ developed by the University of Illinois. Respondents were asked how satisfied they were in relation to different elements of their life, thei... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3294819 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:34:00 +0100 3294819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208700&cid=t_195774_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdance-humor-for-recovery%2F Judy recently shared the following on her Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) e-mail group. I found it so useful that I asked her to allow it to be published here. Judy readily agreed. Good morning group, When I read the daily reading on losing a sense of humour it reminded me … I had to learn to play. When I came to ACA some of the members encouraged me to play by asking what I had never done as a child that I wanted to do. I wanted to learn to roller skate and I wanted a bicycle. I went out and bought a used pair of skates and a used bike. My friends took me roller skating and held my hand around the rink until I could go it alone. It was fun but what I discovered was that what I really wanted to do was dance. I gave away my skates and took dance lessons and I’ve been dancing for... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208700 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:47:13 +0100 3208700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3123522&cid=t_195774_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FaE0B1doGxeI%2F 9 Recovery Destinations What does Letting Go Mean? Detachment From the Alcoholic, Addict 12th Step Works Recovery Promises to … Overeater? Alcoholic or Not? Which One to Feed? Choc Chip Cookies Denial & Defence Behavior The HBO Addiction Program Do You Have an Ego? What’s Your Emotional IQ? Have a Laugh Does AA Work? What is AA? Early Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse Alcoholic, Addictive Behaviors Compulsive Gambling Are there Patterns to Denial Behavior? Do Jew’s become Alcoholic? Emotions Anonymous Are Families Affected by Alcoholism? ACOA’s have Strengths as well Is Sex Better than Masturbation? What are the Styles of Enablers? Self-will run riot Are there ‘Normal’ Sexual Attitudes? Are you a Sexaholic? Can you get Hep C by Having Sex? The Horse Whisperer; O... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3123522 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:10:17 +0100 3123522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2899184&cid=t_195774_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E5%2FMEkQUSPH0h8%2Faet9 I’ve got another free book for you today, but you might not want it. My wife has come down with the Swine Flu. No, she hasn’t sneezed & coughed all over the books. Actually, my wife is allergic to reading—gives her hives. She stays away from most literature (although recently she read a street sign. We were very excited for her). That means your free book would be safe, but I’ll soak the book in disinfectant before I mail it to you just to put your mind at ease. I was amazed, however, at the manner in which the hospital treated my wife. There wasn’t any emergency room staff within sight and they apparently treated her via intercom. A stick holding a mask was pushed her way from someone hiding in the ceiling. She was in and out within twenty minutes. In fact, they pushed her ... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2899184 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:00:02 +0100 2899184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382806&cid=t_195774_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2F-JuTRWh4hPA%2Fmy-secret-to-eternal-youth.html Never grow up. You'll live longer.Every ten days or so I update the @SplinteredMind avatar over on Twitter. I try to keep them zany or comical. These are two rejects. My wife didn't like them. I can't imagine why…I had fun taking them, however. Taking silly pictures of myself is one way I keep Depression at bay. And we can't have people actually respecting me now, can we? I'd hate to ruin a good thing.Like reading The Splintered Mind? Share articles with your friends, link from your blog, or subscribe! (Source: The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey) The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382806 Sat, 02 May 2009 11:29:35 +0100 2382806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2216724&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FinDXj4-gywg%2F As I was writing an article for my Country Kitchen blog, Food Memories in Community Cookbooks, I was swamped with memories of Mother in her pre-Alzheimer’s years.  Actually I have two cookbooks published by the church we attended when I was a child, one from my mother-in-law’s church, and another published by the nursing home where Mother resided.  These cookbooks represent different eras in my life and those of my family.  They bring back memories of neighbors, Sunday school teachers, family members and several at the nursing home.  I recall occasions when many of the recipes were served. If you have any of these community cookbooks in which your Alzheimer’s family member participated, perhaps browsing through them with her would help spark memories and conversation.... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2216724 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:32:29 +0100 2216724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2206801&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F8baI-3hOqqA%2F Winter break from school has arrived for the grandkids.  We’re also digging out from a blizzard that left 12-16 inches of snow, depending on whether it drifted or not.  Along with show shoveling tasks, reading is on the agenda today. We are a family of readers in our multi-generational home (grandfather, granny, mom, dad and the two children).  Books abound around the house, the library is a fun place to visit, bookstores (new and used) hold a fascination, and online bookstores are enjoyable to access. Reading in an Alzheimer’s World My mother was a reader, too, and could sit midst clutter in her kitchen and read before the woodstove.  When any of us remarked that there were dishes to be washed, etc., Mother replied, “The chores will always be there.  But I might not... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2206801 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:06:06 +0100 2206801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188101&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F8weNatw-QRU%2F Happy Valentine’s Day!   May this be a special day for you.  We have been enjoying Valentine’s Day flowers, cards and candy.  This was a fun day at school yesterday with the Valentine parties.  Today the children in our household are enjoying it, too. How have you been celebrating?  Is the Alzheimer’s patient in your family enjoying this day, too?  My mom always made a special occasion of Valentine’s Day when my siblings and I were young.  Even in her Alzheimer’s years, as long as she was aware of the day, she wanted me to help her send valentines to family members. Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, celebrations, Happy Valentine's Day, holiday, making valentines, Mary Allen, Mary Emma Allen, Valentine's Day, ValentinesShare This (Source: Alzheimer's ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188101 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:27:33 +0100 2188101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2134803&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FxZYcontxhX4%2F The Food Bloggers have some up with some more recipes that may help you create interesting meals.  Alphabet Cake Pan Personalize your birthday cake with an alphabet cake pan. Make their initials, or their age in cake!  Busy Family Meals Vindaloo sauce can be used to flavor meats, but we like it best as a vegetarian delight! Chocolate Covered Buttercrunch Bars                                                                                                       Chocolate and buttercrunch treats made with a surprise ingredient. Cooking Gadgets Space saving genius: collapsible colanders! Horehound Drops A herbal home remedy for a sore throat or cough. Old Woodenware Stirs Memories Mary Em... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2134803 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:56:12 +0100 2134803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2097987&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F8iCSfVuZnX8%2F We’ve chatted before about helping your Alzheimer’s patient create memories and the pleasure this can bring the whole family.  I mentioned in that post the use of photos to stimulate memories or give you both something to chat about. You also may want to play around with your photos…making faded ones more visible, correcting mistakes in current ones, cropping them, printing just one or two people from a group, etc. My daughter has been having fun playing with her Christmas gift, Photoshop Elements 7, as she experiments with photos and gets ideas for her quilting and fabric art. It’s amazing what all can be done with photos to improve them, to combine them, and to give them new looks. However, we both see possibilities for our family photos…current ones and ol... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2097987 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:49 +0100 2097987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2087056&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FLFpL0e3frfo%2F I mentioned National Bird Day on Monday and related how my mom enjoyed watching the birds and listening to their songs when she was in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s.  As her illness advanced, then her recognition of birds was only fleeting. To extend the pleasure of birdwatching for Alzheimer’s patients, children if they’re in the house, as well as yourself, I’ve researched some books for all ages and posted them on my One Book Two Book blog.  You might want to stop by to check them out, Bird Books: Stories, Information and Fun. My mom probably would have looked at the cover of this board book and began reminiscing with me about raising ducks and ducklings on our farm.  We had a brook that ran between the house and barn where the ducks liked to swim.  We did... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2087056 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:30:44 +0100 2087056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075065&cid=t_195774_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwomen-like-skills-and-abilities-in-men-not-dominance%2F This study is published in the December 2008 issue of Personal Relationships. To view the abstract for this article, please click here. Source: Blackwell Publishing Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075065 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:13:48 +0100 2075065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2061124&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F3iL4EZOF_vo%2F  Handmade Gifts  I grew up in the era of handmade or homemade gifts.  Sometimes this was because we and our relatives didn’t have the money to purchase many from the store or mail order catalog.  Often it simply was because we liked to make something special and the recipients enjoyed these gifts.  In later years, when I had a family, we made gifts for my mom and for my mother-in-law as well as others.  One Christmas, my daughter Beth stitched my mother a lap quilt.  Mother always had enjoyed quilts although she hadn’t made any since she was a child.   She seemed to enjoy this gift, even though she had Alzheimer’s and resided in a nursing home.  She would finger the pattern and pieces and comment, “Pretty.”  My mother-in-law asked Beth to ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2061124 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:52:44 +0100 2061124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2011254&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FbxLXoE5JQ-0%2F Tea Parties My grandchildren and I enjoyed tea parties with my mom when she resided in the nursing home.  They became a ritual, even after Mother no longer really knew what it was all about.  She smiled and chattered and seemed to enjoy the children.  From this evolved memories the youngsters and I shall treasure. Why not plan tea parties for your family members in the nursing home?  Victorian tea parties can be such fun. Read about one my friend planned for her mother at Seasoned Citizen Activities.  You may enjoy organizing one for a family member.  Perhaps you can find someone who does this on a regular basis…hosting tea parties. (Image from Art of Appreciation Gourmet Gift Baskets) Related Posts: Tea Parties for Alzheimer’s Patients Tea Time at Alzheimer’s No... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2011254 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:47:31 +0100 2011254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1990978&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FeVgaUjTzO6Q%2F Snowy Day We woke up to 5 inches of snow this morning and wondered if school would be delayed.  However, when the grandchildren checked (we live in a three generation household), it was school as usual for them and substitute teaching for me.  Snow can interest Alzheimer’s patients, too, as long as they don’t have to go out into it.  I can remember ,when Mother lived with Jim and me, having to get her up on a snowy morning and take her to daycare so I could go to my teaching work.  In these cases, snow may look lovely, but can be a challenge when you need to transport an Alzheimer’s patient.  (These were the days before the rest of our family lived with Jim and me.) The youngsters in the classes I taught were excited by this actual snowfall since we’d only ha... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1990978 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:00:58 +0100 1990978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1952064&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FXWZYBKibypM%2F Quilting Quilting often is a family project and one that has memories for the Alzheimer’s patient as well.  If they can’t participate, they may reminisce or simply express interest in the colors and activity. I made quilts with my grandmother when I was eight-years old.  My daughter and granddaughter became involved in this art at a young age. My mom told us about sewing and making quilts when she was as young as six-years old.  So, even in her Alzheimer’s years, she showed an interest in quilts even though she could no longer do quilting. I’ve compiled a list of Fascinating Quilting/Fabric Art Books, at my Quilting and Patchwork blog Pages.  These will remain as a resource for my readers’ future use and referral. Do you have favorite quilting and f... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1952064 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:00:26 +0100 1952064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1924587&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FC3ZkVz5kRH4%2F Family Memories Are Precious Do you have Halloween memories connected with your Alzheimer’s family member?  Memories you can share with your children and grandchildren?  Perhaps memories your Alzheimer’s patient will still understand. Share these memories with your family so they see a side of the Alzheimer’s member not evident today.  They will realize he/she was not always a forgetful, non-functioning person. My Mom and Halloween My mom enjoyed Halloween with us four children.  She helped us make jack-o-lanterns, draw pictures, dunk for apples.  Mother assisted us with making costumes and drove us trick-or-treating. (In our farming community, the houses were fairly far apart.) One year, when there was a town Halloween party at the community hall, Mother made hers... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1924587 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:00:12 +0100 1924587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1879993&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FlnEg4S2dCEc%2F AlzheimersNotes.com As I gaze at the colorful foliage of autumn around my New Hampshire home, I’m reminded of my mother’s love of this time of year.  We were surrounded by pasture and woodlands at the farm where I grew up and where Mother lived for more than 50 years.  She always called our attention to the autumn colors in the woods and field and garden.  Some corn stalks lingered in the field beyond the barn.  Pumpkins and squash, ready for picking, added color to the garden near the house.  As Mother developed Alzheimer’s, she still enjoyed the autumn leaves and harvest.  I recall one autumn of taking her for drives through the colorful countryside near her home.  She talked about that for days afterward, whenever she remembered.  It was an event that still br... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1879993 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:18:34 +0100 1879993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873146&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F4sCXTPmaeJk%2F AlzheimersNotes.com QuiltingAndPatchwork.com Join the Arts Bloggers for fall creations and other projects.  These may be activities your Alzheimer’s family member may enjoy as well.  If he/she can’t participate, watching you often provides pleasure, too.  My mom enjoyed anything that had to do with the colorful autumn leaves. Celebrate fall colors Tangled Thread is inspired by fall colors to create a new fall flower wall hanging. Change Your Writing Tools Encouragement to use differernt writing tools in your journal Layers Upon Layers Come see some of the work that has arrived at the home of the “Ties That Bind” collaborative art project, raising money for ovarian cancer research.  Make It Pink Challenge at CraftStylish Upload your pink craft project to CraftS... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873146 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:00:32 +0100 1873146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1769011&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FE0FEFhLmhe4%2F AlzheimersNotes.com “NO WAY!” you say.  “I don’t want to remember them with Alzheimer’s.” I might have thought this, if I’d taken time to think about it.  However, now I’m glad I did take those photos, not necessarily of Mother and Auntie alone, but with other family members on special occasions. As I’ve had time to reflect, over the six years since Mother died and even more since Auntie’s death, I realize this period of Mother’s life is the only one in which my grandchildren (her great grands) knew her.  They enoyed visiting her at the nursing home and interacting with this elderly lady. When they reminisce about these times, it’s not with sadness, but with joy and laughter.  I have no right to take these memorie... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1769011 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:55:10 +0100 1769011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1723538&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FQQEYdNfK2rk%2F AlzheimersNotes.com  Do you need cheer?  Do you need uplifting?  Do you need simply to read some lovely stories?  The giveaway this month at another of my blogs, Quilting and Patchwork, is just the answer. It consists Heartwarmers of Spirit, an anthology concerning Triumphs over Life’s Challenges, edited by Azriela Jaffe.  I have a story published in this book, “My Ray of Cheer on Dancing Tiptoe.” It concerns the cheer my granddaughter provided when I was in a body case, recovering from a broken back.  She became my little lifeline. Check out the giveaway details at Quilting and Patchwork. (Amazon image; click here for details) (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: , Alzheimer's Note, Alzheimers, giveaway, health, Mary Allen, Mary Emma, Mary Emma Allen, Quilting and Patc... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1723538 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:00:23 +0100 1723538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1720455&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FGhBpA1abDvE%2F AlzheimersNotes.com While we’re on the topic of Harry Potter (see the post about Susan Gunelius and her book on the Harry Potter global phenomenon), why not take a look at a related book by J.R. Rowling?  If you and anyone in your caregiver’s family are Harry Potter fans, you’re probably intrigued by any reference to a new book. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.R. Rowling, is a book of fairy tales written to supplement the Harry Potter series.  It will be published in two new editions, the Standard and Collector’s, on December 4, 2008.   (However, it’s available for pre-order now at the above links.) Collector’s Edition (Amazon images; click on them for details) (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, fairy tales, Harry Pot... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1720455 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:00:34 +0100 1720455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1720456&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FMB_uh3kya10%2F Theme Day at the b5 media Health & Wellness channel centers around the topic of Summer Fun. Hosted by Lib at Healthbolt, the round-up offers some last minute, end -of-summer suggestions.  Check out what our bloggers have to say: At Healthbolt Lib and Liz believe you should be able to laugh a little about your health, and thus, would like to introduce you to the Laryngospasms. Enjoy. While it’s often difficult for Alzheimer’s caregivers to plan for summer fun, Mary Emma Allen has some ideas at Alzheimer’s Notes. At Mental Health Notes, Alicia tells us how to find free mood boosters to manage depression and shake things up in the bedroom with Sunshine Can Help Your Brain Grow Big And Strong. Kristina at Autism Vox goes on vacation by the ocean for fun in the sun and surf, and so... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1720456 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:41:31 +0100 1720456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709356&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FSLjo_BV033A%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Are you watching the Olympics?  With Michael Phelps setting Olympic records, swimming will be taking a “front seat” in sports.  More youngsters likely will want to become involved in swimming lessons and events. If you have youngsters in your caregiver’s household, you may find their interest sparked by the Olympics competitions.  Are you all interested in learning more about swimming? Here are a few books about swimming for entertainment and instruction. The Boy Who Wouldn’t Swim Sergio Makes a Splash Learn to Swim Adam Sharp, Swimming with Sharks (a mystery) Freestyle Made Easy Mark Spitz: The Extraordinary Life of an Olympic Champion Golden Girl: How Natalie Coughlin Fought Back (Amazon image;click for details) (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709356 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:54 +0100 1709356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1696327&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FpIpdN9Dbu1A%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Finding opportunities for summer fun (vacations, days at the beach, barbeques with friends, attending the latest movie) often seem limited for Alzheimer’s caregivers.  They’re tied to the home caring for a person they find it difficult to take out with them.  Or it requires a great deal of work to plan and accomplish, whether you’re arranging for care when you’re away or taking them along. *Plan more backyard and at-home activities that the Alzheimer’s patient can watch (or stay in their room if they desire).  More people are aware of Alzheimer’s disease and are more accepting of someone with Alzheimer’s than when Mother and Auntie were ill. *If you have relatives living nearby, arrange exchanges with them.  Sometimes relat... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1696327 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:00:43 +0100 1696327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1693755&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F2pFlWW5S_vw%2F AlzheimersNotes.com  With the Olympics located in China, panda bears come to mind.  There seems to be a fascination with these black and white bears with the black patches around  their eyes.  They’re native to southwestern and central western China.  Because of their distinctive markings, they’ve been a favorite with artists and photographers, as well as writers. These animals become the focus of story books and find their way into art.  Children enjoy reading about them.  Often you’ll find that pictures and picture books entertain Alzheimer’s patients.  Looking at them may initiate conversations and mind activity.   See some suggested books below to entertain youngsters and Alzheimer’s patients alike: Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? Zen... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1693755 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 08:00:06 +0100 1693755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1686370&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2Fnb3SpdPI4Mo%2F AlzheimersNotes.com THURSDAY THIRTEEN “Alzheimer’s patients bringing joy!” you exclaim.  “No way.  That’s a horrible illness for patient and family.’ However, my family and I discovered that caring for Mother and Auntie, although frustrating and time consuming, did bring us joy and laughter.  We hope we contributed pleasure to their Alzheimer’s world, too. Let me share the ways: We all learned to laugh at life and the situation to lighten our load.  “We don’t laugh enough, “ Mother once remarked when we chuckled over some incident brought by Alzheimer’s. Caring for others brings us closer in a different way, I discovered. We learned to appreciate a tea party at the nursing home with three generations. When we stopped... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1686370 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 05:00:27 +0100 1686370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1686371&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FvvEJC7ZlHaA%2F AlzheimersNotes.com If you and your family are following the Olympics and would like some related activities and information, here’s a list of posts that appear on my blogs so far.  My co-bloggers and I will be sharing more in the coming week. Even your Alzheimer’s patient may enjoy watching some of these events even if they don’t fully comprehend.  I imagine many nursing homes will feature the Olympics and even have some special activities.  They did this around special occasions when my mom lived in a nursing home. Also check out the b5media Olympics blog, Light the Torch, by Sandy Mitchell and Jeanne Dupuis for the latest on this big event. Mary Emma’s Olympics Blog Features OneBookTwoBook - Mary Emma Allen & Marcie Pickelsimer (This is Olympics Week at On... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1686371 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:41:19 +0100 1686371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1677267&cid=t_195774_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FpHTts5PZIl0%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Try something different to keep your youngster busy while you care for Grandma or Grandpa.  (Perhaps even the grandparents will enjoy watching.)  In other words…take some time for family fun. In keeping with the theme, Winter in July, at another of my blogs, One Book Two Book , you’ll find a link to instructions for making snowballs.  Then have a snowball toss or “fight.”  (Even though it’s now August, pretend these are snow and will cool you down!  End the session with a snow cone.) No, we didn’t have a freaky snow storm (although back in 1816 there were records of snow in New Hampshire during the “freezing year.”).  Char, at Camp Weary Parent, who collaborates with us on theme weeks, has the idea for Summer Snowb... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1677267 Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:31:13 +0100 1677267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1307762&cid=t_195774_136_f&fid=35288&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmomscancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fcats-we-got-cats.html Here's a late birthday present for my girls, who I know will relate, as will many cat owners: To quote detective Adrian Monk, "I LOL'd out loud."We all had a great birthday weekend, I think. Now back to work for everyone. Kids, quit goofing around online and study for your finals! . (Source: Mom's Cancer Blog) Mom's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1307762 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:39:00 +0100 1307762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=983934&cid=t_195774_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F175977777%2F “Use your fork!” Charlie still says this when he is on the verge of getting very upset and in a state of over-anxiety: This is the result of him being told too many times by some former teaching staff to “use your fork” at lunch time. He is once again back to using the fork and very neatly. Nonetheless, list from McSweeneys that reminds me that there are worse things that can be done than using one’s fingers to get the last bits of ketchup: CERTAIN FOODS AND THE INDIVIDUAL UTENSILS IT IS DIFFICULT TO EAT THEM WITH. BY ERIC VAN UFFELEN - - - - Toasted rice cereal: knife. New York steak: spoon. The majority of soups: fork. Unhusked coconut: chopsticks. I’ll add one: Green salad: chopsticks (though it has and can be done). Share This (Source: Autism Vo... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=983934 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 01:00:32 +0100 983934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=597368&cid=t_195774_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F114837217%2F If you are a little tired of the “puzzle ribbon” as a symbol for the so-called “mystery” of autism, here’s the ribbon all twisted up in a knot, courtesy of dumpr. Or, if you’d rather, here’s the puzzle ribbon as a puzzle. Thanks to Eye on DNA for the psychedelic suggestion. (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=597368 Mon, 07 May 2007 17:00:25 +0100 597368