Issue 3 spring 2014 by CareNovate Magazine

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CareNovate

Magazine Tiffany

Spring 2014 - Issue No. 3

www.carenovatemag.com

Brooks On being a wife, mom, brain injury advocate & family caregiver NFL style

African

a e T Ă¨ GĂ¨l n Fashio

er's m i e h z l A Raisinsge + Dementia Disea wareness A

Respite Care Services Break Time For Caregivers

Depression & Car Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) egivers Get C.A.R.E Tips & Help Today!

What EveryNeed Parent, To Family, Know Caregiver

CareNovate Magazine The offical publication of CareNovate, LLC Spring 2014, Issue #3 www.carenovatemag.com Dr. G. Erowele, Editor in Chief info@carenovate.com Mr. K. Erowele, MBA, Publisher Dr. Ketra Ikezuagu, Dr. Ojey Ikezuagu: Medical Editor/Reviewer Dr. Darlington Erowele Dr U. Ojiaku: Medical Advisors

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Media Kit or info@carenovate.com Question, Comments, Letter to the Editor: info@carenovate.com

CareNovate Magazine is a digital lifestyle & social health publication for the modern chief household o fficer, the caregiver, patient care advocate and baby boomers. CareNovate Magazine is published 4 times per year with special editions by CareNovate, LLC. Opinoins expressed in the articles or advertisement do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. CareNovate Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertsing content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. 2014. Copyright. CareNovate Magazine

Stay Empowered, Inspired & Motivated Editorial Office: 9119 Hwy 6, Suite 230, Missouri City, TX 77459 832.589.007. @Carenmag Facebook.com/carenmag On the cover, picture by Olessya. Pixabay

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SPRING CONTENT IN EVERY ISSUE 4. Editors Note 6. Contributors - Experts 24. Book List.

CAREGIVING 12 Senior Care Living Series - Private Duty 20 Being the Nurse At Home: When Family Caregivers Become Healthcare Workers 21. Austim number surges 40. How to show gratitude

ARTICLES 11 Respite care 18 Top Tweets on Brain Health 22 Secret life of the Brain 26 Impact80 Virtual Summary - 2014 Spring 32 Caregiving & Patient Care Resources Directory 34 Brain games

FEATURES 14. Gele Tea, Fashion, Afternoon Tea, Alzheimer's & Dementia Awareness 29. Depression & Caregiving 37. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) IQ for families & caregivers 42. Hospital Wrist Band Program for Dementia 47. Mrs. Tiffany Brooks, Family Caregiver & TBI, NFL Style 3 Magazine/Issue #3 2014

How do you keep your brain healthy? This issue is really not just about brain health. It is not. Based on CareNovate Magazine's editorial calender for 2014, we were supposed to be providng YOU, our readers with fresh & actionable tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle espcially after the holidays. But then, a caregiver reached out to me via Facebook. She is a wife, mom of two, who is also a family caregiver taking care of her Husband, a former NFL player sufering from the consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI.)

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Days later, a girlfriend from Maryland called me. Her Dad was recently diagnosed with Alzhiemer's. She had so many questions about medications, side effects and more. She became a sandwiched generation caregiver overnight. We suddenly had to pivot our calender, the entire issue. We trust you will find this issue very valuable, informative and engaging. You will also find candid interviews from caregivers and expert tips on depression, truamatic brain injury, dementia and Alzehimer's Disease. You've probably heard the phrase "use it or lose it." Studies have shown that people who are more mentally active or maintain an active cognitive lifestyle throughout their lives are at lower risk for brain degeneration. As it turns out, maintaining a healthy heart means a healthy brain! Reading books, taking on new tasks at work & physical exercise are also great. We will love to hear steps you are taking to keep your brain, body & soul healthy. Remember to visit www.carenovatemag.com. We appreciate your feedback, comments and suggestions. As always, in great health & care,

Dr. Goldina Erowele,

VP/Editor-in-chief. Email: info@carenovate.com. Twitter: carenovatemag Facebook.com/carenmag

ARE YOU WRITER, BLOGGER WITH A HEALTH CARE, CAREGIVING, HEALTH INSURANCE STORY TO TELL? Motivate. Educate. Inspire Others. Learn how you can. >> > CLICK HERE<< < 2014 Magazine/Issue #3

W E L C O M E

CareNovate Caregiver knows when its time to take a break from caregiving role ****

Does not feel gulty asking for help ::::

knows that to be the best at his or her role, must seek support ////

knows that all chores on todays to do list does not have to be completed today ----

remembers to schedule his or her annual medical/wellness check up on their birthday month (}{)

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR EVENT IN A DIGITAL PUBLICATION, REACHING WOMEN & CAREGIVERS & THOSE WHO ARE HEALTH CONSCIOUS & ALWAYS IN SEARCH OF HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES & TOOLS, PLEASE CALL 832.589.0076 OR EMAIL INFO@CARENOVATE.COM

Expert Contributors... Their Voices... THANK YOU!!!. Dion Short Metzger, M.D.

Adult psychiatrist whose approachable demeanor, determined spirit and caring attitude have allowed her to have a valuable impact on her patients. Emory University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Dr. Metzger was awarded the Pfizer Minority Medical School Scholarship and earned her Doctorate of Medicine from Morehouse School of Medicine. In addition to obtaining her degrees, she also completed a medical research at Stanford University School of Medicine and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention. She completed a general psychiatry residency at Emory University School of Medicine.

Cynthia R. Green, Ph.D.

style has made her one of the most sought-after speakers on the topic. Her publication "Your Best Brain Ever "is now available -- named a "2103 Top Guide to Life After 50" by the Wall Street Journal!

Leah Korkis, BSN, RN

Registered nurse & family caregiver. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Bradley University and is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Nursing as an AdultGeriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (MSN, AG-CNS). Leah is also the founder of HealthyNowan dLater.com, a forum and website devoted to healthy aging. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband John and their fish Thor.

Gèlè Tea

Couture fashion show and President of MEMORY afternoon tea that raises ARTS LLC, founder and awareness of dementia, lead trainer of Total Brain returns for an afternoon of Health. As a clinical gèlègance. The dynamo psychologist, author, and one of America's foremost team are calling it a experts on brain health, sentimental journey or a she is also known for her trip in memories past and ability to make the present. complex science of memory improvement and brain fitness engaging, actionable for all audiences, and fun. Dr. Green's smart and personable presentation 2014 Magazine/Issue #3, page 6

Exci tin g

Another

#carenmag issue 4

ComingSoon!

We are looking for AWESOME, CARING, & INSPIRING WRITER. Join Us Here

According to the

Center of Disease Control (CDC), Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the US. 2.5 million sustain a TBI each year 52,000 die; 275,000 are hospitalized; 1.365 million are treated, released from an emergency department.

Children aged 0 to 4 years & older adolescents aged 15 - 19 years are among the groups most likely to sustain a TBI.

Caregiving for Someone with a TBI: Read about Tiffany Brooks inspiring story on page

Remember that children do best when parents, educators, and health professionals communicate, develop common goals, and work together. Parents, caregivers play the most essential role in their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recovery. ?

PREVENTION ISTHEKEY

Adopt A Seat belt. Helmet.

Sources: CDC, Brainline.org, Defense.org 2014 Magazine/Issue #3, Page 9

Fall Edition CALL FOR SPEAKERS Open NOW. Click on page to apply

Respite Care National & Local Support For Those Who Provides Care To Loved OneS & Needs Relief. Are you a family caregiver who needs a break from your caregiving role? Are youinterested in learning more about how you can get help with your duties? Family caregivers are often over-burdened and under-informed about some of the available resources. Many parents of children and adults with disabilities and caregivers for those with chronic illness, children with disabilities are at high risk for divorce, substance abuse and child abuse because of the continuing stress of caring for a loved one. As a caregiver, there's nothing like having access to the best caregiving resources to support them in the caregiver role. Respite care is an assistance program available to parents, family caregivers and offers an opportunity for the family caregiver a break from their caregiving role. Respite Care can be helpful to family members and their caregivers.

More importantly, it serves as a prevention program aimed at stopping some of the social problems that can result from the tremendous demands made on families due to the disabilities of their child or the institutionalization of the family member with illness. Below are some of the services available nationally and locally. The ARCH (Access to Respite Care and Help) National Respite Network connects caregivers directly to local respite and crisis care services, assists and promotes the development of quality respite and crisis care programs, and advocates for respite in all forums. The National Respite Locator, a service to help caregivers and professionals locate respite services in their community. The Take Time Texas is a searchable database of respite providers who can care for your family member while you take a break. Take Time Texas was created by the Texas Respite Coalition, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services and Texas Respite Coordination Center. EasterSeals Nationally, Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. Easter Seals Greater Houston has been offering help, hope and answers to people of all ages with disabilities and their families. Department of Veterans Affairs Respite Program This program is available to the Veterans. They can receive care in an inpatient, outpatient or home setting. Care is for Veterans who need skilled services, case management, and assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing or getting dressed) or instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., fixing meals and taking medicines); are isolated or their caregiver is experiencing burden. 2014 Magazine/Issue #3, Page 11

6 Magazine/Issue #2 2014 Magazine/Issue #3, Page 14

Gèlè Tea

Lights, Camera, Raising Awareness: Alzheimers Disease & Dementia, 1 afternoon tea at a time By Goldina Erowele

The event is all about fashion, afternoon tea + awareness. It is about educating women, men, designers and models about Alzheimer's disease & dementia. Gèlè Tea is a couture fashion event that showcases African fashion. The use of Gèlè is symbolic as dementia is

about the brain/mind and Gèlè Tea draws attention to the head.

During the events, attendees will have the opportunity to have a gèlè tied for them. During some of the events, ladies are urged to wear a Gèlè, hat or another form of headwear while men are asked to wear hats.

So excited I got to chat with them and learm more about the amazing work they are are doing...

Credits: Butterfly Estelle - the look that went global. Model Estelle Didigiri wears the Gelina blouse by Clariscia Gill and butterfly gele, Images - Cherish collection by Yemi Osunkoya, Pink hat by Lyze Hatsm, Model Maria wears Adebayo Jones Luxury 2 Magazine/January, 2012

CNM: Can you please tell us what Gèlè is?

GT: A gèlè is the Yoruba word for a "headtie" or a headwrap. Although headties and headwraps (scarves among them) are universal forms of headwear, gèlès (as a style) are unique to the Yorubas of western Nigeria and they have become artistically structural creations that are gaining global attention. We call it Gèlèpoque – new dawn for gèlè. Beyonce did a shoot wearing a variety of them.

CNM: Gèlè Tea - sounds like a social event, what is it about?

CNM: Why dementia?

GT: Gèlè Tea is partly social as it is an up close and personal couture fashion show with afternoon tea and music. Its focus is on dementia and memory loss with talks from professionals and people with a link to dementia. It is themed to make it interesting so that people do not feel they are in a classroom or being dictated to. People attend for a variety of reasons: interest in couture fashion; appreciationof the gèlè; love of afternoon tea; and/or wanting to know about dementia. Some talk about their association or experience with it for the first time. Everyone leaves learning something new or with the inspiration to do something. They often go humming the chorus of ‘Memories – the gèlè song’ by singer songwriter Lánre.

CNM: Mixing fashion with

GT Estimates that 44.4m people worldwide are raising awareness - dementia & living with dementia and predictions it could Alzheimer's disease. What increase to 135.5million by 2050. inspired you to start this? The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests the number of new dementia cases is almost 7.7 GT: Three things: a quest to keep million a year implying one new case of memories alive and give voice to people dementia is diagnosed every four seconds. who may feel excluded; a desire to However, like many people who feel committed remember favourite people by to a cause, Gèlè Tea arose by association. We are highlighting things they liked – keen to raise awareness among black and fashion, tea, sandwiches, cake; and a minority groups who may feel invisible. preoccupation with dress and dementia. Although there is great work going on, the needs It’s a beautiful event on many of some groups remain hidden for reasons that levels and a question asked is can include stigma, discrimination, myths, what does dementia look like? language barriers and a notion that services are not inclusive. Magazine/ 2014 Spring

CNM: Does use of the word Gèlè limit you?

GT: Hopefully not. Our audience is multicultural. We could have called it scarf tea - a “family member” would tie a Grace Kelly/Audrey Hepburn style each time she went out, but the gèlè has a rich history and it intrigues. Scarves have a role as do hats with creations by award winning milliner Lyze Hats. Headwear at Gèlè Tea is symbolic as it draws attention to the head and top gèlè stylists including Lara Extravaganza, Juliet Onyeka, and Houston’s Mary Onime push boundaries. Matched with designs from award winning international couture designers Adebayo Jones, Kosibah and Clariscia Gill, it is a unique event.

CNM: Dementia chat you coordinate via Twitter is growing in popularity. Tell us more about that?

GT: DiverseAlz is a fortnightly tweet chat that focuses on different issues around dementia using an inclusive approach. We have covered the gypsy/Romany community, children, world music, dementia and deafness and fashion. Our recent chat covered dance and we asked participants to suggest fusion dances. We had breaktwerking, Japanese-Scottish country dancing and a gumboot jig.

CNM: Any upcoming news or projects?

GT: We have established an on going Twitter project called #wish4dem (@wish4dem) where we are asking people to make a wish about dementia. We are working on a conference for 2014 and aim to run some virtual workshops. We also want to tap into our writing, facilitation and knowledge of care issues having been successful at local government and third sector levels. We know that dementia does not discriminate and our aim is to take an all-inclusive approach. We are having impact. Gèlè Tea has become a catalyst for similar events and we have received media attention including BBC Africa.

)()()()()()()()(

1. Laughing and having fun is an important part of #brainhealth - whew! A reason to have fun :) #AIA14 Amy Goyer ?@AmyGoyer

2. As Brain Awareness Week starts winding down, would like to highlight/celebrate work of @WarachalEFaison. #brainhealth #diversealz Diverse Alzheim eAlz

Top

10 Tweets on #Brain Health

3. You don't need to be a triathlete! 10 minutes of quiet meditation once a week is great for #BrainHealth! Set your brain fitness goals Alzheimer Society PE ?@AlzheimerPEI 4. This study is crazy interesting! How Fat May Hurt the Brain, and How Exercise May Help http://nyti.ms/1f59Vs3 #health #brainhealth @nytimes Olivia Janisch ?@OliviaJanisch 5. Reading a book can take you on an adventure, but it can also exercise your brain! #brainhealth Sandra A Fryhofer MD ?@DrSandyYHM 6. What's in your book bag? Reading does more than improve spelling and vocab. It keeps your brain healthy! American Brain Fdn. ?@ABFbrain 7. @DrNuss says reduce stress, enhance brain resiliency, do yoga, meditation, pay attention to nutrition - imp aspects of #brainhealth #AIA14

8. There are three main components of #brainhealth: diet, exercise, and sleep. http://bit.ly/1lVLl6p #eldercare. TLCYourWayHomeCare ?@TLC 9. @DrNuss says the education system needs to change to address #brainhealth - teachers know very little abt the brain.

10. Deep breathing slows the heart rate, relaxes the body, focuses the mind. ClarityHealthCare ?@Cla 18 Magazine/Spring 2014

ver 35 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or a related disorder, and this number is expected to exceed 115 million by mers ?@Divers 2050. In 2010, the worldwide costs of AD and related disorders (ADRD) were estimated at $604 billion and these costs are expected to reach $950 billion by 2025. These disorders thus represent a public health and fiscal crisis that is straining governments across the world.

ALZHEIMER'S D I S E A S E UPDATE

n March 9, Nature Medicine published a study revealing a newly developed blood test that identifies 10 lipids that predicted Alzheimer's disease up to three years in advance with over 90% accuracy. Scientists believe this to be a promising, not to mention easy and inexpensive, blood test.

QUESTION:

Would you want to know your CYourWayAlzheimer's disease status in advance?

arityCaring

Email us at info@carenovate.com & your response could be published in our next issue or via our blog. All submissions becomes property of CareNovate and may be published, along with the name of the individual in all CareNovate brand now known or hereafter developed. Reference: World Health Organization. Dementia: a Public Health Priority (World Health Organization, Geneva, 2012).

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B rain Health Organizations

We know one thing to be true advocacy works. We salute the work of all nonprofit organizations whose mission is to be a voice for caregivers, patients and families. Interested in being a part of these awesome organizations, check them out. More at www.carenovatemag.com Austism Speaks Autism Speaks was founded in 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism with the help of their longtime friend Bernie Marcus who donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. Autism Speaks has grown into the world's leading organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. www.autismspeaks.org Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. www.alz.org Dana Foundation & Alliance Dana Foundation is a private philanthropic organization that supports brain research through grants, publications, and educational programs. www.dana.org USAgainstAlzheimer’s USAgainstAlzheimer’s is a community of individuals who have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease. The goal is ending Alzheimer’s by 2020. www.usagainstalzheimers.org Brain Injury Association of America Mission is to advance brain injury prevention, research, treatment and education and to improve the quality of life for all individuals impacted by brain injury. Through advocacy, we bring help, hope and healing to millions of individuals living with brain injury, their families and the professionals who serve them. www.biausa.org 20 Magazine/Spring 2014

National Autism Association The mission of the National Autism Association is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential. www.nationalautismassociation.org National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Mental illness affects everyone. Nearly 60 million Americans experience a mental health condition every year. Regardless of race, age, religion or economic status, mental illness impacts the lives of at least one in four adults and one in 10 children across the United States. www.nami.org National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) The mission of the National Center for PTSD is to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America's Veterans and others who have experienced trauma, or who suffer from PTSD, through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stressrelated disorders. www.ptsd.va.gov National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) The mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease. NINDS is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). www.ninds.nih.gov/

what does 2014: 1 in 68 & 2012: 1 in 88

surges mean?

autism

# of U.S. children with autism has surged to 1 in 68 = 30% increase since the agency estimated in 2012 that 1 in 88 suffered from the disorder.

caveats:

2014 new estimate, based on a review of records in 2010 for 8 year olds in 11 states, also showed a marked increase in the number of children with higher IQs who fall somewhere on the autism spectrum, and a wide range of results depending on where a child lives. Only 1 child in 175 was diagnosed with autism in Alabama, while 1 in 45 was found to have the disorder in New Jersey.

current reality for families:

Autism treatment & medical expenses for children with autism are 6 times as high as those for children without the disorder. Behavioral therapy, often delivered one-on-one, can cost as much as $60,

000 per year.

Liz Feld, president of the advocacy group Autism Speaks, in a statement that Autism is â&#x20AC;&#x153;a pressing public health crisis that must be prioritized at the national level. We need a comprehensive strategy that includes the research community, policymakers, educators, and caregivers coming together to address our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs across the lifespan.â&#x20AC;? Source: CDC

The Secret Life of the

Brain By Leah Korkis, RN

I’m standing in my kitchen. I came to get something. The question is, what? I look around, trying to jog my memory. My eye moves from the pantry to the fridge. Was I hungry? My mind is suddenly, inexplicably, blank. I don’t want to go back into the living room, yet I feed ridiculous standing in the middle of the kitchen. I SKIM THE COUNTERS. NOTHING. NADA. ZIP.

As a neurological nurse, I’ve encountered a great number of people who are amidst a crisis where they’re in danger of losing their mind. Literally. Granted, we all draw a blank from time to time, it’s those who lay in the hospital from a stroke and those who live with some form of dementia, that wish they had paid more attention to the health of their brain. Meet Dr. Scott Small, neurologist and researcher at Columbia University Medical Center. For $500 and a free gym membership, Dr. Small asks participants to do the same routine five days a week: twenty minutes of running and twenty minutes of sit-ups. At the end of the five-month study, most individuals lose a few pounds, see a reduction in their body mass index, and overall feel better “emotionally, physically, and spiritually.”

9 Magazine/Issue #2

Most importantly their dentate gyrus goes wild. Tucked in a small section of the hippocampus, an area critical to memory forming, storing, and organizing, the dentate gyrus has become an all-star in the world of neuroscience. You see, not long before this study Dr. Small studied the affects exercise has on the brains of mice. The only difference being, the mice ran on wheels and were fed a dye that illuminated new brain cells under a monitoring system. As the researchers watched the screens, small green dots glowed brightly. These glowing dots were seen in the mice that ran faithfully and voluntarily on their wheel, primarily within the dentate gyrus.

Exercise had promoted new neurons—neurogenesis. To the

scientists, this event was a major find. Not only did exercise increase circulation and oxygen to the brain, but “to see those green dots light up in the mice,” reflects Dr. Small, “they were new brain cells that came from exercise. It was impossible to ignore. My colleagues started putting on their sneakers.”

Leah Korkis is a registered nurse and family caregiver. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Bradley University and is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Nursing as an Adult-Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (MSN, AG-CNS). Leah is also the founder of HealthyNowandLater.com, a forum and website devoted to healthy aging. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband John and their fish Thor. She can be contacted at Leah.Korkis@gmail.com.

What about food? Sayings like “you are what you eat” and “an apple a day…” ring in our ears, but studies seem to come out each year that contradict last years findings for the do’s and don’ts of healthy eating. One message that has come through time and time again, is the link between high sugar, fat, and cholesterol diets and an increased risk for dementia. A study in Finland found of their

1,449 participants that those with obesity, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, doubled their risk. Those with all three

were six times as likely to be diagnosed with some form of dementia. Dr. Small also sought to find the correlation between blood sugar level and memory. Low and behold, the dentate gyrus made another debut. Dr. Small found that frequent, unregulated glucose spikes were directly linked to lower blood flow to the dentate gyrus. It’s a no brainer that physical activity and proper diet—one that leans more towards fruits of vegetables—can help regulate sugar levels, maintain a healthy weight, manage blood pressure, and keep cholesterol in check. However, a peek into the intricacies of the brain reveals these old sayings to be so much more.

**********

ook List

There's nothing a great book. Here, we share 3 fantastic ones. Hope they help as you journey in health, wellness & caregiving. Email us the ones that made a major difference. Email us: info@carenovate.com

National Geographic presents a comprehensive guide to fighting mental decline. With cutting-edge neuroscience, information about Alzheimer's, fascinating case studies, and tips to fight brain aging symptoms such as slower mental acuity and "senior moments," this smart, engaging guide will help keep your memory sharp and your mind active. Leading memory loss expert Cynthia R. Green, PhD, and eminent science writer Michael Sweeney have created a book both informational and practical that gives readers everything they need to know about the care and feeding of one of the body's most important organs: the brain. Book is available through Amazon

122 Magazine/January, 2014

Still Alice is a compelling debut novel about a 50-yearold woman's sudden descent into early onset Alzheimer's disease, written by first-time author Lisa Genova, who holds a Ph. D in neuroscience from Harvard University. Reminiscent of A Beautiful Mind, Ordinary People and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Still Alice packs a powerful emotional punch and marks the arrival of a strong new voice in fiction. Book is available through Amazon

A MUST READ FOR KIDS!! Max Wallack is a 17 year old junior at Boston University, as well as a researcher in the Molecular Psychiatry in Aging Laboratory at Boston University School of Medicine. Max was a caregiver to his great grandmother who had Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disease, and, in 2008, he founded www.PuzzlesToRemember.org, a 501c3 organization that has supplied over 23,000 puzzles to Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facilities around the world. Carolyn Smith Given is a mother of four, a caregiver, and a resident of the Blackstone Valley in Massachusetts. She enjoys any and all writing projects that come her way. Book is available through Amazon

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Now Booking Ads for 2014 info@carenovate.com

Media Kit

Impact80 Virtual

Burn Bright Lifeworks founder Ozioma Egwuonwu inspired with her talk on how to keep dreams alive while taking care of others, based on her caregiving experiences with her mom + cancer.

By Gèlè Tea

Denise M Brown of Caregiving.Com created a toolkit of coping strategies to help caregivers on their caregiving journeys.

Summit Recap

On Febryary 11th, a panel of health care expert, speakers, many caregivers, provided advice, tips and insights into the challenges and rewards of caregiving during last month’s Impact80 Virtual Summit for Caregivers & Patients Care Providers.

Patient engagement was key for author & patient care advocate Martine Ehrenclou who delivered a masterclass in how to take charge of one’s healthcare and become a patient advocate. Nurse and journalist Barbara Ficarra of Healthin30.com showed how social media is changing healthcare (#HCSM), highlighting the usefulness of online communities for support and information. In a strong segment, clinical pharmacist, creator of Impact80 Summit, founder & CareNovate Magazine editor-in-chief, Goldie Erowele gave valuable tips on medications safety (#MEDSAFETY) & ways to save money on medications especially if on a low income. Real Women on Health founder Kelley Connors spoke on end of life (#EOL) encouraging people to start the conversation and mentioning her own positive experience. Impact80 Virtual Summit returns this Fall. Learn how you can be a part of this empowering and supportive event for caregivers at WWW.IMPACT80SUMMIT.COM @impact80summit #impact80

Get the Heart Warming 4 Bs of Caregiving

Ozioma Egwuonwu BurnBright LifeWorks Be Your Health Advocate. Be one for your loved ones. Ask questions. Ask for medical records. Caregiver's Engagement.

Martine Ehrenclou, M.A. martineehrenclou.com New to caregiving? You need these 10 items in your caregiving tool box

Denise Brown Caregiving.com

26 Magazine/Issue #3 2014

Start talking. Have a kitchen table conversation about end of Life care planning

Kelley Connors KC Health SEEK CAREGIVING SUPPORT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA, TWITTER, EXPERTS *********************

Barbara Ficarra Healthin30.com

Medication Safety Ask Your Pharmacist Don't Guess Resources available to save on costly medications

Goldina Erowele, PharmD

Impact80summit.com CareNovateMag.com

MI SS ED ?

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT #Impact80

Click Here To Join The Summit

Depression + Caregiving Caregiving Got You Feeling Blue? Learn the facts, symptoms & get help. Get C.A.R.E

By Dr Dion Metzger

Dr Metzger has a passion for assisting those who suffer from mental illness while trying to dispel the stigma attached to such labels. She believes that education is the most powerful tool at her disposal to make that possible. Dr. Metzger emphasizes the importance of the recognition of psychiatric disorders among patients and their families as well as obtaining treatment for those disorders. Her mission is to provide hope and encouragement to both those suffering from psychiatric disorders and those who care for themâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;families and health professionals alike. She is available for workshops, interviews, presentations, and media appearances. She is also available for professional consultation in regards to psychiatric treatment.

www.dionmetzgermd.com

our role as a caregiver is a vital 24/7 job and like any demanding job, it can take its mental toll. You can spend so much time focused on helping your loved one that little time is left for you. Feelings of being overwhelmed, sometimes with no social outlet, can lead to feelings of sadness. Depression in caregivers exists and it’s not uncommon. This is why it’s so important that as caregivers, self-care is also placed on the top of your to-do list. With an improved mood, you will not only have a better quality of life but will also be a better caregiver. Let’s discuss the facts of what the symptoms of depression are, how common it is and what you can do to treat it.

cope -Call someone. Seek support from family, friends or fellow caregivers who may share the same feelings. If no one is available, join an online support group or find a caregiver group that meets in your local area Ask. You can’t do everything yourself. Take advantage of your resources. If there is another family member that can make a trip to the doctor’s office, pick up medications or do a grocery run….call them! Relax. Designate one hour a day to winding down. It could be reading a good book, taking a warm bath, watching a favorite TV show or meditation

FACTS

Expert. If your feelings of sadness are persistent, go talk to a professional. -Symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, little interest You can discuss your symptoms with your primary care physician or a in doing things that you used to find fun, low energy, poor sleep, changes in psychiatrist. Options for treatment appetite and problems concentrating. include therapy, anti-depressant In severe cases of depression, there can medications or a combination of both. Why suffer with these symptoms, be suicidal thoughts when there is help available? -It is estimated that up to 1 in 3 caregivers suffer with symptoms of depression. It is more common in caregivers who care for patients with dementia then compared to other chronic illnesses¹ -Depression in caregivers is a leading cause of premature end of home care

Tips on how to 35 Magazine/2013 Issue #2

References:

1. Birgitte Schoenmakers, Frank Buntinx, Jan Delepeleire, Factors determining the impact of care-giving on caregivers of elderly patients with dementia. A systematic literature review, Maturitas, Volume 66, Issue 2, June 2010, Pages 191-200

The National Institute of Mental Health offers the following recommendations:

Depression tips Early attention to symptoms of depression may help to prevent the development of a more serious depression over time. If you have depression, you may feel exhausted, helpless, and hopeless. It may be extremely difficult to take any action to help yourself. But as you begin to recognize your depression and begin treatment, you will start to feel better. To Help A Loved One, do not wait too long to get evaluated or treated. There is research showing the longer one waits, the greater the impairment can be down the road. Try to see a professional as soon as possible. Try to be active and exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or another event or activity that you once enjoyed. Set realistic goals for yourself. Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as you can. Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you. Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Do not expect to suddenly "snap out of" your depression. Often during treatment for depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts. Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs, until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation. Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment. Continue to educate yourself about depression. Source: NIH Mental Health

Magazine/January, 2012

Caregiving + Patient Care Resource Directory Project powered by CareNovate

CareNovate Magazine is excited to introduce our open source curation of tools, resources for caregivers, patient care providers, direct care works and families. Our goal is to provide a centralized guide of resources for caregivers locally, nationally and globally.

If you have an app, service, product or have a business that caters to patients, caregivers and their families, click here to add it to the list.

It takes less than 2 minutes to so. If you have a personal caregiving blog or a book, you also can add a free listing to our Directory.With our Directory, we hope to create a go-to resource to help family caregivers find just what they need. We encourage you to join us by adding to the growing list of health, wellness, medication management, care coordination, etc) mobile, digital apps, services, products, intended to simplify family's caregiving experiences & daily role. Add it to the list. Startups are welcome as well. www.carenovatemag.com

5 Magazine/Issue #2

10 minutes of quiet meditation once a week is great for #BrainHealth #Selfcare tip #212

Brain injury can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone. Brain injury does not discriminate.

In fact, 2.5 million Americans sustai n a brain injury each year. Brain Injury Association of America www.biausa.org 33 Magazine/Issue #3 2014

Brain Games Today, most people consious about health have a daily routine that includes some form of exercise. We know the benefits of physical exercise to our health. Brain fitness is the next step in that revolution. Exercise your memory, attention, and more. As with physical exercise, brain exercise can help you improve your performance and feel your best. Websites with games that can be played online Braingle - www.braingle.com Fitbarins - www.fitbrains.com Jigzone - www.jigzone.com Cognitive Labs - games.cognitivelabs.com www.setgame.com Websites with activities and games for a fee: • Mybraintrainer.com • www.happy-neuron.com • www.lumosity.com • www.positscience.com For more resources & books to read, visit our 100+ free resource page + Marketplace at www.carenovatemag.com

Health Info & Data Facts. News.

omega-3s as dietary supplements actually Music & Brain changes the rate of heart attacks or other Health cardiovascular events. Experts did agree that Preliminary studies of seafood rich in omega-3 music therapy suggest fatty acids is a useful they may be helpful for component of a heartsome of the symptoms healthy diet. related to dementia, such Talk with your health care as agitation and provider if you are depression. Several considering taking studies on music therapy omega-3 supplements. in people with Alzheimer’s disease have Carbs: Not shown improvement in agitation, depression, Good For Brain and quality of life. Source: NCCAM.NIH.GOV Recent reports in medical literature link ca rbohydrate calorie-rich Brain Food + O diets to a greater risk fo r brain shrinkage, mega 3 dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Omega-3s are a group of impaired cognition and polyunsaturated fatty acids other disorders that are important for a Source: American College number of functions in the of Nutrition. body. They’re found in foods such as fatty fish and Which Brand of vegetable oils and are also available as dietary Fish Oil? supplements. Research on omega-3s, particularly for According to LabDoor heart health, has been CEO, Neil Thanedar., a complex and confusing. A company that evaluates number of studies have the quality of dietary shown that omega-3s had supplements, 21 of 30 protective effects for heart disease risk factors such as fish oil supplements tested were found to level of triglycerides in the have blood. However, research has not consistently found omega-3 fatty acid levels that administration of that varied by more than 35 Magazine/Issue #3 2014

10% from their label claims. The supplements rated as being the highest quality included Dr. Tobias Optimum Omega 3 Fish Oil; Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega D3; Axis Labs Citrus Omega Fish Oil; GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil and NOW Foods Ultra Omega 3. TIP: Keep fish oil in refrigerator once its opened to extend the shelf life.

Breast Cancer & Depression Major depressive disorder, or depression, is a serious illness. Depression interferes with your daily life and routine and reduces your quality of life. 6.7% of U.S. adults ages 18 & older have depression. Depression affects ~ 15% to 25% of cancer patients. Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI) CNM

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Did you know that The Eldercare Locator is a free, public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. Call 800-677-1116 To get information on transportation, meals, home care, caregiver support programs and other valuable esources for older adults.

Did you know that The U.S. is unprepared to meet the current & future workforce needs for its older adult population. YES! 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 everyday. 11 Magazine/Issue #2

Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA).

Traumatic Brain Injury IQ 4 Things Everyone You Should By Dr Cynthia Green, PhD

Know

This is an astounding rate, especially when compared to the Spring sports season is annual incidence rates of more coming and high school sports practices are getting recognized ailments such as breast cancer (176,300) or HIV/AIDS started. March is also (43,681). Yet experts agree that even National Brain Injury high numbers probably Awareness Month, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a these grossly underestimate the great time to learn more incidence of such brain injuries, as about a brain health issue they often go undiagnosed and that can affect any of us at unreported.

any time, no matter our age, gender or athletic ability.

In addition, TBIs are associated with approximately 30.5% of injuryTraumatic brain injury (TBI), also related deaths each year. Clearly known as concussion or closed this is something we should all head injury, is a major public health know more about. concern. The Centers for Disease Control report between 1.7 and 3.8 million cases of TBI in the United States occur annually.

Cynthia R. Green, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, author, and noted speaker who is a leading expert in brain health. Founder of the Memory Enhancement Program at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Green heads the Total Brain HealthÂŽ program, which provides professional certification training in brain health programs as well as programs for the general public. For more information visit www.totalbrainhealth.com.

Magazine/Spring 2014

What is your TBI IQ? Here are 4 things about TBI that you may not know: 1. TBI Can Show Itself in Many Ways. TBI is caused by impact to the brain resulting from a direct or indirect impact to the head, face, neck, or elsewhere. You do not need to lose consciousness or experience serious symptoms at injury to have had a TBI. Additional symptoms of TBI include behavioral or emotional changes, diffuse physical complaints such as headaches, sleep disturbance, and cognitive changes including slower reaction times, difficulty concentrating, or feeling like you can’t think clearly or are in a “fog.” The more subtle symptoms associated with TBI can make it harder to recognize and easier to shrug off. However the growing body of clinical research underscores the importance of recognizing, assessing and treating all TBIs, no matter how “minor.”

2. TBI May Matter Over the LongTerm. More and more studies suggest that having a TBI, especially more than once, may have long-term consequences. Several studies in retired professional football players with a history of multiple TBI have found that they are at increased risk for memory impairment and dementia. In addition, Canadian researchers recently reported that former athletes who suffered a concussion over 30 years previously showed decreased cognitive performance and abnormal findings on brain MRI when compared with a similarly aged group who did not sustain such injuries. Taken together, these studies raise questions about the long-term impact of TBI for all of us, even if we do not play a professional sport. A review published last month by leading experts in the field proposes that repeated TBIs may cause a

cascade of physiological changes in the brain that accelerate cognitive aging.

3. I’m A Coach Potato and Never Played Sports, Why Should I Care about TBI? Unlike most brain health issues, TBI is of concern for all of us, no matter what our age, gender or occupation. The age groups at greatest risk for TBI are children ages 0-4, teens, and older adults over 65. Falls are the second most frequent cause of TBI among the frail elderly and the very young, with adults over 75 having the highest incidence of reported TBI. About 50 percent of reported TBIs are the result of motor vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian-vehicle incidents. Car accidents are the highest cause of head injury in adolescents. Teens are also at greater risk for sports-related concussions, which often may go unnoticed or unreported. Studies suggest that young female athletes may be more vulnerable to TBI. In a recent report in the June 2012 issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine researchers at Michigan State University found that younger female athletes take longer to recover from TBI-related symptoms than their male counterparts. Finally, our military troops are experiencing higher rates of documented TBI, in part due to changes in combat technology.

4. OK I’m Concerned about TBI – But What Can I Do About It? As research interest in closed brain injury grows, there is much we can learn about TBI, including what we can do to “mind our brains” when it comes to this increasingly common brain health concern.

Magazine/2014 Issue 3

Here are a few steps to consider to lower TBI risk for yourself and others in your family, and some things you should know if you or someone you care for experiences a TBI: Protect Yourself.

There are many common-sense steps we can all take to lower our risk for TBI. Wear helmets (and insist that others do as well) for high impact sports, such as cycling, skateboarding and skiing. Your helmet should fit snugly and comfortably. And it should be strapped on. Wearing a helmet unstrapped may seem “cool,” but a helmet won’t do much if it flies off your head at impact. Finally, parents need to wear helmets, too. Insisting that your kids wear helmets and then leaving them off your own head isn’t setting a very good example. Always use seat belts in the car, which is not only a good idea but also the law in most states. Finally, look for and remove tripping hazards around the house, such as small area rugs or electric cords, which are a very significant trip risk especially for older adults.

Take Care of Your Athlete.

If you have a child who participates in sports, check if their school or team requires baseline cognitive testing. Such tests offer a guideline when assessing a TBI injury, and many school districts now mandate such tests for participation in their athletic programs. Insist that your athlete use appropriate protective gear. Finally, if your athlete is injured, make sure that they receive appropriate assessment and treatment, and are given plenty of time to heal completely and are cleared by a doctor prior to returning to play. Be sensitive to any uncharacteristic changes in mood, attention, or academic performance, which may be signs of a missed TBI.

Anything Else I Should Know?

Researchers are just beginning to understand more about the reasons individuals have different courses of outcome from TBI. One theory recently discussed suggests that having greater cognitive resources, or Cognitive Reserve, may reduce risk for the long-term consequences seen in repeated TBI. This argument is particularly interesting from a brain health perspective, as studies have previously shown that folks who are intellectually engaged over their lifetime may have an associated lower risk for dementia, perhaps due to greater Cognitive Reserve. Certainly staying intellectually engaged is simply just a good idea; as such activities appear to be protective for long-term brain health. Want more information on concussion? Visit the Centers for Disease Control website to learn more.

Simple & Cost

Effective Ways To SHOW

Say Thank You!

A simple, heartfelt, sincere "thank you very much" will do the trick. Make you convey why you are so grateful

Offer Time!

Know a caregiver, offer them TIME to take a brake, go to grocery, run errands &/ or time for th doctor's appointment

Gra 3. ti tude

Give a Gift.

A gift certificate to the spa, massgae, yoga or meditation class will do wonders for the body & soul.

Magazine/2014 Issue 3

4. Write a Lett.rs Miss the good ole days of penmanship, writing to express thanks? Then write a Lettrsâ&#x201E;˘, a new social media platform, which is designed to bring back the art of meaningful communications.

heir

Send A Happy Song Cheer a caregiver up, send them a listen of the infectious song, Happy (from Despicable Me 2) by Pharrell Williams

Become one of our senior care, aging, medication safety, health literacy & caregiving, experts. To learn more, please call 832.589.0076 or info@carenovate.com

Hospital Wristband Program The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Hospital Wristband Program was founded by author, family caregiver Gary Joseph LeBlanc. He shares with CareNovate Magazine, the inspiration behind this innovative program Written by Dr. Erowele

"The reason is simple; the majority of hospital workers are not trained to recognize the unique needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. To further complicate matters, they are most often understaffed which means things can be easily missed, sometimes with tragic results. Simply put, dementia patients often do not receive the special care they require and the results can be disastrous."

- Gary LeBlanc LeBlanc’s was the sole caregiver to his father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the cause of 70% of all dementias. A nightmare encounter lead him to action. The wristband program is currently being piloted at Brooksville Regional Hospital in Hernando County, Florida. Magazine/2014 Issue 3

CNM: WHAT IS THE ALZHEIMER'S/DE MENTIA WRISTBAND PROGRAM? This is a project I am extremely passionate about. Our goal is to assure that all patients with Alzheimer’s or other dementia related diseases, will experience as calm and tranquil a stay as is possible during any time spent in a hospital. With this thought in mind, we have recently designed a specific wristband which will be fitted to all patients with dementia at the time of their hospital admittance. The band will be quite noticeable as it is designed to have a purple angel logo. The very sight of this band will communicate to all hospital staff that these patients are memory-impaired and to approach them with this in mind. Most importantly, we will be training all hospital personnel on dementia care.

Hospital staff, volunteers and at this point, some first responders receive training that I have developed in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association-Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. Use of “sitters” will become standard practice, allowing families to take much needed breaks without worrying that their loved ones will be left alone. A dementia screening will be added to the admission process in hopes of identifying any cognitive impairment, even if there is no prior diagnosis. The Purple Angel logo, originally developed in the UK and inspired by Norman McNamara, is quickly becoming an internationally accepted symbol for “Dementia Awareness.” It represents all dementia related diseases. A big key to the success of this project is that one standard symbol is used across all healthcare systems making it instantly recognizable.

CNM: WHAT WAS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS PROJECT? Throughout the 10-year journey of caring for my dad with Alzheimer’s disease, he and I personally experienced three different occasions when hospital admissions were complete nightmares. Throughout the years, my readers have contacted me with horror stories of their own. Many of their family members with dementia endured hospital stays that would make your skin crawl. These stories have come to me from all over the world, not just here in the United States.

CNM: BROOKSVILLE REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN FLORIDA IS A PILOT SITE. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE PROGRAM? The wristband project does several things: Upon admission, patients with a prior diagnosis of dementia have a “Purple Angel” affixed to their standard issue hospital wristband for identification purposes. In addition a “Purple Angel” is placed on their door so that anyone entering knows they should approach with the special needs of these patients in mind.

CNM: WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT FROM THE ALZHEIMER€? ? S ASSOCIATION. ARE YOU WORKING WITH OTHER NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AT THE MOMENT? I have many other health organization interested in this program, but we have to run the pilot program first and learn from it; get the bugs out, so to speak. It is extremely important to keep the same protocols in place and make the program universal in all hospitals with the same logo and the same training everywhere. Right now we need to be patient and build some statistics from the pilot program. Magazine/2014 Issue #23

CNM: WHAT IS NEXT FOR MR. LEBLANC AND ALZHEIMER'S/DE MENTIA WRISTBAND PROJECT?

CNM: HOW CAN OTHER HOSPITALS OR ORGANIZATIONS BE PART OF THIS PATIENT SAFETY MOVEMENT?

Next is trying to get the wristband project in all hospitals around the country and then some. Also, finishing the next book on aftereffects that To get other hospitals involved, I would caregivers go through. It is important suggest contacting me or the local that we realize that this journey isn’t Alzheimer’s Association Chapter in their over when it’s over. So many caregivers area. need help to re-enter that social world we once knew. CNM: WHERE DO YOU GO After caring for a loved one who is ill ONLINE FOR YOUR HEALTH, WELLNESS & MEDICAL for many years, and they pass on, for caregivers it’s as though someone has INFORMATION? suddenly shut off a light switch, leaving them in the dark. Sometimes they need As a writer, I’m always researching and a little extra help finding that switch looking for new resources, however I again. It’s important to know that this find myself returning to the Mayo doesn’t have to mean going through it Clinic’s website quite often. They seem alone. to have everything written in layman’s terms and their info is usually spot on.

Gary Joseph LeBlanc's Tips Caring for A Loved One with Alzheimer's Disease/Dem As the primary caregiver for my dad, the best advice I can give is this:

When caring for patients who are suffering from dementia, it is essential to concentrate on keeping their anxiety and frustration to a low level.

I have found that "routine" is the best place to start. By having them live in a run-of-the-mill lifestyle, both the patients and caregivers are helped immensely.

Keep everything in patterns. Redirection is another tool that the caregiver needs to master, whether it is a quick turn in words or direction, or simply using the senses of touch, taste or smell. Learning how to direct them back on a smoother, calmer path is priceless. * CareNovate Magazine//Spring 2014

www.burnbright-lifeworks.com

mentia Martine Ehrenclou, M.A is an award-winning author and patient advocate, that empowers patients to become proactive, well informed participants in their own care. She has also written the multiple award-winning Critical Conditions: The Essential Hospital. Guide to Get Your Loved One Out Alive (Lemon Grove Press). Ehrenclou writes monthly articles for several health websites, national magazines, and is interviewed regularly on national TV and radio such as ABC News, ABC World News and many more. She frequently lectures on how to be an advocate for yourself and your loved ones at universities, hospitals and various organizations.

CareNovate Magazine//Spring 2014

TIFFANY: Every 16 seconds someone becomes a victim to a traumatic brain injury. Though this statistic is impactful

you can in no way imagine how strong of an impact it has taken on my family. My husband is a TBI survivor. There is no preparation for a such injury. When it happens you must educate yourself and be ready to fight. Not only for the life of the sufferer but for their dignity, care, and place in society. TBI debilitated not only my husband but also my family. It was truly like throwing a rock in a pond. That one impact affected the lives of many people that instant and now years later. We have all become collateral damage to a TBI.

Tiffany Brooks

FEATURE STORY

Mom. Wife. Caregiv er. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Advocate & Activist! Her Inspiring Story

CareNovate Magazine//Spring 2014

CNM:You play numerous roles – champion now in raising wife, mother, TBI Advocate and awareness when it comes to TBI. business women. How does being Share your message a caregiver changed things? TIFFANY: Now that I have been TIFFANY: It seems each day a new role caretaking and advocating for so very has surfaced in my life. I was totally long it has become second nature to me. prepared for the role of mother, I feel the pain, joy, and triumph of each business woman, and wife; but in no way scenario. Many people often ask me was there any preparation as a Care exactly how I do all of these things? All I Giver and TBI advocate. AS a woman I can say is “there is hope, and it is what knew what duties a mom entailed, I it…” We are fighting a battle of advocacy learned quickly the duties of a wife. I for a disease that has been plaguing have been an Entrepreneur for many society since the beginning of time. It years prior to my marriage so with these bothers me that no one ever studied the roles I had comfort and security. Once brain avidly years ago. Until recently the we knew my husband suffered from a only place for those suffering from TBI’s TBI that is when all the new things came without supportive family’s; were jails, to me seemingly in a torrential flood. I in institutions, and death. If we are one my Early 30s had never fathomed being team then this cause should not be a a care taker of an adult. battle it should only be an endeavor of growth, change, and possibility. My family was healthy. We never had discussions of what ifs regarding long term care, dementia, kidney failure, and CNM: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) heart failure, none of these things were is a serious public health issues. I had to roll up my sleeves and problem in the United States. What do you think are the current figure out each step on my own. Back challenges facing families and then I had no idea others were truly society when it comes to TBI. suffering the way my husband was and I our The faint-hearted need not apply. certainly didn’t know people cared. Tiffiny: With TBI’s being such a serious public health issue in the United States I feel the most current challenges facing us all is not enough education and research, lack of awareness, ignorance run rampant, and fear. Families are being broken. Children are being over medicated, Parental roles are being reversed, suicide is running rampant, and society is treating this epidemic with too many medicines, ineffective 72 I made a vow to not only change the life hour holds within mental facilities, and of my family but also the lives of others admittance into correctional facilities. suffering from such an unfortunate There is more that can be done. How do diagnosis. Now my life’s issues and we move forward from such an epidemic endeavors have become a business for if society is not aware or prepared? me. I am now a personal and Society as a whole must make a professional care taker; Doing it all one conscious effort to love our brains and way or another, for many throughout the nurture them nation. My life has changed in so many ways. Being a care giver catapulted me into a community of need, awareness, despair, fear, and uncertainty. I knew that wasn’t what I wanted for myself or my family. If I was not okay there was no way my suffering husband would last and my children would suffer more. That is when my advocacy kicked in.

CNM: You are probably a

"Everyone should know they are not alone; there is support and comfort throughout this journey. Once you understand this disease, educate yourself and those around you, and most definitely prepare yourself for as much you time as possible to retreat and regroup; you move forward in a triumphant proactive manner. "

CNM: What tips & advice can you give those families who are not aware or not seeking help? Being somewhat of a pioneer on this front, I have witnessed a great deal over the years. There is a negative stigma when it comes to Brain injuries and mental illness. Families and sufferers often become reclusive, protective and defensive in regards to the way they deal with this. Everyone should know they are not alone; there is support and comfort throughout this journey. Once you understand this disease, educate yourself and those around you, and most definitely prepare yourself for as much you time as possible to retreat and regroup; you move forward in a triumphant proactive manner. In the life of the Brooks family we tend to take it one day at a time. There is no rhyme or reason to this. Today my husband is within his faculties but as we all know that can change within a second, minute, hour, day, or week.

Our biggest comfort stems from knowing we are prepared for that shoe to drop. His spirits are a roller coaster ride. At fifty he no longer has his driving privileges. There are many things he must have a second opinion on daily. The role of being a husband and a father varies upon his state of mind. Knowing that each moment might be the very last time he is able to interact and engage with us on a normal lucid level is sometimes debilitating. As a family we all play a powerful and important role in keeping him on track, happy, and safe. We have found what inspires, encourages and motivates him. That is mostly time with our children, helping others, the word of God and our steady network of friends and organizations that have been with us on this journey. CNM CareNovate Magazine//Spring 2014

“If

we want to make the best products, we also have to invest in the best ideas... Every dollar we invested to map the human genome returned $140 to our economy... Today, our scientists are mapping the human brain to unlock the answers to Alzheimer’s… Now is not the time to gut these jobcreating investments in science and innovation. Now is the time to reach a level of research and development not seen since the height of the Space

Race.”

- President Barack Obama, 2013 State of the Union

Healthy & Quick Tasty Meals for Busy Caregivers Featuring Kat's Cooking Basil Sundried Tomato Garlic Baby Spinach Shrimp Pasta This dish is mouth watering, calls for multitude of instructions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; however it is worth the effort. It calls for tons of spinach. If you are up for the effort, this dish is full of flavor while still being quite light. Prep Time:30 minutes Cook time:30 minutes Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients: Shrimp Cherry tomatoes - 2/3 cup Sun Dried Tomatoes - 1 cup 2 cups of baby spinach Garlic - 2 tablespoons minced Lemon - 2 lemons Black Pepper - 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ground Salt - 2 tablespoons Butter - 2 tablespoons Linguini Parmesan cheese - 3/4 cup shredded Red Pepper Flakes - To garnish Basil - 1 cup cut into thin strips Parsley - 1 tablespoon minced ( to garnish) Instructions: 1. Cut your lemons in half and squeeze out as much juice as you can into a cup. Use a sieve to remove the pulp and seeds. 2. Slice your sundried tomatoes into thin strips 3. Rinse your baby spinach and put them in a bowl 4. Rinse your baby tomatoes and cut in half 5. Peel and devein your shrimp 6. Heat your pan to medium heat 7. Put the butter in the pan. Once it begins to sizzle, add garlic, mix well, frying garlic 8. After 3-4 minutes and add the shrimp Cook for 6-7 minutes and add the

lemon juice 9. Add your salt and black pepper to taste (it's ok if it's a bit salty as the pasta will dilute this) 10. Cook for another 6-7 minutes Start boiling your water for your pasta 11. When it's boiling, go ahead and cook your linguini to instructions. 12. Once cooked, set the linguini aside. Heat the second pan - Note you can do this as the pasta cooks 13. Add a tablespoon of butter 14. Add the halved tomatoes 15. Cook on high for about 10 minutes until they begin to sear 16. Add the strips of sundried tomatoes Cook for another 5 minutes 17. Back to the first pan : Add the baby spinach on top of the shrimp. Make sure the pasta is done and drained. 18. Mix and toss for just 3 - 5 minutes. You want them to wilt but not completely wither. 19. Add the pasta to the pan and mix 20. Once fully mixed, add the tomatoes from the second pan Mix again 21. Garnish with basil 22. Garnish with parmesan cheese , red pepper flakes and parsley (optional) topped dish For more, http://katscooking.com

CareNovate Magazine//Spring 2014

TAX TIPS It is Spring and by the time we know it, it will be April 15 which means time to pay taxes. If you or you know someone who provide more than half the financial support for a care recipient? If so you may be entitled to tax deduction relief. AARP provides some great information but consult your tax accountant to make sure you qualify. 3 ways you can reap tax benefits as a family caregiver: 1. You might be able to claim your loved one as a dependent, reducing your taxable income by $3,700. 2. You might qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. 3. You may qualify for a deduction for money you spent on your loved one’s medical expenses and care. Here’s how it works. To claim your loved one as a dependent: • Your loved one’s gross income must be less than $3,700 (excluding Social Security or disability payments). • You must be paying for more than half of your loved one’s expenses. • Your loved one can’t be claimed as a dependent by anyone else. The Child and Dependent Care Credit could be an option if: • You have earned income. • Your loved one can’t take care of him or herself due to mental or physical limitations. • The recipient must be claimed as a dependent on your tax return. This option would provide you with a credit of up to 35 % of the expenses incurred for dependent care, with a maximum of $3,000 (translating into a maximum $1,050 tax credit). • If your loved one’s gross income was more than $3,700, you cannot claim him or her as a dependent, but you might be able to take a deduction on the medical expenses if those are more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. CareNovate Magazine//Spring 2014

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CareNovate Magazine

Spring 2014 - Issue No. 3

Gele Tea Dementia Awareness with African Fashion + Style

Mrs. Tiffany Brooks On being a wife, mom & family caregiver NFL style

Traumatic Brain Injury What every parent, caregiver need to know about traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Depression & Caregivers

Tips on how to getneed helpnow you

The Essential Guide for Caregivers & Patient Care Advocates www.carenovatemag.com