Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use! Page 12 Misunderstandings and

December is National Write a Business Plan Month

Mind Your Risks

www.mindyourrisks.nih.gov High blood pressure is one of the most preventable risk factors d associated with stroke and dementia. Visitors to this website learn about the connection between high blood pressure, stroke, and dementia.

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“I actually think that the most effi cacious way of making a diff erence is to lead by example, and doing random acts of kindness is setting a very good example of how to behave in this world.” -Mischa Collins

The first decorated Christmas tree was in Riga, Latvia in 1510.

Here's a tip You may have always thought you should let hot foods cool before putting them in the refrigerator. Not true. Putting hot food items in the fridge as soon as possible will keep bacteria from growing in your food. Divide food into smaller portions, place in shallow containers, and refrigerate. Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/ food-safety

MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND BLOWUPS WHEN CAREGIVING

Submitted by Bonnie Lewis, RN Dependent Care Educator Caregivers may encounter unpleasant scenes when their care partner is under stress. Using these tips, with the conscious commitment to enter your care receiver’s reality, you may avoid an emotional blowup. Remember that any meaningful communication includes empathy and understanding. 1. Walk around the block in your care-receiver’s shoes. What is it like to be that person today? 2. Listen to the feelings behind your carerecipient’s word. What could you say to acknowledge them? (“You sound like you’re feeling sad.” Or “I can see this is frustrating for you.”) 3. Pay attention to your care-receiver’s body language. What does that language tell you? Is it different from the carereceiver’s words? 4. Down-shift to a pace that matches your carereceiver’s. What can you do to remain calm and patient while waiting for him or her to do something that you could do much more quickly? 5. RESIST the urge to correct your care-receiver or tell him or her not to feel that way. What can you do or say instead? No matter how hard you try to stay centered, calm, patient and loving, the combination of being tired, stressed, sleepdeprived and frustrated will eventually catchup to any caregiver. After your blowup, after your frustration lifts, you may feel guilty. Give yourself a ‘Do-Over’.

Steps to a Do-Over

• When you realize you’ve crossed the line, STOP whatever you’re doing or saying (raising your voice; being sarcastic; blaming) • Apologize immediately • Re-Do the moment. Back up, start over, and say what you wish you had said. • Let go of guilt. Use this phrase: “Even though I __________, I still love and accept myself.” • Don’t say I’ll never do that again. You’re human and you may. However, you can cut down on the frequency and intensity of your verbal blow-ups by having strategies in mind for coping with your anger and frustration. Here are techniques that you can use to stay centered and compassionate: a. Count to 10 b. Breathe deeply c. “It Could Be Worse” journaling book d. Meditation, guided imagery, or self-hypnosis e. A gratitude notebook f. Any inspirational book g. A calming hobby or craft h. A brisk walk i. Call a friend j. Spiritual and/or religious reminders k. Recite the Serenity Prayer (or use the personalized prayer shown in the picture) God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. If your feelings are intense and persistent, it’s important to identify the cause. Assess your situation. Decide what you need. Practice ways to manage the problem. If your situation does not improve, you may need professional help.

Source: Ester R.A. Leutenberg, Carrol Morris, The Complete Caregiver Support Guide (Duluth, Minnesota; Whole Person, 2012), pages 57, 59, 60, and 91