Helping
Fall 2023
WOMEN r e t t e B Live Caregiving Around the Clock
ALSO
Tips for Staying Healthy & Managing Holiday Stress
Tips to Prepare Your Home for the Winter & Holiday Season
Women & Blood Clots: Know Your Risks
How to Become Better Prepared Financially: Follow the 4 P’s Women’s Choice Award
TABLE of contents Caregiving
Caregiving Around the Clock Care Through CaringBridge Finding Balance: How to Juggle Work and Caregiving Responsibilities
Health Women & Blood Clots: Know Your Risk & Protect Yourself Healthy Tips for Managing Holiday Stress 8 Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays No Ears? Microtia What? Know Where to Go: Best Hospitals
Home Tips To Prepare Your Home for the Winter Season Tips for Making Holiday Entertaining Easy Preparing Your Guest Room for the Holidays CRAFT: Need a Gift from the Heart
Financial How Can Women Be Better Prepared Financially? Follow these 4Ps
Publisher: Delia Passi • Editorial Director: Kathi Waldhof • Guest Contributors: Stop the Clot, CaringBridge, MyCabinet, Celine Pastore, Amy Flaschenreim, Julia Rosien-Restonic, PureCare, Merry Maids • For Advertising Sales, Contact: Kathi Waldhof, kwaldhof@womenschoiceaward.com • Distribution: Quarterly All content in this publication is intended for informational and educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for professional, financial or medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional to determine what's best for your situation. Views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Women's Choice Award and should not be construed as endorsements. The mention of a product, service or professional herein is solely for information to our readers.
letter
from the
PUBLISHER ~Delia Passi
Founder & Chief Mission Officer
Helping Women Live Better
WELCOME to Helping Women Live Better brought to you by the Women’s Choice Award! We understand that women are busy and that life brings about many challenges, so our goal is to provide women and their families with the tools and resources that will empower them in their life goals and improve their lives. In the pages to come, you’ll find helpful tips and resources on health, caregiving, financial and everyday home life issues. Use this guide as an easy reference tool to inspire and assist you and your family. What makes this guide so special? Our digital guide allows you to click on the interactive links and go directly to the contributor’s site for more information, access videos, and more. Best of all you can download the magazine to have the content easily available and you can forward and share content with friends and family via email or on your social media pages with a simple click of a button. All of the brands, organizations and individuals who have contributed are trusted by women. Ever ask a girlfriend to recommend a brand or service? We do the same, except we ask thousands of women across America! Their feedback helps us identify the best brands in a variety of industries so you don’t have to.
Fall 2023
Caregiving
k c o l C e h t Around Chances are, you or someone you know will be a family caregiver during your lifetime. You may even benefit from someone else’s help as you age. More than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care— with the majority also juggling a job and other responsibilities. Being a family caregiver is perhaps one of the most rewarding unpaid jobs someone can have. While family caregiving can be a privilege and a rewarding opportunity, caregiving can be a tough job, sometimes thankless and costly. These responsibilities often leave caregivers overlooking their own health and well-being.
There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.
Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady
When our nation’s caregivers suffer, are unhealthy, and unsupported, our country’s older adults and individuals who are ill, frail, and disabled also suffer. In contrast, when our nation’s caregivers thrive because their loved ones have access to support, care, peer connections, and necessary therapeutic and medical care and resources, our country thrives. 4 Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Care Through CaringBridge
The stories of family caregivers illuminate the profound resilience that defines their experiences. As we navigate the landscape of women’s health, it is imperative to recognize and honor the unyielding dedication that caregivers bring to their roles.
Family Caregivers: The Unseen Heroes
Tanya Bailey’s
Journey
Tanya Bailey’s journey through throat cancer treatment serves as a testament to the before-andafter perspectives that health crises often evoke. While she transitioned back to work and studies post-treatment, her husband Peter, her primary caregiver, faced an emotional upheaval. He wrote on Tanya’s CaringBridge Journal in February 2017, “Now that the intense year of Tanya’s throat cancer, and my Mom’s lung cancer, are well-handled, and in the recent rear-view mirror, now is apparently the time for me to fall apart.” This experience resonates with the countless caregivers who find themselves,whether in the midst, or aftermath, of doing for loved ones what they can’t do for themselves, “falling apart” is usually as low on their to-do list as “taking care of yourself.”
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
CaringBridge offers solace and support to those who find themselves in the throes of managing and communicating a health journey. Inspired by Darrin Swanson’s journey of supporting his critically ill wife and their daughter, Brighid, who was born prematurely, CaringBridge was born out of the need for streamlined communication. At CaringBridge we wish to shine love and light on every parent, spouse, sibling, adult, child, and dear friend who has become, or will become, family caregivers.
A Piece of Advice from CaringBridge Family Caregivers 73% of CaringBridge pages are created on someone’s behalf, usually by family caregivers. Few people identified themselves as “caregivers.” Instead, we heard things like this: “I am Grace’s mom.” “Louie is my husband.” “Ashley is my friend.” We saw a trend where caregivers were more focused on their loved ones on a health journey, and less on themselves. When asked to share what they have learned, with the hope of helping others, CaringBridge caregivers were all eager to share. Among the highlights: Vicki Bunke of Marietta, GA, mom and caregiver to her daughter, Grace, said: “Be kind to one another. Forgive one another. Just love each other, because it is going to be the hardest thing you have ever done. But in the end, you may find that it was the best experience.” Meritxell Mondejar Pont, a Minneapolis resident and Barcelona native, who lost her husband to glioblastoma multiforme, the worst kind of brain cancer, at age 35, said, “I had friends saying, ‘Oh, I really wanted to call to see how you were doing, but I didn’t want to bother you.’ I thought, ‘Call me. Tell me a funny story. My day was horrible, but if you make me laugh, it gives me a little break.'” Claire Schwab of Alexandria, VA, who lived at the bedside of her son, Teddy, in a hospital far from home, after he suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, said, “Before Teddy’s accident, I kind of prided myself on being the go-to girl, or getting everything done or being self-sufficient. And I realized that I really didn’t do anyone any favors. It stretched me too thin. There are so many people who want to help. They want to be a part of what you are going through. Say ‘yes’ to people who want to help you.”
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
CaringBridge is an established non-profit that provides family caregivers and their loved ones on a health journey with a digital communication platform to safely and easily share health updates, stories, and find support all in one place. Starting a CaringBridge page not only helps caregivers organize and activate a support network, but can also help lower feelings of being overwhelmed, isolated, and lonely that often accompany a health journey. In honoring National Family Caregivers Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the family caregivers who navigate the intricate paths of caregiving with strength and resilience. The challenges they face, the sacrifices they make, and the unwavering devotion they exhibit stand as a testament to the remarkable capacity within them, reminding us all that their impact reverberates far beyond the roles they play. To learn more about CaringBridge or start a site, visit www.caringbridge.com.
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Fall 2023
Tips To Prepare Your Home Systems & Appliances For the
winter season
As the days get shorter and the temperature begins to drop, it’s important for homeowners to take measures to prepare their home systems and appliances to ensure they are in good working order all winter long. There is no worse time for a home system or appliances to stop working. It can happen at any time, but during the winter, the cold weather can create complications that can cause these critical systems and appliances to fail.
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
To
help you avoid any issues, you can follow these tips to ensure your appliances and systems are cleaned and working properly, no matter the weather. Spending a little time on proper maintenance can help save you from costly repairs and inconvenient
downtimes. Read on to learn more about what to do to get your appliances and home systems winter-ready.
Refrigerator Your refrigerator is essential for storing food properly and ensuring food safety. Take a little time to perform refrigerator maintenance.
Clean the Gasket – Grime and food particles can build up on the gasket (the plastic strips that form a seal between the door and the refrigerator), allowing cool air to leak. Use a simple and safe cleaning solution to wipe down the seals.
Dust the Coils – The coils help cool your refrigerator down, and as dust collects, your refrigerator has to work harder, leading to higher temperatures. Use a gentle brush attachment on your vacuum to clean out the dust and debris.
Check the Temperature – Keeping an optimal temperature in your refrigerator and freezer is not only important for food safety, but also for efficiency. The refrigerator should be around 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the freezer should be at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Not sure if the temperature is holding? Purchase a refrigerator thermometer.
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Dryer Your dryer needs monthly and annual maintenance to ensure it effectively dries your clothes, and to prolong its lifespan. In addition to cleaning out the lint trap before each load, each month it’s recommended to clean the interior vent by disconnecting the exhaust tube from the back and vacuuming out any debris from the exhaust hole. It’s also a major safety concern if the vents are not regularly cleaned. And once a year, have a professional come out to clean out (and possibly replace) your dryer vents to prevent any issues, including a significant fire hazard.
Helping Women Live Better
Fireplace & Space Heaters When temperatures get cold many people rely on fireplaces and space heaters to help heat their homes. Unfortunately, many accidents occur during the cold season due to dirty chimneys and improper ventilation that can cause smoke and carbon monoxide inhalation and fire hazards. Here are some tips to make sure you are ready: Hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect & clean your chimney, smoke ducts, & flue pipes Inspect the firebox, smoke shelf and other areas of your fireplace that you can’t reach to prevent soot fires and gas emissions Test space heaters and place three feet away from any flammable items Use a wall outlet and never plug a space heater into an extension cord One of the most critical steps you can take to protect the safety of your family is to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they have fresh batteries
Fall 2023
Heating Unit Many heating and cooling systems can last years with proper maintenance. Your heating system will be the most critical system to care for as you prepare your home for the winter months.
Test Your Heaters – Give your heating system a test run before the temperatures drop. You want to be able to hear the furnace turn on and check to see if warm air begins to blow. Check the Fuel Supply – If you have a propane or fuel oil furnace, you want to ensure the levels are sustainable through the winter months. Change the Air Filters - Before the weather gets too cool, take the time to change out your filters at the very least. Inspect Heating Vents – Clear and clean obstacles that may be preventing air from flowing freely. With an HVAC system, you may want a technician to clean the vents annually.
It’s ideal to schedule maintenance to check your whole HVAC system to ensure your heating will work when you need it the most.
Dishwasher The holidays are around the corner and if you’re entertaining guests more frequently, you’ll be using your dishwasher overtime. Be sure it’s working efficiently and primed for that holiday cleanup. Remove any buildup, cleaning the filters and gasket, and check that there are no clogs in the spinners. You’ll also want to clean your dishwasher drain that sits at the very bottom of your dishwasher and can collect build up (yuck). It’s also advisable to give your plates a quick rinse and scrub before loading… too many food particles can clog the drain hose. Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Air Conditioning Unit As the colder months approach, the AC unit can often be neglected, but as the condensing unit is outside, you need to protect it from harsh cold weather conditions to have it ready next summer. Clean the Unit – Clean the unit and remove any dirt or debris from the coils and the fan blades. Let the unit dry completely and cover the condensing unit to protect it from moisture causing the system to rust or freezing internal components.
Prepare Your Plumbing Water supply pipes are susceptible to freezing during the winter. Drain water from your outdoor faucets and garden hoses. If you have a lawn sprinkler system in place, be sure to fully drain the system. Use insulated coverings to reinforce any pipes exposed to the elements to keep them warm in colder weather. If any pipes or ducts connect through an exterior wall, use caulking or weather stripping around the entry points to prevent cold air from leaking into your home.
Ovens, Ranges, & Stovetop Maintenance Check the thermostat on your oven to ensure it’s working properly and heating the food. The winter months bring holiday meals, and you don’t want to worry about improperly prepared food as you prepare to feed your family. If your oven is a gas-powered stove, have the lines checked by a professional. And since the oven is used more frequently in colder months, remember do not leave your home while the oven, and/or stovetop is on. Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Seal Doors and Windows If cold weather starts to seep into your home, your heating bills can skyrocket. You can minimize the cold air leaks by inspecting the seals around your windows and doors.
Check Moldings and Caulking -- Check the inside and outside molding and caulking for any damage. Look for cracks or areas where the seals are missing. Check for Air Leaks -- During a windy day, from the inside, check all the windows and doors for any breezes or listen closely to see if you can hear any air traveling through. Replace Weatherstripping -- Check the weatherstripping around doors and replace any damaged ones. Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
How Can Women Be Better Prepared Financially? Follow These s ‘ P 4 By Celine Pastore
As
the youngest of five children born to an Irish immigrant mother and a Brooklyn born father, neither of my parents had much formal or
financial education, but they knew how to stretch a dollar further than most. Interestingly enough, I never planned on being a financial professional, but life’s circumstances led me to where I am and for that I am grateful. 4 Helping Women Live Better
For over 20 years, I owned a successful consulting and marketing firm, working primarily with financial advisors, physicians, and small business owners. Then everything changed...my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It was during my time helping my parents through that process that I realized my true life’s purpose: to be a financial advocate, to help protect women and families from the common pitfalls of money, life, and business.
Fall 2023
The Realities of Not Having a Plan It was heartbreaking to watch my dad lose his identity to Alzheimer’s while also being deprived of the dignity of care that he deserved because he ended up on Medicaid.
Women live longer than men, and because they do, it behooves them to start paying more attention to protecting their wealth.
At the same time, I had to watch the effects it had on my mom (who was a selfless, savvy, and self-made businesswoman) as she suffered from both fear and humiliation, watching her husband and soulmate end up living in a nursing home. Something they always promised each other would never happen.
Consider this: By 2030, as men pass away and transfer assets to their wives, women will likely control a huge chunk of baby boomers’ financial assets.
But the backdrop of this massive wealth transfer is concerning: women still lack confidence in financial matters. There’s still a financial literacy gap for many women as well as an overall insufficient financial preparation that puts them at risk. After all, when you live longer, that’s a risk multiplier. You’re likely to see inflation, experience a market crash, end up in a nursing home, or run out of money.
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
How to Become Better Prepared Financially
4P‘s
To overcome barriers to understanding financial matters better, I recommend these “Four Ps” to women.
1
Give Yourself Permission.
2
Have a Purpose.
Women sometimes literally have to give themselves permission to put themselves first, take care of themselves, and stop sacrificing for everyone else. You need to say “Now is my time.” Don’t wait for someone to do it for you.
You have to determine what your purpose is with your money. Everyone’s purpose is going to be different. Do you want to make sure you don’t run out of money in retirement? Do you want to make sure you give less to the IRS? Do you want to leave money behind for your children, grandchildren, or favorite charity? You need to begin with the end in mind so you can chart a course to get there.
3
Seek Professional Advice.
What you don’t know, you don’t know. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about in trying to find out, to learn, to educate yourself. But do your research. You don’t want to take advice from a generic book or from the TV, where an adviser is speaking to a general audience, rather than to you personally. Find somebody who understands your personal goals, shares your values, and can help you achieve what you’re trying to accomplish.
In my opinion, your purpose should be more meaningful than simply getting a better return on your investment. This tends to come more naturally for women. We tend to think “What effect am I having on my family, my community?” So it’s important to tie financial planning to some type of purpose. For example, if you’re concerned about running out of money, then look into ways to provide guaranteed income sources, in addition to your Social Security. And if you’re younger, you may not even have Social Security to rely on.
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
4 Have a Plan. You need a plan, and it needs to be fluid because life changes. What is your plan for longevity? What if you live into your 90s or age 100? What are you going to do? My mom lived until 90 and she was quite active up until the end. She still wanted to travel, own a car, and enjoy a nice dinner out on occasion. And what if you get sick prematurely? Have a plan for the known risks, as well as the unknown ones. One big lesson from COVID was that the real risks in life are the ones that can’t be predicted. So be prepared to navigate and make changes as needed. In a variety of roles, women have long helped and empowered others. Financially speaking, with much at stake in their future, it’s time they do the same for themselves.
Celine J. Pastore is the founder and principal of SimplePath Wealth Management, LLC, a registered investment advisory firm with the state of Florida. She also owns and operates SimplePath Insurance & Tax Planning, LLC, and Women’s Wealth Advisor, which focuses on educating women on financial matters. www.simplepathretirement.com
Celine J. Pastore CRPC®, MRFC® Founder & Retirement Advisor
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Fall 2023
BEST HOSPITALS The Women’s Choice Award for Best Hospitals® is a coveted credential that identifies the nation’s best hospitals based on robust criteria that includes relevant clinical performance, patient satisfaction and appropriate accreditations.
Bariatrics
Cancer Care
Children’s Hospitals
Breast Centers
Dialysis Centers
Emergency Care
4
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Fall 2023
Extended Care & Nursing Homes
Heart Care
Mammogram Imaging Center
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Obstetrics
Orthopedics
Outpatient Experience
Patient Experience
Patient Safety
Small Hospitals
Stroke Care
Women's Services
4
www.womenschoiceaward.com/best-hospitals 4Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Women & Blood Clots 4 Helping Women Live Better
Know Your Risk & Protect Yourself Fall 2023
Nisheera Jeffers of Dundalk, Maryland had her youngest son via C-section in December 2019. Her recovery at home went well at first, outside of the normal pain from having a baby. But at about a month postpartum, she began to have chest pains and found it hard to do simple tasks. At first, she ignored the pain and convinced herself it was just gas from the surgery because it felt similar to her first C-section.
Nisheera’s
Story
As time went on, Nisheera’s condition continued to worsen. On January 26, 2020, she could barely lie down without crying -- it felt like an elephant was sitting on her chest. In desperation, she Googled her symptoms and found an article about Serena Williams being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE) after having her child. She mentioned this to her primary care physician and her obstetrician, but they both brushed it off as gas and pain from her C-section. Her husband, however, could no longer watch her go through this pain and forced her to go to the ER. After waiting hours for testing, she was finally diagnosed with pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in both lungs. Nisheera spent a week in the hospital. She was prescribed apixaban, which is an anticoagulant, or blood thinner. Daily tasks were challenging due to the ongoing shortness of breath, and the exhaustion of motherhood. Nisheera became depressed after the realization sunk in that she could have died and knowing her life may never be the same. She started to see a pulmonologist, who told her the PE could have been caused by her C-section.
I’m extremely thankful I’m here to tell my story and spread awareness. Always advocate for yourself and trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right.
Today, Nisheera can do daily tasks and exercise without struggling for breath. Unfortunately, Nisheera’s story isn’t unusual. Women are at a heightened risk for blood clots during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as while taking estrogen-based birth control and taking estrogen to manage menopause symptoms.
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Pregnancy Puts Women at an Increased Risk for Blood Clots
Women who are pregnant or have just given birth have an increased risk for a pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs) or deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg or arm), known collectively as venous thromboembolism, or VTE. In fact, one out of every 1,000 women will experience a VTE during the postpartum period. Pregnancy doesn’t directly cause blood clots, but it does pose a four-fold increased risk for the development of blood clots. That risk increases to about 20-fold during the postpartum period and remains elevated for up to three months after the baby is born. The risk is at its highest – about 100fold – in the first week that the baby is born. This tendency for a woman’s body to form clots during pregnancy is the result of a natural biological response intended to protect women against the potentially major bleeding challenges of miscarriage and childbirth.
Women should look into whether or not there is a history of blood clots in their family, and also recognize the other major risk factors for blood clots, including hospitalization, surgery, trauma, obesity, smoking, and immobility.
Birth Control and Menopause Treatment Also Increase Women’s Blood Clot Risk Most birth control pills contain the hormone estrogen, which contributes to an increased risk of blood clots by causing the level of clotting factors or clotting proteins in a woman’s body to increase. The pill, the patch or the ring — when they contain estrogen — all do the same thing: They cause the body to hormonally imitate pregnancy, or to think it’s pregnant. In doing so, they prevent pregnancy, but also increase clotting risk. Women’s bodies have evolved over time to offer them some protection from serious bleeding related to pregnancy. Their bodies actually produce more clotting factor proteins very early on in the pregnancy so that their blood will clot more readily and protect them from any bleeding that might occur with a miscarriage or during childbirth. When birth control methods made with pregnancy hormones like estrogen cause the body to think that it’s pregnant, these same changes will occur, putting women at an increased risk for blood clots.
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Meredith’s
Story
In 2020, 16-year-old Meredith Malone of Colorado complained that she was having difficulty breathing. Her parents dismissed it as a sinus condition or allergies. But the next morning, Meredith called her parents from school saying she had just passed out. At the hospital, physicians asked her parents if she was on any drugs. They innocently replied no, except oral contraceptives. That was all the doctors needed to know. They diagnosed her with a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), but unfortunately it was too late. Meredith died seven days later.
Looking back, I am haunted by not taking her symptoms more seriously – symptoms that I now know as classic signs of a blood clot. Had we known, we would have taken her to the hospital that night. Patrick, Meredith’s Dad
Prevent Blood Clots by Knowing Your Risk An estimated 900,000 Americans experience blood clots every year, and 100,000 will die from them. The two most important things you can do to prevent blood clots is to know if you’re at risk and to recognize the signs and symptoms. The risk factors for blood clots include:
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Prevent Blood Clots by Knowing the Signs & Symptoms
If you recognize these signs and symptoms, you can save your life. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in the leg or arm: Swelling Difficulty walking Pain or tenderness not caused by injury Skin that is warm to the touch Skin discoloration
Here are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot that has broken off and traveled to the lung, which can be lifethreatening: Difficulty breathing Chest pain that worsens with a deep breath or while lying down Coughing, or coughing up blood Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat
Blood clots can be fatal, but they are also highly treatable if the symptoms are recognized early. For more information on blood clots, visit stoptheclot.org.
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
8 TIPS
on how to Stay Healthy During the
s y a d i l Ho
Many of us see the holidays as an excuse to splurge-it’s the one time of the year you can do this without feeling guilty, right? Well, not quite. No matter how hard you work at staying fit throughout the year, whether through a healthy diet or rigorous exercise routine we all feel guilty after splurging - even if it’s during the holiday season.
And while moderation is always the key to a healthy routine, there are some tips to help you steer clear of snowballing into disaster! So enjoy the sweet aromas of Santa’s cookies and mom’s apple pie but don’t polish off the eggnog…this year can be different! Here are some simple tips to keep in mind so that come 2024 you’re not shopping for the next size up!
4 Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Stick to your routine as best as you can Although you may get off track, having a solid plan in place is the greatest strategy to stay healthy throughout the holiday season. Stick to your daily routine while adding in a holiday related task, event etc. to avoid getting too overwhelmed when the normal day to day stuff starts to fall behind.
Don’t let yourself starve You’ve been told before that you shouldn’t go to the grocery store hungry. The same rules apply for a big meal or holiday party. Being hungry and having an appetite is great but when you’re ravenous, you will lose yourself and this is a very slippery slope! On the flip side, when you do overindulge, don’t cut out breakfast the next morning. Instead, go for a calming walk and reevaluate your plans to stay on track. Skipping meals will backfire.
Don’t forget your protein and water Before you attend a party or are sitting down to eat a big Thanksgiving or holiday dinner, make sure to fill up on plenty of water and lots of protein. Water fills you up and is good for you in just about every way but the other reason for drinking water is to stay hydrated. So often we eat when we are dehydrated and thirsty. Drinking water can soften the cravings and keep you from overeating! Protein serves to keep you full so that you’ll have less room for junk and will be satisfied for longer. So before going in for a massive scoop of stuffing put lots of turkey and vegetables on your plate - then have a little taste of everything else.
Chill out Did you know that when you’re cold your body has to work harder to keep you warm? That means you burn more calories, and while this may not be the equivalent of doing a workout program, every little bit helps!
Spice it Up Spicy foods boost your metabolism so enjoy hot peppers, hot sauce, cayenne pepper and the like when cooking your favorite dishes or vegetables. Keep this in mind: Holidays are days - not weeks or months. If you’re going to spurge then be sure to enjoy it - but don’t forget to get back on track the next morning.
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
De-stress and snooze
Between social events, holiday shopping and family matters, your calendar gets booked and you have less time for yourself. As the stress from a hectic schedule builds, your propensity for cravings and calorie-dense foods increase. Why? Well stress increases cortisol levels and cortisol leads directly to weight gain. So pencil in some you-time by getting your nails done, doing yoga, listening to soothing music, reading a book and getting enough sleep! These all play a major role in how your body will be able to fight off cravings. Plus, it’s a win-win situation!
Don’t Deny Yourself
Helping Women Live Better
Burn, baby burn Everything in life is about give and take. Calories in and calories out. Make sure that on the days you’re overeating you also schedule some time to burn off a few calories. This doesn’t necessarily mean the traditional working out – power walks or even cleaning, shopping and decorating will do a little bit to burn excess calories. More importantly, getting your heart rate up will kick those endorphins into gear and most people feel their cravings are reduced significantly right after working out… so try working out before your big meal or that holiday party, or better yet-get on the dance floor and have a blast! Getting in your workout first thing in the morning helps you stay stress-free, which can help keep your stamina up throughout the day and into the evenings.
You can still enjoy the season’s indulgences but use healthy choices. If you’re a chocoholic or have a sweet tooth, then staying away from an overdose of sugar will be your number one challenge. But to make it not so unbearable, choose wisely. For example, buying the best chocolate (80% or higher cacao), will do better to satisfy your craving so you’re not going back for seconds…and thirds…and - you get the point! This way you won’t deprive yourself but you’ll also have an easier time trying to eat in moderation.
Fall 2023
No more searching for answers
WHAT TO DO & WHERE TO GO We know how busy women are and how complicated navigating healthcare can be, so to simplify your life this extraordinary alliance of leading women’s health organizations was created to help you find the most reliable and trusted health resources, education, support and facilities in one place
Visit: KnowWhereToGoKnowWhatToDo.com
Findingalance B How to Juggle Work and Caregiving Responsibilities 4
Balancing work and caregiving can be an intricate dance. Whether you’re caring for an elderly parent, a child with special needs, or a family member with a chronic illness, the responsibilities can be overwhelming. However, with careful planning and a support system in place, it’s possible to strike a harmonious balance between your career and caregiving duties.
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Prioritize Your Tasks When managing work and caregiving, the first step is to prioritize your tasks. Identify your caregiving priorities and work-related responsibilities. Knowing what matters most will help you allocate your time and energy effectively. Create daily or weekly to-do lists to stay organized. Utilize technology, such as MyCabinet, for medication management, appointment scheduling, and storing essential health information.
Leverage Technology Technology can be a valuable ally in the quest for balance. Consider using caregiving apps like MyCabinet to streamline medication management and health information storage. Sync your work and caregiving schedules using digital calendars and set reminders for both work-related deadlines and caregiving responsibilities.
Seek Employer Support Many employers today understand the challenges faced by caregivers. Explore flexible work arrangements that can accommodate your caregiving needs. Discuss options like remote work or adjusted hours with your employer. Additionally, many companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide resources, counseling, and support for employees managing caregiving responsibilities.
Delegate and Accept Help Don’t be afraid to delegate caregiving tasks when possible. Share responsibilities with family members or friends to lighten your load and foster a sense of shared responsibility. Equally important is accepting offers of assistance. Friends, coworkers, and neighbors may be willing to help with errands or tasks, so don’t hesitate to accept their support.
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Self-Care Is Non-Negotiable Amidst your caregiving and work responsibilities, self-care is non-negotiable. Make it a priority to schedule “me time,” even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Engage in activities like reading, exercising, or practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Explore respite care options as well, as taking breaks is essential to prevent caregiver burnout.
Open Communication Effective communication is key. Maintain open and honest discussions with your employer about your caregiving responsibilities. Transparency can lead to better understanding and support. Within your family, keep all members informed about your work schedule and discuss caregiving responsibilities openly. Collaborative decision-making can help distribute the caregiving burden more evenly.
Stay Informed Finally, staying informed is crucial. Keep yourself updated about your loved one’s health condition, available treatment options, and support services. MyCabinet can be an invaluable tool for medication management, ensuring that your loved one receives the right medications at the right times, easing some of the caregiving responsibilities. Balancing work and caregiving may present challenges, but it’s a path that many have successfully navigated. By setting priorities, seeking support, and practicing self-care, you can find equilibrium in your dual role as a caregiver and a professional. Remember that you’re not alone, and there are resources and communities available to assist you on this journey. MyCabinet is one such resource that can simplify medication management, allowing you to focus on providing the best care for your loved ones.
Say Hello to Your Virtual Medicine Cabinet MyCabinet APP is FREE for a limited time! Don’t miss out…
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
No Ears? Microtia
? t a h W Moments after our first child was born, we were made aware that he did not have fully formed ears. Our heads began to spin. How is this possible? Receiving an unexpected diagnosis in an already overwhelming moment of having your first child had me riding so many waves of emotions. You begin to overthink and your mind begins to race. Will he ever be able to hear us tell him how much we love him? Hear us sing lullabies? Will he learn to speak if he can’t hear? Is this my fault? For the first day and a half in the hospital, the doctors didn't know what this was or meant for our son. This led my husband and I to wonder, how rare is this? It wasn't until 2 days after we gave birth to Wyatt, a new doctor, and a million Google searches later that we were informed our son was born with Microtia Atresia: A condition where the ears and ear canals do not fully form.
Instead of being able to enjoy our amazing, sweet son and soaking up those newborn cuddles, we immediately dove into spending countless hours doing research, meeting specialists, working with insurance, and trying to create the best plan of attack to ensure our little one would be set up for success. As Wyatt's ears were not fully formed, we needed to start with an audiologist as they would be able to advise us how much hearing Wyatt had (if any), and what our options would be (if any). This is when we first learned of a Bone Anchoring Hearing Aide (BAHA). We also learned that there are two ways of hearing: Air Conduction - which uses the apparatus of the ear (pinna, ear canal, tympanic membrane, and ossicles) to amplify and direct sound. Bone Conduction - which allows the vibration sound to be transmitted to the inner ear
My mom always taught me that you need a second and a third opinion when it comes to medical choices, so we met with three different audiologists. Advice ranged from getting a BAHA device asap, to not even beginning the process of looking into BAHA's until he was 6 months old. I remember us leaving feeling so confused, but also knowing that we wanted our son to hear us tell him how much we loved him as soon as possible! 4 Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Fast forward two months and it was the day we had been waiting for, Wyatt was going to receive his BAHA's! I remember seeing videos on Facebook of children hearing for the first time, and many of them were filled with happy tears and smiles. However, we had been warned that more often, quite the opposite reaction occurs. Hearing for the first time can be extremely overwhelming.
While I don't have any astounding advice, I will leave you with the following reminders/takeaways:
We had no idea what was about to happen. So, hand in hand we walked into a room and Wyatt's BAHA's turned on for the very first time. Immediately you could see his eyes widen and light up. We softly whispered, "Hi sweet boy, we love you so much." After about thirty seconds of us whispering to him, we got a soft smile right back. I will never forget the look and sparkle in his eye. It was the most powerful moment I have ever been a part of. Our sweet son could hear us! He began to smile, and the smiling hasn’t stopped since.
Find your community and lean into your resources. You're not alone, so find your people!
Grieve the life you planned, but also know that the life ahead is more beautiful than the one you had planned.
When possible, provide all the resources to your children so that you leave the decision up to them.
My husband and I have been able to watch our handsome boy thrive over the past two years. Wyatt is as talkative as they come and is developing on pace with others. Wyatt also loves listening to music, signing words, listening for trains that pass by our home, and watching big tractors and trucks. Now I would be remiss to not share that a huge part of him thriving is also due to us choosing to learn American Sign Language and connecting with others in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. I think that if you take anything away from our story it's this: Being deaf or hard of hearing isn't a bad thing. It actually is one of the best things that have happened to our family. It opened my eyes, heart, and life up to another community that I would have never known without Wyatt being born deaf. I wish that in one of the three audiology appointments ASL was shared as an option. While we still would have chosen to also move forward with a BAHA to ensure our son had all of the options and resources at hand, you can guarantee that we would also have started learning ASL immediately as well.
You can follow Amy on Instagram at @lifeintheflaschlane
I also want to share and leave you with a quote that I recently came across. It is one that rings so true for us: "When I first got my child's diagnosis, my life felt like a stranded ship at sea. It's taken me years to realize that ironically, my child would become the lighthouse that would lead me to the harbor."-.@specialneedssupermoms
-Amy Flaschenriem, wife and 1st time mom in Minnesota, Amy is an advocate for microtia, celiac & scleroderma.
4 Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
FOR TIPS 5 MAKING HOLIDAY ENTERTAININGEasy
If you are planning to host an event, it can be overwhelming to weather the food shopping frenzy and then muster up the energy to clean, decorate, cook, and be merry. It can be even more challenging to find your inner holiday zen and celebrate the moment. But the holidays are not about completing a checklist—they are a time to gather, laugh, and celebrate our lives with others. Here are some things you can do to make entertaining a bit easier and more enjoyable. Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Cut your to-do list
in half!
First, create a list of all that you need to do to prepare for your event. Then start crossing them off by delegating tasks. Will one of your guests bring a side salad or dessert? Could you hire Merry Maids to clean before and/or after? The less that is on your list, the calmer you will feel. Remind yourself that being a good hostess is about making your loved ones feel welcome and appreciated. Even if your turkey or roast is cooked perfectly and your house is spotless, your guests will leave feeling neglected if you do not have energy to spend time with them.
Caprese Kabobs
Fake it
while you make it
It’s your secret that you chopped, julienned, and shredded for an hour to achieve a fresh and perfectly layered dip—so why not take some short-cuts? Buy your produce prepared and ready to go. Use a sauce, soup, or marinade starter to enhance a recipe and limit prep time. A quick fruit dip with fresh cut fruit or caprese kabobs may be just what you need to get your party started. If you feel the need to be Martha Stewart, ask yourself: would you prefer to greet your guests as they arrive or scurry around the kitchen while trying not to burn the spanakopita?
Helping Women Live Better
Charcuterie Cups
Dip-a-dee
do-da
Everyone loves a great dip. It is not only a satisfying dish for your guests, but can easily be prepared the night before. Keep your appetizers simple by making a dip or two and preparing a spread. A nice charcuterie board or individual cups can be prepared in advance. An assortment of sliced apples, pears, carrots, cucumbers, pita wedges, pretzels, or chips could complement a mouth watering dip, or even a cheese ball. For good measure, throw in a fresh (store bought!) guacamole dip. A nice spread will enable you to put everything out before guests arrive and give you the freedom to greet your guests as they arrive.
Fall 2023
. Y . I . D
Bar
When guests are able to do for themselves they not only get to customize their food or drink, they also free up the hostess to mingle with other guests! Consider creating a custom bar for beverages, salads, entrees, or desserts. Your ingenuity can go a long way in creating a deliciously memorable experience. A chili, mashed potato, or macaroni and cheese station can warm up any crowd with a variety of fixings like hearty crumbled bacon, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic stuffed olives. A salad bar can be great for your health conscious or vegetarian guests and added proteins like edamame, chickpeas, or grilled chicken are usually much appreciated. A hot cocoa or s’mores bar could have a variety of flavors, like strawberry, caramel and peanut butter (save time and use Reese’s cups), and a range of toppers from mini marshmallows to crushed cookies. Serving food “buffet style” allows guests to help themselves when they are ready, and even make a second or third round without painfully reaching over everyone for the sweet potatoes (again!).
under control
Keep clean up
Decorative flatware can set a festive and fancy party atmosphere. Try to use paper and plastic whenever possible to keep cleanup under control. Once your table is cleared, step away from the sink and put down your dish gloves. Your guests want you to sit with them, talk, laugh, and enjoy their company. The dishes aren’t going anywhere, but your friends and relatives will be leaving shortly. Entertaining can be a fulfilling way to warm your home and heart for the holidays. By taking a few shortcuts, you can sip and enjoy that hot chocolate while being in the present moment and season. And you can always call Merry Maids to come clean up the mess!
Author: Karen Mellor is a women’s health and wellness advocate who writes to inspire mindfulness in daily living.
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Need a Gift from the
Heart?
Nail Art Wreath Plaque Plaque measures 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm)
Use your craftiness to make a festive wreath art plaque that will be enjoyed this year and for years to come!
PLAQUE What you will need: RED HEART® Sparkle™: 1 ball each 8961 Holiday Green A and 8905 Berry Red B ADDITIONAL MATERIALS: 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm) wood plaque, acrylic paint (optional), adhesive tape, hand drill and small drill bit (optional), 53 #17 x 1" (2.5 cm) wire nails, hammer, scissors.
Helping Women Live Better
Designed by Sandi Rosner
Step 1: Paint plaque, if desired. Model was painted with acrylic craft paint thinned with water for a whitewashed appearance. Allow to dry completely before proceeding. Step 2: Print wreath template. Center template on plaque and tape in place. Step 3: For best results, predrill holes. With a small drill bit, drill through template into plaque at each dot on template. When all holes are drilled, remove template. Step 4: Tap a nail into each predrilled hole, leaving ½" (1.5 cm) of each nail exposed. If holes were not pre-drilled, nail through template into plaque, leaving ½" (1.5 cm) of each nail exposed. When all nails are inserted, tear off the template. Fall 2023
Step 5: Tie yarn A to any nail. Wrap yarn around nails, winding back and forth between the inner ring and the outer ring. Step 6: Continue wrapping until desired fullness is achieved. Tie yarn to any nail to finish off, cut and tuck in the end.
Step 7: Cut 11 strands of yarn B measuring 18" (45.5 cm) long. Holding 10 strands together, form a bow. Wrap remaining strand around center of bow and tie a knot to secure. Pull tails to back of bow and do not trim. Trim ends of bow as desired. Step 8: Position bow on wreath where desired. Tie in place with untrimmed tails.
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Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Your Virtual Medicine Cabinet for the whole family
MyCabinet APP is FREE for a limited time! Don’t miss out…
All Your Meds In One Place
Drug Interactions
Cabinets for Each Family Member
Refill Meds in One Click
Set Reminders For You and Your Loved Ones
Store and Share Health Records
HEALTHY TIPS FOR MANAGING HOLIDAY
s s e r St
The holidays are about relaxing by the fire without a care in the world, right? That’s not the case, according to the American Psychological Association’s Stress in America study. It found that 83% of Americans report inflation as a significant source of stress, and 8 out of 10 Americans anticipate stress during the holidays. During the holidays, the reality is many of us are racking up more credit card debt on expensive gifts, over indulging in calorie-packed holiday foods and investing more money in the latest looks for a slew of holiday parties. Make your holidays less stressful this year with a few small changes. When it comes to managing holiday stress, our four tips below can take you far.
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3
Start by setting expectations for you and your family. Make a list & budget. If everyone is on the same page in terms of finances, gift giving, and extras you’ll have a better outcome. Be transparent with your children, there is no shame in doing what’s right for your family.
Stay positive, and allow yourself to appreciate the small things like spending quality time with family and friends, indulging in your favorite dessert or watching a classic holiday film.
2
4
Focus on what is important in life. It’s not necessarily about the gifts but rather making memories with the ones you love. Combine the two and create homemade gifts. A batch of sweetness tossed in with some red and green or blue and white sprinkles can go a long way! Scrapbooks of photos, knitted blankets, family cookbooks & decorated tote bags are other ideas. Helping Women Live Better
Try not to neglect your health over the holidays, or you could start the New Year with regret and unhappiness. Plus, a good workout will help de-stress you during a stressful time of the year. If you’re not a fan of working out but you want to get in shape, download a fitness app or watch fitness videos on YouTube where you can get started at home. Fall 2023
PREPARING YOUR GUEST ROOM FOR THE HOLIDAYS Brought to you by
a Women’s Choice Award partner
Holiday hotel It’s that time of year once again when your house is a (happy) revolving door of family and friends. Time to pull out the guest towels, fancy soaps and clean out the spare room that has become home to boxes of summer clothes that haven’t quite made it to storage yet. Uncle Phil’s favorite snack? Check. Bringing up the extra chairs from the basement? Check. Guest room prepped? Before you check this task off your list, let’s take a look at ways you can make sure your guests feel comfortable and have everything they need for a wonderful visit AND a great night’s sleep.
Creating a comfy sleepover
Finding and creating storage options
If you have a permanent guest room, you might find it doesn’t get used very often. Before your guests arrive, think about airing out the mattress by taking off the sheets for a few hours or overnight. Put on fresh, clean sheets and perhaps add a special touch by using a linen spray to give a soft soothing scent. Lavender is a perfect sleepfriendly choice. Don’t have a designated guest bed? This Christmas might be a great time to purchase a new mattress because, of course, the holiday season comes with holiday deals. Treat yourself with a brand new sleep set and prep your current mattress for your guests. Knowing everyone’s individual comfort needs can be impossible, but you can be prepared to give them options on top of the usual sheets and comforter accommodations. Providing extra blankets and pillows in the room can help to ensure your guests have a comfortable and good night’s sleep.
Think of your guest bedroom as a home away from home for your guests. Clear a few drawers for their personal belongings and clothes and think about making room in the closet with extra hangers to let them hang items they want to avoid getting wrinkled. Making space on night stands will let your family and friends have a place for their glasses, phones and books from home. No closet space? No problem. Utilizing a garment rack can provide a space for clothing to be hung and when your visitors leave you can store it in your basement or attic. A garment rack can be a great storage saver to hang your off-season clothes when you don’t need it for guests. Removing your personal items from the room your guests are staying in can provide more space as well as limit the risk of expensive or fragile things getting broken, because let’s be honest accidents happen when you have a full house. Simplify your need for guest storage and fill some plastic bins with stuff from your drawers, closet and night stand to put away until you can reclaim your house again.
Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023
Anticipate your guest’s needs When preparing for family and friends to stay at your home over the holiday, put yourself in their position and anticipate what they may need during their visit. You can offer some hospitality while de-cluttering your home at the same time by having a stack of books on a shelf or dresser with a little note that says “Feel free to read me and take me home!” If they start to read a novel, they can take it with them to finish. Provide a few choices of local magazines and a town map. If you find yourself with house guests you may not be able to entertain for a few hours, give them access to publications or even websites that highlight fun things to do in your town. Want to go high tech all the way? Leave a tablet in your guest’s room with pre-loaded apps and web pages for them to peruse for local entertainment. Often when I stay at a friends or family’s home there are some things I find I need that may be overlooked. Here is a quick list of simple necessities every guest will be happy to have access to: Wastebasket Night light Alarm clock/clock radio
Open outlets for them to charge their electronics Iron
Sleep fresh and so clean Your visitors need to eat, sleep and, of course, let’s hope they shower. Multiple guests means multiple towels. To limit towel confusion, color code each guest’s towels. Provide every person their own color towels (body towel, hand towel, face towel) leaving them in their rooms so they have access to them as soon as they may need them. And make sure there are hooks available so they can hang the towels for reuse. You also may want to think about putting together a necessity basket with all toiletries we find ourselves forgetting when traveling. Here are some of the basics to give you some ideas: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash Shampoo and conditioner Soap
Lotion Razors Comb
Tissues Cotton swabs Lint roller
You can find these items in the travel aisles at your local store or dip into the hotel treasures we collect while traveling. Don’t lie, we all do it. And don’t forget to add some of your own flare when being an awesome host with a flower arrangement or a scented candle.
Guest room prepped? Check! Written by Julia Rosien, Vice President Marketing for Restonic and originally appeared on restonic.com. Helping Women Live Better
Fall 2023