Direct or hands-on care provides many physical and emotional challenges.
It can bring great joy and compassion, with the caregiver giving back to their loved one. It can also bring frustration and feeling overwhelmed both physically and emotionally by the care needs of the loved one.
The Challenge - The person providing the direct care feels they need to do it all and may wait too long to ask for help or to take care of themselves.
Often the person providing the direct care is too close to the situation and looses objectivity. Their life becomes caregiving and their world becomes small. They are then at risk for stress and stress related illnesses. Often they need someone to help them see the reality of the situation.
The Solution - Acknowledge the dedication of the direct caregiver, observe for signs of caregiver overload and honestly share your observations with the direct caregiver.
1. It is important to try to understand the motivation of the direct caregiver and the emotions that are tied to caregiving.
2. Generational values and ideas are powerful. Independence is highly valued.
• Don’t ask for help
• Don’t admit there is anything wrong
• Don’t know how to ask
• Don’t want to burden the rest of the family
3. Values, promises and emotions drive the direct caregiver. Some of those include:
• Positive feelings are gained from caregiving
• I can give back to the ones that I love
• This is my duty as a husband, wife, child, family member
• No one can provide the care like I do
• Guilt – I should be able to do this by myself
• Promises made to the aging loved one – I will never put you in a nursing home.
• The aging loved one puts pressure on the direct caregiver not to tell
4. Caregiving can start in two ways.
• At first the direct caregiver begins helping with a few tasks. As the care needs progress, more tasks are added. When this happens slowly, the caregiver is often not aware that they are doing so much.
• The second way is when a health crisis occurs and the direct caregiver is thrust into the caregiving role, which can be overwhelming.
5. Observe the caregiver for signs of caregiver stress and overload
• Physical – headaches, high blood pressure, digestive problems
• Emotional – anger, frustration, crying, fear, impatience
• Behavioral – appetite changes, sleep changes, depression
6. The person providing the direct care needs to know that the greatest health risk may be to themselves!
• Share your observations with the direct caregiver. If high levels of stress continue, the caregiver’s physical and emotional ability to provide adequate care will be compromised.
• Work with the caregiver to identify ways to manage the stress and take care of themselves.
Asking for help is difficult to do, but getting help may save the caregiver’s life. If you or one of your family members is in the role of direct caregiver, step back and try to observe the situation with new eyes. Look for the signs of caregiver stress. Admit them to yourself or share your observations with another family member or friend. Identify one way to reduce or manage each stresser and set a date to implement each stress reducing technique. Caring for the caregiver is of utmost importance.
Carol McGowan RN and Cindy Streekstra RN are Caregiver Coaches and geriatric nurses who share a mission of caring for caregivers as part of a family unit. Their passion for caregivers has led them to create “The Caregiver Cottage”, a virtual place of support where they guide family caregivers through the caregiving experience.
Click here for more information on planning for elder care http://www.guidingfamilycaregiving.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_McGowan
วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 28 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2550
The Importance Of A Sewing Kit For All Of Your Projects
In a not so distant past the ability to sew was one that was possessed by most mothers and wives; a skill necessary to keep pace with a growing family’s changing needs. Whether clothing needed to be made or mended, household linens constructed, or bedding sewn for a warmer night’s sleep, the women of the house were always ready – with needle and thread in hand – to take care of what was needed. But in today’s world, the ability to sew is not a necessary skill but rather an optional hobby that can be done for pleasure rather than simply need. And for many, sewing means having a well-stocked sewing kit on hand to handle any and all projects.
A sewing kit comes in many different sizes – its contents dependent upon the skill of the seamstress and need and desire in the home. A sewing kit can help the casual seamstress instantly handle a missing button, pants in need of a hem, or a torn seam; but it can also hold all the tools necessary for the more skilled and motivated seamstress who desires to design and make clothing, linen, and a variety of creative projects.
Of course, a well-stocked sewing kit should include all of the functional items needed for sewing including needles, pins, thread, measuring tape, and fabric scissors. But it can – and should – also contain items that appeal to you on an aesthetic level. Make your sewing kit a place where you collect pieces or scraps of fabric that appeal to you – even if you don’t know exactly where you’ll use them. Chances are you’ll find a project that calls for that special piece of cloth that you’re now happy that you saved.
But a sewing kit collection doesn’t need to stop there; add buttons, snaps, and any trinket that you come across in your travels. You never know; you could spend a day with your child making crafts and sewing puppets all made from the collection you have lovingly assembled in your sewing kit.
For easy to understand, in depth information about sewing kit visit our ezGuide 2 Sewing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
A sewing kit comes in many different sizes – its contents dependent upon the skill of the seamstress and need and desire in the home. A sewing kit can help the casual seamstress instantly handle a missing button, pants in need of a hem, or a torn seam; but it can also hold all the tools necessary for the more skilled and motivated seamstress who desires to design and make clothing, linen, and a variety of creative projects.
Of course, a well-stocked sewing kit should include all of the functional items needed for sewing including needles, pins, thread, measuring tape, and fabric scissors. But it can – and should – also contain items that appeal to you on an aesthetic level. Make your sewing kit a place where you collect pieces or scraps of fabric that appeal to you – even if you don’t know exactly where you’ll use them. Chances are you’ll find a project that calls for that special piece of cloth that you’re now happy that you saved.
But a sewing kit collection doesn’t need to stop there; add buttons, snaps, and any trinket that you come across in your travels. You never know; you could spend a day with your child making crafts and sewing puppets all made from the collection you have lovingly assembled in your sewing kit.
For easy to understand, in depth information about sewing kit visit our ezGuide 2 Sewing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
Antique Firearms Appraisal
You have several options when it comes to antique firearms appraisal. Your first option is to take your gun to a gun dealer or museum. They will have the expertise and reference materials needed to make an accurate appraisal of your investment piece. A professional gun appraisal should involve evaluating the age, markings, condition and model of the gun. When they deliver your appraisal it should come with the supporting documentation that they used to determine the price. If your appraisal doesn’t come with this information then you probably will need to ask for it. The people that are interested in buying this item from you will want to see your appraisal documentation.
If you can’t afford a professional appraisal, or if you just want a ball park estimate of the value of your antique firearms, then you can use reference guides for gun valuation. One of the most popular gun value appraisal books is the Blue Book of Gun Values. The 26th edition of this manual came out in April of 2005. This guide is periodically updated so keep your eyes open for the latest versions. In this book you will find information about how to evaluate markings and how to price a piece. You will also find helpful valuation and collecting information in this book as well.
Another great book to use as a reference for antique firearms appraisal is the Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values. This book was published in October of 2001 and it contains 669 pages. In this book you will find information organized by American gun manufacturers. Some of the items covered in this guide include: information on telling restored antiques from knockoffs, American single shot pistols, American percussion Pistols, American metallic cartridge pistols and American military weapons. Antique military weapons from the Civil War are also discussed in this book.
Information, resources and guides regarding guns for sale and firearm auctions - Antique firearms appraisal information, reviews and resources - Gun Auctioneer is your source for finding gun brokers, weapon auctions and online gun sales as well as Civil War and military collectibles and weapons.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland
If you can’t afford a professional appraisal, or if you just want a ball park estimate of the value of your antique firearms, then you can use reference guides for gun valuation. One of the most popular gun value appraisal books is the Blue Book of Gun Values. The 26th edition of this manual came out in April of 2005. This guide is periodically updated so keep your eyes open for the latest versions. In this book you will find information about how to evaluate markings and how to price a piece. You will also find helpful valuation and collecting information in this book as well.
Another great book to use as a reference for antique firearms appraisal is the Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values. This book was published in October of 2001 and it contains 669 pages. In this book you will find information organized by American gun manufacturers. Some of the items covered in this guide include: information on telling restored antiques from knockoffs, American single shot pistols, American percussion Pistols, American metallic cartridge pistols and American military weapons. Antique military weapons from the Civil War are also discussed in this book.
Information, resources and guides regarding guns for sale and firearm auctions - Antique firearms appraisal information, reviews and resources - Gun Auctioneer is your source for finding gun brokers, weapon auctions and online gun sales as well as Civil War and military collectibles and weapons.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland
วันจันทร์ที่ 25 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2550
Vaccination Decisions - Who Should You Trust?
Most parents want to trust their pediatrician. We no longer live in extended families. Moms and grandmas frequently live far away so when Johnny gets sick, instead of consulting with those close to us who have taken care of sick kids, we confer with our doctor.
Most pediatricians are well meaning and want to do what they feel is in the best interest of children's health. However, when it comes to vaccination, pediatricians often go beyond helpful suggestions; they resort to fear tactics. Parents are told frightening, "worse case scenario" stories of a child who had serious complications from a childhood illness such as measles, mumps or chickenpox. The children who recovered uneventfully are never mentioned. The pressure to vaccinate can escalate and sometimes results in threats. Intimidated and believing the “doctor knows best,” the injections proceed.
Then you begin to read articles and books by doctors who have discovered problems with vaccines.
The information about vaccine dangers is not opinion but represents thousands of hours of research, documenting facts even most pediatricians don’t know. The information tackles mainstream thinking about vaccines head on. Importantly, the information is presented with detailed references. This new data causes feelings of confusion. It is radically different from what has been generally accepted about vaccination for more than two hundred years: “Vaccines are safe, effective, protective and cause no harm.” You spend hours researching both sides of the argument to determine which doctor is telling the truth, which information is correct. You struggle, you argue, and you often feel very conflicted.
Both doctors are convincing. Both speak with authority and present information you struggle to assimilate. Which guidelines should you follow? Which doctor should you trust?
Quite frankly, you shouldn’t trust either at face value.
You should trust your intuition, your gut feeling, your own internal guidance system. Sit quietly and privately, see how you “feel” when you consider vaccination. What does it feel like when you look at your precious baby and know that injections are planned at the next doctor visit? What does it feel like to think about not vaccinating? If both feelings are neutral or confusing, you need more information. If both feelings are equally strong and negative, examine your fears. Do you understand the real risks of the disease your want to prevent? Do you know the real risk of the vaccine? When one feeling is definitely stronger than the other, that is your instinct talking.
Moms know when something is not right with Johnny, even when he is not in sight. That’s intuition. On the other hand, mothers have cried while their child was being vaccinated, praying that “nothing would go wrong.” That's going against intuitive sense.
We have abdicated our personal power to professionals, particularly doctors, even though the medical industry has failed us miserably in many ways. Parents, it’s time to take back your power. Trust what you feel when considering vaccination. Know that you are intelligent and capable of reading and then understanding the risks vs the benefits. The more you listen to that "voice within," the louder it becomes. It is the best test of the vaccine information you hear.
Dr. Sherri J. Tenpenny is respected as one of the country’s most knowledgeable and outspoken physicians regarding the negative impacts of vaccines on health. Through her education company, NMA Media Press, she spreads her vision of retaining freedom of choice in healthcare, including the freedom to refuse vaccination. Her three hour DVD, Vaccines: The Risk, The Benefits and The Choices , her new book FOWL! Bird flu: It’s Not What You Think, and many other books, tapes and materials are available at http://www.nmaseminars.com/ Information about her medical clinic can be found at http://www.osteomed2.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherri_Tenpenny,_DO
Most pediatricians are well meaning and want to do what they feel is in the best interest of children's health. However, when it comes to vaccination, pediatricians often go beyond helpful suggestions; they resort to fear tactics. Parents are told frightening, "worse case scenario" stories of a child who had serious complications from a childhood illness such as measles, mumps or chickenpox. The children who recovered uneventfully are never mentioned. The pressure to vaccinate can escalate and sometimes results in threats. Intimidated and believing the “doctor knows best,” the injections proceed.
Then you begin to read articles and books by doctors who have discovered problems with vaccines.
The information about vaccine dangers is not opinion but represents thousands of hours of research, documenting facts even most pediatricians don’t know. The information tackles mainstream thinking about vaccines head on. Importantly, the information is presented with detailed references. This new data causes feelings of confusion. It is radically different from what has been generally accepted about vaccination for more than two hundred years: “Vaccines are safe, effective, protective and cause no harm.” You spend hours researching both sides of the argument to determine which doctor is telling the truth, which information is correct. You struggle, you argue, and you often feel very conflicted.
Both doctors are convincing. Both speak with authority and present information you struggle to assimilate. Which guidelines should you follow? Which doctor should you trust?
Quite frankly, you shouldn’t trust either at face value.
You should trust your intuition, your gut feeling, your own internal guidance system. Sit quietly and privately, see how you “feel” when you consider vaccination. What does it feel like when you look at your precious baby and know that injections are planned at the next doctor visit? What does it feel like to think about not vaccinating? If both feelings are neutral or confusing, you need more information. If both feelings are equally strong and negative, examine your fears. Do you understand the real risks of the disease your want to prevent? Do you know the real risk of the vaccine? When one feeling is definitely stronger than the other, that is your instinct talking.
Moms know when something is not right with Johnny, even when he is not in sight. That’s intuition. On the other hand, mothers have cried while their child was being vaccinated, praying that “nothing would go wrong.” That's going against intuitive sense.
We have abdicated our personal power to professionals, particularly doctors, even though the medical industry has failed us miserably in many ways. Parents, it’s time to take back your power. Trust what you feel when considering vaccination. Know that you are intelligent and capable of reading and then understanding the risks vs the benefits. The more you listen to that "voice within," the louder it becomes. It is the best test of the vaccine information you hear.
Dr. Sherri J. Tenpenny is respected as one of the country’s most knowledgeable and outspoken physicians regarding the negative impacts of vaccines on health. Through her education company, NMA Media Press, she spreads her vision of retaining freedom of choice in healthcare, including the freedom to refuse vaccination. Her three hour DVD, Vaccines: The Risk, The Benefits and The Choices , her new book FOWL! Bird flu: It’s Not What You Think, and many other books, tapes and materials are available at http://www.nmaseminars.com/ Information about her medical clinic can be found at http://www.osteomed2.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherri_Tenpenny,_DO
วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 21 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2550
How to Plan a Backyard BBQ
How to Plan for a Backyard BBQ Party Grilling out is one of America's favorite pastimes. Many of us are happy with just cooking out for our family, but including neighbors, friends, and coworkers can also be an equally enjoyable time. This is a fun way to socialize, plus you get the chance to make new friends by having a backyard BBQ party.
Like most other parties, planning is required. Proper planning helps to ensure that your party will turn out the best that it can be. Once you make the decision to host a backyard BBQ party, grab a pencil and paper and start writing down the foods that you plan to serve, as well as foods that others enjoy. In addition to meats (sirloins, ribs, etc), popular side dishes may include toss salads, baked beans, coleslaw, plus potato chips and dip.
Of course, the main feature of BBQ'ing in ones backyard is grilling the meat and adding the sauce. The side dishes should be well prepared beforehand, and you may even ask a few of your guest if they can bring a small dish. This encourages participation! Make sure to prepare the side dishes either the day before, or the morning before the event. That way when the guests arrive, all that is left for doing is the cooking of the meats.
There is also certain activities that could entertain the members of your party. Adult games could include horseshoes, badmitton, card games, or frisbee. If children are attending, you may even include child friendly games. If you happen to have a swimming pool, great fun can be had but make sure that lifejackets are worn, and no swimming is permitted for 30 minutes after finishing their meal.
And before all of this take place, an invitation list must be made. Simply jot down who you wish to invite and include their phone number, their email address, or their physical address. That way invitations can be sent by phone, email, or postal. And for the best results, try to arrange this party on a sunny day so that everyone that attends will have fun.
I am a happily married housewife, and I'm the owner of the website listed below. My website is designed for people that have a home business on the computer. There is quite a selection of affordable products listed, as well as a brand new product that comes out once a month. We are a family oriented website. Thank you again for reading my article.
http://softwarebyjudy.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Sams
Like most other parties, planning is required. Proper planning helps to ensure that your party will turn out the best that it can be. Once you make the decision to host a backyard BBQ party, grab a pencil and paper and start writing down the foods that you plan to serve, as well as foods that others enjoy. In addition to meats (sirloins, ribs, etc), popular side dishes may include toss salads, baked beans, coleslaw, plus potato chips and dip.
Of course, the main feature of BBQ'ing in ones backyard is grilling the meat and adding the sauce. The side dishes should be well prepared beforehand, and you may even ask a few of your guest if they can bring a small dish. This encourages participation! Make sure to prepare the side dishes either the day before, or the morning before the event. That way when the guests arrive, all that is left for doing is the cooking of the meats.
There is also certain activities that could entertain the members of your party. Adult games could include horseshoes, badmitton, card games, or frisbee. If children are attending, you may even include child friendly games. If you happen to have a swimming pool, great fun can be had but make sure that lifejackets are worn, and no swimming is permitted for 30 minutes after finishing their meal.
And before all of this take place, an invitation list must be made. Simply jot down who you wish to invite and include their phone number, their email address, or their physical address. That way invitations can be sent by phone, email, or postal. And for the best results, try to arrange this party on a sunny day so that everyone that attends will have fun.
I am a happily married housewife, and I'm the owner of the website listed below. My website is designed for people that have a home business on the computer. There is quite a selection of affordable products listed, as well as a brand new product that comes out once a month. We are a family oriented website. Thank you again for reading my article.
http://softwarebyjudy.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Sams
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