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True Survivors Celebrate the New Year!
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Sean, a robust 29-year-old, came
to the ER, experiencing constant chest pain and shortness of breath. This was not related to exertion or eating, nor was there evidence of infection or diminished breath sounds. Dr. H wondered if Sean might be experiencing a deeper kind of pain and asked, "Are you feeling stressed?" Sean broke down saying, "My father died last Christmas, and I’m dreading the holidays."
Dr. H’s heart sunk and was certain that Sean’s father would have the same reaction. Sean’s father would be heartbroken to know his legacy was one of sadness instead of fond memories of the holidays. Dr. H took the opportunity to sit with Sean and offer some fatherly advice and spiritual wisdom. He knew that Sean’s father died at Christmastime for a reason and recreated a different perspective for Sean.
Dr. H suggested that the magic of this season can be transformative; in particular, how we evolve in our thinking about Santa Claus, and how it’s better to give than receive. As we grow up, we need less from Santa Claus, while learning to be more like him. Sean was mourning the loss of his father like when children learn that Santa Claus
isn’t a real person. Sean could either acknowledge his father doesn’t exist or make believe he lives in the North Pole. Out of sight never means out of mind. Santa’s legacy of oversight, gift-giving, and unconditional love never dies.
There was great solace for Sean in
thinking about how life proceeds from admiring both father and Santa, while becoming more like them. He was able to develop a new outlook for the Yuletide, along with having the spirit to carry on the example set by his father. Through honoring his father’s memory over mourning his loss, Sean was taking the first steps to becoming a true survivor.
CAREGIVING AND ITS IMPACT ON WOMEN
The #MeToo Movement was Time Magazine's Person of the Year. This popular hashtag called thousands of women to share their stories about the pervasive damage caused by sexual harassment. As this article states, caregivers are "likely to experience negative effects on their health, finances, employment and relationships." Caregivers are mostly women
and more likely to become victims of "healthcare harassment." Healthcare providers often expect caregivers to make every effort to have patients live as long as possible.
The article concludes that support groups, counseling and "other services" have positive direct effects on a caregiver’s health
behaviors. This circumventing around the issues of "healthcare harassment" does not solve the real problem. Family caregivers need to enroll their chronically-ill patients in home-based palliative care.
February 7, 20188am - 2:00pmThe 4 Seasons to Caregiving Symposium Del Webb Medical Center – Auditoriums A & B 14502 W Meeker Blvd. Sun City West, AZ 85375
Is Palliative Care Right For YOU?
by Kevin J. Haselhorst, MD The key to making medical decisions
is understanding palliative care:
Palliative Care is the
bridge between
advance care
and end-of-life
care.
When you no longer have your health,
how will you spend your time and money?
Is quality of life more important than
staying alive at any cost?
This booklet will teach you: - What palliative care means in practical terms
- The value of making your own medical decisions
- How to gain peace of mind with chronic
illness
Command respect during your next
doctor visit by saying,
"I receive palliative care."
Learn more at KevinHaselhorst.com
APPLAUSE FOR CAROL BURNETT
Before there was Saturday Night Live, The Carol Burnett Show used to be must-see TV for great comedy. When a friend suggested going to see her show in downtown Phoenix, I was sold. I expected Carol’s "evening of laughter and reflection"
would be a walk down memory lane, and it lived up to its hype. At 84, she maintained her spunk and quick-wit. Carol has remained a comic genesis and an American treasure.
Carol was open to the audience’s comments, questions and public displays of affection. Some read fan letters, others introduced
her to their family, one said she saved him from suicide, and another invited her to dinner. As I remembered watching my mom laugh hysterically at Carol's skits while growing up and viewing old clips of Carol’s show with Mom last year, Carol’s been brilliant at bringing generations together and spreading joy to the world.
#TributeTuesday
Share a tribute to a loved one who has died, or to mark the anniversary of their death.
From December 5th: #TributeTuesday: Good friends have a lot to offer and more to give. There's no better friend than Rich Kleusner!
#WishfulWednesdayHave a wish for the weekend? Post your plan on Wednesday. Practice expressing end-of-life wishes during the prime of life. From December 13th: #WishfulWednesday: I’m glad to spend time
with friends and #CarolBurnett at Comerica on Sunday – just to have a laugh and remember how Mom and Dad used to howl hysterically at her
skits.
How to Approach Living While
Dying
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Living While Dying Please support this film that makes “living while dying” easier for everyone to engage.
Help spread the word about
this Generosity
fundraiser! UPDATE
Immense Possibilities is a weekly public TV
and internet series that featured an interview with Cathy Zheutlin
about Living While Dying.
Watch the interview: (10 minutes)
Watch on Vimeo
Cathy needs to raise more money for the music, the sound mix and the color corrections.
Please help get the word out to others you think
might want to back this project!
Only have time for 24 seconds?
As Cathy explores the reality of her loved ones facing death, she turns the camera around and looks at herself.
How will she approach living while dying?
The end result of the film is to have viewers ponder and pick their own rite of passage.
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