For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Galatians 5:14 NIV
That’s a powerful verse, and it’s found a few more times throughout the Bible, too. And I’m betting you have no problem loving others. Sure, sometimes family can be a pain, or our kids can make us crazy, but we still love them when it comes down to it. It’s ‘easy’ to love others.
But how well do you do with loving yourself?
“That was a dumb thing to say.” “How could I have been so stupid to do that?” “I’m so fat.” “My nose is too big.” “I’m so ugly.” “I’m not smart enough.”
Those words, or similar ones, are often spoken repeatedly inside our heads. They aren’t words we would ever think of saying to those around us – friends or family – but we can speak them to ourselves without hesitation. Why is that?
If you had asked me in early 2019 if I should be concerned about my hearing, I would have replied, not yet. I’m too young. I was so wrong. With October being Protect your Hearing Month, I’ve decided to encourage my readers to avoid what I have gone through. I’ve included 4 things to do now to protect your hearing.
This is what I suggest you do this month, or at least get the process going. You never know when you have waited too long to save your hearing.
Testing your hearing is more important than you think. If you had asked several years ago, if I should be concerned about my hearing, I would have replied not yet, I’m too young. I was so wrong. Take my advice and protect your hearing now, before you lose it.
This is what I suggest you do this month, or at least start the process. You never know when you have waited too long, to save your hearing.
If you had asked me in early 2019 if I should be concerned about my hearing, I would have replied, not yet, I’m too young. I was so wrong. With October being Protect your Hearing Month, I’ve decided to encourage my readers to avoid what I have gone through. Protect your hearing now, before you lose it.
This is what I suggest you do this month, or at least get the process going. You never know when you have waited too long to save your hearing.
Are you feeling tired and having a difficult time getting out of bed in the morning? For the last few months, I have been feeling tired when I wake up. And by 4 PM, I felt ready for a nap, or maybe to go to bed for the night. I was also gaining weight. My doctor had suggested a sleep study. I told her I would wait and see if I started feeling better. It only got worse. And then I noticed I was waking up with a headache.
Breast cancer is a pervasive threat to women’s health, affecting millions of women worldwide. It’s the second most common cancer among women, making it critical to get regular screenings to detect it as early as possible. Lung cancer is the most common. Do you have a regular mammogram? If you are going in for your first one I would suggest having it in your birthday month. Or in May (Mother’s Day) so it’s easier to remember when you had your last one. Remember a mammogram, is a gift you give yourself. No one can do it for you.
Mammograms are covered by most health insurance plans. It’s not just about finding cancer early, but it’s also about detecting changes in breast tissue that could point to future problems. The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer start yearly mammograms at age forty-five. Women fifty-five and older are recommended to have mammograms every other year. Women who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, such as those with a family history, may need to start earlier and have additional screening tests. While mammograms aren’t perfect, they are the best tool we have for detecting breast cancer early and giving women the best possible chance at successful treatment.
May 31 is National Save Your Hearing Day. Did you know? Most likely you will not even be aware of it and definitely, you won’t be throwing a party to celebrate it. Maybe you can schedule the party for October when it is Protect Your Hearing Month. These are little know holidays that can make a tremendous difference in your life. I know from experience. And so I post an article like this every year, in October. And now I’m also adding May.
The Simple Secret for Overcoming Isolation and Loneliness in Old Age
As we age, we may feel more isolated and lonely than ever. According to a recent study, over a third of seniors report feeling lonely on a regular basis, with social isolation being linked to a higher risk of mortality. However, a simple secret can help seniors combat these emotions and lead a more fulfilling life: connection. In this post, we’ll explore what connection looks like in old age and practical ways to incorporate it into your daily life. By focusing on connection and connecting with others, seniors can overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness and lead a more engaged life.
Understanding Isolation and Loneliness in Old Age
To truly understand how to combat isolation and loneliness in old age, it’s important first to understand what causes these feelings. As we age, we often experience significant changes in our lives, such as retirement, health issues, and losing loved ones. These changes can lead to a sense of disconnection from the world and make it difficult to maintain social connections. With less immediate family and friends nearby, finding new ways to connect with others can be challenging, which may increase feelings of isolation and loneliness. However, by recognizing these challenges and understanding the root causes of these emotions, we can take steps toward leading a more fulfilling and connected life.
The Simple Secret: Connecting with Others
One of the most effective ways to combat isolation and loneliness in old age is to connect with others. While finding new ways to socialize may seem challenging, it’s important to remember that there are plenty of opportunities to connect with others, even from the comfort of your own home. One way to do so is by joining virtual communities or participating in online groups related to your interests or hobbies. This allows you to connect with others who share your passions and provides a sense of purpose and belonging.
Another way to connect with others is by volunteering in your community. Volunteering not only helps you meet new people and build relationships, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Whether you choose to volunteer at a local charity or join a group that focuses on a cause you care about, you can make a positive impact in your community while also improving your own well-being.
Additionally, regular physical activity, such as going for a walk or joining a fitness class, can help you connect with others while improving your overall health. Exercise not only provides a sense of accomplishment and energy, but it also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
By incorporating these simple yet effective ways to connect with others into your daily life, you can combat the negative emotions associated with isolation and loneliness in old age.
Practical ways to Incorporate Connection into Daily Life
Connecting with others regularly is crucial for maintaining good mental and emotional health in old age. However, with so many barriers to social interaction, including physical limitations, geographic distance, and illness, it’s challenging to stay connected with loved ones and build new relationships. Here are some practical ways to incorporate connection into your daily life:
First, consider joining a social club or organization that aligns with your interests or hobbies. This can provide a natural opportunity to meet others who share your passions and values and can lead to long-lasting friendships. Consider volunteering with a local organization or charity. This allows you to give back to the community and socialize with others passionate about the same causes as you.
Another practical way to incorporate connection into your daily life is by using technology to stay in touch with loved ones who live far away. Whether it’s a phone call, video chat, or text message, staying connected with family and friends can help combat loneliness and isolation. You can also use social media to connect with others who share your interests or to join online communities focused on topics that interest you.
Finally, consider taking advantage of community resources, such as senior centers, community centers, or adult education classes. These resources can provide many social opportunities, including group activities, classes, and events.
By incorporating these simple yet effective ways to connect with others into your daily life, you can combat the negative emotions of isolation and loneliness in old age.
The Benefits of Connection for Physical and Mental Health
Connecting with others can significantly impact our physical and mental well-being. Studies show that social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of developing various health problems, including heart disease, depression, and dementia.
Maintaining strong social ties can provide many benefits, including better cognitive function, improved immune function, and reduced stress levels. Some research suggests that social interaction can be as important to our overall health as diet and exercise.
For older adults, staying connected with others can be especially important. Regular social engagement can help older adults maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and extend their lifespan. Plus, connecting with others can provide valuable support and resources, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
So, whether it’s through your local senior center or community center, religious organizations, or simply reconnecting with old friends and family members, taking steps to stay socially engaged can have significant benefits for your physical and mental health.
Feelings of isolation and loneliness can become too common as we age, but there is a simple secret to combating these emotions. Connecting with others can profoundly affect our physical and mental health. Whether through joining a community group, volunteering, or simply reaching out to an old friend, taking small steps to connect can lead to a more fulfilling and engaging life. Remember, it’s never too late to start. So take action today and reap connection benefits in your golden years. As Helen Keller said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”
Are you getting out there and making connections? Have you found a place that you fit in, which has made a big difference in your life? Please comment below. I hope you enjoyed this post.
Today I am telling you the story of our worst fear – the possibility of losing a grandchild. Unfortunately, a medical crisis happened miles away from our home and theirs. I will include some things I learned from this experience following the story. We thank God it turned out the way it did.
How it all began
On a Sunday in March, after our two granddaughters and their parents left to go home, my husband and I enjoyed the quiet for a few hours. And then, quickly, everything changed.
About four hours after they left, our son Bill called me. It was unusual to have him contact me before he was home from a trip. He started explaining what was going on. His voice was quiet, and he sounded like he had difficulty holding back tears. My first thought was they had been in an accident.
He explained that their three-year-old told her mom, her sister Camille, looked funny while they were driving. Katharine looked back in horror at Camille and noticed that her lips were blue and she was flailing her arms and legs. As soon as he could, our son pulled off the freeway. He removed Camille from her car seat and attempted to dislodge the food, or whatever was in her airway. Nothing came out that they noticed, but their daughter breathed again.
Urgent Care/Hospital
They googled the urgent care center nearby and drove there to have Camille checked out. At Urgent Care, a nurse told them to go to the Emergency Department at the hospital down the street. Once they arrived at the hospital, Katharine and Camille went inside. Bill stayed outside with their older daughter, Corinne. Bill called me and gave me the few details they had. They were a little over 2 hours away from our house. It took them 45 minutes from their original stop on the freeway to drive to Urgent Care, the hospital, and admit Camille. And now Camille and Katharine had been inside for an hour.
The hospital staff ran blood and urine tests. They had to insert a catheter in our 13-month-old granddaughter to get the urine. And then wait to get the test results. Finally, a nurse practitioner came out to speak with Bill. She said Camille was doing better. If the tests came back normal and Camille continued to improve, she would be released to go home. She might need to be transported to the Fresno Children’s Hospital if they found something wrong.
Our Response
I assured Bill, if needed, we could come to get their oldest daughter and bring her home to their home in Southern California. Another factor in the mix was that they had ice chests full of freshly butchered, cut, and frozen beef in their car, one-quarter of a cow. I told him we would take the meat and put it in his freezer. His home was another 4 hours away. Bill asked me to call his sister, who lived 45 minutes from their location at the Tulare hospital.
It took me a few minutes to reach our daughter. Since she didn’t answer her phone, I tried her husband, and fortunately, he was with her. She was distraught and said she could go to the hospital and, if needed, take Corinne home to her house if they ended up at the hospital for a long time.
She said she would text Bill to see if she could come. After minutes of waiting for her return call, my daughter finally called to say she was heading there. She made it in time to spend time with her brother and niece.
Sending out the Request for Prayer
In the meantime, I let all Bill’s aunts know what was happening. Our church was starting a prayer chain, but the committee hadn’t completed the process. So, I called the first name on the list and left a message. She called me back within fifteen minutes. She promised to pass the information on to the prayer chain members. I also asked my Facebook friends to please pray for Camille. So, many people were praying for our precious granddaughter in a short period.
My husband and I packed an overnight bag, grabbed some water and snacks, and started driving to the hospital. I couldn’t stand not being there, just in case it ended up in a critical situation.
Bill received a text from his wife in about an hour, saying they were released.
The crisis is over
When they came out of the emergency room entrance, Katharine held Camille. When Camille smiled, they knew she was getting better. Camille hadn’t smiled in the last few hours, so they were so excited to see her smile and smile a second time when her father took her in his arms. Camille is our always happy, always smiling granddaughter. I can’t imagine her not smiling for over fifteen minutes, especially not for hours.
Camille had had a Febrile Seizure, which is common in young children, even though none of us had ever heard of anyone having one. Now that she has had one, she might have more. Or possibly never have another one. A fever triggers them. Even though her fever had been low that morning, we decided it was likely because she had two new teeth coming in. It had been enough to start a seizure. Katharine had asked the doctor if Camille could have brain damage from not breathing for an unknown period. They assured her Camille hadn’t stopped breathing long enough to have permanent damage.
Bill and Katharine left to continue on their journey home. This time Katharine sat in the back, between her two girls, not taking a chance on missing anything. Rhiannon called me to tell me they were on their way and she was going home.
We turned around to return home, about 45 minutes from the hospital, thankful the crisis was over.
Prayers answered
Our granddaughter is fine. After the detour, they made it safely to their home, hours away. God had allowed everything to work out, so that Camille survived. Despite experiencing the worst fear of their lives, our son and daughter-in-law had their precious daughter back. I give God all the praise. God was instrumental in Corinne, noticing something was wrong with her sister. Even though she was only three years old, she hadn’t been looking out the window or napping. Instead, she had seen Camille and alerted her mother.
Bill could pull over quickly. They were about 15 minutes to a big city which had several hospitals. Katharine could bypass the emergency room line since she was holding a baby. The horrible experience of Corinne’s seizure is behind them. It wasn’t life-threatening, but it scared her parents. They feared losing their child since she hadn’t been breathing. God provided a helper to make it known. Corinne is now a hero to all of us. Her parents have let her know she saved her sister’s life. She doesn’t understand yet, but one day she will.
How to get through a crisis
Stay calm and remember, God is there amid the crisis
If appropriate, call 911. Our son and daughter-in-law were set on getting Camille to the hospital as fast as possible and they didn’t think about calling 911.
Remember, God has a reason/plan for everything
God can provide a hero, even in a three-year-old child
Begin prayers as soon as possible
Offer to help in any way you can:
Drop any plans you have made and make the crisis your priority
Offer to call people for them
If reasonable, offer to pick up their other children
Offer to bring them food if they are there for a long time
Drive to the hospital to be with them as they wait answers
Thank God for answered prayer, even when it’s not the answer for which you hoped
Have you ever had a crisis that seemed impossible? What did you do to get through it? How did you feel about it? Did you feel God’s presence in the situation? Please comment in the reply section below. If you have small children or grandchildren, hug them because they are alive and well. Watch them a little more carefully, and thank God for His protection over them.
President Biden has tried so many things to scare us into getting vaccinated. He actually said there was no excuse to not be vaccinated. As if he knows every person’s health history, religious beliefs, and reasoning not to get vaccinated. You don’t need an excuse to be unvaccinated. You need a reason. My reason is that I’m healthy, and not concerned about Covid-19. No one is going to force me to get a vaccine, which I don’t feel I need. Once mandates hit, I was more convinced that I had made the correct choice.
