Tag Archives: Brain Health

Beyond Terminal Care – Being Positive

A few biochemicals produced by our bodies enhance brain health. Neurotransmitters send messages within our central nervous system, while hormones circulate throughout the larger, peripheral nervous system.  Sometimes the same biochemical serves both functions.  Rather than producing them on a … Continue reading

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Beyond Terminal Care – Being Active

Being active takes different forms.  Much of being social requires being active, and we all know the importance of exercise.  As for that, this year I resumed regular stair workouts this year.  With the expanded coverage I had for 2023 … Continue reading

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Beyond Terminal Care – Becoming a Superager

Caregivers for spouses with dementia are six times more likely to get dementia themselves.  Such caregivers have higher levels of stress and depression, and lower levels of subjective well-being. My contrarian nature causes me to view that as a challenge … Continue reading

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Beyond Palliative Care – Physical Therapy

Once Cindy struggled to walk, I requested that the VNA provide me instruction for physical therapy exercises to do with her.  She receives these exercises to preserve the range of motion in her limbs 4-5 times a day, mostly from … Continue reading

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Cognitive Decline – The Triumphs

Stages of Decline Series Outline: Sixth Installment. Once Cindy was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s we decided we would share our experiences on the Humanity Hiker blog.  We faced the customary trials and tribulations of people with Alzheimer’s, but determined we … Continue reading

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The ADT Journey – Week 42

Cindy and I met as part of a group that hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1980.  Having thru-hiked the AT already, I attempted to show off my know-how.  To lift the group’s spirits after a drizzly first day of hiking … Continue reading

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The ADT Journey – Week 20

On our first day back from Denver I scouted trails for us to go up and over Pikes Peak, but I could not find a practical route that would land us near Cripple Creek. We would either be doubling back … Continue reading

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Couch Potato Counseling

We have been “social distancing” now for over three years, since the time that Cindy no longer could walk. Given her overall health and will to live, we could be social distancing even after restrictions are lifted. Just when I … Continue reading

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A Caregiver’s Canary

Towards the end of my first thru-hike I encountered a coal-miner, also nearing the end of his thru-hike. We took a break and chatted awhile, as back in the seventies thru-hikers encountered each other much less than they do now. … Continue reading

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Of Dreams and Melatonin

I woke up around 4 am thinking about a caregiver I met online whose situation is worse than mine. I mentioned this is an important ingredient for staying healthy, being more concerned for others than myself. Still, any health benefits … Continue reading

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