November Health Focus: Lung Cancer

Taking breath is so fundamental and automatic a function

that most of us are apathetic to proper care of

our lungs until a problem develops and we

are already suffering from symptoms.

But becoming aware and acting to improve our

environments and habits are a good start to

besting the disease.

Did you know that lung cancer strikes more women

than breast cancer?

Did you know that hidden toxins in your home

can hurt your lungs?

Did you know that prolonged exposure to

second-hand smoke can be deadlier than being

a smoker yourself?

November is lung cancer awareness month,

and this is my chance to remind you to care

for your lungs before problems develop, and

do everything you can to heal if you've

already developed lung cancer.

Don't take it lying down!

For more information, assistance, referrals,

and support go to

Lung Cancer Alliance

And do your part to learn more and share the

information with friends and family today.

Avoiding the conversation won't cause anyone

to heal, and there are many steps you can take

to prevent worsening of conditions or stave off

the onset.

For help in stopping smoking, contact

Smoke Free

Help With Cravings and Tough Spots

Support for Stopping

The earlier you quit, the better your lungs' chances

of healing, as well as extending your life span.

It takes what it takes...

keep on trying!

***

Dealing With Dementia

When you and a loved one's lives get turned on

their ear due to early onset dementia, everything changes.

The difficulties which arise can't be dealt with through

the same old responses; the entire relationship

shifts.

Nerves are on edge, personalities will (generally)

conflict more than ever before, and tempers are

short. Patience and calm are

easy to prescribe, but hard to maintain.

These are some of the tricks I have learned to

help make daily life easier.

Find tasks (within the person's capability range)

to do. Chores, invented tasks, or

busy work...it's all about keeping their mind and

body occupied and active.

It could be as simple as organizing recipes,

photo albums, clearing out old magazines--all

of which are also jobs that possibly reconnect

them as old associations are triggered.

These jobs give a sense of contribution and

participation to the patient, which becomes

increasingly important.

(Don't press the point when the patient expresses

frustration and inability; they are NOT the person

they were, and getting frustrated or

demanding will only worsen things. Do your grief

and denial work independent of your time with the patient.)

And of course, confronting them while

you're angry is never a good idea; they will not retain the

importance of the issue you're addressing, but the

upset will linger. Criticism is the least effective tool

with dementia patients.

Tasks are good for a sense of purpose,

accomplishment, and even connection with

the caregiver or family member.

Also, don't make a big deal out of your need

to 'take over' most or all of the household responsibilities.

Be matter of fact, very low key, even--where possible--

not even mentioning it.

If taking over the bills, make it seem like you

enjoy doing it and it's helping you out

by letting you do them. Don't ask; it just forces the issue.

Hide the bills, the checkbook; get the mail delivered to a

P.O. Box for safe-keeping if need be.

Avoid conflict wherever possible, and do so

by not making a big deal out of the changes taking place.

They already know what's going on on some level--

it's just unpalatable.

***