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Monday, January 5th 2023 - Gut Health Part II

Did you know? Your gut, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is a long tube that runs from your mouth all the way to you anus and is responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.  The gut is also home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that make up our  gut microbiome. These microorganisms play a vital role in maintaining the health of our gut and the rest of the body. There are many factors that can affect gut health, including diet, stress, medication, and illness.  A diet high in processed, sugary, and high-fat foods can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome and lead to digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.  Chronic stress and certain medications, such as antibiotics, can also alter the gut microbiome and contribute to digestive problems. Maintaining a healthy gut is important for overall health and well-being. Here are some tips for improving gut health: Take probiotics: Probiotics...

Monday, November 7th 2022 - CareGivers Guide for Success

Caregivers Guide  



Family Caregivers Alliance 

Did you know...? 

November is Caregivers Month?

There are

  • Approximately 43.5 million caregivers have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last 12 months. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
  • About 34.2 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
  • The majority of caregivers (82%) care for one other adult, while 15% care for 2 adults, and 3% for 3 or more adults. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
  • Approximately 39.8 million caregivers provide care to adults (aged 18+) with a disability or illness or 16.6% of Americans. [Coughlin, J. (2010). Estimating the Impact of Caregiving and Employment on Well-Being: Outcomes & Insights in Health Management.]
  • About 15.7 million adult family caregivers care for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. [Alzheimer’s Association. (2015). 2015 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.]


AARP Family Caregiving Guide


Make a plan. Putting together a family caregiving plan now will help you respond more quickly and effectively should the need arise. It can also provide some peace of mind. A plan helps everyone get on the same page and keeps the focus on what’s best for your loved one.


Start the conversation. Many people wait until a crisis occurs before they talk about their values and preferences, wishes for health care or details of their finances. If you wait until a fall, accident or serious diagnosis, big decisions may be driven by assumptions.


Find support . Many issues may arise during your caregiving experience that require additional information and resources. Don’t hesitate to reach out to organizations and professionals with experience in helping family caregivers


Form your team. No one should try to approach the responsibilities of caregiving alone. While other family members are likely sources of support, don’t overlook friends, colleagues, clubs, or religious and other organizational affiliations as resources too


Care for yourself. As a family caregiver, it’s easy to forget about your own needs. Keeping up your energy and maintaining your health are critical in order to care for others. It’s just as important to make a plan to take care of yourself as it is to create a caregiving plan for others.  


See you soon & Thank You for your presence. 
JamiQuan R. MSW, QMHP
Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist

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