My husband, Jerry, was ill with skin cancer and we were fairly limited in the things we could do. I hadn't given one second's thought to a puppy
And then one day my life changed. We were living in an apartment that didn't allow dogs, but on this day, I walked into the apartment lobby and I saw some people playing with a puppy.
"What's his name?" I asked. They told me the name. I called the puppy and he came over to me, but he didn't walk like other dogs. He raised his entire body and, with legs straight, hopped over to me like a rabbit. I had never seen anything like it.
I said, "What is it?"
"Wheaten terrier," he answered.
I was mesmerized
"I met the most remarkable puppy," I told Jerry later. I don't remember his reaction, but I know I had become obsessed.
I got the name of a breeder with wheaten puppies and made an appointment.
The breeder let me into her home and led me upstairs to the puppies. She told me on the way up that no decisions would be made until they were about 9 weeks old, that they wanted to see who would be a show dog and who wouldn't.
I was completely taken by the little boy with the turquoise ribbon around his neck. But she would make no commitment. I saw the puppy two weeks later and was even more enchanted. But still the breeder would not commit.
Two weeks later there was a message on my machine. "We just wanted to let you know we feel you'll give the puppy a good home and … "
And that's all I needed to hear. I was ecstatic, literally jumping up and down. Jerry was so very ill, but he was smiling and so happy for me. It was sweet and so touching.
Every minute spent with Zacky was great. He was such a novelty to us both.
Three months went by like nothing. We took Zacky to Marina del Rey to see the boats and the ducks (he couldn't have cared less!), we took him to the park after he got all his shots, and we took him for breakfast outdoors. We had someone to play with who made us chuckle and that was a good thing.
And then one day, suddenly, Jerry had a severe downturn. It was clear he was dying.
No matter how much you expect death, nothing can prepare you for the unbearable silence after a loved one is gone. If it hadn't been for Zacky, I don't know how I would have gotten through it.
Zacky gave me many gifts, but the greatest gift was that by having a dog, that meant part of my "job" was to play with him. He was born to play. The concept delighted me.
Honestly, most of the time I felt I had a human living with me. We'd play hide and seek the way I did with my childhood dog, Rusty. But Zacky couldn't find me worth his soul. He'd be one foot from me and couldn't see me sticking out behind the bathroom door.
Zacky and I were together for 12 years and 4 months. I adored him. He gave me such tremendous joy, and I tried to make him happy in any way I could.
After he died last year, May 6, 2008, I was inconsolable. If I could have died with him, I would have. He was everything to me.
As long as I live, I will never forget him. I will never stop wishing he was still here with me. I gave him a million hugs, but a million more would never be enough.
I hope maybe one day to get another wheaten puppy, but I don't know if it will be possible. I don't know how I could love it and not constantly think of Zacky.
But I suspect that if and when I'm ready to have another loving relationship with a pet, I will get some advice from a few good friends who have gone through this. To enjoy a pet's very unique and precious gifts of boundless love and limitless joy is worth anything.
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Aging Brain: Maintaining Cognitive Function
The New York Times recently published an article about research on the aging brain. I have always known that if you keep yourself mentally alert, you can preserve your cognitive sharpness and mental acuity. It has been suggested that if you learn a new language, do crossword puzzles, play Sudoku and other challenging games, you will be able to slow down the risk of getting dementia. However, this new research is taking it a step further.
Apparently, not only is it important to use your mind, but it is even more important to do so in a social setting. The University of Southern California has been researching a group of residents in Laguna Woods, who are active and self-sufficient, even though these elders are well into their 90’s.
The key to their brain health is the afternoon bridge game, where they must maintain a strong focus by remembering the bidding, the dealt hands and the strategies of their partner. If their memory should lapse, they are required to step down from the more serious games to the casual ones, also offered. While they are interacting with each other, at the same time they are maintaining brain health and fitness.
These residents are considered some of the most successful seniors in the world. In fact, this research is altering the way scientists are looking at the aging brain. While exercise and diet can’t hurt to keep you healthy and alert, it seems you need to be involved in a social connection with others to maintain your self-awareness. Psychologists believe that in isolation, a healthy mind can go blank and become confused.
Therefore, if we want to maintain our cognitive independence, we need to stay close with our friends, have stimulating interactions and keep challenging our brains by trying new activities. George Burns once said, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”That's my new motto and I'm going to work at it!Amy can be reached at www.bummedoutboomer.com
Apparently, not only is it important to use your mind, but it is even more important to do so in a social setting. The University of Southern California has been researching a group of residents in Laguna Woods, who are active and self-sufficient, even though these elders are well into their 90’s.
The key to their brain health is the afternoon bridge game, where they must maintain a strong focus by remembering the bidding, the dealt hands and the strategies of their partner. If their memory should lapse, they are required to step down from the more serious games to the casual ones, also offered. While they are interacting with each other, at the same time they are maintaining brain health and fitness.
These residents are considered some of the most successful seniors in the world. In fact, this research is altering the way scientists are looking at the aging brain. While exercise and diet can’t hurt to keep you healthy and alert, it seems you need to be involved in a social connection with others to maintain your self-awareness. Psychologists believe that in isolation, a healthy mind can go blank and become confused.
Therefore, if we want to maintain our cognitive independence, we need to stay close with our friends, have stimulating interactions and keep challenging our brains by trying new activities. George Burns once said, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”That's my new motto and I'm going to work at it!Amy can be reached at www.bummedoutboomer.com
Osteoporosis - Facts & Figures for all Women
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:
*Approximately 8 million American women have osteoporosis, resulting in more than 2 million fractures annually.*One in two women over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime.
* An average of 24% of women who experience a hip fracture will die from complications.Postmenopausal osteoporosis is something all women should take very seriously. I had the privilege of asking Dr. Karthryn Diemer, Clinical Director of the Bone Health Program at Washington University School of Medicine, a few questions to shed some light on this devastating, insidious disease.
Here is the discussion:
1. Q-If bone loss a natural by-product of a woman's aging process, what specifically can be done to prevent it?
A-There are several basic approaches that all men and women should do:
a. Adequate calcium intake - either through dietary means or with calcium supplements. The recommended daily allowance is 1200 - 1500mg/day. ( a glass of milk or serving of cheese has about 300mg of calcium)
b. Adequate vit D intake - 1000 - 1200 IU daily.
c. Ask your doctor if you should be screened for osteoporosis by having a bone density test.d. There are several medications that are approved for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor as to what would be best for you.
2. Q-There are many products on the market now. Compared to Boniva and Fosamax, where does Reclast stand in terms of long term benefits?
A- Reclast offers strong protection in regard to preventing fractures: In a three year study, Reclast lowered the risk of vertebral fractures by 70% and hip fractures by 41%. Fosamax and Boniva lowered the risk of spine fractures by around 50%. (although these were not head to head trials). Reclast also offers the convenience of once yearly dosing for patients with osteoporosis and every two years for women with osteopenia.
3. Q-You should not take these products if you have low blood calcium. What does that mean?A- Your doctor should measure a blood calcium level prior to the infusion. One possible side effect is lowering blood calcium levels; therefore it is recommended that patients with normal calcium levels should be sure to take their calcium the morning of the infusion. If a patient has a low blood calcium, the physician should evaluate for the cause and correct the calcium level prior to the infusion. A common reason for low calcium levels is a low vitamin D.
4.Q- Can Reclast be used as a preventative, if you have osteopenia?
A- Yes, Reclast has now been approved for treatment of women with osteopenia. It is a 5mg dose every two years.
5. Q-What if, after the injection, you suffer from adverse reactions? What can be done to diminish the symptoms?
A- Approximately 15% of patients will have a side effect. The most common is fever and muscle aches. Taking acetominophen before the infusion can minimize these symptoms and it can be taken after the infusion if symptoms occur.
6. Q Research shows that all these products rebuild bone density. If you stop taking them, do things reverse?A- If any of the medications approved to treat osteoporosis are stopped, it is expected that there will be a decrease in bone density. Therefore, before any patient decides to stop their medications, they should talk to their doctor.
7. Q- People are living longer now. What is the research indicate about using these products for 30-40 years?
A- There is no data for long term use and fracture prevention (longer that five years) in any of the approved medications. We know that preventing fractures will improve quality of life and therefore our goal is to use these medications thoughtfully and with proper indications. More data will be forthcoming in regard to longer use.
I want to thank Dr. Diemer for this valuable information. Before you make your decision about how to treat osteoporosis, be armed with as much information as possible. Speak to your doctor, read all the literature on all the treatments and even speak to other women about their experiences. At the very least, get tested as soon as possible so you know the health and density of your bones. Remember, a busy carpenter never forgets to take care of his tools. Don’t be too busy to take care of your health.
*Approximately 8 million American women have osteoporosis, resulting in more than 2 million fractures annually.*One in two women over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime.
* An average of 24% of women who experience a hip fracture will die from complications.Postmenopausal osteoporosis is something all women should take very seriously. I had the privilege of asking Dr. Karthryn Diemer, Clinical Director of the Bone Health Program at Washington University School of Medicine, a few questions to shed some light on this devastating, insidious disease.
Here is the discussion:
1. Q-If bone loss a natural by-product of a woman's aging process, what specifically can be done to prevent it?
A-There are several basic approaches that all men and women should do:
a. Adequate calcium intake - either through dietary means or with calcium supplements. The recommended daily allowance is 1200 - 1500mg/day. ( a glass of milk or serving of cheese has about 300mg of calcium)
b. Adequate vit D intake - 1000 - 1200 IU daily.
c. Ask your doctor if you should be screened for osteoporosis by having a bone density test.d. There are several medications that are approved for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor as to what would be best for you.
2. Q-There are many products on the market now. Compared to Boniva and Fosamax, where does Reclast stand in terms of long term benefits?
A- Reclast offers strong protection in regard to preventing fractures: In a three year study, Reclast lowered the risk of vertebral fractures by 70% and hip fractures by 41%. Fosamax and Boniva lowered the risk of spine fractures by around 50%. (although these were not head to head trials). Reclast also offers the convenience of once yearly dosing for patients with osteoporosis and every two years for women with osteopenia.
3. Q-You should not take these products if you have low blood calcium. What does that mean?A- Your doctor should measure a blood calcium level prior to the infusion. One possible side effect is lowering blood calcium levels; therefore it is recommended that patients with normal calcium levels should be sure to take their calcium the morning of the infusion. If a patient has a low blood calcium, the physician should evaluate for the cause and correct the calcium level prior to the infusion. A common reason for low calcium levels is a low vitamin D.
4.Q- Can Reclast be used as a preventative, if you have osteopenia?
A- Yes, Reclast has now been approved for treatment of women with osteopenia. It is a 5mg dose every two years.
5. Q-What if, after the injection, you suffer from adverse reactions? What can be done to diminish the symptoms?
A- Approximately 15% of patients will have a side effect. The most common is fever and muscle aches. Taking acetominophen before the infusion can minimize these symptoms and it can be taken after the infusion if symptoms occur.
6. Q Research shows that all these products rebuild bone density. If you stop taking them, do things reverse?A- If any of the medications approved to treat osteoporosis are stopped, it is expected that there will be a decrease in bone density. Therefore, before any patient decides to stop their medications, they should talk to their doctor.
7. Q- People are living longer now. What is the research indicate about using these products for 30-40 years?
A- There is no data for long term use and fracture prevention (longer that five years) in any of the approved medications. We know that preventing fractures will improve quality of life and therefore our goal is to use these medications thoughtfully and with proper indications. More data will be forthcoming in regard to longer use.
I want to thank Dr. Diemer for this valuable information. Before you make your decision about how to treat osteoporosis, be armed with as much information as possible. Speak to your doctor, read all the literature on all the treatments and even speak to other women about their experiences. At the very least, get tested as soon as possible so you know the health and density of your bones. Remember, a busy carpenter never forgets to take care of his tools. Don’t be too busy to take care of your health.
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Get fr.ee streaming video software and make your own screen capture videos at www.camstudio.org
YOU CAN'T BUY GOOD HEALTH - OR CAN YOU?
5 Cost-Effective Ways to protect yourself against skin cancer:
In the case of skin cancer, you can buy good health, or at least good prevention, and for very little. I'm specifically referring to things you can do on your own.
1. Examine your skin every month. Your whole body. Look for very dark or irregular moles or even specs.
*When I was in my 20's and shared an apartment with a roommate,she started dating an anesthesiologist. I have no idea how this caught his eye, but he took my left hand and turned it palm side up and said, "You better get this looked at". When I say, it wasn't a mole, I mean it wasn't a mole. It was no more than a fleck. A dot. I thought he was nuts. But he thought it could be a melanoma. I had never heard the term before but there was no mistaking the seriousness of his warning so I made an appointment to see a dermatologist, and had it removed. Afterward, the doctor told not to be concerned about it, and immediately I forgot about it. Fifteen years later when my husband called from his dermatologist's office to tell me he had melanoma I knew exactly what it meant because of my long forgotten experience. In my husband's case, it turned out to be deadly.
2. USE - USE - AND USE - SUNSCREEN
There is some debate going on right now about how effective sunscreen really is, and whether they really block the rays the way they say they do. But each day new and better ones are coming out, so it's worth getting the best you can afford (read up about what needs to be in there, or ask a dermatologist). But what makes sunscreen effective isn't only what's in it. It's how it's applied. Most people apply it once a day, if at all. It needs to be reapplied every two hours, or more often if you are in and out of the water, or sweating, or are, for lengthy period of time, in the sun. If you don't apply it properly, you're not using your full chunk of armor.
3. PROTECT YOUR EYES Use UV Sunglasses. An ophthalmologist called me from Michigan (in the winter!). That's when I first learned - not about UV Sunglasses - but about how many people get cancer in and around the eye.
4. GET SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
You won't always find fabrics that feel good to your skin. But do the research. There are many companies making UV clothing today and eventually you will find something acceptable. And don't give up. Every day new things come on the market (I know I've said this before, but it's true). You'll probably find it on the internet.
5. ACCESSORIES TO BLOCK THE SUN
There is an enormous variety of accessories, from UV head scarves, to UV gloves, to UV Hats and UV Umbrellas. And there are many, many more. Some cover part of your arms (for driving). There is enough out there to find protection that is comfortable for you and fits in with your lifestyle. So go out and buy yourself some good health. It won't be expensive and it could save your life.
Lynn Rosenberg lost her husband to skin cancer and has made it her mission to educate and inform consumers about sun protection. She has also created a line of UV Umbrellas and Hats. For more information, visit: www.soleilchic.com.
In the case of skin cancer, you can buy good health, or at least good prevention, and for very little. I'm specifically referring to things you can do on your own.
1. Examine your skin every month. Your whole body. Look for very dark or irregular moles or even specs.
*When I was in my 20's and shared an apartment with a roommate,she started dating an anesthesiologist. I have no idea how this caught his eye, but he took my left hand and turned it palm side up and said, "You better get this looked at". When I say, it wasn't a mole, I mean it wasn't a mole. It was no more than a fleck. A dot. I thought he was nuts. But he thought it could be a melanoma. I had never heard the term before but there was no mistaking the seriousness of his warning so I made an appointment to see a dermatologist, and had it removed. Afterward, the doctor told not to be concerned about it, and immediately I forgot about it. Fifteen years later when my husband called from his dermatologist's office to tell me he had melanoma I knew exactly what it meant because of my long forgotten experience. In my husband's case, it turned out to be deadly.
2. USE - USE - AND USE - SUNSCREEN
There is some debate going on right now about how effective sunscreen really is, and whether they really block the rays the way they say they do. But each day new and better ones are coming out, so it's worth getting the best you can afford (read up about what needs to be in there, or ask a dermatologist). But what makes sunscreen effective isn't only what's in it. It's how it's applied. Most people apply it once a day, if at all. It needs to be reapplied every two hours, or more often if you are in and out of the water, or sweating, or are, for lengthy period of time, in the sun. If you don't apply it properly, you're not using your full chunk of armor.
3. PROTECT YOUR EYES Use UV Sunglasses. An ophthalmologist called me from Michigan (in the winter!). That's when I first learned - not about UV Sunglasses - but about how many people get cancer in and around the eye.
4. GET SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
You won't always find fabrics that feel good to your skin. But do the research. There are many companies making UV clothing today and eventually you will find something acceptable. And don't give up. Every day new things come on the market (I know I've said this before, but it's true). You'll probably find it on the internet.
5. ACCESSORIES TO BLOCK THE SUN
There is an enormous variety of accessories, from UV head scarves, to UV gloves, to UV Hats and UV Umbrellas. And there are many, many more. Some cover part of your arms (for driving). There is enough out there to find protection that is comfortable for you and fits in with your lifestyle. So go out and buy yourself some good health. It won't be expensive and it could save your life.
Lynn Rosenberg lost her husband to skin cancer and has made it her mission to educate and inform consumers about sun protection. She has also created a line of UV Umbrellas and Hats. For more information, visit: www.soleilchic.com.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Eliminate Your Fear of Public Speaking!
Moments of Power: Presentations That Get Noticed and Remembered. Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 7:00 pm EDT.
Trainer, Coach and Speaker, Marsha Freedman's can't-miss telseminar will help you get noticed! Whether introducing yourself at a networking meeting, making a proposal to a few people or presenting to a large group, those who get noticed, talked about, and remembered get the business. Attend this teleconference to learn several simple-to-implement tips to increase your moments of power while speaking. Click here to register. Use coupon code SPECIALOFFER (no spaces) to listen for free!
Trainer, Coach and Speaker, Marsha Freedman's can't-miss telseminar will help you get noticed! Whether introducing yourself at a networking meeting, making a proposal to a few people or presenting to a large group, those who get noticed, talked about, and remembered get the business. Attend this teleconference to learn several simple-to-implement tips to increase your moments of power while speaking. Click here to register. Use coupon code SPECIALOFFER (no spaces) to listen for free!
Get Clients Now!™ presented by Sherri Frost.
Get Clients Now!™ presented by Sherri Frost. Wednesday, July 1, 2009. 7:00 pm EDT.Imagine having an endless stream of clients by following just ten simple steps a day. You'll find out what really works to market your services... and what doesn't! Discover where you are stuck in the Universal Marketing Cycle. The most successful people in business have one thing in common...they take consistent, persistent action. Discover how to create a mini action plan based on the strategies most and least effective for you! Click here to register. Use coupon code SPECIALOFFER (no spaces) to listen for f.r.ee!
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