From biological warfare to collateral damage: Coping with shattered ankle creates new challenges

It’s been 17 days now since I broke my leg. I have had a great opportunity to find new meaning from old militaristic phrases. I have been specifically advised by my commander, the surgeon who pieced my bones back together, to keep the weight off the broken leg for six weeks. This means that the only way I can get around is with crutches. I always thought that the worst challenge would be the balancing act. I had no idea how much “collateral damage” I would experience. First my poor armpits feel like Mike Tyson pummeled them endlessly. Seeking relief, I tried to shift some of the weight from my armpits and now I feel like I have borne the weight of the Ohio State Marching Band on the palms of my hands. I am thankful that I have Percocets in my arsenal.

“Safe Passage” describes the effort taken to avoid breaking my other leg. I have already managed to tear a towel rack off my bathroom wall and permanently deform my shower doors.

I have carefully removed multiple hazards from my floor, creating a “Demilitarized Zone”, Water spills are deadly as well as small scraps of paper. Beware of a fallen towel, as far as a crutch is concerned, they might as well be banana peels! 

The basement has a long narrow stairwell that does not have a rail on either side. This is aptly named, “No Man’s Land”, foreboding and unforgiving, I dare not venture into this hazardous territory. My laundry room is down there, and my clean clothes are running low. Coping with this shortage is a different kind of “biological warfare”.

On the bright side, I get all the attention a guy could ever ask for. A hobbling character with a casted leg brings out the best in people. Everyone wants to help you. I recently went to the Post Office, opened the company box and saw a pile of mail. I had one of those, uh… duh moments. How in the world could I juggle the mail, manage my crutches and get out of the Post Office in one piece? Luckily an older (and definitely wiser) woman gently came forth and said, “Mr. Goldsmith, why don’t I carry your mail for you!” I felt like I was down to my last bullet and the Calvary had just arrived!

Aaron Goldsmith
Founder and President
Transfer Master

Hospital Beds for Injured Military Veterans

Unfortunately, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have led to an increasing number of wounded soldiers requiring amputations of limbs. There are currently almost 2 million amputees in the United States alone and more than 32 million worldwide. Some in the medical field consider this an epidemic of sorts - with injured military veterans topping the list as one of the most vulnerable to this injury.

Sadly, this is not surprising. According to a recent poll by WHO, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have experienced only a 10% mortality rate. This means more soldiers are making it back from the battlefield, but many times not in one piece. Extremities remain at risk no matter how much they armor plate themselves.

Home hospital beds, such as those manufactured by Transfer Master, help make the transition to home life a little easier. Adjusting to their new life at home can be very difficult for some injured military veterans. Hospital beds are designed for just such a purpose. For those soldiers who’ve had legs amputated, these beds can be extremely beneficial. Why? Because these beds have been carefully designed to take care of their physical needs.

The most obvious problem these soldiers have is their inability to move in and out of conventional beds. Some remain bedridden or wheelchair dependent their entire lives. Sleeping in those conditions can be hazardous if they don’t have a bed that fits their unique needs. Rolling over in their sleep without the bed rails can potentially lead to additional unnecessary injuries. 

 

Disabled veterans who have experienced amputation may also have a difficult time managing daily events most of us take for granted. For example, sitting up can be arduous and can also result in back pain if the proper support is not provided. This is why many home hospital beds come with adjustable backs that can be lowered or raised according to their comfort. This also lowers the chances of any back problems and can also vastly improve mobility in functional body parts.

It also becomes increasingly difficult for disabled veterans to change positions during the night. Hospital beds are also designed with comfortable and custom made mattresses that are designed in such a way that the patient does not contract sores on the body. These beds and mattresses are extremely comfortable to sleep or relax in – ensuring that our brave men and women who have served have nothing to worry about when it comes to sleeping peacefully.

I Broke My Leg At A Picnic; Now I'm An Unintended Transfer Master Testimonial

By Aaron Goldsmith

Founder and President

Transfer Master

Last Sunday I attended a community picnic. The day started with kids running all over the place and the great smell of hot dogs and burgers barbecuing away!  At the end of this picnic, the rain started to fall..and shortly I took a fall on the slippery wet grass!  I hear a pop and I didn't want to think the worst.. I tried to stand and I knew the day was starting all over again.  A couple of friends of mine came to my rescue and heard me pronounce that most unpleasant declaration.  "I think its broken".  They tried to help me back to a vehicle but there was no way I could bear any weight on the injured leg.  A smart thinking person grabbed a folding chair and the next thing I knew was that I was riding high and the center of attention, perhaps "Dufus of the Day".  Would have preferred to have walked out of there myself but I had no option.

One fellow pulled up his truck and transported me back to my house.  My son arrived and we loaded into another truck for a trip to the hospital.  Since there was very little swelling I thought that perhaps it was only a nasty sprain.  I had expected my leg to swell out like one of the "Hulk's" legs if it was truly broken. 

A few minutes in the hospital and I was shuttled off to the X Ray department, within 15 minutes all doubts were quashed.  I snapped the tibia bone clean off of my ankle, they would need to do surgery and add a metal plate with screws, (the surgeon sounded like he worked part-time at Home Depot).  I also understood that I had months of healing ahead of me.

I was sent home with a temporary cast and a pocketful of Percocets, as I was rolled to the exit, the nurse clearly and repeatedly instructed me to keep off my feet and to elevate the broken leg.

Being the President of Transfer Master definitely has some benefits for this predicament.  I called my son and told him to drag out the prototype "tilt in space" recliner.  It has three lifting motors, six massage motors and a heat bar for the lower back.  For the last week, that was my new day home.  At night I went to bed in one of our Kodiak Adjustable Beds and learned how to sleep while being shaped like a Pringle potato chip.

Today, the surgeon took his first look at my progress and let me know that I must be doing a good job elevating my leg because the swelling was less than normal!  I was the perfect guinea pig for using the stuff that I designed. Overall I am happy with the design, but I saw many things that I could improve.  Additionally, while my issues are transitory, it is good to have to experience the world the way our clients do.  That's the good news.

The bad news is how crazy it is to go to the bathroom, how I have to dress up (not down) for a shower and I have had to face the great and daunting challenge of sitting down and remembering that everything I need must be very close to me.  Its terrible having frequent senior moments, forgetting what I need,  and having to get up and drag myself all of those extra times.  

That how life is at this time from my hobbling perspective.

All the best,

Aaron

Hospital Beds for Arthritis

Arthritis can be an extremely debilitating condition for those who suffer from it. Almost no one young or old is safe from its crippling grasp and even the strongest of individuals can be severely impacted by its effects. That’s because this condition involves the breakdown of cartilage which is responsible for protecting the joints that allow smooth movement to take place. Stiffness can also result from this arthritis, which can occur for a number of reasons :

• If the body begins attacking itself (Autoimmune disease).
• As the result of a broken bone.
• Internal infection caused by bacteria.

The inflammation may leave after the injury is healed or treated. However, some injuries may be more serious, which can result in long term pain and deformity of the limbs. This can result in chronic arthritis. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is a more common form of this condition and is most likely to occur as one ages and is usually felt in the hips, knees or fingers. The risk factors included in this type of arthritis are similar to the previous one but can also include weight issues as well as erosion of the bone due to repetitive action (most commonly seen in athletes).

Hospital beds can serve as reliable and comfortable sleep solution for those ailing with arthritis. For those who have severe arthritis, the simple task of moving about can seem an impossible feat. Every step or movement can cause excruciating pain to radiate through their entire body. Hospital beds are essential for such people since it allows them to sit up without having to struggle to adjust their bed or pillows to find a comfortable position.

Hospital beds are especially useful for those patients who suffer from chronic arthritis. These beds can be installed with remote controls so that these patients don’t have to wait for their caretaker to help them sit up. This allows them to feel more independent and they can also feel safe knowing that their caregiver is just a push of a button away. 

Of course, the foot of the hospital bed can also be raised or lowered for those people who have chronic arthritic pain in the knees. The desired position can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with this condition and can even help in healing it. The bars on the side can also be lowered or raised quite easily if the patient wants to get up or needs to be physically transported.

If you or someone you love is suffering from arthritis, please contact us to see if one of our custom home hospital adjustable beds may help provide more comfortable sleep solutions.

Hospital beds can help those with Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy is a debilitating disease that literally saps the strength from the victim’s muscles as it progresses. These are actually a group of inherited disorders that may occur in childhood or during one’s adult life and can be emotionally crippling in the long run. This condition also has the unfortunate habit of worsening as a person matures in age and can include a number of different conditions such as:

• Becker muscular dystrophy
• Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy
• Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
• Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
• Myotonia congenita
• Myotonic dystrophy

The symptoms associated with this condition vary according to the types given above though. Either all the muscles will be affected or only a specific group of them will be according to the types of muscular dystrophy. These can affect adults but more severe cases are found in children. The latter can suffer from:

• Late development of muscle motor skills.
• Loss of strength in muscles as an adult.
• Reduced muscle size.
• Problems walking.

These last issues are the ones that usually prove to be the most physically debilitating for the victim. Forget trying to walk, most can’t even take care of themselves properly. A home hospital bed, such as those provided by Transfer Master, can help take some the brunt of the burden from those impacted by MD. A home hospital bed provides a level of mobility normal beds cannot. The bed also provides patient families with peace of mind since it allows the patient a level of comfort and ease normal beds do not.

These hospital beds can have a variety of features, including a convenient wheeling system that allows the whole bed to be moved about without a problem. This provides a change of scenery/environment for the patient, a fact that is crucial for their emotional development. Keeping patients cooped up in one room can only make both patient and relative/loved one uncomfortable and irritated after all. They need to be moved about so that they don’t feel left out.

The adjustable bars that come with hospital beds are strong safety features – ensuring that the patient is not in any danger of falling off. The bars can also be useful in assisting with exercise and physical therapy routines.

Caretakers understand that another challenge sometimes arises in trying to assist those with MD with eating. In extreme cases, some patients lose the ability to move their facial muscles. This can be somewhat rectified by hospital beds since most of them come with adjustable backs that can be raised and lowered according to the patient’s requirements.

If you have a loved one with Muscular Dystrophy, we encourage you to research home hospital bed options and determine which is the most comfortable and best fit for your situation.

Transfer Master adjustable home hospital bed featured on hit ABC show, “Extreme Makeover – Home Edition”

Wichita, KS, (May 3, 2011) – It's a phone call Transfer Master Founder and President Aaron Goldsmith will always remember. A producer from the hit ABC TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, was on the line and she was facing an urgent deadline. She needed to know if Transfer Master could provide an adjustable home hospital bed that was also voice-controlled. The bed would be used in an upcoming episode featuring Carl Hill, a former Wichita State baseball player and father of four who was tragically paralyzed below the shoulders in an auto accident. Goldsmith told the producer that building the bed wasn't a problem – selling custom built beds to customers is what the company does all the time. The show needed the bed in 24 hours. These types of beds usually take 10 working days to build, but he was confident in the company's ability and said they would build the bed in time for their production.

Transfer Master's bed was featured in the master bedroom on the ABC hit show Extreme Makevover: Home Edition

On April 17, America watched the story of Carl Hall and his family – and witnessed how they have coped and dealt with a tragedy few people can comprehend. And they also saw how the Wichita community rallied behind the show to help build a new home tailored for Carl and his family that will better allow him to cope with his condition. Included in the home was Transfer Master's bed, which was shown and mentioned for its ability to be adjusted up and down with Carl's verbal commands.

The home features 250 additional voice activation controls, an elevator, a therapy room, movie theater, indoor sports room, and a batting cage that allows Carl to once again pitch to his own son.

“It is an honor for Transfer Master to see one of our home hospital beds contributing to the quality of Carl's life,” said Goldsmith. “We have been fortunate to have helped many patients with challenging situations since 1993 and we look forward to continuing to provide sleep solutions for those in need.” Transfer Master adjustable home hospital beds can include special electrical outlets and hooks at the end of the bed that make it easier for healthcare professionals to plug in and hang monitoring and related equipment (keeping it safely out of the way). Transfer Master has also created custom remote controls that include a safety pin feature (to avoid accidental use by others), as well as bedsides made of cherrywood that match the décor of the Hospital Family Care Suites.

About Transfer Master

Founded in 1993 in Postville, Iowa, Transfer Master engineers electric beds for sleep centers and pregnancy wards, hospitals and home use. For Transfer Master, customer-driven design and innovation is paramount. Each bed is custom designed and hand-built for the user. The company received the industry's first patent in 1993 for combining adjustable medical bed functionality with home use design as well as for creating the first specialized dual-use King beds.

The company builds beds that are low enough for users to transfer in and out of, but high enough for caregivers to easily access. Domestically designed and manufactured, Transfer Master beds are durable, comfortable and attractive, providing customers with the functionality and comfort they deserve.

Transfer Master listens to customers and builds its beds specifically to meet the precise needs of each user. The electronic boards of the newest models were designed by a U.S. defense contractor. The beds are innovatively designed and solidly manufactured, creating a long-lasting product that allows its users the features they need and the comfort they deserve.

To find out more, please visit www.transfermaster.com, visit us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

CONTACT:David Kaufer
Zenwerks
206-262-7302david.kaufer (at) zenwerks.com

Hospital beds can help those with obesity issues sleep better

Obesity and weight gain in general has become a major issue throughout the country. While debate rages about the underlying causes behind the obesity epidemic, the increase in the number of severely overweight Americans has compelled innovate companies to come up with solutions to help these people live comfortably. Advancements in beds have followed suit.

Many overweight people cannot fit in regular beds comfortably without some serious maneuvering on their part. Many of them face the humiliating and emotionally crippling limitations that their large bodies face when they try to live life like normal people. In extreme cases, many have to be confined to their beds because their weight disallows them to move about freely.

Transfer Master has found a solution to this dilemma by designing hospital beds that cater to overweight individuals. Several adjustable hospital beds have been made so that these patients can fit more comfortably in them and sleep better. These models are built to be sturdy enough to withstand the extra weight and some even come with an electronic powered drive system that allows the hospital bed to be raised, lowered or adjusted easily.

Hospital beds such as these also come with adjustable mattresses so that the obese individual remains free of bed sores. They can even be adjusted to reduce the likelihood of pressure ulcers forming on the skin due to the body’s lack of movement. Air control also allows caregivers to turn the obese patient on their side and to inflate or deflate the leg area when needed. Some hospital beds also come equipped with equipment that allow pulmonary therapies to be administered to the patient.

Some of these heavy duty hospital beds come with their own trapeze which is designed to provide the patient with the ability to move themselves without the aid of their caregiver. This piece of equipment is crucial for home patients since they will then feel no need to hire a nursing staff to help them.

Several patients and their families are turning their attention to such hospital beds to ease their worries. With the rise in the number of obese individuals in society, it has become increasingly necessary to invest in such hospital beds for both families and hospitals in the country. An investment like this can go a long way in increasing the quality of life and easing the mental turmoil such overweight individuals have.

Jim Bohannon Show to announce winner of Transfer Master Valentine's Day Contest Tonight

I wanted to let you know that we'll be announcing the winners of our first-annual Valentine's Day contest tonight on the Jim Bohannon  show at approximately 11 pm CST. Please check you local listings   (search at JimboTalk.net) determine where you can listen to Jim's show. 

In the contest, Iraq-Afghanistan veteran spouses, sweethearts and supporters were encouraged to submit nominations by writing on the wall (or posting on our company's blog ) explaining why their nomination should win one of our free adjustable electric bed (or one of of the other prizes offered).

We are so honored and proud to be able to provide an adjustable electric home hospital bed to a deserving veteran. We were overwhelmed with the nominations we received in this contest and found it very difficult to select a single winner. So we will have a special “twist” that we'll reveal during the program. 

In the meantime, I hope you will find and “like” us on Facebook  (we'll be using it for additional communication and contests in the future) and follow us on Twitter . We're really excited about using these social media platforms to better connect and interact with customers and partners alike. And of course, you can also find us through our homepage (TransferMaster.com). 

And stay tuned for the official press release – we'll send it to you tomorrow (once the winners have been publicly announced). 

Sincerely, 

Aaron Goldsmith

Founder and President

Transfer Master Products

www.TransferMaster.com

Attitude Determines The Outcome

It's a well known fact, your attitude will define the kind of day you will have.  Some days, you wake up feeling agitated and upset for no apparent reason.  Sometimes these feelings are justified by events that are occurring in your life at the time.  Your day starts in this negative fog and  sticks with you, getting progressively worse as the day drags on. By the end of it all, you are ready to rip someone's head off and no amount of cajoling or good humor will alleviate your mood.  Your day has been
completely ruined!

In the long run, what have you accomplished?  Have your problems been resolved, or have you only added to your unhappiness by undermining yourself with negative thoughts?  It's time to "flip the switch" in your head and pretend to be happy.  This sounds ridiculous, but it actually works.  Even though, you don't feel like smiling, do it anyway.  It might feel uncomfortable initially, but as you engage with others in a positive manner, you'll find your smile will become the real deal.  All it takes is a decision to be positive.  It might not solve your problems, but being in a better mood certainly won't add to them.  In fact, it may help you see your situation in a better light and help you to make better decisions.

Transfer Master Products Extends Nomination Deadline For Valentine's Day Contest To Award Free Adjustable Electric Bed To Iraq-Afghanistan War Veteran

Spouses, sweethearts and supporters are encouraged to submit written or video nominations to Transfer Master's Facebook page or blog to nominate their favorite Iraq-Afghanistan veteran to receive free adjustable electric bed

Postville, Iowa – February 10, 2011 – Transfer Master Products announced today that it has extended the deadline for nominations for its first Iraq and Afghanistan War Veteran Valentine's Day Video Sweetheart Contest to Noon, Central Standard Time, Monday, February 14^th. The company is giving away one of its twin-size adjustable electric hospital beds to an Iraq-Afghanistan war veteran, through a nomination process on its Facebook page. In the contest, Iraq-Afghanistan veteran spouses, sweethearts and supporters are encouraged to submit nominations by writing on the wall (or posting on the company's blog) explaining why their nomination should win the free adjustable electric bed (or one of of the other prizes being offered).

In addition to the standard twin-size adjustable home hospital bed awarded to the Grand Prize winner, five runner-ups will each receive Soundspa AM/FM clock radios while three will each receive memory foam standard size contour pillows.

Transfer Master Founder and President Aaron Goldsmith was featured on the nationally-syndicated Jim Bohannon radio show on Tuesday, February 8^th. Goldsmith and Bohannon discussed the contest and some of the touching entries that have been received to date. “I'm very grateful for the attention Jim provided our contest and for his long-time support of US military veterans,” Goldsmith said. He reiterated that in the contest, “We're looking for those heartwarming love stories that exist between loved ones that personify the extraordinary bravery by the men and women who have fought and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have many customers who are war veterans so we know how helpful our adjustable beds can be to those who have been injured or disabled defending our country. We hope that by giving away one of our beds, we'll be able to improve the life of at least one soldier. And by posting stories or videos, the public can learn about the special qualities of many of those who have graciously served our country ”

To nominate an Iraq-Afghanistan war veteran for a free bed, spouses, sweethearts and supporters are encouraged to visit the Transfer Master Facebook page or the company blog and submit a comment or video (up to two minutes long). They must explain the name/rank of the person being nominated, why they deserve (or need) a Transfer Master bed, what this person means to them and any other important or convincing information the judges should know. Videos longer than two minutes will not be eligible.

Nominations will be accepted until Noon (Central Time) February 14th. Winners will be announced via Facebook and on the Transfer Master website on Tuesday, February 15, 2010.

Please note: Winners MUST be an Iraq-Afghanistan War Veteran. Verification and documentation will be required. Entrants agree that by submitting their video to Transfer Master they grant the company full usage rights and permission to use it for promotional purposes under the company's Term of Use policy (which is available on its Facebook page and website).

About Transfer Master Products, Inc.

Founded in 1993 in Postville, Iowa, Transfer Master engineers electric beds for sleep centers and pregnancy wards, hospitals and home use. For Transfer Master, customer-driven design and innovation is paramount. Each bed is custom designed and hand-built for the user. The company received the industry's first patent in 1993 for combining adjustable medical bed functionality with home use design as well as for creating the first specialized dual-use King beds.

The company builds beds that are low enough for users to transfer in and out of, but high enough for caregivers to easily access. Proudly designed and manufactured in the United States of America, Transfer Master beds are durable, comfortable and attractive, providing customers with the functionality and comfort they deserve.

Transfer Master listens to customers and builds its beds specifically to meet the precise needs of each user. The electronic boards of the newest models were designed by a U.S. defense contractor. The beds are innovatively designed and solidly manufactured, creating a long-lasting product that allows its users the features they need and the comfort they deserve.

To find out more, please visit www.transfermaster.com, visit us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

CONTACT:David Kaufer
Zenwerks
206-262-7302david.kaufer@zenwerks.com

Eat Right, Sleep Well!

 Drinking coffee or tea in the evening may be soothing but even small amounts of caffeine can adversely affect your sleep.  Try avoiding caffeine completely for a 2-week period & see if your sleep improves.

You might think that a glass of wine will help you “relax” & sleep more soundly.  While alcohol can make your drowsy, it can also suppress your REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is your deepest sleep.  Avoid having that nightcap within a few hours of bedtime & you’ll sleep better.

Having a big evening meal can make you feel drowsy, however your digestive system has to work overtime, making a good nights sleep more difficult.  Eating a light dinner, low in fat and spice can help make a good nights sleep a reality.

An old time “remedy” is a glass of warm milk.  While it works for some, milk can also produce mucus, which can contribute to snoring, which can disrupt your sleep.

See what works for you & enjoy a restful night!

Breathing Exercises for Better Sleep

Many people experience trouble sleeping.  Lack of sleep can greatly impact the quality of ones life, both physically and mentally.  It can result in lack of concentration, motivation, low energy and fatigue to name a few. 

The key to a good night's sleep is to relax.  Easier said then done!  Here are a few tips you can try:

Deep, controlled breathing:  This technique works well because you are so focused on simply breathing in and out.  Start by taking a slow, deep breath through your nose for a 3 to 5 second count, then exhale through your mouth for another 3 to 5 seconds.

Continue this exercise while visualizing all your stress and tension escaping your body, as you breath.

Contract and relax your muscles:  If the above excerise isn't enough - add this technique.  While inhaling for 3 to 5 seconds, contract a muscle group in one part of your body.  Start by creating tension in your facial muscles and neck.  Slowly release the tension as you exhale.  Repeat by creating tension in your shoulders, then releasing it.  Work your way down your entire body, right down to your toes, remembering to breath in while tensing and exhaling while releasing.

Remember, these exercises may not work the first or second time you attempt them, but with patience and and practice they can help you obtain a good nights sleep.

5 Natural Ways to Fight Anxiety and Panic Attack

1 - Relax…remember to breath!  When anxiety strikes, your per breathing accelerates, so slow your breathing by taking longer inhalations & exhalations.  Try practicing your breathing 5 minutes every day

2 - Reduce anxiety-provoking situations.  Find some time every day to do something you like.  We all know that work & life in general can be stress filled but you’ll give yourself something to look forward to.  Read, knit, paint, do whatever makes you happy.

3 - Exercise!  We all know how busy life can get & going to the gym is a great way to reduce stress.  If you can’t go to the gym, get outside and walk.  Get off the bus one stop before you have to.  Take the stairs when you can.  Remember all it takes is getting your heart rate up - 3 times a week for 30 minutes. 

4 - Be careful of what you eat!  Diet plays an important role in how you feel!  Try to avoid foods high in fat and sugar.  Drink lots of water and eat a balanced diet.  It’s been shown that diet plays an important role in reducing anxiety.

5 - Find some support.  Sharing your experiences with others can lessen your anxiety.  It’s always comforting to know you’re not alone.  Look on-line to find support groups in your community.

Free Yourself from Anger - Just Breath

How do you deal with anger…the answer is simple…just breath! 

 

In today’s fast paced, stress filled world frequent anger has become a serious problem.  Research has shown that anger takes a tremendous toll on our physical health and spiritual well being.  

 

So whether you internalize your anger or openly express it, pay attention to what is happening in your body.  Anger will tense your muscles, shorten your breath and fatigue you.  Make a conscious effort to remember everything you are feeling while angry and simply take a breath.  Breath in and out.  Count how long your inhalation was and how long your exhalation was.  If your inhalation lasted 4 counts and your exhalation 3, count to 4 while inhaling and 6 while exhaling for your next 10 breathes.  

 

Notice how much better you feel after this short exercise.  Remember, it might not be so simple the first time you try this technique especially if your anxiety levels are extremely high.  With a little practice, you’ll find you will get better at it.  

 

Slowing your breathing brings your heart rate down, calming you and allowing you to think more clearly giving you a new perspective on your situation.

10 Ways In Which A Caregiver Can Better Achieve Their Goals

Caring for others is both rewarding and difficult.  Remember, to properly care for others, you have to care for yourself first.

1.  Learn to take 1 hour a day for yourself, do something that is just for you.  Call a friend, read a book, luxuriate in a bath, take a walk, give your mind a rest!

2.  Try not to get involved in petty disagreements.  If the person you are caring for insists you wore a blue sweater last week, but you know that wasn't so, don't argue the point. (However, if these "mistakes" escalate, pay attention, this could mean other problems are brewing).

3.  Accept help from others.  If you always decline help, people will eventually stop offering.

4.  Make a list of things you could use help with.  Make sure your requests aren't overwhelming.  Maybe someone can pick up the milk or bread you're missing, the dry cleaning, a prescription or just come over for a short period of time so you can run out on an errand for yourself.

5.  If you are dealing with someone extremely forgetful, who constantly repeats themselves or asks the same questions over and over...take a deep breath and walk away for a few minutes.  Give yourself a break.

6.  Don't be too hard on yourself, if you lose patience, remember, you're only human. Apologise and move on.  Remember to forgive yourself as well!

7.  Attending a support group can be of great benefit.  If you're not sure where to go, try contacting the hospital in your area, social worker (if one is involved in your case) or go on line to see what's available in your community.

8.  Enjoy the small things.  If the person you're caring for is up for it, try baking some cookies, watch a favorite movie, look at picture albums, sit on the patio or just reminisce about happy times!

9.  Try to find things that will occupy you both.  Short outings, such as going for a drive, attending a class or discussion at a community center are a great change of pace and scenery.

10.  Last but not least, just try to take each day as it comes.  Don't overwhelm yourself by planning too much.  Remember to be kind, not only to the person you're caring for, but to yourself as well!