Writing Samples
Are YOU Ready for Spring Yet?
This is an example of a blog that I wrote for a monthly newsletter that I designed and distributed at Compassionate Home Care. Here for a link to an example of what the newsletters looked like each month: July Newsletter
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Have you ever experienced the doldrums of winter? It happens to many, if not most, of us in Minnesota, but what is it about winter that gets us down? Is it the snow? The cold? The grey skies? Better than the question about why we get the blues is how do we combat them?
The lack of daylight, the cold, the isolation that we can sometimes feel during winter is enough to get anyone down. Even though spring is right around the corner, try some of the following suggestions to lift your spirits through the transition months on our way to sunnier days and glimpses of green foliage.
The lack of light is a serious factor in the winter blues, but since most of us cannot jet off to a tropical destination, we must find ways to make it through this long and often dreary season. One suggestion that Brigitt Hauck (2017), writer of “8 Scientifically-Backed Ways to Beat the Winter Blues” is to purchase an artificial light called a lightbox. In fact, Hauck (2017) says that just, “Thirty minutes per day can be as effective as antidepressant medication.” If purchasing a lightbox is not in the cards, take advantage of opportunities for exposing yourself to natural light: opening blinds and sitting near windows; ten minutes of sunlight a day is all a person needs for a quick pick-me-up.
Another way to perk up this winter is to get outside. This is hard when all you want to do is sit snuggled under a blanket on the couch, but if you can muster up the energy to take a short walk, you will more than likely benefit from greater concentration, reduced stress, and a feeling of accomplishment for getting active.
Speaking of getting active, exercise can greatly help those who feel that winter is never going to end. Exercise is linked to many positive benefits from improved mental and physical health, reductions in depression symptoms, and if you exercise with a friend, it can combat that feeling of isolation that tends to set in during those gloomy winter days.
Finally, getting out and meeting with friends and/or volunteering can help with mental health and a general feeling of community wellness. Volunteer at feedmystarvingchildren.org or help out at a local food shelf.
Despite the long and drawn-out winter months, spring is coming; it’s just around the corner. If all else fails, and you feel as if you are stuck in the Groundhog Days of winter, maybe you will get a generous tax return and can take off to the Bahamas for a week or two, if not, you can always dream about it while sitting under your lightbox.
Sickness of Winter or Winter of Sickness?
This is an example of a blog that I wrote for a monthly newsletter that I designed and distributed at Compassionate Home Care.
Are the merry memories of the holidays already almost two months away? There is a new season upon us. . . ‘Tis the season for influenza, better known as the flu. Why does influenza always seem to hit when we are already in the doldrums of winter? Winter can seem to drag on, and now, when we feel like we’ve had enough, boom -- body aches, chills, fever, cough, runny nose, and exhaustion -- you’re hit with the flu. How can we combat the flu, what are some of the risks that the flu poses to various groups of people, and why does it always seem to hit in the winter?
According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), the flu is contagious for up to seven days after the flu symptoms present themselves. One of the most effective ways to combat the flu is to practice hand hygiene, and more specifically washing the hands properly and frequently. Proper handwashing includes using soap and water and washing hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, rinsing with warm water, and drying with a clean cloth or towel. Another way to combat the flu is to use a strong cleaning solution of Lysol, or bleach and water solution to clean surfaces around the home. Wipe down door knobs, sink handles, toilet flushers, etc. Surfaces that are frequently touched should be cleaned thoroughly. The last way to help keep the flu away is to drink plenty of liquids. Hydration is the key to flushing the system of impurities including that nasty flu bug. Additionally, Nurse Kyla recommends ALWAYS getting a flu shot. Combating the flu is not quick and easy, but spending some extra time taking care of oneself and one’s home can ultimately end up saving a person from an extra week in bed.
Despite one’s best efforts, there are some groups of people who are more susceptible to the flu: young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and people ages 65 and older. It is especially important that these groups of people take extra precautions during this time of year to steer clear of anyone who exhibits flu symptoms. Extra cleanliness and monitoring are necessary during the cold crisp winter months.
The flu hits more during the winter months because of the dry, stable air. Specifically, according to a New York Times article “Study Shows Why the Flu Likes Winter”, “Flu viruses are more stable in cold air, and low humidity also helps the virus particles remain in the air. That is because the viruses float in the air in little respiratory droplets” (Dr. Palese cited by Gina Kolata, 2007). Another article “Flu Mystery Solved? Why It Flourishes in Winter” by Matt Kaplan (2009) of the National Geographic News calls this “low absolute humidity.” The article adds that “The researchers do not know exactly what it is about low absolute humidity that the flu virus likes. But they suggest that absolute humidity levels be raised in buildings such as hospitals and medical clinics where the disease most often spreads.” What does this mean right now? Consider using a humidifier this time of year to increase the absolute humidity levels in the home.
If those flu-like symptoms: body aches, chills, fever, cough, runny nose, and exhaustion do come to call, avoid exposing others by staying home, resting, and drinking plenty of fluids. If the fever is over 103, and breathing becomes difficult, seek medical attention immediately. Compassionate Home Care hopes that the flu does not visit you making your winter blue.
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Home has a special meaning to everyone. We’ve all heard the old adage: “Home is where the heart is.” Where did this expression come from? What does it mean? It is a place where we are comfortable, a place where we are reminded of familiar surroundings, memories of family members, traditions, etc. It is not surprising that many people who need medical attention prefer to spend their lives at home over an institutionalized long-term care setting, but how does home health care compare to long-term care facilities?
A Familiar Setting
Home health care allows the client to receive personalized care depending upon the medical needs specified by professional medical personnel, and it is available for ill or disabled individuals of all ages. Namely, the person needing care can continue to live life within the familiar setting of home with independence as care staff comes directly to him or her. The person’s care is completely customized to his or her medical care needs, and the care staff is there for the sole purpose of caring for that one client. In a long-term facility, the person may or may not have his or her own room, but the care staff is often responsible for many other clients with varying medical needs.
Benefits
Since the care is customized one-on-one care, the care staff has the opportunity to develop strong relationships with his or her client, and the client may form a trusting relationship with a familiar caregiver. The families and the care staff often feel a sense of community as they are working in a partnership to best care for the loved one; they can work together to provide the comprehensive care that the person needs while remaining at home. The client, the client’s family, and the care staff feel connected as they work to provide individualized care improving morale as the care is a team effort. In a long-term care facility, the family may not always know the care staff making it difficult to build trusting relationships with them.
Cost Benefits
Instead of paying a long-term facility to provide the care, you are paying a home healthcare agency to provide a person who will provide the care. You are paying for a one-on-one healthcare experience. The care staff will be knowledgeable and familiar with your loved one’s needs. Additionally, the costs are solely for care, not for room and board. In a long-term facility, there are costs involved in providing care and providing room and board.
Types of Services
Basic services support the client’s changing needs and may include light housekeeping, social/recreation, meal preparation, medication setup/reminders and coordinated personal care assistance.
Compassionate Homecare is dedicated to providing personalized care for your loved ones; the company’s mission is to allow your loved ones to receive top care within the comfort of home, the place where the heart resides.
Address
25823 9th Street W.
Zimmerman, MN 55398
Phone
763-639-6351
