Christina's Considerations

Tips for Traveling in COVID19 Times with a Compromised Immune System

In late May, as talk of opening up the economy began, I started to think of my mother and her primary caregiver; my father. They both need my support and assistance as they face the challenges of a serious chronic... Read more →

The Mystique of Surgery: Three

Dr. David Gelber is a general surgeon and author. Over my career I've seen many surgery schedules, participated in clinical chart review activities and listened to doctors explain cases to me. A great deal was learned, but there is so... Read more →

Believing in Tomorrow

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Hand Sanitizer: Non-Alcohol Options

These days there is a great deal of buzz about hand sanitizer. There are options to the traditional alcohol based products, or those you can make from home. One intriguing option is Clean Well, because my skin is really dry.... Read more →

Empowering Advocates: #ChronicTogether

I was recently asked how did I learn to advocate for myself as a patient. This made me reflect on my career in health administration, where I recognized the importance of patients advocating for themselves early in my journey. In... Read more →

Exercises for Parkinson's Disease & More

Improving mobility, strength and balance as we age or in response to chronic illnesses is important to our overall health status. Exercise helps us reduce our functional limitations; allowing us to stay more active and independent. More importantly, it can... Read more →

Panic Buying Toilet Paper - Unintended Consequences

I've been quietly watching as panic buying of toilet paper (TP) and water has unfolded. What I've seen reinforces my preparedness belief, because if you aren't already prepared you may not have TP to use in your potty when it... Read more →

Danger to Self, Others or Gravely Disabled

Tensions often exist between individual rights and liberties and those of a family, neighborhood or community. No where does this delicate balance seem to get tested more than in the areas of mental health and cognitive impairment. The latter of... Read more →

Opioids: Law and Addiction

Most of my prior book review posts involve the writings of doctors and a couple of other health professionals. I'm starting 2020 off with a little something different. An attorney who wrote Law and Addiction. It is a fictional thriller... Read more →

During the holidays, free yourself and let go of what you can't control!

The holidays can be a stressful, sad and/or lonely time for some. This may be especially true for family caregivers who are trying to navigate through family gatherings with a loved one who exhibits challenging behaviors. My holiday wish is... Read more →

Making Executive Decisions for an Aging Parent

There are struggles adult children face when it comes to the safety of aging parents or other loved ones. It might be taking the keys or firearms away, moving them from the home they know, placing them in a facility... Read more →

Chronic Illness Holiday Gift Guide: Top 5

Tis' the season of holidays and the giving of gifts. But, what do you get for someone with functional limitations caused by injury, chronic illness or aging processes? This year I've been keeping an eye out for a few items... Read more →

Tactics to Cope with Empty Nest Syndrome

Depression caused by loneliness is a real risk in senior populations. It can be triggered by the death of a spouse or friends. For some, however, it might begin earlier when children leave the home and their parents find themselves... Read more →

Adult Protective Services - for abuse, neglect & exploitation

My online support groups have given me tremendous new insight into healthcare social media. More specifically, about how patients and family caregivers use these tools to get advice on their challenges, threats and needs. These online networks have revealed opportunities... Read more →

Canines N Kids - At the Hospital

I've been a delinquent blogger again, but have some new ideas.... and a few books to review. One of these books is "We'll Get Through This Together". It reminds me of the power of pet therapy in the hospital or... Read more →