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Caregiving In A
Blended Family
By
Mary Beth Barry |
 Braintree
- I haven’t quite decided what, if any, old habits I
will let go of or if any new ones will find their way into
my life in 2009. There are plenty of changes that would be
beneficial for me to work on but I haven’t mastered last
year’s changes yet! I’ve been faithfully going to the gym,
trying to improve my eating habits and not smoking (I have
never smoked but it feels successful to say this).
There are always “those things” that linger on our lengthy
to do list that somehow are difficult to complete. Often
these tasks involve our health which can leave us vulnerable
to information we may not wish to know or hear. Have you
scheduled your annual physical for this year? What about
those dreaded mammograms?
Well, consider scheduling your appointment with a friend and enjoy a
massage or lunch after the procedure. You will remember the
fun at the end of the day. And what about the colonoscopy
that is long overdue-it is usually not the test but the
preparation that is the deterrent. The good news is the
usual time frame for this test is once every five years.
These screening tests can be vital in early detection of a
more serious condition.
We are fortunate to live on the South Shore where we have
access to highly rated health care. We don’t have to travel
far to receive the skills of well trained physicians and
nurses either in hospitals or in home care. There is a
certain comfort in knowing that specialized care is
available right in our neighborhoods and provided by our
neighbors who have such an investment in the quality of this
care.
There are plenty of fun ways to improve our health that
don’t involve tests or being squeezed. Laughing is healthy,
free and easy. See a funny movie, watch children play or
hang out with a good friend that can see the fun in simple
everyday life. Try to get outdoors to see and enjoy the
beauty of each day. I love to watch the sky, especially at
sunset over the ocean with a nice hot cup of tea in hand.
My many years as a hospice nurse has taught me how to value
the simple joys in life as life can change in an unexpected
moment. My patients have taught me how to prioritize the
details of my life and for that I am most grateful. The
lesson; keep it simple.
So as we move into another year I wish you simple joys,
health and fun. Try to take care of yourself in easy and
simple ways with people you enjoy. You deserve it! |
About The Author
Mary Beth Barry, RN, MSM, CHPN is Director at Hospice
of the South Shore. You may reach her at (781) 794-7875 or
learn more at www.sshosp.org.
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