October 11, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
If there’s one thing that connects us all, it’s food! Think about how many cherished memories have been made through the years that incorporated food at the center of them all: wedding celebrations, holiday meals, birthday parties. Even ordinary days include routines that become ingrained in us around food, from that first aromatic cup of coffee in the morning to a shared bowl of buttery popcorn with family while watching a movie. (more…)
October 3, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
Fall is the start to cold and flu season, which is also the time our immune systems get a good workout. Fortunately, our natural immunity is remarkable with its capacity to identify and eradicate invading infections. Wouldn’t it be amazing if it could do the same with cancer? As it turns out, just such a cancer treatment option may be on the horizon. (more…)
September 16, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
We all have bad days and good days, and we are all entitled to a bit of crankiness or negative thinking occasionally. If you’re taking care of a loved one who appears to have fallen into a routine of continuous negativity and complaining, however, it’s worth exploring whether a health problem may be the root cause. A physician can help you determine if a loved one’s mood is being affected by common health problems in the elderly. (more…)
September 9, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
Remember memorizing the order of the colors of the rainbow in elementary school? Many of us were introduced to Roy G. Biv to learn this feat – among the many mnemonics we learn that, interestingly, often stay with us for life. (more…)
September 2, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
If you’re in a successful, lasting relationship, you know that it requires compromise, commitment, and sacrifice. The happiest relationships are the ones where both parties selflessly take care of one another. This balance shifts, however, if the person you love encounters a significant health concern, and you need to take on a spousal caregiving role. And this shift can have an adverse effect on the dynamics of your relationship if you are not vigilant, as you find yourself in this new role. (more…)
August 19, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
You’ve decided the family home is just way too much for your mother and father to manage. A small house became available just around the corner from you that’s ideal: a beautiful flower garden in the yard, a sunny, cheerful kitchen, and no stairs to navigate. Now it is time to start the downsizing process. The only problem? Mom has dementia. (more…)
August 10, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
Who would imagine that spending so much time caring for someone else could also cause you to feel incredibly alone? The hard truth of the matter is that caregiving can be extremely isolating, for several reasons: (more…)
August 1, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
If you are trying to make healthy meals for seniors who prefer carbs to carrots (because who doesn’t?), you may find it challenging to guarantee that their nutritional needs are being achieved. And you’re not alone. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention shares that just one in ten seniors is meeting the recommendation for at least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit every day. Multiple studies have found that older adults who do follow these guidelines lower their risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health issues, and ultimately live longer. (more…)
July 21, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
“You are always free to choose what you do with your life. To make changes in your future, make new choices today.” – Brian Tracy
Selecting where to live in our older years isn’t straight forward. The vast majority of older adults would rather remain at home as they age, however it is not without concerns. Can it be safe? What about mobility issues or any other physical limitations? What if an older adult falls and is unable get up? (more…)
July 13, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
In his documentary about grief, George Shelley uses an analogy of glitter. Toss a handful of glitter into the air, and it is going to settle into most of the crevices and cracks of the room, making it impossible to fully sweep up and remove. Anyone who has lost a loved one can relate. Yet, in certain instances, grief could be so overwhelming that it can lead to a serious and aptly-named condition: broken heart syndrome. (more…)