The best books to read on stress and anxiety management for San Gabriel Valley Residents

No matter what, everyone will feel “overwhelmed” and “stressed” out over something. Stress is part of an every day life, whether it is financial, mental, physical, relationship, or work-related. Here, at A-1 Home Care Agency, we often see stress contributing to most of our seniors‘ health and even mobility–note heart attacks and strokes. Our certified trained caregivers are aware of the steps that it takes to either recover and monitor after one has a stroke and heart attack. Our twenty-four hour in-home service puts each caretaker through an extensive background check and additional tests from medication to skills set in order to place the perfect match with our senior patients.

Most of our seniors have experienced difficulty of mobility, therefore, limiting numerous of physical activities including lighter ones such as walking and yoga. However, most of our seniors have sought comfort and joy in more sit-down tasks such as reading. One of our goals is to build and maintain a working relationship amongst our caregivers and seniors and this makes it easier for many hobbies to be done together.

There are many books on stress and even anxiety management out there. Here are a few to check out and for our caretakers and seniors to read and discuss together:

1. Monkey Mind: A Memoir on Anxiety — Daniel Smith
2. Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence — Rick Hanson
3. Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: An Updated Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases and Coping – Robert Sapolsky, Ph.D.
4. Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness – John Kabat-Zinn, M.D.
5. Undoing Perpetual Stress: The Missing Connection Between Depression, Anxiety and 21st Century Illness – Richard O’Connor, Ph.D.
6. A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook — Bob Stahl
7. The 10 Best-Ever Anxiety Management Techniques – Margaret Wehrenberg, Ph.D.
8. Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong: A Guide to Life Liberated from Anxiety – Troy DuFrene
9. The Worry Cure – Robert L. Leahy
10. Self-Coaching: The Powerful Guide to Beat Anxiety – Joseph J. Luciani, Ph.D.

Please do give our San Gabriel Valley branch a call at 626-287-0250. OR, you can visit our website www.a-1homecare.com to find your nearest branch to discuss with one of our agency representatives.

Taking Tobacco out of Baseball

In 2014, baseball lost one its biggest stars as Hall of Fame player Tony Gwynn succumbed from salivary gland cancer.  During his battle, Gwynn cited his smokeless dipping tobacco habit to the cancer which eventually took his life.  He passed on June 16, 2014 after being admitted to the hospital the day before (Father’s Day).  He was 54 years old.  It wasn’t long there after that three time World Series champion Curt Schilling came forward about his own private battle he was going through with throat cancer.  When he entered remission for his condition, he released a statement that day mentioning his cancer was a result of smokeless tobacco for 30 years.  The time seems now more than ever to remove tobacco from the game and set a healthy example for children and protect the health of MLB players.  Major League Baseball and its Players Association have shown no signs of banning the addictive substance which has prompted major cities and states to begin their own initiative.  San Francisco, New York City, Boston and Los Angeles have put into effect laws prohibiting smokeless tobacco in the cities major league ball parks.  Chicago has recently passed a similar ban.  With California enacting a state wide ban beginning in 2017 and Toronto and Washington D.C.  considering similar legislature, we could be looking at over a third of baseballs pro stadiums smokeless tobacco free by next season.  To learn more about how you can get involved, visit http://tobaccofreebaseball.org.

A cancer diagnosis is life changing, not only for the patient, but for their entire family and loved ones.  Cancer involves abnormal cellular growth that can manifest as a tumor which can spread throughout the body.  Cancer can affect many parts of the body and while genetics may play a role in those at risk, the disease is largely considered environmental.  There are two types of tumors-benign and malignant.  The former is not cancerous and not at risk of spreading.  These once removed typically are not a risk of returning.  The latter, however, is cancerous and is a risk to grow out of control and spread to other parts of the body and multiply.  Depending on the severity of the cancer, radiation treatment, chemotherapy and surgery may be used to treat the patient.  These options carry lasting side effects such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pain and bowel issues that can make normal day to day activities difficult.

A-1 Home Care is the home care service provider of choice for all of Los Angeles AND Orange County.  All of our cancer caregivers, nurse aids, companions and home helpers have at least two years of home caregiving experience, verifiable professional references, national background check, TB test, malpractice/liability insurance, first aid/cpr training, and a personal interview with office staff.  No matter what your needs may be, we offer affordable, diverse, compassionate, quality in home care to suit any schedule or situation.  Contact us today to learn more at (562) 929-8400 or (949) 650-380.

MS Solutions in San Gabriel Valley

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is classified as an “immune-mediated” disorder.  What that means is the system that is meant to keep our body healthy is mistakenly attacking parts of the body necessary for everyday function.  Nerve cell coverings sustain damage which in turn inhibits full function of the brain and spinal cord.

What causes MS?

The exact cause of MS is still unknown.  Nerve damage is caused by inflammation, but the cause of the inflammation is largely unknown.  Scientists cite four factors as key contributors to the progression of the disease.

• Immunologic- The condition by definition is an immune system malfunction. Myelin (the fatty substance that is the coating and protection of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord) is attacked directly as a result of the condition.  It is still unknown which immune cells are to blame for the attack
• Genetics- Heredity is a factor in the risk of MS and if a close relative has the condition thae chance is higher of the development of MS grows.
• Environmental- Scientists have seen a pattern of increased cases of MS in regions farther away from the equator. That means to say vitamin D could be a factor in the development of MS.  Vitamin D strengthens the immune system and people who live nearer the equator are subject to higher volumes of sunlight and vitamin D.
• Infections- There exists the possibility viruses and bacteria may be to blame for MS. These elements have shown to bring about inflammation and degeneration of myelin.  Currently, measles, herpes (HHV-6) and Epstein-Barr (EBV) viruses are being reviewed for possible involvement in MS.

What can trigger MS symptoms?

Certain triggers should be avoided by those with MS that include:

• Stress
• Smoking
• Heat
• Mixing incompatible prescription medication
• Lack of Sleep
• Infections

Treatment for MS

As of today, there is no cure for MS.  There do exist treatment for managing symptoms.  The most common is corticosteroids.  This refers to a class of steroid hormones.  In patients that do not see relief from the steroids, plasma exchange may be a viable option.  This treatment refers to taking a portion of the blood (plasma) and separating it from blood cells.  It is then mixed with a protein solution called albumin and returned to the body.

If your loved one has MS, certain everyday tasks we think nothing of can become increasingly difficult and potentially dangerous.  Mobility issues that may arise from the progression of the disease can make anything into a fall risk.  At A-1 Home Care, we understand Multiple Sclerosis and can assist with anything from showering and toileting to help with exercise and meal preparation.  Our caregivers are available for 24Hour Live-In or Hourly basis.  We know that MS symptoms vary person to person and will work with you to prepare a custom tailored care plan to ensure the needs of your loved one are met.  We are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at (626) 287-0269 and (562) 929-8400.  We are proud to deliver top shelf home care services to Sierra Madre, Pasadena, Glendale and surrounding communities.  A-1 Home Care is the home care provider of choice for all of Los Angeles and Orange County.

San Gabriel Valley Home Care: Learn a New Language, Increase Brain Function after Stroke

Parlez-vous français?  Sprechen Sie deutsch?  Parli italiano?  Scientific studies show that the more languages you know, the better your chances are of having normal cognitive function after a stroke, according to the American Heart Association journal, Stroke.  The study shows that bilingual patients “performed better than single language patients on attention, information retrieval and organization.”  Not only does being bilingual or multilingual make you look smart, it also may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s, based on previous research results.  “The advantage of bilingualism is that it makes people switch from one language to another, so while they inhibit one language, they activate another to communicate,” stated Suvarna Alladi, a neurology professor at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).  When it comes to providing elder care in Southern California’s diverse demographic regions, A-1 Home Care in San Gabriel is unique in having a culturally diverse pool of caregivers, many of whom have former nursing and educational backgrounds.

 

Intelligent Companion Care for Stroke Patients

Before your elderly loved one suffers a stroke, if you suspect any signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s, it is highly important to hire an in-home caregiver who can provide not only assistance around the house, such as light housekeeping, meal preparation and transportation, but someone who could also bring a little extra to the table, like a lesson in the caregiver’s own native language.  A-1 Home Care has a vast pool from which you can choose Filipino, Cambodian, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and other ethnic caregivers who live in San Gabriel Valley.  Matching the right caregiver with your elderly loved one is important, which is why A-1 Home Care’s experienced care managers will link you with someone who will engage your loved one in stirring pleasant memories, creating emotional bonds with others, inspire positive self-expressions, and participate in activities that stimulate and promote intellectual growth.

 

Affordable, High Quality Elder Care in San Gabriel Valley

A-1 Home Care has been serving the communities of Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Alhambra, Temple City, Altadena, San Marino and other cities throughout San Gabriel Valley.  Established in 1991, A-1 Home Care is a licensed, bonded and insured home care agency that recruits only the best of San Gabriel’s caregivers, certified nurse assistants, companion care aides, and certified home health aides.  No matter where you live in Los Angeles or Orange County, we have a caregiver who lives in your area who is First-Aid/CPR-certified and prescreened.  Affordable live-in and live-out caregiver services are available with easy financing options and reasonable payment plans.  A-1 Home Care also accepts Veteran Benefits and long-term care insurance from providers such as John Hancock, MetLife Insurance and Penn Treaty.

 

For quality senior care, call A-1 Home Care today (626) 287-0250 or visit our website http://www.sangabrielvalleyinhomecare.com/ for more information.

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Have Fun Despite Your Parkinson’s Disease!

When someone is affected by Parkinson’s, they may feel like an outcast and be socially withdrawn from the world.  Feeling alone is common, and the person may be embarrassed by their disabilities.  As loved ones, we must see past these hurdles and help them feel included.  According to Everyday Health, there are many things that we can do to achieve this goal.  For instance, exercising is encouraged and important to treat Parkinson’s disease, helping to slow down the progress of the disease and retain some mobility.  Just remember to allow adequate rests for the patient in between these exercise sessions and make it a family routine.  Next, Parkinson’s patients can also benefit from playing games, which allow the patient to be mentally stimulated while bonding with loved ones.  Other fun activities that Parkinson patients can enjoy include singing karaoke, reading, and going to church.  All of the suggested ideas can surely break the person out of isolation, and feel the love from everyone around.

In order to have the best quality in home care service, A-1 Home Care in San Gabriel Valley must find the best quality caregivers to provide the care.  Our standard is that each of the caregiver must have at least prior professinal caregiving experience, CPR certified, and is cleared with a National criminal background check.  Not only that, but we make sure to recruit caregivers from all sorts of backgrounds so as to better serve the needs of our clients, who, in turn, also come from various multicultural ethnicities, including Jewish, Middle Eastern, and Asian. Additionaly, the must be versatile enough to handle different in home care needs, such as Alzheimer’s Care, Brain Injury Care, Diabetic Care, Arthritis Care, After Surgery Care, Kidney Disease Care, Parkinson Care, Cancer Care, Multiple Sclerosis Care, Post Stroke Care, and other Elderly In Home Care Services.  We proudly cover the areas of Pasadena, Alhambra, Temple City, San Marino, Rosemead, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Altadena, and more in the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles and Orange County.

To being service, simply call 626-287-0250 today, or visit www.sangabrielvalleyinhomecare.com to learn more about us.  To receive updates, follow us on Facebook!

Surgery Care Near San Gabriel Valley

Are you considering surgery?
We are all aware that Surgery can be painful and the recovery process may take long. Some surgeries require you to stay at home for a long period of time and this can disrupt your daily activities. One can no longer perform activities as they used to and therefore may need help in bathing, feeding, looking after their Children or pets, they may also need assistance running errands or might have trouble performing light housecleaning.

A-1 Home care can help by providing you or someone you know with a professional caregiver for your needs. Caregivers are CPR trained and can assist you with personal care. Regardless of the surgery, our Caregivers can assist you with your daily needs. We have Live-In Home Care available as well hourly care. If you are stuck in the hospital and would like company, we can help by using our Companion Services and we can assign a Hospital Sitter so you won’t feel as lonely. Aside from caregivers, A-1 Home Care has home helpers, nurse aides, companions that serve Altadena, Arcadia, City of Industry, Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, and all other cities throughout San Gabriel Valley. Call us at 626-287-0250 for more information on surgery care near San Gabriel Valley.

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Non-medical Home Care Near San Gabriel Valley

There are many seniors who are still active regardless of their age. Seniors like to have some type of independence with a small amount of help. A-1 Home Care has Non- medical In Home Care services available. This service is convenient for many elders because caregivers can get assistance at the comfort of their own home. Non-medical In Home Care is beneficial for many elders because they can continue with their daily activities such as shopping, gardening, exercising, or working on their favorite hobbies.

 Our caregivers at A-1 Home Care are trained professionals who assist independent Elders with non medical issues as well as medical issues such as cancer, Hospice Care, Parkinson care, incontinence care, Diabetes and respite care.  Aside from caregivers, A-1 Home Care has home helpers, nurse aides, companions that serve Altadena, Arcadia, City of Industry, Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights,San Dimas, and all other cities throughout San Gabriel Valley. Call us at 626-287-0250 for more information on Non-medical home care near San Gabriel Valley.

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Dementia Games with Seniors

Not very many people know but seniors and the elderly who have dementia can still enjoy the fun of crafts. We often think of those with dementia as having no sense of their surroundings and sometimes being impossible to do anything with. And while it’s true that seniors with dementia are often prone to experience bouts of confusion, they are still capable of finding joy in even the simplest of things. So why not try to bring out that joy with some fun crafts and games? Here’s a few to try:

Balloon Volleyball: Most elderly residents don’t have enough strength and endurance to play a real game of volleyball with a ball that can certainly do some damage. But substituting a balloon in place of a real volleyball can make playing possible again. And even more fun since there’s no risk of damage.

Holiday Toss: Have a fun game of “Toss the Hat” This is pretty simple, and it’s a game that can be played anytime (just switch out the hats according to the season). All you have to do is grab a hat (and since it’s the holiday season, I recommend a Santa Hat), fill it with candy, get in a circle with friends, family, caregiver and your elderly loved one,  and try tossing it among each other without letting any of the candy drop.

There are certainly more activities you can try. Our caregivers at A-1 Home Care certainly know enough to keep seniors and the elderly occupied. Aside from caregivers, A-1 Home Care provides many other services such as Companion Care, Live in and 24 Hour care for your loved ones. We serve Altadena, Arcadia, City of Industry, Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights,San Dimas, and all other cities throughout San Gabriel Valley.

Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! Visit us at San Gabriel Valley In Home Care for more information.

Caregivers and Personal Services near San Gabriel Valley

If you reside in San Gabriel Valley and are looking for a fun activity to do with your loved one, checking out the  “Vested Interest” would be a great idea. The “Vested Interest” is a a jazz band that plays a variety of music for many occasions. This jazz band does a great job at keeping an audience entertained and it seems like Elders could really enjoy listening to this band. The band is led by lead singer Michael Drange. The band consists of George Woo on the Piano, Dave Mulligan on the bass and Karen Federeoff on the drums. This can be a fun experience for many elders to enjoy. If you know of any seniors that would like to attend, A-1 Home Care can help. A-1 Home Care can provide Companions as well as Caregivers to look after you or your loved ones.

Aside from caregivers. A-1 Home Care provides many other services such babysitting and provides nannies to take care of your children while you are enjoying the jazz performance. We also provide caregivers that can Live in and assist in Personal Services.  We provide many services that can benefit you or your loved one, call A-1 Home Care today (626) 287-0250 or check out our website A-1 Home Care for more information on our care services.  We serve Altadena, Arcadia, City of Industry, Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights,San Dimas, and all other cities throughout San Gabriel Valley.

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24 Hour Home Care in San Gabriel Valley

Parkinson’s Disease is one of the degenerative neurological diseases that affects many Americans across the country. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that in Parkinson’s disease, neurons of the brain are affected, and it affects the brain’s ability to generate body movements.  Common symptoms include tremors, rigidity, slowness in movement, problems with walking, and more.  Many who have stricken with such disease require constant care from either family members or health care professionals. In more severe cases, 24 hour around the clock care is often needed.

With experienced and skilled caregivers from A-1 Home Care in San Gabriel Valley, we have highly qualified live-in caregivers for those needing Parkinson Care, as well as services of Cancer Care, Diabetic Care, Dementia Care, Companion Services, Special Needs Care, and other Senior Care options.  We cover all areas in the San Gabriel Valley such as Arcadia, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Rosemead, San Marino, and other cities in Los Angeles County. Thousands of satisfied clients have written testimonials throughout the 20 years A-1 Home Care has been in business, so you can put your trust in our company as your source of in home caregiving.

Call 626 287 0250 today to start home care, or visit our website San Gabriel Valley In Home Care to find out more!