Mental Health | RememberItNow! Blog

Our Video Project

Alex Bettencourt - May 22, 2009

Well, it looks like we have another cool project under our belt! We recently finished filming a video demo for the TechCrunch50 contest. It was pretty fun to work with because we hired a good team, and the video requirements were minimal. We simply had to demonstrate how the application would be used, who would use it, and spotlight our founder, Pam.

The good team helping us was Final Frame Studios. Not only were they early meeting us at 6:50 a.m., they were very professional the whole time. We filmed at Pam’s house first bright and early. Pam’s enthusiasm was contagious; after a few cups of coffee to catch up with her, we were all buzzing around setting up the “office scene”, the “messy calendar/medication scene” and more. Pam’s father, Bob Swingley, was the star of the show. While Pam explained how to use the RememberItNow! application to her dad on film, his natural acting talent stole every scene. Bob is quite the presence, even Pam’s little chihuahua, Domino noticed someone else was capturing all the attention. The normally quiet Domino decided to take things into his own paws, by barking very loud during production, but the show went on.

Fortunately, our filming schedule was running right on time and we made it to Saint Mary’s College by noon to film the rest of the scenes. I am blessed to have my friends and advisers there to help me out with one of my first video management projects. Without the assistance the Health and Wellness Center, my former athletic trainer, Amy Caroll; President Brother Ron Gallagher; Associate Director of Residence Life, Kate Bowers, and student and tennis player, Mike Luck; this wouldn’t have been as successful. Thank you so much! The Final Frame video crew patiently followed me to each location on campus and filmed each shot with an additional artistic quality. Everyone was so punctual, that we finished filming two hours earlier than expected!

I can’t begin to thank everyone enough and especially Final Frame Studios. The video was such a fun experience, it never felt like work managing it. I can’t wait to see the final product! In the meantime check out the B-roll and let us know what you think.

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Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

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Deborah Leader, RN, BSN, PH - May 20, 2009

There is nothing more frustrating that putting something in a “safe” place, and then forgetting where you put it! But, forgetting where we put things or the directions to someone’s house that we have been to a hundred times before may be something far more serious than simple forgetfulness. They may be early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. According to WebMD, symptoms include problems with memory, judgment and thinking, which may interfere with the ability to work or handle day-to-day activities. (more…)

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Superb Stress Busters

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Deborah Leader, RN, BSN, PH - May 19, 2009

Remember when you were in your 20’s and the only things that mattered to you were dating and discos? As we age, our interests change, (thank goodness), as do the set of problems that accompany them. That said, life as we get older is not devoid of specific issues, especially for the senior citizen. (more…)

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Coping With the Loss of a Loved One

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Deborah Leader, RN, BSN, PH - May 16, 2009

I have always believed grief to be the most cumbersome of human emotion. Whether a beloved family member, friend, or patient we have bonded with, grief over loss is probably the most painful thing that any of us will ever experience. But, is grief bestowed upon us as punishment for loving so deeply? I don’t believe so. (more…)

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5 Pain Management Tips Without Meds

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Deborah Leader, RN, BSN, PH - May 15, 2009

Pain can be divided into two groups - acute and chronic. Acute pain is generally rapid in onset and usually temporary. In contrast, chronic pain can last for months or even years.

Many people deal with pain issues by using pain medication, which may serve as a temporary fix for a temporary problem. Taking pain medication for chronic pain, however, is another story, as many people fear the risk of addiction and other associated side effects.

(more…)

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9 Signs of Caregiver Burnout

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Deborah Leader, RN, BSN, PH - April 26, 2009

Being a caregiver can be one tough job. And, like any other job, if you’re not equipped properly, overwhelming issues such as stress from heavy lifting, toileting or pain management may lead to caregiver burnout.

Caregiver burnout is characterized by emotional, physical and mental exhaustion. It’s associated with a change in attitude - one from positive and caring, to that of negative and indifferent. (more…)

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Your Rights as a Caregiver

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Alex Bettencourt - April 8, 2009

You may have never considered yourself a caregiver, but if you are helping to take care of someone, you are a caregiver. You are helping to save a life; which is important to them and important to us.

Here is a great list from the American Heart Association to remind yourself of what you need too.

Caregiver Rights:

* Take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will enable me to take better care of my loved one.

* Seek help from others even though my loved one may object. I recognize the limits of my own endurance and strength.

* Maintain facets of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if he or she were healthy. I know that I do everything that I reasonably can for this person, and I have the right things for myself. (more…)

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10 Steps toward the Road of Rejuvenation! Hallelujah!

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Alex Bettencourt - April 7, 2009

Groucho Marx once said, “A clown is like an aspirin, only he works twice as fast.” Marx is actually onto something, because laughter sometimes is the best medicine.

Laughing is one of the many ways to become rejuvenated, and the American Heart Association agrees. (more…)

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10 Tips to Refresh Your Mental Health

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Alex Bettencourt - April 3, 2009

Did you know that almost 20% of people of 55 and older experience some type of mental or cognitive disorder. According to the National Council on Aging, this is not part of the “normal” aging process.

This is a scary thought, but luckily there are a number of effective interventions to use for treating mental disorders. Follow these ten tips and you will save your health.

1. Get Plenty of Rest

Take frequent naps. Not only will they help calm your mind, but they can give you more energy, also get 7-8 hours of sleep a night.

2. Go for a walk

Regular exercise is an excellent way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For an added spin, invite family members and friends to join you for an evening stroll.

3. Eat something new

Whether it’s tackling a new recipe or re-inventing a traditional one, cooking is a great way to eat well and have fun in the process.

4. Exercise your mind

Challenge yourself with a jigsaw puzzle, solve riddles or read a good book.

5. Spend time with others

Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while and create new memories. Call on a friend or relative to join you as you run errands or complete routine, everyday activities.

6. Indulge yourself

Sooth aching bones and wash away worrisome thoughts with a long bath or hot shower. Enjoy a healthy dessert or sip a cool glass of iced tea or juice.

7. Stay in

Don’t feel obligated to do everything asked of you. It is okay to say no. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, opt to spend time with yourself once in a while.

8. Make the most of leisure time

Make plans with family members, loved ones and/or a tour group to visit a place you’ve always wanted to go.

9. Get involved

Volunteering is a great way to give back. Knowing that you have helped someone else can help you to feel better about yourself.

10. Take things one at a time

It’s easy to get caught up in the desire to do and experience new things, but having too much on your plate can be counter-productive. Try making a list. If possible, break large tasks into smaller, more manageable items that can easily be finished.
If you are looking for more tips and programming focused on mental health and improving cognitive process, we have found these websites useful:

Steps For Mental Wellness

This is from the American Society on Aging. It features information on mental health, background on depression and anxiety, how widespread depression and anxiety are, common barriers to mental wellness, and other references.

Strategies for Cognitive Vitality

Also brought to you by the American Society on Aging. It is an online learning module on mental health and can be used by anyone interested in cognitive vitality. Information on process of an aging brain and how it functions is provided.

We hope you have followed these tips , and we encourage you to check out more at MentalHealthAmerica.com. Take advantage of the care community resources with RememberItNow! We know your mental health is important to you, so it is important to us.

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