Do you suffer from the Winter Blues? Do the short days and long cold nights
- Make you feel down for days at a time?
- Affect your motivation to do your usual activities?
- Change your sleeping or eating patterns?
- Cause you feel to hopeless?
- Seek comfort in alcohol?
Do you have low mood each winter and then feel better in the spring & summer? Well you may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or S.A.D. This is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis, but the symptoms typically mimic those of Depression, but with the cyclical component of coming and going at the same time each year. It can affect people of all ages, including older adults and their caregivers.
These are some tips of things you can try on your own:
- Exercise - it really can lift your mood
- Spend more time outdoors - get a little sun
- Watch your diet – avoid sugar, caffeine, and alcohol
- Keep a schedule and stay active
- Avoid the temptation to stay in bed – get up
- Practice positive self-talk
- Try some holistic tools such as mediation, yoga, or massage
If you continue to have problems, seek treatment from a mental health professional. Current treatments can include light therapy, medications, and psychotherapy.
The good news is S.A.D. can be treated. Don’t spend the winter just waiting for the Spring thaw…..live each day to the fullest!
Seek treatment. Who knows, a winter vacation on a sunny beach may be just what the doctor orders!
Speaking Engagements:
- January 2009 - Jeannie gave a presentation on S.A.D. at Autumn View Gardens - Creve Coeur
- February 6, 2009 - Jeannie presented an all day workshop for professional Social Workers - Decisions at End-of-Life: Who Decides?
- March 7, 2009 - Jeannie will be speaking on Feeling Good............About Aging at UMSL's event - Celebrating Women: Reinventing Ourselves After 50
New Reduced Fee Service:
The Social Workers at Pathways for Aging are senstive to the needs of clients and caregivers impacted by the current state of the American Economy. If you feel you are unable to afford a comprehensive in-home assessment and just need to speak with a professional for some guidance, we are offering a one-time -
One hour Telephone Consultation for $75.
You will be asked to provide us with some information in advance to the scheduled telephone consultation, so we can make the best use of your time, and assist you in developing an action plan and focus your efforts in locating services and resources.
New Programs:
The Social Workers at Pathways for Aging are developing some new educational programs for groups of older adults/caregivers regarding positive aging. If your organization is interested in hosting a program, contact Jeannie @
j.krausetaylor@pathwaysforaging.com
New Products:
Aromatherapy Soy Candles - we have recently obtained 3 varieties of soy candles, from AandL Candles, to help relax or energize you or the caregiver in your life. The candles will be sold for $12.00 + Tax & Shipping, through our website, or you can contact Jeannie directly at
j.krausetaylor@pathwaysforaging.com
Stay tuned - more information to follow.
Pathways for Aging Special Report:
Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?
Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System
Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?
Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient
in the Healthcare System
Only $14.95.
Get your copy here. |
by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
"How will you or a loved one die?"
This report examines some of the most common challenges with end-of-life issues. It explains the three main legal documents and how end-of-life decisions are made. Includes a checklist of what to consider and how to create your own Action Plan. Also includes eleven ways to be an advocate for yourself or a loved one and resolve conflicts in healthcare decisionmaking. Order your copy from the Products Page at PathwaysforAging.com HERE.
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Pathways for Aging in the News
Recently, Jeannie Krause-Taylor and Sherrill Wayland, Executive Director of SAGE, were interviewed by a reporter for the Nov 20 - Dec 9, 2008 edition of the West End Word. The article titled "Boom of gay seniors presents challenge to service sector" was written by Kara Krekeler. She begins by writing
"
As baby boomers quickly become senior citizens, geriatric-care organizations are bracing for the onslaught of older adults and preparing for many of the special needs that had been overlooked in previous generations.
While in many ways this aging generation is similar to those that came before, the current batch of senior citizens is beginning to receive attention because of its gay and lesbian members"
If you would like to read the entire article, it can be accessed through the
West End Word website.
Our team....
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ReBecca (Becky) Schwantes, MA,BSW, is a MSW student @ The Brown School @ Washington University in St. Louis and has chosen to do her practicum with Pathways for Aging. Becky's professional goals include providing mental health services and care management to older adults. You will be hearing more from Becky in the upcoming months.
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Recent Posts on Our Blog
I wrote in December’s eNewsletter about how those Home for the Holidays visits can bring some surprises.........
Please Contact Us
Call us today at 314.361.3530 if you or a friend or family member needs help with an older adult.
