Seniors and Heat: Staying Hydrated and Safe

With the added Summer heat, our humidity feels heavier and stickier. We know that keeping hydrated is essential for anybody, especially those with medical needs or older. Seniors are a large part of the population, and we need to watch for signs of heatstroke in those around us.

For our residents, we make sure they have easy access to many beverages, but most importantly, water and Gatorade with electrolytes. Sweating is the body’s way of regulating its temperature; unfortunately, senior citizens do not sweat like younger people. They are more prone to heatstroke, dizziness, and falling. We take extra care of our residents, so you shouldn’t worry too much. However, we recommend a few things if you care for an older loved one.

Recommendations for Seniors

Besides staying hydrated, doctors recommend that seniors stay inside during extreme heat. We provide numerous indoor activities to keep our residents safe and cool. Not only should seniors stay inside during extreme heat and humidity, but they should have as much AC and ventilation as possible to keep cool. Additionally, seniors should be aware of their medications and their side effects. Sun can cause increased side effects on many medications. It’s important to discuss this with a doctor. When it’s hot out, seniors should dress appropriately in light-colored clothing that protects their skin from sunburn and skin cancer. Longer sleeves, hats, and pants can cover the skin properly, and lighter-colored clothing will keep seniors cool.

Cancer Journey: Shaving Your Head

We know that Cancer is just as an emotional process as a physical process. Not only are patients losing their functionality as healthy humans, but they are losing parts of themselves that represent their identity. When someone is diagnosed with Cancer and decides to go through treatments, that individual knows they will lose their hair. It’s never part of the process people are prepared to go through. Patients wonder if or when they should shave their heads as treatment begins. They often think they will allow their hair to naturally thin and fall out to avoid the emotional crisis they might feel.

Most doctors and hair prosthesis specialists recommend patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation shave their heads before too much hair loss occurs. Most patients experience hair loss and thinning within two to three treatments, depending on factors like age and medication strength. Oncologists recommend patients shave their heads for a variety of reasons. Physically, they recommend patients shave their heads to avoid the added pain as the hair falls out and to avoid potential matting of the hair.

Shaving your head can be more therapeutic than allowing Cancer and the treatments to take your hair slowly. Doing this will enable you to decide and be active in your changing body and emotions. Many patients throw shaving head parties, post on social media, and create healing spaces. Most doctors recommend buzzing your head with a 1.5 blade to avoid ingrown hairs when shaving your head. Give us a call when you’re ready to shave your head and see about a wig. We’ll be here for you.

Losing My Hair, Losing Myself: How To Cope With Chemotherapy-Related Hair Loss

Hair loss can be an emotionally difficult process, especially when it’s related to chemotherapy treatment for cancer or another medical condition. When your hair starts falling out, and you have to go bald, it can be hard to feel like yourself anymore. This article covers the basics of hair loss during chemotherapy treatment. It offers some tips on coping with it emotionally and physically so you can preserve your self-esteem through this difficult period of your life.

Hair Loss With Chemotherapy

The side effects of chemotherapy vary for everyone who undergoes treatment. One of those potential side effects is hair loss. For some people undergoing chemotherapy, hair loss may be minor or minimal; for others, it can be significant and complete. If you’re one of these people who lose their hair to chemo, you might feel helpless or worried about your appearance. Even if you aren’t dealing with extreme hair loss due to cancer treatment, it’s normal to worry about losing your locks from other causes.

Ways To Handle Stress When Your Hair Falls Out

You’re in a vulnerable place. When you are going through treatment and losing your hair, it’s natural to feel that you are losing control over a lot of things in your life. Knowing how to handle your hair falling out can be difficult when you’re diagnosed with cancer and begin chemotherapy treatment. There are several things you can do to deal with it in a healthy way. Take care of yourself and stay focused on your treatment. If possible, allow someone else—like a friend or family member—to help you when washing your hair or applying shampoo. It’s important that you do not pull your hair out due to anxiety or stress related to chemotherapy treatment. Taking care of yourself and finding ways to stay positive will help keep stress levels down and alleviate anxiety; these actions also enable you to focus on recovery rather than getting wrapped up in concerns about how chemotherapy may affect your appearance.

Ways To Deal With Self-Esteem Issues

Research suggests that self-esteem issues stem from a feeling of alienation and can be treated with familiarization therapy. To combat self-esteem issues following chemotherapy treatments, find ways to stay connected to your daily life and routine. Your hair loss is only temporary; it’s important to remember that you have more than just your physical appearance to define yourself. Go through old photos of yourself; reread letters and cards you’ve received; write an email or letter to someone thanking them for their support during a difficult time; put on music that reminds you of happy times in your life. Taking these steps will ensure you don’t lose yourself in your battle with cancer.

Wigs And Chemotherapy

Many women who lose their hair due to chemotherapy use wigs and other hair replacements to regain a sense of normalcy. Visit Wig Palace in East Ridge to find the perfect wig for you during your cancer journey. It’s no secret that many patients feel embarrassed or self-conscious about losing their hair due to chemotherapy treatments. While it may seem like an easy fix to cover up thinning or missing locks with a wig or other type of head covering, finding one that is right for you can be quite challenging if you don’t know where to look. The staff at Wig Palace can help you find the perfect wig to make you feel more like yourself during chemotherapy.

Cell Phone Protection Policy Saves Church

John served as the Senior Pastor of the little Church in rural Connecticut. Their attendance rarely exceeded 100, yet they were proud of the work throughout the year. Their small Church structure and modest property may not have been that of the mega-ministries, but Pastor John and his congregation were proud of it and ensured that it was maintained in pristine condition.

Unfortunately, one Sunday, the Pastor had someone go to the local supermarket for some grape juice for their morning communion service. On the way to the store, the driver began texting and had a terrible accident. Everyone was grief-stricken because of the damage done to lives and property. However, one injured sought recompense from the Church (since the texting driver was on Church business).

It looked as if this would be the demise of Pastor John’s ministry and result in the loss of the Church property to pay the lawsuit. But Pastor John and his Church were covered.

Chitwood’s Cell Phone Policy Saves the Day

Almost six months prior to the accident, Pastor John had attended a Church Management Conference. There he engaged our services and purchased the Cell Phone Protection Policy. He wasted no time getting the licensed drivers in his Church to sign the policy.

Since this particular texting driver had signed the policy, the Church was free from any damage claims sought by the injured parties.

It’s Not What You Know That Will Hurt You

Pastors and Church Leaders all across the USA never think scenarios like those mentioned above could happen to them. That is naivety personified.

Just because you or your Church has not been subjected to this kind of action or any other legal activity does not mean it cannot happen quickly. To assume your Church will be spared from any type of lawsuit or investigative action demonstrates that you do not know the world in which we live.
As my grandmother used to say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In other words, it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

As a blessing to Pastors and Churches across the USA, you may download this Cell Phone Protection Policy via your e-mail address. Click on this link and follow the instructions.

We Are The Best

For 80 years, Chitwood & Chitwood has been providing oversight for thousands of Churches across this great nation. At our Church Management Conferences, we teach what Pastors and Church Leaders should know and provide them with resources to protect their Church, not only from the IRS but also from lawsuits in this tort-focused society in which we live.

Every Pastor, Pastor’s Spouse, and Church Leader must attend the next Church Management Conference. It is not what you know that will hurt you—it is what you don’t know. To register for a conference nearest you, visit us at www.cmtc.org or call 800-344-0076. You will be glad you did.

Creating A Morning Routine That Works For Seniors

A routine that works can make the entire day more productive and easier to manage, whether you’re a senior or not. But, if you don’t have one already in place, starting to create one can be difficult when so many other things seem like they’re demanding your attention first thing in the morning. However, once you get used to it, you’ll realize just how much of an improvement it makes and wonder why you didn’t start earlier! Follow these steps to create your morning routine that works so you can enjoy life more today and each day afterward.

Start Your Day With Gratitude

Studies show that seniors who begin their day with gratitude are more likely to improve their overall mood and outlook throughout their day. It’s important to acknowledge all that you have in your life and how far you’ve come. Reminding yourself of all the things you are grateful for doesn’t need to be formal or time-consuming; it can be as simple as reading one letter from an old friend. After waking, grab a piece of paper and write three reasons you’re grateful. Read these notes each moment you need a reminder. Remembering what you have makes it easier to move past any negativity or concerns that may arise throughout your day.

Prepare Your Body For The Day

Exercising in the morning, while your body temperature is still relatively low, requires more effort from your muscles and heart. Therefore, it can be incredibly beneficial to health and longevity. Exercise has other benefits for seniors. It improves blood flow and mobility by helping decrease pain and joint stiffness. A study from Oregon State University suggests aerobic exercise can even help slow age-related mental decline by increasing blood flow to brain cells, consequently improving aging adults’ memory and spatial orientation skills. Research also shows that just 30 minutes of daily walking can reduce fall risk among seniors by 50 percent compared to non-exercisers.

Eat A Nutritious Breakfast

Breakfast is an important meal to fuel your body for your day. If you’re in a rush or simply not feeling well, it can be easy to just skip breakfast and wait until lunch to eat. However, eating a nutritious breakfast is essential for seniors. Start your morning with a healthy breakfast of whole-grain toast and peanut butter, followed by fresh fruit or yogurt. Not only will you have energy for your day ahead but also promote good cardiovascular health.

Try Different Morning Routines Until You Find One That Works Best For You

There is no one-size-fits-all morning routine that works for everyone. After all, we’re all at different places in our lives. So finding a morning routine that works best for you as a senior will likely take some trial and error. Try using a combination of these suggestions to create your ideal morning routine: Do something you enjoy every day—like listening to music or catching up on your favorite blogs or newspapers. These positive activities can help get you into a positive mindset for whatever lies ahead for you that day. Be sure not to skip meals, though, because breakfast is especially important for seniors, so try eating something healthy within an hour of waking up.

How To Stay Confident Wearing A Wig During Chemotherapy

Many people can’t imagine what it’s like to lose their hair to chemotherapy, but losing your hair isn’t the only negative side effect. Some people also struggle with low self-esteem because they don’t feel like themselves when they wear wigs through chemotherapy, which makes them feel uncomfortable and causes them to avoid leaving the house or attending social events. It’s important to stay confident with a wig during chemotherapy to fight off the side effects of chemo as easily as possible and enjoy life with your loved ones again.

Get The Right Fit

When wearing a wig during chemo, getting one that fits properly is essential. If it does not fit you properly, it will be uncomfortable and have to be adjusted throughout the day. Getting a wig that fits well will minimize these problems and help you feel more confident through treatment. It will help ease the discomfort of losing your hair due to cancer because you will not have to worry about your wig falling off or looking unnatural.

Be Prepared For Questions And Comments

It’s expected that people will notice a change in your appearance. It is up to you whether you want to share your hair loss and chemotherapy treatment plans with them. Some of you will find that getting a wig similar to your natural hair color, cut, and style will eliminate most of the questions and comments and make you feel more comfortable wearing a wig in public, especially for the first time. Others may want to take the opportunity to wear wigs that are colored, cut, and styled in a completely different way than their natural hair. This journey is yours to navigate.

Wear It With Pride

Wear the wig, don’t let the wig wear you! It may be hard at first, but don’t shy away from your wig. When you wear a wig, you look and feel great! Embrace it and wear your wig with pride, knowing that you are a strong cancer fighter and survivor. Your wig can make you feel beautiful again during chemotherapy treatments. Take some to figure out what kind of wig is best for you. Finding a wig that is easy to manage and makes you feel beautiful or more like yourself is the easiest way to wear a wig with pride and confidence when facing chemotherapy treatments and hair loss.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

You are not alone. Reach out to other patients and wig wears for advice. You can also get support from your friends and family, who will be happy to help out. And remember that there is no right or wrong way to deal with your hair loss, so don’t hesitate to take whatever steps you feel necessary.

Spring Activities for Seniors in an Assisted Living Facility

With the weather turning warm and flowers starting to bloom, it’s hard not to get excited about springtime! For seniors, however, there can be some apprehension about enjoying the season as much as they would like to. With concerns about falling or other health issues, many seniors are left wondering if any activities are good for seniors during the springtime. The good news is that there are plenty of fun things that you can do to enjoy this time of year and minimize your risk of falling or injuring yourself while doing so!

Getting Outside

There’s no better way to start a new season than to spend time outside. If you haven’t been outside in a while, it might be best to check with your doctor before going for a jog or hiking up an unfamiliar trail. Even sitting on a bench outside the facility and enjoying the fresh spring air can aid in lifting the winter blues. With their doctors’ permission, many seniors find that starting slow and increasing activity slowly is key to staying healthy and strong. Spending time outdoors helps seniors connect with nature, breathe fresh air, get sunlight, and more!

Gardening

For seniors in an assisted living facility, indoor or outdoor gardening is a great hobby. A garden can be productive and therapeutic, and it gives you something to look forward to on a daily basis. Keep your back flexible with regular stretching exercises before diving into heavy work, like raking or weeding. Wear gloves when you prune branches; they’re notorious for harboring bacteria that can cause infection. And if you’re looking for an interesting alternative to weeding or digging, consider planting vines: they create shade that increases soil moisture, preventing weeds from growing. Look for ones that cover an area quickly without stealing too much water from other plants, like morning glories or runner beans.

Take a Walk

Exercise is a cornerstone of healthy aging, and walking has many benefits for seniors. Walking is low-impact and easy on joints, meaning you can do it until very late in life, but it still helps build bone density and strengthen muscles. Additionally, walking outside offers lots of opportunities for enjoying nature. Taking a walk around the perimeter of the assisted living home is a great way to enjoy some sunshine and fresh air. Additionally, going for an evening walk before dinner is an easy way to help curb unhealthy snacking habits-bumping activity levels before eating can trick your body into thinking it’s already burned some calories, so you end up consuming fewer throughout your day.

Easy Spring Cleaning

Everyone loves spring, but the season can be tough on seniors with limited mobility. Instead of forcing them to sit around and watch the world go by, it’s a good idea to help them stay active. Schedule an easy spring cleaning session: organizing, dusting, vacuuming floors, etc. Simple chores like these can help keep seniors engaged. They might even feel a little more independent after completing some simple cleaning tasks.

Are You Placing Your Donors in Jeopardy of Tax Penalties

As I travel across the country assisting Churches and Clergy with their Church books and records, I am constantly amazed at the number of Churches and Pastors who feel as if they are not required or should not obtain a legal 501(c)(3) exemption for their Church and Ministry. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Mr. Jack Taylor of the Indianapolis Baptist Tabernacle (IBT) was denied tax-deduction credit for his donations. The Internal Revenue Service and the Court Judge declared that Mr. Taylor did not prove that IBT was a legitimate church. The Judge declared that all donations for tax credit were solely at the mercy of the IRS and its agents. This snafu cost Mr. Taylor a lot of money in back taxes, penalties, and interest.

I Thought Churches Were Not Required to File 1023

Although Churches do not have to file Form 1023 requesting a legitimate 501(c)(3), the Court Judge declared that nothing in the law “. . . relieves a church from having to meet the requirements of section 501(c)(3).” It also declared that “. . . contributors must prove the church’s right to an exemption under section 501(c)(3) in order to be entitled to a deduction for their contributions.”

Burden of Proof

Without legal 501 (c) (3) status, it is solely the donor’s responsibility to prove that the Church to whom they donated is, in fact, an IRS recognized Church.

In another IRS court case, the court said that anyone who contributes to a church that does not have 501(c)(3) status “. . . may deduct that contribution from his or her income, but if the contributor is audited, he or she has the burden of establishing that the church meets the qualifications of section 501(c)(3) organization . . .” in order to get a tax deduction.

Why would any Church or Ministry place this onus on the back of its faithful donors? To do so is irresponsible. Without the 501(c)(3), the donors may have to prove they deserve the deduction.

Charitable donations to Churches are covered in IRS code section 170(c), which states that donations to Churches are deductible. However, that section also clearly states that the organization must operate in a manner that is consistent with section 501(c)(3). This means that in the absence of the church’s official 501(c)(3) status, the donor must bear the burden of proving that his or her donation is tax-deductible by showing that the church meets all of the requirements as outlined in section 501(c)(3).

Let Us Help

There is no reason that any donor to a Church should ever have to face the burden of having to prove that the Church to which they donated is indeed a Church. For Churches to be non-compliant in this area means one of two things: Either the Pastor and Church do not care about any burden they are placing upon their donors, or the Pastor and Church Leaders did not know? I choose to believe that the Pastors and Church Leaders did not know.

If my premise is correct, take the necessary steps now to ensure that your donors and their generous gifts of support are protected for tax-deduction credit. To do so, attend the Church Management and Tax Conference in the city nearest you. To register, call 800-344-0076 or visit www.cmtc.org. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”

As the Ultimate Church Management Firm in the USA, we know how to protect your Church and Ministry from any IRS violations that may unknowingly loom over you. The reason for our confidence is because Churches and Ministries are all we have done for more than 78 years. As our client, you can rest assured that your Church or Ministry receives our utmost attention and expertise.

Remember, for us; it is “A Ministry – Not A Job!”

What To Expect When Wearing A Wig During Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy doesn’t just take a toll on your body—it also takes a toll on your appearance. If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, the chances are that you’ll lose your hair during treatment, which can be very disheartening to deal with both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, there are solutions like wigs that allow you to continue living life as usual without worrying about your appearance or self-esteem being affected by your diagnosis.

Ask Questions

If you’re diagnosed with cancer, many questions go through your mind: How much will treatment cost? How will treatment affect my life? Will I lose my hair during chemotherapy? You’ll want answers to these questions and more before, during, and after your diagnosis. It’s important to ask lots of questions when visiting your oncologist; if you have lots of time before treatment begins or have too many symptoms for them all to be discussed in one visit, schedule follow-up appointments.

Preparing For Chemo

Before you start chemo, your doctor will give you instructions on how and when to get ready. Make sure you follow these instructions exactly. Some people, particularly women with long hair, wear wigs during chemo to help cover their heads (often too uncomfortable for many people to wear hats). Other individuals may opt for scarves or turbans. Still, wigs have a special purpose: They help protect your head from excessive sun exposure (especially important if you’re taking radiation therapy) and protect your scalp from sweat, triggering a fungal infection. If possible, try out different wigs before starting treatment—this way, you’ll know what types of wigs are comfortable enough for extended wear.

How To Select A Chemo Wig

There are many reasons why someone may decide to wear a wig, and no one will ever be able to predict how you will feel about wearing one. For some people, chemotherapy can present psychological as well as physical challenges. If you or someone in your family is going through chemotherapy, it’s probably a good idea for you to learn about wigs before cancer treatments begin. It will give you time to understand what options are available and consider what factors are important for making such an important decision. Now is also a good time for you (or someone close to you). If you have questions about chemo wigs or simply want information on different types of wigs that may make it easier for you during treatment, ask your health care team.

How to Celebrate Easter with a Loved One in a Personal Care Facility

As the wonderful Spring weather approaches, so does the Easter Celebration Season. The joy of celebrating Easter with a loved one in a Personal Care Facility is no different from other holidays and special occasions. The best part of celebrating holidays is spending time with loved ones, and everyone appreciates being remembered and loved. There are many ways to show your loved one that they are still important to you, so don’t fret if you have a senior family member in a personal care facility.

Easter Themed Bingo

Bingo is the perfect Easter-themed game. Playing games like Bingo can lighten the mood and help your loved one feel involved. By modifying the traditional bingo cards with things like eggs, baskets, bunnies, and other Easter-themed pictures. Easter Bingo is a great way to spend quality time with your loved one while also celebrating Easter.

Make Easter Treats

There is nothing better than having some fresh desserts baked for a holiday. It is easy to make Easter-themed desserts and candies. You may decide to bake a batch of cupcakes and help your loved one decorate them with icing, sprinkles, edible toppings, or use egg-shaped molds to make Easter Eggs out of milk chocolate; it is not a true celebration unless there are snacks involved!

Continue an Old Tradition

If you and your family have created a special tradition for Easter, it is easy to keep your loved one who lives in a personal care facility involved. Whether the tradition is cooking a special meal, attending a church service, or any other Easter event, try to replicate them. This will help them feel special and included and is a great way to carry on family traditions from one generation to the next.

Create a New Tradition

A new living situation can provide an opportunity to start a new Easter tradition with your loved one in a personal care facility. Check with the community and see what kinds of Easter services or activities they may provide, or brainstorm new ideas you know your loved one would enjoy. For seniors, some easy activities could include coloring Easter Eggs or decorating Easter baskets. The main idea is to get together to share old memories while creating new ones.

How It Helps

Including family members in Easter celebrations helps seniors feel they are still loved and important. It also gives senior residents something to look forward to during a time of year that is often lonely. Even if your loved one is not up for celebrating Easter through egg hunts or candy rolls, they will still enjoy being included in family traditions, including family photos and reminiscing about times past. Create a photo album together and reflect on how you celebrated when you were younger. Spring is a wonderful time of new beginnings and favorite memories. With a little planning and action, you can continue to make wonderful Easter memories for years to come.