Each year at Christmastime, the employees at Lowes in Guntersville are given an opportunity to “adopt” residents at Marshall Manor. Arlene Holland, a Lowes Pro Services Team member, collects the profiles on twenty of our residents for willing participants to review in order to personally choose who it is they will sponsor. “Lowes mantra to their employees is, ‘Loving Where You Live,’” Arlene said through a smile, “and this is always one way we can reach out to others in our community to ensure that mission is a reality for them.” The fact is, Arlene had been praying for a Veteran to adopt Mr. Thomas Cummings. Mr. Cummings is a Veteran of the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War where he served as a Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He spent a long period of time in the hospital prior to being admitted to Marshall Manor. Initially, he was admitted for a short-term rehabilitation stay with plans to receive therapy and return home. However, DHR Social Services determined that Mr. Cummings’ living conditions were not favorable for his return there. So, he transitioned into long-term care at Marshall Manor. In addition to his health-related issues, there have been many negative and downright devastating events that have taken place in Mr. Cummings’ life over the past year. Most of them were the result of people that he trusted seemingly deciding to abandon him. After his transition to long-term care, all of Mr. Cummings’ personal belongings and other items that he greatly cherished were supposed to be placed in storage for him by his friends. Instead, they vanished and he still doesn’t know how or why. Marshall Manor staff pulled together to resupply Mr. Cummings with some clothing, personal items, and other necessities. But there are so many things that simply can’t be replaced. Specifically, the most beloved item lost to him was an American Flag which happened to be hand sewn by his mother throughout the course of his years in the service and also had all his service medals pinned to it. The culmination of all this placed Mr. Cummings in a state of despair. His outlook, demeanor, and mood were greatly affected and he really needed a miracle to lift his spirit. That’s where Greg Brackenbury comes into the story! An employee at Lowes, Greg is also a Veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan. “I was really just looking for someone who was an Alabama fan and liked Disney stuff.” This was the simple and humorous way Greg approached his decision on who to “adopt” from the resident profiles. “But when I learned about Mr. Thomas Cummings’ story, I felt adopting him was something that was inspired and I also knew exactly what I was going to do.” Greg’s baby brother, Ret. Master Sergeant Mike Brackenbury, has twenty-three years in the Air Force. Mike served two tours in Iraq and three tours in Afghanistan where he flew over one-hundred search and rescue missions. Of course, one thing that is always present on each mission is the American Flag. Over the years, Mike has gifted Greg and his other brother and sister with the flags that were flown during three of the missions he piloted. Pictured Above Standing from Left to Right: Charles Roderick, Rachel Wilson, Arlene Holland, & Greg Brackenbury Seated: Mr. Thomas Cummings When the employees from Lowes visited Marshall Manor to have a party and bring gifts to their “adopted” residents, Greg was right in the mix with them giving hands and feet to what was already in his heart as he presented Mr. Thomas Cummings with the flag that Mike had given him. “It just made sense to pass it on, or pass it back,” Greg said with confidence. “It meant a lot to meet Mr. Cummings, but to have the opportunity to show him honor and respect was an extra special experience.” Greg is not going to let it stop there. It just so happens that Mr. Cummings is also a big fan of Alabama football AND Disney stuff! “I plan on coming to the nursing home regularly to build a relationship with Mr. Cummings,” Greg resolved, “I think the first movie we’ll watch together is Jungle Book. But mainly I just want to spend time listening to him. I think that will go a long way in helping him overcome a lot of what he has experienced.” Greg is right! The kindness, respect, and honor afforded to Mr. Cummings when he presented the flag to him has brought hope and healing in indescribable ways. “There are no words,” Mr. Cummings said, “thank you for all you have done and for taking the time to do it! You have really lifted me up and changed my outlook on things. I will always cherish the memory of what you have done each time I look at the flag.” On a side note, Arlene is making plans to coordinate an effort to recover Mr. Cummings’ medals as well as resew an American Flag for him. Greg, who has been a part of multiple ministries over the years, is now involved with Voices of Valor. “I invite everyone to check out Voices of Valor on Facebook,” Greg said, “we will be introducing many opportunities in the future for people in the Guntersville community to serve Veterans who are in situations like Mr. Thomas Cummings.” So, the American Flag that flew on six war-time search and rescue missions overseas is now permanently present on yet another rescue mission of a unique kind right here at home. Presented to Mr. Thomas Cummings folded and preserved in its own window box, the flag is now displayed with pride in his room at Marshall Manor. He admires it daily - not through eyes of downheartedness but with an endearing dignity. Plaque Reads: This flag was flown in honor of Greg and Sherri Brackenbury during Operation Enduring Freedom over the skies of Afghanistan. It was onboard Helicopter 91-26402 during 6 rescue missions in which all 6 lives were saved. #VoicesOFValor #LoveOurVeterans #Remember

Paying for Long-Term Care Many older adults and caregivers worry about the cost of long-term medical care in a skilled nursing facility. In a word, the costs are quite substantial. These expenses can use up a significant part of monthly income, even for families who thought they had saved enough. How people pay for long-term care depends on their financial situation and the kinds of services they require. In this segment, we’ll look at a couple of payment sources or options that are often available when paying for long-term care or short-term rehabilitation / therapy services. Private Pay or Personal Funding: Professional care given in assisted living facilities and continuing care retirement communities is almost always paid for out of pocket. However, it is very different in the skilled nursing setting. Still, many older adults pay for their care with their own money. They may use personal savings, a pension, or other retirement fund, income from stocks and bonds, or proceeds from the sale of property. Although it is not a requirement, other family members or friends may also contribute to this effort. Depending on the amount of personal funding available to the individual receiving care, they may be able to pay for their care privately for as long as it is needed. But there may come a time when all personal funds are exhausted and other payment sources are needed. Government Programs: Older adults may be eligible for some government healthcare benefits. Caregivers can help by learning more about possible sources of financial help and assisting older adults in applying for aid as appropriate. The Internet can be a helpful tool in this search. Several federal and state programs provide help with healthcare-related costs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers several programs. Over time, the benefits and eligibility requirements of these programs can change, and some benefits differ from State to State. Check with CMS or the individual programs directly for the most recent information. Medicare: Medicare is a Federal Government health insurance program that pays some medical costs for people age 65 and older, and for all people with late-stage kidney failure. It also pays some medical costs for those who have gotten Social Security Disability Income for 24 months. Medicare covers the costs of short-term (up to 100 days) rehabilitation and skilled nursing services offered by nursing homes. The basic requirement is that you have a three-day qualifying stay in an acute care setting such as a hospital and that a physician certify that you are in need of such services. Medicare does not cover ongoing, long-term care in a skilled nursing facility. Here are brief descriptions of what Medicare will pay for: Medicare Part A: Hospital costs after you pay a certain amount, called the "deductible" Short stays in a nursing home for certain kinds of illnesses or therapy services Hospice care in the last 6 months of life Medicare Part B: Part of the costs for doctor's services, outpatient care, and other medical services that Part A does not cover Some preventive services, such as flu shots and diabetes screening Medicare Part D: Some medication costs If you have a Health Management Organization (HMO) in place of your Medicare benefit, there is usually a different degree of coverage afforded to short-term skilled nursing care and rehabilitation in a nursing home. Most require a clinical pre-certification prior to admission to the facility but do not require a three-day qualifying episode in an acute care setting or hospital. The important thing to remember is that Medicare or any HMO policy does not cover long-term care. Medicare is only for the short-term rehabilitation and / or skilled nursing services that are often needed after a hospital stay. Next week we’ll take a look at Medicaid and some other payment resources that will help cover the costs of long-term care in a skilled nursing facility. You can find more information about Medicare benefits at www.medicare.gov, or call 1-800-633-4227, TTY: 1-877-486-2048. You can also come by the business office at Marshall Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center any time Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm with any questions you may have. SOURCE: https://www.nia.nih.gov/ #LongTermCare

It’s been said that, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." I would also argue that this truth can be applied to many things. Take your health for instance. You could say that one sure way for your health to decline is for you to do nothing about it. Most of our health is not controlled by the health care system but by our own actions, our environment, our genes, and social factors. In addition, physicians are not perfect. The more a person participates in their own health care, the more satisfied they tend to be with the care they receive. Actually, you can begin today to infuse your life with the power of disease prevention just by being intentional about it. Doing something, no matter how small, is infinitely better for you than doing nothing. You can incorporate these efforts all throughout your daily routine from your morning shower to the evening news or while accomplishing your household chores. There are many ways to sneak healthy activities into daily living. Decide to make small changes and they will add up to big changes in the quality of your diet, your physical activity patterns, your capacity to deal with stress, and in your sleep quality. Those four things comprise an enormously powerful health promotion that can change your life! So, take the time to think about the ways that your health can improve by changing your lifestyle and make those changes. You are your own best advocate! Contact your primary care physician for an annual physical or whenever you have a concern about your health and go to those appointments prepared. Talk to your doctor about the latest vaccinations and seek their advice on which ones you should stay current on. Always take a list of your current prescription and non-prescription medications, including herbal supplements. Keep a list of your health concerns and, most importantly, ask questions! My dad used to tell me, “Son, take care of your body and your body will take care of you.” Well, we all know that it is not always that simple. But our actions and choices do directly affect our health. Take charge of your health today and, hopefully, that will go a long way in your health maintenance. #HealthyAging

You know, She really is beautiful. She is the only republic in the history of the world that was founded upon an idea and what a great idea She was and continues to be. Yes! “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all of mankind is created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights – and that among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!” This founding statement not only initially proclaimed Her independence from tyranny and oppression but also sets Her apart as a brilliant beacon of light, a bright city on a hill, and an inspiration for all the world to see. Is She perfect? No, of course not. But that still does not take away Her brilliance. In spite of Her flaws She stands as an enforcer of justice, a defender of the innocent, an advocate for peace, and a strong voice for freedom within Her own borders and throughout the globe. She is great only because She is good and that alone is something worth celebrating. Many of you have fought to defend Her and to ensure that She is still a reality and a land of opportunity for your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and future generations to come. Others go on with the same resolve and give of themselves every day to safeguard Her life and Her way of life. For that, we salute you and give thanks for your service and sacrifice. There are also many who have given the ultimate sacrifice and we will not forget! We recognize this offering as one worthy of remembrance now and always. So, this July 4th, we celebrate Her with hearts full of gratitude to God. As we look out over Her summer fields of fruit and grain; take in the majesty of Her mountain’s or feel the surf of Her oceans white with foam; and lift our heads to Her spacious skies of golden sun; let’s celebrate America the Beautiful and long may freedom ring! #America

March is National Nutrition Month! Our next series of blogs will address ideas and simple suggestions for a healthy diet – especially for Senior Adults. As always, we recommend talking to your doctor before changing anything about your diet. *Healthy eating begins with you! Giving your body the right nutrients and maintaining a healthy weight can help you stay active and independent. You’ll also spend less time and money at the doctor. This is especially true if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or heart disease. The definition of healthy eating does change a little as you age. For example, as you grow older, your metabolism slows down, so you need fewer calories than before. Your body also needs more of certain nutrients. That means it’s more important than ever to choose foods that give you the best nutritional value. Here are 6 tips to help you find the best foods for your body and your budget: 1. Know what a healthy plate looks like: You might remember the food pyramid, but the USDA recently unveiled a simpler way to help people see what they should eat each day. It’s called MyPlate. The simple graphic shows exactly how the five food groups should stack up on your plate. These are the building blocks for a healthy diet. 2. Look for important nutrients: Make sure you eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need. Your plate should look like a rainbow—bright, colored foods are always the best choice! A healthy meal should include: • Lean protein (lean meats, seafood, eggs, beans) • Fruits and vegetables (think orange, red, green, and purple) • Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat pasta) • Low-fat dairy (milk and its alternatives) Remember to choose foods that are high in fiber and low in sodium or salt. Also, look for Vitamin D, an important mineral as we age. 3. Read the Nutrition Facts label: The healthiest foods are whole foods. These are often found on the perimeter of the grocery store in the produce, meat, and dairy sections. When you do eat packaged foods, be a smart shopper! Read the labels to find items that are lower in fat, added sugars, and sodium. 4. Use recommended servings: To maintain your weight, you must eat the right amount of food for your age and body. The American Heart Association provides recommended daily servings for adults aged 60+. 5. Stay hydrated: Water is an important nutrient too! Don’t let yourself get dehydrated—drink small amounts of fluids consistently throughout the day. Tea, coffee, and water are your best choices. Keep fluids with sugar and salt at a minimum, unless your doctor has suggested otherwise. 6. Stretch your food budget: Want to get the biggest nutritional bang for your buck? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you afford healthy food when you need it. Over 4 million older Americans use SNAP to buy food, and the average senior receives $113 each month. Visit BenefitsCheckUp.org/getSNAP to see if the program can help you. *SOURCE: www.ncoa.org #HealthyAging #Fun2BFit #HealthyEats #NationalNutritionMonth

Thinking about long-term care is something that we all have a tendency to avoid. The thought of losing any degree of our independence is not a reality we are quick to entertain. First of all, it is difficult to plan for the things in life that are appealing to us, like retirement or travelling with family and friends. But to strategize for situations and circumstances that we have an aversion to is even harder. The main thing to keep in mind is the fact that we are all aging. No one really knows what the future will hold and if any of their plans, whether pleasing or disagreeable, will come to fruition. However, it is important to be prepared for every possibility as much as you possibly can. If you're already considering long-term care options for yourself or a loved one, go ahead and start the discussion! It’s never too early. If you wait until an injury or illness, you might find yourself under pressure to make a hasty decision that everyone may later regret. Getting to know your long-term care options takes time. Start now by having open and honest discussions with your family or loved one. Keep in mind that long-term care has a variety of degrees. It ranges from scheduled help, sitter services, or Home Health within the home to assisted care within an Assisted Living facility to 24-hour total care in a Skilled Nursing facility or nursing home. The goal of long-term care is to help you maintain as much independence as possible without compromising safety. In addition, knowing that someone's there to help when you need it can relieve stress. The next few series of BLOGS will deal with tips on how to plan well for your care in the future. We hope that the information on this page will be a benefit to you as you maneuver through many health care options and make your own choices about future care for yourself or on behalf of a loved one. #LongTermCare

Long term care, as compared to short term care, refers to services that help meet the patient's health and personal needs over an extended period. These needs, such as bathing, getting dressed, taking care of hygiene, eating, taking medication, and moving around, are called the activities of daily living. Ideally, long term care helps people remain safe and independent for as long as possible, even if they can't handle everything on their own. What Are the Characteristics of Long Term Care? Home-based long term care is the most common type and strives to keep your loved one healthy and supported for as long as possible without removing them from familiar surroundings. The most common providers are family members, friends, and neighbors, who usually are not paid. However, as age or illnesses progress, the patient may need professional care from nurses, therapists, and sitters. When your loved one needs professional care, discuss the situation with his or her physician. The doctor can order home health services as treatment if there is a specific diagnosis, and they may be covered by Medicare if the patient is eligible. If the long term care plan involves transportation to and from medical appointments, shopping, and other errands, check with local assisted living facilities and other homes for the elderly. They sometimes offer this type of help and many public transportation entities provide it as well, especially for the disabled. Who Usually Needs Long Term Care? For most people, long term care isn't something they think about until they're facing a serious health condition or age-related disabilities in themselves or a parent or other loved one. The need may appear suddenly, but it often grows over time with age or as an illness progresses. Here are some things to consider when you're planning for the long term care of a parent or someone else you love. As people get older, they are more likely to need long term care. It's best to have a plan in place so that you aren't making decisions in crisis mode. Women are more likely than men to need long term care because they usually live longer. Without a spouse in the home, single people are more likely than married couples to need long term care from a paid provider. An unhealthy lifestyle, such as poor nutrition and a lack of exercise, contribute to the need for long term care. Encourage your family to make positive changes when they are younger and healthy. A person's health history and genetic predispositions affect the likelihood that he or she will need long term care. A thorough plan for long term care may include a review of the person's medical history with their physician and a review of their parents' health history if available. Where Can I Learn More About Long Term Care? As with any emergency planning, you want to develop a long term care plan long before you need it. This process allows your loved one to participate in the preparation so that he or she doesn't feel powerless. Here are some questions that can help you lead the discussion. What do you want to happen if you cannot take care of your own medical and health needs? Are lifestyle changes in order that would help you stay independent longer? Does the layout of your current home allow you to stay there if you cannot go up or downstairs? Are modifications available to help with this? Contact Marshall Manor Nursing & Rehab Center for further guidance on developing a long term care plan for yourself or someone you love. We are a short term care rehab center in Guntersville offering skilled nursing, rehabilitation, therapy, and assisted and independent living.

Even though it’s moving right along, summer is in full swing! There’s still time to get out there and enjoy the rewarding endeavor of household gardening. Whether you’re planting flowers and shrubbery or herbs and vegetables or all the above, opportunities remain to see the “fruits” of your labor. Gardening, simply put, is good for the body, mind, and soul. We have a tendency to move through our days in a rush – taking little notice of the beauty around us – then the unexpected wonder of a gorgeous, fully blooming flower bed takes us by surprise and we are instantly paused. Even though nature is always moving forward in ways we can’t even imagine, there is something about our environment that is always encouraging us to stop and smell the roses. We must make the time to do this. When we can contribute to the life around us then we begin to realize the things that make life worth living with greater appreciation. This is true when we invest in our relationships with others and even when we plant a flower. It’s one thing to experience the beauty of the botanical gardens as a visitor. I imagine it’s a totally different thing to experience the beauty of the botanical gardens as the grounds keeper! Both are able to enjoy the gardens but the grounds keeper's enjoyment goes quite a bit deeper for obvious reasons. Sure, there is a lot of work and downright discomfort to gardening of any sort but the rewards are just as plentiful. Of course, you don’t have to create the botanical gardens in your front yard to reap the benefits of tending the soil! You can have a garden on an apartment balcony, patio, back deck, or anywhere your ideas carry you. Container gardening is an especially easy and handy way to maintain the beauty of a garden without all the work. You can avoid all that bending and strain by putting the container on a table when planting. Once started, the upkeep is much easier and you can move your plants, flowers, herbs, or vegetables at your leisure. You can have as many plants as you desire, depending on your needs or wants; without all the tilling or hoeing. Be creative with your containers. For instance, purchase an inexpensive kiddie pool and you instantly have a large container to plant a small garden in. These mini-gardens will also attract butterflies and small birds. With all plants, whether green foliage or blooming, you will have healthier plants if you maintain a schedule for watering and fertilizing. This maintenance will enable plants to be more tolerant of insect attacks. Read directions on the fertilizer bag, and never over fertilize or over water. Good pot drainage is a must. A basic rule-of-thumb for watering plants is: if leaves droop, you need to water more; if leaves yellow, slow up on the water. There’s still time to plant and ENJOY! #GoGardening

Feelings of loneliness and even boredom are often a daily reality for seniors living alone. Our friendships still exist but certain situational factors make it hard to maintain regular or consistent contact with them. Family members may not live close by or, if they do, they may not really be in a position to visit as often as we’d like. Companionship is a necessity for all of us, no matter what age we are. We were not meant to be alone! Interaction with others is important to our entire well-being. Sure, relationships with other human beings is paramount but there is another option that can sometimes be just as rewarding and precious as human companionship. GET a PET! A new pet can bring immediate joy and laughter, which can be very mentally and emotionally stimulating. It is so important that we keep ourselves open to all the thrills that accompany pet ownership. Pets provide so many wonderful intangibles. For instance, consider how dogs (and other pets) live very much in the here and now. They don't worry about tomorrow. That is healthy for all of us! Having an animal with that sense of NOW tends to rub off! Of course, it’s not all rainbows and roses! This is especially true when considering that we have to be responsible and care for this particular animal. But according to psychologists, pets can reduce depression and lessen loneliness. Older pet owners often had something missing in their lives until they discovered their pet's companionship, even though there were extra responsibilities and even some downsides to owning and caring for an active pet. Don’t be worried about getting a "pure-bred" pet. They can be expensive and need more care. The best place to find a variety of animals to choose from would be the local Humane Society. There are so many animals that need good homes and are willing to love to you. These places will also have the pet’s shots up to date as well as other health services. Most pets are easy to take care of and can be truly entertaining for hours. Being responsible for other living creatures, and to watch those creatures live and play, can really add interest to your life. If you show love to your pet, that love will be returned. If you are gentle with your pet, that gentleness will be returned. So, take your time and shower them with love and kindness and you’ll certainly reap the rewards! #GetAPet

You should always check with your doctor before making any changes in your diet. Many people benefit from a gluten-free diet these days. But before considering a gluten-free diet, let's get to know our culprit. Gluten is a specific type of protein, but one you won't find in meat or eggs. Instead gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley. Going gluten-free means avoiding these grains. A gluten-free diet is essential for most people with gluten allergies. The gluten-free diet isn't always easy. People who benefit generally need to stick with the diet for life. That means officially giving up many staples such as bread and pasta, and also treats like cakes and cookies. But it's getting ever easier to find gluten-free alternatives and careful planning can help you stay gluten-free long-term. People on a gluten-free diet need a sharp eye for labels. Some ingredient red flags are obvious, like wheat, wheat gluten, barley, or rye. But some foods have “stealth” gluten. Two terms to watch for are malt (which is made from barley) and hydrolyzed vegetable protein (it often contains wheat). Perhaps the most difficult step in a gluten-free diet is bidding farewell to bread as you know it – that includes white, wheat, marble, and rye. Also off limits are bagels, muffins, croissants, hamburger buns, scones – you get the idea. Don't despair – there are alternatives. Say hello to rice and potatoes! You can top them with just about anything, mix them into meals, or enjoy them on their own. If you’re still mourning the loss of your favorite pasta or really craving a bowl of spaghetti, it is possible to find gluten-free pasta. Just think rice noodles. Many health foods stores and some major supermarkets now carry gluten-free products, including an assortment of breads. These are often made with rice or potato flour instead of wheat. Just check the label to make sure it says, “100% gluten-free.” Corn and rice-based cereals are good breakfast alternatives, but it's crucial to read labels carefully, as some may also contain malt. Who needs crackers when rice cakes and corn chips can host all sorts of spreads and dips? Oh, and another gluten-free crunchy snack: POPCORN! Check your supermarket's health-food section for gluten-free products. While a gluten-free diet won't contain most traditional cakes, pies, cookies, and other celebratory treats -- which are loaded with wheat flour -- there are still lots of ways to satisfy your sweet tooth. Marshmallows, gumdrops, and plain hard candies are all usually gluten-free. However, they are not sugar free and this is important to know if you're a diabetic. Look for specialty bakeries that may be able to create custom-ordered gluten&sugar-free cakes, pies, and other treats. Remember - always check with your doctor before making any major dietary changes! #GlutenFree

September is Healthy Aging Month! Healthy aging is and always has been a hot topic everywhere. We all know that a big part of having peace is knowing that we are in good health physically, mentally, emotionally, and – yes – spiritually. Without this assurance, we have a tendency to be anxious about what may be lurking ahead or just around the corner. These apprehensions follow us around for the majority of our lives but especially affect us in our later years. Undoubtedly, there is a certain sort of suffering that accompanies aging. We know what is in our DNA because we’re familiar with what illnesses our loved ones have faced. So, we naturally wonder if the same ailments are waiting in store for us. We begin to realize that we’re not as “sharp” as we once were or that we can’t do all the things we used to do and so our control begins to become challenged. The good news is that it's never too late to make healthier lifestyle choices. One such choice is to accept the fact that we all age and that aging is a huge part of living. This is NOT an easy thing to do. It takes real resolve. But like everything that is challenging, it has its rewards. We are all moving forward and to move backward would be even more traumatic than aging ever dreamed of being. Remember, just because we see a lot of things end in aging, there are also many opportunities for a lot of things to begin. Appreciate the finer qualities that aging brings about. Share your wisdom, experience, and memories while looking forward to what else may be in store for you to learn and do. We are here for a reason no matter how long we’ve been here! Making the most of our aging is really a vigorous response to something we can’t control anyway. No matter what your health concerns may be, eating a variety of healthy foods, practicing portion control, and including physical activity in your daily routine can go a long way toward promoting healthy aging. Engage in activities that stimulate your mind and encourage you to interact with others. This will go a long way in keeping you mentally sharp and emotionally strong. If an interest in healthy aging leads you to consider supplements or expensive treatments claiming to postpone or reverse the aging process — be cautious. There's no fountain of youth or miracle antidote to abate aging. Be aware (or beware) of what you're buying and know how to spot suspicious schemes. Often, anti-aging therapies don't live up to their claims and instead of leaving you with less symptoms, they leave you with less in your pocket book. On a personal note, I'll leave you with one final word. Don’t forget to feed your spirit! This is the most important part of your being and the one portion of you that doesn’t age but will last forever. #HealthyAging

It’s good to pause! When we pause, we admit that there is more going on in life than what we can perceive. It’s also a clear indicator of our conscious or unconscious admission that what is going on beyond our scope of reality might be more important than what we are doing. This may be a hard thing to admit but moving beyond our inclinations can only lead to our growth. This time of year always gives me reason to pause. Even though it is good to do from time to time, I’m not speaking of an elongated hiatus where I totally remove myself from my usual daily routine. I’m talking about those brief instances that can sometimes ambush me and suddenly I become still, silent, and reverent as I realize how much I have been given. To completely recognize a gift is the only way to fully receive a gift. These special moments can happen when we least expect them. When they do, we should not ignore or brush them off, but make every effort to cherish them. These instances go beyond mere emotion and sentiment. They are a gift in and of themselves and they always point us towards one thing in our lives that is very important to have...a THANKFUL HEART. Pause is a catalyst for personal growth. Why? There could be a lot of speculation on this but may I suggest a couple of very simple reasons... First, to pause takes time. It’s good to have a break in proceedings. Making plans and setting goals is great and we should do this no matter how old we are. But they have a tendency to put us in a mindset of constant control and seem to always monopolize our time. When we give up our need to be in control, suddenly there is an opportunity for growth that goes beyond the limitations of our plans or goals. Think about it, if our world is only as big as our own ambitions then we are really living in a very small world! Second, when we pause it always takes our attention and focus off of ourselves. This is paramount to personal growth. We have a tendency to think that we must concentrate on ourselves in order to grow. But the opposite is true. We must think less about ourselves in order to really develop in a healthy way. It can only be a good thing to give consideration to the gifts that have been given to us throughout our lives in which we had little to zero input or choice. Even better, if we focus on others then we can begin to aspire to greater hopes for ourselves as individuals and the more we'll realize how to be truly thankful for the gifts in our lives. Simply put, pause is a catalyst for growth because it’s a catalyst for thanksgiving. We all have reason(s) to pause each and every day! It’s just that Thanksgiving offers and affords us an extra special privilege to do so. It’s like that old Elvis song my dad used to play throughout the house on Saturday mornings, “Every time I hear a new born baby cry, or touch a leaf, or see the sky, then I know why…” So, I encourage you to find reason(s) to pause this Thanksgiving. Yes, just be still! Admit that there is more going on in life than what you perceive. Look around and even beyond yourself and you’ll begin to hear, see, and experience things differently. Every time you realize you're awake and breathing; every time you hug a child; eat a good meal with family; love and are loved; have a conversation with a friend; laugh or cry; receive or give; every time you pause to realize you're alive and have a purpose in this world, you’ll know why you have a reason to be thankful. We must not forget, everything is always more than it seems... #ThankfulHearts