Just a short post to express my gratitude to all the wonderful nurses I work with at VNSNY, and go to school with and learn from in my Masters of Nursing studies. A special thanks to the smart, caring nurses on Twitter, who constantly spread relevant health information to the masses. I learn from you every day.

It’s an exciting time to be a nurse because we are strengthening our collegiality in order to improve health care. We have so much to give. We are innovators. We are the glue.

I encourage all nurses…

In my neighborhood, Cinco de Mayo is a real cause for celebration. Many of the local restaurants set up tables outside with drinks, music and even some activities for kids. What’s particularly nice is having a chance to see some people in the neighborhood that I haven’t seen in a while and catch up on what’s been going on the past few months. One person I ran into was a woman that takes Zumba classes with me. (Zumba, for those who don’t know, is a dance-fitness class that blends hip-hop,…

(photo by Marcus Bernales)

Humor heals. Research shows that laughter may boost the immune system and circulatory system, improve oxygenation, relax muscles, and stimulate the release of endorphins in the body which may help to relieve pain. (Source: Laughter Therapy Article)

1. Watch a You Tube clip of The Marx Brothers, Charlie Chaplin, The Three Stooges, “I Love Lucy” or any clip with physical comedy. Click on this link for my favorite clip.

2. Read your loved one a funny story. Try reading it in a silly voice.

3. Put on some music and host…

Twice in the month of March it was my honor to speak at two different volunteer trainings at the offices of VNSNY near Herald Square. Each of these weekend days required traveling through the city early when there were few people on the road or on the sidewalk. It was like the city had not yet awakened, or if it had awakened, it had not yet had its regular coffee with skim milk.

I really enjoy speaking to new classes of volunteers because I want to convey to them how special they…

Some years ago, through the public relations conduits of VNSNY, I was a guest consultant on MSNBC. The topic was the worldwide reaction to the death of Pope John Paul II. As a bereavement professional and member of the clergy, I was asked why there was such a strong public outpouring of grief over the death of one man. While I don’t recall my exact comments from that day, I’m sure my response focused on both his larger-than-life persona as a Pope, as well as the person himself. He had struggled…

Photo by Carlos Porto

There was a recent article in the New York Times highlighting the novel way in which a nursing home in Phoenix, Arizona has been dealing with behavioral issues in those with Alzheimer’s. In a sense, the way a caregiver interacts and the techniques used can help to decrease anxiety and lessen some behavioral issues. It reminded me of a patient I met long ago…

A few years back, I worked at an area hospital on the night shift. Besides waking patients up for every little thing (smile), we would encourage our patients to…

Repeat after me:

“Grieving is hard work. That’s what the books say. That’s what grieving people say. That’s what I say. Grieving is hard work. ” Repeat.

The intensity of grief can be so overpowering at times that the griever can’t tell one day from the next, the present moment from the one before. It can be terrifying and exhausting. How does the griever ‘mark time?’

First, what do we know about grief? Well, it’s unique to each individual experiencing it and it never progresses in a straight line.  There are no linear stages except in…

I listed ten smart phone applications for caregiving use in Ten iPhone Apps for Creative Caregivers.  Here are five more apps that may be helpful for caregivers with iPhones.

1. Cleveland Clinic Stress Meditations (Cost: $1.99) You can choose from eight different meditations including a Body Scan Relaxation, a Mindfulness Meditation and a Calm Mind Meditation. Play the tracks for yourself to ease stress, or for your loved one, to promote comfort and healing.

2. Crock-Pot Slow Cooker Recipe Finder (Cost: FREE ) In A Caregiver’s Cookbook, I recommended using a slow cooker to create tasty meals with minimal…

While the cold weather can be be perilous to our roads and sidewalks, it can also be hard on the skin. Indoor and outdoor air can both cause dryness and skin that is cracked and broken is more prone to picking up bacteria. Healthy skin not only feels good, but because it’s a primary defense against infection, it can help keep you healthy. Itchy and raw skin can also be painful to some, so it’s important to combat and protect against dryness.

Here are some suggestions to avoiding dry skin:

• Limit your time in the shower or bath to…

I could never forget my Dad’s birthday,  January 25th, exactly one month after Christmas. Every other year I looked forward to it, this year, not so much.

I’ve said to myself: “Be realistic.”  This Tuesday, January 25th, I am in an all-day training for work; I have to be home in time to vote on an important local school board referendum; the President is giving the State of the Union speech; and the metro area is anticipating yet another winter storm. Isn’t that enough to keep me busy? Must I mark…