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Category Archives: Brain Injury

If I could have, I would have … The Caring Children Program

In 1990 and 1991 two nurses from Cleveland, Ohio  health systems founded programs that taught children several levels of health in the elementary school setting. The  “Caring Children Program was taught in the classroom and other community settings as a team effort with nurses and children. Teaching focused on preventive health, education and understanding through hands-on skills and active participation. Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Laughter as brain injury medicine … recipe and kitchen disasters

Everyone has experienced some silly things that happen in kitchens.  Either we add the wrong ingredients, don’t follow directions, forget something, or simply don’t know what happened! Read the rest of this entry »

 

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How it all began 40 years ago … a journey back in time Part 4 of 4

It was now Labor Day Weekend and we went on a picnic to Schronbraun in southern Ohio.  Picnic in the park was a great  summer outing, and long walks.  When the weather Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Laughter as brain injury medicine … Is there a difference between guardrails and handrails

I was talking with another person recovering from brain injury when she was describing how her shower and home was adapted to meet special needs.  She was paralyzed on the right side and could not speak.  She knew exactly what Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Simple tips understanding injuries are very different … Part 2 of 2

Following the minor accident she sustained many symptoms.  Some of the problems she recalls are: memory problems, an inability to focus, poor judgement, poor financial decisions, unable to balance a checkbook, unable to compensate, unable to sleep, increase in pain, extreme fatigue, irritability, unable to be independent because of level of fatigue, required assistance to accomplish activities of daily living, profound confusion, and finally an inability to work at career that was her passion.

Most importantly, she was unable to care for herself and struggled to parent her daughters. She did not qualify for rehabilitation. Now she wonders why her brain didn’t qualify for rehabilitation, but her amputation was covered daily for several months!  Was her leg considered more valuable than

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How it all began 40 years ago … a journey back in time Part 2 of 4

A little over a year passed.  I didn’t want to attend my high school senior prom.  It just wasn’t my thing.  My mother wanted me to attend.  I told her I would go with another person Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Simple tips understanding injuries are very different … Part 1 of 2

How many have been compared to someone who have a visible injury? “Look how much someone can accomplish after they have lost limbs or have some other visible physical injuries.”  Is the frustration with brain injury Read the rest of this entry »

 

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How it all began 40 years ago … a journey back in time Part 1 of 4

Lasting relationships are based on many factors.  They include many ups and downs, all around experiences, failures, and successes!  You have to know what failure Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Simple tips helping others

At times life seems complicated and everything one does just does not make sense.  You get up and look in the mirror.  You consider yourself fortunate that you’ve survived … sometimes! Because of the superficial society no one understands what life is truly like.  You look good,  must be nothing wrong! That couldn’t be any further from the truth!

Appearance is the one thing that most those who traumatic brain injury, aging, chronic illness, and mental illness can control.  They take pride in their appearance when out in public.  Often it is the only thing under one’s control.

How many have been told to look how much someone can accomplish after they have lost limbs or have some other physical injuries?  Is the frustration with brain injury justifiable?  Is losing a limb comparable to brain injury?  Next two “Simple Tip Posts”  is a situation from someone who experienced both. Read the rest of this entry »

 

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NHBPM – Doing My Own Prompt Today – Chronic Illness Links

NHBPM – Doing My Own Prompt Today – Chronic Illness Links.

This is an impressive site with well written articles and several links pertaining to chronic illness.  Take some time to review the related links on this post.  I personally reviewed all the links thoroughly except one, which was not of interest to me but may be to others. These are all educational links and contain well-written materials. Tell me what you think?

 

 

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Simple tips on decision making when life is so indecisive after brain injury

If you are over 18 there are no safeguards to help with your decision making.  If you make the wrong decision you Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Laughter as brain injury medicine … The turkey did it

Laughter makes healing easier.  Everyday is an adventure in this home.  Which Thanksgiving would you prefer for dinner?  This Thanksgiving was likely the first following my injury, November 1992.  Dinner was in the oven and smoke filled the house. Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Should one stop and help or keep on going

I passed many accidents over the years as most of us do,  Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Everyday

I was touched to read that some people think brain injury can simply be put aside and life goes on. Life does go on, but in whatever direction the brain takes you. Every day is a challenge and it does not help when others do not understand. I don’t want others to learn either, because it can be torture. Brain injury is not easy, it’s not a choice of how you want your day to unfold, it’s the unpredictable paths a damaged brain takes one on and is not under voluntary control. If it were voluntary, we’d all be better! This young woman clearly helps others along her own difficult journey. She’s an inspiration to so many with traumatic brain injury and also has an on-line support group. Is this something you endure daily or even understand?

 

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Laughter is the best brain injury medicine … Thanksgiving dinner the vegetarian style

Over the years I have learned to compensated with precision.  To have a holiday dinner Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Simple tips … Where have all your friends gone Part 3 of 3

Everyone should have a Living Healthcare Will highlighting who is significant and who is not. Does your friend know where you keep it?  Make sure Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Simple tips … Where have all your friends gone Part 1 of 3

You are finally getting your life back in order. You are alert and oriented, don’t feel like much and yet so much has changed. The world Read the rest of this entry »

 

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In Memory of Kate Kelly a pioneer in ADD/ADHD…brain injury

Kate Kelly, a pioneer in ADD/ADHD brain dysfunction passed away.  She devoted her life, determined and committed educating with on-line videos, programs and co-authoring a best seller You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy? Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Simple tips … balancing act of symptoms and problem solving

Have you had an increase in symptoms and can not Read the rest of this entry »

 

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You are not alone…Part 1 of 4

Even after 21 years, I still find plans difficult to make and goals difficult to reach, but it is possible. Daily life remains unpredictable. There are ongoing daily detours, but I challenge myself to find another path.  Often this path is not one I would choose, but Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Simple tips to easiest and most comfortable clothing Part 1 of 2

English: A boy in swmiming trunks

English: A boy in swmiming trunks (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dressing comfortable with easy to wear clothing is essential to the wardrobe for those with brain injuries, chronic illness, aging population, and numerous medical conditions.  The followings Read the rest of this entry »

 

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New cell phone changes…a week in TBI survivor’s life (Part 2 of 2)

This is a continuation of another frustrating week in a TBI survivor’s life after two decades.  The struggle is ongoing.  By reading this I hope you will reach out and help someone you know instead of passing judgment.  This is an attempt to help educate others as to what happens behind closed doors with an invisible injury Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Is a physical problem more important than a mental health problem

I feel compelled to write this and see what others are thinking. Is a physical problem more important than a mental problem?  Why is there Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Laughter as brain injury medicine – Where did they go

Laughter helps the body, mind and soul heal.  It seems like life has so many twists and turns, is unpredictable daily, and we find ourselves walking around aimlessly many days in our own homes. What happens when you visit a cemetery of a loved one when all the plots look the same and a long time has passed since one was able to visit? Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Simple and basic tips for toileting, bathroom use, and restrooms after traumatic brain injury and illness

Have you ever been with someone who simply continues going to the bathroom?  Or may never get to the bathroom in time?  These are basic functions that nearly everyone takes for granted from a young age, usually around the age of 2.  Routine bodily functions are often lost and need to be relearned following a traumatic brain injury and many other illnesses and injuries.  Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Laughter as brain injury medicine…Forgot how you looked before leaving the house

Laughter as brain injury medicine is healing for the heart, soul and mind.  Here I believe others will find themselves or someone they know in similar situations and laugh instead of cry! Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Simple and basic tips to bathing, showering and washing up

What is important to personal hygiene?  It sounds like such an easy question, but when you are dealing with traumatic brain injury and several other issues that deal with thinking problems this is a complex task.  Many times this is difficult to figure out, especially in the first year or more following traumatic brain injury.  It is something so many people take for granted everyday, until you no longer have that ability to perform the most basic of all functions. Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Loneliness is the Most Terrible Poverty

Loneliness is the Most Terrible Poverty.

This is a well written article that nearly all TBI, brain dysfunctions, chronic illnesses, and an array of health issues deal with.  Most readers will certainly understand this this loneliness.  This will also offer insight into FM (fibromyalgia), another frequently misdiagnosed, and misunderstood disease. Take the time to read this and leave your comments.

 

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Can your health history be a hinderance to a timely diagnosis and treatment plan?

To tell or not to tell?

Does your health history help or hinder proper diagnosis and treatment following brain injury, stroke, brain dysfunctions, injuries or any type of illness?  I refer to illness as both physical and mental. Either way, these are health conditions that should be treated without prejudice, but they are not.  It is assumed that giving an accurate health history helps, and it should. Read the rest of this entry »

 

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Simple tips to help prepare yourself for returning to work or determine if you should be employed soon Part 2 of 2

If you’ve been off work for some time and believe you are ready to return how do you handle this?  This will take time to figure out: are you ready; how to manage; making a blueprint of the new you; interviewing; and ultimately successful reaching your goals! Read the rest of this entry »

 

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