After mom’s cancer treatments started we began to see a decrease in her appetite and some weight loss. But now that she should be getting back to normal she continues to lose weight without intentionally doing so because she does not eat enough. What is alarming about this is that she is not gaining any strength back.

While significant advances have been made in research and treatment of cancer, there is still a strong need for more. April is National Cancer Control Month where we remember those we have lost to this disease, as well as support the fight many are facing today. And we can support the need for even more effective cancer control.

Happy National Nutrition Month! As a nutritional and educational campaign sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (EatRight.org), National Nutrition Month focuses attention on the importance of making healthy and informed decisions when making food choices and developing good eating habits as well as encouraging physical activity. This year’s theme, “Go Further with Food”, reminds us to start the day off right with a healthy breakfast and to make smart choices throughout the day. In doing so we have the energy to go further at home and within the community.

Believe it or not, if you are sitting at a desk or on the sofa for extended periods of time you are putting yourself at risk. A risk they now call “Sitting is the New Smoking”. This got my attention as I do sit at a desk all day.

It is so sad to see an elderly person with a will to die. It is even harder when that person is your parent. Currently, my dad is in so much pain and discomfort and unable to do the things he used to. He was a very active, “never-sit-down” type of person. He worked hard all his life and was a great provider for our family.

A caregivers duties and responsibilities may include many things such as: bathing and grooming, toiletry needs, dressing, preparing meals, shopping, preparing and administering medications, housekeeping, laundry, transportation to appointments, therapy, and so much more. While taking care of all of these needs for a loved one you may also have your own household and family duties.

As a caregivers for my in-laws and now my parents, I have experienced the down side of being a caregiver. While I would not change caring for these loved ones, I recognize that sometimes exhaustion and depression tend to creep in. I have a natural tendency to be a caregiver and my family values would not allow me to do anything other than to help care for these people I love so much.

So, back in the day before the internet, I compared myself. I remember distinctly always looking at one girl in elementary school and watching the clothes she wore so I could approximate how cool she seemed. I would actually take hand-written notes so I could go home and pick out clothing to sort of match her style. Of course, even if I “got it right” on any given day, she still – in my mind – was way cooler than I.

I just read an article that said we should plan on our life expectancy to be 100. Am I financially sound enough for that? And am I living a life that will help me physically and mentally prepare for the best quality of life in my elder years? Thanks to the financial planning of my husband I don’t think we will be too bad financially, but health-wise, I am looking at trouble. My lack of a proper diet and exercise are going to come back to haunt. Never too late to get started, right?

I really need to count my blessings when it comes to Mother and how many times she has fallen. She is not to be up moving around unless there is someone with her. She recently declared the physical therapist said she was not considered a “fall risk” anymore (She fell last evening).