We Must Be Doing Something Right: The Rate of Newly Diagnosed Alzheimer’s is Dropping in Canadians 65+

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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

I am very interested in helping older people, especially those who are caregivers to those who have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Two of my books are written specifically on this topic. January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month here is Canada, and I was pleased to see this statement from the Minister of Health which I felt was important enough to share here (I bolded a section for emphasis!). I found there is a lot of valuable information, plus the good news that we are doing something right! It also includes steps we can take to help reduce our risks.

Way to go Canada!

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

Link to purchase my latest book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4PDKnBj

Message from the Minister of Health – Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

From: Public Health Agency of Canada

January 3, 2024 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Almost half a million people in Canada live with dementia, impacting not only themselves, but their loved ones and caregivers as well.

While the risk of dementia increases with age, it is not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, the rate of newly diagnosed cases in Canadians aged 65 and over has been dropping for the last several years.

This is why the Government of Canada has been investing in the implementation of Canada’s national dementia strategy – A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire. It focuses on the areas of research, surveillance, awareness initiatives (including a national public education campaign), community-based projects and guidance.

Implementing the national strategy is a joint effort by a wide range of organizations across Canada, including provincial and territorial governments, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and health and social care providers. Over the past five years, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has funded more than 70 dementia projects through organizations such as these across the country. A number of these projects were featured in the 2023 Report to Parliament on the national dementia strategy.

Targeted research is needed to better understand cognitive impairment in the aging brain, which is one of the reasons why the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) launched the Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment in Aging (BHCIA) Research Initiative in March 2023. This initiative encompasses a number of aspects including the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging and the Dementia Research and Innovation Funders Alliance (launched in November 2023) and several new funding opportunities.

It has been estimated that 12 risk factors that can often be managed and reduced could explain 40% of cases of dementia globally. This highlights the importance of raising awareness about these factors which include physical inactivity, smoking, obesity and chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

This January, for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, I encourage you and your family to visit Dementia: Risk factors and prevention – Canada.ca to learn more about dementia risk reduction. Choose one habit that you can change or improve such as being more physically active, socializing regularly, or having a healthier, more balanced diet. Engaging in these healthy behaviours can help reduce the risk of dementia and delay the onset of symptoms, thereby improving your quality of life as you age.

We can all help improve the quality of life of those living with dementia. For more about how to reduce dementia-related stigma and communicate in a supportive way with people living with dementia, visit Dementia: Tips on how you can help – Canada.ca.

As more of us take these actions, we’ll reduce the impact of dementia on Canadians.

The Honourable Mark Holland

Contacts

Christopher Aoun
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health
613-291-4176

Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada 613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2024/01/message-from-the-minister-of-health—alzheimers-awareness-month.html#

New Research Indicates Marijuana is Bad for Your Brain and Heart

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The American Heart Association put out two research study findings related to marijuana or cannabis usage. Smoking weed is NOT good for your health – especially your brain and heart health.

The Research Highlights included: “In one study, daily use of marijuana raised the risk of developing heart failure by about one-third, even after considering other factors, compared to people who reported never using marijuana.”

I wonder how Snoop Dog and Willie Nelson will fare in light of this news? Will it change their usage habits? Will it influence how often others are using it?

There is a particular focus on older adults in one of the studies. The research pointed out that there was an “increased risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in elderly non-smokers who used cannabis.” This reminds me that when I am asking clients about their alcohol use I also need to ask about their use of marijuana. The lead study author Avila’s Mondal, M. D., a resident physician, stated that, “Since 2015, cannabis use in the U.S. has almost doubled, and it is increasing in older adults, therefore, understanding the potential increased cardiovascular risk from cannabis use is important.”

Unfortunately, the research didn’t differentiate between eating and inhaling marijuana. I hope they can build upon these findings as we all know how bad smoking is for our health. But we don’t know if the edibles or ingesting it is also as bad.

For the full article, check out this link: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/marijuana-use-linked-with-increased-risk-of-heart-attack-heart-failure

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

(Shared with permission.)

My First Book on Amazon Was AI Hybrid Plagiarized Twice

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My Book on Amazon was AI Hybrid Plagiarized Twice – Angela G. Gentile

In 2015, I self-published my first ebook and paperback through CreateSpace, now Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), and sold it on Amazon. It is called, “Caring for a Husband with Dementia: The Ultimate Survival Guide.” It is my best seller and I do presentations and book talks based on it and the expanded and revised edition called, “Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Memory Loss: A Helpful Guide for Caregivers.”

As I was preparing for a presentation, I typed my book’s title into the Amazon search bar. I was checking on the status of my reviews.

To my surprise, a book with a similar title (a sponsored title!) popped up right above mine. i clicked on the link and looked more closely at the “Book Overview.” As I started reading through I saw my words, not in the same order, but in a slightly different arrangement. My terms used in my book made up the bulk of the overview. I had a strong suspicion that this was MY book.

I wasn’t able to see any of the inside of the book via the “Read sample” option. It had only the cover, back cover (with no text on the back), title page, author’s name, and copyright information.

I checked the Amazon Prime return policy, and I was able to return the book at no extra cost. So there was no risk in my opinion. I ordered the book and waited.

When the book arrived three days later, I opened it up and saw MY photos. MY writing. This was direct plagiarism. But, the “author” had scrubbed the book clean of any personal information such as my title page, copyright information, dedication, acknowledgements, and the back-matter such as resources, recommended reading, and my about the author page.

When I opened up the book, it was a jaw-dropping moment. I was shocked. My heart sank. I felt like I had been robbed. The violation of stealing my hard work felt like a punch to my stomach. Sadness, anger, victimization all balled up into one.

After the initial shock wore off, I took a closer look and discovered that the “Introduction” was AI generated. I had plugged in the first few paragraphs into an AI Checker and it came up as being written by AI. I had never seen a book combining AI-generated text and direct or cloned plagiarism before. The bulk of the book was my work. Word-for-word. And it was taken from my 2015 ebook (which has since been revised in 2021).

I started searching Amazon to see if there were any other books plagiarizing mine and I found another one! So far, I have found two.

I have since reported both books to Amazon for copyright infringement and they have been removed. I have to be diligent though because it can happen again. There is an online Amazon Report Infringement form and process that has to be followed and you don’t get to speak to a human unfortunately. I ran into a snag because the books I was reporting on had fake ISBN numbers, so I had to use the ASIN numbers instead.

Many other suspicious books written by others have been discovered. I suspect there are hundreds if not thousands of these AI Hybrid Books on Amazon. It’s not right.

AI Hybrid Plagiarism is running rampant on Amazon. Many unsuspecting authors are being robbed and readers are being deceived. I want others to be aware of this issue in hopes of preventing the sales of these illegitimate books that disrespect the intellectual property rights of others.

My ask is I want Amazon to do a better job at checking for plagiarism. I suggest they go beyond the first 500 words. Perhaps the first 10,000.

I have a Facebook page called, “My Book was Stolen Plagiarised Pirated” with more information. Give a Follow and Like there to see what I find and what is new in the world of AI and books.

More information on my books and services can be found on my website at www.AngelaGGentile.com.

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

AI Hybrid Plagiarism: The Discovery of a Shocking Secret in the World of Self-Published Books on Amazon

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AI Hybrid Plagiarism on Amazon

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital publishing, a disturbing new menace has emerged, one that poses a significant danger to both authors and consumers alike: AI Hybrid Plagiarism. This insidious practice combines AI generative text technology with direct plagiarism, creating a toxic blend of stolen intellectual property that threatens to undermine the very foundations of literature and copyright protection.

The term “AI Hybrid Plagiarism” refers to the surreptitious act of employing AI generative text models to produce books that are not only unoriginal but also directly rip off existing works, circumventing the arduous creative process. These AI-generated works are often sold on platforms like Amazon, where their prevalence has quietly proliferated into a burgeoning problem.

I know all about AI Hybrid Plagiarism because one of my books, “ Caring for a Husband with Dementia: The Ultimate Survival Guide” was plagiarized at least twice that I know of. This shocking and disheartening violation has lead me to discovering many more books that appear to be what I call, “AI Hybrids.”

It is my belief that AI ingests the original digital content belonging to the creator and generates the following:

– Book Overview on the Amazon book page (where the book can be purchased),

– A copyright statement for the front matter of the paperback.

– An Introduction for the interior of the book.

– A compelling title and lengthy subtitle.

– Perhaps even a fictitious author’s name

One thing that is unknown to me is how the book cover image and title layout is created. It could also be AI generated I suppose.

Amazon (or Kindle Direct Publishing KDP), a titan in the ebook market, employs sophisticated algorithms and bots to detect copyright infringement and pirated ebooks. However, these digital crooks have been using the text from ebooks and scrubbing it of the REAL author information. The fraudsters put together a product which is submitted to KDP which evades the plagiarism screening process. Their AI Hybrid Plagiarized book flies just under Amazon’s radar. As a result, there are currently hundreds, perhaps thousands, of these plagiarized books available for purchase on Amazon, unbeknownst to the ripped-off authors and deceived readers.

This issue not only robs authors of their hard-earned intellectual property rights but also misleads unsuspecting readers who believe they are purchasing original content and supporting well-deserved authors.

AI Hybrid Plagiarism jeopardizes the livelihoods of genuine writers and compromises the integrity of literary creation, all while leaving a trail of copyright infringement in its wake.

To combat this burgeoning problem, it is imperative that both publishing platforms and authors remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and reporting instances of AI Hybrid Plagiarism. Perhaps Amazon KDP needs to revamp and beef up their plagiarism checkers – Do better, Amazon.

Furthermore, raising awareness among consumers is crucial to ensure they can make informed choices and support genuine authors while rejecting stolen content. The battle against this menace is ongoing, and the stakes for the world of literature and copyright protection have never been higher.

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

Ironically, this article was created with the help of Chat GPT.

AI Hybrid Plagiarism – A New Level of Literary Theft

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My book, “Caring for a Husband with Dementia: The Ultimate Survival Guide,” has been plagiarized at least twice on Amazon. The top book in the photo is my book, the bottom two are Artificial Intelligence Hybrids or what I call AI Hybrids for short. Let me provide you with a definition that I made up.

AI/Cloning Hybrid Plagiarism is a combination of cloning or direct plagiarism plus artificial intelligence, AI-generated, text.

An AI Hybrid Book is a book that consists of artificial intelligence, AI-generated, text plus cloned or direct text from the original human author. The direct copied work has been used without authorization from or acknowledgement to the originator of the human-generated text (the author). AI is also not given credit and the book’s credit goes to a completely different author. Sometimes these are fictitious names.

The version of MY book that was plagiarized was the 2015 ebook version. “Caring for a Husband with Dementia” has since been revised (2021) and is available in both ebook and paperback.

There are MANY AI Hybrids on Amazon and Goodreads. Perhaps they are everywhere online. This is a problem that I want all consumers and authors to be aware of. The photo below shows a combination of my books that were plagiarized and others that I highly suspect are also AI Hybrids.

HOW TO SPOT AN AI HYBRID PLAGIARIZED BOOK and FRAUDULENT “AUTHOR” ON AMAZON

*The book overview summary description is most likely written by AI. (You can run it through an AI checker to get an idea if it was or not.)

*The book cover image may appear irrelevant to the topic. 

*The title is on the cover but there is a lengthy subtitle in the book listing that is NOT on the book cover.

*There is no back cover copy. 

*The author’s name includes a middle initial – and no credentials. 

*No information on the author. 

*No Amazon Author profile page. 

*No search results on the author’s name. 

*No sample to read other than the copyright info. (If there is a sample, it is probably poorly formatted.)

*Publisher = “Independently published” (usually 2023, after ChatGPT and Generative AI took off)

*It likely has a FAKE ISBN # (ex. 979-8861564083)

*No ebook for Kindle available. Just paperback. 

*No reviews. 

If you think this may have happened to you, please let me know. I have a Facebook page where you can follow along. Https://www.facebook.com/mybookwasplagiarised.

Comments or questions? Please contact me.

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

Thrift Shops (and Second Hand Stores) in Winnipeg, Manitoba

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Photo by Leticia Ribeiro on Pexels.com

The best and the rest.

Thrifting (shopping in thrift stores) is enjoyed by many people. Whether they are looking for a deal, something unique, or the thrill of the hunt, thrifting is always fun for those who do it. You can find new, gently used, vintage, refurbished, and recycled items such as clothing, accessories, books, furniture, toys, and much more.

Following is a list of all the thrift stores I have tracked down in Winnipeg (in no particular order). I have not visited all of them but I hope to! Many of the comments are from Reddit uses from the r/Winnipeg subreddit. Please let me know if you have more information or corrections to share. Thanks!

Canadian Goodwill

– 5 Winnipeg locations: 70 Princess Street, 3431 Portage, 317 St. Anne’s Rd, 1540 Pembina Hwy, 17-2136 McPhillips St. 

– Nonprofit organization selected as a 2023 Platinum Winner – Best in the Second Hand Clothing & Consignment in Winnipeg by Community Votes Winnipeg

– “Portage location is sad and pathetic” per one Reddit user

– “St. Anne’s Location has great prices, and they often have sales. Minimal selection.” 

– “The location in the exchange district (Princess) is the largest in Winnipeg. It has two stories.” 

– “Portage and Cavalier is pretty large.”

-Lots of sales. Seniors and post-secondary students receive 20% of regular priced items EVERY TUESDAY with valid ID.

-They also have silent auctions.

Salvation Army Thrift Store

– 8 Winnipeg Locations: 2195 Portage, 2A-675 Empress, 1424 McPhillips, 145 Goulet, 97 Sherbrook, 3511 Roblin, 3421 Portage, 1080 Nairn

– Nonprofit organization

– Mixed reviews on McPhillips location (across from Northgate). “McPhillips is the best” according to one Reddit user, “Overpriced” per one Redditor

– “Nairn area location is overpriced crap” per one Redditor

– “Roblin location is good.” (I’ve been there too). 

– Seniors get 10% off daily. 60 years and older.  

Value Village (VV)

– 5 Winnipeg Locations: 1729 Pembina, 1695 Ellice, 942 Jefferson, 970 Nairn, 3629 Portage

– It’s not a thrift store, it’s a “Second Hand Store” 

– “We are a For-profit company that champions reuse.”

– “Prices are high!” per most Redditors

– Nairn location gets mixed reviews – “The crappiest” says one Redditor. “Overpriced and full of garbage.” Another Redditor says they “constantly find gems there.”

– VV has a “good selection of everything, and it’s curated and displayed really well.”

– Drop-off hours are good so many people donate their items there. 

– Pembina location prices are high. 

– Unicity prices come in with mixed reviews. 

– Some say Ellice location has better prices.

– 20% off coupons available 

Revive and Thrive Thrift Wholesale 

– 1032 Logan Ave. 

– Nonprofit

– They have live music five days a week. A Karaoke performance gets you35% off your purchase any time!

– Indigenous-led 

– “Pretty cheap” per one Redditor

– “Cheapest in the city” per another Redditor

UpShoppe

– 382 Selkirk Ave

– Non-profit. Supports the North End Women’s Centre

– Takes new and gently used clothing

Prairie Crocus Thrift

– Unit 1-919 McLeod Ave. 

– Nonprofit

– Tuesdays is Seniors Day – Spend $10 or more and get 25% off. 50% off blue tag clothing. 

– Supports two programs: Re/act Program and Riverwood House

Adult & Teen Challenge – Super Thrift Store

– 1016 St James St. near Ellice

– Nonprofit

– “Large store, but money goes to a questionable religious-based program”

– “Meh” per one Reddit user

– “Good” per one Redditor. “Prices are great” per another.

– “Not supportive of LGBT”

– Funding provides support to programs for freedom from the impact of life-controlling addictions (through the power of Jesus Christ)

Kildonan MCC Thrift Shop (Mennonite Central Committee)

– 445 Chalmers

– Nonprofit

– “Good” per Reddit users. “Good for clothing and knick-knacks. Jewelry.” 

– Has 50% off sticker days

– “Has a fun vintage section”

– “Great book prices.” 

MCC Furniture Thrift Store

– 18 Keewatin

– Nonprofit

– “Fantastic for furniture and larger purchases.” 

Annie’s Attic Thrift Shop and Cat Café

– 1560 Main just past Inkster

– Supports D’arcy’s ARC (registered charity animal rescue)

– “Cute as heck.” “Can hang out with cats.” $5 donation. 

– “Amazing prices.” “Bonus sales on certain items on the weekends.”

-Closed on Sunday and Monday

D’Arcy’s ARC Thrift Store

– 1076 Main Street between Burrows and Redwood

– Registered charity providing animal rescue services

Helping Hands Thrift Shop

– 1835 Main Street (at Leila)

– Thrift and consignment store

– “Overcrowded with lots of good stuff but limited selection.”

– “Erratic hours.” Closes early. 2 or 3 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday 

– Has a Facebook page. 

– Have 50% off mark downs weekly

– Check FB to see when they are open. Call 204-582-4334

Mission Thrift

-144-701 Regent Ave W. on Brewster east of Plessis

– Nonprofit

– Volunteer driven, Christian Organization, Closed Sunday

– “Large store”

– “Is pretty good” per one Redditor. 

Reclothify – Thrift by the Pound. 

– 150 Goulet St. 

– Premium thrift

– Have other accessories etc. too

Plato’s Closet

– 1190 St. James St.

– Chain, private, for profit (related to Style Encore)

– Buy and sell. Gives cash for gently used items current style great condition. Good for clothes.

Style Encore Winnipeg East

– B-1094 Nairn Ave. 

– Chain, private, for profit (related to Plato’s Closet). Women’s clothing and accessories 

– They give cash on the spot for your items. Must be clean and freshly laundered. 

– Open daily

Nearly New Shop of the Children’s Hospital Guild

– 961 Portage Ave.

– Nonprofit

– Very limited erratic hours because volunteer run

– 50% off all summer clothing

– Lots of sales. 25 or 50% off

Just Like New to You Thrift Store

– 635 Portage Ave.

– Nonprofit, proceeds go to the HSC Children’s Hospital

– HSC foundation. @Hsc.foundation

– “Very limited erratic hours because it is volunteer run.” Closed Saturday, Sunday, Monday. 204-786-1653

– Accepts donations Tues-Fri, 10-3pm

The Overflow – Thrift Shop Winnipeg

– 1-433 River Avenue

– Women’s boutique clothing thrift store

– Designer, vintage, and everything in-between

– Supports exploited/trafficked women (sex-trafficking). 

– Hours Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm

– Backstory: Shona Stewart started the store in Selkirk, Manitoba. Due to problems with drug users, she had to close it down in 2021. Shona is a sex trafficking survivor from the 80’s and she has this shop now to help others. She helps those in recovery get some work experience. Interview on CBC radio. 

Check out this map of Winnipeg Thrift Stores: Winnipeg Thrift Stores – https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=10meqGXrLp075w1foIIKOCjx4tiDjV8PE&usp=sharing

#winnipegthrift. #thriftwinnipeg #winnipegthrifting

Angela G. Gentile

An Encouraging and Supportive Time-Out By and For the Caregiver

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Today’s guest post is by Brent Hoag. Reprinted with permission. Originally published on Facebook.

*****

A BOND
A PLEDGE
A COMMITMENT
LOVE

A husband caring for his wife
A wife caring for her husband
A daughter &/or son caring for their mother &/or father
A grandchild caring for their grandfather &/or grandmother
A relative caring for someone related to them
A friend caring for a friend
A partner caring for a partner
A human being caring for a stranger
A human being caring for someone they know
Human beings caring for human beings who are vulnerable and in need

I just read for 90 minutes various Posts & Comments in a few support groups that were written by a cross section & diversity of members/caregivers. I don’t often do this for a number of reasons. I was overwhelmed yet again at the pain, despair, grief, and anxiety and so much more that we share in common. And the sadness, oh the sadness in our lives & hearts.

However, in complete candor, I felt such a sudden unexpected pride because of what each of you, & we collectively, are doing. I honestly felt such a sense of pride to be associated with you even though we have never met. I empathize. I cannot overstate the importance of our being able to relate to, & rely upon, one another as caregivers.

This is about feeling privileged & honored about being in a group of people who notwithstanding our sadness, frustrations, challenges, & yes again the exhaustion, are caring for another human being who is so vulnerable. You have not only endured & coped but you have risen above and persevered in spite of daunting challenges in order to care for another human being. You are pushing through an incredible amount of sadness & difficulty in order to care for another human being. You are trying to afford them some peace, comfort, dignity, respect, & level of care that they so desperately need.

Your own selflessness & sense of responsibility & compassion for another human being is making a difference in their journey. We don’t expect or want recognition or applause. That’s not why we are doing this. Why we do it is so personal & can be simple or profound. However, here we are.

Love for another human being is often the most powerful & compelling element that each of us feel and have in our hearts. We then care, share & support.

Tonight I read & read. There are so many of us & we are such a diverse group of people who are at very different places in our journeys with our loved ones. And yet here we are under one “bubble” sharing, empathizing, & supporting.

No cheerleaders, no bands, no celebrations, no speeches, no oscars, no victory laps. However there is something that I want to share with you caregiver to caregiver. We’re “doing it”. We’ll get through this. I understand only too well your sense of humility but now & then we need help to get back up & to carry on & some deserving recognition & praise can give us the ability & required strength. And yet in our very special group of human beings not only are we selflessly caring for another human being but we are lending assistance to one another as caregivers.

You, your steadfast dedication, your ongoing sacrifices, your compassion, your perseverance, your doing the best that you can, and yes your love are a bond that we share. Whoever you are & whatever your connection with the person that you are caring for, I just want you to know how sad it was for me to read so many of your posts/comments but how much of a sense of pride & honour it allowed me to feel during such dark times. Thank you for that.

You are pretty remarkable even though you likely don’t feel that way. Most of us don’t. However, I hope that in some way when you hear it from a fellow caregiver that it resonates with you & that you can carry some of this in your hearts & minds in going forward.

I have sometimes been criticized for my Posts being too long. Caregiving & the challenges that Alzheimer’s/Dementia presents doesn’t often have a short version when it comes to supporting, sharing, & feeling for a fellow human being. In this Post, I could have simply written “I’m proud of you & honored to be associated with you”. However, in my opinion the topic/message was too important to abbreviate, condense, or underemphasize. You deserved so much more than that.

It’s bittersweet for all of us, but I wanted to take a rare “time out” to acknowledge you for what you are doing.

It’s tough. It’s almost impossible at times, but here we are caring as best as we can for a fellow human being. I will never take that for granted & even though it is a long Post it is one of the rare one’s where a caregiver reminds other caregivers just how remarkable they are.

Who knows, when times are especially low, sad, & challenging perhaps you will allow yourself a “time out” to re-read this as a source of encouragement, support, etc. After all, that is one of the reasons why I wrote this, one caregiver to another caregiver. 💜

Unveiling the Hidden Solution: Brainspotting – The Breakthrough Quick Fix for Mental Health!

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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

When Talk Therapy Falls Short, Discover the Astonishing Power of Brainspotting to Transform Your Life!

Are you tired of endless talk therapy sessions that leave you feeling stuck and frustrated? Frustrated with circular discussions that get you nowhere? What if I told you there’s a groundbreaking technique that can offer a rapid and effective solution for your mental health concerns? A method that can be done in person or virtually online?

Brace yourself for the rise of Brainspotting – a cutting-edge approach that’s taking the therapeutic world by storm. In this article, I uncover the secrets behind this little-known yet astonishingly effective therapy, designed to help you find healing when nothing else seems to work!

The Therapy Revolution: Brainspotting is revolutionizing the way we tackle mental health challenges. Developed by Dr. David Grand, this innovative technique bypasses the limitations of mere conversation and dives straight into the depths of your subconscious mind, where true transformation takes place. Enhance your traditional talk therapy sessions by augmenting it with powerful, focused, Brainspotting sessions. 

When Talk Therapy Hits a Wall: Have you reached a plateau or do you feel stalled in your talk therapy journey? Fear not! Brainspotting offers a lifeline when traditional therapy approaches fail to deliver the desired results. By targeting the brain’s emotional centre and encapsulated memories, Brainspotting processes and releases deep-seated trauma and emotional blocks that may have eluded talk therapy’s grasp.

The Rise of Brainspotting: While Brainspotting may not be a household name yet, it’s rapidly gaining popularity as the go-to quick fix for mental health concerns. As word spreads about its astounding efficacy, more and more individuals are flocking to trained Brainspotting therapists, eager to experience the life-changing benefits for themselves.

The Science Behind the Magic: Brainspotting works by tapping into the brain’s natural ability to heal itself. By focusing your gaze on specific “brainspots” linked to unresolved trauma, cognitive blocks, or emotional distress, Brainspotting therapy activates the brain’s innate healing mechanisms. It’s like hitting the reset button on your mind, paving the way for rapid and lasting transformation. There is still a lot we don’t know, and the science is evolving. What we do know is “Where we look affects how we feel.”

A Game-Changer for Most People: Are you skeptical about yet another “miracle” therapy? Rest assured, Brainspotting has been proven effective for a wide range of mental health issues. Whether you’re battling anxiety, fear, depression, grief, shame, past trauma, or even performance blocks, this revolutionary technique has shown remarkable success rates for most individuals, opening doors to a brighter and happier future. It has been effective with all ages, including children. 

Rapid Results, Lasting Change: The best part? Brainspotting is not a long, drawn-out process. Unlike traditional therapy that may span years, Brainspotting can yield significant breakthroughs in just a handful of sessions. Experience profound shifts in your emotional well-being and witness the transformational power of this accelerated therapeutic modality.

If you’ve been searching for that elusive quick fix for your mental health struggles, look no further than Brainspotting. With its rising popularity and proven effectiveness, this revolutionary technique is redefining the therapeutic landscape. Enhance the benefits of counselling by embracing the power of Brainspotting to unlock your true potential, heal your deepest wounds, and embark on a path of profound personal growth. Don’t miss out on this life-altering opportunity – discover Brainspotting today!

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

Trained in Brainspotting, Phase 1

Written with the help of ChatGPT

Top 10 Secrets to a Fulfilling and Happy Life

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African Daisy, photo credit: Angela Gentile

While the concept of a fulfilling and happy life may vary from person to person, here are ten principles that are commonly considered important for achieving personal fulfillment and happiness:

1. Self-Awareness: Take the time to understand yourself, your values, strengths, and weaknesses. Cultivate self-awareness to make choices aligned with your authentic self.

2. Positive Mindset: Adopt a positive outlook on life, focusing on gratitude and optimism. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and maintain a resilient attitude.

3. Meaningful Relationships: Nurture meaningful connections with family, friends, and communities. Invest time and effort in building and maintaining strong relationships based on trust, respect, and support.

4. Pursue Passions: Identify and pursue activities, hobbies, and interests that bring you joy and fulfillment. Engage regularly in activities that energize and inspire you.

5. Work-Life Balance: Strive for a healthy balance between work, personal life, and leisure activities. Prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and create time for relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation.

6. Continuous Growth: Embrace lifelong learning and personal development. Set goals, challenge yourself, and seek new experiences that expand your knowledge and skills.

7. Practice Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude by appreciating the positive aspects of your life. Regularly acknowledge and express gratitude for the people, experiences, and blessings you have.

8. Embrace Mindfulness: Be present in the moment and cultivate mindfulness. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings without judgment, which can lead to a greater sense of peace and contentment.

9. Live Authentically: Be true to yourself and live in alignment with your values and beliefs. Avoid comparing yourself to others and strive for authenticity in your choices and actions.

10. Contribution and Giving: Find ways to contribute to the well-being of others and make a positive impact in your community or the world. Acts of kindness and service can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Consider each point and reflect on your own experiences. Do you agree with these principles? Is there more you could be doing to enhance your own happiness?

Note that these principles are not a definitive formula for happiness, and each individual may have their own unique path to fulfillment. It’s essential to explore and discover what works best for you, adapting these principles to your own values and circumstances.

What other secrets do you want to share?

Check out my book, “Flourish or Fade: A Guide to Total Well-being for Women at Midlife and Beyond,” for a closer look at how to be satisfied in all dimensions of life. It can be purchased in paperback or ebook format on Amazon.

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

Written with the help of ChatGPT

What To Do When You Feel Bored

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When you feel bored, there are several activities you can consider to help alleviate boredom and make the most of your time. Most you can do on your own, some require a willing participant. Here are some suggestions (a few overlap!):

1. Pursue a hobby: Engage in activities that you enjoy and are passionate about. It could be painting, playing a musical instrument, crafts, making jewelry, writing, photography, gardening, or any other hobby that interests you.

2. Read a book: Pick up a book that you’ve been meaning to read or explore different genres to discover new authors and stories. Reading not only entertains but also expands your knowledge and imagination.

3. Exercise or engage in physical activity: Physical exercise is a great way to combat boredom while improving your health and well-being. Go for a walk, run, cycle, or try out a new yoga or workout routine.

4. Learn something new: Use your free time to acquire new skills or knowledge. You can explore online courses, tutorials, or educational platforms to learn about a subject you’re interested in, such as cooking, brain health, coding, photography, or a foreign language.

5. Engage in creative activities: Get creative by drawing, painting, writing stories or poems, crafting, or working on DIY projects. Expressing your creativity can be fulfilling and help pass the time in an enjoyable way.

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6. Connect with others: Reach out to friends or family members, either in person or through a phone call or video chat. Go shopping and speak to other shoppers or store employees. Engaging in conversations and social interactions can help alleviate boredom and foster connections.

7. Explore new music, movies, or TV shows: Discover new artists, genres, or movies and TV shows that you haven’t explored before. You can use streaming platforms or online recommendations to find content that suits your interests.

8. Organize and declutter: Use the opportunity to tidy up your living space, organize your belongings, or declutter areas that need attention. It can be a productive way to spend your time and create a more organized environment.

9. Play games or solve puzzles: Engage in activities that challenge your mind, such as solving puzzles, playing board games, or trying out online games. They can be entertaining and mentally stimulating.

10. Volunteer or help others: Look for opportunities to contribute to your community or help others in need. Volunteer at a local charity, participate in community events, or assist friends or neighbors with tasks they may need help with.

Remember, the key is to find activities that align with your interests and bring you joy. Experiment with different options to discover what engages you the most and helps alleviate your boredom.

What other suggestions do you have?

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

Written with the help of ChatGPT