Category: Aging well

How to Get Dementia – Top 10 Tips (Satire)

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A break from my usual programming…

I have been reading a lot about how to prevent dementia. My books on dementia caregiving have made me think a lot about how we can prevent getting dementia or some other form of neurocognitive disorder such as Alzheimer’s. Dementia is a condition in the brain that affects our capacity to remember things, process information, and organize our thoughts. It can impact our ability to make safe and wise choices and it can affect our language and movement. I have been listening to webinars, reading books, and scanning the Internet for organizations who have authority on the subject. Here’s a satirical piece on the subject, a break from my usual kind of writing.

Top Ten List of Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Dementia Diagnosis

1.Live a very long life. The older we get, the better our chances are to get dementia. Dying at a younger age can work against you if you really want to experience the joys of dementia. If you are lucky, you may end up getting early-onset dementia which is when it comes when you are under the age of 65.

2. Don’t exercise. Stay very sedentary. The less you move, the better it is for dementia to set in. The less stress you put on your heart and your muscles, the more chances your brain and vascular system has to suffer the consequences of very slow and gentle blood circulation. Moving more and getting your blood pumping would deliver more oxygen and healthy cells to your organs, so the less chances of that happening, the better.

3. Smoke and drink alcohol. The more you smoke and drink, the better. If you started smoking and drinking (they go hand-in-hand!) at a younger age, that would definitely increase your chances for getting dementia. If you haven’t smoked or drank in your life, you should start now. The unfiltered cigarettes are the best. Any kind of alcohol is perfect (just remember if you don’t want to get cancer or heart disease, you may faced with a difficult decision.)

4. Eat lots of junk food. The more sugar in your diet, the better! Dementia (and cancer – what a bonus!) loves sugar. If you have diabetes that is even better. Poorly managed blood sugars can also increase your risk for stroke and heart attack. They don’t call dementia Type 3 diabetes for nothing. Eat whatever you want to your hearts content. Just avoid nutritious meals like what they recommend for the MIND or Mediterranean Diet (you know like lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds). They say “What’s not good for your body is not good for your brain” so that’s a good mantra to put on repeat. The more processed foods you can add to your diet would be very advantageous. And while you are at it, stop drinking so much water. That way you don’t have to piddle so much (that tip comes from my mom!).

5. Invite and create lots of stress in your life. Studies show that stress can cause lots of stress on your system which can lead to lots of bad things happening in your body – including cognitive decline. It would be advisable to avoid things like meditation, self-care, having fun, and taking breaks. If you are still of working age, find a job that is really stressful that pushes you to the limits. You may also end up getting high blood pressure, anxiety, and sleep deprivation, so these combined can really enhance your chances of getting some sort of brain drain and cognitive problems.

6. Stop doing novel things. If you like to be bored and thrive on doing nothing new, this is the perfect thing for you! Keep on turning down opportunities that can enhance your learning. Your brain will feel good and learn how to build new neural pathways, so this is a no-no when it comes to wanting an unhealthy brain. Traveling can also cause an increased risk of learning and expanding the brain cells. People who want to get dementia stop traveling and especially refuse to learn new things such as a new language or take a dance class.

7. Welcome and encourage head injuries. If you want to increase your chances of banging up your head and causing some damage, you can do risky things like riding a bike without a helmet, or be in a motorized vehicle without a seatbelt (one downside of not wearing a seatbelt is that you may be fined or you may get a really bad body injury, not just a “traumatic brain injury” or even death). If you are a bit unsteady when you walk, don’t use a cane or walker. Using mobility aids can help prevent you from falling, and therefore it could help prevent a bonk to the head. Taking a risk to go from here to there with the walker will only decrease your chances for bumping the old noggin.

8. Try not to sleep so much. The less sleep you get, the better. Your brain cleans itself at night, so the less sleep you get, the less chance your brain has to clean itself. It’s better to let the impurities build up in hopes it could cause some build of of plaques and maybe even tangles (I am not quite sure how the plaque and tangles form, but I am thinking it may have something to do with poor sleep habits.)

9. Avoid contact with others. Stay in to win! One of the best ways to get dementia is to stay home on your own, most of the time. If you live with family or have a roommate, try to avoid them as much as possible. They say the more you converse with and interact with people, the more healthy your brain is. If you play bridge or scrabble, stop playing it. The brain is stimulated by sitting with others, strategizing the next move, and it’s really bad for (helps reduce the risk of) dementia. “Just say no!”

10. Don’t correct your poor vision or hearing. Toss away your glasses and hearing aids. It has been proven that if you can see and hear well, it reduces your chances to get Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. I am not completely sure of how that works, but they are learning that people who have poor hearing and don’t wear hearing aids have a bigger chance of getting dementia. Same goes for difficulties with vision.

What other things can we do to help ourselves get dementia? I want to hear it!

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

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How to Boost Your Brain Health by Cynthia R. Green, PhD

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Reprinted with permission.

I have recently discovered Dr. Cynthia Green and the work she is doing with Total Brain Health. I recently signed up to received emails and this is the first one I received. I think it’s a great article and I asked the Total Brain Health team if I could share this on my website and they gave me permission to do so. Please have a read and I would love to hear your comments. I like the idea of “playing against the clock.” Contact information for Total Brain Health and a few related links are found below.

10 Things You Can Do Right Now to Boost Your Brain Health

by

 Cynthia R. Green, PhD

Brain health is today’s hottest topic. Here are the top 10 things everyone should know about improving brain health – they might just surprise you!

  1. Take a Walk. Getting off the couch and onto your feet is the best thing you can do for your brain! Studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise (the kind where you can keep up but can’t keep up a conversation) boosts daily intellectual performance and significantly lowers the risk for dementia. Even walking at a vigorous pace at least 30 minutes a day 5-6 times a week will do the trick. 
  2. Lose that Spare Tire. Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy weight with a low ratio of “belly fat” can significantly lower the risk for a memory disorder. Stick to a healthy, well-balanced diet, maintain an appropriate weight, and balance your intake of alcohol and caffeine. Want to go that extra step? Try adding foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to your diet, such as fish and berries, as some studies suggest these may lower dementia risk.   
  3. Follow Doctor’s Orders. Staying on top of your medical care is key in addressing issues that affect memory. Managing chronic conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, can significantly reduce the risk for stroke and dementia. Also, taking care of medical issues such as hearing or vision loss can have tremendous impacts in your ability to learn new information, such as names. Find out if your medications may be making it harder for you to remember. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you might have. 
  4. Get Your Zzzzz’s. Lifestyle choices we make daily, such as how much sleep we get, how stressed we feel, to what risks we take (such as whether we use a helmet when we ride a bike or ski) impact our daily memory performance and brain health.  Emotional distress – anxiety, feeling blue – also can lower our everyday ability and may even increase the risk for memory impairment. Get a good night’s sleep, avoid risky behaviors, and don’t ignore emotional upsets.  
  5. Play PacMan. As we age, we experience changes in our everyday intellectual skills. Those changes commonly affect our ability to stay focused, think quickly, multitask, and learn new information (after all, learning new things require the previous three skills!). Want to stay sharp no matter what your age? Play games against the clock. Timed activities force you to pay attention, work fast, and think nimbly – you can’t beat the clock without doing so!   
  6. Learn How to Remember. While things such as timed brain games or eating a brain healthy diet certainly support better memory, you might need a bit of a boost when it comes to remembering things such as passwords, directions and – everyone’s favorite – names! Learn strategies to enhance your daily recall, such as making a connection between something you are learning (like the name “Florence”) and something you already know (such as the actress Florence Henderson). And don’t forget date books and “to-do” lists as these “memory tools” are essential for keeping track of the things you have to do but that aren’t worth memorizing. 
  7. Get Schooled.  Staying intellectually engaged can significantly lower risks for memory impairment, in some cases by as much as 63%! Such challenges encourage brain plasticity and may offer protection against deterioration over time. Intellectual engagement offers opportunities to socialize and supports emotional well-being. Look for activities out of your comfort zone – if you like to read, try a pottery class. Also, look for little ways to “change up” your brain’s routine, such as brushing your teeth with your nondominant hand, or taking a new route to work. 
  8. Go Out with the Gang. Staying social has been shown to potentially cut your risk for memory impairment in half. That’s a pretty powerful reason to get away from the TV and go outdoors! Social situations offer great challenges for everyday thinking. Keeping up a conversation forces you to stay focused, think fast and be nimble with our neurons. Look for ways to get out informally with friends, as well as other ways to engage through your community or other resources.   
  9. Get a Job. Working or volunteering can improve your daily intellectual performance. You get a good brain workout on the job, which offers you the chance to engage both mentally and socially. What you may not know is that more complex work settings, such as those that require you to supervise others, have been associated with a reduced risk for dementia later in life. Working or volunteering might give you a sense of purpose, which researchers at Rush Medical Center in Chicago recently found may also protect from memory impairment. 
  10. Perfect the Power of Positive Thinking. If you want to remember more effectively, believe that you can! Self-perception can impact performance. If a baseball player thinks he’ll never hit it a home run, chances are he never will. Similarly, if you are convinced your memory is lousy, it probably will be! Studies have shown that memory self-belief impacts how well you do on tests of memory ability. What you think about yourself can make a difference to how motivated you are to even try to remember something! Practice the power of positive thinking and believe in your memory. 

For more information on Total Brain Health:

Total Brain Health

89 Commerce Road

Cedar Grove, NJ USA 07009

973-655-0422

www.totalbrainhealth.com

www.tbhtoolkits.com

www.tbhtoolbox365.com

www.tbhbuildmymemory.com

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

30-Day No Sugar Challenge Prep Week

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The COVID-19 pandemic is now into its fourth year. There are many concerns of how the pandemic has impacted our health and in a negative way. Weight gain and adopting unhealthy habits has certainly been my experience. In addition to rebooting my relationship with alcohol this past “Dry January,” I now want to take a closer look at my relationship with sugar and how I got started on my first 30-Day No Sugar Challenge.

My First Memories of Sugar

My first memories of sweet treats included candies called Black Babies, Wax Bottles, Marshmallow Strawberries, Pixy Stix, and Fun Dip. Many of these treats were found in convenience stores and cost pennies or nickels. Coming out of the corner store with a small paper bag filled with candies was always a fun and exciting time. Little did we know at the time that consuming too much of these sweet treats could cause tooth decay and cavities. Something we learned when we got a tooth ache or went to the dentist for a check-up.

As an adult, I have to admit I still love those Marshmallow Strawberries. My tastebuds have now matured and I have a very close attachment to dark chocolate (dark chocolate is good for you, right?). These sugary treats make me happy. Most sweet foods have a connection to mood. Cake, cookies, ice cream, pop, and other sweet food products are usually consumed when we want to either “treat ourselves” (reward to make us feel good), celebrate, socialize, or commiserate. “Pop and chip parties” have always had a very positive meaning to me. Still to this day I think of pop and chips in a fond way. Sugar and sweeteners (artificial or otherwise) appear to have an emotional component connected to them. “Instant gratification” can be achieved by simply going to the ice cream parlour and getting a sugar rush. We also know there are feel-good hormones related to the consumption of sugar. The Cleveland Clinic explains why we love sugar so much.

“Our brains are wired to enjoy things which make us happy,” says Taylor. “Sugar, in particular, releases brain chemicals, like serotonin, that make us feel good.” This leaves us wanting to experience that good feeling over and over again, day after day.

– Cleveland Clinic

Emotional Hunger and Real Hunger

I have learned there are two types of hungers. One is emotional (a.ka. brain or head) hunger and the other is real hunger. Many of us eat when we aren’t really physically hungry and needing fuel and nutrition to feed our bodies. The Brisbane Obesity Clinic gives a list of reasons why we eat when we are emotionally hungry.

“Emotional hunger, also known as head hunger, refers to eating in response to an emotion or a habit. This type of hunger usually comes on suddenly, and people tend to crave a particular food (usually sweet, salty or a comfort food).

  • Eating on autopilot whether you are watching TV or sitting on the couch. Here, you associate a habit or activity with food even though you are not hungry.
  • Do you automatically grab something at the servo when you stop for fuel?
  • Do you eat something at a party only because it is offered to you/is free?
  • Do you get the free muffin when you buy your coffee, even though you didn’t want the muffin in the first place?
  • Do you order an entrée or dessert when dining out with friends just because others have ordered it?
  • Do you tend to eat when bored, stressed or sad?

All of these external cues are driven by head hunger, and have nothing to do with being truly hungry. In summary, head hunger has social and emotional triggers.” 

– Brisbane Obesity Clinic

Sugar Addiction and Detox

In order to prepare for my 30-Day No Sugar Challenge (NSC), I did a lot of research online. I started by reading this article on Healthline called, What are 30-Day No Sugar Challenges? All You Need to Know. I put an announcement out on social media and invited any other people who wanted to do a NSC to message me. Six other ladies joined me! I created a chat group on Facebook Messenger as well as a private Facebook Group. I joined the private SugarDetox Support Group as well for more tips and support.

The first week I called “Prep Week.” We started reading food labels and learning all about the different names of sugar and sugar substitutes. It was a week of discovery. I read about other people’s experiences with this type of challenge and how it reset their sugar-craving urges and addictions. Their stories of weight loss, blood sugar regulation, and generalized feelings of well-being were very inspiring. I also learned there is a small proportion of the population who have a bonafide sugar addiction and their best defence is to avoid all sugar and sugar substitutes. Similar to the Cleveland Clinic’s position on sugar and feel-good hormones, the Wellness Retreat Recovery Center explains in “Sugar and Dopamine: The Link Between Sweets and Addiction,” that “there is a link between sugar and dopamine, the same chemical that releases in the body during illicit drug use. What this means is that sugar and drug addiction are similar in a lot of surprising ways.” The instant spike in dopamine and serotonin feel-good hormones are the main reasons why we love sugar so much and why we need a continuous supply. The more we rely on sugar to do this for us, the less our brain does it for ourselves.

Added sugar, also known as free sugar, has no nutritional value and eating foods and drinks with high sugar content can cause an excessive amount of “empty calories.” We can live without it. But for some reason the North American diet is full of it. It comes in almost all packaged and processed foods. There is actually a “Bliss Point” of sugary sweetness that is a marker for how much sugar people like in their food. “Hidden sugar” can be found in products such as gravy mixes, granola bars, mayonnaise, and luncheon meats. Even McDonald’s products have sugar. For example, their world-famous french fries have dextrose, which is another form of sugar. Maltodextrin is in many packaged foods we have in our pantry!

Natural Sugar is Okay

Some foods, such as fruits, milk and vegetables, contain natural sugar, which is OK to consume. What you should watch out for is processed sugars and sweeteners. These “hidden” sugars are in foods such as crackers, drinks, pasta sauces and even pizza. When checking the ingredients list, look for the words “malt,” “syrup” and those ending in “-ose.”

– Mayo Clinic Health System

Sugar Danger

Eaten in high quantities sugar can be detrimental to our health. In a Harvard article called, “The Sweet Danger of Sugar,” we learn that there is a link between high added sugar consumption and increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

This CNN article called Study Finds 45 Negative Health Effects of Added Sugar is very eye-opening. Our recommended daily “free” or added sugar allowance, as suggested by three leading organizations, is 25 grams or about 6 teaspoons per day, as explained below:

“The findings — in combination with existing guidance from the World Health Organization, World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research — suggest people should limit free sugar intake to less than 25 grams, or about 6 teaspoons, per day. There’s that much sugar in 2 ½ chocolate chip cookies, 16 ounces of fruit punch and about 1 ½ tablespoons of honey. A doughnut has around 15 to 30 grams of sugar, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 
The authors also recommend reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to less than one serving (about 200 to 355 milliliters) per week. That’s the equivalent of an up to 12-ounce soda, Aggarwal said via email.”

– Kristen Rogers, CNN

How sugar actually affects heart health is not completely understood, but it appears to have several indirect connections. For instance, high amounts of sugar overload the liver. “Your liver metabolizes sugar the same way as alcohol, and converts dietary carbohydrates to fat,” says Dr. Hu. Over time, this can lead to a greater accumulation of fat, which may turn into fatty liver disease, a contributor to diabetes, which raises your risk for heart disease.

– Harvard Health Publishing

Sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners can be found in many so-called “sugar-free” foods. Consuming these added sweeteners in the short-term appear to be safe, however, research is ongoing.

Researchers are checking to see if sugar substitutes affect cravings for sweets, the way people feel hunger and how the body manages blood sugar.

– Mayo Clinic

Find Your Why

To prepare for this month without sugar (what we call “Prep Week”), myself and a few other ladies have been learning about sugar, reading food and drink labels, and talking to others about our upcoming no-sugar challenge. We have come up with our individualized plans for how we want to tackle our challenge. We all have to decide what will be doable for each of us, individually. We have learned there is no “one size fits all” approach. Awareness of, and reducing the amount of sugar we consume is the key. Avoiding ALL sugar is next to impossible. We all have our own reasons for doing this challenge and we are encouraged to “Find our why.” I will report back after my month without the sweet stuff.

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

Dry January – A Month Without Alcohol

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Photo by Roberto Vivancos on Pexels.com

Dry January is an annual event in which people choose to abstain from alcohol for the month of January. The campaign, which originated in the United Kingdom, encourages participants to give their bodies a break from alcohol and to reflect on their relationship with drinking.

The health benefits of abstaining from alcohol for a month are well-documented. Alcohol is a major contributor to liver disease, and giving the liver a break can help to reduce the risk of developing these conditions. Abstaining from alcohol can also improve sleep quality and help promote weight loss. It can help save money. Additionally, taking a break from drinking can help to improve mental clarity and reduce stress.

Participating in Dry January can also be an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their relationship with alcohol. Many people use alcohol as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, and other emotional issues, but this can lead to a cycle of dependence that can be difficult to break. By abstaining from alcohol for a month, individuals can gain a new perspective on their drinking habits and determine if they need to make changes to their relationship with alcohol.

However, it is worth mentioning that for people with certain medical conditions, history of alcohol use disorder or those who are recovering from addiction, the decision to take part in Dry January should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

In addition to the personal benefits, Dry January also serves as a way to raise awareness about the negative effects of alcohol on health and society. The campaign encourages people to think critically about alcohol and its role in their lives, which can lead to long-term changes in attitudes and behaviors.

Overall, Dry January provides an opportunity for individuals to improve their health, reflect on their relationship with alcohol, and raise awareness about the negative effects of alcohol. It’s an annual tradition that allows people to start the new year with a healthier lifestyle and a new perspective on drinking habits.

I have decided to take a break from drinking alcohol for the month of January in the year 2023, starting on the 2nd. I know a few others who are on this journey with me. I consider it a reboot or reset of sorts. I am already well into the experience and I am reaping the benefits. I will report back in more detail when my 31 “dry” days are behind me.

You can start at any time. Who else wants to give it a go?

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

Written with the help of ChatGPT, chat.openai.com. 

Quality Senior Services Has a New Member! (Me)

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Quality Senior Services – Trusted Professionals for All Your Needs. Member Angela G. Gentile.

Who can you trust to provide you with services and products that tried, tested, and true? Who do you call when you need professional services, products, or advice? If you are not sure, I have the answer for you!

I am proud to announce I am now a member of the Quality Senior Services network of trusted professionals in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Who are we?

We are dedicated to providing quality products and services to seniors.

Are you a senior looking for assistance or someone caring for an older person? The goal of QSS is to help meet the diverse needs of older adults providing easy access to a variety of products and services. Call one of our trusted professionals or visit our website at qualityseniorservices.com to discover how SQQ members can help you or someone you care about.

Quality Senior Services, 2023

Our brochure and website lists an impressive variety of professionals, including:

  • Realtor
  • Financial Planner
  • Disability Tax Credit Advisor
  • Licensed Insolvency Trustee (Accountant)
  • Lawyer
  • Mortgage Broker
  • Clinical Social Worker (me!)
  • Dental Care
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Pharmacist
  • Speech and Swallowing Therapy (SLP)
  • Private Home Care
  • Home Medical Supplies
  • Professional Movers, Transition Specialists, and Estate Sales
  • Funeral Services
  • and MORE!

Quality Seniors Services (QSS) was founded in 2007 to provide a trusted and reliable space for seniors and caregivers alike, to find credible professionals with a strong rapport in the older adult community. QSS strives to offer a comprehensive variety of health services providers, professional service providers, and quality of life services providers. Each member of QSS is held to a high standard and is required to have an up-to-date criminal record check, vulnerable persons abuse registry check, and industry certification and professional requirements.

Quality Senior Services, 2023

Many of our members provide mobile or home visits. Accessibility is key. We know.

Our membership is always evolving and we are open to having new members who provide services to older adults and their families. All service providers are vetted and trusted, whether they are health sector, quality of life, or general professionals. We all come with a wealth of experience.

You will see us out at the “Pros Know Expos” and we are always willing to chat with you about your needs.

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

Clinical Social Worker for Quality Senior Services

For more information on QSS or email us at qseniorservice@gmail.com.

Energy Healing – A Metaphysical Experience

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Priscilla (L) and I in the treatment room at Just for Today Reiki

I went to my first official Reiki session and it was fabulous! The experience left me feeling more happy, settled, and confident, right down to my soul. Priscilla Robert, certified Medium, Reiki Master, Crystal Therapy Practitioner, delighted and thrilled me in a one hour Reiki session.

Just for Today Reiki

Priscilla practices out the the “Just for Today Reiki and Holistic Services” clinic at 806 Osborne Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Once I found the place, I had a little trouble finding parking. I found a free parking spot on Clare Avenue, which was nearby.

The door was open when I arrived. To the right was a small reception desk with lots of interesting items for sale. The sign painted on the wall, “Just for Today”, set the mood. The sign reads: “Just for Today. I will not be angry. I will not worry. I will be grateful. I will do my work honestly. I will be kind to every living thin.”

The second thing I noticed was the smell of burning incense. I am not sure what the fragrance was, but it was pleasant. Not too overwhelming. I hadn’t smelled incense for years, so that was a real treat!

Priscilla greeted me and she was getting the treatment room ready (there are two). I told her a little about what I was dealing with and what kind of help I was looking for. She explained to me that she was going to do a combined treatment, depending on what she felt was needed. There could be a combination of mediumship (spirits, both past and present, around me that have messages for me), Reiki (energy healing), Crystal Therapy, and Chakra balancing. She may be touching my head, but most likely no other body parts would be physically touched. She added that in terms of mediumship, sometimes she sees more than others, so it will all depend on how things go.

The clinic room was warm and had dimmed lights and some candles burning. There was some pleasant, relaxing, instrumental music playing. The volume was very low. She showed me the massage table and said I would be laying on my back. There was a pillow for my head, and one for under my knees. There were sheets and a weighted blanket. The eye pillow would also be used, as she pointed out.

Priscilla said she would leave me for a minute or two, and asked me to get comfortable on the bed. I have had many massages over the years so I had to remember to lay on my back, not my front, as would be required if I was getting a massage. The weighted blanket was a nice touch. I felt safe and secure.

Priscilla came back shortly after and put the eye pillow on me then started the treatment. She walked me through every step of the way. She started with a pendulum, and said she was checking my chakras. If the pendulum went in a circle, that meant my chakras were good.

A big portion of our time together was her use of her gift of mediumship. There were many special messages passed along to me from people who I had been in contact over the years. It was very emotional, touching, enlightening, and sometimes it brought a tear to my eye. There was even a discussion about fairies!

The crystals were also used. There was mention that I should put a big piece of rose quartz near my bedside. I just happened to have purchased a piece of rose quartz so that was perfect advice!

The Reiki portion of the session was very short. She did not touch me, but placed her hands just above my body. I have taken Reiki Level 1 so I understand how this type of energy treatment helps promote balance and healing.

I left with many good words of advice and a clear focus on what I needed to do. I felt enlightened.

Priscilla works with all people including those who have a history of trauma. She said many people who have trauma tend to hold it in their stomachs and a few sessions with her can help heal that trauma. Priscilla is currently accepting new clients.

If you are at all interested in learning more about energy healing, or if you are curious and want to give it a try, I would highly recommend Priscilla Robert. Her bio can be found at ReikiToday.ca. Follow Just for Today Reiki on Facebook. She has a new crystal shop called, “Crystals and Beyond” here in Winnipeg. Contact Priscilla to book an appointment or to find out more about how she can help you.

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

The Ten Dimensions of Wellness from an Aging Well Perspective (Podcast)

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https://www.brainshape.ca/podcast/flourish-or-fade-angela-g-gentile

Have a listen to my interview with Dr. Andrea Wilkinson on the BrainShape Podcast, “Flourish or Fade with Angela Gentile.” Episode #121.

It was fun being a guest for the second time with Dr. Andrea. My book, Flourish or Fade: A guide to total well-being for women at midlife and beyond is available on Amazon. For more information on Dr. Andrea, please check out her website, https://www.brainshape.ca/ I hope you enjoy the interview!

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

Book News: Updates

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I have been working on my books and I have two updates to tell you about.

Now in hardcover: “Flourish or Fade”

My newest book, “Flourish or Fade: A guide to total well-being for women at midlife and beyond” (2021) is now available in hardcover! This is the first book that I have been able to make into a hardcover version. Amazon had approached me to see if I would be interested in trying out this new feature they were offering, so I took them up on it. Let me know if you decided to get a copy of it in hardcover. I would love to know what you think.

Paperback updated for 2021: “Caring for a Husband with Dementia”

I have updated the paperback version of “Caring for a Husband with Dementia” for 2021. I have taken out some links that no longer worked. Many of the links were from the “Alzheimer’s Reading Room” which has been removed off the internet. I have also added a reference to a book by Marie Marley and Daniel C. Potts which has a lot of the information that was in the links which have been removed. Their book is called, “Finding Joy in Alzheimer’s: New Hope for Caregivers” (2015).

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

Cycling to Work for 30 Years

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27 Apr 2021

My husband, Agapito, has been cycling to work for the past 30 years. He remembers back in 1991 when he made the decision to ride his bike to work. We were married in 1990, and that winter we had moved into our first house. He had started taking the bus to work, but he found he didn’t like the public transit system. So, he started riding his bike. He never looked back.

Spring 1992. No helmet!
30 Nov 2020

He rides in all kinds of weather. Winnipeg winters can be brutally cold.

26 Jan 2021

His face covering gets all frosty in the cold weather. The winters are hard on bikes and he figures he went through about 7-8 so far. He has always bought used bikes.

04 Dec 2014 – “Tip of the day: Lots of free, all-day parking all over the city, even downtown.” 
04 Sep 2015 – “Got a bit of rain on the commute home. Managed to keep all my valuables dry under the garbage bag.”

He rides rain or shine!

I wonder how long he will continue to ride his bike?

27 Dec 2021

Congratulations on 30 years of cycling, Agapito! I wish you many more years of riding your bike.

Angela G. Gentile

Flourish or Fade: A guide to total well-being for women at midlife and beyond – Book Now Available

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  • Flourish or Fade by Angela G. Gentile

Angela Gentile’s newest book is now available for purchase from Amazon.

>>>Buy the Paperback on Amazon ($16.99 USD) 

>>>Buy the ebook (Kindle) on Amazon ($5.99 USD)

TAKE CHARGE OF THE WAY YOU AGE

Flourish or Fade: A guide to total well-being for women at midlife and beyond provides you with the information and tools needed to improve life satisfaction. The Flower of Wellness Method will help you devise a plan to balance your body, mind, and soul. 

You will learn how to enhance your overall well-being by exploring the ten dimensions of wellness: 

Physical, Emotional, Brain, Social, Sexual, Spiritual, Environmental, Recreational, Financial, and Occupational.

This anti-ageist, realistic, and optimistic approach to life in the middle years and beyond will provide you with inspiration and tips that will have you feeling confident, happy, and satisfied with whatever may come your way. 

The Flower of Wellness Method is a fresh and contemporary approach to finding balance.

Do you want to flourish or fade in the later years? It’s your choice. 

Angela G. Gentile, M.S.W., R.S.W., is a registered clinical social worker/specialist in aging with more than 25 years of experience working with older adults and their families. She was born and raised in Ontario and now lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

www.AngelaGGentile.com