When Someone Belittles Your Efforts and Challenges...

B'SD

12 Iyar, 5777

As someone who knows from the very cells of her being what it is like to face a world unaware of the subtleties of my efforts to cope with limited vision, plus other sequelae of the neurological damage from an emergency surgery to save my life, I appreciate your unhappiness at having your medical and/or mental health efforts trivialized by other people, too.

I know and fully appreciate the agony of hearing my realities, and yours, belittled by someone who claims to know instant solutions for any of them. And so, I share the following message with you.

OMIGAWD I sympathize with your anger, 

frustration and unhappiness!

Over the years I've noticed some alleged motivational speakers and writers who give me pause. They claim that everything is - or soon can be - FINE, despite the wide range of devastating problems for the people suffering through them. Worse, the motivational speaker/writer praises one person for talking about how they finessed their way through some personal hell of a specific challenge, claiming that "SEE? ALL PROBLEMS CAN BE OVERCOME!"

The oversimplification is a betrayal of people 

in desperate need of solutions, 

not feel-good talk. 

People facing life-altering problems need 

tools, 

coping skills, 

social acceptance 

and inner strength 

to face their issues, not superficial comments..

NONE of them are discovered in a day, barring unforeseen miracles.

I highly doubt that this message will change/improve people who boast of oversimplified solutions for complicated problems. 

However, I'm hopeful that I can soothe people left feeling more wounded after reading or hearing unrealistic "Motivational" remarks.

Some days it's better to stay off the keyboard. Keep the video recorder in its case and let humanity seek realistic solutions to vexing problems... 

As for the rest of us, we can take a vacation from the monitor that someone uses to insult you or me... sigh...

EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge. 

PS - I appreciate the readers who wondered why I had not posted updates last week. The answer is that I was mourning the loss of lives throughout Israel's history on Israel's Memorial Day, enjoying Israel's Independence Day celebrations, and sharing quality time with loved ones.

Now I'm back to my regularly scheduled programming :^ D




Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity. Face Your Future with Optimism.

Fill your heart and mind with strength. Don't allow it to be stolen or belittled.

Climbing Your Way to Heartwarming Achievements.

B'SD

24 Cheshvan, 5777

The man cited in the article below is a personal acquaintance, a former neighbor and my previous plumber. 

He used to skydive. Read about his exciting approach to coping with medical setbacks.

Plumber's incredible story leads him to adventure of a lifetime

After nearly dying in 2009, Royal Flush plumber, Joshua Strahl prepares to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity.

FROMTHEGRAPEVINE.COM

What can YOU do to make your coping efforts satisfying? Climb the way to future accomplishments, as admirably as you can.




Buy the E-book or print edition of EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge. 





Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity. Face Your Future with Optimism.

Fill your thoughts and efforts with focus, pride and self empowerment.

Chilling in HOT Weather!

B'SD

17 Sivan, 5776

As I learn how highs temperatures have soared in various locations, I realize that many of my readers might need some help to cool down. Perhaps you'll find helpful information with...

Wednesday, June 22, 2016		well.blogs.nytimes.com »

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Get all digital access to The Times for just 99¢.

How to Beat a Heat Wave Summer announced its arrival this week by bringing record high temperatures around the country. To help you keep your cool, we’ve compiled some expert advice for coping with the heat. Stay Cool! Tara Parker-Pope Well Editor

Patrik Giardino/Getty Images How to Avoid Heatstroke By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS Why do some people become seriously ill while exercising in hot weather and others don’t?

Robert Dant Drink a Slushie By GINA KOLATA Now you don’t have to feel guilty about buying your kids that convenience-store slushie. Pre-cooling before hot-weather exertion improves the body’s ability to cope in the heat.

Renee Keith Cool Your Neck By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS We don’t advise wearing an icy collar like the athletes in this study, but it’s good to know that putting an icy compress on your neck on a hot day will cool you down.

Jed Jacobsohn for The New York Times Douse Your Head in Cold Water By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS A good head-dousing isn’t just a way to celebrate a championship. It’s also a smart way to keep your body cool in the heat.

Getty Images …Or Maybe Cool Your Underwear By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS Hey, don’t knock it till you try it.

Need good solutions for your medical or mental health issues? Read the E-book or print edition of EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge. 





Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity. Face Your Future with Optimism.

Fill your life with helpful solutions.

A Healing Life Story in Brief

B'SD

5 Av, 5775

The Jewish month of Av is full of somber thoughts and images. Personal reflections are an integral part of the pre-Rosh Hashana season.

I just joined a health-oriented listserv, and compacted my health plus healing story into a few paragraphs. The timing was conducive to some introspection.

If you're new to this blog, or familiar with it, here are some  of the main points I shared in the above-referenced message:

My story in brief:  ... In February 2005 I awoke completely blind, and very physically weak. 

To make a long story short, I underwent life-saving emergency brain surgery in August 2005. Surgeons removed a benign brain tumor called a Petroclival Tentorial Meningioma. It had crushed my optic nerves and badly damaged other nerves.

Western medical experts doubted that I would survive the ordeal let alone ever see again. I consulted with expert naturopaths. Under their guidance I became an organic vegetarian in 2006, and beat big odds. I am a rarity in the medical world, having recovered my vision - which keeps improving - after that specific diagnosis and setback. I am also physically active.

A former supervisor of medical coding who wrote feature stories about medical experts and their innovations plus other medically-related topics, and someone quite familiar with teaching calming techniques (I eventually earned counseling skills certification), I used a knowledge base about healing and centering unknown to average laymen. I remained composed despite horrific fears, physical pain and unknowns (most of the time, anyway. I definitely advocate the need to cry so that a person can go forward despite emotional turmoil).

I wrote a book about how to cope with medical challenges. Published in 2009, updated in 2011, it received cover praises from medical and mental health professionals http://booklocker.com/books/3067.html. People around the world LUV the motivational and healing information in the book plus the Global Resources section that clues you in to worldwide organizations willing to pay some or all of your specific medical bills.

Organic foods and a natural lifestyle restored my vision plus my physical strength (I had needed to learn how to speak again, how to walk, how to use my hands and arms, etc). 

However, I still see double and have difficulty getting my eyes to move together. My eyes move at different speeds, as do the eyelids. One of those lids had been paralyzed. Craniosacral treatment ended the problem, restored symmetry to my face and ended post-surgical pain that could have been life-long.

The prescription for my glasses has dropped 18 times since going organic vegetarian in 2006. Ridding my body of toxins allowed damaged nerves and muscles to heal. My sight improves daily, and my health - according to medical experts - rivals that of women half my age, thank GOD.

In February 2015 I became vegan. That has provoked a most unexpected development: More and very rapid recovery of my sight. I'm at the threshold of ending double vision due to damaged optical nerves plus not needing glasses anymore. I'd like for that to happen with my 10th anniversary of a life-saving event. It would be a miracle. I believe that I can coax that miracle along with a macrobiotic diet.

I've spoken all over Israel, in the USA, on TV, radio and online media about my unusual recovery and coping mechanisms. I remain available for motivational speaking engagements as I maintain my content provider business (I edit other people's writings and prepare speeches, brochure, website, plus journalistic content for various clients).

​I look forward to interacting with the rest of you either online or in person.

Buy the E-book or print edition of EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge. 





Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity. Face Your Future with Optimism.

Fill your sense of priorities with good sense and productive action.

Staying Grounded and Joyous Despite Inner or Outer Pain

B'SD


11 Tamuz, 5775

One of the things I advocate for well-rounded emotions is having a hobby. I enjoy several, and thought to let you have a look at some of my dried flower arrangements

 and candelabra plate 

creations.

Care to guess which hobby I longed to resume though 2005 brain surgery had resulted in my surgically broken jaw (and my need to learn how to speak, all over again)?

There's a reason that I whistle as I walk. I've needed to strengthen my damaged emboucher (the relevant muscles of my face and lips) so that I can resume flute-playing. 

As of this past April, I've been able to get sweet sounds from my flute. 

Now that I've recovered from moving across the country, I hope to hire a music instructor so I can play in a pleasant manner. Stay tuned for developments. I'm still thrilling to the fact that my recent singing performance was well-received despite a long time off the community theater stage.

Please share the fun. Let me know what you do to stay grounded and joyous despite inner or outer pain.





Buy the E-book or print edition of EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge. 





Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity. Face Your Future with Optimism.

Find the coping mechanism that soothes you.

Humor and Harsh Medical Realities: What do YOU Think?

B'SD



5 Sivan, 5773


 I've toyed with the idea of making the EMPOWER Yourself book funny in specific spots. But I've never felt confident about doing that.

I'm wondering now if  I should. Michael J Fox is terrific with this take on a harsh medical life.

If you've ever read

or even if you have not, what do you think?

The 3rd edition is being prepared for publication.

Should it go for the giggles?

Buy the E-book or print edition today for a brighter, lighter look at your medical, disability or mental health life. Click on the words EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge.

Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity. Face Your Future with Optimism.

Feed your Inner Giggle.

 

How One Husband and Wife are Coping with Her Breast Cancer, Cover to Cover

B'SD

8 Elul, 5772

The Jewish year is rapidly ending (Jews begin to celebrate Rosh HaShana/Jewish New Year on the evening of Sunday September 16 2012. The lunar date will be 29 Elul/1 Tishrei 5773).

One of the hardest things in life is to face celebratory events with optimism when you're also facing fear, pain, questions without human answers, and uncertainty. Here's what one husband and wife are doing about her breast cancer diagnosis:

Reuven Kossover I will be starting a new thread - Adina's Cancer Journal - to tell you what we are going through - but, more importantly, to help you if we can. My first message, though, is this. I strongly recommend getting hold of Yocheved Golani's book, "It's My Crisis and I'll Cry If I Want To". Having seen many many "self-help" books over 40 years or so, this is not just another one. It is a workbook for the person facing a life-threatening or severe crisis, that invites the reader to develop his own iron-clad wall of positivity in the face of what can be hell on earth.

There's more to the story!

Friday

Reuven Kossover

• It's time for me to actually write that Cancer Journal I said I would write. I'll tell you this, though. Adina loves your book - and has picked out a mantra to live by.
  
  
  
  

Mr. Kossover has chosen to prepare a blogpost for us. Stand by for news and see if you can guess which mantra Mrs. Kossover chose from the EMPOWER Yourself book!

Buy the E-book or print edition today for a brighter look at your medical situation. Click on the words EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge. 

Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity.
Face Your Future with Optimism.

If You Want to Tell People the Truth, Make Them Laugh...

B'SD

2 Elul, 5772

One of those most difficult things about facing a medical or disability challenge is the utter humorlessness of the situation: anger, fear, frustration, embarrassment, hard work, PAIN, just name the complication!

But there are ways to deal with all that 

so that you do not fall apart. 

Sounds preachy and goody-goody silly, right?

Oscar Wilde taught an important lesson: "If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh. Otherwise, they'll kill you."

Suppose a former English major who actually studied Oscar Wilde had considered his advice when writing

Yes, I'm that writer. Here's an outtake of some of the humor in the book, about how to change the way you did things before your diagnosis and after learning it:

Organization
Doctors appointments, insurance papers, calls to make, child care issues, nosy neighbors, relatives who just don’t "Get it," have you seen the baby, meals to prepare, pills and potions to swallow or shots to inject, omigawd we need a really BIG bank account, where are my keys, did anyone see the remote and why is the dog making noise like that?

Ever feel as if your inner PC and its memory banks just went and shut down on you? Read on and find some solutions to the problem.

Many people facing medical crises have so much to remember that their inner filing cabinets overflow. They reach a point where they wonder if they’re losing their minds! Know the feeling? You forget almost everything? Even how old you are?

As you read earlier, I experienced no less than five benign brain tumors and their surgical removal. A human head does not have much space for tolerating all that intrusion and banging around upon soft brains. People who’ve experienced brain injury often suffer memory problems. So can anyone facing any type medical crisis. Stress hurts. And medical intervention messes up the insides of your body even more! I lost some memorization ability after my treatments. I benefited from a rehabilitation program for the brain injured. Students of every age in my program learned many tips for vastly improving our memory power. Here are a few tips I'll share with you:

Keep a reasonably sized notebook or day-planner with you all the time. Record upcoming: appointments, social events, PTA meetings and other important scheduled stuff as soon as you commit to it or even hear of it.

Keep repeating a person's name in the conversation as normally as possible when you first meet.

Collect business cards when offered to you. On the back, make notes of where you met and what they look like, your 1st impressions of the person, anything remarkable they said, e.g., Redhead, skinny, laughs a lot. Met at Joe's celebration dinner

Put your stuff away in the same place all the time. NO LAZY SHORTCUTS! Shoes and clothes go in closets, not in chairs, the wrong room or atop doors.

Kitchenware gets washed, dried and immediately put away. When you're cooking, ALWAYS use a timer to alert you to shut off the heat.

Me, I keep my keys in the front door once I lock it from inside. I wear them on a cloth strap, a key strip around my neck, when I leave home. I never lose keys anymore.

Ever seen the funky new chains for holding your glasses around your neck? Use the one of your affordable choice. No need to feel like a moth-eaten relic. The new styles are super-trendy. And you won't lose your glasses.

Using the above techniques jogs the memory cells. Watch. You'll end up teaching folks who never had tumors, brain injuries or any sort of medical stress how improve THEIR memories!

The human body is full of quirky surprises. Some of them are quite interesting and not life-threatening. Follow the suggestions above and good advice from your therapists and medical team. Not every forgotten thought is a danger sign. Now, on to some techniques for straightening out that mother lode of medical and insurance paperwork…

As you make your way through your medical crisis or that of your loved one, the pile of papers with important phone numbers, addresses and other information will grow. If you fail to organize it, the mess can make a wreck of your get-well efforts.

If you're the sort of person who hasn't yet succeeded at organizing your life, I offer sweet solace with simple advice:

“Habit is habit, and not to be flung out the window but coaxed downstairs one step at a time.” – Mark Twain...

So much for that (I hope you giggled or at least smiled a bit as you read the above) ;^ D 




Buy the E-book or print edition today for a brighter future. Click on the words EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge. 

Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity.
Face Your Future with Optimism.