When Online Life and/or Games Interfere with Real Life

B'SD

13 Tevet, 5778

You've surely noticed that I've been blogging less than usual this past year. It's a result of my concern that some people are online too long and too often, neglecting the richness of real time life and actual interactions with the people sharing your air space.

There's genuine value in enjoying fresh air, exercise, sunshine, and live social interactions rather than stultifying (boring, irritating, tedious, absurd, take your pick - whatever applies) online activity. But some of us spend a harmful amount of time and effort in viewing or commenting on too much input.

"Social media" is a misnomer. As Miss Manners indicates, "sharing is about teaching little ones about giving access to toys" and to other favored things or people. But online life seems to an "All about me" mindset as people bombard each other with unrequested photos of food, pets and other non-essentials. Recipients tying to keep up with the overload lose track of their obligations to themselves and to other people.

There's another aspect to online life that's causing concern to professionals in the medical and mental health world. I shared an FYI about that via facebook:

Yocheved Golani In 2018 the World Health Organization will be updating their mental health conditions to include "gaming disorder" to their International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10 medical coding for research and insurance reimbursement purposes, in which I'm certified). 

The definition of the problem will be categorized as playing video games for an unhealthy amount of time and that the game-playing person, plus observers watching the game player, being convinced that they cannot stop. Self-control will be the core issue, and the mindset which damaged/destroyed it. See this article on Mashable: http://on.mash.to/2E89imY" 

Speak with a competent mental health professional about how to help [someone whose life has been disrupted with the problem].Manage

World Health Organization will recognize video game addiction in 2018

Gaming disorder is similar to other addictions.

MASHABLE.COM

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The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) will surely be updated with relevant information, too. 

Please read and re-read that facebook message. You probably know someone who needs relevant help. You might be able to help them to get it just by knowing that such help exists.

Quiet contemplation sans keyboards and monitors is an important part of a goal-directed and satisfying life.




Need help to strengthen your resolve to heal? Read relevant passages in 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 efforts with a sense of fun, purpose and energy!

Here's How to THINK Out of the Box When YOU Need Solutions for Medical Problems...

B'SD

7 Tevet, 5778

As I hope you already know from this blog and the book it's about, I strongly recommend that patients and the people responsible for them behave as their own best advocates.

EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge has several lessons about that (page 3 and the Action Alert chapter which comes later). Here's another source of help for you. It comes from an experience as recent as last night:

I was up waaayyyy past my bedtime last night. As I was about to sign off Facebook and my PC, someone reached out to me for much-needed advice. I spent over an hour sharing it. Our online conversation just might educate you on how to advocate for yourself or someone else when your mind is simply one BIG blank as you wonder "What should we do?"

Here we go:

She: "is there such a thing as a medical advocate/concierge in the USA, where you can give them POA [Yocheved - readers, she is referring to Present On Admission medical diagnosis reporting] and they can do all the running around with documents, asking drs questions, etc (bc the family cant keep up with it all)?"

Me: Yes. You'd need to search out a case manager willing to do the work for you. Start the search within the medical facility's social work office. Read the Yellow pages. Call medical colleges and social work colleges. Think out of the box, too e.g., contact malpractice lawyers and ask why cases are won, what should have happened instead.

She: Thank you!

Me: Keep me updated with progress or lack of it. I can think about whom I know/connections, etc.

Contact private medical care agencies and ask for advice.

She: oncology patient, already did chemo and an immunotherapy trial, she is now trying to get appointments with 2 drs in ohio and alabama. forms getting lost, etc.

Me: In which state does the patient reside?

She: (The answer is not the public's business, so I, Yocheved, have not posted it here)

Me: Call your local Family Services organization ASAP, explain exactly what is needed and insist on getting THE social worker capable of handling the tasks involved. Contact Hopkins general info line, express the needs to be met and ask for advice on how to accomplish that.

She: [the patient] has been treated at [Johns] Hopkins up until now.

Me: Keep asking for help from JHU then. Social workers, patient advocates, discharge planners.

She: will they help her get an appointment in ohio?

Me: Maybe - if you pressure them enough.

She: Thanks!

Me: Remain fact-oriented. No emotions, no threats. That turns people off even though they're experts in their industry. Fact them to pieces until the patient gets what is needed.

What's the name of the Alabama facility? I might have connections useful for your relative.

She: i just found out, she got the alabama appt - next tuesday. Ohio seems to be the issue. These are her last 2 options.

Me: Contact Ohio department of health and ask for the necessary human and medical resources.

Let the patient know that it is VERY SMART to pay the nominal fee to buy a COMPLETE copy of her medical records so that she can show them to consultants. She should give out photocopies ONLY, never the original papers in her hands.

She: ok

Me: ... Let me know the type of cancer involved. 
BTW EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge lists fab tips and tricks for coping with illness and messy amounts of paperwork. It even clues you in to worldwide charitable organizations willing to pay for some or all of a patient's specific medical care. All you have to do is to ask for the help. 

OK, readers, let me know your thoughts about the above!

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 time and efforts with innovative problem-solving techniques.

Make 2018 a Year that WORKS for YOU!

B'SD

6 Tevet, 5778..

Some of you are wondering which resolutions to make for 2018 and if you'll stick to them this time.

It's quite possible to do so.

I'm still favorably impressed by a specific life lesson regarding new year's resolutions. I shared it once before on this blog. I'm sharing it again:

How to make your New Year's resolutions stick >>

A one-word trick that can put your goals within reach

Ready to re-set your health situation, too? 

Learn some soothing thoughts, healing tips and ways to pay for specific pieces of your health care when you 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 calendar with self-control.

Fly with a Wheelchair!

B'SD

2 Tevet, 5778

Traveling with special needs is a challenge on many levels. Here's the positive result of one mother's determined effort to remedy the problem:

One mum's fight to get wheelchairs on planes

Many forms of transport are now wheelchair accessible. But not aeroplanes. One woman wants to change that.

A film by Richard Kenny for BBC World Hacks. 

Find more solutions to all kinds of medically related problems in 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 space with happiness.

Disability is a State of Mind

B'SD

1 Tevet, 5778

I'm delighted to share the almost-last day of Chanuka and a heartwarming video with you.

I've had a painful recovery process regarding the shingles, and chose to rely on some guided imagery, anticipated fun and excellent nutrition to support my psyche plus to heal from the trauma to my neurological system. That let me enjoy a party last night.

I'm almost pain-free, too, far ahead of the medical curve anticipated by my doctors.

The EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge book and my life coaching for ill people are all about personal empowerment.

This video captures the essence of my message: USE the skills you have, reach for your potential and thrill to the accomplishments you make.

Disability is only a state of mind, in many respects. 

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 heart with determination and happiness!

Wishing YOU a Heart-warming Hanuka!

B'SD

24 Kislev, 5778

The fun and highly significant holiday of Hanuka aka Chanuka (and all the other possible spellings!) begins tonight. Because the holiday commemorates pro-active behavior, I've hunted around for a heart-warming, pro-active story to share with you.

I hope that you'll enjoy the story below.

Humanity
This sick woman's friends have kept their promise to visit her every day --- for 21 years and counting 
By Allison Klein

Her friends, who have called themselves "Harriet's Harem" since 1996, have created a support group remarkable in its loyalty and longevity.

They give "pro-life" an entirely different meaning 

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 heart with happiness. On purpose.

On the Mend

B'SD

23 Kislev, 5778

As noted in the EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge book, getting better can be boring!

I've livened things up with beautiful classical music recordings and by listening to interesting TEDTalk presentations and lectures elsewhere (e.g., Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/). I read and reread favored books. And I enjoy conversations with visitors and phone callers.

I joke with friends that I imagine being in a spa, with lots of time to relax with some of my favorite things.

I also offset boredom and disappointment, including inner and outer pain, by counting my blessings.

Loving friends have done me several favors, easing my efforts to cope with the pain. It is abating daily. 

The highly nutritious, organic food in my kitchen is a huge help, too. Any shock to the system drains a person's reserves, so restoring optimal levels of vitamins and minerals with appealing meals is a pleasant way to recover from setbacks. 

You can do this, too: Let your eyes enjoy the colorful sight, let your nose savor the aromas, allow your mouth to absorb wonderful flavors. Luxuriate with the overall impact of having cared for yourself in fine fashion, even if it's "just" a piece of cake or as bowl of soup! 

Strengthen yourself with delightful treats that build inner and outer strength.

I spent Shabbat being quite functional, taking a rest here and there, even enjoying lunch at the home of friends. Most days I don't even need a painkiller during daylight hours.

Some days I feel sucker-punched, though. Shingles are a weird phenom. Shabbat was the first time I could bend forward at the waist. The affected nerves and muscles are in such severe spasm that I couldn't do that before the weekend. 

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 future with as much happiness as possible.

Shingles Hurt!

B'SD

4 Kislev, 5778

Sorry for my lingering silence. I was affected by a prolonged case of shingles that was initially misdiagnosed (the rash did not appear for 10 days after the first visit to doctors!). 

It left me in astonishing pain, with a week-long hospitalization to rid me of the virus that can harm anyone who's never had chickenpox, and a temporarily limited ability to sit upright,to walk, or to use my hands.

If you know anyone going through a case of shingles aka herpes zoster, please accord them full sympathy, hands-on help to accomplish the simplest of tasks, and heaps of patience. 

The pain is indescribable. The first doctors to examine me had suspected that I was in the middle of a heart attack. Tests proved that this was not the case.

At times I have struggled even to speak 

loudly enough to be heard
while I recover.

I'm newly back home from a week's hospitalization, resting to recover my stamina.

Here's an informative video. 

What it doesn't indicate is that I find organic pomegranate syrup, organic vegetable soups and other wholesome foods to be effective painkillers. 

Resting is essential for recovery. I've enjoyed listening to music and reading interesting books as I heal.

Learn about other foods that prevent or end pain when you 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 time and efforts with productive thoughts and behavior.