Why Do I Constantly Think About This?
YOUR ESTATE PLAN CAN HELP How to Prepare for an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, created to combat the lack of information readily available about this common condition. The goal is not only to inform people about Alzheimer’s, but also about the resources available to families. One of the best ways to prepare for an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is estate planning. Here are two places to start your plan. Choose your powers of attorney. While you might not want to think about a time when you can’t make decisions for yourself, it’s vital that you take steps to ensure your wishes are followed. The first step is to assign financial and medical powers of attorney to trusted individuals in your estate plan. They will be in charge of making financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to speak for yourself. If you fail to appoint them and fall ill or incapacitated, the court will assign guardianship over you. The individual they choose may not be someone you want to make those decisions on your behalf. Create a will and living trust. You want to create or update your will and living trust as soon as possible after receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. A will allows you to explain how you want your assets and estate distributed after you
HOW TO MANAGE INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS Many people deal with unwelcome, intrusive thoughts every day. We’ve all experienced unwanted images or notions racing through our minds, and it can be difficult to concentrate on what we need to be doing. These thoughts can also trigger feelings of anxiety, worry, and shame. But know you’re not alone — some estimate that 6 million Americans are affected, so many can empathize with what you’re going through. Here is some good advice about intrusive thoughts and how to manage them in a healthy way. What are intrusive thoughts? Intrusive thoughts are unwanted ideas that occur without warning at any time, often triggered by stress or anxiety, or even short-term biological factors, like hormone shifts. They can come in many forms, and people often worry about what they mean, so naturally, they try to control or stop the ideas altogether. But trying to prohibit these thoughts can make them more persistent. What can you do? Instead of pushing these thoughts out of your mind, acknowledge that they are intrusive concepts and allow them to linger. Understand they will pass, but prepare yourself for other unwanted thoughts. Most importantly, push through and continue to complete your tasks and errands when the thoughts occur. If you try to control, suppress, question, act, or engage with intrusive thoughts, you’ll likely be even more fixated on them. You’ll feel more in control if you allow them to pass through your brain instead of trying to avoid and ignore them. Intrusive thoughts can feel distressing, but allowing them to freely enter and exit your mind will provide you with ease — even if it doesn’t seem that way. However, if intrusive ideas persist and continually impair your ability to work or do things you enjoy, seek information from a mental health professional. You’re never alone in your struggles, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Ingredients
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3 cups peeled and chopped tart apples
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1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups cranberries
3/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided
1/3 cup butter, cold
Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, 1/4 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. 3. Grease an 8-inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it. 4. In a small bowl, mix flour and the remaining brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this over the fruit. 5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If desired, serve with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
www.TrinityElderLaw.com
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