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CARING IN DuPage
JUNE 2018
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WHERE DES I RE AND COMPASS ION MEET The Heart Behind BrightStar Care ® W hen we started this business, some people thought we were crazy. The economy was struggling, and there
Judy was a natural at this and numerous other aspects. She is the personification of compassion and always made this process as smooth and seamless for clients as possible. As a matter of fact, when she left to retire, there were
was no precedent for anyone to strike out and become an entrepreneur. But in spite of the odds, “The Jim and Judy Show,” as it was known, was born. Our primary objective was to combine Judy’s compassion and heart for people with Jim’s unique understanding of sales. It was the perfect joining of skills to grow a business and assist people during extremely challenging times in their lives. It doesn’t get more high stakes than transitioning a patient fromhospital to home. It’s an emotional journey that is amplified by the severity of the patient's condition and the complexity of treatment. When we started this business, we saw that sensibility not as a negative but rather as a way to distinguish ourselves. Coming home shouldn’t be another hurdle for a patient to overcome. That’s why we genuinely aim to personalize the experience for each person we have the pleasure to serve. Our services go beyond just making home care comfortable. We’ve seenmany patients so bombarded withmedical jargon that they don’t understand their conditions. Blinding you with science is not our game. To recover correctly, patients need to understand everything about their home care: chronic conditions, safety obstacles, medications, proper diet, and health support resources. That’s why we break down the medical terminology— so patients can comprehend every facet of their situation.
concerns that perhaps Judy was irreplaceable; the void that her heart and service left just couldn’t be filled. It’s not easy to find a replacement for someone so self-sacrificing and dedicated to her craft. That’s why we are incredibly blessed to have found Kelly Honn, who now serves as our director of nursing. She embodies selflessness, and she takes the time to understand each individual’s concerns.
COMING HOME SHOULDN’T BE ANOTHER HURDLE FOR A PATIENT TO OVERCOME.”
Our agency is accredited by The Joint Commission®, which raises our patients’ level of trust. Though trust isn’t just built fromqualifications; we answer our phones 24/7, 365 days a year. Some people call us seeking vital information; others call with less important matters, but we’re just as eager to answer and help where we can. Without trust, we can’t do our jobs. So for us, there is no call too big or too small to take. When we’re not assisting patients at work, we serve others in our free time. Monica LaBrot, our customer service andmarketingmanager, is very active in the Wheaton community. Whether it’s doing community service or putting together care packages for refugees, she’s always looking to give back. Jim loves finding the next great book that can help himbetter serve others or improve himself —when he’s not throwing down the next killer authentic southern recipe in the kitchen. When it’s all said and done, we started this business for the same reason our readers went into their fields. We are here to serve others because it’s our passion. Our collective desire is to take one of the most challenging transitions anyone will go through and turn it into an experience where they feel loved, safe, and engaged. That’s what we do, andmore importantly, it’s who we are.
—Jim Flickinger
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The Secret Superpowers of MUSHROOMS FABULOUS FORAGEABLE FUNGI
They’re the architects of the underground freeways that allow trees to communicate. A few have psychedelic properties. Some varieties contain enough toxins to kill you if consumed. Depending on the type, mushrooms can be amazing, trippy, dangerous, and delicious. But most importantly, the ones that are safe to eat have a lot of nutritional value.
An ancient organism, fungi are closely related to animals. In fact, even though they’re often called vegetables, they share some characteristics with humans. Like people, a mushroom’s vitamin D content increases when exposed to light. Fungi also contain chitin, a carbohydrate that’s found in shrimp and crab shells. Mushrooms pack a nutritious punch. They boast several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins D and B, and they contain no fat or cholesterol. They even have 2 grams of protein per cup, which is more than most vegetables.
Studies also reveal that mushrooms might be the best dietary source
of an amino acid called ergothioneine. When tested during one
study, ergothioneine was shown to serve as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. Ergothioneine is not produced by the human body, so the only way to get it is through your diet.
WHY A NEW DEVICE IS A GAME-CHANGER FOR MILLIONS Artificial Organs?
Inspiration Corner
I f you work in the medical field, you know diabetes is a rapidly growing epidemic in the United States. The condition plagues adults of all ages, and even more
a healthy organ. It’s an entirely autonomous process once it’s set up, and it delivers an unparalleled user experience.
The news is welcomed by many patients who struggle with Type 1 diabetes. In addition to physical symptoms, this condition often has an emotional and sociological impact on the 3 million Americans diagnosed with it. For diabetes sufferers, the idea of no longer having to be severely stressed about food is a freeing thought that could have a profound impact on their daily lives.
tragically, it affects our children. In the case of Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas creates little to no insulin, which causes blood
sugar levels to rise. Sustained complications like this can lead to potentially irreversible systemic disease. There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, but the FDA has approved an exciting new technology that could be the game-changer we’ve all been waiting for.
While an artificial pancreas hasn’t become a mainstay on the market just yet, it has merged with technology. Smartphone integration with real-time updates provides a seamless platform to keep patients in the loop regarding their health. If you’re interested in learning more, check out Medtronic’s system; it could be everything you need.
In 2016, the world’s first artificial pancreas was approved for use. The device functions just as a healthy pancreas would. When the monitor senses high blood sugar, it will release insulin into the bloodstream and operate exactly like
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If you’re ready to make a meal of it, the porous structure of mushrooms makes them ideal ingredients to marinate, sauté, or throw on the grill. While they have a faint earthy taste when left unseasoned, they take on a lot of flavor when combined with savory ingredients like garlic, butter, and salt. Shiitake,
What Is a Great Caregiver?
oyster, and portobello are a few varieties to try for a nutritious and tasty addition to stir-fries, scrambles, pizzas, and fajitas.
Caregivers are all around us. But that doesn’t mean they are all great caregivers. Certain personality traits and work ethics separate the "passable" from the "great." Anyone who has experienced an outstanding caregiver can attest to this. Here are some of the traits we consider ingredients for great caregivers. EMPATHETIC AND COMPASSIONATE When working with people in a home-care setting, it is essential that a caregiver have the desire to help. By showing both empathy and compassion, caregivers will let the person they are caring for know they are concerned and will do what they can to help. PATIENT When working with someone who needs home care, it is important that a caregiver be patient and understanding. By putting themselves in the other person’s shoes, they can see what it feels like to ask others for help. RELIABLE A great caregiver is someone who can be counted on to be there. If the caregiver says he or she is going to be available to provide home care every Thursday morning, they should show up unless there is an emergency. Those needing home-care services deserve a reliable and dependable caregiver with the foresight to schedule care coverage. TRUSTWORTHY Most people who need home-care services are in a vulnerable position. They are inviting someone into their home to be near their valuables. A good caregiver is someone who is trustworthy, and they keep their clients’ information confidential. FLEXIBLE As with most things in life, home-care needs may change, and unexpected events can happen. A good caregiver will be prepared to go with the flow and be flexible. This way, they continue to provide good home care, even if a rigid schedule isn’t being followed. Some caregivers are people who naturally have an urge to help others. Oftentimes, they are people who have always placed a priority on assisting others with health obstacles. They want to make the world a better place, and they do it one patient at a time. Becoming a good caregiver isn’t something that will necessary happen immediately, but if the basic qualities are there, anyone can develop their skills over time to become great!
Did you know you can also forage for mushrooms? They grow in many parts of the U.S. and can be found in forested areas. Use a guide, like the “National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms,”
to help you identify which mushrooms are okay to eat and which are harmful. Some cities even have mushroom- foraging groups you can join. Happy hunting!
Try Adding Mushrooms!
BALSAMIC CHICKEN With Bacon and Apples (inspired by wholesomelicious.com)
INGREDIENTS
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10 ounces Brussels sprouts, halved, stems removed 2 apples, cored, peeled, and coarsely chopped 6 slices bacon, cut into squares Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
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1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into pieces 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup olive oil Juice of 1/2 lemon
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2 cloves garlic, crushed
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1/4 cup rosemary, finely chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Blend balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon, rosemary, and garlic to create marinade. Pour into bowl or sealable bag and add chicken. Marinate for at least 5 minutes or up to 12 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be. 2. Heat oven to 375 F. Spread Brussels sprouts, bacon, and apples on a baking sheet. Add chicken and pour any extra marinade over the top. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Bake 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through. For extra crunchiness, turn the heat up to 425 F for the last 5 minutes. 4. Transfer to platter and serve immediately.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
416 EAST ROOSEVELT ROAD, SUITE 105 ● WHEATON, IL 60187 630.260.5300 WWW.BRIGHTSTARCARE.COM/WHEATON
CARING IN DUPAGE SUBSCRIPTION
INSIDE
BrightStar’s Origins 1
The Superfood You Need to Add to Your Diet Changing the Game With Medical Tech 2 Balsamic Chicken With Bacon and Apples Ingredients for Great Caregivers 3
The Key to Happiness: Mindfulness 4
Get the latest in home-care e-learning: Contact monica.labrot@CaringinDuPage.com.
MINDFULNESS IN MODERN SOCIETY
Are You Lacking Peace in Your Busy Day?
The concept of mindfulness has been permeating our culture recently, but few people seem to understand it at its core. With the rapid increase of digital distractions, modern society has slowly lost sight of one fundamental concept that has made life enjoyable for centuries: the moment. Mindfulness is actively being present in the moment, being where you are and who you’re with. It may sound rudimentary, but studies suggest that mindfulness is a crucial indicator of happiness. Here are three ways you can start practicing today. Eliminate Distractions We live in a digital world, and with that comes the potential for our attention to be diverted. Smartphones receive a lot of the blame, but distractions that eliminate mindfulness began long before the invention and subsequent popularity of the iPhone. Television, car displays, watches, radios, and even billboards can divert
our attention from living in the moment. To experience what is around us, we must see and comprehend our surroundings.
Actively Participate Mindfulness doesn't necessarily require active participation, but it certainly helps. And participation doesn’t automatically mean talking. In some cases, you can be mindful and participate with the world around you without using any communication. Participating can be a state of mind where you are cognizant of what is going on in the world around you and you interpret the meaning of what you see. Reflection In some cases, participation will turn to reflection. Introspection is not to be confused with distraction. By taking a look inside and considering how a specific moment affected us, we’re able to take a step toward peace and emotional prosperity.
Give these principles a try and see how your day is affected. Likely you can experience the joy and serenity that mindfulness brings along with a more vivid life experience.
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