Bright Star Care - August 2018

Check out our August newsletter!

CARING IN DuPage

AUG 2018

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HOW EDUCAT ION MOLDS OUR INTERPRETAT ION OF CL I ENT CARE Back to School Is Everyday for Us

E ducation plays a pivotal role our daily lives at Brightstar Care. From the teachers who enriched our lives growing up to the patients we’re blessed to serve, learning is a fundamental aspect of what makes us who we are. I can remember starting in school and what a defining experience that was for me. I terrorized my teachers through my younger years, but as I grew older, education became a crucial aspect of my life. Even to this day, learning is at the center of who I am. I just started seeing a new doctor recently, and I have to tell you, it’s been night and day frommy previous experiences. Every time I go in for a visit, my doctor instructs me on all the aspects of my health. At the first visit, we spent an hour and a half going through the details, and I was blown away by his manners and the competency and soundness of the advice he gave me. Education has made a serious difference in howmy visits and overall care have proceeded. What we do at BrightStar centers around education. As a matter of fact, continuing education is a requirement for almost all of our employees. Without learning, our careers stagnate and our pursuits slowly become hollow. To best serve our patients, we need to incessantly push to be as informed as possible as well as the best educators. That’s why we strive to ingrain learning into our culture and make it a focal point of our business.

Learning doesn’t stop with our careers. I’m on a lifetime quest for knowledge. I read a book every 7–10 days to expand my mind and learn how to approach all aspects of life better. We’ve

taken this concept and applied it to our executive team every quarter. After reading a book aimed at challenging us in our professional lives, we discuss it and expand upon the key takeaways we learned.

From educators to caregivers, learning is at the center of BrightStar, and I couldn’t be more proud of that.

—Jim Flickinger

To piggyback off of Jim’s sentiment, I can remember how education has played a role in my life here at Brightstar. When I was in the second grade, I knew I was going to be a nurse. As I went through school and eventually received my master's from Loyola, I distinctly remember a professor who changed how I approach business. He was so intent on client-centered care and developing a care plan that speaks to each individual's needs. It was revolutionary to me, and I’ve taken that concept and used it to educate our patients. I love what I do because I get to see the whole continuum of care. It allows me to tailor each step of the process so we can meet the patient where they are physically, emotionally, and mentally. Education makes all the difference in the world because it empowers our patients with the information they need. Educating our staff and teaching them how to best respond to situations changes how our patients view us. We’re not just caregivers; we're experts. Being a lifelong learner is pivotal. But learning is really just a vehicle to use what truly makes a great caregiver: a heart to serve others. The more we learn, the better our passion for others can be harnessed to make a difference. My grandmother passed away from complications of dementia, and what I learned from that experience is what makes me so committed to dementia care. Jim has been a phenomenal leader in all these regards because he’s never stood in the way of our passions. That’s what has me excited about what we do here and how our staff can make a difference in the lives of others.

—Diane Thorson irector of Clinical C mpliance

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HOW TO ACHIEVE A MORE RESTFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP

A good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your mind and body. One study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that the quality of your sleep is much more important than the quantity — that is, if you want to feel rested. And we all want to feel rested. So, what can you do to improve the quality of your sleep and get the rest you need? Listen to your body. This, above all else, is crucial to a good night’s sleep. Your body knows when it’s time for bed. Generally, you want to go to bed when you feel tired, whether that’s at 8 p.m. or 1 a.m. Whenever your body tells you it needs rest, you should make a habit of going to bed then. The more consistent you are, the better your sleep will be.

Wake up naturally. Jolting yourself awake with an alarm or radio isn’t doing your brain and body any favors (it can be stressful on the

body and even elevate blood pressure, which is not good first thing in the morning). If you do need an alarm, consider a wake- up light. Wake-up lights mimic the sunrise, slowly brightening the room, waking your body in a natural, gentle way.

We Partnered With DuPage Pads for One Reason:

To Serve Others Better

Have You Heard the Good News?

We are always trying to find new ways to help our patients. In some cases, we accomplish that by improving the quality of services we already provide, and in others, it comes down to expanding the options we offer. When we looked into finding new ways to help others with their home care needs, we came across DuPage Pads and saw an opportunity for a tremendous impact. What Is DuPage Pads? DuPage Pads is on a mission to end homelessness in DuPage County. By providing housing opportunities, employment, and support services for those who wouldn’t otherwise have them, this nonprofit is bringing hope to hundreds each day. How Do They Accomplish Their Mission? Affordable housing is an ongoing challenge for people across the country. DuPage Pads offers supportive housing for individuals, families, and veterans in need. With over 100 apartment units available in the county, residents no longer have to feel the burden of not being able to put a roof over their heads. Where Does BrightStar Come in? Activities of daily living (ADLs) become a problem for many of those in supportive housing. Our care team aims to ease the stress of simple actions like transportation, meal preparation, and personal care. If you know of someone who could use assistance with their living situation, reach out to us today. Our team can put them in the hands of caregivers and nurses who provide care your loved ones deserve. If you know someone who needs help finding supportive housing, reach out to Alicia Mandolini at DuPage Pads: 630- 682-3846. She is a wonderful resource for anyone needing housing and support.

1 Corinthians 13:11-13— When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behindme. For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 15:56-58— The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothingmove you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

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Kick the screen habit. You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again: Looking at an electronic screen — a TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone — before bed is detrimental to sleep quality. Light

‘Serenity Now!’

from these devices is disruptive to your brain’s suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which helps regulate your circadian rhythm, and screen time before bed can throw off normal SCN function.

WHY THE FAMOUS SEINFELD COPING MECHANISM DOESN’T WORK

Put your excuses for staying up too late to bed. Say no to “one more

episode.” And all those emails? They can wait until tomorrow. Not getting enough quality sleep is harmful to your

If you’ve ever seen Seinfeld, the words “Serenity now!” might ring a bell to you. As a quick refresher, Frank Costanza has a repetitive phrase he yells to the heavens to deal with stressful situations: “Serenity now!” He learned the phrase from a relaxation cassette given to him by his doctor. The episode displays many situations where significant characters adopt the phrase to deal with their stress, only to learn that all they are doing is bottling it up until — boom! — it finally boils over. So, if "serenity now" doesn’t work, what does? Well, here are three tactics you can use to manage stress on a daily basis.

mental and physical health. When you get into the habit of following these three tips, you’ll find yourself feeling rested and refreshed in no time.

GREEN BEAN & SESAME SALAD

BREATHE It may sound like a no-brainer, but the simplest of processes can become complicated when you're in stressful situations. Managing your breathing is a great example. The faster your heart beats, the more your breathing keeps up with it. By taking deep, even breaths, you can begin to slow your heart rate. Start by merely recognizing your breath filling your lungs. From there, take deep breaths and try to make your inhalations equal to your exhalations. Repeat this for 10 consecutive breaths. THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT That’s right. Apple has a favorite app of the year, and it’s none other than Calm, a stress management app. With over 14 million downloads, people are finding peace in morning and evening meditation. If you struggle with anxiety or continuously feel on edge, take a few days to try the app and see if it works for you. DETACH It sounds simple in theory, but it’s harder in practice. Regardless, an essential way to manage stress is to take time away from your burdens. The more you attempt to lower your head and plow through problems, the less perspective you gain on how to solve them. By detaching from your issues for a period and then revisiting them at a later time, you may find easier and more complete solutions.

Inspired by Delicious magazine If you need an easy, healthy side dish with plenty of flavor, this green bean salad will be the perfect addition to your summer menu.

INGREDIENTS

1 small red onion, finely chopped Small bunch of fresh mint Small bunch of flat- leaf parsley Salt and pepper, to taste

3 cups green beans, ends trimmed 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil

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2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

INSTRUCTIONS

“Serenity now. Insanity later,” were the words of Lloyd Braun when he explained Frank Costanza’s new method wouldn’t work. If you’re looking for tangible strategies to deploy in your life, start with these three.

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil; cook green beans for 4–5 minutes; drain well. 2. In a blender, mix finely chopped mint and parsley with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend until combined. 3. Add dressing, onion, and sesame seeds to beans. Toss together. Cool dish, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

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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

Education: The Pillar of BrightStar Care 1 Sleep Better and Feel Great How We Help DuPage PADS 2 3 Alternatives to ‘Serenity Now!’ Green Bean & Sesame Salad 3 Fence Your Way to Better Brain Health 4

Get the latest in home-care e-learning: Contact monica.labrot@CaringinDuPage.com.

WANT TO IMPROVE BRAIN HEALTH? GRAB A SWORD!

The Benefits of Open-Skill Sports

Did you know fencing is making a comeback? No longer just for heartsick gentlemen of the Regency era, fencing is increasingly being taught in public schools, displayed in the pages of popular indie comics, and practiced among seniors. Plenty of baby boomers are picking up swords, or “sabers” —and it’s not because they’re preparing to fight dragons. Exercise is important nomatter your age, but some activities are more beneficial than others. Research published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise (PSE) suggests activities defined as “open-skill sports,” like fencing, can domore to improve brain health than “closed-skill sports.” Open or Closed? The difference between an open-skill sport and a closed-skill sport lies in the dynamic nature of the activity. Going for a jog is great for your heart health, but your body is doing the same thing during the entire workout. This makes it a closed- skill sport. The same goes for swimming; youmight

have different strokes to choose fromwhen you jump in the pool, but your brain is focused on repeating the action while doing your laps.

Open-skill sports require players to respond to unpredictable circumstances in unpredictable ways. Fencing is a great open-skill sport because, while you have to learn the right way to hold the saber andmove your body, you also have to think on your feet and react quickly to your opponent's attacks. Researchers from the Foro Italico University of Rome believe that it’s the required adaptability that makes open-skill sports so good for your brain. You challenge your body with complex motor movements and your mind with fast decisions. In the study from PSE, the researchers reported that “the open-skill athletes used less brainpower to do the same thing than the closed-skill exercisers did.” What’s the Best Open-Skill Sport? If fencing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other great open-skill sports, including tennis, badminton, basketball, and racquetball. What are you waiting for? Swing by your local rec center and find out what open-skill sport will be your new favorite pastime!

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