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MAY 2024
Taking a holistic approach to the circle of life
Our Family Legacy of Respect and Care Honoring Our Elders
People often ask why I am drawn to this work. The answer lies in my grandmother’s legacy — a woman who survived early losses, built a life of her own from the remnants, and became a prime example of endurance and independence. Our work is a tribute to her and to all those who age before us, teaching us the value of every year. On May 6, we celebrate National Nurses Day, and it’s fitting to celebrate the professionals like Jamelah who dedicate their lives to the health and dignity of our seniors. It’s also a moment to reflect on the importance of safeguarding the legacies and the dignities of our own national treasures, whoever and wherever they may be. In our family, caring for our seniors is more than a profession — it’s a calling. It’s about honoring the rich, complex lives of those who came before us and ensuring they receive the respect and care they deserve in their twilight years. –Polly Tatum
My grandma, now over 101 years old, always says that “elderly” is a dirty word — and I agree! She refuses to be defined by her age — after all, it’s only a number. She continues to redefine what it means to grow older with grace and independence. Her story and the career path of my youngest daughter, Jamelah, intertwine with a huge appreciation for our elders and commitment to caring for them. Jamelah’s journey into nursing wasn’t straightforward. She initially graduated with her degree in psychology, but after graduating, she found the job market unyielding and struggled to find a job. After a few waitressing and bartending gigs, she felt compelled to make a more impactful change, leading her back to school to pursue a nursing degree. From there, her nursing career took off. It led her to remote regions of Alaska, where she provided necessary health care services to native communities with limited access to medical facilities. While stationed there, she witnessed the complications that arise from inadequate legal planning for health care, especially among older adults. This experience solidified her passion for geriatric nursing — a field that is not only challenging but rewarding with the richness of history and wisdom that elders bring, or as we like to refer to them, our national treasures. When she came back, the pandemic hit, and I was fortunate she received many nursing
assignments close to home, which meant she was nearby and able to help out with the kids. As I mentioned, at the Law Office of Polly Tatum, we view our elderly clients as national treasures. This sentiment is personal and goes back to the life lessons my grandmother instilled. Orphaned early in life, she was shuffled among relatives, each of whom contributed to her upbringing — they all understood that it takes a village. This instilled in her a resilience and drive that led her down the path of entrepreneurship and owning her own hair salon. She loved her sense of independence and worked tirelessly. Eventually, she owned her home and a commercial property in Bermuda, achievements she never took lightly. Even at 101, she continued to work as a hairdresser, proudly holding the title of the oldest hairdresser in Bermuda until health challenges slowed her down in late 2023. My grandmother’s strong spirit and Jamelah’s dedicated care for the elderly reflect a family ethos of respect and admiration for the older generation. This respect is why I pursued dementia certification training. I am excited to integrate Jamelah into our geriatric care team to better assist clients dealing with aging and cognitive challenges like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
From our family at the Law Office of Polly Tatum to you and yours, Happy Mother’s Day!
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The Pringles can is both iconic and comedic. Its distinctive long cylindrical shape protects the stackable chips and gets many a hand almost stuck. But did you know this packaging has a rich history that goes back half a century? In 1966, Procter and Gamble tasked a food storage technician, Frederic J. Baur, with developing a revolutionary container for a new potato chip. Baur, who held a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, set out to create a packaging solution that would protect these new, uniquely shaped chips, Pringles. According to Baur’s son, Larry, his dad was determined to design a container that not only served a practical purpose but also stood out on the shelves of supermarkets. In an interview with NPR, Larry shares what his dad told him, “‘I can’t stand greasy, broken chips.’” This desire fueled him to create packaging that has still not been replicated.
that would be on the cutting edge of science and technology.” He certainly succeeded. The cylindrical shape of the tube carefully protects the saddle-shaped chips from breaking. The resealable lid was another key innovation, allowing consumers to enjoy portions and save the rest for later without compromising any freshness. This innovation took only two short years, debuting on shelves in 1968. The can turned Pringles into a household name. In 2023, the chips generated $2.76 billion of annual net sales worldwide. Baur was so proud of his creation that when he died in 2008, he requested that some of his ashes be buried in a Pringles can. As we continue to enjoy the crunch of these fresh chips, it’s worth taking a moment to marvel at this history of creativity behind the can that has become a snacking phenomenon worldwide. Thanks, Frederic J. Baur!
Baur said of his father, “He was just so enthusiastic about making something
Understanding the Challenges First, it’s essential to recognize the unique challenges caregivers face in this situation. The sandwich generation — adults caring for both their elderly parents and their children — must balance the varying needs of both, which can simultaneously lead to feelings of guilt and exhaustion. Elderly parents, especially those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, require constant supervision and specialized care, which can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. This can sometimes detract from the time and energy available for their children.
Caring for an elderly parent with dementia or Alzheimer’s is a true act of love and commitment. Still, it can also introduce complexities when balancing this responsibility with caring for your own children and family. This dual role can be physically and emotionally draining, so finding effective strategies to manage the demands of caring for aging parents and maintaining family life is crucial. STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING CARE FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN The Sandwich Generation
Effective Strategies for Balanced Caregiving Establish a routine.
Routines can help reduce stress for everyone involved, from your elderly parent to your children. A predictable routine will help your parent struggling with dementia feel more secure and help you plan activities and time with your children. Seek support. Utilize local resources such as adult day care centers, which can provide your parents with social opportunities and a break for you. Don’t hesitate to ask family members and friends for help to lighten your load. This could be accompanying your parents to appointments or watching your children for a few hours.
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MEET KATHY The Driving Force Behind Our Clients’ Satisfaction At the Law Office of Polly Tatum, we understand our firm’s strength is built on our team members’ dedication, expertise, and compassion. Each staff member plays a crucial role in delivering the best experience and results for our clients, which is why we are so proud of our team. Our legal assistant and client services team member, Kathy, has been with our office for 17 years! Talk about dedication! She has been with us from our days of focusing on family law to our transition to estate and legacy planning — she’s seen it all! Kathy plays multiple roles as she orchestrates smooth plans and strategies for our clients. She collaborates closely with the families we serve, addressing all their questions and concerns and ensuring we maintain communication with everyone involved. One of Kathy’s greatest strengths has to be her compassion — she truly cares. “Meeting and assisting our clients in every possible way is my favorite part of my role here at the Law Office of Polly Tatum,” Kathy tells us.
get out of bed each day. She has a positive outlook on life, and her zeal and zest for life are contagious. Outside of work, Kathy is a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She enjoys taking daily walks and curling up on the couch with a good book in her free time. She’s an avid golfer and loves to travel! Kathy, we are thrilled you have chosen to call our firm home for nearly two decades and look forward to many more years of your expertise, smile, and positivity! Here’s to you!
Aside from her legal knowledge and prowess, Kathy is an inspiration to everyone! Not only is she a morning person, but she feels grateful to
Set boundaries. Set boundaries and reasonable limits on what you can and cannot do. Know these limits and communicate them clearly to family members who can share the caregiving responsibilities. Stay organized. Keep a detailed schedule that includes appointments, activities, and any medications that need to be administered. A well-organized calendar can prevent overlap and reduce the stress of last-minute planning. Communicate openly with your family. Your family needs to understand the demands placed on you. Discuss what’s happening with your children in an age-appropriate way and, if suitable, involve them in caring activities. This can help them feel connected and less neglected. Remember self-care. Finally, take care of yourself! Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Make sure to carve out time for yourself to engage in activities that recharge your batteries. By implementing these strategies, caregivers can find a balance that honors their commitment to their parents while still cherishing and nurturing their own families’ needs. Don’t forget to acknowledge your efforts and recognize your profound impact on your loved ones’ lives! You’re doing great!
Take a Break
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INSIDE
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A Family Legacy of Geriatric Care
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The Scientist Behind the Pringles Can
Effective Caregiving for Alzheimer’s Parents and Your Family
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Celebrating Kathy’s 17 Years of Dedication
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How to Analyze and Interpret Trends in Forex Charts
are “fixed float,” meaning a country’s governing body sets its currency’s value relative to other currencies. There are several advantages to trading on FX, including fewer rules, no central body oversight, and no fees or commissions. There are also disadvantages, like being unregulated, relying on the currency’s appreciation, and traders not having complete control over their trades. Information is an essential ingredient to achieving a profit. Investors must have data to speculate successfully, so they must read charts. The shifting trends value is constant; charts help investors visualize them to make the right decisions. If you’ve invested in forex, you’re looking for these trends. They’re among the most critical factors determining when you buy or sell.
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Downtrend: Prices drop downward, like skiing the aforementioned mountain. This is the time to sell.
Read Trends Like a Pro for Smart Forex Investment
While many websites offer online charts, developing this analytical skill gives you a deeper understanding of the market. Open up a candle chart and look at the currency’s current value. Candle charts depict price as a line with peaks and valleys. Follow the line backward and find two recent highs and lows. Prices are constantly changing, but you must determine the overall direction of the currency’s value. Figure out if these points are going upward or downward. This determines the timing of your trades. Once you plot the chart, you can see where the currency’s value is going and invest accordingly. The forex market is full of opportunities. Solid chart analysis skills are necessary to take advantage of them and make a profit.
Investors buy, sell, and exchange real- world currencies through the foreign exchange market (forex or FX). It is substantially distinct from other markets:
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It’s the largest financial market in the world. It determines the exchange rate for currencies around the world. It’s open 24/7, so trading can happen at any time of the day. Currencies are always traded in pairs, one country’s money for another. Currencies are a lot less volatile than other markets.
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Some currencies, like the U.S. dollar or Japanese yen, are “free-floating,” which means their relative value is determined by free-market forces, such as supply- demand relationships. Other countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Panama,
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Uptrend: Prices trend toward a higher price, like climbing a mountain. This is the time to buy.
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