On August 2, 2019, my Mom, Frances, gained her wings. She had spent the last 6 years of her life at Lake Forest Park, her last 5 months in Memory Care. I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Staff. They are all truly phenomenal caregivers. From the receptionist, to the hairdresser to the laundry staff, to housekeeping, to maintenance, to the kitchen staff. They are all just such wonderful, caring people. I have to mention here the extremely kind gesture from the kitchen staff who came to mom's room to see her just before she passed. Mom passed soon after. Just after the Crisis Care nurse called me, she held the phone to Mom's ear and I got to tell her for the last time that I loved her, and my 2 sisters loved her. One half-hour into my drive over to see her, she passed but heard those last words "I Love You". Also, I want to give a big thanks to Ryan, Virginia, and Stephanie who made sure mom was taken to any activities she was able to take part in. Last, but not least, the kind, caring and loving nursing staff who treated Mom as if she was a member of their own family. All the CNA's (sorry I have forgotten names and apologize) are all exceptional people whom I've gotten to know and love. It meant the world to me and my family. Again, thanks to all. I will never forget your kindness to me. It is absolute proof that angels walk among us. I will keep you all in my prayers, and may God bless you abundantly.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Back
October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and can affect women of all ages, especially women over the age of fifty. (Men can also get breast cancer, though their risk is significantly lower than women.) As women age, the risk of breast cancer increases dramatically. That is why it is very important to continue doing self-checks and visiting the doctor for regular checkups as you age.
Here are a few ways to help prevent breast cancer:
- Regular self-check ups
- Regular mammograms and doctor visits.
- Regular exercise helps to reduce the risk of breast cancer for any woman regardless of their body type. Exercise is also very important for breast cancer survivors.
- Stop smoking and limit the alcohol you consume to also reduce the risk of not only breast cancer, but other cancers and diseases. Smoking and high alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer development.
- Maintaining a healthy weight is also a big factor in preventing breast cancer. Because of this, it is important to eat a healthy diet on top of exercising regularly. Like with limited alcohol consumption and stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight will help prevent may other cancers and diseases besides breast cancer.
These are just a few ways to help prevent breast cancer. There are many great websites on the internet to learn more about breast cancer and the ways to prevent it as well as the different treatment options. It is important to visit your doctor if you find a lump in your breast during a self-examination or suspect you may have breast cancer. Detection at an early stage makes a big difference.