News and Resources

As nurses it is intuitive for you to care for others often at the sacrifice of your personal wellness. The nature of nursing can be high stressed and many nurses rely on unhealthy eating and sleeping habits as they provide quality care, because of this, nurses are 10% more likely to get diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease than the general population. February is American Heart Month and we have 4 tips for nurses to be more heart health conscious. 

Find an Outlet 

Nurses you give so much to those around you it’s important that you take time for yourself. Rediscover the hobbies you had before nursing school. Curl up with a good book and a cup of warm coffee. Do something that truly matters to you and allows you to shake off your nursing hat.   

Smart Snacking 

Working 12-hour shifts or overnights it is tempting to rely on carbs and sweets to get you through. Instead prepare for your shifts with easy to grab healthy options. Create snack packs of mixed nuts with dark chocolate pieces, snack bags of grapes or peeled clementines and finally water with sugar-free flavors.    

Get Your Rest 

Sleeping can be tricky for nurses. The demands of your career and home life sometimes don’t mix well. Start today with good sleeping habits. Stop using electronics an hour before going to bed. Make sure your room is cool and dark. Allow yourself to sleep in on the days that you are able to.  

Be OK with Saying No 

As a nurse it’s easy to get into the habit of saying yes to extra shifts, volunteering or being part of committees. You have to be willing to say no and allow time to do what matters most to you. 
 
Being a nurse comes with it’s ups and downs however taking into account these four tips will help you reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. For this American Heart Month remember to take care of yourself first, then you can help and continue to serve everyone around you! 

Becoming a caregiver is a deeply rewarding yet challenging journey that requires a blend of compassion, resilience, and skill. As the population ages, the demand for caregivers who can provide high-quality, personalized care is increasing. 

This article will explore the essential qualities and considerations you should weigh before embarking on a caregiving career, explicitly focusing on the standards set by leading healthcare providers like BrightStar Care.

Understanding the Role of a Caregiver
At its core, caregiving involves assisting individuals who have difficulties with daily activities due to age, illness, or disability. Caregivers play a crucial role in meeting the physical needs of those they care for and nurturing their emotional well-being and dignity.

Key Qualities of a Successful Caregiver
Compassion and Empathy: These are the bedrock of caregiving. Understanding and Caregiving is an art and a science, demanding a blend of personal qualities and professional skills to cater to clients' diverse needs effectively. Here's a deeper look into the essential characteristics that define a successful caregiver.

Compassion and Empathy: These qualities are indeed the foundation of effective caregiving. Compassion allows caregivers to approach their work with a deep sense of kindness and a desire to alleviate suffering. Empathy goes further, enabling caregivers to understand and feel what their clients are experiencing truly. This empathetic connection fosters trust and a safe, supportive environment crucial for the healing and comfort of those under care. A caregiver's ability to genuinely relate to and comfort clients can significantly impact their well-being and recovery.

Patience: The challenges of caregiving are manifold, often manifesting as delayed progress, communication barriers, or unexpected setbacks. Patience is the caregiver's tool for navigating these challenges with grace and perseverance. It means maintaining composure and understanding in the face of frustration and recognizing that improvement and healing often take time. This quality benefits the client and contributes to a more harmonious caregiving environment.

Reliability: For many clients, caregivers are their lifeline, providing essential services they cannot manage independently. Thus, reliability is non-negotiable. It encompasses punctuality, consistency, and the dependable execution of duties, from administering medication on time to ensuring the client's living space is safe and comfortable. A reliable caregiver instills confidence and peace of mind in both clients and their families, knowing that their loved one is in capable and trustworthy hands.

Communication Skills: Effective caregiving is rooted in clear, empathetic communication. It's about more than just conveying information; it's about listening actively, interpreting non-verbal cues, and expressing care and instructions to respect the client's dignity. Good communication also means informing families about their loved one's condition and progress, bridging the gap between professional care and familial involvement. This skill is crucial for coordinating with healthcare professionals and advocating for the client's needs.

Problem-Solving Abilities: Caregiving is replete with unforeseen challenges, from sudden changes in a client's health to logistical hurdles. The ability to think critically and creatively to solve problems as they arise is invaluable. This might mean adapting care techniques to suit a client's needs better, managing time and resources efficiently, or navigating complex emotional and social situations. A problem-solving mindset enables caregivers to provide effective and adaptive care, ensuring the well-being of their clients under various circumstances.

Physical Stamina: The physical demands of caregiving cannot be understated. From assisting clients with mobility to performing household tasks, caregivers often find themselves in physically taxing situations. Physical stamina and good health are essential, not just for the sake of performing tasks but also for maintaining the caregiver's well-being. This includes the strength to support clients physically and the endurance to manage long shifts or multiple caregiving roles.

Together, these qualities form the cornerstone of exceptional caregiving. Cultivating these traits can prepare caregivers to meet the practical demands of their role and enrich the lives of those they care for, creating a profound and positive impact on their client's lives.

Considerations Before Becoming a Caregiver
The decision to become a caregiver should be made with a complete understanding of the personal and professional demands it entails. Here's an expanded look at some of the key considerations to weigh before embarking on this rewarding yet challenging, career path:

Emotional Resilience: The emotional demands of caregiving are substantial. Caregivers often work in environments filled with pain, suffering, and vulnerability, requiring a solid emotional constitution to manage day-to-day stresses effectively. Emotional resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from emotional stressors. It involves developing coping mechanisms for dealing with the sadness, frustration, and grief that can accompany the care of individuals with significant needs. Assessing your emotional resilience involves introspection and seeking experiences that can provide insight into your reactions and coping strategies in emotionally challenging situations.

Training and Certification: The caregiving field is diverse, with roles ranging from informal family caregivers to professional positions requiring specific skills and qualifications. Formal training and certification might be necessary depending on the setting and the nature of care provided. This could include CPR and first aid certifications, specialized training in dementia care, or even a nursing license for more medically intensive caregiving roles. Researching the requirements for your intended caregiving path is crucial. This ensures not only that you are adequately prepared and legally compliant but also that you can provide the highest quality of care.

Lifestyle Impact: Choosing a career in caregiving can significantly affect your lifestyle. Caregiving roles often come with irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This can impact your personal life, social activities, and time with family. Before committing to a career in caregiving, consider how these demands align with your current lifestyle and future plans. Do you have the flexibility to manage such a schedule? What support systems do you have in place to help you manage the potential stress and time demands of caregiving? It's also important to consider the emotional toll and how it might affect your personal life.

Why Choose a Career in Caregiving?
A career in caregiving offers the unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. It is a path filled with personal growth, learning, and the satisfaction of helping those in need. Organizations like BrightStar Care prioritize the highest standards of care, providing their caregivers with the training and support needed to excel in their roles.

The Role of BrightStar Care in Shaping High-Quality Caregivers
BrightStar Care stands out in the healthcare industry for its commitment to excellence in caregiving. With a focus on comprehensive training, ongoing education, and support, BrightStar Care ensures that its caregivers are well-equipped to provide exceptional care. This dedication elevates the standard of care offered and fosters a culture of professionalism and compassion among caregivers.

Career Advancement and Professional Development
Choosing a career with organizations like BrightStar Care opens up numerous avenues for professional growth. From specialized training in areas such as dementia care or pediatric nursing to opportunities for advancement into supervisory roles, the path for career development is robust and rewarding.
Deciding to become a caregiver is a significant step that requires thoughtful consideration of your personal qualities, lifestyle, and professional aspirations. It is a career that demands a great deal but offers even more in return—the chance to impact lives every day positively. 

As the need for compassionate, skilled caregivers continues to grow, the opportunities for fulfilling and meaningful careers in this field are vast. By embodying the key qualities of successful caregivers and choosing organizations like BrightStar Care, you can embark on a rewarding caregiving journey that changes lives and enriches your own.

Family caregivers who are constantly on call or helping loved ones from dawn to dusk rarely find time to take a break. Caregivers can cite the list of things they do every day, but few prioritize time for themselves. Learn when and why family caregivers need respite care. 
 
Spouses and adult children caring for loved ones say that they don't have time to shower. Many rarely get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. When told to care for themselves, most shake their heads because family members don't understand the constant and overwhelming pressures of caring for children or aging loved ones. 
 
What family caregivers fail to recognize is that burning the candle at both ends is not good for themselves or their loved ones. Identifying caregiver burnout can help caregivers recognize that they need time away from care responsibilities. 

The effects of COVID on caregivers 

Caregiving responsibilities have escalated as a result of COVID. Worry about bringing the virus home from work has increased concerns of infecting loved ones and limited social contact. Support programs available before COVID, like adult day care programs, remain closed leaving caregivers with fewer options for short breaks. 
 
News of COVID lockdowns and restrictions on visiting loved ones in hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities have caregivers working harder to keep elderly parents at home. Brothers or sisters who helped with care may no longer be available due to transmitting COVID within their families. 

What are respite care services? 

Think of respite care services as a short break or mini vacation from care responsibilities. Respite care services offer caregivers regular intervals of time off. Caregivers dream of life before caregiving responsibilities when weekends were time for relaxation and enjoyment. 
 
In-home care agencies provide caregivers a few hours a week, overnights, weekends, holidays, and vacation time. Additionally, think of in-home care as giving your loved one a mini-pampering break. 
 
An in-home caregiver will attend to daily needs, listen to stories, be a companion for a movie night, a baking or craft project, or an outing.   
 
Time away for the caregiver is a win-win. Establishing a regular care schedule provides emergency and backup care when needed. 

When is it time to consider respite care? 

When caregiving responsibilities transition from occasional to regular visits that result in family caregivers trading time from their lives, it's time to consider respite care. Ongoing care responsibilities quickly add up to 20, 30, 40, or more hours each week for daughters or sons who work full-time.Providing care 24 hours a day and 7 days a week can be stressful for spousal caregivers. Living in the same household with no time away deteriorates emotional well-being. Time dedicated to care limits family caregivers from accomplishing their personal goals and participating in social activities.  
 
Eventually, family caregivers become filled with emotions and negative feelings about care relationships. So if you are a caregiver experiencing any of these symptoms that can lead to burnout and exhaustion, it's time to consider respite care. 

Mental or physical exhaustion 

Inability to sleep 

Difficulty with problem-solving and planning 

Feeling impatient, irritable, angry, or resentful 

Decreased self-esteem that results in poor or no self-care 

Withdrawal from friends and family 

Headaches, heartburn, pain, or other physical health problems 

Why caregivers feel they have to do it all? 

Wilson reports that caregivers have insight into needing support six months to a year or more before seeking help. However, they report delaying because they thought they could do it all. In counseling sessions about care for aging parents, caregivers tell Wilson, "It wasn't that bad until now. Now it's horrible."  
 
According to Wilson, reasons family wait to seek caregiver support counseling or respite care include: 

Guilt about asking for help or taking time off 

Loved ones who lack understanding of why the caregiver needs time off 

Aging parents don't want strangers (in-home caregivers) coming into the home 

Expectations by loved ones that the caregiver should do it all 

No family to serve as a relief or backup caregiver 

Feeling indispensable—caregivers say no one cares for my loved one as much as I do 

Family members who shame the caregiver for being emotionally or physically exhausted 

Parents who are unwilling to pay for outside care costs because the family caregiver is "free" 

Inability to set boundaries to see their lives and needs as equally as important as a loved one 

Addiction to caretaking behaviors 

Are unaware that respite services exist 

Why respite care benefits everyone in the family? 

Respite care can relieve stress and support positive family relationships with the care receiver, spouse, children and in the workplace. As a result of taking time off from care responsibilities, self-esteem for the caregiver increases as well as the confidence to manage personal life, career, family, and social relationships. 
 
Family caregivers have more time to dedicate to self-care, including attending regular medical check-ups, participating in regular exercise, and other leisure time activities. In addition, loved ones have a devoted caregiver who enthusiastically listens to each story as if hearing it for the first time. In-home caregivers help with personal care, meal preparation, medication reminding, light housekeeping, and other routine tasks.  
 
Time off for the family caregiver creates breathing space to plan long-term care and initiate family discussions. Caregivers gain peace of mind that ever-changing care situations can be managed, knowing that respite care schedules can be adjusted or added as needed.  
 
BrightStar Care has been providing respite care for families since 2002. Read BrightStar Care's Home Care Planning Guide to learn more about home care or contact us today. 


About Pamela D. Wilson 
 
PAMELA D WILSON MS, BS/BA, NCG, CSA is a national caregiving expert, author, advocate, and speaker educating family caregivers, older adults, professionals, groups, and corporations. Since 1999, Pamela has been an entrepreneur and business owner providing direct service: in-home care, care management, and legal and financial appointments. In addition, she consults about elder care, care navigation, caregiving services, and caregiver support programs with families, health and care providers, attorneys, and financial planners.  
 
©2022 Pamela D Wilson, All Rights Reserved 
 

In 2024, the landscape of veteran care has evolved, with an increasing emphasis on home care services tailored to meet their unique needs. Let's delve into why quality home care is paramount for veterans in the present day.

Respecting Service and Sacrifice
Our veterans have selflessly served their country, dedicating their lives to protecting our freedoms. Whether they've served in times of peace or conflict, their commitment deserves our utmost respect and gratitude. As they age, many veterans may require assistance with daily activities or healthcare needs. Home care services offer a way to honor their service by providing personalized support in the comfort of their own homes.

Tailored Care for Diverse Needs
Veterans often face a myriad of health challenges, including physical injuries, mental health issues, and chronic conditions stemming from their time in service. Recognizing these unique needs, home care providers in 2024 offer specialized services designed to address each veteran's individual circumstances. From skilled nursing care to assistance with activities of daily living, these tailored services ensure that veterans receive the comprehensive support they require to thrive.

Promoting Independence and Dignity
Maintaining independence and preserving dignity are essential aspects of quality of life for veterans. Home care enables veterans to age in place, surrounded by familiar surroundings and cherished memories. By facilitating independence through assistance with tasks like medication management, mobility support, and household chores, home care providers empower veterans to maintain control over their lives while receiving the necessary support to live comfortably and safely.

Enhancing Quality of Life
The transition to civilian life can be challenging for many veterans, particularly those grappling with physical or psychological wounds incurred during their service. Home care services extend beyond just medical assistance, encompassing companionship, emotional support, and social engagement. Whether it's sharing stories of their military experiences or simply enjoying the company of a compassionate caregiver, these interactions contribute to a higher quality of life for veterans in their golden years.

Supporting Caregivers and Families
Behind every veteran receiving home care is a network of devoted caregivers and family members who provide unwavering support. In 2024, home care agencies recognize the vital role of these caregivers and offer respite services, training programs, and educational resources to alleviate the burden and ensure they receive the support they need to fulfill their caregiving duties effectively.

Advocating for Accessibility and Equity
While progress has been made in expanding access to home care services for veterans, challenges persist, particularly concerning equitable access for all veterans, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status. In 2024, advocacy efforts aim to address these disparities, advocating for policies and funding mechanisms that prioritize equitable access to quality home care for all veterans, regardless of their circumstances.

Conclusion
As we honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans, let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring they receive the highest standard of care in their later years. Home care services play a pivotal role in honoring veterans' legacies, promoting independence, and enhancing their quality of life. In 2024 and beyond, let us stand united in our efforts to provide our veterans with the respect, dignity, and support they richly deserve.

If you or a loved one is a veteran seeking more information on home care, please give us a call today at (831) 200-4555

A good night’s sleep is essential for optimal mental and physical health, no matter your age. Still, the health conditions, medications, and changes in sleep patterns that often come with age make older adults particularly prone to sleep struggles. According to the American Psychological Association, a lack of rest can then lead to depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, mood swings, and lapses in memory and concentration. 
 
If your elderly loved one is dealing with insomnia or irregular sleep patterns, you might not know where to find help. After all, relying on medicines and supplements to sleep can cause grogginess and confusion the next day, as well as urinary retention and constipation. Fortunately, plenty of natural sleep remedies are available to help seniors achieve a more restful slumber. 

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule: Routines are crucial to the health and well-being of older adults, and that includes bedtime routines. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps maintain a consistent circadian rhythm. 

• Make the bedroom a haven for sleep: Having a dark, cool, and quiet bedroom makes it easier to fall asleep. In addition, seniors should disengage from screen activities at least 30 minutes before bed to prevent the “blue” light from interfering with a good night’s rest. 

• Create a bedtime ritual: Winding down at night is an important part of preparing the body and mind for sleep. Stress-relieving activities like reading a book, listening to soothing music, or taking a warm bath are excellent remedies for elderly insomnia. 

• Avoid napping excessively: Too much daytime rest can affect the ability to fall asleep at night. Taking a brief afternoon nap is okay, but it’s also important to incorporate enough physical activity throughout the day to encourage healthy nighttime sleep patterns. 

• Avoid heavy evening meals: Certain foods tend to cause indigestion, especially in seniors. Therefore, it’s best to avoid eating a heavy dinner or overly sweet dessert too close to bedtime. Instead, try having a light, carbohydrate-rich snack—such as a few crackers or small bowl of cereal—to promote better sleep. 

• Consume the right liquids in the evening: Avoid caffeine after lunchtime, and don’t use alcohol as a sleep aid. Instead, opt for warm herbal tea in the evenings. Even then, try to avoid liquids before bed, because a full bladder can wake you up at night. 

• Schedule a doctor appointment: If these natural sleep solutions for seniors aren’t enough, consider calling your loved one’s doctor. A thorough medical exam may reveal the underlying cause of insomnia, such as restless leg syndrome, anxiety, depression, or chronic pain. 

When you can’t be there yourself, hiring an in-home caregiver is another way to help seniors get a restful sleep. The qualified, compassionate caregivers at our independently owned and operated BrightStar Care agency go above and beyond to learn your loved one’s bedtime habits and preferences, developing a plan that can help address sleep problems. Contact us to learn more. 

Millennials: A younger generation caring for elderly loved ones 

The Baby Boomer generation currently ranges in age from their mid-50s to mid-70s. As this population gets older, a growing number of Millennials (currently 25 to 40 years old) are assuming the role of caregiver for their parents or grandparents. In fact, an estimated 10 million Millennials in the US serve as the primary supporter for an aging loved one. This accounts for one in four family caregivers. 

Common Struggles Millennial Caregivers Face 

If you have become a caregiver as a 20- or 30-something, you probably encounter certain challenges every day. The struggles listed here are not necessarily exclusive to Millennial caregivers. However, your journey may be somewhat unique because of where you’re at in life when caregiving becomes your responsibility. 

• Navigating the healthcare system: HIPAA restrictions, insurance issues, and other aspects of our complex healthcare system make it difficult for young caregivers to advocate for their parents and grandparents. 

• Finding emotional and mental health support: While caregiving can be incredibly fulfilling, it also comes with emotional and mental health struggles. Many resources assume the caregiver is an older Generation Xer, not a Millennial with a young family of their own. As a result, burnout and stress are prevalent among young family caregivers. 

• Stalled career and delayed higher education: Millennials are more likely to still be in school or working toward career advancement because of their young age. If they suddenly become caregivers, this can lead to uncertainty about the future. Some Millennials feel pressured to delay their education or forego job promotions due to the new and challenging responsibility of being a family caregiver. 

• Financial instability: College tuition has more than doubled since the 1980s. The oldest Millennials who graduated college around age 22 in 2003 averaged $16,000 in student debt ($22,000 in today’s money). But the youngest Millennials who finished school in 2018 averaged nearly $30,000 in loans upon graduation. Saddled with more debt and spending an average of 27 percent of their income on caregiving expenses, it’s no surprise that so many Millennial caregivers struggle to achieve financial stability. 

Home Care Resource for Millennial Caregivers 

Always remember—you are not alone! In-home care providers can relieve some of your responsibility so you have more time to focus on your personal life, education, and career without feeling like you’re neglecting your elderly loved one. Respite care is also an option available to you that provides short-term, temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities. Whether it is 1 hour or 24 hours, we’re ready to meet your needs. Here are some of the additional services available: 

• Personal care 

• Companion care 

• Alzheimer’s and dementia care 

• Disability services 

• Transportation 

• And more 

 

Your loved one deserves nothing less than extraordinary care. That’s what makes the nurses, CNAs, and other professionals at independently owned and operated BrightStar Care agencies the right fit for you. We are pleased to offer the most professional, compassionate care possible while helping your loved one continue living in the comforting, familiar surroundings of home. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you. 

Traveling with seniors presents unique challenges you may not be used to when traveling by yourself or with peers. Taking a road trip with your aging parents can be stressful but rewarding and is an experience to be cherished rather than missed. Sometimes, people need to get away from their everyday lives and experience life out on the open road. Vacations can be enriching physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually. And when traveling with senior loved ones, taking the proper precautions and planning makes the road trip experience smoother for all involved.
 
1. Get medical clearance for your aging parent to travel.

This may seem like an obvious place to start when planning a road trip with your aging parent. However, you may be surprised that some don’t clear travel with their loved one’s physician. Never attempt to take a road trip with a senior who may have medical issues without consulting their physician. There may be certain considerations you were not aware of that may impact how you should prepare or indicate traveling is not in the best interest of their health and safety. Always use your best judgment and err on the side of caution.

2. Ensure all of the accommodations are senior-friendly.

When making travel arrangements, be sure to ask about senior-friendly accommodations. If flying, call the airline and ask for tips about making seniors more comfortable during the flight and within the airport. Seniors may require assistance and extra time to get around in the airport, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to catch your flight without rushing them. If renting a car or booking a hotel or flight, address accessibility concerns. For example, if your parent has a wheelchair or requires oxygen, you’ll want to make sure the transportation and lodging can accommodate these needs.

3. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

When traveling with seniors, be sure to give yourself extra time to clear customs or make the road trip with additional rest breaks. Taking frequent restroom stops or time for your loved ones to take their medications with food is essential to alleviating their travel concerns. It will relieve stress on all of you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends stopping at least once every couple of hours to get up and move around to keep the blood circulating and help reduce the risk of blood clots from lack of movement.

4. Bring medications and senior care necessities with you.

Be sure to pack your loved one’s medications, insurance and identification cards, and medical records in case of an emergency. We recommend taking an extra week’s worth of medications and copies of their prescriptions in case you’re delayed coming back for any reason, especially when traveling abroad. When traveling somewhere with changing time zones, be aware that you may need to make a few adjustments when administering your loved one’s medications. If they take time-sensitive medications, you may want to set a timer or keep a watch set to your home time, so their schedule isn’t interrupted. If your loved one requires senior care, get tips from their professional caregiver to continue this care.

5. Give seniors time to adjust to changes during vacations.

Remember to give your aging parent time to adjust to changes to their regular routine during your trip. Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s may feel overstimulated or stressed in a new environment. Try to stick to their meal, medication, and bedtimes as closely as possible. If they usually watch specific TV programs before bed or are used to having a private bathroom, try to accommodate this. You may also consider bringing along familiar bed linens or puzzles, games, and books to enjoy together.

Get additional senior care advice from BrightStar Care®

BrightStar Care® specializes in providing in-home senior care with around-the-clock caregivers. We have agencies across the country, so if you’re traveling within the United States, you may be able to seek our professional support services once you get to your destination. 

Make a Difference in 6 Minutes: Parkinson's Awareness Month 

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, a time to unite against this progressive neurological disease. A staggering statistic: someone in the U.S. receives a Parkinson's diagnosis every 6 minutes. But together, we can make a difference! 

Actionable Steps: 

Fight Back with Research - 

• Become a PD GENEration Hero: You can participate in a free genetic study for Parkinson's. Contribute to research breakthroughs!  

• Learn from the Experts: You can Watch informative Neuro Talk videos on Parkinson's research. Explore research studies you can join.  

• Donate for a Brighter Future: You can support the Parkinson's Virtual Biotech to accelerate development of life-changing treatments.  

Get the Care You Deserve -  

• Connect with Parkinson's Specialists: You can call the free Helpline (1-800-4PD-INFO) for referrals or exercise classes near you. 

• Find Your Parkinson's Care Team: You can use the zip code search to locate medical centers and local chapters. Order a hospital safety kit to advocate for your best care.  

Stay Informed, Get Involved -  

• Empower Yourself with Knowledge: You can read PD publications and register for PD Health @ Home events. Gain the tools to effectively manage Parkinson's.  

• Join the Parkinson's Community: You can sign up for the email list for the latest updates. Share our PD infographic to raise awareness.  

• Attend Local Events: You can connect with others who understand Parkinson's at educational or community events (in-person or virtual).  

• #ABCsofPD on Social Media: You can follow us as we explore Parkinson's complexity and symptoms throughout April. Share your story using #ABCsofPD! 

Light Up April with Hope -  

Your 6 minutes can truly make a difference. Let's raise awareness, accelerate research, and empower those living with Parkinson's. Together, we can create a brighter future where Parkinson's is better understood and managed.  

For more resources and information, visit the Parkinson’s Foundation! 

Light Up the Night, Light Up Hope: Go Blue for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shed light on this disease. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, affecting both men and women. One powerful way to raise awareness and show support is by participating in the #BlueForCRC campaign. By turning your city or town blue, you can make a significant impact in promoting awareness, encouraging screenings, and saving lives.  

Why Blue? 
The colon cancer ribbon is blue, making blue lights a striking visual reminder of the fight against this cancer. Seeing landmarks and buildings bathed in blue creates a sense of community and solidarity. 

How to Get Involved 

• Contact Your Local Officials: Reach out to your mayor, city council members, or parks department. Explain the #BlueForCRC initiative and ask if they'd be willing to illuminate a local landmark, building, or bridge in blue during March. 
• Spread the Word: Share the #BlueForCRC campaign on social media. Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to contact their local representatives. 
• Think Big (or Small): Don't be discouraged if you can't light up a major landmark. Even lighting up your own porch or asking local businesses to participate can make a big impact. 

Shine a Light on Prevention 
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it's also highly preventable through regular screenings. Early detection is key to successful treatment. 

By participating in #BlueForCRC, you're not just raising awareness – you're helping to save lives. The more people who know about colorectal cancer and the importance of screenings, the more lives we can protect. 

Here are some additional resources: 

• The Colon Cancer Coalition: Colon Cancer Coalition: https://coloncancercoalition.org/ 
• Fight Colorectal Cancer: [Fight Colorectal Cancer organization ON Fight Colorectal Cancer fightcolorectalcancer.org] 

Let's turn our cities and towns blue this March and show colorectal cancer that we won't back down!