Preparing for surgery, even outpatient office procedures, can be stressful, to the point of not talking or sleeping, and moodiness. Today’s procedure was painful to watch, and the aftermath has been miserable for my spouse. Details aren’t really relevant but it was one of those “private” parts. The information sheet was vague but acknowledged “some…
Author: Carol Ann Heath, Ed.D.
Why Surgery for Pinched Nerves May Not Be the Best Option
Aging brings with it a series of physical and mental challenges. Yesterday, my very best friend went to the last of three doctors, up the medical chain, to obtain relief from a pinched nerve. She was shocked when he prescribed Tramadol and refused her surgery, without explanation. I asked AI why? “It points out that…
Embracing Retirement: The Gift of Time
Going out in the real world entails dealing with people, shoppers, drivers, store clerks, and parking. I used to be conscious of time and the use of it. While I still list-make and value time, I am able to step back and ease into most life situations. So many people are rushing around and making…
Energy Level
xer10,000 v 7500 steps a day???? Almost every day, medical advice is updated, and we have to decide what information we will implement. I walk 30 minutes each morning, early, since I live in one of the hottest areas of the country. Some days I walk a bit longer, some a bit shorter. Some days…
Monday Motivation
“Take joy in the process, because the process is the only thing you have control over.” I have always loved writing, generally to no substantive result. I have diaries from when I was a child with one-sentence entries. As I got older, I collected letters from middle and high school. These letters were either exchanged…
What Now?
Life is at a crucial point for older Americans. Will we continue to get Social Security? Will Medicare still exist to provide quality health care for citizens over 65? These past 100-plus days have taken a toll on older Americans, instilling a pervasive fear of watching the news or reading our papers. When texting about…
Desert Winds
How is there wind without clouds? This phenomenon is the first time I encountered this, trees blowing, pieces of palm trees falling, and clear, hot sunny skies. The wind here is entirely unexpected. Having lived 12 years on the Atlantic Ocean, wind accompanied a front coming in, usually from the west. Strong winds come, usually…
In-law Rant
This is a rant that is realistically due only to having kids in their early 40s, married, and having in-laws. One of my children’s mother-in-law subtly and pointedly insults me, even when she is having dinner at my house. After 11 years, last night finally got to me and hurt my feelings to the point…
The Power of Blogging in Sharing the Joys and Disappointments of Aging
The Atlantic has an article that says it best…The Invisibility of the Older Woman. When I retired the thought that memory of my 45 years of work on behalf of children with disabilities would be remembered was absurb in retrospect. I held a position of substance in State Government for 15 years. That particular accomplishment…
Eating Well
Depending on the phase of my life, it would vary according to relationship and geography. Working in a city as I did lends itself to many after-work dinners at various restaurants. Major metropolitan areas have a wide range of food, usually ethnic options and a variety of American fare. The American restaurants were more expensive,…
Life Gets Better 