First-Time Caregiver?  You're Not Alone and Hospice Can Help

Let's celebrate one of nature's most delightful offerings: the pistachio. These little green gems are not just a treat for the taste buds; they're also packed with health benefits. Let's crack open the world of pistachios and other nuts, exploring their health benefits and some delicious pistachio-based snacks.The Wonder of PistachiosA Nutty HistoryPistachios have been a cherished snack for millennia. Originating from the Middle East, they have been a symbol of wellness and robust health since ancient times. Today, they are enjoyed worldwide, known for their unique flavor and vibrant green hue.Health Benefits of Pistachios1. Heart Health: Pistachios are great for your heart. They're loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber, which help in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease.2. Weight Management: Despite being energy-dense, pistachios have a high protein content and fiber, which can help in feeling full and preventing overeating.3. Blood Sugar Control: Their low glycemic index makes pistachios a smart snack choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.4. Eye Health: Pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are crucial for eye health.We've put together a selection of pistachio-based snacks. From roasted and salted pistachios to pistachio-infused treats, there's something for every nut lover. These snacks are perfect for a healthy, satisfying nibble.Uncanny | Pistachio Salted | 1.3oz CanWonderful | No Shell Pistachios Roasted & Salted 0.75ozconsciouSnack Obleas Pistachio Amaranth Wafers (1.05oz)B'cuz | Granola Bites Cherry Pistachio Gluten-Free Snack (1oz)A Nut for Every NeedWhile pistachios are in the spotlight today, let's not forget about the wide variety of nuts available, each with its own set of health benefits. Almonds are great for vitamin E, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and cashews are packed with iron and magnesium. Incorporating a mix of nuts into your diet can provide a broad spectrum of nutrients and health benefits.Visit our website - we are more than snacks, we promote wellness.  Perfect for vegans, diabetics, celiac, keto, and more...  

Spotify  This company has created a virtual music library that you can personalize to your specifications; 70s rock n roll, anyone? You have the ability to save songs to your library, make playlists and listen to Spotifys premade playlists. Spotify also offers a variety of comedy stations, audiobooks and a specially-made playlist of music you may be interested in. There three different ways to listen: smartphone app, computer desktop program and a web player. The first two provide icons that take you immediately to your music library, while the web player can be accessed through an internet search engine.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download, but it will play ads. You can remove the ads for a monthly fee.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It has millions of different songs from which to choose.Old Time Radio Player  Do you miss classic radio programs and theatric radio voices?This app can take you back in time. There are over 14,000 episodes from classic shows, such as Hopalong Cassidy, Dick Tracy and Sherlock Holmes.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devicesIt is free.It is easy to use.Audible  If you like to read but find your eyes straining, Audible may be a solution. Through this app, you can choose a book from genres, such as history or romance, and a narrator will read the novel to you. This app is the hip, new successor to the books on cassette tapes. Your first book is free, but you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download, but you will have to pay for subsequent books.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.You can cancel your subscription and keep the books you previously downloaded.Waze  Pronounced ways, this handy GPS app is a must for drivers. Its goal is to help drivers avoid traffic jams and quickly get them where they need to be. Waze does this by tracking your car and asking drivers to submit accidents, road hazards and more, so other drivers can get the heads-up. The navigation map shows events in real time, so drivers can see the most current traffic reports.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It includes turn-by-turn navigation.Shazam  This app takes all the guess work out of remembering song titles or lyrics. If you hear a song on a TV commercial or on the radio, Shazam can listen and search for the song in its database. The app allows you to explore new and old artists.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices, Apple products and Windows smartphones.Provides the option to purchase and download songs.Honey  Honey actually isnt an app for your smartphone or tablet. It downloads onto your computer as an extension and appears as a small icon near your search bar. If you shop online, you need Honey because it applies every promo code on the internet to your online shopping cart, which saves you money. When you sign up, youll also become a member of their awards program called Honey Gold where you can earn a $10 gift card or make a donation to a charity.Some benefits of the app include:Its free to download on your computer.It works on Mac and Windows computers.You can delete your account and the extension if needed.Duolingo  If learning a new language is your goal, look to Duolingo. You can learn languages such as, Welsh, Spanish and Greek. Each lesson asks you to speak, listen, translate and answer multiple choice questions. The way the lessons are set up, its like playing a game.Some benefits of the app include:Its free but you can pay $6.99 per month to remove ads and add more perks.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It uses images and audio to help you learn.Venmo  Need to pay someone back but dont have cash or time to run to the bank? Use Venmo. You can connect your bank account or debit card with Venmo and instantly recieve and send money to anyone with a Venmo account. You can also pay for goods and services online if they accept Venmo as a payment.Some benefits of the app include:The app is free.Its free to send and receive money or use money to purchase something online. Their standard 3 percent fee applies to credit cards.Venmo uses encryption to help protect your account details.WordScapes  WordScapes is a cross between a text twist and a crossword puzzle. It challenges your vocabulary as you twist the letters to find words that will fit correctly in the crossword puzzle. It also features beautiful landscapes in the background to keep you zen and focused.Some benefits of the app include:The app is free but does include ads.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.Theres over 5,000 puzzles.WordBrain  If a word scramble and Bejeweled were blended, it would be this app. You can keep your mind sharp as you find hidden words and collapse the puzzles. It boasts 580 levels, so youll never run out of fun challenges.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It is free.The rules are easy to learn.Draw Something  Its a fun game you can play with family and friends wherever they are. Players take turns drawing the given word and the other player must guess the word using only the picture and letters provided. If you enjoy Pictionary or charades, you should download this app.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It is free.It offers a fun way to interact with your children or grandchildren.Lumosity  Developers have transformed cognition tests created by scientists mini mind games. Lumosity says their games will keep your mind sharp by working to enhance memory, attention and other skills. After each game, you can see your results or scores.Yoga for Adults & Seniors: For Increased Mobility & Flexibility  A yoga instructor will guide you through stretches and sequences tailored for adults and seniors. It's also beneficial for those of all ages with restricted mobility.Diabetes AppsDiabetes is becoming more prevalent across the globe. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death in 2030. The majority of people around the world with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.However, people can delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes with physical activity, a healthy diet and maintaining a normal body, according to the WHO. Here are some apps created to help people manage their diabetes.Always consult your physician for medical advice regarding diabetes diagnosis, treatment and management. If you are interested in trying one of these apps, ask your doctor if it would be beneficial to your care plan.MyNetDiary   is a calorie counter, weight and exercise tracker, and more. It has an extensive index of food items ranging from specific brands to dishes at popular restaurants. There is a separate app, called, MyNetDiary Diabetes Tracker, where you or your loved one can view reports to see the impact of foods, medications and exercise on blood glucose levels. MyNetDiary works best if you create an account on their website.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, the Pro version of the app is $3.99, the Diabetes Tracker app is $9.99 and the Maximum upgrade subscription is $5 per month.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt can sync with activity trackers, such as the Fitbit.mySugr  tracks blood glucose levels, medication, meals and physical activity. It has colorful, clear graphs and charts that make it easy to understand how food and exercise influence glucose levels. mySugr also has a HGA1c (hemoglobin A1c) monitor on the home screen, so you can quickly check your results.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, you can choose to upgrade to the Pro version for $2.99 per month or $27.99 per year. You can also purchase a certified diabetes educator coaching feature for $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt connects with glucometers, such as Accu-Chek.Fooducate  is a health and activity monitor. The app calls itself a nutritionist in your pocket because when a user scans a food products bar code, the app analyzes the products nutrition panel and ingredient list. Fooducate also grades raw and pre-prepared meats, processed and raw fruits, and much more. In the app you can share recipes and motivation within the community.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, you can choose to purchase a subscription for premium features. Premium features let users customize their dietary needs in case of food allergies, such as gluten and lactose intolerances.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt recommends healthier options based on what you are eating.Glucoracle  is an app and research project at Columbia University. The app can predict your or your loved ones blood sugar levels after eating a specific snack or food. All you need to do is take a photo of your food item, estimate the nutritional content (such as carbohydrates) and the app will calculate a blood glucose forecast. The researchers goal is to help people with diabetes to improve their self-management by making healthier meal choices and preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleThe forecast is personalized through food intake and blood glucose measurements.Apps for People With DementiaApps can be beneficial and fun for people with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. The following apps may not be appropriate for all the stages of dementia, so test out which apps will be best for your loved one. Pocket Pond 2  Everything is Zen in this app, recommended by the Alzheimers Association. You and your loved one can design a relaxing pond by adding koi fish, lily pads and other creatures. You can even make splashes in your pool. There are more in depth ways to play, such as raising and selling your koi, but you dont need to do that to enjoy the game.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.In-app purchase options can be turned off.Tiny Piano and Mini Piano: These two apps, for Apple products and Android devices respectively, allows you to play on a tiny, mini piano. The little pianos display a section of realistic piano keys, which you and your loved one can press. You can play famous songs or create your own masterpiece. What sets these two piano apps apart is that you can tap any key to follow along with the song. So, your loved one can enjoy the music by just keeping the tempo, hitting anywhere on the piano. This is a great option for those who have limited physical and/or cognitive abilities.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products, respectively.The apps come with free, preloaded songs.Colorfy  This app makes it easier to participate in the adult coloring trend. Colorfy is equipped with templates or coloring books, featuring designs such as mandalas, flowers and animals. To color, select a colored pencil and just tap the section or area you want to fill in. If you make a mistake, you can use the undo option. You can also zoom into the image if your loved one has low vision. The one drawback is that while the app is free, not every coloring book is free.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.The app can run without an internet connection.

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be a difficult and emotional time for both the patient and their family. Hospice care provides a specialized form of medical care that focuses on the comfort and quality of life for patients who have a limited life expectancy. Hospice care not only benefits the patient, but it also provides support and assistance for their caregivers. In this article, we will explore the benefits of hospice care for both patients and caregivers.For Patients:Pain and Symptom Management: Hospice care specializes in providing comfort care, which means that the medical team focuses on managing pain and symptoms associated with the illness. This can include providing medication and other therapies to alleviate discomfort.Emotional Support: Hospice care teams include trained professionals who offer emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. These professionals can provide counseling, emotional support, and assistance with coping strategies to help patients and their families manage their emotions during this difficult time.Dignity and Respect: Hospice care is designed to provide compassionate care that is focused on the patients dignity and respect. Patients are treated as individuals with unique needs, preferences, and beliefs. The goal of hospice care is to ensure that patients are comfortable and treated with respect throughout the entire end-of-life process.Personalized Care: Hospice care is tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. This means that care is provided based on the patients unique medical condition, personal preferences, and goals. The hospice care team works with patients and their families to develop a care plan that is customized to their needs.Support for Family Members: Hospice care offers support for family members who are caring for their loved ones. This can include counseling, respite care, and assistance with end-of-life planning.For Caregivers:Respite Care: Hospice care provides respite care for caregivers, which means that a trained professional takes over caregiving responsibilities for a short period of time so that the caregiver can take a break. This can be particularly helpful for family members who are caring for a loved one 24/7.Emotional Support: Hospice care teams offer emotional support to caregivers as well. Caregivers often experience stress, anxiety, and depression as they care for their loved ones. Hospice care professionals can provide counseling and other resources to help caregivers manage their emotions.Education and Training: Hospice care teams can provide education and training to caregivers so that they are better equipped to care for their loved ones. This can include training on medication management, pain management, and other aspects of end-of-life care.Support for End-of-Life Planning: Hospice care teams can help caregivers with end-of-life planning, which can include assistance with advance directives, funeral planning, and other important decisions that need to be made.Continued Support: Hospice care teams provide continued support to caregivers even after their loved one has passed away. This can include grief counseling and other resources to help caregivers cope with the loss of their loved one.Hospice care provides specialized medical care that focuses on the comfort and quality of life for patients who have a limited life expectancy. Hospice care not only benefits the patient, but it also provides support and assistance for their caregivers. Hospice care offers a range of benefits, including pain and symptom management, emotional support, dignity and respect, personalized care, respite care, education and training, support for end-of-life planning, and continued support for caregivers after their loved one has passed away. If you or a loved one are facing a terminal illness, it is important to consider the benefits of hospice care and to discuss this option with your healthcare provider. For more information about hospice care services please contact our caring team today.