A Cure with No Side Effects

Recently I received one of those emails from a friend that had a link to watch a funny animated video clip.  The clip was one of the most clever that I have ever seen.  In fact, not only was it funny, but also it was thought provoking.  It poked fun on how we as a society are so quick to pop a pill for whatever ails us.  My personal position on pill-popping is right in line with that tongue and cheek video clip.  I am a medical centrist.  I rarely take an aspirin for a headache.  In fact, I always try to resort to a natural cure for a health problem prior to resorting to any type of pharmaceutical cure.  That being said, I also believe that there is a time and a place for everything, and I certainly would listen to my doctor and take any appropriate treatment for a life-threatening disease.

When I gave birth to my first child I found (in hindsight) that one intervention lead to the next, and the next and the next.  In a matter of speaking, it was as if each intervention had a side-effect which required the next intervention.  Looking back, had I not had the first intervention, I might have had the natural birth experience I truly wanted.  It makes me wonder how often we take a pill for one thing that causes us side effects which we need to take more pills for.

When I look at the published statistics of our elderly in the United States and see that over 50% of the population over the age of 65 is depressed, it makes me scratch my head.  Isn’t this the land of opportunity?  Aren’t those the golden years?  What is making our senior population so down?  My belief is that frequently unhappiness in one or more areas of a person’s life leads to dis-ease.  All too often doctors are quick to write a prescription for an antidepressant when a patient is feeling blue.  Just look at the amount of money the pharmaceutical companies are making for these medications (and look at the side effects too).

I am certain that there are a number of factors that lead to depression among our elderly… health issues, financial woes, loss of loved ones, loss of independence, and boredom just to name a few.  I know that these are real and valid concerns, and while there isn’t much I can do in regards to one’s health (although I can recommend a couple of really good doctors in West Hartford who really take time with their patients) or one’s financial woes (other than refer clients to a good financial manager or two), there IS something I can do to help in the other areas.

Companions for Living is more than just your typical companion service.  We are really focused on helping a client to LIVE.  We take a holistic approach to homecare by engaging our clients cognitively, emotionally and physically.  When I started this company I designed a Life Coaching program that is revolutionary in homecare.  Life Coaching is focused on re-engaging a person in activities they enjoyed when they were younger, healthier, etc. as well as helping them to explore activities they have always wanted to try.  The process is all about keeping our clients active and involved.  The populations we have seen benefit the most from this program are those with earlier stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those who have recently become widowed – particularly if they were the primary caregiver.  Life Coaching is accomplished in just 2 sessions, is very reasonably priced, and can have amazing and long lasting effects.  It makes an invaluable gift for a loved one.

I know that it is sometimes just plain easier to pop a pill, and in some cases that might be the right thing to do.  However, in most cases, eating nutritious foods, drinking lots of water, getting the proper amount of rest, getting involved, and becoming active again, can do the trick.  Let us help.  Call us to find out more about Life Coaching and our other services at 860-413-9306.