What 9 Celebrities Are Breast Cancer Survivors?

When thinking about celebrities, many of us picture people with fame, fortune, good looks and bodies to match. We admire them and at times probably wished we could lead their charmed lives. But leading the lifestyle of the rich and famous does not protect someone from a breast cancer diagnosis. The following are some celebrities you might recognize, but might not have known about their individual battles to become breast cancer survivors.

Celebrity Breast Cancer Survivors

Christina Applegate is an actress who got her start as a teenager playing Kelly Bundy on Married with Children. She was diagnosed at young age with breast cancer, 36, opting for a lumpectomy at the time. Later on, after learning she possessed the genetic mutation for breast cancer (BRCA positive), she made the decision to proceed with a double mastectomy. Flash forward a decade later, and Applegate is still dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness, specifically for early detection with her foundation, Right Action for Women.

Sheryl Crow is a Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter with hits like “All I Wanna Do” and “If It Makes You Happy.” She is another 10+ year breast cancer survivor because her cancer was found early, and she understands the importance of educating women to get their annual mammograms. In fact, last year, she became the national spokesperson for Hologic’s Genius™ 3D Mammography exam.

Peter Criss plays drums behind the legendary front man, Gene Simmons, for the rock band KISS. Although he first noticed a lump in 2007, he did not learn that he had cancer in his left breast for another two years. As a breast cancer survivor, he is determined to raise awareness about the fact that men can develop breast cancer, too.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a comedic actress formerly on Seinfeld and currently appearing in her Emmy Award-winning show Veep on HBO. She announced her diagnosis in a very public fashion on Twitter on Thursday, September 28. “One in 8 women gets breast cancer,” she stated in her tweet. “Today, I’m the one.”

Olivia Newton John is the British-born but Australian-raised singer/songwriter who first hit American radio airwaves with her lesser known song “All Things Must Pass” until she hit it big with “I Honestly Love You.” And of course, she rose to stardom when appearing opposite John Travolta in the movie adaptation of the musical “Grease.” In 1992, Newton John received her breast cancer diagnosis and decided to have mastectomy. She was cancer-free for 25 years, but learned earlier this year breast cancer had returned and localized in another area of her body, the pelvis. The recurrence was discovered due to the fact that she experienced pain upon walking. This time around, Newton John opted for radiation therapy along with a strong focus on yoga and other natural therapies, such as herbal supplements, meditation and even medicinal cannabis. She is currently raising money for her cancer wellness center in Melbourne, as well as fund clinical research trails for potential breakthrough cancer treatments.

Giuliana Rancic is the former host of E! News and appeared opposite her husband in the reality TV show Giuliana & Bill. In October 2011, prior to undergoing another round of infertility treatment, Rancic’s mammogram uncovered early-stage breast cancer. Two months later she had a double mastectomy along with reconstructive surgery. A couple of years ago, Rancic created Fab-U-Wish, a non-profit organization that now runs in conjunction with The Pink Agenda. The mission of Fab-U-Wish is to grant celebrity-themed wishes to women who are undergoing breast cancer treatment.

Robin Roberts started her broadcast career as one of the first female reporters in sports on ESPN, which then led to her position as a featured reporter for Good Morning America and eventually becoming the show’s co-anchor. After performing her self-breast exam in 2007, she found the lump, which a biopsy confirmed as early stage breast cancer. Roberts’ treatment plan included a lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, six and a half weeks of radiation therapy and eight rounds of chemotherapy. She survived breast cancer only to learn five years later that she developed a rare blood disease known as myelodysplastic syndrome (MSD), which was attributed to her cancer treatment. Roberts has used her position on the national morning show to help raise breast cancer awareness along with importance of donating to Be the Match, a national bone marrow registry.

Jaclyn Smith is famous for her role as Kelly Garrett in the original Charlie’s Angels TV series. Her annual mammogram in 2002 uncovered her breast cancer, which was treated with a lumpectomy and radiation. Concerning a woman’s battle against breast cancer, her words of wisdom are to find a support group: Don’t go it alone.

Suzanne Somers first came into our homes as Chrissy on Three’s Company back in the 1970s. After hearing the words, “You have breast cancer,” the marketer behind the Thighmaster proceeded with a lumpectomy and radiation treatment plan, steering clear of chemotherapy. She opted instead to follow alternative therapeutic methods in her breast cancer recovery. Shortly thereafter, she also adopted an organic diet and strict exercise regimen. Somers’ lesson learned after breast cancer is to empower women to become the healthiest versions of themselves, a strong breast cancer survivor.

At Chapters Health System and its affiliates—Good Shepherd Hospice, HPH Hospice and LifePath Hospice, every day is devoted to educating our patients and keeping them in the place they call home. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients, young and old alike, and their families are able to make educated decisions about important healthcare matters. For more information, please call our helpful Chapters Health team at 1.866.204.8611 or send an email to info@chaptershealth.org. 

About Phoebe Ochman

Phoebe Ochman, Director of Corporate Communications for Chapters Health System, manages all content and communications for the not-for-profit organization.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

If you didn’t have access to a calendar, you would probably realize that October has arrived when you start seeing pink everywhere.

Every year, the month of October is set aside for breast cancer awareness. The following are some startling statistics from the American Cancer Society and BreastCancer.org:

About 12 percent (1 in 8 U.S. women) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women.

In 2017, it’s estimated that about 30 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.

As of March 2017, there are more than 3.1 million women with a history of breast cancer in the United States. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment.

A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

About 5-10 percent of breast cancers can be linked to gene mutations (abnormal changes) inherited from one’s mother or father.

About 85 percent of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer.

In women under 45, breast cancer is more common in African-American women than white women.

About 2,470 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2017.

A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000.

Shift is the Gift: New Approach to Viewing the End of Life

Today we continue “DRops of Wisdom,” our physician blog, with Dr. Chad Farmer, the Medical Director for LifePath Hospice, an affiliate of Chapters Health System. He shares what he calls “the shift is the gift.”

Road Less Traveled

In a physician’s life, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made along the way. Where to attend medical school? Where to go for an internship? What specialty you might be leaning toward for a residency? For me with these types of decisions, there was always one clear way and then another path that was a little more challenging and a little more complex.

Throughout my life, I’ve always chosen the road that was more complex. For instance, after growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I opted to attend college in Atlanta at Emory University. I knew I wanted to study medicine, but instead of majoring in biology or chemistry like most pre-med students, I opted for sociology. Later on in my medical career, I went to Milwaukee for my palliative care fellowship. I could have stayed on in the city after the program was completed, yet I chose a road less traveled by moving to Tampa and joining LifePath Hospice. This philosophy and life motto truly shaped who I am today.

Choosing Hospice

I am often asked why I became a hospice physician. It stems back to my childhood, as I grew up in a house with profound grief due to the unexpected death of a sibling. I recall frequent discussions in our household because we never had the chance to say goodbye and never would again.

During medical school and my residency, I always gravitated toward patients who were really sick. The families were struggling with the realization that their loved ones had a very short time left to live. One day, a very wise ICU charge nurse pulled me aside one day and said, “You are very special.” When I hesitantly asked her why, she told me that I needed to look into hospice as a career. That moment set off a spark.

At this point in time, I was a resident, a junior one at that, and I didn’t really understand what hospice meant. Subsequently, I started to process her words and look into hospice. As I learned more and more about hospice, I started to understand why I had always gravitated toward patients with chronic illnesses.

The Shift is the Gift Explained

When patients and families are given the news that they might only have days or weeks together, you often observe them experiencing profound grief, anger and hurt. What I was discovering when caring for these patients was that I could help them and their families by shifting their collective frame of mind.

The shift is the gift is not a medical term. It’s not defined in the dictionary. It is more of a concept: While death cannot be cured, your frame of mind can change.

We frequently hear patients and their loved ones say they wish hospice care had started sooner. They go on to say that hospice is a gift. It’s a gift of allowing people to live and die with dignity and compassion. Additionally, hospice allows patients to do things they love and spend time with the people they cherish the most.

Yes, hearing the news that a loved one would benefit from hospice is not easy. However, hospice gives days, weeks or even months to spend with your loved ones and appreciate every moment you have with them. Simply speaking, hospice gives patients and families time to have a proper goodbye.

This is why I chose to specialize in hospice. When patients and families embrace the shift-is- the-gift concept, it makes my career that much more meaningful.

What Would You Like to Read about in Future Posts?

In “DRops of Wisdom,” we want to feature posts with subject matter that interests you. Please leave a comment or email us with your ideas.

At Chapters Health System, every day is devoted to educating our patients and keeping them in the place they call home. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients, young and old alike, and their families are able to make educated decisions about important healthcare matters. For more information, please call our helpful Chapters Health team at 1.866.204.8611 or send an email to info@chaptershealth.org. 

Chad Farmer, MD, MA

As the medical director at LifePath Hospice, Chad Farmer, MD, MA, is a local resource for area hospitals seeking to educate staff on issues surrounding chronic conditions, palliative care and hospice programs, and he often presents at national conferences. He has a 12-year history with LifePath Hospice and Chapters Health System. Over this time period, Dr. Farmer served in various roles, including staff physician, medical director of Chapters Health Palliative Care and associate medical director of Patient Access. Prior to returning to LifePath Hospice, Dr. Farmer most recently served as associate medical director for Covenant Hospice, which operates in Northwest Florida and Southern Alabama.

Dr. Farmer earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Emory University in Atlanta, his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine in Oklahoma City and a Master of Arts from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Dr. Farmer is a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care.

Hurricane Irma Teamwork: How Chapters Health System Banded Together

Every year from June through November, we know there is always the possibility that a hurricane could head our way as Florida residents. This year, as the official end of the summer came to pass with the arrival of Labor Day weekend, our collective eyes turned to watch the progress of Irma track across the Caribbean and set its sights on Florida. Barbecues, beach days and summer blockbusters were all put on hold as Floridians raced to get ready for the purported Category 4-5 wrath of Hurricane Irma.

Getting prepared for a major hurricane takes on a whole different meaning when it comes to hospice patients and families. In today’s blog post, learn how Chapters Health System banded together for the entire duration with Hurricane Irma teamwork.

Pre-Hurricane Irma Teamwork

Prior to Irma’s arrival in the Tampa Bay area, one of the first tasks at hand was converting the University of South Florida’s Sun Dome  into a special needs shelter. It officially opened Friday, September 8, well in advance of any inclement weather. LifePath Hospice staff—nurses, aides, chaplains, social workers, volunteers and physicians—were all on hand to help care for hospice patients, and evacuees with special needs.

Also in attendance at the Sun Dome was AllCare Medical Supply, the durable medical equipment (DME) provider for all Chapters Health affiliates. The following is one shared story that demonstrates Hurricane Irma teamwork:

“Our DME driver from AllCare, D’Ron, came with a delivery on Friday and stayed with us all weekend. He was a joy to work with and pitched in wherever we needed an extra hand. He also knows sign language and was able to communicate with one of our hospice patients who is deaf, alleviating worry and concern. Team Sun Dome was awesome!”

— Pam Orlosky, Clinical Manager, LifePath Hospice

Additionally, across all Chapters Health affiliates—Good Shepherd Hospice, HPH Hospice and LifePath Hospice—the hospice houses needed to be readied. During the storm, the facilities not only would care for admitted patients but also shelter those who needed to evacuate. Many employees and volunteers stepped up to the plate to assist those who might not have the means or support.

“We had 15 volunteers step up and help get ready for the storm. I had one volunteer ’fight the lines‘ in stores Friday so that a patient had food and water as she was staying in her home during the storm.”

—Kathy Karamitsos, Volunteer Coordinator, HPH Hospice

In all the hurricane preparedness, an important lesson learned from past hurricanes was to make sure employees could expect their normal paycheck deposits post-Irma.

“Prior to Hurricane Irma’s arrival, our Finance Department worked tirelessly to ensure that payroll would be processed timely so all Chapters Health employees would be paid the following Friday as normal and on schedule.”  

—Jill Fitzpatrick, Associate Vice President, Finance, Chapters Health

During Hurricane Irma Teamwork

As Hurricane Irma inched closer to the entire Chapters Health service area and curfews were put in place, many staff members and volunteers needed to ride out the course of the storm at the special needs shelter and hospice houses. These individuals had to stay put until it was safe to travel again and their relief arrived. In some cases, this meant from Sunday morning, September 10, until Tuesday morning, September 12.

“Marliere Hospice House had a few nurses and staff who stayed at the house and worked extra shifts through the storm, going above and beyond to make sure our house patients and evacuees were well cared for.  A few that come to mind are Sheryl Capshaw, RN; Jean Curran RN; Jennifer Turner, RN; Emily Burkett, LPN; Sherri Weddington, Paulakay Johnson, Teresa Rye, Rosemary Raczon and several others. Patient caregivers joined the ranks and assisted with passing meal trays and other tasks that needed to be done. Everyone remained positive and calm despite the weather conditions and no air conditioning.”

—Cyndi Cortes, RN, BSN, CHPN, Regional Director, HPH Hospice

The following two stories were shared by Kirsten Black, Volunteer Coordinator at LifePath Hospice, and demonstrate Hurricane Irma teamwork on a different level.

“Our Bereavement Specialist Corinne Gaertner took in one of our 82-year-old volunteers during the storm because she lives alone and her entire 36-unit building evacuated. Corinne called to check on her (and a couple of other volunteers who live alone in South Tampa) and found out at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday that our volunteer was all alone in her building. Corinne and her husband went to get Marcia and took her into their home for the duration of the storm.

“I wanted to also report that we had a volunteer with us at the Sun Dome from Saturday through Monday afternoon. Michelle Miller-Schumacher arrived mid-afternoon and helped us hold sheets to shield patients during personal care, stood in long food lines and delivered food to patients, sat with patients/caregivers to provide companionship and support, gave chair massages to achy staff, and assisted Regional Director Diana Yates and Clinical Manager Sally Bailey with coordinating plans to get patients back home from the Sun Dome as soon as possible.”

Post-Hurricane Irma Teamwork

As the state of Florida and the Chapters Health family slowly recovered from the onslaught of Hurricane Irma, a different mindset and aspect of Hurricane Irma teamwork developed.

“As a manager, what touched me the most was not only the love, concern and commitment my staff have for their patients but also the genuine love and concern they have for one another and each other’s families. Our social work staff, consisting of Allison Nichol, Judy Streveler and Sarah McKay, worked diligently on Monday making preparations to get all of the evacuees back home safely, in addition to their regular duties. They have been nothing less than true champions in doing so. The staff remained focused and upbeat the entire time despite being asked to complete tasks that aren’t normally their responsibility. They completed each task well and with a cheerful heart. This Sturgill Hospice House team is definitely the best model for exemplifying true teamwork and team spirit. They truly are ‘Sturgill Strong.’”

—Kimberly Phillips, RN, Clinical Manager, Sturgill Hospice House, HPH Hospice

As the days progressed, it became painfully clear that many employees and patients were adversely impacted by Hurricane Irma—property was destroyed, mementoes lost, power was out, and food and gas were scarce. Chapters Health quickly set the wheels in motion to gather any needed items from water to propane tanks to dry shampoo to peanut butter and then some.

“It totally blew our minds the amounts and items that just kept coming and coming off the trucks.  Employees were in tears picking up their care packets based on their needs they emailed to me.  It is such a great feeling to know others took the time to provide supplies and write the beautiful words of encouragement to the staff here.  I am honored to be a part of such a caring team.”

—Jennifer Forde, RN, BSN, Regional Director, Good Shepherd Hospice 

 

 

At Chapters Health System, every day is devoted to educating our patients and keeping them in the place they call home. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients, young and old alike, and their families are able to make educated decisions about important healthcare matters. For more information, please call our helpful Chapters Health team at 1.866.204.8611 or send an email to info@chaptershealth.org.

About Phoebe Ochman

Phoebe Ochman, Director of Corporate Communications for Chapters Health System, manages all content and communications for the not-for-profit organization.

Post-Irma Resources

After a hurricane, recovery can be even more stressful and challenging than preparation for and living through the actual weather. We thought it would be helpful to provide some resources for those who suffered property damage as a result of Hurricane Irma.

Forbearance for Mortgage and other Loans

With many Florida homeowners suffering damage to their property, many might have trouble making their normal mortgage payment. Since so many counties across the state have been declared a federal disaster area, homeowners may be eligible for a deferment or forbearance of their mortgage payment.

What does this mean?

Your mortgage may be waived for a set number of months at no adverse credit effect on you. Unfortunately, it is not automatic. You must contact your mortgage lender, and apply for the deferment. Typically, each mortgage lender has a different set of rules. Therefore, it is a good idea to call and ask. If you skip a couple of payments, the lender usually will add the payments to the end of the loan without any negative impact to your credit. However, during this time, interest will still accrue.

You can look up your mortgage company via Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Additionally, many banks and credit card companies are extending the same forbearance of payments similar to mortgage companies. Check directly with your bank and/or credit card company to find out their specific policy.

Insurance Policy Holders

On Monday, September 18, Gov. Rick Scott signed an emergency order to help homeowners post-Hurricane Irma. The governor’s order gives homeowners an additional 90 days to send required information to their insurance companies. This allows Florida residents affected by Hurricane Irma enough time to update information in order to prevent insurance policy cancelation.

FEMA Disaster Hotline Information

FEMA has designated the following counties as those eligible for assistance:

Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Union and Volusia.

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply for assistance online.  If you experience difficulty applying online, you may also call (800) 621-3362 / TTY (800) 462-7585 to apply during standard hours of operation (7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time), 7 days a week.

You can also check your application status at DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors have 60 days from the date of a declaration for Individual Assistance to apply for assistance.

Free or Low-Cost Legal Advice

The following are some resources for people who might have already applied for hurricane assistance and been denied, or need legal advice for a claim.

Bay Area Legal Services, Inc.  is a nonprofit, public interest law firm that provides civil legal assistance to low-income residents in the Tampa Bay region.

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc.  is the primary provider of free legal aid for low to moderate income residents in Central Florida.

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc.  is a private, non-profit corporation, which provides free civil legal services to indigent families and low-income elderly people in thirteen counties of South Central Florida.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Every year the month of September is set aside for prostate cancer awareness. The following are some startling statistics:

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men.

In the United States, one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

A man will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every 3 minutes.

Fourteen million men are living with prostate cancer.

American Cancer Society’s estimates for prostate cancer in the United States for 2017 are:

• About 161,360 new cases of prostate cancer
• About 26,730 deaths from prostate cancer

 

Prostate cancer is treatable if caught early.

At Chapters Health System and its affiliates—Good Shepherd Hospice, HPH Hospice and LifePath Hospice, every day is devoted to educating our patients and keeping them in the place they call home. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients, young and old alike, and their families are able to make educated decisions about important healthcare matters. For more information, please call our helpful Chapters Health team at 1.866.204.8611 or send an email to info@chaptershealth.org. 

Sandwich Generation Caregiver Preparation Tips: Plan Now for the Future

Earlier this year on the blog, we featured a two-part series about the Sandwich Generation. “Caught in the Middle” explained the sandwich generation from A to Z; and in “Caring for Caregivers,” we devoted the post to making sure the sandwich generation had the best advice to lower stress and stay healthy for their loved ones. However, what about assistance before the sandwich generation even becomes a caregiver? Today’s blog post focuses on this task: sandwich generation caregiver preparation tips.

Sandwich Generation Caregiver Preparation Tips

If you are a member of the sandwich generation but are not caregiving yet for your children and parents simultaneously, it is best to be prepared. As the saying goes, “Forewarned is forearmed.” If you take steps now in preparation for the inevitability of life, then you should be able to tackle the stress when it comes your way.

Sandwich generation caregiver preparation tips fall into a number of categories that can be grouped accordingly: finance, family, work and self-care.

Finance Tips

Finance sandwich generation caregiver preparation tips are as follows:

Plan for retirement. Many people put off any type of retirement planning. Excuses mount, and nothing materializes. Retirement planning is extremely important if you know there will definitely come a day when you are sandwiched between caregiving for your children and your parents. Don’t put it off, but instead think ahead for your retirement from the workforce. If you don’t plan for retirement, you can put yourself, and possibly your children, in financial jeopardy.

Start an emergency savings account. When the day arrives and you are caring for your children and parents, it can become a huge financial drain. Be prepared for this eventuality. Set up an emergency savings account so you have a cushion to help in an emergency. How much money should be saved? A good rule of thumb is to have at least three months of expenses deposited into this account.

Get tax advice from an expert. Once you are a member of the sandwich generation, the provided care can sometimes allow you to claim your children and parents as dependents. Consult a tax expert to find out whether you are entitled to take deductions.

Family Tips

Family sandwich generation caregiver preparation tips are:

If you have siblings, meet and discuss the future care of your parents. Family dynamics don’t always allow for open and honest discussion among siblings. However, when it comes to discussing the care of your parents in the future tense, put aside any hard feelings and make it happen. Don’t automatically take on the care of parents alone. Share the responsibility and develop a plan whereby you each take a shift in caregiving.

If you have adult children, enlist their assistance. Adult children make great resources to offset the responsibilities of caring for aging parents. You can create schedules to rotate help ─ for instance, trips to the grocery store and doctor visits. Enlisting the assistance of adult children also helps set the stage for later on when they become the sandwich generation for you.

Spend quality time with your family. Being a member of the sandwich generation can be stressful and a constraint on free time, but never lose sight of the fact that your family is important.

For the sandwich generation, employers are  often overlooked resources. Research your employer’s policy on family leave, and find out whether a flexible work schedule is available. Having conversations now in preparation for the future can decrease stress when you know all existing options.

Lastly, it is extremely important to start taking care of yourself now before you are totally immersed in the care of both parents and children. Don’t neglect yourself. If you are not well, physically or emotionally, how can you care for either end of the generational spectrum? For more tips, specifically about care for the caregiver, click here.

At Chapters Health System, every day is devoted to educating our patients and keeping them in the place they call home. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients, young and old alike, and their families are able to make educated decisions about important healthcare matters. For more information, please call our helpful Chapters Health team at 1.866.204.8611 or send an email to info@chaptershealth.org.

About Phoebe Ochman

Phoebe Ochman, Director of Corporate Communications for Chapters Health System, manages all content and communications for the not-for-profit organization.

Best Resources for Sandwich Generation Caregivers

There is a wealth of available resources for caregivers. The following are some of the best for sandwich generation caregivers:

AARP created a specific Caregiving Resource Center for people to access information and resources about all aspects of caregiving. Different sections of the website tackle specific topics on the subject, such as benefits and insurance, legal and financial, senior housing and providing care.

ARCH National Respite Network helps families locate respite and crisis care services in their communities.

Caregiver Action Network works to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, diseases or the frailties of old age. The organization provides education, peer support and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.

Family Caregiver Alliance is the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care for loved ones at home. Their educational programs and resources are designed with caregivers’ needs in mind, and offer support, tailored information and tools to manage the complex demands of caregiving. One of the best tools is the Family Care Navigator, which helps caregivers locate support services by state.

Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving provides caregivers with resource tools, which help promote health and skills. The organization focuses on helping caregivers cope with chronic illnesses and disabilities across the lifespan.

Well Spouse Association assists well spouses by finding peer support and education about the special challenges and unique issues they face every day caring for an ill spouse.

Grief Journey: A Husband’s Reflections After Loss

On February 28, 2017, Nick Muley’s wife, Betty, died. He felt like his entire being was empty. After 55 years of marriage, it was not surprising that the loss was profound. Betty was his companion, lover and best friend. Nick couldn’t remember a time when they were not together (except for the three years he served in the U.S. Navy). The following are Nick’s reflections after his loss and his grief journey.

My Grief Journey

There was this emptiness that I felt would go on forever.

I was not hopeless, but I was hapless.

I was told if you can’t feel grief, you can’t feel love. To me, both seemed a spiritual state of mind. But the grief I was feeling manifested in tears every moment I thought of going on without her. My family and my daughter especially were very supportive. They did their best to console me, but I couldn’t express myself to them. I didn’t know what to say. My mind was not letting me put two consecutive thoughts together.

A short time after my wife’s passing, my cousin asked if I were trying to get through my grief by myself. I asked, “What else is there?”

He said there were other people in the world feeling the same way I did, grieving a loved one. He told me to reach out and get into a grief support group. About a week later, I was crying and trying to calm myself, thinking how and where to find help. That day, I received a phone call from a staff member at LifePath Hospice. She wanted to know how I was dealing with the passing of my wife, Betty.

I viewed it as a message coming from an unknown source at just the right time. (My wife passed in the Melech Hospice House in Temple Terrace, and they were great caregivers.)

I told the person who called that I felt lost. She suggested I join a group that Teressa Crock, LifePath Hospice bereavement specialist, was starting in Brandon.

The support group was eight weeks total, with weekly Tuesday meetings. I joined not knowing what to expect. It turned out to be just what I needed at just the right time. Teressa was fantastic in her opening presentation and her high praise for Alan Wolfelt, PhD, and his books about the “grief journey.” I began reading his books and soon felt he was saying exactly what I was thinking.

My vision was such that, maybe in different ways, those of us in the group had the same grief of missing part of ourselves. Every Tuesday night, we became an extended family, and we journeyed this wilderness of grief together. It was at these meetings that I realized all of us were trying to accept the loss of our loved ones, and we didn’t have to journey alone.

The group became a part of my support system. Some way and somehow, each of our grief was a little different, but we were all hurting. I know I’m better off because I shared and journeyed with them.

Could someone or something be reaching out to you? LifePath Hospice is there to fulfill its calling of helping grief-stricken individuals and families. If you are in need or know someone who is, please hear the calling and accept.

Note: Grief support groups are open to the community, regardless of whether the loved one received hospice care. You can access our current calendars on our Grief Services page here.

At Chapters Health System and its affiliates—Good Shepherd Hospice, HPH Hospice and LifePath Hospice, every day is devoted to educating our patients and keeping them in the place they call home. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients, young and old alike, and their families are able to make educated decisions about important healthcare matters. For more information, please call our helpful Chapters Health team at 1.866.204.8611 or send an email to info@chaptershealth.org. 

Top 4 Grief Tips for Widowers

Remember the popularity of the self-help book, “Men Are from Mars and Women Are from Venus?” Dr. John Gray’s words pointed out the inherent contrasts in the two genders and how they reacted and processed feelings differently. The goal of this book was to help men and women celebrate their differences and work cooperatively together to strengthen relationships. But what happens when the death of a spouse occurs? Do men and women process grief differently? The answer is yes.

The following are some grief tips for widowers to help them through the process.

1. Don’t separate yourself from people. When she loses her husband, a wife will typically surround herself with family and friends. Unfortunately with the death of your wife, you might tend to separate yourself from others. You probably believe that you need to be strong and go it alone, but you do not have to be an island unto yourself. If you are a friend of the widower, do not push the issue. Instead, let your friend come to you when he’s ready.
2. Find another man who also lost his wife. It is always helpful to find another man who lost his wife. You might know someone in your community or at work who is also a widower. Reach out to this man, and see if you can schedule a time to talk. This individual probably has insights that can assist you through some of the challenges and hurdles you are facing. Or like Nick, find a support group to help guide you on your grief journey.
3. Get involved in an activity. Many men like to be active and invariably can’t sit still. If this sounds like you, put that energy to use as it can assist you in your healing. Build a bookcase, plant vegetables in a garden, barbecue with family or go to a baseball game with your best friend. Any of these activities will prevent you from dwelling on your loss. Or think about volunteering. Many widowers who volunteer find fulfillment in doing so and friendship with other male widowers as well.  Learn more about volunteering here.
4. Accept assistance from your wife’s friends. Let’s face it: Many men miss the presence of a woman in their life. Don’t run away and decline assistance from your wife’s friends when they offer. Learn to accept their help.

Dispelling 5 Top Palliative Care Myths

In June on the Most of Life blog, we debunked the top 10 myths about hospice. Today we tackle dispelling Palliative Care myths in our third installment of DRops of Wisdom.

Top 5 Palliative Care Myths Debunked

Myth #1: Palliative Care is end-of-life care and speeds up death.

Palliative Care focuses on the effective relief of pain and other symptoms, while supporting the best quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Palliative Care is appropriate at any stage of serious illness and is often provided at the same time as curative therapies. In fact, patients who receive Palliative Care often live longer when they receive care from the palliative medicine specialist early in the course of their serious illness!

Another goal of Palliative Care is to help patients and their families better understand their illness, express their values, and explain what is most important to them, especially when their illness is very complex or advanced, so they are better able to make the decisions they might face if their illness progresses.

Myth #2: Taking pain medication causes addiction.

Patients with serious illness who need medication to control their pain do not generally become addicted. Sometimes patients with severe pain need an increase in their medication over time in order to control the pain. The increase is not due to addiction but a result of becoming tolerant to medication.  When someone takes a drug for the “high” they get from it rather than for real pain, they may be addicted.  The palliative medicine specialists are experts in pain management and carefully manages their patients’ medications so  pain and other symptoms are both safely and well controlled.

Myth #3: If my doctor recommends Palliative Care, he or she has given up and believes there’s no hope for me.

Palliative Care is appropriate at any stage of serious illness and is often provided at the same time as curative treatments. A primary goal of Palliative Care is to  improve the quality of life for patients. With this philosophy of treatment, we strive for reduction of pain and other symptoms (shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, depression, severe constipation and others) and better treatment tolerance for patients. In fact, patients who receive early Palliative Care are found to have less pain and depression. When doctors recommend Palliative Care for patients with serious illnesses, they want their patients to live as fully as possible.

Myth #4: If I want Palliative Care, I will need to change doctors.

Not true. Palliative Care s provided by a specialized medical team who serve as consultants that work along with the patient’s other treating physicians. Any patient who wants and needs Palliative Care has the entire Palliative Care team working closely with his or her primary care physician and the other medical specialists. We discuss and develop an appropriate medical plan of care along with the other doctors caring for the patient.

Myth #5: Palliative Care only benefits patients.

First and foremost, Palliative Care helps patients manage their pain and other symptoms; but at the same, family members benefit. How? Families feel a huge sense of relief when they see that their loved one is no longer suffering and finally able to eat  or sleep or just participate in daily life. Families also have much less fear and anxiety when they better understand exactly what is happening with their loved one, especially when the patient is hospitalized or acutely ill.

These Palliative Care myths are just a few examples of the many misconceptions some have about Palliative Care. Our interdisciplinary Palliative Care team are experts in developing plans to meet patients’ needs and desires.

What Would You Like to Read about in Future Posts?

On “DRops of Wisdom,” we want to feature posts with subject matter that interests you. Please leave a comment or drop us an email with your ideas.

At Chapters Health System, every day is devoted to educating our patients and keeping them in the place they call home. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients, young and old alike, and their families are able to make educated decisions about important healthcare matters. For more information, please call our helpful Chapters Health team at 1.866.204.8611 or send an email to info@chaptershealth.org. 

Mary Alfano-Torres, MD

Mary Alfano-Torres, MD, has been caring for patients for more than 35 years, and has dedicated the last 12 years of her career to delivering quality Palliative Care services to patients facing complex and complicated medical conditions. As medical director of Chapters Health Palliative Care, Dr. Alfano-Torres provides Palliative Care consultations at area hospitals and nursing homes, meeting with seriously ill patients and their loved ones. She manages their complex symptoms and discusses the illnesses they are facing, offering guidance and helping them put in place realistic plans of care as they move forward.

Dr. Alfano-Torres joined Chapters Health Palliative Care in 2013. Previously, she was the Palliative Care Department medical director at Sacred Heart Health System in Pensacola, Florida. Dr. Alfano-Torres also held positions with the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Buffalo, New York, including attending physician and director of the Palliative Care Consultation Service and medical director of the Hospice Inpatient Unit. Dr. Alfano-Torres has also dedicated time to educating future physicians. She held faculty positions at the State University of New York at Buffalo and Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

Dr. Alfano-Torres earner her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York; her medical degree from the State University of New York at Upstate College of Medicine in Syracuse; and completed her residency at Michigan State University in Lansing. She completed a specialized program in Palliative Medicine at the Harvard Medical School Center for Palliative Care.  She is also a fellow in family practice, a diplomat of the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and a diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine.

Craft Workshops at Life’s Treasures Make Upcycling Easy

It seems like every day do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are becoming more trendy. It might be because people are touched when they are the recipient of handmade gifts on their birthdays or around the holidays. Creativity knows no boundaries and the only limit is your imagination. Sounds like a great idea but don’t know where to begin? Thankfully Life’s Treasures Thrift Stores hold craft workshops year round to make it that much easier.

Craft Workshops at Life’s Treasures

Every month, Life’s Treasures Thrift Stores host a variety of craft workshops. Items donated to the stores are a constant and rich resource for crafty people and hobbyists searching for treasures at the Brandon, Carrollwood, New Port Richey, South Tampa and Zephryhills locations. From clothing and accessories to housewares and furniture, old items are lovingly given a new life and sometimes a new purpose.

Earlier this month, the Life’s Treasures store in New Port Richey hosted a craft workshop for anyone who wanted to learn how to transform an old picture frame with small décor items.

“Anyone can turn an old, unloved picture frame into a thing of beauty. All it takes is some scrap jewelry, bric-a-brac, beads, stones and other craft supplies you can find in ready supply at our Life’s Treasures Thrift Stores,” said Alice Walsh, director of Life’s Treasures Thrift Stores. “Decorative frames make great gifts for loved ones and friends.”

For this particular craft workshop, Life’s Treasures supplied the picture frames and decorative items for each participant. Some attendees brought their own favorite frames or decorative items.

Across the county line in Carrollwood, Life’s Treasures Thrift Store held a craft workshop in which old sweaters were upcycled into DIY throw pillows. Sweaters were conveniently provided by the store, and there were a few who came prepared with their own old sweaters to revitalize.

“Sweater pillows make great gifts for a child or teen who outgrew a favorite sweater, or anyone who cherishes clothing with great sentimental value,” continued Alice. “Turning an old sweater into a cozy throw pillow is an easy and fun DIY project. It doesn’t take a lot of time. And it can transform the look of a sofa, chair or bed.”

The above are just a sample of the types of craft workshops that Life’s Treasures offers community members. Regular crafts workshops are conducted by staff and volunteers. Attendees can learn how to repurpose items like old china, glasses and wine bottle corks to give them new life. Every month there is a new set of craft workshops so you can make something meaningful for a relative, friend or even yourself. Just go to our calendar page here to check out the latest craft workshops and sign up today.

At Chapters Health System, every day is devoted to educating our patients and keeping them in the place they call home. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients, young and old alike, and their families are able to make educated decisions about important healthcare matters. For more information, please call our helpful Chapters Health team at 1.866.204.8611 or send an email to info@chaptershealth.org. 

About Phoebe Ochman

Phoebe Ochman, Director of Corporate Communications for Chapters Health System, manages all content and communications for the not-for-profit organization.

Utensils Make a Come Back in the Garden

Ever been troubled by a mismatched set of dinnerware utensils? Or maybe you no longer have a complete set of forks, spoons and knives? Never fear because after you donated the orphan cutlery to one of the five Life’s Treasures Thrift Stores, they can find new homes and not necessarily in a kitchen drawer.

Did you know that utensils make great garden markers? And they are easy to make. In less than 20 minutes, you can have custom markers to identify an herb or a new vegetable variety growing in a container or garden bed.

Here’s what you would need to get started:

Forks, spoons or knives

White paper (computer paper works well)

#2 pencil

Scissors

Fine-tip black marker

Colored pencils

Small jar or tube of Mod Podge (acrylic sealer)

Clear varnish spray (such as Krylon Clear UV-Resistant)

Q-tips

Old newspapers

Directions:

1. Place newspaper on the surface you will be working on.
2. With a pencil, trace the outline of the area on the fork, knife or spoon that is available for the herb/vegetable identifier.
3. Cut out the label.
4. Using the fine-tip marker, write the herb/vegetable you will identify with the garden marker.
5. Decorate the label with colored pencils.
6. Place newspaper underneath your utensil.
7. Once you are satisfied with your label, position it on the fork, knife or spoon.
8. Dip a Q-tip into the Mod Podge and use it to gently coat over the label on the cutlery.
9. Wait 5 minutes for the Mod Podge to dry.
10. Take the newspaper and cutlery outside or to a well-ventilated area and spray the cutlery with the varnish.

Once dry, you are ready to use as a garden marker. Make one or many. The sky is the limit.

 

Solar Eclipse Safety Tips: Protect Yourself, Your Loved Ones and Pets

While not quite as long as the World Series drought for the Chicago Cubs, it has been quite a long time since a total solar eclipse occurred. On June 8, 1918, a total solar eclipse crossed the United States in much the same manner that is predicted for Monday, August 21, 2017. Society in the early 20^th century is much different than today. But one thing remains the same: You need to be safe during a solar eclipse. In preparation for Monday’s once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon, also known as the “Great American Solar Eclipse,” we are sharing solar eclipse safety tips so you can be protected along with your loved ones and pets.

Solar Eclipse Safety Tips

According to NASA, more than 300 million Americans could view the total solar eclipse on Monday. Living in Florida, we will not be in the total solar eclipse path like our northern neighbors in states such as South Carolina, Tennessee, Colorado and Oregon. Nevertheless, it is predicted that the Tampa Bay area and west-central Florida region will experience a 60- to 80-percent solar eclipse, which should start at about 1:15 p.m. and be over by 4:15 p.m.

Growing up, we were constantly being reminded to not look directly at the sun as it will ruin your eyes. And the same strategy holds true with a solar eclipse, you still should NOT look directly at the sun with your naked eye.

What Can Happen to Your Sight?

Although witnessing and checking out the solar eclipse can very well be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can cause serious harm to your sight that could last a lifetime. Your outer eye can be damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, and the intensity of the light from the sun can adversely affect your eye’s focal point.

About now you are probably thinking that you can just steal a glance of the sun behind the lenses of your sunglasses? Unfortunately, this is a bad idea. Your eyes will not have adequate protection from the harmful rays of the sun with standard-issue sunglasses. Instead, you need glasses that meet the International Standards Organization (ISO) requirements, which mean that 100 percent of UV rays and infrared light are blocked along with 99.99 percent of intense visible light.

How can you be sure that your solar eclipse glasses are up to snuff? The glasses should have the special ISO code on them, ISO 12312-2. If in doubt, you can always have an eye care specialist check to make sure the glasses are safe.

What to Do if You Can’t Get Solar Eclipse Glasses

If you are unable to locate or purchase a pair of solar eclipse glasses, NASA recommends the following options:

• Purchase a specially designed sun filter, which can often be found at stores that sell telescopes
• Wear a pair of welder’s glasses (No. 14)
• Make a pinhole viewer out of a piece of cardboard. Click here for a how-to DIY video.

What to Do If You Are in a Car during the Solar Eclipse

The American Automobile Association shared some great tips on keeping safe on the road during the solar eclipse:

• Get off the road and safely park away from traffic if you want to view the eclipse.
• Don’t stop along the highway, interstate or park on the road’s shoulder.
• Don’t rely on automatic headlights—keep your headlights on.
• While driving, don’t wear eclipse glasses.
• Don’t try to photograph or videotape the eclipse while you are behind the wheel of your car.
• Be alert for people who might be walking around looking at the sky but not mindful of where they are in relation to traffic.
• During the eclipse time period, prepare for extra traffic and road congestion.
• Try to avoid travel during the eclipse.

Getting Your Pets Safe during the Eclipse

Just like humans, your pets’ eyes need to be protected against the sun’s rays during the solar eclipse. Yet, your pet will likely not feel compelled to look directly at the sun.

The following are some tips to keep your pets safe during the solar eclipse:

• Try to avoid taking your pet out for a walk during the eclipse. If an outdoor walk is unavoidable and you happen to have an extra pair of solar eclipse glasses, you can always put them on your pet. But don’t be surprised, if the pair of glasses is not well-tolerated.
• Keep your pet indoors with the blinds drawn

At Chapters Health System and its affiliates—Good Shepherd Hospice, HPH Hospice  and LifePath Hospice, every day is devoted to educating our patients and keeping them in the place they call home. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients, young and old alike, and their families are able to make educated decisions about important healthcare matters. For more information, please call our helpful Chapters Health team at 1.866.204.8611 or send an email to info@chaptershealth.org. 

About Phoebe Ochman

Phoebe Ochman, Director of Corporate Communications for Chapters Health System, manages all content and communications for the not-for-profit organization.

Dispelling Solar Eclipse Myths

In ancient times, the lack of understanding why a solar eclipse occurs caused myths and superstitions to develop. Think about it: All of a sudden the sun disappears, so wouldn’t you be scared? Thus, various cultures created their own reasons why.

In Asia, many believed that mythical creatures ate the sun. The culprit in Vietnam was a giant frog; and for the Chinese, the sun was lunch for a celestial dragon. According to Korean folklore, the sun disappeared because mythical dogs stole it.

The other issue, at hand, was that people living in ancient times had no idea when, if at all, the sun would return. To bring the sun back, many cultures would bang pots and pans or make loud noises with the hope that the sound would scare away the demons that took possession of the sun.

Even Now …

Even in modern times, there are still countries around the world that hold fast to antiquated superstitions. They believe that death, destruction and disasters occur because eclipses are evil omens. People living in certain parts of India fast during a solar eclipse due to the belief that food cooked during the eclipse is not pure and may even be poisonous.

Despite all the negative-slanting thoughts and feelings about a solar eclipse, there is a positive take on the matter. If you plant flowers during the solar eclipse in Italy, it is believed that the blooms will be more colorful and brighter.

How to Start Bullet Journaling for Patients and Caregivers

With schools across the country beginning to open again for fall sessions, many of us are reminded of by-gone days. Cracking the binding on a new notebook was something to look forward to as the new school year kicked off. It was a way to keep track of assignments, take notes and sometimes doodle. Later in life, we graduated to more sophisticated timekeepers such as Day Runner, At-A-Glance, Franklin Day Planner and the like. Some of us might even have jotted down our thoughts and innermost feelings in a true-blue journal. But today, something of a hybrid has evolved. This time management tool—and so much more—can assist in more ways than one when it comes to individuals who are facing end-of-life challenges. So let us introduce you to bullet journaling for patients and caregivers.

What is a Bullet Journal®?

It all started in 2007 in Brooklyn, NY, with digital product designer Ryder Carroll, who had a conversation with a colleague about the methodology she was using in planning her upcoming wedding. Her planning relied on using sticky notes, random envelopes and several notebooks. Ryder knew that this was no way to plan a wedding unless you wanted disaster to strike.

So Ryder showed the bride-to-be his notebook and how he organized his tasks. This was the first time he had ever shared his ideas with anyone: It was an infant bullet journal. Fast forward to August 18, 2013, the date Ryder launched the website bulletjournal.com. (Wishing Ryder and the folks at bulletjournal.com an early happy four-year anniversary!)

A bullet journal is a method to keep track of tasks, take notes and jot down thoughts in one convenient location. The ”bullet” term is derived and used to describe the technique of using quick and short descriptions (“rapid logging”) for all of the above. Picture a short-hand and visual cue to quickly categorize whatever you need to capture in order to keep life on track. And that’s a bullet journal in a nutshell.

Getting Started Bullet Journaling for Patients and Caregivers

Once a decision is made to start the practice, it is fairly easy to begin bullet journaling for patients and caregivers. A bullet journal can be simple and minimalistic or as detailed and elaborate as you want. It is yours to make work best for you and meet your needs. You can use your bullet journal to keep track of:

• Tasks and your to-do list
• Appointments and events
• Medications
• Meals and water intake
• Short-term and long-term goals
• Trips
• Weather
• Thoughts and reflections
• Books, TV shows and movies
• Memorable moments and so much more

When a number of individuals are involved, bullet journaling for patients and caregivers is a wonderful method for everyone to keep track of multiple tasks and appointments. It is also a great way to capture thoughts, feelings and life’s little and big moments.

Bullet Journal Roadmap

Even though each person’s bullet journal is unique to them, they all have common components. These standard practices actually make it a bullet journal.

Index

This is the location where you write down where other pages are located. Simply put, it is similar in theory to an index in the back of a book, which allows you to locate specific pages when you need to find something in particular. Most journals used for bullet journaling are numbered, so it is easy to note sections associated with specific pages.

Key

As stated above, various symbols are used next to items so you can quickly check on the status of tasks, appointments and notes.

 

• Dot or bullet (): Task
• X: Task that’s completed
• Open circle (○): An appointment or event
• Dash (─): Note or thought
• Less than symbol or left-pointing arrow (<): Scheduled task
• Greater than symbol or right-pointing arrow (>): Task that wasn’t completed so needs to be postponed to a future day in your bullet journal. This symbol is often used to describe a task that has “migrated.”
• Slash (/): Task that was started and is in progress

Future Log

A future log is the section of a bullet journal where you can record and keep track of birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, trips and goals for the year.

Month Spread

Most people who use bullet journals take two pages to sketch out a month. For the most part, this section is used like a conventional calendar.

Weekly Spread

For some, creating a weekly spread is the next step in setting up a bullet journal. If not, just skip to daily bullet journaling.

Daily Pages

You can use one page for each day, or log several days on one page. It is entirely up to you on how you want to use your bullet journal. If, during one week, you need one page for one day and then decide to switch to multiple days on the next page, great! With a bullet journal, you have the luxury to adapt to make it work for you.

Supplies for Bullet Journaling

If you take a minimalist approach to bullet journaling, you don’t need much beyond a simple notebook and a pen. But if you want to expand your horizon and get creative, the following are some suggestions.

Notebooks: Most bullet journalists used a notebook that features a dotted grid in order to make life easier to draw straight lines. The most popular notebook is the Leuchtturm 1917, which is available in a host of colors. The Leuchtturm has a ready-made index page, ribbons that can be used as page markers, quality paper that isn’t susceptible to color bleeding and a pocket sleeve on the back cover. Other notebook possibilities are Rhodia, Moleskin and Essentials by Peter Pauper Press.

Pens: Like the notebooks, there are different pen choices to suit an individual’s needs. You can opt to use pens with erasable ink, like Pilot Frixion. Another great choice, Faber-Castel Pitt Artist pen, is used by many bullet journalists. This pen is also available in different widths from extra-fine to bold. Then there are Staedler Triplus Fineliners, which come in a variety of colors and even in themed sets. And for those who might become obsessed with bullet journaling and want to treat yourself to a very special pen, you can always check out fountain pens, especially Goulet Pens.

What would happen if you cross a pen with a brush? You would end up with Tom Dual Brush Pens, which also come in different color sets, and an added bonus is that they are blendable.

Colored Pencils: Think you’d like to add a splash of color to your pages but don’t want to use a pen? Then go with colored pencils like Staedtler Noris Colouring Pencils.

Washi Tape: This bullet journal supply comes in different colors, patterns and can even feature words. Washi tape can be used for decoration but can also cover mistakes or mishaps. Speaking of making mistakes in your bullet journal, if this is a concern, just keep wite-out tape on hand, and you’ll be all set.

Stencils: Using stencils can easily make your journal look consistent and professional. You can also get quite creative with stencils. They can be found at the large craft stores. But if you want to support an independent artisan, go to Etsy and type “bullet journal stencil” into the search, and just wait to see how many options you’ll have with just the click of a button.

Pre-printed spreads: Many of the long-standing and established bullet journalists make pre-printed spreads available for members. The spreads are either free or can be purchased for a nominal fee.

In the near future, look for a Part II blog post, where we will take a deeper dive into other bullet journal ideas and innovative practices.

At Chapters Health System and its affiliates—Good Shepherd Hospice, HPH Hospice  and LifePath Hospice, every day is devoted to educating our patients and keeping them in the place they call home. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients, young and old alike, and their families are able to make educated decisions about important healthcare matters. For more information, please call our helpful Chapters Health team at 1.866.204.8611 or send an email to info@chaptershealth.org. 

About Phoebe Ochman

Phoebe Ochman, Director of Corporate Communications for Chapters Health System, manages all content and communications for the not-for-profit organization.

How to Bullet Journal Without Falling Down the Rabbit Hole

If you decide to take up pencil and pen to start a bullet journal, the resources—along with assistance in the journey—are endless. Once you start researching, it is easy to fall down the rabbit hole and become overwhelmed by all that is available, especially if you jump on Pinterest and search for “bullet journal ideas.”

Best of the Best

Here are some of the best of the best when it comes to bullet journal ideas and practices. Start with their individual websites and work up to following them on Instagram, where you will quickly see snapshots of their most recent bullet journal creations.

Bullet Journal: From a getting started video to blog content, it is best to dive into bullet journaling with the creator of the entire movement.

Boho Berry: In the past 2½ years, Kara at Boho Berry has become synonymous with bullet journaling. Although she actually started the Boho Berry blog as an extension of her custom jewelry-making business, her effect on the interwebs has surpassed her vision. She has great content for beginners, and even seasoned bullet journalists can gain deep insight on personal development with goal setting from Kara. Sign up for her email newsletter to gain access to free printables. And be sure to check out Kara’s flip-through video of her bullet journal here.

Tiny Rays of Sunshine: Kim is the person behind #100DaysofBulletJournalIdeas. On her website, there’s a link to a free Bullet Journal Reference Guide. She also penned a great article about minimalist bullet journalists.

Pretty Prints and Paper: Jessica is the go-to authority on lettering and calligraphy. Check out her website for great inspiration and tips.

Anne Bogel: The woman behind the Modern Mrs. Darcy blog and the What Should I Read Next podcast happens to also be an avid bullet journalist. Anne’s approach to bullet journaling is from the perspective of someone who loves books. If you are a book lover and would like to get started bullet journaling, you should think about taking her course. Click here for more information.

Bullet Journal Facebook Communities

There are also several well-established bullet journal groups on Facebook you can join. You are free to lurk in the background and learn from fellow bullet journalists. These groups are a community of like-minded people, and they always welcome newbies to bullet journaling. So go ahead, don’t be shy and post away.

Bullet Journal Junkies: This group has more than 123,000 members, and all are encouraged to share how they’ve set up and utilized their bullet journals. To join, just click the join group button and one of the administrators of the group will approve your access and membership.

#RockYourHandwriting: Closing in on 10,000 members, this group is a little bit more intimate than the Bullet Journal Junkies. It is hosted by Kara @bohoberry, Kim @TinyRaysofSunshine, Jessica @PrettyPrintsandPaper and Dee @DecadeThirty. The #RockYourHandwriting group is dedicated to assisting members elevate their penmanship, and not just from an aesthetic perspective. They delve deeply into the how and why of handwriting.

#PlanWithMeChallenge: Hosted by the same #RockYourHandwriting quartet, all planning types and systems are welcome in this group. A lot of sharing and curating great ideas and spreads occur in this group. Additionally, each month the administrators post a set of daily prompts to promote engagement within the bullet journal community. You can learn more about the monthly challenge at either Bohoberry here or Tiny Rays of Sunshine here.