October 2024- SFV Edition : simplebooklet.com

Despite the relentless warmth of summer, we see the enthusiastic arrival of October all around us. In its subtle way, nature is urging transformation and challenges us to do the same. This month, we focus on connecting our communities not only through education, but health and wellness and generational living. As our readership strengthens and grows, we recognize the importance of ﬁnding common ground. Equally as important is the need to create it, especially where our paths may diverge.This month, we take in-depth exploration of two of the leading educational approaches in our country: traditional schooling and homeschooling. We'll examine how they measure up across various components that deﬁne their characteristics, effectiveness and the impact on our children's growth and development. Fall is the perfect season to not only witness visual transformation but also to embrace healing experience that only the outdoors can bring. Misty Pratt's article, “The Fourth Pillar of Health” illustrates the psychological and physiological effects of connecting with nature.Like Misty's ﬁrsthand account, Billie Taylor shares the challenges and triumphs of choosing to homecare for her loved one using creative and sometimes untraditional methods. Her story not only inspires us but shows us that being a hero is sometimes in the details.Finally, we can't forget that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In this issue, you will ﬁnd informative and effective preventative measures to help you, and your family protect yourselves from the dangers of everyday components and chemicals lurking in our beauty products and general home environment.As we step into this season of growth, healing, and unity, we invite you to ﬁnd inspiration in the stories and insights shared in this issue. Let it serve as a gentle reminder that, no matter what challenges we face individually or as a family, we are part of a community. A community where strength, health, and connection are within reach, if we open our hearts to embrace togetherness and unity. San Fernando Valley EditionLearning & Living Magazine PUBLISHER / EDITORWindy FamaASSOCIATE EDITORMai TranCONTRIBUTING WRITERSSamantha CruzBillie TaylorJennifer YatesADVERTISING DIRECTORLori Carresseadvertising@iugo.worldIUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING MAGAZINE1968 S. Coast Hwy Ste. 2359Laguna Beach, CA 92651Tel: (888) 502-6795iugo.world/magazinecontact@iugo.worldPRODUCED BYIugo World LLCLiving well through educationIugo in Latin /pronounced you-go/ means to bind together, to connectIugo World Learning & Living Magazine (IWLL) is a multi-generational publication dedicated to empowering parents, students, homeschoolers, and seniors with educational tools and resources that support their journey toward growth and personal fulfillment. We are committed to delivering valuable, high-quality content that encourages genuine connection and transformation.By Windy FamaEditor and Co-founder, Iugo WorldEMBRACING COMMUNITYiugoworldIUGOWORLD

Page 4

Page 5

“Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.”~ Winston ChurchillIt Takes Courage to Overcome FearOvercoming fear requires conscious planning and action:1. Recognize and accept that fear is a natural response to unfamiliar and challenging situations. 2. Visualize yourself coming out of the situation. 3. Become informed as much as possible about your situation.4. Identify small steps you need to overcome the challenge.5. Ask for help. Seek support from family, friends and community organizations. 6. Maintain a positive mindset and believe that you are capable of overcoming the situation. 7. Practice self-compassion by being kind to yourself. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward despite it. You have the strength within you to face any challenge!Be CourageousMan cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. ~ Andre GideBy Samantha Cruz 05 OCT 2024 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

Page 6

hould your child be homeschooled? For some, the answer is a clear yes or no. However, for many, the question remains: what exactly is homeschooling, and how does it differ from traditional education? While homeschooling can vary greatly from family to family, there is a consensus on what homeschooling is not. • It’s not recreating classroom dynamics at home• It’s not following tight schedules• It’s not about book learning• It’s not isolating or sheltering the learner• It’s not unstructured learning Even among homeschoolers, definitions of what it is will vary considerably, but ultimately, the definition that matters the most is the one held by the parent. By understanding the context and basis of education, we can gain valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of homeschooling parents, as well as school leadership and educators in the traditional school environments.In the early years of the United States, education was primarily the responsibility of families and communities. Geographic location, race, gender, TRADITIONALHOMESCHOOLINGVSSreligion, and social class greatly influenced educational opportunities, and children often learned basic skills and trades from their parents or local tutors. However, the mid-1800s saw a significant influx of immigrants bringing diverse cultural and religious practices, creating a need for a shared knowledge and value system, which led to the establishment of the American public education system. During the Industrial Revolution, state governments began to fund schools and implement education laws and reforms, making schooling more accessible and, in most cases, mandatory. As institutionalized education became more prevalent, homeschooling became less common and faced either significant challenges and restrictions or were banned completely. International educational philosophies like Charlotte Mason, Maria Montessori, Waldorf Steiner, and Reggio Emilia began to influence education in the United States as early as the late 1800s. However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that educational th eor ist Jo hn Ho lt p u bl i cly a dvo cate d for “unschooling” in the U.S. He emphasized independent 06 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING OCT 2024Education & EnrichmentBy Windy Fama

Page 7

Private schools in the US started adopting diverse educational philosophies and methodologies from abroad, such as constructivism, Maria Montessori's method, and Rudolf Steiner's Waldorf education, among others. These pedagogies not only became relevant and applicable in the homeschooling environment but provided a foundation and guide for teaching and learning. As homeschooling laws became more favorable across the country, parents increasingly exercised their right to take a more hands-on approach to their children’s education, which contributed to the growth of the homeschool movement in the 1980s, and the recent boom as the fastest growing form of education in the US. As of the 2023, there is an estimated 3.5 million homeschooled students in the United States, representing about 6.73% of all school-age children, and the number is growing every year due to concerns about school environment, such as safety, drugs, and negative peer pressure, moral instruction and overall school dissatisfaction. Although it would be futile to define public/private schooling and homeschooling with an al l -en comp ass ing d efi nit ion , kno win g the underlying principles that dictate how they are run on a day-to-day basis is valuable if you have ever asked yourself (or when you do), “Is homeschooling right for my child?”. While the systems may indeed be inherently different, there is one shared objective between traditional learning environments and homeschooling that cannot be negated: to provide a solid academic foundation, develop social and citizenship skills, and prepare students for future success in college or the workforce.Education & Enrichment 07 OCT 2024 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVINGlearning through life experiences rather than rote learning through structured curricula and oppressive classroom environments characterized in formal schools. By the 1970s, the homeschool movement gained momentum with both secular and non-secular families who were concerned about public-school environments and sought to change state laws to accommodate homeschooling. iugoworld

Page 8

Education & Enrichment 08 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING OCT 2024Typically located in a designated school building within a community.Conducted at home or in various locations such as libraries, parks, or community centers.Federal, state and local governments; Private school tuition covered by family.Family funded, with some tax credits or charter funding available depending on state.State governments, school districts, governing boards, unions, parent groups.Parents in compliance with state laws.Classrooms, libraries, science labs, gyms, sports fields, and playgrounds.Study area, public libraries, parks, sports fields and gymnasiums, community centers, among others.Classrooms with desks, chairs, whiteboards, and other standard classroom equipment.Flexible learning spaces, which can include a dedicated area at home, and even outdoor settings.Larger class sizes, typically ranging from 20 to 30 students per class.Very small class sizes, often just the family's children or a small group of homeschoolers.Mandated state credentialed teacher.Parents/guardians act as teachers, supplemented by specialized tutors or online instructors.Structured with set lesson plans including preparation for standardized testing.Flexible, highly personalized, curriculum customized to fit the child's interests, pace, & needs.Standardized system with letter grades (A, B, C, etc.) or percentage scores to reflect proficiency & competency.Varies based on each family's objective and approach to learning. Knowledge & skills assessment based on standardized tests, quizzes, homework, projects, & participation.Flexible & personalized to include alternative assessment methods such as portfolios, narrative evaluations, & mastery-based assessments.Traditional Educational SettingHomeschoolingiugoworld© Iugo World LLC 2024

Page 9

Standardized, set by the state/ local education authorities, includes specialized programs to address specific learning needs.Customized & flexible to suit the child's learning needs (i.g. gifted), interests, & pace using a variety of methods, homeschool curricula, online programs, & educational resources. Textbooks, digital resources, lab equipment, and other educational resources provided by the school to aligned with the curriculum set by the state/local education authorities.Textbooks, curriculum packets, digital and other educational material offered through educational organizations and companies.Teachers, administrators and peers, in a controlled and predetermined environment.Family members, peers through clubs, sports, co-ops, field trips, community activities and other individuals through real-world engagement.Standard, teacher-led, generally “one size fits all” concept with modification determined by teacher.Authentic student-centered, constructivist approachRigorous, pre-set schedule throughout entire school year.Flexible to fit the family's lifestyle and the child's natural rhythms and interest-led approach.Expectations are focused on following rules and routines to establish and maintain safe and productive learning environment for all.Focus is on setting clear expectations, fostering a love of learning, and encouraging self-discipline.Focused on meeting educational standards and achieving academic goals that prepare for state testing.Engage learners through a wide range of experiential activities to develop knowledge, skills and talents.Focus is on achieving objectives by minimizing distractions to keep learners on task and promoting student engagement.Often one-on-one, led by connecting target knowledge and skills to real world contexts and application.Varies based on the student’s needs being met, connection with the teacher, teaching-learning approach, class environment, classmates, subject, material, and activities, among other factors.Can be higher since students are able to connect and engage with the curriculum at their own pace. Personalized attention and a flexible schedule can boost confidence.Teachers, administrators and peers, in a controlled and predetermined environment.Family members, peers through clubs, sports, co-ops, field trips, community activities and other individuals through real-world engagement.Traditional Educational SettingHomeschoolingEducation & Enrichment 09 OCT 2024 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVINGHomeschoolingA iugo.world infographic

Page 10

Page 11

Page 12

Page 13

Page 14

BREASTCANCERAWARENESS MONTHoUnderstanding Breast Carcinogens Breast carcinogens are substances that can cause or promote the development of breast cancer. These chemicals can be found in various sources, including food, water, air, and consumer products. Some common breast carcinogens include:• Pesticides: Used in agriculture to protect crops, pesticides can contaminate food and water supplies.• Industrial Chemicals: Chemicals used in manufacturing processes, such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), can persist in the environment and accumulate in the food chain.• Hormone Disruptors: Chemicals that interfere with the body's hormonal system, such as BPA and phthalates, can mimic or block hormones like estrogen, which plays a role in breast cancer development.14 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING OCT 2024Health & Wellness ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the importance of early detection and prevention. While genetics and lifestyle choices play a big role in breast cancer risk, it's important to be aware of environmental factors that can also contribute to the disease. Early detection is crucial, but knowing how to dodge environmental chemicals, especially breast carcinogens, BPA (Bisphenol A), and phthalates in food, gives us the power to take proactive steps in minimizing the risk of breast cancer.BPA and phthalates are pervasive chemicals found in many everyday products. Given their prevalence and potential health risks, it is important to be mindful of the products we use and seek alternatives that minimize exposure to these harmful chemicals. REDUCING RISK & EMBRACING PREVENTIONOriginal Article from the Silent Spring Institute

Page 15

iugoworld BPA and phthalates are commonly found in food packaging, plastic containers, and personal care products. These chemicals can leach into food and beverages, especially when heated. Here are some strategies to reduce exposure:1. Choose BPA-Free Products: Look for products labeled “BPA-free,” especially when purchasing plastic containers, water bottles, and canned foods. BPA-free alternatives are made from safer materials that do not leach harmful chemicals.2. Avoid Plastic Containers for Hot Foods: Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers for storing and heating food. Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, as heat can cause BPA and phthalates to leach into the food.3. Limit Canned Foods: Many canned foods are lined with BPA-containing epoxy resins. Opt for fresh, frozen, or dried foods instead. If you must use canned foods, choose brands that use BPA-free linings.4. Read Labels on Personal Care Products: Phthalates are often used in fragrances and personal care products. Look for products labeled “phthalate-free” and choose fragrance-free options when possible.5. Use Safe Cooking Utensils: Avoid using plastic utensils and cookware that may contain BPA or phthalates. Instead, use utensils made from wood, bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone.Health & Wellness 15 OCT 2024 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVINGReducing Exposure to Pesticides & Industrial Chemicals Pesticides and industrial chemicals can contaminate food and water supplies, posing a risk to breast health. Here are some tips to minimize exposure: 1. Choose Organic Produce: Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. While organic produce may still contain some pesticide residues, the levels are generally lower than those found in conventionally grown produce.2. Wash and Peel Produce: Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables under running water to remove pesticide residues. Peeling the skin can also help reduce exposure, but keep in mind that some nutrients are lost when the skin is removed.3. Filter Tap Water: Use a water filter that is certified to remove contaminants, including pesticides and industrial chemicals. Filters that use activated carbon or reverse osmosis are effective at reducing these contaminants.4. Limit Consumption of High-Risk Foods: Certain foods, such as fatty fish and animal products can have higher levels of dioxins and PCBs because they consume or are exposed to contaminated feed and environments. Limit consumption of these foods and choose leaner cuts of meat and low-fat dairy products. 5. Support Sustainable Agriculture: Choose products from farms that use sustainable and organic farming practices. Supporting these farms can help reduce the overall use of harmful pesticides and chemicals in agriculture.Reducing Exposure to BPA & Phthalates

Page 16

Additional Tips for Reducing Chemical ExposureIn addition to the strategies mentioned above, here are some additional tips to further reduce exposure to harmful chemicals:1. Ventilate Your Home: Indoor air can contain higher levels of pollutants than outdoor air. Open windows and use exhaust fans to improve ventilation and reduce indoor air pollution.2. Avoid Non-Stick Cookware: Non-stick cookware can release harmful chemicals when heated. Choose alternatives like cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware.3. Be Cautious with Household Cleaners: Many household cleaners contain chemicals that can be harmful to health. Choose natural or eco-friendly cleaning products and avoid using products with strong fragrances.4. Reduce Use of Air Fresheners: Air fresheners can contain phthalates and other harmful chemicals. Use natural alternatives like essential oils or simply open windows to freshen the air.5. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the chemicals in the products you use and the foo d s you e a t. Re s ources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) provide information on the safety of consumer products and food.While it may not be possible to eliminate all exposure to harmful chemicals, taking these steps, along with making informed choices can significantly lower the risk and contribute to overall health and well-being. Remember, early detection and prevention are key to fighting breast cancer, so regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle are essential components of breast cancer awareness and prevention.Health & Wellness16 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING OCT 2024Resources We Recommend:breastcancer.orgThink Pink, Live Green: A Step-By-Step Guide to Reducing Your Risk of Breast Cancer Detox Me App (free) Silent Springs InstituteFrom Silent Spring Institute

Page 17

Page 18

18 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING OCT 2024Health & WellnessNature TimeTHE FOURTH PILLAR OF HEALTH “The science agrees with me: the mindful component of time in the outdoors could be one of the key reasons we experience such signicant changes in our psychological and physiological health.” In this excerpt, author Misty P r a t t e x p l o r e s e m e r g i n g r e s e a r c h — a n d h e r o w n e x p er i en c e — th a t su g ge s t s remedies like park prescriptions may be as key to mental and physical health as diet, exercise, and sleep. The wind is light today, taking a lazy brush over the teal surface of the lake. I step one foot into the water, then the other foot, bracing myself for impact. I put my arms over my head and dive, surfacing beyond the buoy line of the sandy beach. The waves are bigger the deeper I go, and occasionally I get a smack in the face and a mouthful of refreshing lake tang. D r. M e l i s s a L e m , a Vancouver family physician and longtime advocate of the healthroom and performing acute care during long overnight shifts. Despite the challenges, she loved the work and credits easy access to nature as part of what helped her cope. “My commute was walking to work past the hospital garden and looking at the mist rising over the mountains—I think that went a long way,” she says. Then she moved to the busy metropolis of Toronto, which she describes as “streetcar town, skyscrapers, and concrete.” Suddenly she found herself much more stressed, even though her work was easier than in B.C. After she realized that her problem was a lack of access to the great outdoors, she decided to do a literature review to collect evidence that would support her intuitive sense that nature was a missing piece of the well-being puzzle. “It had to be backed up by evidence, because I'm a doctor tr a in ed in evi den ce- bas ed medicine,” she says. benets of nature, remembers feeling that same quieting effect while spending time outdoors. (Lem and I went to high school together.) “I grew up feeling that connection to nature and not necessarily feeling as connected to my community as I should have b e e n , ” s h e t e l l s m e . S h e experienced racism and bullying on the playground and at school. “I found when I spent time at the park or when our family would go camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park . . . I felt so comfortable. I didn’t feel like anyone was going to come and yell something at me or exclude me.” Lem tells me about facing other stressors in her early career as a doctor, and the way nature improved her mental health. In her rst role, as a rural family physician in Northern British Columbia, she faced intensive work running an emergency By Misty PrattMedical Researcher, Ottawa, Ontario

Page 19

What Lem found was a large body of literature on the health benets of nature, which she says none of her colleagues were talking about at the time. A systematic review from 2018 included 143 studies on the topic from the previous decade, illustrating a recent and rapid growth in the study of nature and health. A quick search on PubMed for citations since 2018 gave me more than 2,000 results for “greenspace and health,” with that number growing year over year. It's not just the wilds of the forest that have been studied. The systematic review I reference above included studies of 11 different types of greenspace, such as urban trees and street greenery, larger parks, forests, and even the effect of viewing trees from a hospital room window.living in urban gray areas where scraggly trees barely survive in a concrete desert. “We're coming up with a plan for programs where people can get free or discounted transit to greenspaces to reduce that barrier,” she says, adding that it's also important to change people's perceptions of what nature can be. “You don't have to be in the middle of a forest by yourself or on the side of a mountain; it can be in your garden or your neighborhood park.” It was a naturopathic doctor (ND) who handed me my rst PaRx—a park prescription, sometimes called a ParkRx or NatureRx. I had exhausted all the treatment options with my family doctor and had turned to alternative medicine for answers. In addition to several nutritional supplements and d i e t a r y c h a n g e s , m y N D s u g g e s t e d I l e a v e m y claustrophobic cubicle each day at lunchtime, head over to a small buttery garden adjacent to our ofce building, and take off my shoes. I was to stand in the grass for 10 minutes, feeling the cool blades tickling my toes. The review found statistically signicant benets for a heap of obj e ctiv e ( and som e s elf-reported) health measures, including all-cause mortality, type 2 d i a b e t e s , m e a s u r e s o f cardiovascular health, blood pressure, stress hormone levels, and preterm birth. There are also many studies showing that n a t u r e c a n b e t h e r a p e u t i c f o r those with mental health challenges, including reviews on horticulture therapy an d w i l d e r n e s s adventure therapy for young people. What we don't yet fully understand are the underlying reasons why greenspace might benet our mental well-being, which means we don't know enough about how to replicate these inte r ventio n s f or differen t populations. Wou l d g a rd en in g be something teens would want to do? Could wilderness adventure therapy work for older people with physical limitations? “A doctor prescribing nature time in Regent Park is d i f f e r e n t f r o m a d o c t o r prescribing nature in Kitsilano, so we have to denitely be aware of our patient's strengths and a b i l i t i e s , a n d a l s o t h e communities we live in,” says Lem. Lack of access to nature is a problem, with many people 19 OCT 2024 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVINGThe mindful component of time in the outdoors could be one of the key reasons we experience such significant changes in our psychological and physiological health.Health & Wellness

Page 20

Health & WellnessThis was written down on an actual prescription pad, and I carried the slip home with me in my bag. The prescription felt silly at rst, but I dutifully followed it every day throughout that summer. I would burst out of the air-conditioned building at lunchtime into a wave of oppressive heat, my eyes adjusting from fake uorescent lighting to the stunning white glare of the sun. I'd shufe around in the grass while other employees lounged near the garden eating their lunch. And I was surprised to nd that it helped—my lunchtime communion with this small greenspace seemed to set the tone for a better mood in the afternoon and post-work evening. I began to look for other ways to incorporate the outdoors into my everyday life, like biking to work instead of taking the bus. I went for daily walks in the ravine behind my house. Nature prescriptions, or “nature pills,” are a growing area of interest for researchers and medical practitioners. Lem is one of the leaders in the movement in Canada and has launched the Park Prescriptions (PaRx) initiative with the BC Parks Foundation, a program offering health care professionals nature prescription les and codes, with instructions for how to prescribe and log their nature prescriptions. “There are just under 100,000 physicians in Canada, and over 5,000 registered for our program, so that's over 5 percent of doctors,” she says. “I think it's important for nature to become routine advice during a health care visit—diet, exercise, sleep, and nature time.” Lem calls these the four central pillars of health, and she's excited to see the movement growing among physicians. I connect my own time in nature to similar benets I get from practicing mindfulness. I believe that it's not just about the trees that I'm seeing or the cold water that's lapping around me. The setting becomes the doorway to a deeper connection with my body, which gives me the space I need to mindfully observe all the things happening within and around me—something I wouldn't be able to tap into if I were distracted by my phone or hurrying through a park to get to a destination. The science agrees with me: the mindful component of time in the outdoors could be one of the key reasons we experience such signicant changes in our psychological and physiological health. Other research suggests that it's not only the positive health outcome that we get from nature that is the interesting part—it's what predicts those positive changes. In the example of my cold lake swim, being in the presence of something awe-inspiring could be what's causing real physical changes in my body.Article reprinted from Yes Magazine, July 3, 2024, Adapted with permission of the publisher from the book All in Her Head,written by Misty Pratt and published by Greystone Books in May 2024. 20 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING OCT 2024

Page 21

Page 22

Page 23

had the dream again, - we're conversing with that serene familiarity that I've yet to experience with anyone, since. She's walking around the house like she used to, going about her activities. We were back to normal. Alas, I wake up, and a quiet longing overcomes my thoughts. After my morning tea, I move past the lingering dream and face the reality of the day. I walk into my mother's room where she will still be asleep above the humming sound of the pressure mattress. I make sure she is covered, and what I consider, comfortably positioned. She will usually sleep for a couple more hours until I see her bright eyes open from the camera screen on my cell phone. She's up! After welcoming her into the day, just like a mother does a newborn baby, I will physically get her up and ready for the day. She can't move her legs anymore, so it's up to me to get her cleaned up, make her feel safe, get her nourished and hydrated throughout the day, and stimulated with language and gestures that she still responds to. This is the latest routine on my personal journey caring for my mom in late-stage Alzheimer's dementia. Eight years ago, she was still living on her own. One afternoon, I walked into her place and immediately20 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING OCT 2024Generational LivingA Caregiver’s JourneyIGenerational Living 23 OCT 2024 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING She was always very independent and active, so the new living arrangement was more of an adjustment for her than for us. As her cognition declined over the years, along with her physical coordination and mobility, I had to customize her care in creative, and sometimes unusual ways, through trial and error. Although there was a wealth of information, resources and support for families in our situation, it took me some time to pinpoint the kind of care that was most beneﬁcial for mom, not only cognitively, and physically, but also emotionally. This was particularly challenging because she had spent her life grappling with untreated bipolar disorder. It's been eight years now, and I have learned a few things, guided by palliative and hospice care, and chaplain support, that may be helpful for others going through different stages of care for loved ones. These are a few unconventional tips that ultimately helped me with my mom, when medical experts ran out of solutions. Red or Open Areas on Skin – Look for creams with highest percentage of zinc (I prefer Z-Guard). This quickly heals open areas. For deeper wounds, Medi-Honey can be extremely effective. These two remedies were suggested by our wonderful hospice team of nurses. Disclaimer: Each patient's symptoms and level of care neede d wil l be diff eren t, therefore before beginning any care or adjustments, please consult with the patient’s attending physician. Diaper Rash – Early on mom suffered from severe diaper rash. I tried every brand on the market to no avail, and applying rash cream did not seem like a long-term solution for us. To get around this, I bought a dozen or so cotton underwear and put them on under the diapers. I wash the soiled undergarment by hand and hang them to dry at each diaper change. Rash problem solved! Hydration – Mom lost her ability to drink out of a cup or glass, so I put liquids in a bowl and use a large “pho”* spoon to “feed” the liquid to her. Milk, in particular has shown itself to be very hydrating if your loved one does not like to drink water. Thickener is also helpful if liquids cause coughing.*Note: I'm not afliated with any of the products above. These are visuals of products that I have used or are similar.smelled gas. Her stove was not turned off all the way. It was then that I decided that she could not safely live alone. In hindsight, there were symptoms up to that point that I had no reason to recognize until I started learning more about the disease. Behaviors such as repeatedly asking the same questions, accusing others and family members of theft, forgetting recent events, or special dates like her birthday were symptoms that had eluded me before the gas incident. I needed to ﬁnd a suitable living arrangement for mom and looked into assisted living. After visiting many facilities over several months, my husband and I decided that the best care for her would be with us. Helpful solutions*By Billie Taylor

Page 24

Medication Administration – Unable to swallow pills, and often resistant to taking liquid medication, I (crush pills and) mix it in her favorite foods like sherbert or applesauce. Always check with pharmacists if the particular medication can be administered this way. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – Elderly individuals are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to several factors. I found that using a teaspoon of D-Mannose powder once per day in her drink greatly reduced instances of UTIs.Spillage While Eating- Consider bibbing your loved one with a large chucks pad to catch spills. Additionally, mom wears a silicone bib over the pad for double protection. Dental Hygiene - Mom has about 12 of her own teeth, still. It's a challenge brushing her teeth the traditional way, so I wet oral swabs to remove any food in her teeth. This is especially important if your loved one is pocketing food which can potentially cause choking or aspiration.Ear Protection - Unfortunately, mom had an issue with one of her ears as a result of trauma, so we try to keep water out by using plastic ear covers. 24 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING OCT 2024Enter the free drawing at www.iugo.world/magazine-drawing. Open to the public, no purchase or donation required. Winner will be electronically picked at random on Oct. 31, 2024. Winner is not required to be present to receive prize. Consult terms and conditions, when registering entry.Monthly Reader DrawingFREE EN$100 VisaWin aGiftcardOn Our RadariugoworldDay of the Dead Learning PacksThe Smithsonian20 Fall Vegetables for Your BackyardNature Plus MeComplete Home Cleaning ChecklistHome Made SimpleSet Up a Neighborhood WatchLAPD- Back to BasicsEvents in the an Fernando ValleyThe Smithsonian

Page 25

Various forms of testing are needed to determine whether an aging person has the capacity to continue with certain activities such as driving. HOW MUCH DOES AGING AFFECT MENTAL ACUITY?By Donald Jurivich Chair of Geriatrics, University of North Dakota 25 OCT 2024 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVINGI cringed recently while driving to the clinic where I specialize in geriatric medicine when I heard a young radio announcer refer to old people as “wiggy,” a pejorative for wacky. As a doctor who has extensively researched aging and age-related diseases for over 30 years, this to me is the sound of ageism unleashed. The quip immediately underscored how easily society regards age as the sole measure of how well a person functions, rather than the person’s ability to think clearly, make decisions and perform daily tasks.Aging and Mental Acuity The tension between age and function certainly have played out on a world stage in the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign. Prior to President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the election process in July 2024, a writer for a national magazine asked my expert opinion as to whether either or both presidential candidates exhibited signs of dementia. My answer was yes, and I cited examples of how an aging brain under duress may lose a train of thought or engage in excessively long pauses or disconnected topics. What’s more, our organs’ ability to self-regulate and maintain stability, known as homeostasis, declines as we age. In other words, our body does not bounce back from stressful situations as well as when we were young. For example, an older person may take two to three times longer to recover from jet lag than a middle-aged person.Generational Living

Page 26

Generational LivingThe Conundrum of the Aging Brain While each organ ages at dierent rates, gerontologists can now estimate more accurately how a person’s biological age may dier from their chronological age. Biological age represents the physiological, biochemical or molecular proﬁle that changes with age. The rate of this change may be slower or faster depending somewhat on genetics but mostly on lifestyle and environmental factors. The results are often surprising. One 2021 study suggests nearly half of the 38-year-old participants were up to ﬁve years older in biological age than their actual age, while the other half were as many as ﬁve years younger.B u t g e n e r a l l y , i n t h e a b s e n c e o f neurodegenerative disease, the aging brain works well. Research shows both good and not-so-good changes; the good changes include adaptations such as new learning strategies, such as using notes to augment memory. Among the less desirable changes may be longer reaction time and reduced information processing – in other words, as we age, it may take longer to complete a task. Some older adults may also lose high-frequency hearing and miss some points in conversation, especially in a crowded environment. But even most of those changes are subtle and really do not limit learning and executive function – that is, the ability to set and achieve goals, solve problems, regulate emotions and function normally overall. Still, researchers are beginning to recognize a “no man’s land” between normal brain aging and late-life diseases of the brain. For example, periodic memory lapses may be recognized as mild cognitive impairment, which can represent a fork in the road, with half of these situations progressing to dementia and the other half either getting better or not worsening. Through adequate blood pressure control, regular exercise and cognitive engagement, many people show improvement.26 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING OCT 2024

Page 27

27 OCT 2024 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVINGGenerational LivingAbout 1 in 4 American adults are socially isolated, putting them at a signiﬁcantly higher risk of developing dementia. Participating in social activities like book clubs and community events and even walking a dog can reduce that risk. Physical frailty is characterized primarily by slowness, weakness and fatigue. But what’s now called “cognitive frailty” relates to increased sensitivity to stressors and less ability to bounce back from physical or mental stress. Although cognitive frailty is not dementia, it is a potential precursor to dementia – when patients exhibit subtle but demonstrable cognitive changes. This is an area that many clinicians, even those working in the ﬁeld every day, do not fully understand. Many of them don’t dig deeply enough into those subtle changes expressed by older patients. Indeed, one study found that rural primary care doctors underrecognized dementia among their patients. Primary care is lacking in sucient s c re e n i n g f o r c o g n i t i v e d i s o rd e r s . Furthermore, Medicare does not yet have a diagnostic code for cognitive frailty. That is why advocates for optimizing health care in older adults are promoting the routine use of the geriatric 4Ms in clinical practice for ever yo ne 6 5 a nd o lder : medi ca t io n, mentation, mobility and what matters. Mentation refers to the mind, while what matters has to do with what matters most to older adults. This includes at least one annual screening fo r dementia and regular screening for the depression that can precede dementia.Perhaps the most important question: What can all of us do to protect our brains and bodies from the negative eects of aging and disease as we get older? Physical activity, cognitive stimulation and good blood pressure control are the key interventions for preventing the most common form of Alzheimer’s disease.Cognitive FrailtyThings You Can Do

October 2024- SFV Edition

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3