Matthew 5:38-48, 6:1-4
38) " You have heard that it was said, `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39) But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; 40) and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; 41) and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42) Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. 43) You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44) But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45) so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46) For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47) And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48) You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 6:1) Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2) Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3) But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4) so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Way to Go
Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy shit ...what a ride!'
George Carlin
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy shit ...what a ride!'
George Carlin
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A Passage from the Bible
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5) Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 8) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10) Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11) Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12) Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Hay Caramba
Dad took out the dirty dishes from the dishwasher and put them away with the clean ones. Turn your back for one minute... Oh well, he mean't well, now we have to wash ALL the dishes.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
A Thought from the other Jesus:
4) And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house."
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
C. S Lewis Quote
"It now seemed that...the deepest thirst within him was not adapted to the deepest nature of the world."
George Carlin's Views on Aging
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.
'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key.
You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.
'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life! You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony.YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling.. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH
50 and your dreams are gone...
But! wait!! ! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and make it to 60.
You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!
You get into ! your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.'
Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3.Keep learning. ! Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever, even ham radio. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's family name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6... The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips.. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key.
You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.
'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life! You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony.YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling.. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH
50 and your dreams are gone...
But! wait!! ! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and make it to 60.
You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!
You get into ! your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.'
Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3.Keep learning. ! Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever, even ham radio. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's family name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6... The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips.. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Very Interesting
In the past week or two, my father has started following me throughout the house. He used to sit in the patio after a bit of gardening -but now he follows me (without saying anything), he sits in a nearby chair to my office, the kitchen, the living room, etc. Yesterday I gave him a coloring book to distract him, but he just picked up the book and followed me into the next room and continued coloring. I hope that it is just a phase. We will soon see. The trouble is that most of his past hobbies do NOT interest him. He has stopped playing dominoes,TV is not for him (except at night). He does enjoy his daily walks, yet he can't walk the dog anymore and he can't walk alone since last year when he kept walking and almost got lost. He does enjoy his pet birds or should I say bird, since the female parrot flew away this past Saturday. I need to get a replacement bird.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Toilet Troubles
Our main bathroom's toilets got really plugged up last week, so I went to work at fixing it. It took me a few hours - but I was able to dislodge whatever had plugged it up. So I was really surprised yesterday when again, it was plugged up.
"Dad, what have you been dumping in the toilet?", I asked - and immediately he responded, "Why, nothing, it must be someone else." - he replied.
But, my Dad also added: "Unless you mean the trash from the trash can in the bathroom." -
Needless to say, after sending a drill pipe down into the deepest part of our primary toilet and fishing out a sock - among other, needless to mention items, once again our toilet was functioning properly.
Such is the world of a caretaker in the terrible world of Alzheimer's. I would cry, but I prefer to laugh.
"Dad, what have you been dumping in the toilet?", I asked - and immediately he responded, "Why, nothing, it must be someone else." - he replied.
But, my Dad also added: "Unless you mean the trash from the trash can in the bathroom." -
Needless to say, after sending a drill pipe down into the deepest part of our primary toilet and fishing out a sock - among other, needless to mention items, once again our toilet was functioning properly.
Such is the world of a caretaker in the terrible world of Alzheimer's. I would cry, but I prefer to laugh.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Kindergarten for Dad
After almost two weeks, I am almost finished with the re-painting of Dad's room and a second room (which was mine when I was a teenager). In its most recent incarnation it was used as a guest room that looked straight out of the 1970's.
My thought after the painting and clearing out of accumulated "stuff" was that I was going to use the second room as either a newer, finer looking guest room or as a small family room (but come on, it is just pop (Jesus) and me (for the most part). So last night (3AM to be exact), I had what can only be defined as a DIVINE INTERVENTION! Why not face this debilitating disease HEAD-ON, yes folks, why not convert the extra bedroom into what will amount as a one-room classroom for Dad, a kindergarten for a senior citizen! I mean actually set it up as a modern classroom.
Homeschooling for seniors!
Why not? The medications that his doctors have been prescribing to him (within what can only be described as an assembly line attitude) have apparently not been working as well as anticipated.
Add to that, that we receive no additional support from our local, state or federal governments; even though my father is a veteran of the Korean War. Most recently, our California governor, stopped most assistance to California seniors. I mean, the paperwork, the red-tape puts me in a mindset that outside of placing him in a nursing home (no way!)I have no other options but to take things into my own hands and be more proactive in fighting the onslaught of this terrible disease HEAD-ON.
My father is in the fickle position that his retirement pension is too high to qualify for any minor assistance programs, but really too low to solicit other options. Adult day care is beyond our capabilities; moreover, even the medical insurance companies do not see us as a family unit (as a household - go figure), because I am the son living with his father, therefore they would charge us two fees as if we were two families living under on roof.
For as much as we pride ourselves about our country, after living this experience first-hand, I say that we do not care about our seniors the way most civilized nations tend to.
Therefore, hopefully I shall be finished with my little home-schooling project later this week, and I am going to read my dad more children's' stories, the alphabet, play games with him that remind him of his name, of family members, remind him of the day of the week (or the current year for that matter), but I do not intend to give up on my father - until I have tried everything humanly possible.
He deserves that in the very least.
My thought after the painting and clearing out of accumulated "stuff" was that I was going to use the second room as either a newer, finer looking guest room or as a small family room (but come on, it is just pop (Jesus) and me (for the most part). So last night (3AM to be exact), I had what can only be defined as a DIVINE INTERVENTION! Why not face this debilitating disease HEAD-ON, yes folks, why not convert the extra bedroom into what will amount as a one-room classroom for Dad, a kindergarten for a senior citizen! I mean actually set it up as a modern classroom.
Homeschooling for seniors!
Why not? The medications that his doctors have been prescribing to him (within what can only be described as an assembly line attitude) have apparently not been working as well as anticipated.
Add to that, that we receive no additional support from our local, state or federal governments; even though my father is a veteran of the Korean War. Most recently, our California governor, stopped most assistance to California seniors. I mean, the paperwork, the red-tape puts me in a mindset that outside of placing him in a nursing home (no way!)I have no other options but to take things into my own hands and be more proactive in fighting the onslaught of this terrible disease HEAD-ON.
My father is in the fickle position that his retirement pension is too high to qualify for any minor assistance programs, but really too low to solicit other options. Adult day care is beyond our capabilities; moreover, even the medical insurance companies do not see us as a family unit (as a household - go figure), because I am the son living with his father, therefore they would charge us two fees as if we were two families living under on roof.
For as much as we pride ourselves about our country, after living this experience first-hand, I say that we do not care about our seniors the way most civilized nations tend to.
Therefore, hopefully I shall be finished with my little home-schooling project later this week, and I am going to read my dad more children's' stories, the alphabet, play games with him that remind him of his name, of family members, remind him of the day of the week (or the current year for that matter), but I do not intend to give up on my father - until I have tried everything humanly possible.
He deserves that in the very least.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A Brief Note to MY Daughter
Roxana:
Thank you for your words and congratulations on being so busy with essentially fun stuff and activities. This has been a tough week for Tito and me, as we essentially said goodbye to my Uncle Tony (Tia Bertha's husband). The service was this past Monday at the Catholic Church in Bonita. My first job was as a dishwasher at his Casa Don Diego Restaurant when I was only 16. He was a very great guy, he knew your Tito and Tita when they were teenagers. Anyway,I just got dropped off by a tow-truck since my pickup blew it's rear tire (and the tire was relatively new). So I panicked because I never leave Tito alone for more than a few minutes, but I dropped off a friend at the border this morning (after lending him my truck) - I was in shorts, had not yet shaved or bathed it was supposed to be a quick drop off - I ended up borrowing a Border Patrol officers's cell phone to call the tow company and my aunt Elsa to check on my dad. All turned out okay, but I was soooooo desperate about my Pop being alone for that brief moment. Somehow I felt like I messed up. I should NEVER leave my dad alone. NEVER! Anyway, more to tell ya, but I will save it for that next SPECIAL day that I get to see you and Jessica.
Love,
Dad
P.S. "Tito" and "Tita" are terms of endearment for "Grandfather" and "Grandmother" ---- respectively.
Thank you for your words and congratulations on being so busy with essentially fun stuff and activities. This has been a tough week for Tito and me, as we essentially said goodbye to my Uncle Tony (Tia Bertha's husband). The service was this past Monday at the Catholic Church in Bonita. My first job was as a dishwasher at his Casa Don Diego Restaurant when I was only 16. He was a very great guy, he knew your Tito and Tita when they were teenagers. Anyway,I just got dropped off by a tow-truck since my pickup blew it's rear tire (and the tire was relatively new). So I panicked because I never leave Tito alone for more than a few minutes, but I dropped off a friend at the border this morning (after lending him my truck) - I was in shorts, had not yet shaved or bathed it was supposed to be a quick drop off - I ended up borrowing a Border Patrol officers's cell phone to call the tow company and my aunt Elsa to check on my dad. All turned out okay, but I was soooooo desperate about my Pop being alone for that brief moment. Somehow I felt like I messed up. I should NEVER leave my dad alone. NEVER! Anyway, more to tell ya, but I will save it for that next SPECIAL day that I get to see you and Jessica.
Love,
Dad
P.S. "Tito" and "Tita" are terms of endearment for "Grandfather" and "Grandmother" ---- respectively.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
The Balancing Act
My Pop and I just got back from the Home Depot. This particular store was my father's regular hang-out; what with having been a carpenter in the past, he loved to go there and check out the new merchandise. Unfortunately, today I had my share of surprises when my Dad almost fell down twice in the store. He walks with a cane, but he is having increased difficulty in maintaining his balance. His doctor told me that this was to be expected, as a lack of depth perception is another symptom of Alzheimer's Disease, in addition to the very expected memory loss.
Outside of putting him in a wheelchair, which I would like to delay for as long as possible, I do not really know what to do.
I am curious as to what percentage of Dementia and Alzheimer's patients develop serious problems in keeping their balance, when walking from point A - to point B. I have not heard of too many complaints regarding this (balance) issue, so I am very dismayed that my father is having such a hard time (just in walking).
I took him to Denny's for a late lunch afterwards, and I had to fish out a conversation, as he sat there nibbling on his sandwich; apparently, lost in thought in a word faraway from my world. His symptoms are getting worse. Moreover, I am getting tired and anxious at the same time. I miss not having my Dad with me like in the old days. The man I have living with me is, unfortunately, a shadow of the man I knew before.
Sometimes, I ask myself if I am doing worse in taking care of him in his own home, rather than placing him in a nursing home. But, I think that action would contribute to a worsening (even more) of his condition.
Sometimes, I just do NOT have the answers. I wonder if this is normal?
Outside of putting him in a wheelchair, which I would like to delay for as long as possible, I do not really know what to do.
I am curious as to what percentage of Dementia and Alzheimer's patients develop serious problems in keeping their balance, when walking from point A - to point B. I have not heard of too many complaints regarding this (balance) issue, so I am very dismayed that my father is having such a hard time (just in walking).
I took him to Denny's for a late lunch afterwards, and I had to fish out a conversation, as he sat there nibbling on his sandwich; apparently, lost in thought in a word faraway from my world. His symptoms are getting worse. Moreover, I am getting tired and anxious at the same time. I miss not having my Dad with me like in the old days. The man I have living with me is, unfortunately, a shadow of the man I knew before.
Sometimes, I ask myself if I am doing worse in taking care of him in his own home, rather than placing him in a nursing home. But, I think that action would contribute to a worsening (even more) of his condition.
Sometimes, I just do NOT have the answers. I wonder if this is normal?
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Please Go FIGURE!
Today I received an e-mail from one of my friends (who happens to be a doctor in Spain); where he highlighted some very interesting worldwide facts on the global use of medicine:
'En el mundo actual, se está invirtiendo cinco veces más en medicamentos para la virilidad masculina y silicona para mujeres, que en la cura del Alzheimer. De aquí a algunos años, tendremos viejas de tetas grandes y viejos con pene duro, pero ninguno de ellos se acordará para que sirven'.
TRANSLATION:
'In today's world, there is an investment of five times greater funding in medicines that are for erectile dysfunction and breast augmentation than in searching for the cure for Alzheimer's Disease. Therefore, in a few years we shall have older women with large sexy breasts and older guys with hard penuses and neither of them shall remember what these elements are good for...'
Go FIGURE!!!
'En el mundo actual, se está invirtiendo cinco veces más en medicamentos para la virilidad masculina y silicona para mujeres, que en la cura del Alzheimer. De aquí a algunos años, tendremos viejas de tetas grandes y viejos con pene duro, pero ninguno de ellos se acordará para que sirven'.
TRANSLATION:
'In today's world, there is an investment of five times greater funding in medicines that are for erectile dysfunction and breast augmentation than in searching for the cure for Alzheimer's Disease. Therefore, in a few years we shall have older women with large sexy breasts and older guys with hard penuses and neither of them shall remember what these elements are good for...'
Go FIGURE!!!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Such is Life
I have not written much in my blog about taking care of my Pop recently, because, well, I have been taking care of my Pop. His disease has progressed quite seriously in past few weeks, allowing me for very little time to write in my blog. Moreover, I am exhausted by the time he goes to bed.
Don't get me wrong- physically, he is doing great. His appetite is good, he looks as handsome as ever, but his problems with memory and his balance are getting noticeably worse. He has started doing things like trying to brush his teeth with shaving cream instead of toothpaste, or putting away dirty dishes with the clean ones, or getting up in the middle of the night and trying to go outside.
I have to be with him, or at least close to him, in order to avoid any potential mishaps.
His depth perception (when climbing stairs) is terrible. I guess, that, in other words, his overall abilities are now much more impacted by his dementia, by his Alzheimer's.
A fact which was confirmed by his new doctor very recently. Fortunately, this new doctor appears to be much more proactive, rather than reactive, when it comes to controlling his situation. We are starting some new meds and some new exercises that will hopefully help.
I feel, like a bit overwhelmed at times; it is getting harder and harder to watch over him without becoming totally overbearing. I now have to help him with his bathing; and just a week ago, I commenced putting him in adult diapers (at nighttime) after a few "accidents" --- a fact which he has accepted better than I thought that he would have.
I should have been better prepared to deal with this overall decline in his situation, but I just thought that we were doing so well. I did NOT think that this diminishment of capacity would come so quickly.
I guess that I will continue to roll with the punches, but I do not wish this situation on anybody; it truly drains your energy in a very fickle way. Essentially, I am a prisoner without my own life to live. Yet, when I see him smile, when I see him happy and comfortable being in his own home; when he tells me that he loves me at bedtime - well as corny as it may sound, it makes all of my efforts well worthwhile. He is my father and I promise to continue taking care of him as long as I am able to do so.
Don't get me wrong- physically, he is doing great. His appetite is good, he looks as handsome as ever, but his problems with memory and his balance are getting noticeably worse. He has started doing things like trying to brush his teeth with shaving cream instead of toothpaste, or putting away dirty dishes with the clean ones, or getting up in the middle of the night and trying to go outside.
I have to be with him, or at least close to him, in order to avoid any potential mishaps.
His depth perception (when climbing stairs) is terrible. I guess, that, in other words, his overall abilities are now much more impacted by his dementia, by his Alzheimer's.
A fact which was confirmed by his new doctor very recently. Fortunately, this new doctor appears to be much more proactive, rather than reactive, when it comes to controlling his situation. We are starting some new meds and some new exercises that will hopefully help.
I feel, like a bit overwhelmed at times; it is getting harder and harder to watch over him without becoming totally overbearing. I now have to help him with his bathing; and just a week ago, I commenced putting him in adult diapers (at nighttime) after a few "accidents" --- a fact which he has accepted better than I thought that he would have.
I should have been better prepared to deal with this overall decline in his situation, but I just thought that we were doing so well. I did NOT think that this diminishment of capacity would come so quickly.
I guess that I will continue to roll with the punches, but I do not wish this situation on anybody; it truly drains your energy in a very fickle way. Essentially, I am a prisoner without my own life to live. Yet, when I see him smile, when I see him happy and comfortable being in his own home; when he tells me that he loves me at bedtime - well as corny as it may sound, it makes all of my efforts well worthwhile. He is my father and I promise to continue taking care of him as long as I am able to do so.
Taking a vacation in a high crime city! No way.
By Patrick Osio
You're planning a vacation trip; you want to stay relatively close to home, no overseas travel, not this year. Maybe Mexico or in the U.S. – but it has to be affordable and with plenty to do. So you’re reading about some cities. You find one of interest, but on reading other information lo and behold you find that the chances of becoming a crime victim in that city are 1 out of 4 – a whopping 25% chance of being a crime victim. That ended that city as a destination.
You select another city, it sounds interesting, but now you also want to check up on how safe it is. Oh my gosh, you read that the chances of being a crime victim are also 1 out of 4. Scratch that one too. You go to the next city of interest, this one has great beaches, from good to excellent sea food restaurants, but before you book rooms, you check the safety. This one is better but still the chances of being a crime victim are 1 out of 5 – a 20% chance. What the heck is going on? Scratch that city.
Now you start checking other cities but begin with the safety factor first – you find that some are 1 out of 7, or 1 out of 8, or 1 out of 9, or 1 out of 10 – one out of ten people that’s 10% of people being victims of crime in that city – that is scary you think and decide maybe you and your family should stay home.
The cities checked before giving up are Chicago, Cincinnati, Miami, Jacksonville, Baltimore, Kansas City, Memphis, Dallas, Richmond, St. Louis, Little Rock, Philadelphia, Tampa, New York, Orlando, Cleveland, New Orleans, Los Angeles and Detroit – you had no idea that the chances of being a victim of crime in those cities was that high. What an eye opener.
But is it really an eye opener or are those cities "guilty by association"?
All the mentioned cities are great places with much history and plentiful things to do and enjoy. The high crime rates are true, but within certain, but not all in fact few, neighborhoods in each of those cities. The odds for being a victim of crime in those neighborhoods fall on the neighborhood residents not the tourists who visit the city and don’t travel into those affected neighborhoods.
New Orleans and Miami, as examples, were suffering from a drop of tourism due to high crime reports leading city officials in New Orleans to explain that the French Quarter where tourists congregate and spend their visiting time are very safe provided they are not involved in criminal activity. All cities mentioned are victims of generalization that the media portrayed and people believe that the entire city is not safe due to some neighborhoods having high crime rates.
Similarly, Baja California has been victimized by an unknowing, some would say insensitive, press that Tijuana, with a population nearing 2 million, covering over 400 square miles with dozens of neighborhoods, has neighborhoods with high crime rates wherein the drug cartels are entrenched, but it does not affect the entire city. Where tourism congregates is relatively free of crime, and other than petty thefts, most other crimes against tourists are negligible in proportion to the number of visitors.
The press reports high profile gang wars, and law enforcement shoot out encounters with drug cartel members as though it is the entire city by not identifying affected neighborhoods or even the size of the city where these confrontations take place. Like the French Quarter of New Orleans the Tijuana sections wherein visitors congregate are as safe as the French Quarter.
It is unfair to generalize about the entire city of New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Dallas and all the others due to high crime in some of their neighborhoods, it is also unfair to generalize about Tijuana.
It is an even greater injustice that in generalizing about Tijuana the nearby municipalities of Rosarito Beach, covering close to 200 square miles, and Ensenada, a giant at over 20,000 square miles of territory, are drawn into the same generalization as Tijuana because travelers are under the impression that to reach them they have to cross Tijuana – not true, but the US press has never corrected the perception. Going to Ensenada from the US-Mexico border one takes a highway that skirts around Tijuana to a very safe toll scenic highway to both Rosarito Beach and Ensenada. Like in Los Angeles, using a freeway that crosses Watts (350% greater homicide rate than rest of L.A.) on the way to Disneyland.
These types of generalizations hurt everybody – the potential visitor to a great city in the US or Baja California because they miss out on a great experience; the city who loses the income that is spent by tourists that create employment and better life for residents; and by workers whose livelihood depends on visitor’s expenditures.
Read more news by Patrick Osio
You're planning a vacation trip; you want to stay relatively close to home, no overseas travel, not this year. Maybe Mexico or in the U.S. – but it has to be affordable and with plenty to do. So you’re reading about some cities. You find one of interest, but on reading other information lo and behold you find that the chances of becoming a crime victim in that city are 1 out of 4 – a whopping 25% chance of being a crime victim. That ended that city as a destination.
You select another city, it sounds interesting, but now you also want to check up on how safe it is. Oh my gosh, you read that the chances of being a crime victim are also 1 out of 4. Scratch that one too. You go to the next city of interest, this one has great beaches, from good to excellent sea food restaurants, but before you book rooms, you check the safety. This one is better but still the chances of being a crime victim are 1 out of 5 – a 20% chance. What the heck is going on? Scratch that city.
Now you start checking other cities but begin with the safety factor first – you find that some are 1 out of 7, or 1 out of 8, or 1 out of 9, or 1 out of 10 – one out of ten people that’s 10% of people being victims of crime in that city – that is scary you think and decide maybe you and your family should stay home.
The cities checked before giving up are Chicago, Cincinnati, Miami, Jacksonville, Baltimore, Kansas City, Memphis, Dallas, Richmond, St. Louis, Little Rock, Philadelphia, Tampa, New York, Orlando, Cleveland, New Orleans, Los Angeles and Detroit – you had no idea that the chances of being a victim of crime in those cities was that high. What an eye opener.
But is it really an eye opener or are those cities "guilty by association"?
All the mentioned cities are great places with much history and plentiful things to do and enjoy. The high crime rates are true, but within certain, but not all in fact few, neighborhoods in each of those cities. The odds for being a victim of crime in those neighborhoods fall on the neighborhood residents not the tourists who visit the city and don’t travel into those affected neighborhoods.
New Orleans and Miami, as examples, were suffering from a drop of tourism due to high crime reports leading city officials in New Orleans to explain that the French Quarter where tourists congregate and spend their visiting time are very safe provided they are not involved in criminal activity. All cities mentioned are victims of generalization that the media portrayed and people believe that the entire city is not safe due to some neighborhoods having high crime rates.
Similarly, Baja California has been victimized by an unknowing, some would say insensitive, press that Tijuana, with a population nearing 2 million, covering over 400 square miles with dozens of neighborhoods, has neighborhoods with high crime rates wherein the drug cartels are entrenched, but it does not affect the entire city. Where tourism congregates is relatively free of crime, and other than petty thefts, most other crimes against tourists are negligible in proportion to the number of visitors.
The press reports high profile gang wars, and law enforcement shoot out encounters with drug cartel members as though it is the entire city by not identifying affected neighborhoods or even the size of the city where these confrontations take place. Like the French Quarter of New Orleans the Tijuana sections wherein visitors congregate are as safe as the French Quarter.
It is unfair to generalize about the entire city of New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Dallas and all the others due to high crime in some of their neighborhoods, it is also unfair to generalize about Tijuana.
It is an even greater injustice that in generalizing about Tijuana the nearby municipalities of Rosarito Beach, covering close to 200 square miles, and Ensenada, a giant at over 20,000 square miles of territory, are drawn into the same generalization as Tijuana because travelers are under the impression that to reach them they have to cross Tijuana – not true, but the US press has never corrected the perception. Going to Ensenada from the US-Mexico border one takes a highway that skirts around Tijuana to a very safe toll scenic highway to both Rosarito Beach and Ensenada. Like in Los Angeles, using a freeway that crosses Watts (350% greater homicide rate than rest of L.A.) on the way to Disneyland.
These types of generalizations hurt everybody – the potential visitor to a great city in the US or Baja California because they miss out on a great experience; the city who loses the income that is spent by tourists that create employment and better life for residents; and by workers whose livelihood depends on visitor’s expenditures.
Read more news by Patrick Osio
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
MY new BUSINESS wEB sITE!
hEY GUYS: This is my new biz web site (I'm so excited). Pleeeze give me your feedback. With LUV, Ric ---- www.monkeyfingers.tv
Monday, May 18, 2009
Day Care for Dad
After a two-year wait, my dad has been accepted into a really nice Alzheimer's Day Care center in Chula Vista. We went last Friday to an orientation and he loved it! This way he will be able to socialize with people of his own age and with the same affliction. It will definitely be good for him. And for me (i will get a break at least two days a week!).
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
LEGENDARY HISPANIC DJ TO ARRIVE IN SAN DIEGO
(San Diego - March 30, 2009) Hispanic DJ Legend Procopio "El Coco" Marquez is scheduled to arrive in San Diego tomorrow morning to record some promo spots for Monkey Fingers' Studioworks. Coco, as he was affectionately known to thousands of radio listeners in central California, was a pioneer in promoting Hispanic concerts to farm workers throughout the golden state in the late fifties and sixties in Fresno, Bakersfield and many other communities throughout California.
Classic mega stars from Mexico, such as Javier Solis, Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Lola Beltran, Los Tres Aces, and many others, performed for the first time in the USA thanks to Coco and his partners. While today it is very common for Hispanic artists to perform in the USA, back in the late fifties it was not as common. Coco, through his radio show was able to persuade top performers from Mexico to perform in live concerts for field workers from throughout the golden state.
After successfully executing hundreds of concerts, other performers from south of the border began to explore venues in the USA. Though on dialysis three times a week, Coco is making the trip to San Diego to record some promotional spots for Monkey Fingers' Studioworks located in south San Diego county. Most recent ly, Coco has retired as a city councilman for the town of Superior, Arizona. The former mining town is a small community located a few hours from Phoenix - Arizona (http://www.superior-arizona.com/). Coco will be in town from Tuesday through Friday; beyond his recordings he will also use the time to visit with family and friends in both San Diego and Tijuana.
Monkey Fingers' Studioworks is a multi-faceted studio operation that handles video, audio, Internet, film production and commercial photography. The founding partners have over 30 years experience in international marketing and media production. They have won multiple industry awards including an Emmy.
Monkey Fingers' integrates video production with Internet site development. Besides hosting multiple sites for many different companies and organizations, Monkey Fingers' is at the forefront of developing new technologies for multiple production platforms.
WHY MONKEY FINGERS?
The reason for the name: Monkey Fingers is our love for The Beatles. The term is used in their song: Come Together. The song title essentially describes our mission statement as a firm: To come together with all sorts of enterprises and deliver optimum quality in audio, video and Internet production:
With Our Apologies to THE BEATLES:
He wear no shoeshine - he got toe-jam football
He got monkey fingers - he shoot coca-cola
He say: "I know you, you know me"
One thing I can tell you is you got to be free
Come together right now over me...
Classic mega stars from Mexico, such as Javier Solis, Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Lola Beltran, Los Tres Aces, and many others, performed for the first time in the USA thanks to Coco and his partners. While today it is very common for Hispanic artists to perform in the USA, back in the late fifties it was not as common. Coco, through his radio show was able to persuade top performers from Mexico to perform in live concerts for field workers from throughout the golden state.
After successfully executing hundreds of concerts, other performers from south of the border began to explore venues in the USA. Though on dialysis three times a week, Coco is making the trip to San Diego to record some promotional spots for Monkey Fingers' Studioworks located in south San Diego county. Most recent ly, Coco has retired as a city councilman for the town of Superior, Arizona. The former mining town is a small community located a few hours from Phoenix - Arizona (http://www.superior-arizona.com/). Coco will be in town from Tuesday through Friday; beyond his recordings he will also use the time to visit with family and friends in both San Diego and Tijuana.
Monkey Fingers' Studioworks is a multi-faceted studio operation that handles video, audio, Internet, film production and commercial photography. The founding partners have over 30 years experience in international marketing and media production. They have won multiple industry awards including an Emmy.
Monkey Fingers' integrates video production with Internet site development. Besides hosting multiple sites for many different companies and organizations, Monkey Fingers' is at the forefront of developing new technologies for multiple production platforms.
WHY MONKEY FINGERS?
The reason for the name: Monkey Fingers is our love for The Beatles. The term is used in their song: Come Together. The song title essentially describes our mission statement as a firm: To come together with all sorts of enterprises and deliver optimum quality in audio, video and Internet production:
With Our Apologies to THE BEATLES:
He wear no shoeshine - he got toe-jam football
He got monkey fingers - he shoot coca-cola
He say: "I know you, you know me"
One thing I can tell you is you got to be free
Come together right now over me...
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
SOS Call Came Through
Alright, tough weekend; and I am glad that it is over. I pulled a ligament on my right ankle so taking care of pop was very difficult (and very painful). I had to call in my reserves; within an hour of my call, I had Aunt Elsa over cooking up food, then my uncle Jorge came over to bring me some anti-inflammatory medicine. Soaked my foot in warm salt water; and my uncle Alfredo took my dad off to spend the rest of the day with my (103 year-old) grandmother and other extended family members. My aunt Vicky was kind enough to bring him home around six in the afternoon. She even brought home dinner.
It was very kind for all of their help. It is good to know that - in case of an emergency, I have them in my and my father's life.
I still cannot drive, but I can walk well enough to do the basic things. This weekend proved that it can be very, very good to be from a large family.
It was very kind for all of their help. It is good to know that - in case of an emergency, I have them in my and my father's life.
I still cannot drive, but I can walk well enough to do the basic things. This weekend proved that it can be very, very good to be from a large family.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
To CA First Lady Maria Shriver
Letter Sent to California First Lady Maria Shriver
This is actually directed for our First Lady, Ms. Maria Shriver. I know that you have been impacted by Alzheimer's Disease. My mother, passed away in August 2007 of breast cancer. At that time, I gave up my job at Univision Television in Palm Springs, to take care of my dad, who has Alzheimer's. It has been almost 21 months since then. My father, who is a Korean War Vet, does not qualify for Medical since he earns just slightly above the amount to qualify from his federal employee retirement (he worked for 35 years at the Naval Supply Center in San Diego). Anyway, since I am NOT the spouse, but rather the adult child of an Alzheimer's patient, as a full time caregiver I do not qualify for any assistance. I have utilized all of my savings, what is left is scant.
My father and I were featured on a PBS documentary about the cost of Alzheimer's. You can see that and an extended interview with me at YouTube if you enter my name (Ric Gomez) on the YouTube Search machine. In any case, Alzheimer's is reaching epidemic proportions. Since I do not qualify for Medical, I cannot place my dad into daytime day care for seniors. The cost at almost $100.00 per day is prohibitive. Medicare does not cover it, nor does his health insurance. I am running out of options. Moreover, out of money. I keep a blog about my experiences at www.thetroublewithjesus.blogspot.com --- Since you will be speaking to the Alzheimer's Association in the coming future, I do hope that you communicate to your husband the sad realities that we all face in taking care of our parents. We need help, I myself, after 21 months of this, I need a day off.
Thank you, and know that we know that you both are trying your best.
Ric
This is actually directed for our First Lady, Ms. Maria Shriver. I know that you have been impacted by Alzheimer's Disease. My mother, passed away in August 2007 of breast cancer. At that time, I gave up my job at Univision Television in Palm Springs, to take care of my dad, who has Alzheimer's. It has been almost 21 months since then. My father, who is a Korean War Vet, does not qualify for Medical since he earns just slightly above the amount to qualify from his federal employee retirement (he worked for 35 years at the Naval Supply Center in San Diego). Anyway, since I am NOT the spouse, but rather the adult child of an Alzheimer's patient, as a full time caregiver I do not qualify for any assistance. I have utilized all of my savings, what is left is scant.
My father and I were featured on a PBS documentary about the cost of Alzheimer's. You can see that and an extended interview with me at YouTube if you enter my name (Ric Gomez) on the YouTube Search machine. In any case, Alzheimer's is reaching epidemic proportions. Since I do not qualify for Medical, I cannot place my dad into daytime day care for seniors. The cost at almost $100.00 per day is prohibitive. Medicare does not cover it, nor does his health insurance. I am running out of options. Moreover, out of money. I keep a blog about my experiences at www.thetroublewithjesus.blogspot.com --- Since you will be speaking to the Alzheimer's Association in the coming future, I do hope that you communicate to your husband the sad realities that we all face in taking care of our parents. We need help, I myself, after 21 months of this, I need a day off.
Thank you, and know that we know that you both are trying your best.
Ric
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
It Is Progressing
Unfortunately, my father's symptoms of AD are increasing. I now have to assist him in more ways than before. It is more difficult for him to shower, to dress himself, to brush his teeth. I discovered that he was brushing without the toothpaste; so now I have to be there more than not, but I have to balance being there for him without being overbearing. That is a difficult task.
The one thing that still amazes me is how everyone tells me, "Oh your father looks great." "He is just getting older." "You are overreacting."
Sometimes I feel like just crying out: "Why don't you live with him and then tell me what you observe."
Look, I am very fortunate that my father is doing just great physically; he has a great sense of humor and he is a snappy dresser. Nevertheless, he has AD; which can affect his memory, his balance and his overall judgement.
AD is a terrible disease, and most people do not realize the symptoms nor just how seriously it impacts the patient as well as the family.
The one thing that still amazes me is how everyone tells me, "Oh your father looks great." "He is just getting older." "You are overreacting."
Sometimes I feel like just crying out: "Why don't you live with him and then tell me what you observe."
Look, I am very fortunate that my father is doing just great physically; he has a great sense of humor and he is a snappy dresser. Nevertheless, he has AD; which can affect his memory, his balance and his overall judgement.
AD is a terrible disease, and most people do not realize the symptoms nor just how seriously it impacts the patient as well as the family.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tremendously Crazy Weekend
This weekend consisted of my cousin Mike's birthday party, a graveside funeral for one of my dad's longtime neighbors, visits from no less than ten family members and friends, pizza (lot's of pizza), lemons (lot's of lemons), sleepless nights, confusion, and so much more.
My dad enjoyed being at Mike's party Saturday night, his sisters and respective husbands were present and accounted for; the food was sensational, and Mike's daughter produced an outstanding video/slide show profiling Mike's life as a dad to six kids. We gave Mike a guitar for his day; not that he knows how to play the guitar, but my father does and he thought that it would make a nice gift to remind him of his godfather.
We did not attend Earl's funeral. We loved him dearly, but I do not think it appropriate to take my father to funerals and such. Funerals make him sad and at 81, I believe he has earned the right to mourn from home. Nevertheless, we took a couple of pizzas to his family last night to help explain our absence. They seemed very understanding and cool with the situation.
In regards to the visits, we had nonstop visits from different friends and family members, which always makes my dad laugh and happy inside.
At the end of the day, it makes me happy too. Although a disportunate amount of our acquaintances own lemon trees. Apparently, I deduct that from all the bags of lemons we received this weekend. Lemonade anyone?
Unfortunately, I had very little sleep for the last couple of nights. My dad's nighttime restlessness affects me very directly. Thank GOD for baby monitors; at least I can sleep in my own bedroom.
My dad enjoyed being at Mike's party Saturday night, his sisters and respective husbands were present and accounted for; the food was sensational, and Mike's daughter produced an outstanding video/slide show profiling Mike's life as a dad to six kids. We gave Mike a guitar for his day; not that he knows how to play the guitar, but my father does and he thought that it would make a nice gift to remind him of his godfather.
We did not attend Earl's funeral. We loved him dearly, but I do not think it appropriate to take my father to funerals and such. Funerals make him sad and at 81, I believe he has earned the right to mourn from home. Nevertheless, we took a couple of pizzas to his family last night to help explain our absence. They seemed very understanding and cool with the situation.
In regards to the visits, we had nonstop visits from different friends and family members, which always makes my dad laugh and happy inside.
At the end of the day, it makes me happy too. Although a disportunate amount of our acquaintances own lemon trees. Apparently, I deduct that from all the bags of lemons we received this weekend. Lemonade anyone?
Unfortunately, I had very little sleep for the last couple of nights. My dad's nighttime restlessness affects me very directly. Thank GOD for baby monitors; at least I can sleep in my own bedroom.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday & Uncle A's Birthday
I took my pop to the eight o'clock mass this morning for Ash Wednesday. He looked very happy, dressed super-sharp and enjoying visiting with some of his friends. After receiving his ashes, we headed out to the Chinese bakery to buy a birthday cake for my uncle Alfredo (my dad's little brother) who turns 71-years-young today. Uncle Alfredo is staying at my grandmother's house; so both of them were happily surprised to receive us as we sang "Happy Birthday" to my uncle. My grandmother is 103 years young and still kicking. She actually sang "Las Mañanitas" (the Mexican birthday song) to her son with a glow of happiness throughout her face.
I left my dad there to spend some quality time with his mom and brother. Some day I will relate the story of when my grandmother and her sisters fed Pancho Villa and his troops on her family's ranch during the height of the Mexican Revolution.
But, today is the start of Lent for Catholics. Lent is a period of individual reflection whereby we are to focus on three steps: 1. Prayer, 2. Fasting, and 3. Charity. Nice steps, if you can carry them out. Yet, I think we got off to a nice and happy start.
Moreover, my grandmother, my father and, my uncle were very elated this morning. And that makes it all worth the effort.
I left my dad there to spend some quality time with his mom and brother. Some day I will relate the story of when my grandmother and her sisters fed Pancho Villa and his troops on her family's ranch during the height of the Mexican Revolution.
But, today is the start of Lent for Catholics. Lent is a period of individual reflection whereby we are to focus on three steps: 1. Prayer, 2. Fasting, and 3. Charity. Nice steps, if you can carry them out. Yet, I think we got off to a nice and happy start.
Moreover, my grandmother, my father and, my uncle were very elated this morning. And that makes it all worth the effort.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Book of Matthew
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5) Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 8) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10) Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11) Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12) Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Thursday, February 5, 2009
George Carlin's Take on Aging
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8 Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8 Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Give It Up for Jesus
We had an outstanding birthday celebration for my father yesterday at the house. He turned 81-years-young and several family members (including two of his seven sisters) joined us to eat Carnitas, salsa, birthday cake and to enjoy each other's company. It was great and my father felt very, very happy. It was a good day!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Drinking Java May Prevent Dementia
Drink Daily Cups of Coffee to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease
Author: Wesley Roberts Category: Science 2009-01-16 10:14:22 Midlife coffee and tea drinking can decrease the risk of dementia/Alzheimer's disease (AD) later in life. This conclusion is made in a Finnish Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia.
This study has been conducted at the University of Kuopio, Finland in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and the National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland. The study included participants from the survivors of population-based cohorts previously surveyed within the North Karelia Project and the FINMONICA study in 1972, 1977, 1982 or 1987 (midlife visit). After an average follow-up of 21 years, 1409 individuals (71%) aged 65 to 79 completed the re-examination in 1998. A total of 61 cases were identified as demented (48 with AD).
"We aimed to study the association between coffee and tea consumption at midlife and dementia/AD risk in late-life, because the long-term impact of caffeine on the central nervous system was still unknown, and as the pathologic processes leading to Alzheimer's disease may start decades before the clinical manifestation of the disease," says lead researcher, associate professor Miia Kivipelto, from the University of Kuopio, Finland and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
At the midlife examination, the consumption of coffee and tea was assessed with a previously validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Coffee drinking was categorized into three groups: 0-2 cups (low), 3-5 cups (moderate) and >5 cups (high) per day. Further, the question concerning tea consumption was dichotomized into those not drinking tea (0 cup/day) vs. those drinking tea (e1 cup/day).
The study found that coffee drinkers at midlife had lower risk for dementia and AD later in life compared to those drinking no or only little coffee. The lowest risk (65% decreased) was found among moderate coffee drinkers (drinking 3-5 cups of coffee/day). Adjustments for various confounders did not change the results. Tea drinking was relatively uncommon and was not associated with dementia/AD.
Kivipelto also notes that, "Given the large amount of coffee consumption globally, the results might have important implications for the prevention of or delaying the onset of dementia/AD. The finding needs to be confirmed by other studies, but it opens the possibility that dietary interventions could modify the risk of dementia/AD. Also, identification of mechanisms of how coffee exerts its protection against dementia/AD might help in the development of new therapies for these diseases."
Based on the report and findings at the University, it would be apparent that everyone should begin drinking their daily doses of coffee to help combat Alzheimer's disease.
Author: Wesley Roberts Category: Science 2009-01-16 10:14:22 Midlife coffee and tea drinking can decrease the risk of dementia/Alzheimer's disease (AD) later in life. This conclusion is made in a Finnish Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia.
This study has been conducted at the University of Kuopio, Finland in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and the National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland. The study included participants from the survivors of population-based cohorts previously surveyed within the North Karelia Project and the FINMONICA study in 1972, 1977, 1982 or 1987 (midlife visit). After an average follow-up of 21 years, 1409 individuals (71%) aged 65 to 79 completed the re-examination in 1998. A total of 61 cases were identified as demented (48 with AD).
"We aimed to study the association between coffee and tea consumption at midlife and dementia/AD risk in late-life, because the long-term impact of caffeine on the central nervous system was still unknown, and as the pathologic processes leading to Alzheimer's disease may start decades before the clinical manifestation of the disease," says lead researcher, associate professor Miia Kivipelto, from the University of Kuopio, Finland and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
At the midlife examination, the consumption of coffee and tea was assessed with a previously validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Coffee drinking was categorized into three groups: 0-2 cups (low), 3-5 cups (moderate) and >5 cups (high) per day. Further, the question concerning tea consumption was dichotomized into those not drinking tea (0 cup/day) vs. those drinking tea (e1 cup/day).
The study found that coffee drinkers at midlife had lower risk for dementia and AD later in life compared to those drinking no or only little coffee. The lowest risk (65% decreased) was found among moderate coffee drinkers (drinking 3-5 cups of coffee/day). Adjustments for various confounders did not change the results. Tea drinking was relatively uncommon and was not associated with dementia/AD.
Kivipelto also notes that, "Given the large amount of coffee consumption globally, the results might have important implications for the prevention of or delaying the onset of dementia/AD. The finding needs to be confirmed by other studies, but it opens the possibility that dietary interventions could modify the risk of dementia/AD. Also, identification of mechanisms of how coffee exerts its protection against dementia/AD might help in the development of new therapies for these diseases."
Based on the report and findings at the University, it would be apparent that everyone should begin drinking their daily doses of coffee to help combat Alzheimer's disease.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I am Very Sorry!
I am very sorry for not posting anything since before Thanksgiving. I was in the hospital, my dad has been getting a bit worse, my daughters came for Christmas dinner and so much more to share.
Quite honestly, I just have not felt that well, at least not well enough to write on my blog. It is very difficult to be a caregiver for anyone; moreover, these past few months have been extremely difficult. I will share more later on, right now I have to make sure my pop goes to bed... later.
Quite honestly, I just have not felt that well, at least not well enough to write on my blog. It is very difficult to be a caregiver for anyone; moreover, these past few months have been extremely difficult. I will share more later on, right now I have to make sure my pop goes to bed... later.
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