NPR: A Caregiver's Survival Guide

NPR: A Caregiver's Survival Guide

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

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NPR: A Caregiver's Survival Guide

Accessed 21 October 2025 by Gail K. Kachnycz

     My good friend Donna was introduced to you for Mother's Day 2024. Here is the link:

Mothers Day: Don't Compare

     Donna shared this article with me. "NPR: A caregiver's survival guide: Advice from people who've been there," by Kat McGowan and Connie Hanzhang Jin. It was published October 18, 2025 on NPR. Using the crowd-sourcing ability of public media, these authors compiled information for caregivers divided into several categories: (1) The medical maze: How to help your person through it (2) The new normal: This isn't the life I planned. How do I adjust? (3) Help! How to ask for (and accept) support (4) Self-care: It's essential and it's not what you think (5) Your new relationship: Dealing with a changing dynamic (6) Explore more resources. Each section has the option "Can't see this visual? Click here." By clicking, you will be able to access the details of that particular section.  Although not from a Christian perspective, the information is helpful to anyone in a caregiver role. Here is the link:

NPR A Caregiver's Survival Guide

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SELF CARE: NEW START

SELF CARE: NEW START

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

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Image: Harvest Moon Rises Above Ocean by Gail K. Kachnycz 7 October 2025

SELF CARE: NEW START by Gail K. Kachnycz on 22 October 2025

     You may have noticed there was no new post published last week on A Map Through The Valley. I was taking some time off for self-care, so important for caregivers. I spent two weeks in Ocean City New Jersey with my Elephant Sisters and other friends. If you are not familiar with the term Elephant Sisters, this post explains it:

Elephant Sisters 

     While we were in Ocean City, the full moon, called the Harvest Moon, was due. The name Harvest Moon connotes the timing during the fall, when most crops were harvested. The full moon at that time of year provided extra light to complete the task of harvesting the field. The moon's orbit around the earth is not symmetrical or circular, but rather oval shaped. This harvest moon occurred at the point when the moon is closest to the earth (perigee). After checking for the time and location of moonrise, several of us walked out to the boardwalk and searched the eastern horizon. It seemed like forever, but sure enough, a golden pink edge appeared over the ocean. 

     A cloud bank was hugging the ocean, so for a brief period part of the moon's appearance was obscured. But as the moon continued to ascend, the complete orb was visible.

     The parable here is that God is often closer than we think. But, if we know what signs to look for, we will see His presence in our lives. Even if circumstances obscure our vision, if we continue to look to the Lord and trust Him, He is faithful.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1

     As noted in the post September 24, this blog has been active for two years now.

Bloggy-versary Two!

 The Lord has provided me the unique opportunity in the next 4-5 months to devote more time to content and expansion of A Map Through The Valley. Please join me in praying for guidance from the Lord with this project. Thank you again to all the subscribers and readers.

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MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

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Image: pexelsleeloothefirst accessed 13 September 2025

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT  by Gail K. Kachnycz 

     Open Enrollment for Medicare begins October 15, 2025 and ends December 7, 2025. There are quite a few options, and health insurance "Advantage Plans" will be flooding the TV with ads. Of course, they will try to convince you that their plan is the best for you. However, unbiased information and assistance is available through PA MEDI. An appointment is needed, so make contact early to arrange a time to see a counselor.  PA MEDI was introduced on A Map Through the Valley last October, so here is the link to that post which includes more information and the phone number to call.

Post: PA MEDI Explains Plans 

Here is a link to the Medicare website that lists information about Open Enrollment. I find government websites can be "Too Much Information" but it is the official website so no bias to promote an Advantage Plan

Medicare Website: Joining a Plan

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RECIPE: SPAGHETTI SQUASH

RECIPE: SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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Image: Roasted Spaghetti Squash by Gail K. Kachnycz

RECIPE: ROASTED SPAGHETTI SQUASH

     Fall is the time for squash. I like spaghetti squash because it is a veggie alternative to pasta, lower in calories, and gluten free (if that is a concern). The easiest way to cook it to free up the strands inside is to roast it, cut side down. Remember the "4's" that is, 400 degrees F for 40 minutes. I consulted an online cooking site, delish.com, for the particulars. For example, the safest way to cut through the rind, how to season it, and how to check that the squash is cooked but not overdone. Here's the link:

dlish.com cooking spaghetti squash

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Bloggy-versary Two!

Bloggy-versary Two!

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

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Image: Gail and Mike in Cape May, NJ on 23 June 2025

BLOGGY-VERSARY TWO!

     Who-da thunk it? The end of September marks the second year of this blog. It has been a challenge and learning experience for me, and very enjoyable. Thank you to all the readers and subscribers for taking the time to read the posts, comment, and share your insights and resource connections. 

     It is also a personal landmark for Mike and me. We are pictured above on June 23 in Cape May, NJ, where we attended the matinee performance of "Vanities." Our daughter-in-law was one of the three performers in the show. It was also our 35 th wedding anniversary. In 2018, when Mike was admitted to hospice, we didn't think we would celebrate 35 years together. But God had other plans!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

     We are thankful to God for His graciousness to us, and thankful for you as you have joined us in our journey. Happy Bloggy-versary!

                                 Mike & Gail June 23, 1990; God is faithful through all 35 years

 

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Highlight: Dementia Friends PA

Highlight: Dementia Friends PA

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

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Logo: Dementia Friends Pennsylvania accessed 9 September 2025

Highlight: Dementia Friends PA by Gail K. Kachnycz 

     September is World Alzheimer's Month.  I recently learned about a community resource on the "Morning Light" show on Lighthouse TV. Dementia Friends Pennsylvania is part of a global movement that was started in the United Kingdom. Here is the introduction from the website:

"To become a Dementia Friend, you join others in a one-hour Dementia Friends Information Session. The session will cover five key messages about dementia and touch on what it is like to live with dementia. As a Dementia Friend you will turn your understanding into a practical action that can help someone with dementia in your community. The action can be as big or small as you choose, because every action counts!"

Here is the link to Dementia Friends Pennsylvania:

Dementia Friends Pennsylvania

Here is the link to Lighthouse TV. The Morning Light show has featured resources for caregivers.

Lighthouse TV

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SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT

SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

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Cancer Color Ribbons

SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT by Gail K. Kachnycz on 10 September 2025

     September is a busy month: the new school year begins and people return from vacation to settle into the fall routine. September is also a time to draw attention to some health concerns.

     September is Suicide Prevention Month; September 10 is Suicide Prevention Day. Those experiencing a mental health crisis, or concerned family or friends can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. More information about this resource was published on the blog last September. Here is the link:

 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Information

     September is also Awareness Month for several types of cancer. These are identified by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). They are listed here with their ribbon colors:

Childhood Cancer (gold), Leukemia & Lymphoma (orange), Ovarian (teal), Prostate (light blue), Thyroid (teal/pink/blue), Gynecologic (uterine, peach).

The mission of AACR is listed below. To learn more, here is a link:

aacr.org

The mission of the American Association for Cancer Research is to prevent and cure cancer through:

• Research
• Education
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Science Policy and Advocacy
• Funding for Cancer Research

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