Brenda Avadian: I'm having a hot flash!

While at my hair stylist we discussed growing older.

Why are we so afraid of aging?

Taboos in our society:
Don’t ask a woman her age.
Don’t ask a woman (or man) if s/he is using hair color.
Don’t ask about menopause or peri-menopausal hot flashes.

Why is it not taboo to be blasted with ads for Rxs to help men get and maintain an erection?

Flashback …
How would Leave it to Beaver’s June Cleaver react?
Can you imagine Ward Cleaver doing ads for ED? 
How about All in the Family’s Edith Bunker’s reaction?  “Oh myyyy!”

What happened to aging gracefully? 

Instead of exercising, eating wholesome foods, and taking care of ourselves we give into pressures propagated by producers.

Are you as amazed by aging celebrities (Plastic Surgery Junkies) as I am when they struggle to smile with their faces stretched so tight? That’s why the ongoing coverage Hillary Clinton receives about her hair and now, make-up, is both sad and yet refreshing for us women. Sad, because we’re focused on how she looks instead of what she’s accomplishing. Refreshing because she’s at an age where she does what she wants.

During our lifetimes, we spend hours and thousands of dollars on face creams that we dab on before applying age-defying make-up. At night we remove the make-up with a cleansing cream in order to apply youth-restoring night cream. When is enough, ENOUGH?

The harder we try to look younger on the outside, the more stressed we feel on the inside, which makes us look older on the outside.

Have you noticed that people who refuse to grow up and have a good sense of humor have wrinkles that add character to their faces?  Think actress Betty White and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Wouldn’t you rather spend time with someone who has FUN without worrying about how s/he looks?

Stan Hankewitz, journalist and photographer, writes:
The most famous Cuban is not Fidel Castro … The most famous Cuban is the old lady with a cigar.  Click for  Photo of Cuban woman with a cigar.

Life is short. I’d rather spend my time and income helping others instead of worrying about how I look.

The green beauty revolution
Some of us maintain our youth on the outside with plain unscented bar soap (for a dollar). We use a washcloth soaked in hot water to wake up our faces in the morning and to wipe off the day’s accumulated toxins at the end of the day. We apply unscented hand cream afterward and preserve our complexion while saving oodles of time and money.

I’m having a hot flash
I smile when someone asks if the beads of sweat on my brow are because of a hot flash. Why not? It’s a part of life! How fortunate that we can even talk about it openly. I sometimes sing the refrain from the musical, Menopause, “I’m having a HOT flaaaash!” People laugh and I’m able to get beyond the otherwise private physical discomfort while involving people in the public perils of aging naturally.

When will we stop chasing the external image and start looking within?

Embrace the emergence of elder hood. My white hairs are proof that I’ve lived long enough to gain some wisdom in this LIFE.  I look forward to the day I get invited into a circle of sages.

We need to see with different eyes.

Beauty is fickle. Today, thin is in. Yesterday, plumpness conveyed wealth and desirability. At the turn of last century, pale skin was in. Today, despite the risk of cancer, we still like the look of a good tan.

How many celebrities feel pressured to dip out of the public light when they can’t live young forever? Plastic surgery can only do so much. How fair is this to aging celebrities when our critical public eye doesn’t grant them the dignity to age gracefully in public?

Let’s embrace aging with an authentically JOYFUL and youthful spirit. Our skin and hair will do what nature intended. Let’s enjoy by focusing on what we have instead of on what we’re losing. (Men, are you reading this?) When we try to be healthy from the inside, we’ll feel freer and more joyful while focusing on the important things in life. Who knows? You might even get “carded” as I did last year. C’mon now, really? Look at that face at the top of this article. I’m old enough to buy a nice bottle of Pinot Noir.

Brenda Avadian, MA
Age 52
Editor of The Caregiver’s Voice
Alzheimer’s / Dementia Caregiver, Expert Spokesperson, Coach, and Author

For more, click on:
Actress Candice Bergen is 65 suffered a stroke and is still thriving.

Menopause and Caregiving

A different photo of Cuban woman smoking cigar – http://www.strangecosmos.com/images/content/124413.jpg

10 Warning Signs

The Eldercare Locator helps locate resources for older adults across the United States.

This free national service funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging also offers Factsheets on other topics including Adult Day Care, Assisted Living, Assistive Technologies, Home and Hospice Care.

Visit (click on) www.eldercare.gov.

My arrival into this world was a disappointment. Although, I arrived with all my fingers and toes, she had her heart set on another boy. I guess I was a rebel from birth (being born a girl) and a lot more energetic (boisterous and less obedient) than my older sister and brother.

I could never be her favorite — at least, not beyond an afternoon. I brought report cards home with good academic grades but poor marks for conduct. I marched down to the basement to receive my punishment. (WOW, we’ve come a long way … today, Adult Protective Services would get involved after such discipline!) When I acted up (often), she threatened to take me to the orphanage. In fact, she offered me to the Principal’s secretary who spoke fondly of children despite being childless. The secretary reminded me of Edith Bunker (All in the Family). Perhaps, the threat of a new parent is why I never warmed up to either her or Archie’s Edith. (I can imagine her thinking, You can’t give away children in America!)

As I move beyond the half-century mark, I find myself thinking more and more about my mother.

A survivor of the Turkish attempt at an Armenian genocide during 1915-1923, she moved from her birthplace of Aintab (a former heavily Armenian-occupied town in Turkey); to Aleppo, Syria; and then to Beirut, Lebanon. In 1949, she immigrated to the United States. She arrived with an eighth-grade education, a lot of spunk and vigor, a sense of humor, and big dreams.

Martin and Arpy Avadian beam proudly when their daughter Brenda receives her Masters degree.

Marrying shortly before her visa expired, she settled in America, raised three children with the values of hard work and determination. She raised each of us with the confidence to achieve and beamed proudly when I earned my Masters Degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 1982.

She didn’t talk much about the “old country.” However, when I questioned her enough, she shared a few joyful childhood memories in “Haleb” (Aleppo). After the family moved to Beirut her stories were mostly about her two sisters (she was in the middle) and that cute Frenchman with a mustache who wanted to spend time with her.

With the benefit of hindsight and maturity, I feel that she hoped for a much better life. It’s not that my father didn’t provide for us. I think she was looking to marry a professional who would sweep her off her feet. She was truly a kind person. Even the animals loved her — whether a mastiff, a feral cat, a squirrel, pigeon, cow, or even a skunk; she was the original Animal Whisperer.

Sadly, she died from heart failure after suffering from a weakened heart for thirteen years. The medications kept her alive, but took away her hope for a future. She was the first person in my life who died without reconciling her regrets, she died depressed and unhappy.

And yet, I have fond memories of her.

If I could ask Mom a few questions, they would be:

1. Did you hear Grandma and Grandpa ever talk about what it was like when you were driven out into the Syrian Desert during the attempted genocide?
2. What did you like about how your parents raised you? What didn’t you like?
3. Do you think the reason you wanted another son is because you were one of three sisters?
4. Did you ever wonder how I might feel knowing you were trying to get rid of me?
5. I’d also ask her more personal questions about being a woman during a time when women did not talk openly about life’s transitions. How did you cope with your hot flashes?
6. Finally, given what you know, what advice do you have for how I am living my life, today?

At this time in my life, I would actually LISTEN to my mother’s answers.

Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to get to know what your mother thinks about what’s on your mind. There will come a day when, like me, you can only wonder.

Brenda Avadian, MA
Alzheimer’s / Dementia Caregiver, Expert Spokesperson, Coach, and Author

A version of this article also appeared here:  EzineArticles.com: If-My-Mother-Could-Live-Again,-What-Would-I-Ask-Her?

What can I do as a long-distance caregiver when my mom won’t bathe and my dad won’t persuade her? Also, how do I deal with my anger in these situations?

[The full text of this long-distance caregiver's question is posted at end. As one of an estimated 7-million Americans serving as long-distance caregivers according to the National Institute of Aging, he is one of The Caregiver's Voice Coaching Clients and has given us permission to post his question. TCV Ed]

TCV Answers

From what you write, you are a long-distance caregiver who feels flustered by your mom’s lack of bathing and your dad’s seeming apathy. [Scroll down and see full text of this Long Distance Caregiver's question under the heading, "Original Question."]

You feel helpless being a long-distance caregiver because you want the best for your parents. You don’t want your dad to lose his quality of life. If only he’d step up and make sure your mom bathes. You wish your mom and dad would agree to other options for her care. You’re trying to be the good son who cares and helps, but your parents are placing obstacles in your way.

To observe first-hand their day-to-day coping, you will need to spend more time with your parents. Your day-long visit gives them a pleasant change of pace and they’re able to hold it all together while you’re there. However, after a week or more, you would see an entirely different picture of how they live day-to-day.

A personal example will illustrate: Despite a busy travel schedule, I spent two weeks with my father after his case worker threatened to commit him for a psychiatric assessment. This would have killed my father. Even though my sister lived 5 blocks away and my brother lived in our father’s home, I traveled 2,000 miles to observe first hand.  What I saw after the first few days was worse than I expected. Something had to be done and I was better able to evaluate my father’s care options. After 2 weeks on only 3 – 4 hours of sleep each night, I managed to persuade my father to visit my husband and me. Our plans took a shocking turn when I bought my father a one-way plane ticket after my husband and I discovered the best option was to have him live with us.

We’re all so busy these days trying to juggle life’s many demands. Yet, we need to balance our days with the fragile lives of our loved ones. Taking time off to be with your parents for a week or more will give you a clearer view of the delicate balance each tries to keep in their fragile lives together.

Yes, your mother should bathe and your dad knows she should. But he’s tried and when he pushes the issue, life goes to hell in their home. Rather than deal with it, he figures her being smelly and dirty may be less painful than dealing with her behavior. Put yourself in their shoes. There are times when [your wife] does things and you look the other way to keep balance and peace in the household. Your father’s been doing this for years. If you’re able to spend more time with them, you will definitely witness how they cope with their issues and may see similarities in how you cope, too.

Bathing is intensely personal and we each have our own way to clean ourselves. It is not unusual to fear  having to disrobe and shower. It’s a pain! It’s uncomfortable. It feels strange. It’s embarrassing. She may not remember how to take a shower. She may not want to be seen by “strangers” while she’s naked. Finally, her senses of smell and sight are not as keen as they once were; so, she probably doesn’t notice!

Spend as much time with your parents as you need to before they’re gone. You don’t want to live with regrets.

Even though a shorter visit won’t give you a real sense of what’s going on, if you visit them regularly–once or twice a month–your father will feel more confident about counting on you. Given the distance, how you feel, and your work schedule, start with an overnight weekend visit. Next, try a few days. Finally, try to spend at least a week with them.

The final issue here is YOU. You are so exhausted and your reserves are really fumes. You’d like things to work right in your life, for once! This is just another example of how the world is not so neatly packaged and how life lacks logic.

Brenda Avadian, MA
Alzheimer’s / Dementia Caregiver, Expert Spokesperson, Coach, and Author

Long-Distance Caregiver’s POST SCRIPT Response to TCV’s Answer

I sincerely appreciate your detailed reply to my email. I was pretty edgy when I wrote it [see below under "Original Question" heading for full text of question] and am still processing your frank observations and advice.

Feel free to use anything you like for TCV, though I’d prefer my name stay out of it for now (initials are okay). Some other emotions have come into play.

Guilt may top my list for the moment. I am feeling guilty about not spending more time with them. Shame too, perhaps — being ashamed of my anger over the events of the day. This is interesting from an objective/clinical perspective, but not very helpful from my emotional standpoint.

Not really sure at this stage since work has been busy and I have purposely not dwelled on it too much. You are correct that I am running on fumes of late. Mindset can be tough to manage in sales and customer service. I do not want to pollute my surroundings, so to speak.

Bottom line, thank you for the feedback.

ORIGINAL QUESTION

We were at my parents at [a coastal California city] most of the day. Bittersweet and emotionally draining sums it up reasonably well.

My “Ask TCV” question is really about my parents. My dad is the primary caregiver for my mom, with no outside help from family besides us. My sister is not engaged with what is happening now.

I am tired and out of focus as I write this, but I see my dad’s caregiving role as dealing with medical issues (doctors, meds, insurance, etc.), and physical issues (eating, exercise, hygiene, etc.).

Their relationship dynamic impacts each in different ways. My concern today is hygiene, namely showering and changing clothes.

The question is what can an outsider (me) do when my mom won’t bathe properly, and my dad won’t persuade her to do so regularly?

As I see it, there are two issues here.

The first is the male – female roles from my parents’ era and my dad’s extreme discomfort (and/or pride?) in handling this. She doesn’t want help bathing and he doesn’t want to be the one helping her.

The second is her emotional reaction to things she doesn’t want to do. She acts like a five-year-old and throws a fit.

Today we got a good look at things and “forced” her to shower.

Thankfully, my wife and daughter were available to help with this. But I was the one who had to persuade her to do it, which is where the crying and resistance came in. I am having my own issues processing this.

Third party assistance doesn’t appear to be an option because my mom won’t cooperate — that is, my dad had invited an aide to help my mom bathe, and she told him never again.

Not even sure what I am after here telling you all this. Tough day and needed to vent a bit. Another good TCV question/topic, dealing with anger (as a caregiver or family member) in such situations. That is, I am pissed off at my mom for being difficult, and po’d at my dad for letting it get to this point (again).

Dealing with them in a calm and loving fashion is a challenge. I actually thought of your advice, treat them as I would want to be treated. That is ultimately how the afternoon went. The discussion with [my wife] on the way home is where my own emotions came back into play.

We hope the song will touch people’s hearts and move them to support organizations working on a cure and providing services to the caregivers.     — Rich Roman

Rich made the song into a video.

Rich’s and Jeana’s families have been impacted by Alzheimer’s –Jeana’s grandparents and Rich’s father (dementia).

This film is dedicated to
the caregivers who tirelessly give their love and help
to those afflicted with the devastating disease of Alzheimer’s.
The victims of the disease will forget us.
Let’s Not Forget Them. 

This touching video unfolds in a cafe and through the lives of a loving couple who is torn by the onset of Alzheimer’s. (Time: 6 min. 37 sec.)

For more information and the lyrics click on Hiding from the Rain website.

Also visit the American Health Assistance Foundation’s Feature about Hiding from the Rain.

CONGRATULATIONS Joan Gershman
for being recognized as The Caregiver’s Voice
Caregiver of the Month of May!

Joan hosts a website designed exclusively for spouses of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, because she notes at the top of her homepage, “Our issues are unique.” Indeed they are. No one but another spouse could relate to the emotions of having a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease.

It has been my mission since the 2007 launch of TheAlzheimerSpouse.com to educate and inform Alzheimer’s spouses, so they will not feel as alone with their thoughts and emotions as I did when my husband and I started on this Alzheimer’s journey.       — Joan Gershman (edited)

Her website is a place where people can talk openly and honestly about what they feel and what they are going through.

Things that are unique to spousal situations. It is a safe place to discuss everything from intimacy to grieving. The participants talk, vent, laugh, cry, and support each other in ways they can’t do anywhere else.

The Alzheimer’s Spouse website is also filled with resources and articles on all topics related to Alzheimer’s and dementia.

She has her hands full taking care of two men — her husband and her father. She also helps others by sharing her experiences and offering a way for people to share their problems in similar situations and to find support. I wonder when she sleeps.     — Former Caregiver to his Father-in-law

Jane Lord writes:

Joan Gershman’s website, The Alzheimer’s Spouse is a place for spouses:

1. to share their trials and triumphs.
2. to share suggestions and experiences of where to find legal information about the dementia journey.
3. to rant and a place to encourage one another.
4. to read late-breaking news about other dementias — not just Alzheimer’s.
5. to read about medical trials.

Joan has been an Alzheimer’s Advocate in Washington, D.C. and in her home state of Florida.

Joan, and the friends I’ve made through her blog, helped me get through the latter years of my husband’s dementia.

Joan’s heart and passion to help others is apparent.

Getting all dressed up for their son's wedding offers a change of pace for caregiver Joan Gershman and her husband, Sid.

She takes such a bold step by allowing herself to be vulnerable in her posts, which in turn paves the way for others to also share freely. Many friendships are formed on her site that endure even after their loved ones have passed.

Joan offers a tremendous service by creating a forum for spousal caregivers to be educated, to vent their feelings, and to find camaraderie with others through their difficult journey. Her website serves as a support system for those who may not have access to a physical support group.       — Former Caregiver for her Husband

Joan has been involved with organizing Caregiver Cruises, a wonderful opportunity.

I know that if every one of her members would have submitted a nomination if they weren’t knee deep in the trenches of caregiving with hardly a moment to take a deep breath.

Joan is truly dedicated to helping others and has a special relationship with her husband and her father. She is not only struggling with her own caregiving issues but finds the time to reach out and help others. She is a great person.     –  Director of a Caregiver Resource Center

Joan is amazing because she does all of this while being a caregiver for her husband Sid who has Alzheimer’s and her father as well. Because of this, Joan’s issues are our issues.

She is a strong, compassionate, caring woman who I and many others would love to see recognized for her caregiving work.

Nominated by Sheri Zschocher, TCV’s Caregiver of the Month with a Heart of Gold

TheCaregiversVoice.com editor, Brenda Avadian, writes:  What a tribute! TCV’s Caregiver of the Month, Sheri Zschocher immediately submitted a nomination for fellow caregiver, Joan Gershman. This shared nomination for recognition was a first for TCV. After our selection committee chose Joan as a semi-finalist, two more nominations arrived–one (Jane Lord), granted us permission to include her words. Nominations have been edited.

Joan Gershman, TCV’s Caregiver of the Month of May will receive her choice of gift from (click on) The Caregiver’s Voice FAB Five Gifts  from  PersonCare.net

It’s YOUR TURN to nominate TCV’s Caregiver of the Month of June.

Click on Caregiver of the Month Nominations for easy guidelines.
Due May 10, 2012

For many reasons …

• Because other families and the staff become a part of our family.
• To celebrate milestones.
• To have fun.
• To be inspired.
• To learn what’s important in life.
• To remember.

Read 3-short stories below about Lisa, Myron, and Evelyn.

LISA

97-year old Lisa and her 53-year old boyfriend

Last weekend, we drove 177 miles round trip to share Lisa’s 97th birthday. She used to care for her “Chapparo” — how she referred to her beloved husband, Jose, who she described as her Little Man. I struggled to remember his nickname and called him her “chalupa” (boat). She’d laugh and correct me. It only took me several years to learn the difference.

Lisa now lives a month at a time with each of her children. She takes turns enjoying different cities and their love. I’m glad they share her care, as she is a handful! After Jose’s passing, she claimed my husband as her boyfriend. Her family is well-aware of this and laughs.  Imagine that — my husband at 44 years her junior! Una Latina con un gringo!

We just love Lisa’s spirit and zest for living!

MYRON

After my father’s stroke resulting from Alzheimer’s, which took his life, I continued visiting the families who like me had placed their loved ones in the care of full-time professionals. The families and staff who gave life-giving and loving care became my family.

The following edited excerpt is from Finding the JOY in Alzheimer’s – When Tears are Dried with Laughter (pages 135-136). For more excerpts, click on Excerpts – Finding the JOY in Alzheimer’s: When Tears  …

Myron [name changed] was assigned to the empty bed in the semi-private room with my father. He reminded my husband and me of my father, so we enjoyed his antics.

Myron runs the place.

Staff members cringe when I jokingly say this, because Myron actually tries to run the place!

He carries a notepad, pens, and pencils in his shirt pocket and takes notes and records appointments.

Like my father, Myron walks the halls frequently. Purposeful, much taller than my father, wearing glasses and a baseball hat, he supervises everything he sees. I greet him. “Hey Myron, are you holding down the fort?” He looks at me. I continue, “Are you making sure everyone is doing what they’re supposed to?” His face breaks open into a smile followed by laughter and a hearty, “Yes.”

When he’s sitting with other male residents in the chairs lining the hallway, he’ll smile and extend his hand as I approach. I tease him about being mischievous, “Hey, Myron, are you guys up to no good?”

Sadly, this disease takes away something from Myron every day.

Myron sits on one of the chairs. He is alone, his head is lowered, and he naps. Sometimes, I will gently wake him. Initially, he’ll look surprised then his face breaks into a big smile.

His smile is worth everything.

Mary and Evelyn

EVELYN

It’s been more than a decade and David and I continue visiting. Myron has passed and, these days, we visit mostly with former caregivers. Some need care themselves like Lisa (above) and Evelyn, my literary “Okie” friend, who now lives in a residential care home. My husband and I make the 100+ mile round trip to visit “Evelyn and the Ladies.”

Click to Read Evelyn’s story.

Who are the ladies?

A ninety-something German artist whose museum-quality sculptures and paintings adorn the room she and Evelyn share. She still gets upset by her recollections of her childhood under Hitler’s rule.

A fun-loving ninety-something who can still dance. Her stories remind me of The Help, except she speaks lovingly of the white family she and her family worked for. 

The fashion model in her sixties, who lives with severe bipolar disease, yet has enough sense to warn me about the German artist’s severe nut allergy when I bring treats for the ladies.

These are the ladies that my husband and I enjoy visiting because as David says, “They bring history to life!”

We are grateful for their caregivers — a couple from the Philippines and a mother from Micronesia–who take good care of them, so we can still visit “Evelyn and the Ladies.”

Lisa, Myron, and Evelyn are just three of the many people we continue visiting for many reasons after my father died.

What are your reasons? Submit your comments below.

Brenda Avadian, MA
Alzheimer’s / Dementia Caregiver, Expert Spokesperson, Coach, and Author
Editor, TheCaregiversVoice monthly Newsletter and The Caregiver’s Voice Book Review

1. VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP for CAREGIVERS

Definitely not Brenda Avadian

Not Jay Kraker

JOIN US (Jay Kraker of Empowered Caregiver Network and me) this Sunday, April 29th at 4pmET/3pmCT/1pmPT for a virtual support group for caregivers.

For more information about this 60 – 75 minutes of CAREGIVER Support ‘n FUN  click on the link. You’ll receive a telephone number to call from wherever you are.

If you’re not smiling Sunday afternoon,
it’s because you didn’t join us!

2. NOMINATE the CAREGIVER of the MONTH of JUNE

Sheri Zoscher, TCV's Caregiver of the Month with a Heart of Gold.

Do you know a family or professional caregiver who deserves recognition? Nominate him or her for The Caregiver’s Voice Caregiver of the Month of June.

For more information click on Call for Caregiver Nominations – Alzheimer’s Whisperer.

Brenda Avadian, MA
Alzheimer’s / Dementia Caregiver, Expert Spokesperson, Coach, and Author
Editor, TheCaregiversVoice monthly Newsletter and The Caregiver’s Voice Book Review

If a member of your family is unable to live independently due to advancing dementia or Alzheimer’s, you might consider whether or not you want to become that person’s caregiver.

Taking on the role of family caregiver requires a lot of time, patience, and effort. Before you plunge into caregiving for your beloved parent, grandparent, or other family member, take time to consider your abilities, availability, and commitment.

Being a primary caregiver is a challenging and time-consuming job.

You’ll need to learn about your family member’s medications, health condition, and daily care regimen. You will also have to be prepared to devote time to meeting your family member’s needs. If you’ve made a commitment to your job or have children, you may not have the time nor energy to adequately perform the caregiver duties required of you.

Be realistic with yourself, and speak to your family member’s doctor about the specific things you’ll need to do as a caregiver.

If you have any doubts about your ability to commit to these responsibilities, you should consider other options for your family member such as in-home care, adult day care, residential care, etc.

If you decide to become your family member’s primary caregiver, consider taking a class that will help you learn more about the duties of the job.

The Alzheimer’s Association, National Family Caregiver’s Association, and even the American Red Cross offers free family caregiver classes that will help familiarize you with many of the issues you’ll face and things you’ll have to do.

Be sure to do your research before you commit to such an important responsibility as caregiving!

Carolyn Knight is a guest blogger on the topics of caregiving, medical education, and for RN schools.
Post edited by the Editor of TheCaregiversVoice.com

Can you imagine living in a world where you can’t hear music?

Can you imagine not being able to hear the dialogue of your favorite movie?

Hearing loss is a problem shared by many of all ages, but did you know that hearing loss is becoming a leading disability among seniors?

Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that approximately 44% of people suffer from significant hearing loss by age 69 … 66% by age 79 … and 90% after age 80. The number of Americans affected by hearing loss is also expected to rise — from about 36 million Americans today to 78 million by the year 2030.

It’s not just growing older that’s causing the problem.

Baby boomers were the first generation to experience loud rock concerts. Boomers’ hearing health is being constantly challenged by our noisier-than-ever environment, which includes car alarms, video games, power tools, lawn mowers, motorcycles, subways, busy airports and … personal listening devices.

Because of this, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary (NYEE) has released a new Public Service Announcement featuring world-renowned trumpeter and composer Chris Botti with a voice-over narration by composer, singer, author, actor, and activist Sting.

The PSA was created to raise awareness about hearing loss, particularly among baby boomers and urges viewers to visit I Like My Hearing, a new educational website about hearing health.

Hearing loss can impact our relationships, work, leisure pursuits and even safety. That’s why all adults should take control of their hearing health as soon as possible.

It’s never too early to be concerned about your hearing health.

If you think you may have hearing loss, a professional hearing test is recommended. Testing for hearing problems is as easy and painless as it is vital. Such a test will indicate the type and severity of the loss, and will help your physician decide what type of treatment is appropriate for you.

Learn more by visiting I Like My Hearing where you can take an Online Hearing Quiz to find out how healthy your hearing really is

Guest Post by Holly Alonis, WestGlen Communications
On Behalf of The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary