Another great Monday to everyone, and I hope you had a chance to relax and enjoy some personal time this weekend. Recently viewing the 83^rd Academy Awards, it was interesting to see which pictures won awards and who was presenting them. The Academy has come a long way from a reception hall in Hollywood recognizing a few directors, actors, and motion pictures. Now, a very prestigious awards ceremony, many artists in the film industry work endless hours and parts of their lives to win for Best Picture or Best Director, among other awards. Imagine standing on stage in front of thousands live and millions, thanks to television and the internet. A truly humbling experience, I caught myself wondering in awe what it must have felt like to stand there, either to present or accept an award.

Kim Burke, office assistant and one of our beloved care staff members, is moving to Boston on February 18th. We will greatly miss you as you move onto the next chapter of your life!

Over the years, the management field has shifted. But, I’m not the kind of gal to give up the problem altogether. I have learned from my seniors, Mom and God, "When you’re ready to give up, be it to illness, family problems, financial problems or even grief over a significant loss, you instead lick your wounds, pull yourself up by the bootstraps and dig back into life as best as you physically and emotionally can!"

Guest Spotlight: Susan Benedict, CKD CAPS from Design Alternatives

Homecare by Design and Design Alternatives have the same goal in mind: keeping clients independent at home. Homecare By Design achieves that mission with equipping their clients with caring, knowledgeable and trained caregivers. Design Alternatives achieves that with knowing what products to suggest for very specific needs and situations. Because Susan is an Aging in Place Specialist, she is trained in knowing when to specify non-main stream solution guided products that truly will make a difference in being able to keep a loved one at home as long as possible. We are excited to share the opportunity to help families and their loved ones Age in Place.

"It is by building strong businesses, families and local communities through financial fiduciary responsibility that will help protect us from the ever changing economic forecast." - Traci Goudy, RN, Owner/Founder

With the New Year approaching, many individuals and families make plans and resolutions to improve areas in their life personally, professionally and spiritually. Another area we are keeping top-of-mind is our finances. How can I save money and pay off debt? Can I stop living paycheck-to-paycheck? How will I afford the services and the care I need when the time comes? There is a real solution that helps you do just that. Financial Peace University is provided by American financial author, radio host, television personality, and motivational speaker, Dave Ramsey.

The following is a "healthy food hot list" consisting of the 29 food that will give you the biggest nutritional bang for you caloric buck, as well as decrease your risk for deadly illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Along with each description is a suggestion as to how to incorporate these power-foods into your diet. If you're searching for more tips on healthier living, take a direct approach to your health and wellness by customizing your individual health insurance needs.

What kills Americans most? Heart disease. It’s the No.1 cause of death in this country. You can lower your chances of getting heart disease. One way is to choose foods carefully. For a healthy heart, eat: less fat, less sodium, fewer calories, and more fiber.

Arthritis can strike at any age. It hurts the joints, where two bones meet. It damages the joints and makes them stiff and painful. Sometimes it's so bad it can cripple a person. Correct treatment can ease the pain and help prevent more damage. You can help your treatment work. This article explains how.

Do you have trouble chewing? If so, you may have trouble eating foods such as meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables.