Tag: epilepsy

  • Driving Less Dazy: Responsible vs. Independent?

    When to stop driving a moving vehicle? That is the question to ponder; is it a toss up between being a responsible adult or maintaining a sense of independence? For many people, this is a difficult choice. If you live in an urban or suburban location you may have many options available if you give up driving. For others, a car may be a necessity — one needed to get to gainful employment, purchase groceries, or use to transport family members more disabled than yourself.

    Podcast Host Preparing to Be Responsible and Less Independent

    In this academic paper, physicians discuss health conditions that predispose patients for difficulties with tasks required for driving a car safely. People with Alzheimer dementia, epilepsy, visual impairments, sleep apnea syndrome, cardiac dysrhythmias, substance dependency, and neurological disorders with a cognitive component are at risk.


    In this MDA Engage recorded webinar, the presenter shares this factoid — For every mile driven there are 20 decisions that need to be made and less than ½ second to react.


    This podcast episode explores the decision-making process for podcast host, Leslie Krongold, as well as for guest, Keisha Greaves. Both chose to give up driving before a doctor told them to.

    If you, or a loved one, are concerned about your current driving skills, take this online assessment to gauge whether or not you should explore driving options.

    Each U.S. state has unique laws regarding senior and/or drivers with specific disabilities; check what your state has on the books.

    If you’re a caregiver in search of advice for your loved one, check out this U.S. Dept of Transportation website.

  • An R.N. Talks about Herbal Relief for Muscle Pain, Anxiety, Insomnia & GI Problems (at a support group meeting)

    An R.N. Talks about Herbal Relief for Muscle Pain, Anxiety, Insomnia & GI Problems (at a support group meeting)

    Registered Nurse and proud septuagenarian, Barbara Blaser, was the guest speaker at my Northern California myotonic dystrophy support group. With her healthcare background and deep knowledge of medicinal herbs, she spoke about the use of herbal tinctures, edibles, and lotions to help relieve muscle pain, anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, and more.

    Barbara’s nursing career was predominantly in the mental health field. But at some point in her 60s she had an esophagectomy and due to complications, she developed septicemia. She turned to natural herbal healing to help her pain, anxiety, and GI problems.

    For other podcast episodes about medicinal herbs (medical cannabis), check out DIY Cannabis and Medical Cannabis.

    Handouts that Barbara provided at the support group meeting are culled from this website.