Inquiry Into The Origin of the Tabula Rasa

A comparison of the blank page concept in the western and eastern realms of thought may lead to the conclusion that the tabula rasa originates with the word of God. Both the eastern and the western world have the concept of an open and free realm, or the blank page that intellectual discovery is destined to fill during the course of history.

In the western world, there is the concept of the tabula rasa, which originated in 1607. This is a hypothetical smooth or erased table. Essentially, it also refers to the mind prior to any receiving any kind of impressions at birth. The word tabula rasa also refers to that which is still in its original pristine state. (1)

This leads to several possible options. Either no one wrote on the blank tablet or the writing that was there, had to have been erased, at some point in time. This is important in the realm of intellectual discovery.

In the eastern world, the void depicts something similar, but in terms of total absence. It depicts utter darkness into which the light of enlightenment allows one to become aware of intellectual awareness.

With reference to the western world of thought, one cannot help but think of the tablet on which Moses wrote the Ten Commandments. It begins as a blank slate that became God's Word for the people of Israel, or the Law. Prior to that time in history, this kind of law did not exist in that kind of a format. 

The eastern void does not depict a written word of any kind in its actual void, but enlightenment comes from the divine and man appears to document it for humankind, over time.

In both instances, one can suggest that there is the emergence of transcribed words. 

In western world history, it is God's Word and His Divine presence documented while in the eastern world, words come through divine enlightenment.

The western world takes this further with the personification of the Word, when Jesus Christ appears on the horizon of history and claims His divine personification, as the Truth.

This kind of personification does not exist in the eastern world, although there are many historical figures during the course of history that appear to be recognized as having received some form of divine enlightenment.

The western world documents ongoing revelation by God's Holy Spirit, while the eastern world does not claim actual revelation from God. At no point in time is there only one name given to a distinct person in the eastern world, although there are many who receive some form of enlightenment accredited to the divine.

There are some other important realities to consider. It would appear that for the western world, Jesus Christ represents wisdom. In the eastern world, there are many different personalities depicted in terms of wisdom.

One might also suggest that there are pages filled by sages and may be more blank pages in both realms.

From a western perspective, one might argue that through Jesus Christ the act of salvation has wiped the slate clean once again for all believers. Thus, the slate returns to its original pristine state simply because of God's grace and forgiveness acknowledged in the religious thought of the western world.

This same kind of salvation is not present in the eastern realm of the void. Absence suggests that everything including forgiveness, is absent.

In the western world the three wise men led by the stars, realized their own ‘well-spring’ of knowledge from God. In the eastern world, the divine is the source of their knowledge.

One might ask what still awaits discovery in the western and eastern worlds. Maybe both realms still have room for more intellectual discovery and enlightenment. Perhaps one should also ask what really lies in the recesses of the deep in terms of the western realm of intellectual discovery and revelation, as well as what still lies undiscovered in the void of the eastern world?

There may be no perfect answer, but it would seem that the tabula rasa originates from the Word of God.

(1) Webster's Ninth Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam and Webster, Inc., Springfield, M.A., 1983

Science, Religion and Spirituality: An imaginary gap

Is there a gap between science, religion and spirituality or is it is imaginary? If there actually is, then that gap needs to be bridged in order for human comprehension to be a consistent whole. If not, then there may be an error in human thought.

One might argue that if any one of the three realms of science, religion and spirituality is true, then both of the others have to be false. This becomes problematic in that the whole is invariably fractured, fragmented and the distinct realms are in conflict with one another. 

Extrapolating the realms of science, religion and spirituality from the whole of life by creating gaps between them, and then having to bridge the gaps, would seem inappropriate when science, religion and spirituality are consistently part of the larger whole.

The process of extrapolation implies inferences, which is what takes place when human understanding or misunderstanding separates science, religion and spirituality. Inferences with respect to each realm appear to be discovered, inferred or implied. The discoveries are promoted, advertised or published in some way that magnifies or even exaggerates the differences in the individual realms.   

In reality, the comprehensive whole of life consists of all three components, science, religion and spirituality. Distinguishing or separating one from the other allows an evaluation of each on an individual basis, or in terms of their unique particulars. This can be good in many different ways, but there is still separation with fragmentation.

The real problem becomes how to project the new information about the individual realms accurately. Then, the task becomes one of relating the realms back to each other in such a way that they make sense, or putting them back together as the same whole. This is akin to taking something like a helicopter apart and then not being able to figure out how its parts fit together or how to re-assemble them.         

Values based upon proofs, estimation and calculation may prove to be bridges, but are not necessarily always going to be the kinds of bridges that science, religion or spirituality fathom.

Properties identified in the process of individual extrapolation may or may not become commonalities, based upon new discoveries realized in further analysis. In fact, on further discernment, many previous erroneous conclusions have lead to other assumptions, as well as the recognition that the initial discoveries led to erroneous conclusions.   

What is believable in faith, felt emotionally or touched upon by individuals or collective groups becomes unique to their own individual or collective religious or spiritual understanding of life itself. The question often becomes one of whether or not the new reality is believable or accepted by humankind, based upon scientific discovery. Is that the only criterion?

One might argue that there really is no gap between the realms. The inferred gaps of science, religion or spirituality are merely the ones man creates in the extrapolation process. The primary difficulty lies in the reality that the extrapolation process is one of separation, not unity. The more focus there is on separation and division, the greater the imaginary gap becomes.

Bridging the gap becomes as simple as seeing the realms of science, religion and spirituality as one comprehensive whole. 

Baby boomers: Launch a new ship of discovery

You are a baby boomer who is ready to retire. Much to everyone's surprise, you are thinking seriously about launching a brand new career.

"What? You are launching a new career?” they ask. “But you have had one for forty years? Why on earth would you want to do that now, especially at your age?"

Reality is such that times change; so do people and their careers. Does launching a new career as a retiring baby boomer make any sense? Perhaps it does to you, but not to anyone else. (Your family and your friends have probably put you into a box that is already sealed, packaged and labeled with one occupation for life.)

"Wasn't your career choice, the reason that you spent your family's hard-earned money?” your inquisitor continues. “Have you forgotten how much money they invested in your university education? Are you just going to throw that all away now? What a pity! All of your efforts are wasted. Your mother and father would be so sad!"

Who is supposed to give you permission to change careers at this time in your life?

Guess what! As a baby boomer, you do not need to have permission from anyone to change your career. There is no ‘rule book’ that says that you cannot launch a brand new ship of discovery!

How you launch that new career as baby boomer depends upon you. In other words, if you can see your way to do it, go for it.

Begin by researching your new career idea first. Maybe you have a number of different ideas. Do not expect anyone else to understand them.

You may be amazed at what you find on the Internet with respect to possible career options. Times have definitely changed. There is a multiplicity of possible options for new career choices. It is no longer just doctor, lawyer, teacher or nurse. Are the alternative career choices appropriate for baby boomers?

Look realistically at your current job. That door is obviously closing.

Maybe you have been tired of that job for a long time, but you are too embarrassed to tell anyone. Perhaps your current job is too tedious. Maybe your work is becoming more strenuous than you are able to handle or are willing to admit. Perhaps you cannot cope with your current job mentally or emotionally. You know that the excitement about your job disappeared a long time ago. The challenge is no longer there for you.

Now begin to look ahead, realistically.

Can you find a new career (not necessarily a job) that is not going to be too tedious for you? Yes.

Can you see yourself working at a less strenuous task, one that you can handle mentally, emotionally and physically? Yes.

Have you found a career option that excites you and offers a brand new challenge? Yes!

That may be exactly what you are looking for!

Now take the number of possible career years that you still have ahead of you into consideration. Do you want to put all of those coming years into studying? Be aware that you may have to do that in order to reach the career level that you desire to achieve.

Realistically, you know that you may be running out of time. In fact, you may never have an opportunity to pursue a career in a particular field after you finish studying. In other words, you may be older than you think or feel. (Do not admit that to anyone but yourself.) Do not let that stop you. Entering into an extended academic program at this time of your life may not be the best choice for you to make; on the other hand, it could be the wisest decision that you will ever make.

You could pursue a doctorate. There are no ‘rule-books’ that forbid that. It may be only thing you want to do for the rest of your life. Perhaps you have always wanted to do that, but never could? Maybe you never had the time, money or opportunity to pursue that particular career.

What are you really interested in doing for the rest of your life? In other words, what kind of a career would you like to pursue now? What makes you happy? What excites you? What is your passion?

Pursue your passion!

There are numerous places where you can take various tests that will show you courses or career options that are appropriate and realistic for you to pursue as a baby boomer seeking a new career. Your courses and new career choice should be something that you are interested in pursuing.

Do not waste time fretting about something that you were interested in forty years ago. That opportunity may have passed you by completely. Those doors may still be open and if you are still serious about pursuing a career in that area, start by making some serious inquiries.

You know what mental, emotional and physical limitations you have. Be realistic about them. If you are honest with yourself, you know that if you feel appropriately challenged you will probably aspire to rise higher than ever in terms of a new career.

Do not let others make your new career decision for you even if you decide to talk to them about it. Listen closely to what they have to say. How you talk to them is as important as what you say to them. Always be aware that this is your life and your career, not theirs. Sometimes a career counselor can be more helpful than someone who is close to you.

You are in control of the new career ship, not your first mate, second mate or some wide-eyed pirate who is only interested in a free ride, or stealing your ship.

Your spouse or your children cannot make this decision for you, as much as they would like to do so. They probably realize that you are wrestling with your new career decision and want to help you. More than likely, they have your best interests at heart too. They love you. No one can make this decision but you. Your grandchildren, other family members or friends, may think they that should tell you what you could or should do. Hear them out, but the decision is ultimately yours, not theirs. (If they make the decision for you, they might relegate you to a senior's retirement home where you can play blackjack with your friends for the rest of your life. After all, you are retiring…right. Retired people go to senior's retirement homes to play cards, so that they are not a burden on their families.)

If you believe that, then you really are in trouble.

How you launch your new career is something that only you can decide. A lot will depend upon what direction you decide to go in terms of your new career. Consider all of your options first and then make a learned decision. It is far easier to change careers when you have the help and the co-operation of others, but that does not always happen. (Remember that your family and friends may keep on trying to put you back into the same career box. They are accustomed to see you doing exactly what you have been doing for the last forty years. They are comfortable with that. No one likes change, as it can seem threatening. You may have to teach them to think outside of that particular career box.)

Once you have made your decision, go for it. You will know if the decision is right for you. Then do whatever it takes to launch that new career. Others will soon realize that you have made the right decision when they see that you are happy and successful in your new career.

The career choice is yours. Launch that new ship, but as the captain, not the crew! Do not let any pirates dissuade you either. Offer them the option of walking the plank instead!

Circadian rhythm and biological time clocks

How do doctors and nurses manage to work such crazy hours? 

The inside life of hospital doctors and nurses is far more complex than the majority of outsiders will ever know. There can be many reasons for this including patterns in work shifts, as well as balancing home life. 

For new doctors and nurses who have never worked in a hospital environment for any length of time, juggling home life with work can present numerous problems, particularly at first. For example, registered nurses and doctors have to contend with sleep disorders that involve shift work. At the same time, hospitals always function with doctors and nurses working a wide range of shifts. In fact, they come and go all day and night. 

Maintaining a healthy life style is very important for doctors and nurses, as well as their families. This means that doctors and nurses need to get sufficient sleep, in order to cope with their work, as well as their personal lives. 

Let us examine the topic of sleep disorders more closely because 'when' doctors and nurses sleep, does have a definite bearing on what happens in their personal lives. Sometimes what happens with regard to their sleep can be positive, while at other times, it may be negative. Understanding circadian rhythm and biological time clocks will help doctors and nurses who have problems adjusting to working shifts in hospital settings. Shift work can wreak havoc on the personal lives of doctors and nurses as well as their families, at any time, because it increases the level of stress that they are under. 

Disturbed sleep patterns affect their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. While shift work sleep disorder can bring about tremendous upheaval in the lives of doctors or nurses and affect their work, as well as their home lives, it does not necessarily have to do so. 

What is shift work sleep disorder?

"Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are a family of sleep disorders affecting, among other things the timing of sleep." (1) 

What happens to doctors and nurses who experience circadian rhythm sleep disorders? 

"People with circadian sleep disorders are unable to sleep and wake at the times required for normal work, school, and or social needs." (2)

Can working shift work at a hospital prove to be a positive thing for those who have circadian rhythm sleep disorders? In other words, can they still get enough sleep?

"They are generally able to get enough sleep if allowed to sleep and wake at the times dictated by their body clocks.  Unless they have another sleep disorder, their sleep is of normal quality." (3)

This suggests that when doctors or nurses understand their biological clocks, they may be able to work the hours of shift work that are most appropriate for them with respect to their normal sleep patterns. Thus, at times, shift work can prove to be a good thing for those who do understand and are able to meet their sleep needs.

Because every person has his or her unique biological clock, the family life of a doctor or nurse can suffer, if there are other members in the family who function on different circadian rhythms.

There are two kinds of circadian rhythm sleep disorders. There are those that are extrinsic and those that are intrinsic. Extrinsic sleep disorders include shift work sleep disorder and jet lag. Shift work sleep disorder affects those who work night shift or rotating shifts, while jet lag affects those who cross several time zones. (4)

Not all doctors and nurses work shift work, but many do and thus may suffer shift work sleep disorder. Both doctors and nurses tend to travel, so there will also be times when jet lag can be a problem too.

Intrinsic circadian rhythm disorders include delayed sleep phase syndrome, advanced sleep phase syndrome, non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome and irregular sleep-wake pattern. (5)

Let us examine intrinsic circadian sleep rhythm disorders more closely because doctors and nurses, as well as other family members will benefit from becoming more aware of them. In fact, every person in a family may be able to adjust his or her hours of sleep, work and play around them, to some extent.

Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) "…causes a much later than normal timing of sleep onset and offset and a period of peak alertness in the middle of the night." (6)

These doctors and nurses tend to go to bed late and are often most active and productive in the middle of the night. Evening or night shift can work out perfectly for them especially when they have the opportunity to sleep during the day. Problems arise when others do not allow them to sleep in the daytime.

Advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS) "…causes difficulty staying awake in the evening and staying asleep in the morning." (7)

These doctors and nurses tend to go to sleep early in the evening and rise early in the morning, so they will function at their best when working day shift. They may frustrate spouses and others who insist on an active social life night and sleeping in.

Non-24 "…causes the affected individual's sleep to occur later and later each day, with the period of peak alertness also continuously moving around the clock from day to day." (8)

These doctors and nurses tend to be the ones whose constantly changing time of sleep, allows them to function on continually rotating shifts. Spouses and family members who insist on maintaining regular routines often have difficulty with those who have this kind of sleep pattern.

Irregular sleep-wake pattern "…presents as sleeping at very irregular times, and usually more than once per day (waking frequently during the night and taking naps during the day) but with total time asleep typical for the person's age." (9)

These doctors and nurses tend to be the ones who function well on any kind of work schedule, but they always need to take catnaps at work and at home. Taking catnaps at work can lead to dismissal. Taking catnaps at home all of the time often upsets other family members.

Still wondering about the inside life of hospital doctors and nurses? Perhaps their patterns in work shifts have far more to do with personal circadian rhythms and biological clocks than we are ever aware of, at any time.

Balancing home life and shift work becomes a lot easier when one begins to understand circadian rhythms. When a doctor or nurse can adjust his or her work or shift schedule to function in conjunction with his or her circadian rhythm, he or she will be able to obtain sufficient sleep. The doctor or nurse will become healthier and happier. His or her work and home life will improve 

There is an added bonus!

Circadian rhythms also "…affect body temperature, alertness, appetite, hormone secretion, etc." (10)

That means these doctors and nurses who follow their circadian rhythm feel great! No wonder doctors and nurses are able to work such crazy hours!

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circadian_rhythm_sleep_ disorder

(2) Ibid.

(3) Ibid.

(4) Ibid.

(5) Ibid.

(6) Ibid.

(7) Ibid.

(8) Ibid.

(9) Ibid.

(10) Ibid.

Understanding an author platform

For authors, understanding author platform is crucial. Anyone who writes should have an appropriate way to ‘show case’, display or present his or her writing to others. Building an author platform is one way that authors can do that and increase their chances for success, at the same time.

What is an author platform?

The article entitled “What is a Writer/Author Platform?” uses a simple definition suggesting, “Platform, simply put, is your visibility as an author”.

http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/build-a-platform-start-blogging/building-a-writers-platform

In other words, the author platform will reveal “who you are”, “the personal and professional connections you have” and “any media outlets”.

http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/build-a-platform-start-blogging/building-a-writers-platform

Ask yourself this question. 

What is the image that you would like to present to the writer’s world on the Internet?

While not every author understands what an author platform is, others recognize it as a place where they can present their collective works for others to read. An author platform is not a writer’s market in itself, but it can prove to be beneficial as a potential marketing tool. For example, when a publisher asks for the portfolio of an author’s writing, the writer can direct him or her to his author platform.  

Consider these aspects of understanding an author platform.

Author profile and identification:

Keeping an updated writer’s profile on an author platform is important, as it allows the author a way to identify him or herself, so that others can relate to him or her immediately, regardless of the genre in which he or she presents his or her work. Many freelance writers use different genres and ‘show case’ them on the same author platform.

Professionalism:

Professionalism is a key to building a successful author platform, as well as for success as a writer. Publishers are not likely to seek non-professional writing. Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the keys to professional and successful writing on the Internet. Networking with other professionals is also a good idea. 

Internet footprint:

The Internet footprint that an author creates when building an author platform will help to determine his or her success as a writer. In other words, what a freelance writer writes and publishes on the Internet is important in terms of how others perceive it. Many of the writer’s works will be from specific timeframes and a potential publisher will be able to see the changes in his or her work over time, as the first foot print leads to another and then to others.

Do the footprints on an author platform reveal steps or miss-steps by an author?     

Being aware of how valuable an author platform can be or become, will result in authors appreciating the merit of this kind of a website. They will take more pride in their writing when they see it in terms of their work is being ‘show cased’ on a website.  

Of course, the success of any author platform is dependent on the individual author, the time and energy he or she puts into writing and how he or she chooses to display his or her work. Anything worth doing is worth doing to the best of one’s ability and building an author platform is worth doing well.   

  

Doctor-patient confidentiality as it pertains to parents and minors

A minor patient enters his family doctor's office, appearing to be very ill and discloses personal information about his health status. He begs his family doctor, not to tell his parents.

"Please, don't tell my mom and dad!"

What is the family doctor morally, ethically and legally bound to do? In other words, how does doctor-patient confidentiality apply to minors?

Globally, medical doctors and other health care professionals, face this kind of a medical dilemma on a regular basis. The discretion and professional judgment of family doctors is extremely important. At the same time, the minor patient often places his family doctor in an awkward and difficult situation.

If the family doctor breaks the confidentiality of a minor patient, the patient may choose to walk away from medical treatment. Where there is a highly contagious disease that could spread rapidly to others if the minor patient does not receive appropriate medical treatment, other people's lives may be at risk. Many minor patients do not realize the serious nature of infectious diseases; nor do they know how quickly diseases can spread to others.

If the family doctor breaks the confidentiality of a minor patient and goes to the parents of the minor without the permission of the patient, there may be a total breakdown in the parent-minor patient relationship. This can be a less than ideal situation.

If the parents have the same family doctor as the minor patient and there is an effective doctor-patient relationship, it can break down when the family doctor discloses the truth to them.

"Why did you tell us about our son's medical condition? Now our relationship with him will be over."

When the family doctor does not disclose the truth to the minor's parents, the family doctor-parent relationship can break down, as well.

"Why did you not tell us about our son's medical condition? We trusted you as our family doctor."

Sometimes the situation can be even more difficult, for example, when the doctor is not the regular family doctor. There is no previously established trust relationship.

Each situation is unique and different.

The decision to disclose personal information about minors has many different aspects to consider.

Care, compassion and concern are an important aspect of any doctor-minor patient relationship, as well as any doctor-parent relationship. Trust, integrity and honesty in all directions are important.

Doctors do not want to become involved in moral, ethical and legal dilemmas with minor patients and their parents, even though it happens at times.

Immediate and appropriate medical treatment and counseling of the minor patient are important, particularly when this involves the lives of other people including family members. They should be aware when there is a serious health problem.

Parents and minor patients often remain in relatively good relationships regardless of a minor patient's health status. That makes it easier for family doctors or others, to bridge the gap between parents and minor patients when there is a difficult medical situation to deal with.

Most parents truly love their children and want what is best for them; minor patients need to know that.

Medical doctors will not generally walk away from difficult situations that involve minor patients; if anything, they will try to resolve the immediate medical issues or concerns in a way that benefits everyone. Be aware that any doctor has the option of recommending that a minor patient find another doctor, if the minor patient insists on non-disclosure to his parents, but that would normally be only as a last resort.

Family doctors are more likely to offer a minor patient a number of different options, regarding the necessary treatment and disclosure of personal medical information. This might involve having the minor patient talk to his or her parents when the family doctor is present or having the patient talk to his or her parents alone, as soon as possible, depending upon the maturity of the minor patient.

A lot depends upon the doctor, the kind of medical scenario that is taking place, the health status of the minor patient, as well as the minor-parent relationship.

There are many medical factors to consider. For example, the minor patient may need immediate hospitalization or have to be isolated to protect others from a contagious disease. The parents of a minor patient may need to sign medical-legal consents for treatment or surgery. Financial issues like the cost of hospitalization, medication or treatment may enter into the picture. Community health concerns are also important.
 

For anyone who is a minor with a serious health problem, it is always advisable to seek immediate medical treatment from a doctor and to trust the doctor to use his discretion and professional judgment with regard to medical treatment.

Yes, doctor-patient confidentiality applies to minors, but the issue of minor patient confidentiality may become secondary when there is a life-threatening situation that involves a minor patient or others. Difficult family situations are generally resolvable over time, particularly when minor patients trust their family doctors and other doctors, as well as their parents, to do what is right.

Families sometimes need counseling and medical guidance throughout a medical crisis involving a minor patient in order to restore broken relationships, but these kinds of relationships are repairable.

Healing of family relationships take place where there is love.
 

Caring For Baby Boomers and Seniors In Their Own Homes

With proper health care, you as a baby boomer or senior could live to be 100 years if age, or older. You can also be instrumental in helping other baby boomers or seniors live to be a ripe old age, in their own homes.

Senior care is becoming a major concern in North America, particularly because there are thousands of baby boomers and seniors in our era. By baby boomers, I am referring to those who were born after World War 11 and those over sixty five as seniors. It is only a matter of time, before baby boomers become seniors too.

The big problem for baby boomers and seniors lies in the reality that very soon, there are not going to be enough nurses, personal support workers or even family members to care for them, or perhaps for you, if you are a baby boomer heading into retirement.

Hospitalization or nursing home care may not be feasible or possible for the majority of baby boomers and seniors, in spite of the fact that it will be needed by many of them. For many,  it may mean twenty four hour care, seven days per week.

The actual cost of hospitalization and health care is extremely high already. Many baby boomers and seniors may not be able to afford the kind of care they will need.

What can we do to rectify this situation? Everyone of us has baby boomers and seniors in our lives; many of us are in baby boomer status already, or beyond that age.

Can baby boomers and seniors be cared for in their own homes? Definitely.

Ten tips for managing baby boomer or senior care at home:

1. Baby boomers and seniors are generally most comfortable in their own homes, with their family members and in amongst their own belongings. To take them out of that environment may result in dis-orientation. They are accustomed to the food, temperature, air, etc. and changing any or all of that may result in other, more serious problems. They are used to having people come and go in their lives, as well. This is the world that they know.

2. Safety is a major concern and the majority of baby boomers and seniors feel safe at home. In fact, most of them have already instituted safety precautions for themselves, although this is not always the case. One of the first things that must be taken into consideration is whether or not the baby boomers or seniors are safe. If not, immediate action is necessary on the part of the family or designated care giver.

3. In taking a serious look at health care in the home of baby boomers or seniors, it is always a good idea to do an assessment of the environment, in the light of what is currently happening. This can be done quite easily, by spending quality time with the baby boomers or seniors and other family members. Visiting the family doctor with the baby boomers or seniors, along with other family members is generally a good idea. Remember that many of these men and women will have had the same doctors for many years and their doctors may be almost the same age they are. The doctors will likely know the baby boomers or seniors well and their preferences must be taken into consideration.

4. Remember that baby boomers or seniors in need of care, will have definite ideas about what they expect in terms of their own health care needs. Many of them may not have had sufficient care in the recent past and will improve immensely when their proper health care needs are met. You may be totally amazed at the degree of improvement. They may or may not understand the current changes in the health care system, and you may have to explain it to them.

5. Dietary needs are especially important, as nutrition is a primary factor in health care. Assess the baby boomers or seniors for their ability to provide adequate food to sustain their health. Many of them  may not have sufficient income to provide for their own dietary requirements. They may need to obtain a supplemental income of some kind. A few may be hoarding their disability or old age pension checks and not using them to meet their needs. Find out who is looking after their finances and work with that family member or other person. If necessary, find or designate a family member to take the financial responsibility for them.

6. Assessing medical needs is a huge factor. Many baby boomers or seniors will be in need of wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc. and have never had anyone to help them in this regard. They may need drugs that they cannot afford and will require assistance in that respect. They may require other health care items that can be obtained quite easily. What about their medications? Ask them if they are taking their medications? If not, why not? Where are they obtaining them and are they over-priced? Are they hoarding their medications or using out-dated medications? Have they obtained generic drugs? Do they know what generic drugs are? How are their medications stored? Do they know how to dispose of medications that are outdated or have not been used?

7. Spiritual needs are extremely important to baby boomers and seniors, as the era in which they grew up probably focused on having those needs met. Do they have a priest, pastor or chaplain? Is that person aware of what these baby boomers or other seniors stand in need of at this time in their lives? Make contact with the person of their choice, if they are not able to do so.

8. Have plans been made for baby boomers or seniors, should they pass away unexpectedly? Is there a 'DNR' (do not resuscitate) order request, signed by the baby boomers or seniors, family members and their doctor? Has a will been drawn up? If not, why not? Does he or she have legal counsel? What about power of attorney? This may prove to be extremely important in the future.

9. Fear and paranoia are major issues with baby boomers or seniors, as many have had bad experiences previously with others including health care workers, lawyers, doctors, etc. A lot of them have had their homes broken into and things stolen by people who they have trusted, including family members and friends. It is like losing a part of themselves when there is a violation like this in their homes. It is not easy to get people to trust you when they have been violated in some way, by someone else.

10. Health involves healing, happiness and wholeness. You can be instrumental in bringing this into the life of  baby boomers or seniors as minor care givers, family members, personal support workers or nurses. Consider carefully what you can or cannot do and then make a positive, constructive decision with respect to the baby boomers or seniors in your life or under your care. Care is important, but quality care is even more important.

Remember that there are those around you who have gone through this before and that you are not alone in caring for baby boomers or seniors. There are many organizations which can be of help, as well. What you do can be instrumental in helping others to live to a ripe old age.

Think about doing some of these things for yourself also, if you are a baby boomer or a senior and you could be among the ones who live to be a hundred years of age or older.