Caring Caregiver Show

In this episode: ChillTime TV’s lead meditation instructor shares the endless benefits of Yoga Nidra (the sweetest part of Yoga) and the ease of incorporating it into your self care routine.

We are kicking off the second season by honoring National Alzheimer’s month.

Evan shared about CaraKit, a female-owned company led by a cancer survivor and a caregiver. CaraKit crafts gift boxes for women undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, where all products are recommended by women who have undergone those same treatments. 

Our guest, Myra Rubinstein (otherwise known as Keshanti) talked about her spiritual home at the Amrit Yoga Institute, a world-renowned ashram and welcoming community of friends in the waking state. Myra has over 300 hours of formal study of Yoga, Yoga Instruction and Guided Meditation (Yoga Nidra), and is certified in and an ambassador for Accessible Yoga. Myra truly believes that yoga is for every body.

Savy also honored National Blood Cancer Month, in tribute to her family member diagnosed with PV Polycythemia Vera.

Recommended Resources:

• Time In Yoga - downloadable meditations by Myra Rubinstein (certified in Yoga Nidra and accessible Yoga) offering energy restoration to find your peace during the pandemic
• Caregiver Health Club (formerly ChillTime TV) - The leading wellness program for caregivers with pre and type-2 diabetes. Get your sugar under control, lower your A1C levels, reduce medications, lose weight, and feel great again.
• Gimme A Break - non profit for caregivers aiming to bring back joy to caregiving, weekly support sessions offering caregivers a chance to relax, renew, resource and revive - Register or register a caregiver for a break

Hosts: 

• Evan Kharrazi - founder of Caregiver Health Club, certified caregiver nutrition coach, and ambassador at the American Kidney Fund
• Savy Makalena - founder of Gimme a Break and Givers Guides

Connect with the Caring Caregiver Show:

• Facebook Page: Caring Caregiver Show with Evan & Savy
• Instagram: caringcaregivershow
• Website: www.caringcaregivershow.com
• Facebook Group: Click Here to Join

In this episode: Upcoming series on caregiver guilt, a proof caregivers can be champions

In the final show of the podcast’s first season we discussed our upcoming plans and a story of a caregiver who has recently become an Olympic champion. The next season starts 1 September, watch this space!

Evan shared an inspiring story of 14 year-old Chinese diver Quan Hongchan who became the second youngest Chinese diver to win such a trophy. It turned out she actually took up the sport to earn money to support her ill mother. 

We also announced our brand new 8-part series on ‘Letting go of caregiver guilt’ will be on every Tuesday. It is all about self-care, acceptance and releasing the feeling of guilt most of us are so familiar with. 

It was also the focus of this episode to give you the first taste of what we’re going to discuss in depth.

We mentioned numerous reasons why it’s so easy to feel like you are not doing enough as a caregiver. 

Caregiver guilt is real and we all have it. However, since you created this weight in your mind you can also lift it up. We hint on how.

Evan shared another practical kidney health tip, this time focusing on oxalates. 

Recommended Resources: 

• Caregiver Health Club (formerly ChillTime TV) - The leading wellness program for caregivers with pre and type-2 diabetes. Get your sugar under control, lower your A1C levels, reduce medications, lose weight, and feel great again.
• Gimme a Break - non profit for caregivers aiming to bring back joy to caregiving, weekly support sessions offering caregivers a chance to relax, renew, resource and revive - Register or register a caregiver for a break

Hosts: 

• Evan Kharrazi - founder of Caregiver Health Club, certified caregiver nutrition coach, and ambassador at the American Kidney Fund
• Savy Makalena - founder of Gimme a Break and Givers Guides

Connect with the Caring Caregiver Show:

• Facebook Page: Caring Caregiver Show with Evan & Savy
• Instagram: caringcaregivershow
• Website: www.caringcaregivershow.com
• Facebook Group: Click Here to Join

In this episode: Upcoming series on caregiver guilt, a proof caregivers can be champions

In the final show of the podcast’s first season we discussed our upcoming plans and a story of a caregiver who has recently become an Olympic champion. The next season starts 1 September, watch this space!

Evan shared an inspiring story of 14 year-old Chinese diver Quan Hongchan who became the second youngest Chinese diver to win such a trophy. It turned out she actually took up the sport to earn money to support her ill mother. 

We also announced our brand new 8-part series on ‘Letting go of caregiver guilt’ will be on every Tuesday. It is all about self-care, acceptance and releasing the feeling of guilt most of us are so familiar with. 

It was also the focus of this episode to give you the first taste of what we’re going to discuss in depth.

We mentioned numerous reasons why it’s so easy to feel like you are not doing enough as a caregiver. 

Caregiver guilt is real and we all have it. However, since you created this weight in your mind you can also lift it up. We hint on how.

Evan shared another practical kidney health tip, this time focusing on oxalates. 

Recommended Resources: 

• Caregiver Health Club (formerly ChillTime TV) - The leading wellness program for caregivers with pre and type-2 diabetes. Get your sugar under control, lower your A1C levels, reduce medications, lose weight, and feel great again.
• Gimme a Break - non profit for caregivers aiming to bring back joy to caregiving, weekly support sessions offering caregivers a chance to relax, renew, resource and revive - Register or register a caregiver for a break

Hosts: 

• Evan Kharrazi - founder of Caregiver Health Club, certified caregiver nutrition coach, and ambassador at the American Kidney Fund
• Savy Makalena - founder of Gimme a Break and Givers Guides

Connect with the Caring Caregiver Show:

• Facebook Page: Caring Caregiver Show with Evan & Savy
• Instagram: caringcaregivershow
• Website: www.caringcaregivershow.com
• Facebook Group: Click Here to Join

In this episode: Free course for caregivers of dementia patients, non-narcotic answers to amputees’ health issues, building healthy habits by working with a coach

In this episode we discussed the importance of education for caregivers and how you can make self care more manageable with the help of a coach.

First, we mentioned upcoming education opportunities for new caregivers offered by the Northern California and Northern Nevada chapters of the Alzheimer Association. In September and October they are offering free clinical level training courses for caregivers of dementia patients. Their six-week virtual training program Savvy Caregiver brings in dementia experts and provides caregivers with a manual to improve their knowledge, approach, skills and outlook on treating their loved ones. 

Our guest Danette Penrod talks about how she was thrust into caregiving after her husband had a below knee amputation and the effect his condition had on their family. 

She also mentions discovering the power of essential oils which she used as part of her husband’s regular care routine and how her passion turned into a profession. 

As someone with an insight into issues in the amputee community she realized there was a lack of awareness and answers to medical issues, particularly the non-narcotic ones.

Together with her husband they created protocols to address issues, ranging from  mental wellness, skin care, wound care to phantom pain.  

Though Danette believes there is a place for the Western medicine she prefers an integrated approach based on nurturing six main pillars of life: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, financial and relationships. She explains how she helps caregivers address them as  a Holistic Health and Lifestyle coach through an active approach to wellness. In addition she mentions her essential oils business Wellness SpOILed and great deals for caregivers interested in exploring natural medicine

Evan gave the audience a great pick me up, emphasizing the value of work caregivers do. All of us need words of encouragement so you don’t want to miss this!

Recommended Resources: 

• Uplevel Your Lifestyle Guide - a downloadable guide for caregivers including a walkthrough the six pillars
• Wellness SpOILed SPECIAL OFFER - limited offer valid only through August: spend $150 with dōTERRA and get $50 (+ $50 match from Wellness SpOILed). Email [email protected] for further information.
• *Coming up on Chilltime.tv - Danette will teach holistic classes touching on all facets of wellbeing
• Caregiver Health Club (formerly ChillTime TV) - The leading wellness program for caregivers with pre and type-2 diabetes. Get your sugar under control, lower your A1C levels, reduce medications, lose weight, and feel great again.
• Gimme a Break - non profit for caregivers aiming to bring back joy to caregiving, register for a respite

Special Offer: 

• Wellness SpOILed SPECIAL OFFER - limited offer valid only through August: spend $150 with dōTERRA and get $50 (+ $50 match from Wellness SpOILed). Email [email protected] for further information.

Hosts: 

• Evan Kharrazi - founder of Caregiver Health Club, certified caregiver nutrition coach
• Savy Makalena - founder of Gimme a Break and Givers Guides

In this episode: Why caregiving is still considered a low status profession, guidance and resources for caregivers in veteran families

In this episode we discussed the findings of the report by Global Coalition on Aging and Home Instead about the persistent perception of caregiving, the contributing factors and steps that need to be taken in order to improve the status quo.

 Our guest Vera Cabais talked about the challenges she experienced as a caregiver of a wartime veteran. Having spent over 27 years researching and navigating the VA process she decided to pass that knowledge on and help others in a similar position.   

Nowadays, Vera runs Veteran Assistance Group, an organization which helps caregivers in veteran families get paid for the valuable work they do and discover an array of resources and funding they are entitled to. In addition, she also provides work opportunities in care to people in the local community. 

Evan shared another useful kidney care tip and how to apply it in your meal prep. 

Recommended Resources: 

• Veteran Assistance Group - organization supporting caregivers in veteran families
• Gimme a Break -  a nonprofit providing self-care education and resources for caregivers 
• Caregiver Health Club (formerly ChillTime TV) - The leading wellness program for caregivers with pre and type-2 diabetes. Get your sugar under control, lower your A1C levels, reduce medications, lose weight, and feel great again.

Hosts: 

• Evan Kharrazi - founder of Caregiver Health Club, certified caregiver nutrition coach, and ambassador at the American Kidney Fund
• Savy Makalena - founder of Gimme a Break and Givers Guides

Guest: 

• Vera Cabais - founder of Veteran Assistance Group 

Connect with the Caring Caregiver Show:

• Facebook Page: Caring Caregiver Show with Evan & Savy
• Instagram: caringcaregivershow
• Website: www.caringcaregivershow.com
• Facebook Group: Click Here to Join

In this episode: Importance of asking for help, key mental shifts to thrive as a caregiver

If you are a caregiver who once thought they could do it all, this episode is for you! On this occasion we discussed why caregivers don’t ask for help and what are the consequences of that attitude. 

Our guest Suzanne White talks about how trying to do everything perfectly when she became a primary caregiver for her mother turned out to be a perfect recipe for a burnout. 

She outlined the approach that helped her change the status quo. In her ebook ‘The Caregiver’s Little Guide to survival’ she outlines specific strategies to help people navigate caregiving and thrive. 

During our discussion we highlighted an important mental shift that you as a caregiver need to make in order to thrive and various tips on how to top up your emotional bank account.

Last, Evan shared a comprehensive healthy eating resource to help you maintain your kidney health which includes nutrients info, cooking & shopping guides.

Recommended Resources: 

• The Caregiver’s Little Guide to Survival by Suzanne White 
• Caregiver Warrior - Suzanne White professional profile
• Gimme a Break -  a nonprofit providing self-care education and resources for caregivers 
• Caregiver Health Club (formerly ChillTime TV) - The leading wellness program for caregivers with pre and type-2 diabetes. Get your sugar under control, lower your A1C levels, reduce medications, lose weight, and feel great again.
• Kidney Kitchen - a healthy eating resource to maintain kidney health

Hosts: 

• Evan Kharrazi - founder of Caregiver Health Club, certified caregiver nutrition coach, and ambassador at the American Kidney Fund
• Savy Makalena - founder of Gimme a Break and Givers Guides

Guest: 

• Suzanne White - caregiver warrior on a mission to help others survive the caregiving journey with grace and empowerment

Connect with the Caring Caregiver Show:

• Facebook Page: Caring Caregiver Show with Evan & Savy
• Instagram: caringcaregivershow
• Website: www.caringcaregivershow.com
• Facebook Group: Click Here to Join

In this episode: Dangers of chronic stress, a generous donation to The Alzheimer's Association, self-care advice and resources for caregivers from Cindy Brockway

If you feel overwhelmed and suffer from chronic stress that leads you to skip meals, eat more junk food, lose or gain weight it’s time to take action. In this episode we mention specific resources that can help you achieve a positive change through mindful movement and balanced nutrition.

Charitable organizations rely on people’s generosity now more than ever. In this episode mention a generous donor who contributed to the Greater Ohio Area chapter of The Alzheimer's Association.

Our guest Cindy Brockway explains her mission to empower caregivers to break out of a lifestyle driven by duty, drill and perfectionism. Cindy’s AHA moment came in 2015 after being a caregiver and special education teacher for over 30 years. She ended up on medical leave because her lifestyle emotionally and physically depleted her. Following unsuccessful medical intervention she did a lot of research on natural solutions for health and wellness and the rest is history. Today Cindy is a courage coach for caregivers helping clients who feel lost in their caregiving role, author and designer. 

Last but not least, we shared a kidney health tip regarding over the counter pills and their potential to cause kidney failure.

Recommended Resources:

• Cindy Brockway - a renewal wellness company providing caregivers courageous and tenacious self-care guidance
• Essentials for Peace and Balance - a private Facebook group focusing on complexities of human nature, our behaviors and the necessity of a healthy, FUNctional life
• Getting Unlocked - a social change company aimed at rewiring our collective consciousness to embrace differences
• Pine Branch Designs - Consultant and Artist for Natural Health and Wellness Solutions
• Caregiver Health Club (formerly ChillTime TV) - The leading wellness program for caregivers with pre and type-2 diabetes. Get your sugar under control, lower your A1C levels, reduce medications, lose weight, and feel great again.
• Gimme a Break - a nonprofit providing self-care education and resources for caregivers 
• Caring LIVE with Evan & Savy - join our Facebook group including all podcast episodes

Special Offer: 

• Get Cindy’s mini course ‘Your path to renewal’ (RRP $197) including an ebook + four training videos and call with her and Specific Solutions consult call FREE of charge. Exclusive to the Caring podcast listeners

Hosts: 

• Evan Kharrazi - founder of Caregiver Health Club, certified caregiver nutrition coach, and ambassador at the American Kidney Fund
• Savy Makalena - founder of Gimme a Break and Givers Guides

Guest:

• Cindy Brockway - courage coach, author, designer, special needs educator

Connect with the Caring Caregiver Show:

• Facebook Page: Caring Caregiver Show with Evan & Savy
• Instagram: caringcaregivershow
• Website: www.caringcaregivershow.com
• Facebook Group: Click Here to Join

In this episode: A tribute to first responders to Florida Condo collapse, National Self-Care Month activities, caregiving advice from Lani Almanza, special offers

In the spirit of the National Self-Care Month we took the opportunity to honor the first responders involved in the rescue operation following the condo collapse in Florida. 

We welcomed our first guest, Lani Almanza who talked about her inspiring caregiver journey which started with babysitting in her family and neighborhood, continued with her role as a Candy Striper and took a serious turn when her son was involved in a car accident and whose healthy deteriorated even more in the following years. Not looking after her own wellbeing during this period resulted in a number of health issues. These challenges made her aware she needed to improve her self-care and led her to research suitable options and continue her studies. At present she is a wellness entrepreneur on a mission to guide people to a more activated life in self-care, health and wellness.

Last but not least we share a health tip on how to get your kidneys tested via EGFR test and the meaning of various test results.

Recommended Resources: 

• Alaka’i Associates - a wellness company providing caregivers with curated self-care plans and natural healing remedies.
• Caregiver Health Club (formerly ChillTime TV) - The leading wellness program for caregivers with pre and type-2 diabetes. Get your sugar under control, lower your A1C levels, reduce medications, lose weight, and feel great again.
• Gimme a Break - a nonprofit providing self-care education and resources for caregivers 
• Caring LIVE with Evan & Savy - join our Facebook group including all podcast episodes

Special Offer: 

• Get 10% off on any order until the end of July. Go to ‘Resources’ > ‘Wellness products’ to see eligible products. Place an order and email Alaka’i Associates who will verify it and process the 10% rebate via Venmo

Hosts: 

• Evan Kharrazi - founder of Caregiver Health Club, certified caregiver nutrition coach, and ambassador at the American Kidney Fund
• Savy Makalena - founder of Gimme a Break and Givers Guides

Connect with the Caring Caregiver Show:

• Facebook Page: Caring Caregiver Show with Evan & Savy
• Instagram: caringcaregivershow
• Website: www.caringcaregivershow.com
• Facebook Group: Click Here to Join

In this episode: Importance of looking after your health as a caregiver, how to deal with shortcomings of our medical system, Caregiver Health Club overview

As caregivers we have a responsibility to seek wellness for the benefit of us and those we look after. The band aid mentality in our medical system does not emphasize this enough, therefore, taking initiative and investing into your own self-care is essential. 

This episode sheds light on how caregivers should approach their self-care education. We talk about the benefits of having a nutrition and health coach who can help you identify your bio individuality and create a plan to restore your health step by step.

With regards to that, we introduce Caregiver Health Club is a personalized solution that enables you to do just that and make the most of the ‘in-between moments’ when we are not caregiving. We talk about the support it brings to caregivers in terms of their spiritual, physical and financial wellness.

Last but not least, we share a health tip for people with diabetes and getting your medical needs met as a caregiver.

Recommended Resources:

• Caregiver Health Club (formerly ChillTime TV) - The leading wellness program for caregivers with pre and type-2 diabetes. Get your sugar under control, lower your A1C levels, reduce medications, lose weight, and feel great again.
• Gimme a Break - a nonprofit providing self-care education and resources for caregivers
• Caring LIVE with Evan & Savy - join our Facebook group including all podcast episodes

Special Offer:

•  30-day free trial of ChilltimeTV you can book by following these steps: Go to ChilltimeTV website > Click ‘Start your free trial’ > Tick 'Do you have a coupon code?' > Enter code self2care > Click ‘Next’

Hosts: 

• Evan Kharrazi - founder of Caregiver Health Club, certified caregiver nutrition coach, and ambassador at the American Kidney Fund
• Savy Makalena - founder of Gimme a Break and Givers Guides

Connect with the Caring Caregiver Show:

• Facebook Page: Caring Caregiver Show with Evan & Savy
• Instagram: caringcaregivershow
• Website: www.caringcaregivershow.com
• Facebook Group: Click Here to Join

In this episode: Evan and Savy share their stories, why caregivers’ dreams matter, new bill supporting Pennsylvania caregivers

In the first-ever episode of our new podcast for caregivers you can learn about the caregiver journey of your podcast hosts Evan and Savy, including challenges they faced and steps they took to address them. You will also learn about the rationale behind their passion projects. 

Evan talks about ChilltimeTV, a wellness app for caregivers, whereas Savy gives you an overview of Gimme a Break, a nonprofit providing caregivers with self-care resources and services they need and deserve.

If you are a caregiver based in Pennsylvania we share some good news for you. Namely, the new government bill announced by The Pennsylvania Department of Aging which brings new resources for caregivers including care management, benefit counselling,caregiver education and training and financial help (subject to eligibility). 

As a food for thought we discuss the idea of fulfilling our dreams as caregivers, including examples from our personal lives showing how following our passions helped us bounce back and find balance in life.

Last but not least, Evan shares important considerations about kidney health.

Recommended Resources: 

• Caring LIVE with Evan & Savy - join our Facebook group including all podcast episodes
• Caregiver Health Club - (formerly ChillTime TV) - The leading wellness program for caregivers with pre and type-2 diabetes. Get your sugar under control, lower your A1C levels, reduce medications, lose weight, and feel great again.
• Gimme a Break - a nonprofit providing self-care education and resources for caregivers co-founded by Savy Makalena
• The American Kidney Fund

Hosts: 

• Evan Kharrazi - founder of Caregiver Health Club, certified caregiver nutrition coach, and ambassador at the American Kidney Fund
• Savy Makalena - founder of Gimme a Break and Givers Guides

Connect with the Caring Caregiver Show:

• Facebook Page: Caring Caregiver Show with Evan & Savy
• Instagram: caringcaregivershow
• Website: www.caringcaregivershow.com
• Facebook Group: Click Here to Join