Archive for the ‘Women’s Health’ Category

October 1, 2019

HAPPY DOG GIVES COMFORT TO MIA, A CHILD IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, FAMILY IN SAN FRANCISCO

Maria Kawah Leung's new book LITTLE HEROES OF BAY STREET: AND HOW THEY STAY STRONG IN AN UNHAPPY HOME

Theme Consultant Teresa Jade LeYung loves MARIA KAWAH LEUNG‘s new children’s book LITTLE HEROES OF BAY STREET: AND HOW THEY STAY STRONG IN AN UNHAPPY HOME

Children’s book author MARIA KAWAH LEUNG shows how a girl named Mia and her loyal companion Happy Dog (he’s much much more than a stuffed animal) use their imagination to cope in an environment they have no control over – domestic violence. 

Together, they learn that friends do not have to always like the same things, and, that love means protecting and comforting each other. Author’s messages save lives – “When you’re scared or sad, talk to grown-ups you trust.”  and  “It’s not a child’s job to make parents happy.”

May all adults be like Ms. Chavez who notices a change in her student’s behavior and takes appropriate action. Heroes come in various shapes and sizes – in this story, they are a little girl, a fuzzy toy who is a beloved friend, and a school teacher.

While the story is set in San Francisco, the theme of family violence is worldwide, one that ought to be discussed openly without stigma. Empower children, give them a chance to blossom into healthy adults. Thank you, author and artist Maria Kawah Leung and illustrators Sandra Elyse Chavez and Maren Sleire Aasgaard, for shining the spotlight on dynamic duo Mia and Happy Dog and providing helpful resources.

Cheering for Mia, Happy Dog, all children and their loyal friends and advocates!

Your BIG fan Teresa Jade LeYung

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Get your copy of the book now  – only $1.99 USD – You can read LITTLE HEROES OF BAY STREET on your own device, on Kindle Cloud Reader (download from Amazon), or on your Kindle.

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Heroes-Bay-Street-Unhappy-ebook/dp/B07Y829C3M/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=Little+Heroes+of+Bay+Street&qid=1569965313&s=books&sr=1-6

Mia's Happy Dog gets hugs from loyal fan Teresa Jade LeYung, photo by author Maria Kawah Leung

As an alumna of A Place of Her Own 2018, Teresa Jade LeYung of Love Made Of Heart says: “When I’m in Paris, I know I have come home.”

As an award-winning author,  theme consultant and writing coach, Teresa empowers writers to transform their dearest dreams into reality.

Teresa_Jade_LeYung_in_Paris, photo_by_Sasa_or_Nan

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

WHAT:

Hungry Ghosts: Exploring the intersection between chronic heartache and prescriptions for resilience

Curated by Cynthia Tom and Maggie Yee for A PLACE OF HER OWN (™)

Funded in Part by: California Arts Council, Do A Little Foundation and individual donors.

Admission to the exhibition and programs is free and open to the public.

WHO:

Angela Bau, Frances Cachapero, Irene Wibawa, Julie Anderson, Lisa Rodondi, Manon Bogerd Wada, Avotcja, Natalie Sacramento, Paz Zamora, Reiko Fujii, Cynthia Tom, Maggie Yee, Sue Tom, Tomo Hirai.

WHERE:

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (MMOCA), 500 Palm Dr, Novato, CA 94949

DATES:

Saturday August 10, 2019 - exhibition opening reception - meet the artists 2:00-7:00pm; Cynthia Tom – Curator’s Talk: 3:30-4:00pm; MMOCA Reception 5-7 pm; gallery opens 11am – 7pm

August 24, 2019, 1:00-4:00pm Artists’ Talk (artists onsite 11:00am – 5:00pm)

September 15, 2019, 12:00-5:00pm  Last day to meet the artists

 

Hungry Ghosts:

Exploring the intersection between chronic heartache and prescriptions for resilience

Exhibit Dates: August 10 – September 15, 2019
Location: Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, 500 Palm Dr, Novato, CA 94949
Hours:  Wednesday – Friday  11:00am to 4:00pm;  Saturday – Sunday  11:00am to 5:00pm

 

July 30, 2019 California USA

Dear Writers and Readers,

If we are able to read and write and not be persecuted for doing so, we have the responsibility to speak our truths, as well as the truths of those who cannot speak for themselves.

I was lucky to be invited as an exhibitor at the 2019 “Hungry Ghosts: Exploring the intersection between chronic heartache and prescriptions for resilience” show, curated by Cynthia Tom and Maggie Yee for A PLACE OF HER OWN (™). Due to illness, I was unable to work on my piece, therefore, I will not be an exhibitor this time. I shall be there as a fan of all the artists, supporters and advocates.

Theme Consultant and Writing Coach Teresa Jade LeYung Supports Artists Who Face Hungry Ghosts

If curators Cynthia Tom and Maggie Yee invite me again, I shall exhibit:

Teresa Jade LeYung says:

“Hungry ghosts eat, I spit nails.

Let Self speak, I prevail.”

Special thanks to Coach MaryT for word-magic!

Teresa_Jade_LeYung_in_Paris_photo_by_Sasa_or_Nan

Teresa Jade LeYung of Love Made Of Heart says: “When I’m in Paris, I know I have come home.”

As theme consultant and writing coach, Teresa empowers writers to transform their dearest dreams into reality.

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

Blog Post 3 of 3 “Papa Makes Decision While In Nursing Home Again” by Teresa Jade LeYung

photo by Elley Chu

As writing coach and theme consultant Teresa Jade LeYung, I ask my clients: “What does your main character want?”

Sometimes, the client’s response is: “I’m  not sure.”  Other times, the reply is: “Nothing.”

If the protagonist in a story wants nothing, then, what is the story?

There is always something!  Could it be that your Hero cannot accept what is happening to her/him?  Does he/she want life the way it was, not the way it is?

That is my father’s dilemma. He has lost control over his day-to-day activities. Ever since the hospitalization for Aspiration Pneumonia and urinary tract infection in July 2018. Ever since he could no longer live by himself.

No more going to the hallway or balcony with his walker to exercise or taking the elevator to go to the mailroom whenever he wants to. No more watching his Cantonese television programs with his girlfriend who lives in the building. No more telling his caregiver to stop by the grocery store and bring him a particular fruit or a Chinese pastry he is craving.  No more quarterly appointments with his UCSF neurologist or UCSF hi-tech physical therapy for movement-disorder.  What irony – the appointments he had labeled “unnecessary” and “there’s nothing wrong with me” are now out of reach and “Why can’t I go?”

When nursing home staff members ask him “Do you want anything? Do you need anything?” he raises his left hand to gesture “No” and smiles.

When I am with him, occasionally he will tell me in Cantonese: “I don’t want to stay here.” (I think to myself Oh, Papa, of course. You were independent, in spite of Parkinson’s Disease, in your studio apartment.  Aspiration Pneumonia and urinary tract infection created your decline and now you are in a nursing home, in a room with 2 other residents, no furniture of your own. I am sad for you. But, I know that you are safe and well cared for by dedicated staff.  You are a lucky guy.)

I do not lie to him. I say: “This is your home now. Nurses and CNAs take excellent care of you. You are safe here. You have friends here. If you exercise and get strong to the point that you can live on your own again, then, I will help you find another one.”  I reinforce my words by taking out a green exercise band from the top drawer of the nightstand.

I had bought the green band when I was getting physical therapy for my plantar fasciitis. Last month, I found the band, and used a thick permanent marker to write my father’s name on it.  [ If you don't put your name, room and bed number on an item, that item is likely to disappear.  Even if everything were labeled, staff and residents would still experience "missing items."]

Papa is in good hands with the nursing home staff. And, since November, he’s been receiving visits from a nurse, a chaplain and a social worker from Hospice By The Bay.  Also, he gets visits from former caregivers (with help from my sister, I can afford to pay them to visit), his daughter-in-law, his grandson, his girlfriend, a few other people, and me (his representative and advocate).

Who else feels loss of control?  Me.  When I see Papa not practicing safe eating behavior.

What is safe?

- Papa sits upright and is fully awake (should not be putting food or drink into his mouth if he is slouching or sleepy).

- Eat slowly.  He uses a teaspoon to put food or thickened liquid into mouth.  Chew.  Swallow. Swallow again.  Say “AAH” twice.  If you don’t hear a clear AAH, that means food/drink has not cleared past the throat.

-  Do NOT tilt head backward when swallowing (head-tilting increases risk of choking and aspiration)

Oh, how I get exasperated when I find out that someone gave him food that hasn’t been pureed by dietician or liquid that hasn’t been properly thickened by his nurse.  Last month, two other residents gave him something to chew (Chinese chew); the nurses explained to the two nice people that my father cannot just chew, that he has a swallowing problem, that he could accidentally swallow the food. The residents don’t understand that another episode of aspiration-pneumonia could be fatal. They can’t empathize.

That’s another question I ask my writing-clients – “Which characters are sympathized and which ones are empathized by your narrator?

I am indeed grateful that my father likes the staff at the nursing home, and the meals served to him, and that he gets to walk with his walker about 5 times a week with the CNAs who are especially trained.  I am indeed grateful to everyone in his life and mine.

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR 2019!

I wish everyone safety, abundant joy, and excellent health.

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

 Teresa Jade LeYung – founder of Love Made of Heart (aka Teresa LeYung-Ryan) says: “When I’m in Paris, I know I have come home.”  Teresa speaks openly through her writing and advocacy, her immigrant experience, and her knowing beauty.  As author, publisher, theme consultant, and a found-object artist, she empowers women to transform dreams into lifestyle. http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

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Saturday, February 16, 2019, 11AM – 3PM

at Chinese Historical Society of America in San Francisco, CA

Stepping Into Your Story: Artmaking to Access Your Identity

Workshop with visual artist / curator/ teacher Cynthia Tom

Go to  https://chsa.org/event/stepping-into-your-story-workshop-with-cynthia-tom/ and click on [ BUY TICKETS ]

Cynthia Tom, visual artist / curator/ teacher / founder of A PLACE OF HER OWN

Location

Chinese Historical Society of America
965 Clay St., San Francisco, California 94108

Seating is limited – admission to Cynthia Tom’s workshop on February 16, 2019 includes entry to CHSA galleries & exhibits.
$15;  $10 for Seniors over 62 and students with ID

Dress to be a little messy, collage workshop and lecture.

Go to  https://chsa.org/event/stepping-into-your-story-workshop-with-cynthia-tom/ and click on [ BUY TICKETS ]

“Stepping Into Your Story: Artmaking to Access Your Identity”

Workshop

with visual artist Cynthia Tom

Who are you? Why are you here and what for?

We provide an experiential workshop using intuitive artmaking techniques to access your inner stories in order to begin or continue your journey. In this workshop, using hands-on artmaking we begin to Explore, through discussion we learn how to Identify, and see how others Claim and use art to Proclaim their identity for healing and social change in the community. Our identity is forged by many seen and unseen forces. Take the time to discover, define and direct who you are with love and intention. While we can’t write your story in four hours, we can provide you with experiential and creative tools and next steps in defining and owning the power of You.

For Cynthia Tom’s website:  https://cynthiatom.com

For Cynthia Tom’s A PLACE OF HER OWN:  https://www.aplaceofherown.org

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Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

Teresa Jade LeYung is an alumna of Cynthia Tom's class A PLACE OF HER OWN - photo by artist Reiko Fujii at 2018 artists' talks

Teresa Jade LeYung – founder of Love Made of Heart (aka Teresa LeYung-Ryan) speaks openly through her writing and advocacy, her immigrant experience, and her knowing Beauty.  As an author, a story consultant, and a found-object artist, she empowers women to transform their own stories and is often quoted as saying: “You think beauty,  You become Beauty.”

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

Thank you, Mary Jung of Pacific & Asian American Women Bay Area Coalition (PAAWBAC) and Cynthia Tom of A PLACE OF HER OWN, for inviting us to this event:

Saturday, September 15th, 2018, 5:30pm – 9:30 pm

Asian Women’s Shelter – 30th Anniversary Gala

I wish everyone safety, excellent health and abundant joy.

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teresa Jade LeYung – founder of Love Made of Heart (aka Teresa LeYung-Ryan) speaks openly through her writing and advocacy, her immigrant experience, and her knowing beauty.  As an author, a story consultant, and a found-object artist, she empowers women to transform their own stories and is often quoted as saying: “I think beauty. I am beauty.” Please visit  http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

***

Beautiful brain produces DOPAMINE

Dopamine helps us move with ease.

Parkinson’s Disease depletes Dopamine levels.

WALKING promotes production of DOPAMINE

Chapter 2 “The Man Who Walked Off His Parkinsonian Symptoms” in Dr. Norman Doidge’s book The Brain’s Way of Healing

Walking With Intention/For Safety:  [Cantonese]  Man Dee Ho Dee (Slower is Better), [Cantonese] Gurk Go Dee Ho Dee  (Pick Up Foot, Higher is Better)

and

Youtube “Sit and Be Fit” series by Mary Ann Wilson RN (recommended by our papa’s primary care physician)

Papa wins. Parkinson’s loses. Papa wins.

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

aka Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Story Theme Consultant

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

Dear Readers of http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

I wish you all wellness and joy.

This post is to acknowledge the dear folks who have encouraged and inspired me as I made my debut as a Found-Object Artist.  Whether or not they were there in person, I humbly thank everyone as I go forward with a new perspective!

Year 2018 began with receiving acceptance of my application to be in A PLACE OF HER OWN residency program (created by Cynthia Tom) – an art-based healing and transformation series of workshops culminating in an art exhibition for women. http://www.aplaceofherown.org

A PLACE OF HER OWN is dedicated to fostering the long-term mental health and well-being of women.

Featuring 24 San Francisco Bay Area Women Artists answering the question:

“If you had a place of your own, what would it be?”

Curated by Cynthia Tom and Maggie Yee

Artists:  Nancy Arvold, *Julie Andersen, Angela Bau, *Frances Cachapero, *Norma Carrera, *Kristi Chan, Catherine Ceniza Choy, *Angie Dumagsa, *Elizabeth Esqueda, Reiko Fujii, *Ashleigh, *Tomo Hirai, *Ahran Lee, *Grace Hwang Lynch, Lisa Rodondi, *Teresa Jade LeYung-Ryan, Natalie Sacramento, Cynthia Tom, Sue Tom, Dechen Tsering, Manon Bogerd Wada, Irene Wibawa, Maggie Yee, *Patricia Zamora

* 2018 residency program

May 12, 2018 A PLACE OF HER OWN opening reception at J-SEI, Emeryville, CA - photo by Cris Matos

What was my art?  “Four Desks For the Four Femmes In Me”

Teresa Jade LeYung speaks openly through her writing and advocacy, her immigrant experience, and her knowing beauty.  As an author, a story consultant, and a found-object artist, she empowers women to transform their own stories and is often quoted as saying: “I think beauty. I am beauty.” Please visit  http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

Margie Yee Webb, Teresa Jade LeYung, Sasa Southard at J-SEI on May 12, 2018 opening reception of A PLACE OF HER OWN art exhibition - photo by

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Artist Diana Lew, found-object artist Teresa Jade LeYung, artist/curator Cynthia Tom, and Jennifer Heminger, founder and owner of Zen Lot - photo by

Professor Sheryl Fairchild, found-object artist Teresa Jade LeYung, music teacher/composer Chris Elise Keller - photo by

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More photos to be added . . .

Please also take a look at my May 7, 2018 blog post:

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/story-theme-consultant-teresa-leyung-ryan-aka-found-object-artist-teresa-jade-leyung/

If you have facebook, please:

“Like” this PAGE:  https://www.facebook.com/aplaceofherown/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/APLACE/  when you have time, please look at photos and like as many as you care to click on 

Thank you, everyone! You are helping Cynthia Tom help more and more women heal and transform.

I wish you all wellness and joy.

Story Theme Consultant Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Living Beauty-full Life

as Found-Object Artist Teresa Jade LeYung

For other posts in my blog, please go to: https://lovemadeofheart.com/blogIf you’re looking for my blog posts pertaining to our Beautiful Brains and Neuroplasticity… https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog  look at right side of screen, you’ll see the category “Beautiful Brains Neuroplasticity”.  Please click on that category to get those posts.

Featuring 20 San Francisco Bay Area Women Artists answering the question:

at J-SEI in Emeryville
1285 66th Street, Emeryville   (510) 654-4000

Exhibition runs May 12 through June 24, 2018

 The public is invited to participate in self-guided art-making workstations during gallery hours.

Admission Free. Donations $10-$20 are appreciated. No one turned away for lack of funds.

 * Denotes artists in the 2018 residency program

 Artists:  Nancy Arvold, *Julie Andersen, Angela Bau, *Frances Cachapero, *Norma Carrera, *Kristi Chan, Catherine Ceniza Choy, *Angie Dumagsa, *Elizabeth Esqueda, Reiko Fujii, *Ashleigh, *Tomo Hirai, *Ahran Lee, *Grace Hwang Lynch, Lisa Rodondi, *Teresa Jade LeYung-Ryan, Natalie Sacramento, Cynthia Tom, Sue Tom, Dechen Tsering, Manon Bogerd Wada, Irene Wibawa, Maggie Yee, *Patricia Zamora

Story / Theme Consultant Teresa LeYung-Ryan AKA Found-Object Artist Teresa Jade LeYung

here is a sneak peek at one of the four sections of Teresa Jade LeYung's piece entitled "Four Desks For the Four Femmes In Me"

Photo above is a sneak peek at one of the four sections of my piece entitled “Four Desks For the Four Femmes In Me”.
  You will have to go see the whole piece and the magnificent creations by classmates and artist-teachers at the exhibit
I will post photos of Opening Reception of May 12, 2018 for folks who cannot be there in person.

Over six months of Exploring and Naming Hungry Ghosts (examine and challenge beliefs that hold me back and the exploration of my family patterns not just those of my parents’ but also of my ancestors’ traumas linked to world history of slavery, colonization, forced migration, oppression), Releasing Hungry Ghosts, Claiming MY PLACE, and Proclaiming MY PLACE … I, Teresa Jade LeYung, give a thousand thanks to creator and lead teacher of A PLACE OF HER OWN Cynthia Tom, assistant teachers Maggie Yee and Natalie Sacramento, my dear classmates (Julie Andersen, Frances Cachapero, Norma Carrera, Kristi Chan, Angie Dumagsa, Elizabeth Esqueda, Ashleigh, Tomo Hirai, Ahran Lee, Grace Hwang Lynch, Teresa Jade LeYung-Ryan, Patricia Zamora), guest artist-speakers Cris Matos, Angela Bau, Reiko Fujii,  Irene Wibawa, and Brian Garvey (the gent who helps us and our work get to classroom on time every Thursday),  Asian American Women Artists Association,  Pacific Asian American Women Bay Area Coalition, and all the dear hearts who encouraged me to enroll in this residency program six months ago.

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

For Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan, please visit

http://LoveMadeOfHeart.com/blog

Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s Blog Post 3 of 3

How Dr. Norman Doidge’s Books Help Me and My Chinese Papa Who Has Parkinson’s

I am not fluent in Cantonese.

When I was a new immigrant from Hong Kong in the 1960s, San Francisco public schools did not have ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.  Classmate’s snickering compelled me to learn my new language with urgency. By fourth grade, you couldn’t shut me up.  Then our parents (actually, probably just our father) insisted that my siblings and I go to Chinese School (classes in Chinatown everyday after regular school was let out).  One year of misery. Thank goodness our mother spoke up to our father (in Cantonese) – “Let our children succeed in English school first.”

Fast forward to 2017. Parkinson’s Disease has caused what Papa would say with his Cantonese accent “a lot of problem.”

[ According to http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/ Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people … a person’s brain slowly stops producing a neurotransmitter called dopamine. With less and less dopamine, a person has less and less ability to regulate their movements, body and emotions.]

Papa and Teresa chuckle at the last part of speech exercises taught by Terri Snyder from Self Help for the Elderly - photo by Wen Hsu, translator extraordinaire

While I lack the vocabulary to tell my father that I sympathize, I do know how to encourage and praise with sincerity.  When he frowns at my prompting to do the exercises (taught by the dear professionals from Self Help for the Elderly) or Sit and Be Fit™  (recommended by NP Heloise Lim), or to pick up his feet when those darn rubber mats at grocery stores and restaurants seem to ambush him and his walker… I say to him: “You win! Do NOT let Parkinson’s win. You win!”

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Through the engaging stories in this book – The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity by Norman Doidge, M.D. – I have learned that our wonderful brains are forever changing, growing and healing. That knowledge gives me the vocabulary to ask the right questions as an advocate for my father. Dear friend Wen Hsu ordered the traditional Chinese edition of Dr. Doidge’s book through a bookseller in Taiwan. Papa has the book near his dining table; next to the Chinese edition is the English edition; both books are there for Papa’s helpers and friends to read.

As for my being an advocate/daughter who is not fluent in her parent’s native tongue, I know how to find people who excel in their work. In the past three weeks, Wen Hsu (translator extraordinaire) has translated my multiple letters (written in English) into Chinese for Papa’s Caregivers/Helpers.

I salute Papa’s caregivers/helpers, his caring friends, my caring friends, wise mentors, supportive spouse, dear sister, MaMah, Papa’s spunk, the doctors, nurses, administration staffs, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, interpreters, dear folks at Self Help for the Elderly, South Market Senior Health Clinic, UCSF Movement Disorder and Neuromodulation Center, E.R. staffs, staffs at U.C. Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital, SFGH Orthotics and Prosthetic Center, the dear staff members at the building where my papa lives, and Dr. Norman Doidge for writing his book The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity.

Mr. Leung with traditional Chinese edition, Teresa LeYung-Ryan with English edition of the book THE BRAIN'S WAY OF HEALING: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity by Norman Doidge, M.D. - photo by Wen Hsu, translator extraordinaire

Special thanks to the dear folks at Self Help for the Elderly – Nurse Valerie Chan, Nurse Chiu Li, Physical Therapist Jenny Chiu, Occupational Therapist Tom Wong, Speech Therapist Terri Snyder, Translator Albie Wong, and of course the administrative staff, and all the nurses and therapists who have helped my father in the past and shall in the future.

Knowledge that leads to health and wellness – this is my wish for everyone.

Sincerely,

Teresa, advocate/daughter to my Chinese papa

P.S.  I am rereading Dr. Norman Doidge’s books

Teresa LeYung-Ryan, photo by Britt

Teresa LeYung-Ryan is

author of:

• Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook);
• Love Made of Heart: a Daughter Finds Herself through Witnessing Her Mother’s Mental Illness (novel used in college classes, recommended by the California School Library Association and the California Reading Association, and archived at the San Francisco History Center);
• “Talking to My Dead Mom” Monologues (the first monologue received an award from Redwood 10-Minute Play Contest and was staged at the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, CA);
• Coach Teresa’s Blog  http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog (which attracts thousands of writers) helps writers build their platforms before and after publication
• “For Themes’ Sake” and “Heroes, Tricksters and Villains” and “Where Are You On Your Writer’s Journey?” and other workshop material

creator of “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” and

owner of trademark

 and proponent of public libraries, public schools, and excellent public healthcare for ALL!

The link to this blog post #3 of 3 in this series:

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/teresa-leyung-ryans-blog-post-3-of-3-how-dr-norman-doidges-books-help-me-and-my-chinese-papa-who-has-parkinsons/

Blog post #2 of 3 in this series:

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/teresa-leyung-ryans-blog-post-2-of-3-how-dr-norman-doidges-books-help-me-help-my-papa/

Blog post #1 of 3 in this series:

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/theme-consultant-teresa-leyung-ryans-blog-post-1-of-3-what-i-learned-about-the-brain-from-dr-norman-doidges-2-books/

For other posts in my blog, please go to: https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

If you’re looking for my blog posts pertaining to our Beautiful Brains and Neuroplasticity… https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog  look at right side of screen, you’ll see the category “Beautiful Brains Neuroplasticity”.  Please click on that category to get those posts.

Dear Folks who have been, are, or will be advocates and/or caregivers to a family member who has Parkinson’s,

I salute YOU!  If I didn’t have caring friends, wise mentors, supportive spouse, dear sister, MaMah, and the information from Dr. Norman Doidge‘s book The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity, I would be in need of advocates and caregivers myself.

Last month, Papa fell again.  No broken bones. No kidney damage. He sure is a lucky fellow.  After his first fall earlier this year, the doctors and nurses explained to him (in Cantonese) and to me that when someone falls and cannot get up and is on the floor for hours, the muscles release a material into the bloodstream that could cause kidney damage. So, what did the doctor and interpreter at the hospital say this time?  “Your father was dehydrated and weak. He needs to eat well, eat more. Encourage him. To eat more. To drink plenty of water.”

Aah, the word “encourage” contains the word “courage”.

Parkinson’s Disease has discouraged Papa – the disease has made Papa’s movement “smaller” – small steps, small voice, small hand-writing.

Encourage my father to do this, to do that? Sounds simple enough.  Then why do I feel discouraged myself?  Whatever happens, I must take good care of my own brain.

I am not fluent in Cantonese, Papa is not fluent in English -

At least twice in the past month, he got upset when I said something about myself (he thought I was talking about him). “Teresa, keep your cool,” I tell myself. (Thank you, mentor Lynn!)

 I do not understand why Papa seems to be evasive when answering questions -

“Papa, when did you last eat?” I’d ask.

“I ate a lot,” he replies.

“What time?” I ask.

“A little while ago,” he says.

“What time?  Six o’clock? Ten o’clock? Two?  It’s two-thirty now. What time did you eat?”

“Eight.”

“Eight o’clock! That’s not a little while ago.” I can hear the irritation in my voice.

“Teresa, encourage him, not grill him.”  (Thank you, NP Lim!)

I cringe just thinking about entering his apartment and getting blasted by the television volume set at 84 or the thermostat set at 80 degrees -

What can I do?  I supposed . . . instead of asking (accusing) him “Is your hearing going?” and “Are you cold because you’re ill?” I could just turn down the two dials and engage him in conversation. (Thank you, dear Sasa!)

I, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, daughter of a father who has Parkinson’s, thank everyone who has helped my papa and Dr. Norman Doidge for writing his wonder-full book The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity.

Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, administration staffs, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, interpreters, everyone at Self Help for the Elderly, folks in UCSF Movement Disorder and Neuromodulation Center,  E.R. staffs, folks at St. Mary’s Hospital, SFGH Orthotics and Prosthetic Center, and the dear staff at the building where my papa lives.

Knowledge that leads to health and wellness – this is my wish for everyone.

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Teresa LeYung-Ryan, advocate for my Chinese papa

Please visit http://LoveMadeOfHeart.com/blog and http://WritingCoachTeresa.com  for resources.

If you’d like to read Blog Post 1 of 3 in this series: http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/theme-consultant-teresa-leyung-ryans-blog-post-1-of-3-what-i-learned-about-the-brain-from-dr-norman-doidges-2-books/

Teresa’s trademark:

For other posts in my blog, please go to: https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

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