Blog

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Websites

American Chronic Pain Association | https://www.theacpa.org

Peer support and education in pain management skills to people with pain, family and friends, and health care professionals.

• - Ability Chart: Ability Chart

• - Cluster Headache Log: Cluster Headache Log

• - Daily Activity Checklist: Daily Activity Checklist

• - Fibromyalgia Handbook: ACPA Fibromyalgia Handbook

• - Fibro Log: Fibro Log - American Chronic Pain Association

• - Follow-Up from Your Visit: Follow-Up from Your Visit

• - Med Card: Med Card - American Chronic Pain Association

• - Migraine Log: Migraine Log

• - OIC (Opioid Induced Constipation) Log: OIC Log 

• - OTC (Over-the-Counter) Awareness Guide: OTC Awareness Guide 

• - Pain Log: Pain Log

• - Practice Guidelines for Low Back Pain: Consumer Guidelines for Low Back Pain

• - Prepare for your Visit: Prepare for your Visit

• - Quality of Life Scale: A Measure Of Function For People With Pain

• - Resource Guide: ACPA Resource Guide

Pacing and Planning

• - Pain Management, Australian Department of Health and University of Western Australia  | https://painhealth.csse.uwa.edu.au/pain-module/pacing-and-goal-setting
• - Pacing and Chronic Pain, London Pain Clinic | https://www.londonpainclinic.com/resources/pacing-and-chronic-pain
• - Pacing: how to manage your pain and stay active, Oxford University Hospital | https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/11850Ppacing.pdf (PDF)
  

The Pain Toolkit | https://www.paintoolkit.org 

A pain self-management resource based on the Pain Toolkit, a simple information booklet by Pete Moore. 

Print

Butler, D., Moseley, G. (2013) Explain Pain. Noigroup Publications. 

Darnall, B. (2014). Less Pain, Fewer Pills: Avoid the Dangers of Prescription Opioids and Gain Control Over Chronic Pain. Boulder, CO: Bull Publishing Company.

LeFort, S. M., Webster, L., Lorig, K., Holman, H., Sobel, D. S., Laurent, D., … Minor, M. A. (2021). Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain, 2nd Edition. Boulder, CO: Bull Publishing Company.

Videos

Understanding pain & what to do about it in less than 5 minutes | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLWntMDgFcs&t=129s

- Joint Pain Education Project video from the Defense & Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management (DVCIPM) to learn more about chronic pain management.

Video Library - American Chronic Pain Association (theacpa.org)

- This link leads you to the video library which contains videos about pain conditions and treatments, as well as communication and education. There are also 2 series titled Pathways Through Pain and Family Matters.

• Pathways Through Pain videos: Video Library - American Chronic Pain Association (theacpa.org)
  
  
• Family Matters videos: Video Library - American Chronic Pain Association (theacpa.org)

Pacing: Your Superpower Against Chronic Pain | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waTG5noUOek (YouTube)

• - An amazing 14- year-old girl with chronic pain talks about pacing

American Chronic Pain Association

• - Communication / Education videos https://www.theacpa.org/pain-management-tools/videos/communicationeducation/ 
• - Conditions / Treatments videos https://www.theacpa.org/pain-management-tools/videos/conditionstreatments/ 
• - Support videos https://www.theacpa.org/pain-management-tools/videos/support/ 

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Videos

A male caregiver with Parkinson's talking about being a caregiver for his Mother. 

• - Dance for PD » Winter Stars: Reading and Conversation
  Dance for PD is proud to share this intimate conversation with Dave Iverson – familiar to many in our extended global family as the writer and director of the documentary Capturing Grace – as he discusses his highly-anticipated new memoir Winter Stars, the intimate story of an elderly mom, an aging son, and life’s final journey. This conversation took place live on January 19, 2021.

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Websites

American Association for Retired Persons | https://www.aarp.org 

• - Advance Directives https://www.aarp.org/relationships/grief-loss/info-06-2009/never_young_advanced_directive.html 

American Bar Association: Health Care Decision Making | http://www.americanbar.org/groups/law_aging/resources/health_care_decision_making.html 

National Council on Aging: Benefits Check Up | https://www.benefitscheckup.org 

Caring.com | https://www.caring.com

Information and support geared towards seniors.

• - Adult day care https://www.caring.com/senior-living/adult-day-care/
• - Assisted living options https://www.caring.com/senior-living/assisted-living/ 
• - Caregiver finances https://www.caring.com/caregivers/finances/ 
• - Continuing care https://www.caring.com/senior-living/continuing-care-retirement-communities/ 
• - Guide to financial power of attorney https://www.caring.com/caregivers/power-of-attorney/ 
• - Guide to moving for seniors https://www.caring.com/caregivers/senior-moving/ 
• - Nursing homes https://www.caring.com/senior-living/nursing-homes/ 
• - Independent living options https://www.caring.com/senior-living/independent-living/
• - In-home care https://www.caring.com/senior-care/in-home-care/ 
• - Memory care https://www.caring.com/senior-living/memory-care-facilities/ 

Five Wishes: Advanced Care Planning for You and Your Loved Ones | https://fivewishes.org/five-wishes/individuals-families/individuals-and-families 

My Life In A Box: A Life Organizer | https://mylifeinabox.com 

National Center of Law and Elder Rights | https://ncler.acl.gov

Formerly the National Legal Resource Center 

National Council on Aging | https://www.ncoa.org 

• - Center for benefits access https://www.ncoa.org/centerforbenefits/ 
• - Economic Security: Benefits for Seniors https://www.ncoa.org/economic-security/benefits/ 
• - Home equity https://www.ncoa.org/economic-security/home-equity/ 
• - Money Management https://www.ncoa.org/economic-security/money-management/ 

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: Patients and Caregivers | https://www.nhpco.org/patients-and-caregivers/ 

National POLST Paradigm | https://polst.org

Encourages patients and their health care professionals to talk about what patients want at the end of life. The patient and his/her health care professional make informed, shared decisions about treatments and complete a POLST form, which is a portable medical order that emergency personnel can follow if the patient has a medical emergency and can't speak for himself/herself.

National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advance Directives | https://www.nrc-pad.org/ 

A psychiatric advance directive (PAD) is a legal document that documents a person’s preferences for future mental health treatment, and allows the appointment of a health proxy to interpret those preferences during a crisis. PADs are used when a person becomes unable to make decisions during a mental health crisis.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Home equity conversion mortgages for seniors | https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hecm/hecmhome

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Directory of Veterans Service Organizations | https://www.va.gov/vso/ 

Print

Cullen, M., Irving, S. (2018). Shae Irving. Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won’t Have To (Eighth edition). Berkeley, CA: Nolo.

• - Provides a complete system for structuring and organizing your information and documents into a records binder, including helpful content, resources, and step-by-step instructions, as well as downloadable forms.

Kübler-Ross, E. (2014). On Death and Dying. New York: Simon & Schuster.

• - This book explores the five stages of death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Through sample interviews and conversations, Kübler-Ross  gives readers a better understanding of how imminent death affects the patient, the professionals who serve that patient, and the patient's family.

Rosen, H. (2015). My Family Record Book: The Easy Way to Organize Personal Information, Financial Plans, and Final Wished for Seniors, Caregivers, Estate Executors, etc. Rosen Books.

• - A complete step-by-step guide to help you keep track of and organize: final wishes and arrangements, computer information and passwords, estate planning documents, employment records, insurance policies, tax records, retirement accounts, government benefits, real estate records, house maintenance and more.

Speicher, J. H. (2019). Before and After: A practical guide for what to do and not to do before and after a loved one dies. Lafayette, CA: Big Hat Press.

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Websites

Greater Good | https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/

Science-Based Insights for a Meaningful Life, University of California, Berkeley.

The Happiness Project | http://www.happiness-project.com/

Videos

David S. Sobel, MD, MPH: Healthy Pleasures, The New Science of Happiness | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rTkDWe0Zec&feature=youtu.be

DocMikeEvans: The Science of Subjective Well Being, a.k.a. Happiness | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPbjK3MmjL0&t=16s 

Reframe Health Lab: The Single Most Important Thing You Can Do for Your Stress by Mike Evans MD | https://www.reframehealthlab.com/9010-stress/ 

Audio Programs

Naparstek, Belleruth. Health Journeys Guided Imagery | https://www.healthjourneys.com/ 

Regan, Catherine and Seidel, Rick. Relaxation for Mind and Body Boulder, CO: Bull Publishing, 1996.

Weil, Andrew, and Martin Rossman. Self-Healing with Guided Imagery. Louisville, CO: Sounds True, 2006.

Print

Ben-Shahar, Tal. Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2007.

Benson, Herbert, and Miriam Z. Klipper. The Relaxation Response. San Francisco: Quill, 2000.

Burns, David D. The Feeling Good Handbook, rev. ed. New York: Plume, 1999.

Burns, David: Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. Harper, 2008

Davis, Martha, Elizabeth Eshelman, and Matthew McKay. The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook. Oakland, Calif.: New Harbinger, 2019.

Diener, Ed, and Robert Biswas-Diener. Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth. Malden, Mass.: Blackwell, 2008.

Emmons, Robert A: Gratitude Works!: A 21-Day Program for Creating Emotional Prosperity, Jossey-Bass, 2013.

Emmons, Robert A. Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2007.

Emmons, Robert A. The Little Book of Gratitude: Create a Life of Happiness and Wellbeing by Giving Thanks. Gala, 2016. 

Gillihan, Seth: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple: 10 Strategies for Managing Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Panic, and Worry. Althea 2018.

Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. New York: Delta, 2005.

Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. New York: Hyperion, 2005.

Lyubomirsky, Sonia. The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want. New York: Penguin, 2008.

Lyubomirsky, S The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, but Doesn't, What Shouldn't Make You Happy, but Does. Penguin Press, 2013

McGonigal, Jane. SuperBetter: The Power of Living Gamefully . 2015.

McKay, Matthew, Martha Davis, and Patrick Fanning. Thoughts and Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life, 4th ed. Oakland, Calif.: New Harbinger, 2011.

Ornstein, Robert, and David Sobel. Healthy Pleasures. Cambridge, Mass.: Perseus, 1989.

Pennebaker, James W. and Evans, John: Expressive Writing: Words that Heal. 2014.

Pennebaker, James W. and Joshua Smith. Opening Up by Writing it Down: How Expressive Writing Improves Health and Eases Emotional Pain. The Guilford Press, 2016.

Rubin, Gretchen. The Happiness Project. Tenth Anniversary Edition: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun. Harper, 2018

Selignman, Martin. Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being New York: Free Press, 2011.

Sobel, David, and Robert Ornstein. The Healthy Mind, Healthy Body Handbook (also published under the title The Mind and Body Health Handbook). Los Altos, Calif.: DRx, 1996.

Wiiliams, Florence: The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. Norton, 2017.

Wiseman, Robert:  59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot. MacMillan 2009

Websites

ALS Society of Canada: Sexuality, Intimacy and Chronic Illness Fact sheet | https://www.als.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ALSCAN-Sexuality-Intimacy-and-Chronic-Illness-EN.pdf 

American Association for Retired Persons: Sex and Intimacy | https://www.aarp.org/home-family/sex-intimacy/ 

American Diabetes Association | http://www.diabetes.org

• - Sexual Health for Men https://www.diabetes.org/resources/men/sexual-health-men 
• - Sexual Implications of Emotional Health https://www.diabetes.org/resources/men/sexual-implications-emotional-health
• - Health is Wealth: Erectile dysfunction and low testosterone https://www.diabetes.org/resources/men

American Academy of Family Physicians: Chronic Illness and sexual functioning | https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0115/p347.html 

American Heart Association

• - Sex and heart disease https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/sex-and-heart-disease
• - Sex and Heart Disease Brochure https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/order-american-heart-association-educational-brochures/sex-and-heart-disease-brochure **currently unavailable 
• - How high blood pressure can affect your sex life https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-affect-your-sex-life

Diabetes Canada

• - Let’s talk about sex and diabetes https://diabetes.ca/managing-my-diabetes/webinars/let-s-talk-about-sex-and-diabetes
• - Sex and diabetes - what you need to know https://www.diabetes.ca/managing-my-diabetes/stories/sex---diabetes—what-you-need-to-know#_ga=2.232629535.1204631305.1566506322-1316733931.1566506322 

Heart & Stroke Canada

• - Heart: Relationships: Sexual Intimacy https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart/recovery-and-support/relationships/sex-and-intimacy 
• - Stroke: Sex and intimacy https://www.heartandstroke.ca/stroke/recovery-and-support/relationships/sex-and-intimacy 

Mayo Clinic

• - Chronic pain can interfere with sexuality https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/chronic-pain/art-20044369?reDate=30102019 
• - Erectile dysfunction https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776 
• - Erectile dysfunction: A sign of heart disease? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/in-depth/erectile-dysfunction/art-20045141 
• - Erectile dysfunction treatment: How can your partner help https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/expert-answers/erectile-dysfunction-treatment-support/faq-20119076 
• - Female sexual dysfunction https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-sexual-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20372549

National Institute on Aging: Sexuality in later life | https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexuality-later-life

Sexuality after SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) | https://www.sexualitysci.org 

For information and videos on a variety of issues related to sex, love and intimacy for people living with spinal cord injuries. 

WebMD: Pain Management, Maintaining Intimacy | https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/pain-management-maintaining-intimacy

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Websites

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Sleep and Chronic Disease | https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/chronic_disease.html 

Mayo Clinic: Lack of Sleep: Can it make you sick? | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757 

National Sleep Foundation

• - Sleep and Disease https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-disease 
• - The Link Between Lack of Sleep and Type 2 Diabetes https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/link-between-lack-sleep-and-type-2-diabetes 

WebMD: The Sleep-Diabetes Connection | https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/diabetes-lack-of-sleep

Downloadable PDFs

American Thoracic Society

• - What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/obstructive-sleep-apnea-in-adults.pdf 
• - Women and sleep https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/women-and-sleep.pdf 

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Websites

e-cigarettes

• - National Insitute on Drug Abuse, Vaping Devices | https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/electronic-cigarettes-e-cigarettes
• - National Institute of Environmental Health Science, Vaping and Health: What Do We Know about E-Cigarettes? | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4154203/

American Thoracic Society

• - Why do I smoke and why do I keep smoking? https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/why-do-i-smoke.pdf 
• - Outdoor air pollution and your health https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/outdoor-air-pollution.pdf  

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Websites

Web MD: Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief | https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-relief-breathing-techniques#1

Applications

Breathe2Relax 

• - For Apple devices https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/breathe2relax/id425720246
• - For Android devices https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.t2health.breathe2relax&hl=en_CA 

Sanvello App | https://www.sanvello.com/

* Formerly Pacifica 

Videos

Reframe Health Lab: The Single Most Important Thing You Can Do for Your Stress by Mike Evans MD | https://www.reframehealthlab.com/9010-stress/ 

TED Talks

• - Change your mindset, change the game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tqq66zwa7g 
• - How to make stress your friend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcGyVTAoXEU 

Print

McGonigal, Kelly: The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It. 2015.

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Website

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Weight Loss What Works for Me | https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/weight-loss.html 

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Websites

Mental Health America: Workplace Wellness | https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/workplace-wellness

National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability: Deskercise | https://www.nchpad.org/1061/5452/Deskercise~~20~Ways~to~Get~Moving~While~you~Work