Wednesday, December 11, 2024
There’s always time for a good book at Generations Crossing, an intergenerational day care center in Rockingham. Pictured here reading is Philip Eward, with a very attentive Andrew Frysinger and Lillian Miller absorbed in the story.
Helen O’Hear’s mother came from German ancestry, and lived in Charleston, South Carolina. When she was a child, on December 1, the parlor pocket doors were closed for all of December leading up to Christmas. On Christmas morning, the five kids in her family would line up, youngest to oldest, and the adults would open the doors. Inside was a 20-foot tree with all the gifts around it, and the kids would go in one at time, with the youngest first.
When Helen was a child, she remembers hearing rustling on Christmas eve and from her bed, she and her sister could see the reflection of the lights on the tree in a mirror as the parents put up the tree. They had a small bugle, about 10 inches in size, and on Christmas morning, Santa blew the horn/ bugle to let them know they
could come into the living room. Now her daughter and grandchildren have that bugle.
When Helen’s kids were little, she and her husband would put the tree up after 9pm on Christmas eve after the kids were in bed, and they lined them up on Christmas morning to open the doors and see the tree, just like her mother did with her. She remembers the wonderful feeling, seeing the miraculous tree, all glittery and lights and tinsel. Now, she puts up her tree 2-3 weeks before Christmas, because it’s a lot to do on her own.
Each generation put their own spin on that original tradition from Germany.
During the Second World War there was a shortage of manpower and Christmas trees were expensive. In 1943, Judith O’Donnell’s mother wrapped their standing radio
in chimney paper and put presents on top. She said that was where Santa Claus had to put them after he came down the real chimney.
When Carolyn and Margie Fine were growing up in the 1940s and 1950s, their mother baked a Christmas Stollen. On Christmas morning she put candles in it, lit them, and then gathered the family around to sing Happy Birthday to the baby Jesus. This tradition continued on through the generations.
When Patti Coakley’s children were young, the whole family bundled up to visit a live outdoor nativity scene at Mt. Pleasant Church of the Brethren. Afterward, they climbed into a carriage for a horse and carriage ride that began on Boyers Road and then weaved through their Lakewood neighborhood in Rockingham.
By Jacqueline Duke, LPN, CDP, WTA Sunnyside Assisted Living Nursing Coordinator
Pet therapy is one of the most effective and meaningful forms of continuing care. At Sunnyside, we take pride in sharing this benefit with our residents on a frequent basis. Our therapy corgi, Hazel, spends her days in our Terrace Memory Care neighborhood, bringing joy, comfort, and companionship to our seniors, especially those with dementia.
Not only is it proven that pet therapy improves mental health and physical well-being of seniors, but we see firsthand how it brightens their days and warm their hearts. Animals promote emotional well-being, encourage physical activities, instill a sense of responsibility, and provide a unique form of love and friendship. Studies have shown how pets can improve patient satisfaction, energy levels, self-esteem, and mood, as well as decrease depression.
Along with Hazel, we have a wide variety of volunteer certified therapy dogs that visit residents in their rooms and common areas. When residents interact with pets, it improves their cardiovascular health, lowers their blood pressure, and lowers stress hormones. Visitors may bring family pets to see their loved ones, which provides familiarity and a touch of home. If a person with dementia previously owned a pet, these animal interactions can help that person reminiscence and recall pleasant memories.
Animal therapy can likewise increase seniors’ locus of control (a person’s belief that they have control over their life and environment). In turn, this increase reduces helplessness, through simple acts such as a dog trotting into the room or an animal responding when its name is called. The act of feeding an animal also gives residents a sense of responsibility and relevance. Just patting a dog can also lower the risk of heart attack, seizure, and stroke.
Leigh-Anne Lees, Chair
Community Relations Director
Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS)
Ashlie Heatwole
Communications Specialist
Bridgewater Retirement Community
The act of feeding an animal also gives residents a sense of responsibility and relevance. Just patting a dog can also lower the risk of heart attack, seizure, and stroke.
Outside of everyday pet experiences, we’ve seen residents’ faces light up during our annual petting zoo, our recent Parrots of Paradise presentation, and our trips to an alpaca farm. And our Health Care neighborhood living room displays an aviary with beautiful birds for all residents to enjoy.
Amy Homan DePoy, OT/L Owner/Director
Cardinal Care LLC
Jeanine Maddox
Executive Assistant
Sunnyside Retirement Community
Susan Ribelin
Program Coordinator
Sentara RMH Safe at Home and Senior Advantage
Nancy Wayland
Executive Director
Sunnyside Retirement Community
Many of us have felt an immediate boost in our spirits when we scratch a beloved pet behind her ears or go on a wooded walk with our canine companion. Now there’s a growing demand for therapy animals in long-term care facilities, hospitals, schools and other settings as experts hope to bring healing to those who are suffering. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) defines pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), as the use of a specially trained animal that meets specific criteria as part of a treatment plan to improve physical, social, emotional, or cognitive functions.
Specifically, pet therapy may help
older adults with anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure. It may be useful for cancer patients, those who have had a stroke, or are in rehabilitation for musculoskeletal disorders. Interacting with a pet can release endorphins and oxytocin, which reduce pain and stress and strengthen the immune system. Meet with your health care provider to determine whether pet therapy is right for you.
If you are looking for less formal interactions but don’t have a furry friend at home, here are some options:
· Spend some time with your friends’ pets.
· Offer pet sitting services for neighbors who work or are traveling.
· C onsider volunteering at a shelter.
· Reserve some feline playtime at Aristocat Café in Harrisonburg.
· Request a workplace or community visit with Pet Partners (petpartners.org).
· Attend community pet adoption events.
Looking for a little heartwarming reading during the cold winter months? Check out Finding Grace: The Inspiring True Story of Therapy Dogs Bringing Comfort, Hope, and Love to a Hurting World.
By Annie Shaffer, RN, ACSM CEP Sunnyside Wellness Director
Do activities that you love! This sounds much better than “go strength train.” However, it’s strength training, or resistance training, that gives us the ability to do activities we love. Strength training can sound overwhelming and unappealing, but it’s simpler than you think. Effective fitness training combines functional moves that mirror everyday actions, force us to move in multiple planes of motion, and improve balance.
to 10 repetitions for 3 sets). If you’re unable to stand up without using your hands, use armrests with both hands; as your strength improves, place your hands on your thighs, then gradually try it without hands. Make this simple exercise part of your daily routine by
ity. Maintaining muscle strength is essential and achievable. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting an exercise program, especially if you have an underlying health condition.
Loss of strength often results in limited physical mobility, which may lead to social isolation and depression, as well as falls, fractures, and disability. Maintaining muscle strength is essential and achievable.
One meaningful goal for many aging adults is the ability to live independently in our own homes. To do this, we need to be able to bathe, dress, cook, and clean. Unfortunately, as we age, our strength, endurance, and mobility begin to decline, and we begin to move less. As a result, we may experience difficulties performing tasks that were once simple. For example, we may find that rising from chair becomes more difficult.
You know what makes rising from a chair easier? Rising from a chair more frequently! Sit-to-Stand or Chair Squats are simple: find a firm supportive chair, sit, and then stand (up
pairing it with another established daily routine, like brushing your teeth or watching the morning news.
Strength training does not have to be elaborate to be beneficial. Heels raises, squats, ankle circles, and wall push-ups can be done without special equipment. Aim to do resistance training 2-3 times per week and try to get at least 20 minutes of activity that increases your heart and breathing rates most days of the week.
Loss of strength often results in limited physical mobility, which may lead to social isolation and depression, as well as falls, fractures, and disabil-
At Sunnyside Retirement Community, our Wellness programs enable our residents to do activities they love, such as traveling, gardening, shopping, volunteering, and of course, lifting grandbabies. Each fitness class includes strength, balance, mobility, and cardiovascular fitness — the pillars for active living. If gaining strength isn’t enticing enough, remind yourself that doing activities you love is the ultimate goal. Do what you need to do, and soon you’ll realize that you’ve gained all the strength you can stand.
Many of us have read the CDC Physical Activity Guidelines to “do at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity that involve all her major muscle groups.” The biggest takeaway here should be: move more and sit less each day. Any amount of increased activity does your body good now and for your future. Don’t wait to make it a New Year’s resolution; stand up and get started today. Better yet, stand up five times in row!
To contribute information to the Living Longer, Living Well Community Calendar, please email Leigh-Anne Lees at leighanne@vpas. info. The following events are hosted by Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) and there is no cost to participate:
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group: First Friday of the month | 10:30 a.m. | Community Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg
Second Thursday of the month l 1 p.m. l Summit Square, Waynesboro Register: vpas.info/caregiver-support or call VPAS at 540-615-5341
Ongoing Caregiver Support Groups: Fourth Tuesday of the month | 3 p.m. | Sunnyside Retirement Community, Harrisonburg Dec. 9, Dec. 30 l 3-4:30 p.m. l Bridgewater Retirement Community, Bridgewater Register: vpas.info/caregiver-support or 540615-5341
Virtual Caregiver Support Groups: Mondays at 3 pm or Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Third Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
(Anticipatory Grief Support Group) Register: vpas.info/caregiver-support or 540615-5341
Memory Partners — A safe space for dementia care partners to attend together: First Thursday of the month |10-11:30 am | Massanutten Regional Library, Harrisonburg Register: vpas.info/caregiver-support or call 540-615-5341
Game Day: Dec. 12 and 19, 2024 l 11-1 pm l Waynesboro Senior Services, Waynesboro Register: vpas.info/recreation or 540-949-7141
What is VPAS? Jan. 9, 2025 l 2-4 pm l Stuarts Draft Library Station, Stuarts Draft Register: vpas.info/educational-opportunities or 540-942-1838
Tech Help and Tea: Jan. 13, 2025 l 2-3 pm l Price Rotary Senior Center, Harrisonburg Register: vpas.info/educational-opportunities or call 540-615-5341
Prepare to Care — Caring for Someone New to Dementia: Jan. 14, 2025 l 1-3 pm l Sentara RMH Medical Center, Harrisonburg
Did you know that Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community is also a destination for fine art, lifelong learning and farm-to-table food from our USDA-certified organic farm?
Reach out today and learn more about how VMRC expands possibilities for aging well!
Register: vpas.info/caregiver-dementia-support or call 540-615-5341
History of Stuarts Draft: Feb. 3, 2025 l 2-4 l Stuarts Draft Library Station, Stuarts Draft Register: vpas.info/educational-opportunities or call 540-942-1838
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention: Fridays, Feb. 7, 2025-May 23, 2025 l 9-9:45 am l Price Rotary Senior Center, Harrisonburg Register: vpas.info/health-and-fitness or call 540-615-5341
Dealing with Dementia: Feb. 27, 2025 l 11 am-4 pm l VPAS Waynesboro Senior Services, Waynesboro
Register: vpas.info/caregiver-dementia-support or call 540-615-5341
I’m Dead. Here’s the Deal — End of Life Planning Workshop: March 3, 2025 l 2-4 pm l Stuarts Draft Library Station, Stuarts Draft Register: vpas.info/educational-opportunities or call 540-942-1838
By Rachel McManus Sentara Health
As winter draws near, we often see a spike in respiratory illnesses, ranging from mild colds to more serious illnesses. Three respiratory viruses especially become more prevalent: influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.
Though many people experience mild to moderate symptoms of each of these illnesses, the illness can become severe and even deadly for some. The best way to avoid serious illness and hospitalization is to take preventative measures.
What are the symptoms of respiratory illness?
• Influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 all have very similar symptoms, which can include:
• Fever and/or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sneezing
• Loss of taste or smell
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
If you’re experiencing symptoms, promptly seek guidance from a healthcare provider. Early treatment can help reduce the risk of your illness becoming more serious. This is especially important for older adults and people with certain disabilities or other chronic diseases.
Call 9-1-1 if you notice any of these signs and symptoms:
• Worsening symptoms
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Confusion
• Reduced fluid intake
• Difficulty waking up or staying awake
• Lips, nail beds and/or skin appearing pale, gray or blue
• Confusion
Who should get vaccinated and when?
1. The flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every cold and flu season, with a few exceptions. The flu vaccine can be given later in the season if not yet vaccinated. It takes about two weeks to be effective.
2. RSV. Currently, the RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant people and older adults. RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. Older adults and infants younger than 6 months of age who become infected with RSV can become very sick and may need to be hospitalized.
For adults aged 60 and older, the CDC recommends the vaccine for:
• Everyone age 75 or older
• Adults 60-74 who are at increased risk of chronic heart problems, lung disease or other chronic medical conditions
• Adults who live in a long-
term care facility
The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine. If you have already been vaccinated, you are protected.
3. COVID-19. The guidelines for the COVID-19 vaccine have changed since it was first released. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination is important.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
Getting a current COVID vaccine is especially important for:
• Those ages 65 and older
• Those at high risk for severe COVID-19 based on other health conditions
• Those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine
Consult with your provider before vaccination
Before getting any vaccines, talk to your primary care doctor. Your provider will be able to review your vaccine history, allergies and health conditions, as well as answer any questions about guidelines based on your specific situation. Your provider can recommend the best course of action for you about which vaccinations you should receive.
Getting vaccinated can help minimize your symptoms so the illness does not become severe. Though most people who become ill with a respiratory virus will recover in about two weeks, some people can develop serious, life-threatening complications.
These can range from pneumonia to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and even kidney failure. Respiratory illness can also worsen chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart disease.
Older adults are especially at risk of developing serious complications. Additionally, not everyone may be able to get vaccinated due to age or certain health conditions. By protecting ourselves with vaccines, we are also helping to protect others.
What else can I do to prevent respiratory viruses?
In addition to being vaccinated, take these simple actions to reduce the spread of the flu, COVID-19 and RSV:
• Cover your coughs, wash hands, clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Open windows for fresh air, purify indoor air, gather outdoors
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wear a mask and distance yourself from others.
• Seek care promptly for testing and/or treatment.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home and away from others if you are sick.
Keeping everyone well Make sure that mild cases of the sniffles don’t develop into something worse this cold and flu season. Protect yourself and the ones you love through vaccination and other preventative measures. Talk to your provider about which vaccines are best for you.
By Tara L. Glick, MHA Program Director, Legacy Hospice
Hospice should not be a forbidden word spoken in hushed tones while sitting in dark corners. People are shocked to discover that talking about the end of life does not hasten it. In fact, patients who enroll in hospice care at the end of life often live longer than those who chose not to elect the benefit. A study in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management showed that patients who received hospice services lived an average of 29 days longer than those who did not. Hospice care is provided when other treatment options are no longer effective or desired by a patient and their family. It provides a comprehensive plan of care to address pain control and symptom
management and is appropriate for the last six months of life. Hospice care is not only beneficial for the patient but also provides extensive supports for caregivers and family members allowing a shift in focus from quantity to quality of life.
When people think of hospice, they picture a nurse at the bedside, but the hospice benefit provides an entire team of dedicated professionals. This team can include hospice physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual care providers, home health aides, therapy providers, dietary counselors, bereavement professionals, and volunteers who work together to develop a plan of care that provides pain relief, symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual supports. Helping a patient and family iden-
tify community resources, make funeral arrangements, process anticipatory grief, and navigate the aging in place landscape. This service is provided wherever patients call home: in their home, an assisted living community, or a skilled nursing facility.
The benefit also covers a host of other services such as medications for pain and symptom management, as well as those medications related to the patient’s terminal illness and some related conditions.
Hospice pays for necessary durable medical equipment such as a hospital bed or shower chair, as well as medical supplies such as bandages and catheters. Another advantage is respite care, which can provide short term caregiver relief of up to 5 days of inpatient care and finally 13 months of
At Sunnyside, you can balance independence with support and remain self-sufficient in our newly renovated Eiland Assisted Living Center.
• Studio and apartment living
• One all-inclusive price and a host of services and amenities
• 24-hour nursing care by licensed staff
• Activities and events tailored to the interests of residents
• Higher levels of living right here should your needs change
bereavement support for the loved ones after a patient’s death. All these services are covered by Medicare Part A, Medicaid, and most private insurances. Local hospice agencies can assist in answering any specific financial questions folks regarding coverage.
Most patients think that enacting hospice care means that death is imminent, and often they do not elect to begin receiving the service until they have days or weeks of life remaining. Knowledge is power; understanding that hospice is most beneficial to those who elect the benefit sooner rather than later is key. To qualify for hospice a patient’s physician must indicate that if the disease continues to progress along its current course, it is likely that
the patient will pass within six months. Per the guidelines provided by Medicare, patients can continue hospice services for longer than this six-month timeframe if they continue to show decline in status, and many patients receive care longer than the six-month window.
Hospice care is about quality of life. It is allowing patients to guide their own end of life plan, avoiding emergency room visits and hospital stays, fulfilling bucket list items, and enjoying final days surrounded by family while experiencing comfort and peace. If you or your loved one have questions about hospice reach out to one of the many hospice providers in your area to learn more about this vital resource in your healthcare journey.
Is it time to review your estate plan? The statutory law of Virginia changes annually. Courts review and reinterpret law every day. You should review your estate plan to benefit from changes in the law. Whether you are planning for the distribution of assets at your death, naming someone to act for you during periods of incapacity, needing guidance through the murky waters of applying for Medicaid, or handling the estate of a lost loved one, we are here to help.
Set your mind at ease by planning for you and your loved ones at our convenient wheelchair-accessible downtown Harrisonburg location.
KAREN L. ROWELL, ESQ.
CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEY
Email: krowell@clark-bradshaw .com
MATTHEW C. SUNDERLIN, ESQ.
CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEY
Email: sunderlin@clark-bradshaw .com
CLARK & BRADSHAW, P.C.
92 North Liberty Street , Harrisonburg
Telephone: (540) 433-2601
Web: clark-bradshaw.com
We are a proud member of
Imagine no more medication... but a proven long-term solution you can do at home for your: Numbness
Diabetic nerve pain
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Burning or tingling
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Difficulty sleeping from leg or foot discomfort
Sensitivity to touch
Pain when walking
We offer a scientific, 4-step, proven approach that heals your nerves and reverses your symptoms by:
Increasing blood supply to your nerves.
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“I had no idea nerves can heal. The tingling in my hands is 95% better. I was told it would only get worse.” - Beau T.
“I’m now off all my neuropathy meds. And I can feel my gas and brake pedals now!” - Benny H.
Ready to step outside and try something new? Here are new and coming businesses in our local area.
Sweet & Tasty European Delicacies: Ukrainian bakery on E. Market Street offering European pastries, savory dishes, coffee, tea, and milkshakes.
Posh Fairy Floss: A gourmet cotton candy shop downtown.
The Manufactory Collective: Co-working space for entrepreneurs with manufacturing needs.
Nightcap by Merge: Downtown hangout with wine-based cocktails, wine, craft beer, and elevated bar food.
Tacos 4 Life: Taco restaurant that cooks from scratch and donates a meal to help end childhood hunger for every meal purchased.
Rootstock Wine Bar and Provisions: Wine tasting room featuring meats and cheeses, on W. Gay Street in Harrisonburg.
Funk Trunk: Vintage furniture and clothing store in Elkton.
Burlington: Discounted clothing and home goods in Harrisonburg Crossing Plaza.
The Tuning Fork: Music shop at Court Square with a new recording studio.
Alpine Goat Brewery: Brewery in Weyers Cave offering Blue Ridge Mountain views.
Sole Focus Running: Women-owned sportswear store with a new location on N. Main Street in Harrisonburg.
Sweet Molly Kate’s Bakery: Open in the Dayton Market, offering cakes, cookies, and macarons.
Chestnut Ridge Coffee Roasters: Expanded with a new location at Liberty Street Mercantile.
Blue Ridge Florist: Now offers tea room reservations for Fridays and Saturdays.
Lauf Cycles: Iceland-based bicycle company opened its North American headquarters in Harrisonburg.
Daphne & Company: Women’s clothing store in Valley Mall.
withSimplicity: Expanded to a new space on E. Market Street in Harrisonburg.
The Little Big Children’s Theater: Theater in Harrisonburg with performances for children ages 3-8, with adult actors and humor parents will enjoy too.
Creative Art Studio and Event Center: Painting and crafting classes in Bridgewater.
Mantra Beauty Spa: Spa offering facials, massages, and more on Peoples Drive in Harrisonburg.
Rocktown Trails: Recently enhanced with new trails in Hillandale Park.
Boxer Gifts LLC: British gift maker opened its first U.S. facility in Harrisonburg.
C C Flooring & Design: Flooring and more in Dayton.
Ledo Pizza: Maryland-style pizza on Evelyn Byrd Ave. in Harrisonburg.
Elkton Downtown Marketplace: Opened in July after years of planning.
Pump24 Harrisonburg: Gym on Reservoir Street in Harrisonburg.
Gift & Thrift/Booksavers: Second-hand goods and books in the Agora Market.
Thai Harrisonburg Restaurant: Serving Thai cuisine on Port Republic Road.
540 Empanada House & Mas: Dominican flavors on W. Market Street in Harrisonburg.
Sakura: Japanese and Asian restaurant opened in Bridgewater.
Dryad Cookery: Specializes in titanium cooking tools, now in the Liberty Street Mercantile.
Tequila Modern Mexican: Serving Mexican cuisine at a second location on Route 42, Harrisonburg.
Zauq Chocolateria: Chocolatier offering exotic flavors in Harrisonburg.
Workout Anytime: Gym in Shenandoah Plaza, Harrisonburg.
Frankie and Mertal’s Garden Spot: Garden center and gift shop in Elkton.
I Arted in the Valley: A ‘paint-yourown’ pottery store in McGaheysville.
Vocelli Pizza: Now open on Hillside Ave. in Harrisonburg, serving cheesy, flavorful pizzas and more.
Good Day Cafe: Located in Elkton, featuring coffee sourced from Broad Porch Coffee Company.
A.Stratton Design: Interior design showroom specializing in preloved pieces, now open on W. Spotswood Trail in Elkton.
Orlane’s French Bakery: Authentic French pastries for online order and pickup in Dayton.
Friendly Express: New convenience mart on N. Main Street in Bridgewater.
Mi Placita: Mexican restaurant on S. Main Street in Harrisonburg.
Coming Soon:
Spraygrounds at Ralph Sampson Park: Water play area opening in Harrisonburg next summer.
Virginia Breeze Bus Line: New route connecting Harrisonburg to Virginia Beach, launching in 2025.
Rockingham Recreation Center: Under construction at Rockingham Park.
The Coffee Room and Bakery: Opening soon in Bridgewater.
Hyatt Studios Hotel: Extended-stay hotel coming near Sentara RMH.
Crack O’ Dawn Bakery: Gluten-free breakfast and lunch spot from Waynesboro, opening a second location soon on E. Market Street in Harrisonburg.
Special thanks to Nest Realty Harrisonburg & Rockingham for contributing this list of new and upcoming businesses.
Ch arles D. of New Market survived testicular cancer only to be living in constant pain. He felt as though he were walking on pins and needles, becoming weaker and weaker every day. "I was beginning to be worried that one day I would be wheelchairbound."
Nearly half of patients who undergo chemotherapy will develop Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy, or CIPN. Chemo meds travel throughout t he body and attack cancer cells; sadly they can also cause severe damage to healthy nerves.
The most common symptoms of CIPN include:
pain, tingling, burning, weakness, or numbness in arms, hands, legs, or feet
sudden, sharp, stabbing or shocking pain sensations loss of touch sensation clumsiness and trouble using hands to pick up objects or fasten clothing loss of balance and falling
When asked how CIPN was affecting his quality of life, Charles responded, "It was difficult to even walk up and down stairs and do other things we usually take for granted."
Fortunately for Charles, Acupuncturists Berry and Amara of Acupuncture Medical Center are using the time-tested science of Acupuncture and technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease. After a series of treatments, Charles was taking stairs with stride!
"We have a house on the Chesapeake and this m orning I walked right down the stairs and got in the car," Charles shared. "I remember thinking 'that's become mighty easy for me', I didn't have to hold on to the handrail or anything! It's life changing to have this mobility back!"
For over 15 years, Acupuncturists Amara and Berry have been reversing the effects of CIPN and other varieties of Peripheral Neuropathy (including that caused by diabetes) without invasive surgeries or medications that come with uncomfortable side effects.
Patient success stories can be viewed on their website, AcuMedCenterVA.com, or you can find their Google Reviews online.
Acupuncturists Berry and Amara are now accepting new patients, but only for a limited time. To determine whether or not you are a good candidate for their personalized treatments an initial consultation is required. Call (540) 217-2783 today to schedule!
If you've recently beat cancer only to find that you're living in constant pain and discomfort or you're struggling with the same symptoms as a result of either Idiopathic Neuropathy or Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Acupuncturists Berry, Amara and the incredible team at Acupuncture Medical Center can help!
At Bridgewater Retirement Community, family is music to our ears. Whether you’re harmonizing with friends or making memories with your grandkids, we embrace creativity, connection, and moments that make your spirit sing. Because retiring here means you never have to go solo.
