Readers Write – Part 2

By: Ann Novick

Published: February 28th, 2007

tell a friend

On January 5 of this year, I wrote about a reflexologist, who used her skills to not only diagnose and heal, but also provide a caring touch for people (such as the elderly who live alone and well spouses) who can live for weeks at a time without being touched.

Dear Ann,

Could you please share with me the name, address and phone number of the reflexologist whom you visited? I am divorced for almost 23 years, have had brain cancer which left me somewhat disabled, and my five children are all married, B”H, so I live all alone. I feel the skin hunger so strongly, at times. I think I could really benefit from this.

Thank you.

The term “skin hunger” truly shows the desperate need we humans have to be touched. Whether a handshake, hug or pat on the back, the absence of touch for an extended period of time is devastating. Unfortunately, the therapist I wrote about worked too far from the letter writer. If anyone knows a reflexologist, massage therapist or another professional that lives in the (718) area code that concentrates on the whole person’s needs and can give time and caring along with healing to the above writer, please forward the information to me so I can pass it on.

Thanks, Ann

Dear Ann,

I happen to be in total agreement about the cell phones being overused (December 1, 2006). One can see young children sent to the corner store with cell phones. What ever happened to the idea of carrying a list and reading, or remembering the items needed, skills that are now being wasted. This further carries over to the school setting and thus many, rather too many, have learning problems. Unfortunately, I realize that there are those who do and will always have problems in school but perhaps some could be avoided.

Unsigned

Dear Unsigned,

All the new technology has its positive and negative sides. We are all familiar with the advantages and dangers of computers, for example. One recent new finding about the excessive use of computers by young children, is their declining ability to make eye contact with people when speaking and a lag in social skills development. Both are very important for success. We must be very vigilant to the negatives in new technology as well as the lost opportunities for personal and social development.

I absolutely agree with you that cell phones have unfortunately replaced many chances for learning. Writing and reading grocery lists was always a tool for developing reading skills in young children. Also, remembering what was needed in the store was one way to exercise memory skills. I believe that dependence (of any kind) is rarely a good thing. Whether it is on tools or people, it hinders the development of self-confidence and independence, both of which are very important.

But it is important to remember that it’s not the tools themselves that are the culprits but how weallow them to be used by our children and ourselves. In the end, it is we who decide whether these tools will make our lives easier or steal essential developmental exercises from our families.

Hi Ann-

I read with great interest your January 12, 2007 column, “The Importance of a Medical List.” I have a nursing consulting business here in Miami Beach. One of the services I provide is a health information card that documents a patient’s vital information. This card is wallet-size and laminated. It is ideal for elderly people who need to have the information accessed by family, friends, paramedics or other healthcare personnel in the event of a medical emergency. It includes important contact and medical information.

I genuinely believe that all elderly people should carry such a card so that in a medical emergency, this information is readily accessible to family, friends, or healthcare personnel.

It is an ideal gift for Bubbe or Zayde, and can be updated as frequently as necessary. The initial charge for the card is $18.00, and any periodic updates on the card (i.e. for medication changes or contact changes) are $7.50.

I can either fax or e-mail the health information form to a designated family member, and once it is completed and returned to me, I’ll input the data into the computer If the buyer mentions this article when placing the order, I will send them two cards for the price of one. A family member could hold the duplicate card, so that the important medical information that is on the card can be accessed.

Barbara Lang blangrn@hotmail.com

(305) 778-6327

Dear Barbara

Thanks for sharing the information on this valuable service. Carrying this information could save your life and give your children peace of mind. Whether your medical list is scribbled on a scrap of paper, printed on a computer or is professionally done by a company such as yours is up to each individual. But carrying such information wherever you go should be seen as a necessity.

Ann

Note: I have no personal knowledge of the letter writer or her business. Publishing her letter should not be considered an endorsement but a sharing of an interesting ideaand place to startshould you have the need of such services.

You can reach me at annnovick@hotmail.com