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Why You Should Schedule
Your Mammogram
We
had the chance to sit down with Dr. Joyce Alexandar-Hines, our executive
director for the North Carolina PACE center, LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines and
asked about her experience with breast cancer. She shared why getting the
mammogram on the calendar is so important and why she believes her story is
meant to help other women.
“In
July 2023, I had my annual mammogram, and they saw something in my left breast.
They said they don’t think it’s cancer, but can you come back in six months?”
Dr. Joyce says of how her story began.
She
returned in January for another mammogram and said they needed to do an
ultrasound. The lady took a while, reaching for Dr. Joyce’s lymph nodes as she
tried to figure out what was going on. The doctor came in shortly and said they
had found a cyst, and they saw something black behind the cyst.
Showing
the image to Dr. Joyce, she asked how big it was? They said it was very small,
about 3 millimeters, saying she never would have felt it. The next step was a
biopsy.
Dr.
Joyce called her surgeon, scheduling the biopsy for February 20. During that
appointment, she recalls lying on the table and the doctor saying, “I believe
this is going to be a good outcome.”
“I
thought he would say I did not have cancer. The following Sunday before church
an alert came over my phone letting me know there was a new test result in my
records. Immediately it came up: You have ductal carcinoma in Situ. I looked at
my husband, and I said, ‘I have breast cancer.’ I felt numb.”
Something
told Dr. Joyce to look at her results again and she saw that the cancer had not
moved. She considers herself very fortunate.
The
surgeon said, “It is really small, only 3 millimeters. We got this. “We will
remove it so you will be cancer free.”
Dr.
Joyce scheduled her surgery for early March to remove the cancer. When she went
back for her follow-up appointment, and they let her know she was cancer free.
They did recommend sending her to radiation and oncology so she could
understand her options.
“I
went over there and never ever thought I would walk in the cancer center as a
patient,” Dr. Joyce said.
They
helped her learn about her cancer, saying that it was made up of nothing but
hormones, offering her the option of radiation treatment or a pill to stop the
hormones. Dr. Joyce proceeded with the pill and the radiation, leading to
exhaustion (in part due to her being anemic). Radiation was only 5 days, 10-15
minutes each day.
“The
week after radiation, I was so tired – I could not keep my eyes open,” Dr.
Joyce said.
She
went on to say how scared she was at this time.
“At
one time I questioned my faith and asked God why this was happening to me.”
It
is now clear to hear that God wants her to talk to people about breast cancer
and mammograms. Her staff knew she was sick and out of the office, but they did
not know what was going on. So, Dr. Joyce had a meeting and shared her story.
“Thank
God, because two of my staff members said it had been ten years since their
last mammograms, and they went to get them scheduled.”
A
similar situation happened at her church where Dr. Joyce talked about her
experience and reminded women in her congregation to get mammograms.
Dr.
Joyce remembers giving the ultrasound technician a hard time but went on to say
that she saved her life. Dr. Joyce got her a card and gift and went to visit
her so she could tell her that she saved her life.
“My
surgeon said she didn’t know how the tech found it, that some of these
technicians have different techniques, but somehow her technique found it.”
Dr.
Joyce told her surgeon: “No, God pointed her instrument to where it needed to
be. He wanted me to be here to do more.”
Pictured
above is Dr. Joyce ringing the bell at the cancer center after her last
treatment.
She
mentioned she has gone back for oncology appointments to make sure she is
healing and how she is doing with the pill, if any aftereffects from radiation.
“God
felt that I needed another chance and I got that. Mammograms are important.
Please, everybody. If you feel ANY type of lump, even if you had a mammogram
two days ago, go back to the doctor.
There
are so many advances in breast treatment – people are living longer and being
cured. It’s important to put your health as number one,” Dr. Joyce advises.
To find out more about the Mercy Life PACE program and the services that they provide, please call Mercy Life of Alabama at 251-287-8420.
Why Senior Move Management Makes Life Transitions Easier by A Call to Order Professional OrganizersSupporting Seniors with Care, Compassion, and ClarityLife ChangesWe Help Carry the Emotional WeightEvery home holds a lifetime of memoriesbirthdays celebrated in the kitchen, quiet mornings on the porch, the smell of favorite meals cooked with love. So when its time to move, especially for a senior, its never just about boxes and furnitureits about letting go, starting again, and doing so with dignity.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the deep emotional layers of senior relocations. Whether you're moving a parent into assisted living or helping a loved one downsize, the process can feel overwhelmingfor everyone involved. That's where Senior Move Management becomes not just helpful, but essential.Senior move managers aren't just organizers. We're listeners, planners, advocates, and compassionate companions in what is often one of life's most emotional transitions. And for families navigating this journey, having that steady, understanding hand can make all the difference.How Senior Move Management Brings Peace to the ProcessBecause no one should feel rushed, lost, or alone during a move.Relocating later in life often comes with a swirl of emotionsgrief, uncertainty, fear of change. Add to that the physical strain and countless decisions that come with moving, and its easy to see how overwhelming it becomes. But with professional senior move support, what once felt unmanageable becomes a guided, step-by-step process grounded in care.Heres how we help make life transitions easier:1. A Clear Plan Reduces OverwhelmInstead of facing an entire house full of decades-worth of belongings, we break the process down into manageable steps. From sorting and downsizing to coordinating moving logistics and setting up the new home, everything is planned and paced for comfort and clarity.2. Emotional Support Is Just as Important as the Task ListOur team doesnt just focus on what needs to go wherewe focus on how it feels. We understand that parting with familiar items and leaving a long-time home can be heart-wrenching. We honor those feelings, allow space for them, and help families navigate them with kindness.3. We Make the New Space Feel Like HomeIts not just about moving thingsits about creating a safe, welcoming, and familiar environment in the new home. We recreate setups where possible, hang favorite artwork, place treasured items in view, and make sure the first day in the new space feels comforting and reassuring.Tips for Families Navigating a Senior MoveCompassion is the most important box to pack.Whether you're local or coordinating from afar, here are a few gentle ways to support a senior loved one through a move:1. Start Early and Go SlowGive the process time. Beginning conversations early allows room for thoughtful decision-making and minimizes last-minute stress. Rushing can lead to regret. Early planning is one of the most powerful tools for reducing anxiety.2. Honor Their StoryWhen sorting through belongings, listen to the stories behind the items. You might be surprised how healing it can be to reminisce. Ask questions like, Tell me about this photo or Who gave you this? Sometimes, being heard is just as important as being helped.3. Bring in a Neutral, Professional PartnerAs much as family means well, emotions can run high. A Senior Move Manager acts as a neutral guide, keeping the process organized and respectful while reducing tension between family members. We help keep the focus on what mattersa peaceful, positive transition.4. Focus on Whats Being GainedInstead of focusing only on whats being left behind, talk about whats ahead: a simpler space, closer community, more safety, or better access to care. Reframing the move as a new chapter helps ease the emotional weight.A Move with MeaningAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we know that a move is never just a move. Its a moment of transformation, one that deserves tenderness, understanding, and a team who truly cares.Thats why Senior Move Management is more than a serviceits a lifeline. We take on the physical burden, yes, but more importantly, we walk beside seniors and their families with warmth and respect, ensuring that no one ever has to face change alone.If you or a loved one is approaching a move and feeling overwhelmed, please know this: help is here, and it comes with a heart. Call us at 719-231-5425 or visit www.acalltoorderco.com to schedule a free consultation.Because making life transitions easierthats what were here for.FOLLOW US and stay inspired as you simplify and transition with love: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acalltoorderco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACalltoOrder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acalltoorderco/
As we grow older, many daily activities that were once simple can become more difficult, including preparing healthy meals. For seniors, proper nutrition is essential to maintain energy, supporting the immune system, managing chronic conditions, and staying independent. Thats why meal preparation isnt just a convenience, its a lifeline.Key Benefits of Meal Preparation for Seniors1. Ensures Balanced, Nutritious MealsHaving meals prepared in advance ensures that seniors are eating regularly and get the essential nutrients their bodies need. It prevents reliance on unhealthy processed foods or skipping meals altogether.2. Supports Chronic Condition ManagementMany seniors live with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Proper meal planning allows for dietary restrictions to be met, helping control symptoms and reduce complications.3. Reduces the Risk of MalnutritionMalnutrition is a silent threat among older adults, especially those living alone. Meal preparation helps safeguard against this by promoting consistent, nourishing eating habits.4. Promotes Independence and DignitySeniors who struggle with cooking may feel frustrated or dependent. Having meals planned and readywhether through caregiver support or meal delivery servicesallows them to eat well without feeling like a burden.5. Encourages Social EngagementWhen meal prep includes shared cooking or mealtimes, it creates opportunities for connection. Eating with a companion improves mood, reduces loneliness, and often encourages better eating habits.6. Saves Energy and Prevents AccidentsShopping, standing at the stove, lifting pots, or cutting ingredients can be physically taxing and even dangerous. Meal preparation helps minimize fatigue and reduces the risk of falls or burns in the kitchen. Meal Preparation OptionsThere are several ways to incorporate meal prep into a seniors routine: Family or caregiver assistance for shopping, cooking, and portioning meals Meal delivery services that offer senior-friendly, diet-conscious options Community programs such as Meals on Wheels Group cooking sessions at senior centers that combine nutrition with social interaction Freezer meal prepping once a week or month to ensure ready-made meals are always available Meal preparation is about more than just food, its about health, safety, and quality of life. For seniors, having access to nutritious, well-planned meals means more energy, better health, fewer hospital visits, and the ability to stay independent longer.
As we age, our bodies and minds go through a variety of changes, many of which can increase the likelihood of falling. For older adults, falls are not just a minor mishap; they can lead to serious injuries, loss of independence, and a lower quality of life. Understanding why seniors are more vulnerable to falls is the first step in creating safer environments and developing effective prevention strategies.The Aging Body and Increased Fall RiskSeveral age-related factors contribute to an increased risk of falls among seniors. These include physical, sensory, and cognitive changes that often occur gradually but can have a significant impact.1. Decreased Muscle Strength and FlexibilityWith age, muscles naturally weaken, and joints may become stiffer. This can reduce balance, coordination, and reaction time, making it harder to prevent a fall when tripping or slipping.2. Poor Balance and Gait ChangesChanges in the way a person walksoften due to arthritis, neurological conditions, or previous injuriescan lead to an unsteady gait. Seniors may shuffle their feet, walk slower, or have trouble lifting their legs, all of which increase fall risk.3. Vision DeclineVision plays a critical role in balance and spatial awareness. Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration make it difficult to judge distances, see steps clearly, or identify hazards in dim lighting.4. Hearing LossHearing is connected to balance. Inner ear problems or age-related hearing loss can lead to vertigo or dizziness, making it harder for seniors to stay upright.5. Chronic Health ConditionsMany seniors live with chronic diseases such as: Diabetes (which can cause nerve damage and numbness in the feet) Heart disease (leading to dizziness or fatigue) Parkinsons disease or Alzheimers (affecting movement, memory, and decision-making) These conditions can impair coordination and increase confusion, both of which heighten fall risk.6. Medication Side EffectsOlder adults often take multiple medications, which can interact and cause side effects such as dizziness, low blood pressure, drowsiness, or blurred visionall potential contributors to falls.7. Cognitive ImpairmentSeniors with dementia or other cognitive disorders may have poor judgment, forget to use walkers or canes, or become disoriented, all of which increase their chances of falling.8. Low Physical Activity LevelsWhen seniors become less active, muscles weaken and balance deteriorates. A sedentary lifestyle can quickly lead to frailty, making even routine movements more hazardous. What Can Be Done?Awareness is the first step. By understanding why seniors are more prone to falls, families, caregivers, and seniors themselves can take proactive steps such as: Regular balance and strength exercises Home safety modifications Routine vision and hearing checks Medication reviews with a doctor Use of mobility aids as needed Falling doesnt have to be a normal part of aging. By recognizing the reasons behind increased fall risk in seniors, we can create supportive environments that promote confidence, mobility, and independence. With the right strategies in place, seniors can continue living full, active, and safe.
Mercy LIFE of Alabama gives seniors the support they need to live in their own home or with family. We help keep LIFE simple and safe. Getting older and staying independent is not always easy. You may have trouble with daily activities like getting to primary care provider's appointments, bathing, and getting dressed. Mercy LIFE of Alabama can help you do all of these things while living safely at home, and your team of healthcare providers at LIFE will help you live as healthy as possible.Eligibility Requirements:You may qualify for LIFE services if you: Are age 55 or older Live in one of the service area zip codes Have been assessed by the state as needing nursing home care Are able to live safely at home with services provided by Mercy LIFE of AlabamaTo learn more about Mercy LIFE of Alabama, please contact us. Mercy LIFE of Alabama services are typically free to seniors who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid or Medicaid only. For participants who do not qualify for Medicaid, there is a flat monthly fee.Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
Mercy LIFE of Alabama gives seniors the support they need to live in their own home or with family. We help keep LIFE simple and safe. Getting older and staying independent is not always easy. You may have trouble with daily activities like getting to primary care provider's appointments, bathing, and getting dressed. Mercy LIFE of Alabama can help you do all of these things while living safely at home, and your team of healthcare providers at LIFE will help you live as healthy as possible.Eligibility Requirements:You may qualify for LIFE services if you: Are age 55 or older Live in one of the service area zip codes Have been assessed by the state as needing nursing home care Are able to live safely at home with services provided by Mercy LIFE of AlabamaTo learn more about Mercy LIFE of Alabama, please contact us. Mercy LIFE of Alabama services are typically free to seniors who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid or Medicaid only. For participants who do not qualify for Medicaid, there is a flat monthly fee.Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
Mercy LIFE of Alabama gives seniors the support they need to live in their own home or with family. We help keep LIFE simple and safe. Getting older and staying independent is not always easy. You may have trouble with daily activities like getting to primary care provider's appointments, bathing, and getting dressed. Mercy LIFE of Alabama can help you do all of these things while living safely at home, and your team of healthcare providers at LIFE will help you live as healthy as possible.Eligibility Requirements:You may qualify for LIFE services if you: Are age 55 or older Live in one of the service area zip codes Have been assessed by the state as needing nursing home care Are able to live safely at home with services provided by Mercy LIFE of AlabamaTo learn more about Mercy LIFE of Alabama, please contact us. Mercy LIFE of Alabama services are typically free to seniors who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid or Medicaid only. For participants who do not qualify for Medicaid, there is a flat monthly fee.Click here for Frequently Asked Questions