John and Mary fell in love and were married in 1969. After raising five beautiful children together, they retired from their university positions to enjoy the good life with their children and grandchildren. Life was good until Mary started having difficulty remembering directions...then how to use her computer…then how to cook. John didn’t mind taking over these responsibilities. But what really got to him was when she could no longer take care of herself. One time, it took him an hour to convince her to take her 4 pills. Then she started seeing things that weren’t there. She could no longer use the bathroom or get dressed by herself. She started having nightmares, screaming and even beating on John. Being helped to take a shower, Mary was so terrified that she screamed “they” were trying to kill her.

John was not getting any sleep. He took the best care of Mary that he could, not realizing that he was in over his head. He had no idea how physically and emotionally worn out he was until he joined a caregiver support group.

John finally realized that, no matter how much he sacrificed his own health, he was unable to provide Mary the care she truly deserved. Approaching his children about placing his sweetheart in a care facility, John found some of them supportive while others insisted it wasn’t that bad, he could still handle it, and it would be unfair to do that to their mother, who had always devoted all she had to her family.

John experienced enormous relief once Mary was admitted to the care facility. He visited her as often as he could, but it was painful to watch the love of his life continue to fade away. She did not know who he was, where she was, even who she was. After three years, Mary passed on. John was so grateful that she was no longer a prisoner in her disabled brain and body. But John fell into a deep depression. Now she was really gone.

After six months of continued suffering, John decided to rekindle a friendship with a childhood friend, who had likewise taken care of her husband prior to his death. In time, the two decided to get married. Some of John’s children thought it couldn’t happen too soon, while others felt he was betraying his wife and their mother. But John did remarry…and came back to life. Companionship brought him purpose and happiness again.

I have seen and worked with many Johns and Marys throughout my career in medicine. It breaks my heart to see them suffer. I rejoice when I can provide support, insight, encouragement, and helpful evidence-based medical information to improve the quality of life of both caregiver and loved one. As a result of this experience and expertise, I was honored to be asked to provide the closing keynote presentation at the 19th annual Mountainland Association of Governments’ Caregiver Conference in Pleasant Grove last month. The conference provided support, encouragement, resources, and helpful guidance for everyone in attendance, in person as well as by video throughout the State of Utah.

During my presentation, I shared my observation that caregivers like John unwittingly slide into 10 common pitfalls:
1. Failing to Recognize, Ignoring, or Hiding the problem
2. Pride
3. Isolation
4. Guilt
5. Procrastinating assistance
6. Self-neglect
7. Saving the children’s inheritance
8. Failing to plan for the future
9. Focusing on what they don’t want
10. Dwelling on the past and what they no longer have

These pitfalls lead caregivers into the following 10 pits:
1. Bad decisions
2. Regret
3. Suboptimal care for their loved one
4. Sleeplessness
5. Exhaustion
6. Burnout
7. Resentment
8. Depression
9. Ill health
10. Early death

To help caregivers avoid or get out of these pits, we at Prestige Wellness Institute teach our 5 Foundations of Health:
1. Healthy mindset
2. Healthy lifestyle
3. Providing the body what it needs and is lacking
4. Removing from the body what does not belong there
5. Using a variety of tools to help the body heal itself

During “From Exhausted to Energized: Strategies for You the Caregiver,” attendees received practical guidance on how to build each of these foundations. If you are a caregiver and want to learn more about how to go from exhausted to energized; to become a more effective caregiver; and to prepare better for your future, scan the QR code to obtain access to the video recording of the presentation and slides. The same QR code will enable you to sign up for the 16-week one-hour Zoom support group, where we will explore the pitfalls and pits together; discover in depth what you can do to improve your health through attention to the 5 Foundations; and learn how you can apply the Foundations of Health to your own life.

John did the best he could with the knowledge he had. Armed with additional knowledge and resources, you don’t have to suffer as he did. Even better, you can prevent most of the diseases that lead people to require end-of-life care in the first place. You might be surprised to learn that the majority of chronic diseases that suck the life out of Americans—cancer, dementia, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, etc.—were either rare or nonexistent in the 1800s. In other words, they are manmade problems, not bad luck, not fate, not heredity!

Join with others throughout Utah in finding practical solutions to the challenges that lead to caregiver burnout, depression, and ill health, replacing these with vitality, purpose, and dramatically improved quality of life. No matter your circumstances, you will find simple changes you can make to your current thinking and routine that will make a difference. See you there!

The holiday season, often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, can also bring stress, anxiety, and depression to many people. Managing your mental health during this period is crucial to enjoying the festivities and maintaining your well-being. Here are some practical tips to help you support your mental health during the holidays.

1. Set Realistic Expectations
The pressure to create the perfect holiday can lead to unnecessary stress. Set realistic expectations for yourself and others. Understand that it's okay if things don't go exactly as planned. Focus on enjoying the moments rather than striving for perfection.

2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness can help you stay present and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Take a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing and meditation, or sit quietly and focus on your surroundings. These practices can help ground you and bring a sense of calm.

3. Prioritize Self-Care
Amid the hustle and bustle, remember to take care of yourself. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in regular physical activity. Taking time for activities you enjoy, such as reading, walking, or listening to music, can also boost your mood.

4. Set Boundaries
It's important to set boundaries to protect your mental health. This might mean saying no to certain events or traditions that cause stress or anxiety. Communicate your needs and limits clearly with family and friends to avoid overcommitting.

5. Reach Out for Support
The holidays can be particularly challenging if you're feeling lonely or grieving a loss. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups to share your feelings. Sometimes, just talking to someone who understands can make a significant difference.

6. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
While it can be tempting to indulge in festive drinks, alcohol and caffeine can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. Try to limit your intake and stay hydrated with water or herbal teas instead.

7. Focus on What You Can Control
The holidays can be unpredictable, and not everything will be within your control. Focus on what you can manage and let go of the rest. This mindset can help reduce feelings of helplessness and stress.

8. Give Back
Engaging in acts of kindness can improve your mental well-being. Volunteering your time or donating to a cause you care about can provide a sense of purpose and connection, helping to lift your spirits and make you feel more fulfilled.

Mental Health Support at Moab Regional Hospital
Professional support can be incredibly beneficial if you find that the holiday season is impacting your mental health. At Moab Regional Hospital, our providers work with many clients, including young children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and older adults.

We offer a non-judgmental, confidential environment for people from all walks of life, ensuring you receive the care and support you need.

Remember, taking care of your mental health is a gift you give to yourself. By implementing these strategies and seeking support when needed, you can navigate the holiday season with greater ease and joy.

• Moab Regional Hospital Mental Health specialists: 435-719-5531
• Addiction Treatment: 435-719-3970 (Outpatient services for drug and alcohol detox, recovery resource engagement, and treatment of substance use disorder)
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
• Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 888-628-9454

Moab Regional Hospital is thrilled to announce the addition of two accomplished leaders to its team: Dr. William Gustin, Chief Medical Officer, and Margy Swenson, RN, Director of Nursing. Their extensive experience and unwavering dedication to patient-centered care strengthen the hospital's commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services. The hospital looks forward to the positive impact they will bring to the community.

Dr. Gustin, the new Chief Medical Officer, has a special connection to Moab. Years ago, he and his wife visited, fell in love with the region, and even purchased land in Castle Valley. This new role has brought him back to settle here full-time and serve the community he admires.

Dr. Gustin brings a wealth of experience in physician informatics and has led various health IT initiatives across multiple healthcare systems. As a hospitalist, medical school professor, and healthcare consultant, he has dedicated his career to improving patient care, streamlining workflows, and managing change. His mission work in Kibuye, Rwanda, where he trained local volunteers in health education and HIV screening, reflects his passion for helping others.

With his expertise in electronic health records and population health, Dr. Gustin is excited to help Moab Regional Hospital expand patient care. He looks forward to connecting with the community and leveraging his skills to strengthen the patient-physician relationship.

With an extensive background and a wide range of experience in healthcare, Margy Swenson, RN, is well-prepared for her new role as the Director of Nursing. Since moving to Moab in 1999, she has explored the area on foot, horseback, and by boat. Her healthcare journey began in 2004 as an EMT, and in 2009, she became the Director of Grand County EMS. Swenson began working as a nurse at Moab Regional Hospital in 2014, gaining experience in various hospital departments, including acute care, infusion services, emergency care, and, most recently, hospice, where she has served as director since 2020. In her new position, she will oversee all nursing operations, including staffing, training, and maintaining high standards of patient care while fostering a patient-first culture and supporting the growth of her team.

Hospital staff, including CEO Jen Sadoff, are excited about the new leadership team. "We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Gustin and Margy Swenson," Sadoff shared. “Dr. Gustin’s expertise in Meditech, our new electronic medical record system, comes at a crucial time as we wrap up construction and focus on quality and program growth. Margy's experience and leadership will ensure our nursing team continues to provide high-quality care. Together, they will enhance our efforts to improve patient outcomes and make a positive impact for everyone we serve."

Moab Regional Hospital, an independent nonprofit in Moab, Utah, is a Critical Access Hospital and Level IV Trauma Center with 17 beds. The hospital prioritizes patients, provides high-quality and affordable healthcare, and promotes community wellness.