Phyllis Ayman

Can Stress Be a Killer? The short answer is Yes. But it doesn’t have to be. However, understanding the factors that lead to stress on the body and ultimately negatively impact your wellbeing, can help you find ways to respond to stressful situations that lessen or mitigate the impact. We all experience challenges that cause us stress. It is part of the human experience. They are common to each one of us at one time or another. Can you relate to any of them? You are a member of what is commonly referred to as the Sandwich Generation; literally sandwiched between job, family responsibilities... Continue Reading

These two ideas may seem diametrically opposed. However, as an allied health professional, it struck me that humor has often been the one thing that has gotten my colleagues and me through some of the most serious situations.   Do you recall the 1998 film Patch Adams? It was based on the book Gesundheit, translated to mean “Good Health is a Laughing Matter,” about the physician Dr. Hunter “Patch” Adams. Though the film oversimplifies Adam’s philosophy and activism, it presents the healing power that humor can bring to a situation or condition.   So, it can... Continue Reading

For the past several months, I have been consulting as a speech/language pathologist at a nursing and rehabilitation facility in a small upstate New York town.   Initially, it seemed like the building was in the middle of nowhere…a small town that had likely seen better days. However, after a time, I realized it was a short distance from the nursing home Dr. Bill Thomas transformed and chronicled in his book “Life Worth Living.” A nursing home that offered a quality of life and quality of care unprecedented before that time. A transformation where people were surrounded... Continue Reading

While I’ve always appreciated that you can learn from others, and especially older adults, which was informed and punctuated by my entire professional career in long term care, a recent experience highlights that point. I’m especially happy to be sharing this first story during Women’s History Month.   I’ve been covering at a small long term care facility as a speech/language pathologist in a very remote area in upstate New York. Actually, it’s practically in the middle of nowhere. In its heyday it was a town of approximately 10,000, but with migrating businesses... Continue Reading

I was thrilled when asked to participate in an International Women’s Day event representing the United States for the G100.   It took me some time to determine the content of my presentation, and even as I made the decision, I wasn’t completely confident how it would apply to the event or the significance of the day.   After all, people often ask me how I went from being a speech/language pathologist in nursing homes to being an advocate and spokesperson for the quality of life and quality of care that our eldest citizens receive and coaching people to develop strategies that... Continue Reading

The other day a business associate asked how long I’ve been in my profession. After a few moments of pondering, I was astounded by my response. I received my Master of Science Degree in 1974. Oh my goodness!!!! I’m having my 50th year anniversary.   As our conversation continued, as I often do, I passionately described my big vision film project to address the important issue of improving the value we place on older adults which ultimately affects the care and treatment they receive. My associate didn’t miss a beat when he poignantly said, “50 years for a speech pathologist... Continue Reading

“What are you hoping for in 2024?”  Is it better health, more wealth, more opportunities, more fulfilling relationships? I revisited a blog I wrote this time last year entitled: Who do you want to be in 2023? That blog came to me after a conversation with a business acquaintance who was going through a serious health crisis. I called him Ben. His attitude was so unbelievably positive, his energy upbeat, his voice strong, his fortitude and determination palpable; I could almost feel it through the telephone. It wasn’t false positivity; it was heartfelt and genuine. I could... Continue Reading

This week while consulting in a nursing home located in a rural area quite distant from where I live, I found myself thinking of my ex-husband on a memory care unit in a nursing home. This made the week that much more difficult. It seems that everything I’m seeing I’m feeling more intensely, especially as it relates to the medical conditions of the patient’s admitted.   Most of the patients admitted are, at the very least overweight; but the greatest number probably fall into the category of being obese, and many morbidly obese. I commented to one of the nurses who told me... Continue Reading

The past few weeks have been difficult. While work travel was tiring it was the personal situation on top of it that became stressful and exhausting. A situation that millions of people are experiencing each day.   The interesting fact is that I’m not the direct responsible party, In actuality, it’s my daughter, a full-fledged member of the sandwich generation.   For the past several years, my ex-husband, her father, has been in physical and cognitive decline. My daughter, age 43 with 3 children and demanding job responsibilities, has been the central figure in his care. Like... Continue Reading

Are you preparing for the New Year beyond those pesky resolutions?   If not, here are a few things to consider from an infographic I saw on Linked In. I think it touches on key areas that are not always considered when looking forward to the year ahead. Each of these areas is also an important ingredient to health and wellbeing.   It takes awareness and mindfulness, which are foundational to taking intentional action to make changes.   Reflect and Celebrate What have you accomplished this past year? Celebrate your accomplishments and the milestones you’ve achieved. Successes... Continue Reading