Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Ready to Embrace the Life of a Digital Nomad?








*****************************************************************



*****************************************************************
Ok, before you say it let me answer it. I have not gone off my rocker by posting a non-stroke related article on a dedicated stroke centered blog. This blog will remain a blog for stroke survivors and their caregivers. 

Harry Cline has been a long time contributor to this blog of articles which in themselves aren't specifically aimed at stroke but they do contain information that can be very useful to families that are affected by stroke.

So for this specific article of his consider this: don't some of you have highschool or college bound children or other relatives or maybe even yourselves who are needing a way to express their talents in this information age? The fact that computers, tablets, cell phones and the like are a huge part of our lives now. Your up and comming youngsters as well as you should be able to take advantage of that.

Here Harry is offering some guidelines and insight into one technology door that is open for anyone with the interest and ability to do something that will benefit them and their family as well. 

There are links included in most of the following paragraphs that expand on the subjects Harry is outlining. Some of these sites want to collect cookies as do most of the sites we visit these days so be aware of that. Neither United Stroke Alliance nor Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp endorse, affilliate with or recieve funds or other benefits from these companies. They are included as reference material only. 

Any questions relating to this article or to the companies referenced should be directed to: Harry Cline at: harry@newcaregiver.org
*****************************************************************
Ready to Embrace the Life of a Digital Nomad?

Here’s How

Are you ready for the freedom, flexibility, and adventure of becoming a digital nomad? These days, it’s easier than ever to make this change. With the right skills and knowledge, you can be living your dream life as a digital nomad in no time. Here’s what it takes to become a digital nomad and how to get started.

Harry even included this plug for our camps with his article:

The Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp offers relaxing and supportive camping trips to stroke survivors and their families. Learn more: 


Develop In-Demand Skills

Before you can start working remotely, you need to develop the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. This means gaining expertise in areas such as web development, graphic design, content writing, virtual assistant work, or data entry, to name a few.

Research Work Opportunities

Once you have the necessary skills and knowledge, it’s time to research potential work opportunities so that you can find the perfect job or contract that will fit your needs as a digital nomad. You may want to look into freelance websites like Upwork or Fiverr or search online job sites like Indeed or Monster.

Prepare a Portfolio

It’s important to create an online portfolio that showcases your skills and experience when applying for remote positions. This could include samples of your work, such as articles you’ve written or websites you’ve designed, as well as references from previous employers who can vouch for your capabilities.

Embrace Technology

To ensure success when working remotely anywhere in the world, it is important to familiarize yourself with remote work technology, such as video conferencing software, cloud storage platforms, project management tools, and other tools used by businesses today.

Find a Home Base

For digital nomads seeking short-term rentals, it can be difficult to find the perfect place. You have to consider location, cost, amenities, and more. Finding accommodations with high-speed internet access is also essential.

There are websites that filter properties so you can find a comfortable and cost-effective living situation. When scouting for potential living options, look for private homes and apartments that offer reliable Wi-Fi. Take your time and explore your options — you'll be sure to find something that meets your unique needs.

Be Realistic About Expenses

If you're considering life as a digital nomad, it's important to have an accurate idea of what your travel and living expenses will be. Start by evaluating the cost of flight tickets, accommodations in different locations, and food and entertainment costs. Research the types of visas required (if applicable) and health insurance premiums, as well as taxes or other fees. Additionally, build in room for miscellaneous costs like communication and transportation charges.

Register as an LLC

If you plan to become a digital nomad, setting yourself up as an LLC can be a smart move. An LLC provides the legal protection of a corporation without the extra costs and paperwork associated with it. Additionally, it allows you to separate your personal assets from your business activities, providing additional financial security. Setting up an LLC also offers more control over how you file taxes and access capital markets, making it a great resource for any digital nomad looking to succeed. A formation service can help you register your
LLC—Google “BestLLCServices.com - is LegalZoom worth it” to learn more.

Pay Taxes

Managing your taxes as a digital nomad can be complicated, but it doesn't have to be. With the right help and research, you can understand how to best work with the tax laws of each jurisdiction that you are working in. Finding an experienced accountant with knowledge in this specific area will make all the difference, as they will be able to provide guidance on organizational strategies
and answer important questions. It's also worth taking a few online courses or getting some reading material on the subject to make sure you're up-to-date with the changing landscape of taxation for digital nomads.

Becoming a digital nomad is an exciting lifestyle change but also one that comes with its own set of challenges. By taking steps like researching work opportunities, finding accommodations, and forming an LLC for your business, you will be well on your way toward achieving success as a digital nomad.


No comments:

Sunday, January 15, 2023

A Camping Experience for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers








*****************************************************************



*****************************************************************
The camping season is rapidly approaching. We will begin our first camp of twenty six total as of this writing in the middle of April. If you've not been to one, the following will give you a brief explanation of what goes on. You will also find links near the top right of this blog explaining what goes on at camp days 1, 2 and 3. We start on a Friday afternoon and finish the following Sunday afternoon. Accommodations are motel/hotel style with meals included. The following information is from our United Stroke Alliance website :

*****************************************************************

Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp

A Camping Experience for Stroke Survivors, Caregivers and Family Members

Each year 700,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke. Approximately 543,000 survive the stroke, many experiencing significant physical limitations and emotional and cognitive challenges. After years of slow recovery, depression and isolation become a normal part of life not only for the survivor but also for the caregiver. Hope and optimism often seem like an unrealistic and distant goal. Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp was created to provide an opportunity for stroke survivors and their caregivers to participate in a camping experience that centers on support, education, socialization and relaxation. The primary mission is to improve the quality of life for survivors and caregivers through an experience that will motivate, inspire and support them.

The Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp program was first developed in 2004 by Marylee & John Nunley (Founders) following John’s stroke in 2001. They realized a special need for a program that could help stroke survivors and their caregivers cope with the many challenges of stroke. The mission of this program – is to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors, caregivers, and families through relaxing weekend/retreats. Activities may include, group discussion, speakers, music, games, chair massage, fingernail painting, hand wax dips, dancing, swimming, fishing and craft projects to stimulate the body, mind and spirit!

*****************************************************************

No comments:

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Stroke Prevention. What is a stroke?






*****************************************************************




**************************************************************

The following information is from our United Stroke Alliance website:

https://unitedstrokealliance.org

**************************************************************

Stroke Prevention
What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blockage or bleed of the blood vessels either interrupts or reduces the supply of blood to the brain. When this happens, the brain does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients, and brain cells start to die. This is a medical emergency. Although many strokes are treatable, some can lead to disability or death.

Primary Prevention

Possible underlying causes of stroke. If people are able, they can achieve minimizing the risk of stroke by making life style changes as listed below:

1. Eating a healthful diet that includes
    fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds
    and legumes.
2. Maintaining a moderate weight and avoiding
    overweight and obesity.
3. Exercising and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle
4. Avoiding the use of tobacco products
5. Minimizing the use of alcohol and only
    drinking at moderation levels
6. Controlling hypertension
7. Managing diabetes
8. Marinating acceptable cholesterol levels
9. Abstaining from the use of illicit drugs

Secondary Stroke Prevention

In approximately 25% of the strokes each year, the cause of the stroke is unknown. In many of these cases, Atrial Fibrillation or AFB is indicated in patient. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Signs include dizziness, weakness, and fatigue. Treatment involves medication and lifestyle changes, and sometimes procedures such as cardioversion, ablation, pacemakers, or surgery. (WEBMD) Cardiac diagnostics and monitoring could be helpful in minimizing the risk of a secondary stroke.

In other cases where the cause of the stroke is unknown, there is the possibility of a PFO. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. This hole exists in everyone before birth, but most often closes shortly after being born. PFO is what the hole is called when it fails to close naturally after a baby is born. A foramen ovale allows blood to go around the lungs. It has been hypothesized that many cryptogenic strokes are caused by small emboli that travel from the legs to the right atrium; during straining (such as a Valsalva maneuver) these emboli can go across a PFO into the left atrium and then travel to the brain, producing a stroke.

**************************************************************

No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)