Nurse Reveals Warning Signs of Power of Attorney Abuse

Nurse Reveals Warning Signs of Power of Attorney Abuse

M Hasan    4:15 PM   

The Importance of Power of Attorney in Retirement Planning

As a nurse, I’ve seen firsthand the critical need for power-of-attorney paperwork. Wealth does not protect you from the challenges that come with aging. Someone with just Social Security in retirement may end up in a facility at the bottom of the barrel, while someone with assets should be able to enjoy the best care available. Even if someone has millions in retirement, that won’t prevent them from being trapped in a hospital, especially if they’re single.

The issue arises when people suddenly lose their capacity for decision-making, and it can take up to a year to get a guardian in place through the court system. During this time, a person who could be enjoying a high-quality memory-care center or assisted living is stuck in a hospital room. Their health deteriorates quickly because people are not meant to be staring at the same four walls for an entire year with minimal activities.

Warning Signs and Common Scenarios

If a person is married, their spouse can help, but many older individuals have lost their spouses, leaving them without an advocate. In some cases, both spouses may become incapacitated at the same time. The stress of one spouse’s sudden decline can be the tipping point for the other.

There are several scenarios where power of attorney becomes essential. For example, I take care of people who should be able to enjoy assisted living but are stuck in the hospital because they can no longer manage their affairs safely. They now need a guardian appointed, which is a terrible situation. It’s even worse when they have the means to live in a good place but are forced into a subpar environment due to lack of proper planning.

Another concern is the potential abuse of power by those given power of attorney. Children, for instance, may act in their own interest rather than their parents’. I’ve seen cases where children neglected their parents, tried to sell their homes, and took their money. Alternatively, a child might choose the cheapest option for their parent to preserve their inheritance, rather than the best quality care.

Choosing the Right Agent

It’s crucial to choose the right agent for power of attorney. Just because someone is your child doesn’t mean they’re ethical. My stepmother handled her mother’s retirement correctly by selling her house and putting the money into the highest-quality memory-care center in our area. She spent her last two years enjoying life, socializing, and not being trapped in a poor nursing home.

As a healthcare provider, it’s heartbreaking to see people leave the hospital in dire situations. However, this is not uncommon. Too many children focus on what will be left for them instead of worrying about their parents’ well-being.

Risks and Realities of Power of Attorney

When you give someone power of attorney, you are putting your life in their hands. A durable power of attorney allows the trusted individual (the agent) to retain power even after the principal becomes incapacitated. A general power of attorney expires when the principal loses mental capacity. Guardians, on the other hand, are appointed by the courts and have immense powers.

A safety measure is setting up a dual power of attorney, appointing two or more agents. This helps prevent any single person from having too much control. However, it's easy for a child to convince their parents, in a vulnerable moment, to sign a POA document. The person holding the power is not under the same court jurisdiction as a guardianship or conservatorship, making it vulnerable to abuse.

Cases of Abuse and Legal Considerations

There is limited empirical data on elder abuse, but anecdotal information highlights the problem. The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and the U.S. Government Accountability Office have pointed out the prevalence of such issues. For example, a son liquidated his mother’s 401(k) to pay for her nursing home and kept the rest of the money. Another case involved a woman stealing her sister’s Social Security number and persuading her husband to sign away his power of attorney.

In another recent case, a woman believed she had her mother’s power of attorney, but her mother’s adviser convinced her to change beneficiaries on several accounts. If the mother was incapacitated, the letter writer would need to petition the courts for guardianship or conservatorship.

How to Choose a Good Agent

Choosing the right agent is vital. If there is any doubt that a relative might self-deal, they should be excluded from your plans. Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri, a law firm with offices across Connecticut, advises clients to choose wisely when setting up a power of attorney. They emphasize that while it is a wonderful tool in the hands of a trustworthy person, it can also be dangerous in the wrong hands.

They recommend choosing someone who is trustworthy, fair-minded, understands their duties, and is committed to taking those duties seriously. Never forget that you are giving your agent access to your checking and savings accounts and other assets.

Final Thoughts

Not choosing anyone to have power of attorney or not setting up an advance healthcare directive can leave a person in a vulnerable situation for months while the state appoints a guardian. I hope others can learn from what I have witnessed. It’s important to plan ahead and make informed decisions to ensure the best possible care for yourself and your loved ones.

Eight Tompkins County restaurants pass health inspections; five face critical violations in July

Eight Tompkins County restaurants pass health inspections; five face critical violations in July

M Hasan    4:07 PM   

Overview of Health Inspections in Tompkins County

In the month of August 2025, the Tompkins County Health Department conducted a total of 18 health inspections across various food service establishments. According to the latest reports, five of these inspections found critical violations, eight had no violations at all, and another eight had unresolved issues from previous inspections that remained unfixed.

New York State is home to over 90,000 food service establishments, including schools, nursing homes, and other facilities with on-site kitchens. These inspections are crucial for ensuring public health and safety, as they help identify and address potential risks associated with food handling and preparation.

Due to the high volume of inspections, only a selection of the highest and lowest rated restaurants is highlighted here. For more detailed information, you can access current and past health inspection reports through online platforms like data.ithacajournal.com.

Restaurants with the Most Health Violations

Several eateries in Tompkins County were flagged for having multiple violations during their most recent inspections. Here are some examples:

• Dream Poke & Tea – Located at 130 East Seneca Street in Ithaca, this establishment had one non-critical violation during its inspection on August 12, 2025.
• Fusia Bento Bar – Situated at 405 College Avenue, Ithaca, it received two violations, including one critical and one non-critical, on the same date.
• Village Taqueria And Grill – Found at 151 North Street in Dryden, this restaurant had one non-critical violation on August 12, 2025.
• Pho Time & Spicy Canton Spot – Located at 208 A Dryden Road, Ithaca, this spot had one critical violation on August 13, 2025.
• Crossroads Bar & Grille – At 3120 North Triphammer Road in Lansing, it had two violations, one critical and one non-critical, also on August 13, 2025.
• Lev Kitchen – Found at 222 East State Street in Ithaca, this restaurant had four violations, including one critical and three non-critical, on August 14, 2025.
• 4-H Acres - CCE – Located at 418 Lower Creek Road in Ithaca, it had one critical violation on August 15, 2025.
• Ha Ka Cha – Situated at 311 Third Street in Ithaca, this place had three non-critical violations on August 15, 2025.

Each of these establishments must address their violations within the specified timeframes set by health inspectors.

Establishments with Flawless Health Inspections

On the flip side, several businesses in Tompkins County passed their inspections without any violations. These include:

• Tacos Cdmx – Located at 118 West Green Street in Ithaca, this restaurant had no violations on August 12, 2025.
• Dryden Elementary - Summer Feed – Found at 118 Freeville Road in Dryden, it also had no violations on the same date.
• Sopoong – Situated at 147 Dryden Road in Ithaca, this business had no violations on August 12, 2025.
• Dryden Recreation Camp Summer Feed At Cassavant – Located at 118 Freeville Road in Dryden, it passed its inspection without any issues.
• Dryden Middle School - Summer Feed – Also at 118 Freeville Road, this school had no violations on August 12, 2025.
• Cu - Becker House – Found at Stewart Avenue in Ithaca, it had no violations on August 14, 2025.
• Scoops – Located at 104 Auburn Road in Lansing, this establishment had no violations on August 14, 2025.
• Hawi Ethiopian Cuisine – Situated at 113 South Cayuga Street in Ithaca, it passed its inspection with no violations on August 15, 2025.

These businesses demonstrated excellent adherence to health codes and provided safe dining environments for customers.

Understanding Critical and Non-Critical Violations

Health inspectors classify violations into two categories: critical and non-critical. Critical violations involve factors that could lead to foodborne illness, such as improper food storage, incorrect cooking temperatures, or unsanitary practices by food workers. These must be addressed immediately during the inspection.

Non-critical violations, while not directly linked to food safety, can affect the overall operation of an establishment. They may relate to cleanliness, maintenance, or design issues. Although less urgent, these violations still require correction within a specified timeframe.

Frequency of Health Inspections

The frequency of inspections depends on the risk level of the establishment and its history of compliance. High-risk businesses, such as full-service restaurants and school kitchens, are inspected twice a year. Medium-risk places, like pizza shops or sandwich bars, are inspected once annually. Low-risk establishments, such as coffee shops, are inspected every other year.

All health inspectors in New York are trained by the state’s Department of Health to ensure consistency in evaluations across the state.

Reporting Violations

If you suspect a food establishment is violating health standards, you can report it to the Tompkins County Health Department. An inspector will then investigate the complaint. To file a report, visit the official website for health complaints in New York.

This article was written by Ozge Terzioglu and originally published on the Ithaca Journal.

IVF Journeys Go Public: Sharing Triumphs and Trials Online

IVF Journeys Go Public: Sharing Triumphs and Trials Online

M Hasan    4:00 PM   

The Journey of Sharing and Connection

After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses and several failed rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF), Cheryl Dowling found herself in one of the most challenging periods of her life. She began sharing her journey on social media, hoping to find connection and a way to process her emotions. "Infertility was consuming every aspect of my life, yet no one around me seemed to see or understand the weight of it," she explains. Through her health platform and community, the IVF Warrior, Dowling has become a prominent figure in the infertility space. She has written a book titled Unspoken: The Unbearable Weight of Infertility and gained 127,000 Instagram followers.

When she started sharing her story, the response was overwhelming. "I quickly saw how many others were struggling, often feeling the same complicated mix of emotions," she says. Despite the global impact of infertility—where one in six people are affected, 10% to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and nearly 100,000 babies are born via IVF in the U.S. annually—there is still stigma attached to fertility treatments and infertility. This stigma, along with the silence that surrounds it, may be why many couples, especially women, are turning to social media and podcasting to find community, share their stories, and inspire others.

Why People Share Their Stories

For many, the decision to share their struggles with infertility stems from a deep need for connection and understanding. Demi Schweers, who documented her and her husband's journey through IVF, recalls starting the process organically. "I was in the thick of it, feeling alone, overwhelmed, and confused, and I realized if I’m feeling this way, there have to be others who are too," she says. The Schweerses now have over 2 million followers on TikTok, where they engage in frank conversations about the challenges of becoming parents.

Abbe Feder and her husband started the award-winning IVF podcast Maculate Conception. They didn’t initially plan to go public but found themselves documenting their experience as a way to cope with the emotional toll. "We had no intention of becoming voices in the infertility community, but as we kept documenting our experience, it became clear that others were craving exactly that: honesty, validation, and connection."

Actress Laura Orrico began sharing her journey a decade ago after her husband was diagnosed with brain cancer. He passed away in 2015, and she is now in her second trimester at 48 years old, thanks to IVF using her late husband’s sperm. Her choice to share this stage of her life came from a desire to connect with others facing similar challenges. "If I can help other women make this difficult decision, or inspire them to go through it alone, or at an older age, or after getting widowed, then it's worth it," she says.

The Challenges of Sharing

Sharing these personal experiences online comes with its own set of anxieties and pressures. Dowling admits she felt the pressure to constantly show up, even on days when she was struggling. "I thought I had to be strong for everyone else, even when I was breaking inside," she says. Over time, she learned to balance showing up with protecting her boundaries.

Orrico also worried about sharing more than she was comfortable with. "Getting through the first several weeks of appointments, I was nervous to post anything until I got to my next marker," she says. Parfet, who has shared her struggles with endometriosis and infertility, notes that finding the right care team helped her navigate the emotional challenges. "Our stories don’t need to be sanitized or made palatable to be worth sharing," she adds.

The Importance of Transparency

Sharing candid stories often means revealing aspects of the journey that were never expected. Feder recalls one of the hardest things they shared publicly: their experience with termination for medical reasons (TFMR), which is a clinical term for abortion. After years of failed IVF procedures, they became pregnant with three embryos. Due to serious health risks, they had to make the painful decision to reduce to two. "It was an abortion. And it was heartbreaking," she says.

The decision to share that part of their story was difficult, but it felt important to be transparent. "People need to understand that abortion is part of fertility care. That it’s not black-and-white. That it’s health care," Feder recalls her husband saying. "And he was right."

The Emotional Impact of Fertility Journeys

For many creators, IVF eventually leads to having a child, but some worry about sending the message that overcoming infertility is inevitable. Parfet, now a mother after years of trying, questions whether her voice is still relevant. "Now that I have a child, I sometimes wonder if my voice is still one people want or need to hear. I question whether my experience feels too far removed from the uncertainty so many are still living inside."

Schweers, now a mom of two, also worries about the impact of sharing moments of joy. "When I got pregnant or shared a moment of joy, I worried it might hurt someone who was still waiting for their turn. I never want anyone to feel like I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be in that place of waiting and longing."

A Cautionary Note

Dr. Iris Insogna of Columbia University Fertility Center notes that many of her patients mention IVF influencers and the positive impact they’ve had in reducing the stigma of fertility treatment. However, she cautions patients to interpret what they learn online carefully. "Not every journey is the same, and each individual will have a different path. Ultimately, decisions about medical care should be made between the patient and the provider, not based on information from social media."

Feder also reminds her followers that she is not a medical professional. "So many people are desperate for answers, they might follow influencers who aren’t medical experts and end up getting harmful or misleading advice," she says.

The Future of IVF Conversations

While the conversations around IVF continue to evolve, the costs associated with the procedures remain prohibitive for many. IVF is not universally covered by insurance, and in many cases, it remains highly politicized. Additionally, fertility care often overlooks the emotional toll of the treatments. "Clinics and media often focus on the physical treatments and outcomes, while the mental and emotional impact is still overlooked," says Dowling. "Many people, especially women, still feel blamed or judged for needing medical help to build their families."

Creating a platform for emotional care is at the heart of what many of these influencers do. "Mostly, it’s about making people feel less invisible," Parfet says about sharing her experience with both IVF and endometriosis.

As more people choose to share their journeys, the conversation around infertility continues to grow. For many, it’s about finding connection, reducing stigma, and helping others feel less alone. "Will this help someone feel less alone?" Schweers asks. "If the answer is yes, I try my best to be brave and share it."

Gone, But Not Forgotten: Brain's Body Map Remains After Amputation

Gone, But Not Forgotten: Brain's Body Map Remains After Amputation

M Hasan    4:00 PM   

New Research Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Brain Plasticity

A groundbreaking study has revealed that the brain maintains a stable "map" of the body even after a limb is amputated, challenging long-standing assumptions about how the brain adapts following such an event. The research, conducted by scientists from the UK and US, suggests that these maps remain largely unchanged, which could have significant implications for treating phantom limb pain and advancing brain-computer interface technologies.

The somatosensory cortex, a region of the brain responsible for processing sensory information like touch, temperature, and pain, contains detailed maps of the body. These maps are typically thought to reorganize after an amputation, with neighboring areas taking over the functions previously associated with the missing limb. However, this new study provides evidence that contradicts this idea.

A Unique Approach to Studying Brain Maps

For the first time, researchers followed three individuals who were scheduled to undergo hand amputation. They used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to create detailed maps of the participants’ hand and face regions both before and after the surgery. This approach allowed them to compare brain activity patterns in the same individuals before and after the loss of a limb, something that had not been done in previous studies.

Before the amputation, all participants were able to move their fingers and purse their lips. During the scans, they performed these actions while lying in the fMRI machine. The results showed that the brain regions corresponding to the hand and lips remained closely positioned, as expected.

After the amputation, the participants repeated the tasks, imagining moving their fingers and pursing their lips. Researchers found that the brain regions activated during these tasks were almost identical to those observed before the surgery, even though the hand was no longer present.

Implications for Phantom Limb Pain

Phantom limb pain is a common issue among amputees, where they feel sensations or pain in the missing limb. The study’s findings suggest that the brain does not actually "forget" the limb, but rather continues to process signals as if it were still there. This could explain why many amputees experience persistent sensations, even years after the amputation.

The research also challenges current treatments for phantom limb pain, which often focus on restoring the limb's representation in the brain. However, the study indicates that these approaches may be addressing the wrong problem. Instead, the researchers propose that the issue lies in the nerves remaining disconnected from their original sensory targets, leading to abnormal signals being sent to the brain.

Potential for Advancements in Prosthetics

The stability of the brain’s body maps has exciting implications for the development of advanced prosthetics and brain-computer interfaces. If the brain continues to maintain its original map of the body, it becomes more feasible to control robotic limbs using neural signals. This could lead to more intuitive and responsive prosthetics that better mimic natural movement.

Dr. Hunter Schone, one of the study’s authors, emphasized that the brain’s consistency allows for more accurate and effective use of these technologies. He noted that future research could focus on refining the details of these maps, such as distinguishing between different parts of the hand and restoring complex sensations like texture and temperature.

Revisiting Previous Assumptions

Previous studies had suggested that the brain undergoes significant reorganization after amputation, but this research shows that such changes may not be as dramatic as previously believed. The team explained that earlier interpretations might have been influenced by a "winner takes all" approach, where only the most active brain regions were considered. However, the new findings indicate that the brain’s maps are more flexible and less rigid than previously thought.

By comparing their case studies with 26 individuals who had undergone upper limb amputations years ago, the researchers found similar patterns of brain activity, reinforcing the idea that these maps remain stable over time.

Future Directions

The study opens up new possibilities for surgical techniques that could reduce phantom limb pain by ensuring that nerves have a proper "home" to attach to after amputation. One participant who received a specialized nerve grafting procedure no longer experiences pain, highlighting the potential benefits of such approaches.

As research continues, the findings offer a clearer understanding of how the brain processes body-related information and provide a foundation for developing more effective treatments and technologies for amputees. The next steps involve exploring how to access finer details of the brain’s maps and restore richer sensory experiences through advanced prosthetics.

Six Healthy Foods That Taste Better Frozen, Including Spinach

Six Healthy Foods That Taste Better Frozen, Including Spinach

M Hasan    4:00 PM   

The Benefits of Frozen Produce for a Healthier Diet

Fruit and vegetables have long been recognized as essential components of a healthy diet. Whether it's the well-known "five-a-day" guideline or the growing trend of eating 30 different plants each week, fresh produce is widely seen as a cornerstone of good nutrition. However, in recent years, factors such as climate extremes, supply chain disruptions, and global market trends have made fresh fruits and vegetables less accessible. This has led to situations where produce is either too expensive, already spoiled, or simply unavailable on supermarket shelves.

In particular, certain vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are now facing shortages in the spring due to an unusually mild autumn and winter, which caused crops to mature earlier than expected. This situation poses a challenge for maintaining a balanced diet, especially considering that only one-third of adults in the UK met the five-a-day requirement according to a 2024 report by the Office for National Statistics.

The Solution: Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

Despite these challenges, there’s a simple and effective solution that can be found just a few aisles away from the fresh produce section — frozen fruits and vegetables. These options not only offer convenience but also provide significant health benefits. Once harvested, fresh produce begins to lose its nutrients during transport and storage. In the UK, where over 47% of vegetables and 84% of fruits are imported, this nutrient loss is difficult to avoid.

Registered dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine explains that frozen produce is often picked at peak ripeness and frozen immediately, preserving more of its vitamins and antioxidants. “Fresh produce can spend days in transit and on supermarket shelves, during which time nutrients like vitamin C and folate can degrade,” she says. A 2015 study found that while the overall vitamin content between fresh and frozen produce is usually similar, some nutrients, particularly vitamin C, were higher in frozen items.

Six Foods That Are Better When Frozen

Here are six foods that are actually better for you when frozen:

Berries

Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are rich in nutrients and fiber. Studies have shown that they have high antioxidant activity, which helps fight free radicals and reduce DNA damage. However, their seasonality makes them expensive when fresh. Frozen berries retain more of their vitamin C and polyphenols because they are frozen shortly after being picked. While defrosted berries may soften, they are still great in porridge, yogurt, and baking. Strawberries, on the other hand, tend to collapse when thawed, making them better suited for smoothies, compotes, and baking.

Spinach

Spinach is an excellent source of non-haem iron, folate, and various vitamins. However, its high water content means it can wilt quickly and spoil. Freezing spinach not only prevents this issue but also increases its nutritional value. Frozen spinach preserves more folate and provides a concentrated source of nutrients like iron and vitamin K. It’s ideal for use in curries, stews, and other cooked dishes.

Peas

Peas are one of the best examples of the benefits of frozen produce. Fresh peas can lose their sweetness and nutrients rapidly, while frozen peas maintain their vitamin C and B vitamins. They also retain their texture well after freezing, making them a versatile option for meals.

Sweetcorn

Sweetcorn freezes exceptionally well, retaining both its nutrients and texture. Freezing helps lock in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health. These carotenoids act as filters for harmful blue light and help protect against age-related eye diseases.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a rich source of vitamin C and riboflavin (vitamin B2), which supports the nervous system and aids in energy production. Frozen broccoli often retains more vitamin C than fresh broccoli stored for several days. Additionally, studies have shown that frozen broccoli contains more riboflavin than its fresh counterpart. It should be cooked directly from frozen for best results.

Mango or Avocado

Tropical fruits like mangoes and avocados are often subject to seasonal fluctuations and transport issues. Flash-frozen tropical fruits are typically more nutritious than imported fresh ones, which are often picked underripe and lose nutrients during ripening. Riper fruits are easier to digest, allowing for better absorption of nutrients. Both mangoes and avocados are rich in vitamins C, A, and E, which protect cells from damage. Avocados, in particular, are best used in guacamole, dressings, and smoothies after thawing. Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya are softer after thawing, making them ideal for smoothies, compotes, and sauces.