Dr KL Johnson, Cedar Hill, TX (2025)

11/13/2025

Easy Ways to Support Aging Parents During Holiday Gatherings

Thanksgiving is a time for love, family, and gratitude — but for aging parents, the celebration can also feel overwhelming. As we prepare our homes and tables for the holiday, it’s just as important to prepare a supportive environment for the people who raised us, guided us, and shaped our lives.

Here are simple ways to care for aging parents during Thanksgiving gatherings:

Give them a quiet space.
Thanksgiving can get loud with conversations, laughter, and movement. A calm spot gives them a chance to relax and recharge.

Keep their routine.
Holidays can disrupt schedules, but aging parents feel more secure when their usual meal times, medications, and rest periods stay consistent.

Choose food they can handle.
Thanksgiving dishes can be heavy or hard to chew. Opt for softer, safer, gut-friendly foods if they have swallowing or digestive concerns. Comfort and safety matter more than tradition.

Let them join in small ways.
Invite them to share a story from the past, say a blessing, or help with simple tasks. These moments help them feel included without tiring them out.

Watch if they get tired.
Holiday excitement can be draining. If they seem quiet or overwhelmed, gently guide them to rest.

This Thanksgiving, let’s honor our aging parents with patience, awareness, and love. The greatest gift we can give them is comfort, dignity, and connection. When we care for them intentionally, we create a holiday that feels meaningful for the entire family.

📲 For more caregiver wellness tips, holiday health guidance, and family support resources, visit our Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/drkatlove

11/12/2025

Mother nature offers an abundance of support mentally and physically. Find time to slip outside over the holidays to enjoy the fresh air and feel the power of nature. Whether planning a hike with loved ones or a brisk walk through the neighborhood, the sights and sounds contribute to a healthy mental state.

Breathing fresh air can raise oxygen levels in your brain, which in turn boosts the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter often called “the happy hormone.” Exercising outdoors, such as hiking, running, biking and kayaking, increases the production of endorphins in your brain. Like serotonin, these neurotransmitters are mood boosters. They create the sensation often referred to as "runner's high." Higher endorphin levels can leave you feeling calm and clear-headed.

In addition, a Stanford University study found that walking in nature could lower the risk of depression. The researchers found that people who walked for 90 minutes in a natural area, as opposed to those who walked in a high-traffic urban setting, showed decreased activity in a part of the brain associated with depression.

Even if your time is limited, try to fit in a brief walk outdoors at the beginning or end of your day or during your lunch break.

The holidays are a time to give — but caregivers deserve care, too. Whether you’re supporting a loved one with special needs or a PT, OT, or SLP seeking balance, Dr. Love’s Healthcare is here to help you stay healthy, centered, and inspired.

Explore more: linktr.ee/DrKatLove

11/11/2025

💜 Handling Incontinence with Care and Dignity

Caring for a loved one with incontinence can be one of the most delicate parts of the caregiving journey. It’s not just about managing physical needs — it’s about preserving dignity, building trust, and offering compassion every step of the way. 🌿

Start by creating a safe and accessible bathroom space. Keep it well-lit, use a brightly colored or raised toilet seat, and install grab bars for safety. These small adjustments can make your loved one feel more confident and secure.

Next, focus on comfort and convenience. Choose clothing that’s easy to remove — loose-fitting garments with elastic waistbands or Velcro instead of buttons. If accidents happen, change clothes promptly and use protective underwear that looks and feels natural.

Diet also matters. Limit foods that may worsen incontinence such as caffeine, alcohol, soda, spicy food, and chocolate. Keep a food diary to help identify triggers.

Lastly, practice gentle communication. Use calm, respectful words and maintain a positive tone. Setting a regular bathroom schedule (every 2–3 hours) can also help reduce stress and prevent accidents.

✨ Remember: handling incontinence with care is a sign of love, not a burden. Your patience and empathy can turn an uncomfortable situation into an opportunity for connection and dignity.

📩 Want more caregiver tips like this? Follow us for weekly insights on home health, wellness, and compassionate caregiving.
Visit our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/drkatlove

11/11/2025

A new study from a team of clinical psychologists at the University of Kansas suggests eating added sugars, found in many common holiday foods, can trigger metabolic, inflammatory, and neurobiological processes tied to depressive illness.

When combined with a decrease in daylight hours and a change in sleeping pattern, high sugar consumption could result in a "perfect storm" that adversely affects mental health.

"For many people, reduced sunlight exposure during the winter will throw off circadian rhythms, disrupting healthy sleep and pushing five to 10% of the population into a full-blown episode of clinical depression," said Stephen Ilardi, associate professor of clinical psychology.

These symptoms of "winter depression" could potentially prompt people to consume more sweets. "One common characteristic of winter-onset depression is craving sugar," he said. "So, we've got up to 30% of the population suffering from at least some symptoms of winter-onset depression, causing them to crave carbs – and now they're constantly confronted with holiday sweets."

To avoid a dip in mental stability and post-holiday weight gain, try swapping out processed sweets for healthy alternatives to curb your sweet tooth while staying within healthy limits. Fruits consumed early in the day provide healthy natural sugar. Dark chocolate is another healthy alternative!

The holidays are a time to give — but caregivers deserve care, too. Whether you’re supporting a loved one with special needs or a PT, OT, or SLP seeking balance, Dr. Love’s Healthcare is here to help you stay healthy, centered, and inspired.

Explore more: linktr.ee/DrKatLove

11/10/2025

Although many are tempted or pressured to travel during the holidays, this can trigger those who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. Statistics from a survey conducted by Booking.com indicate that just over one in three people (36%) worry about things going wrong on the first day of their holiday. And for anyone who suffers from anxiety, the concept of traveling far away - especially if it involves a flight - is a common trigger for a panic attack.

Life Coach Sloan Sheridan Williams offered this advice when traveling for the holidays: "To avoid feeling anxious and ensure you have a relaxing transition to holiday mode, be prepared to do something you would not normally do at home. Play a random song and dance like no one is watching, or go to a bar and order a drink you have never tried before," she suggests. "Rather than focusing on the panic attack, switch to your logical brain and start planning your playlist, find new haunts to be frequent, or check out the local cuisines you could order. If it all seems overwhelming, flood your system with positivity."

How do you keep calm when traveling?

The holidays are a time to give — but caregivers deserve care, too. Whether you’re supporting a loved one with special needs or a PT, OT, or SLP seeking balance, Dr. Love’s Healthcare is here to help you stay healthy, centered, and inspired.

Explore more: linktr.ee/DrKatLove

11/09/2025

Journaling has been scientifically proven as a healthy means of channeling one's thoughts and feelings to alleviate mental stress and anguish. This is particularly useful around the holidays when so many distractions prevent us from having a clear mind state, causing you to lose focus on what matters.

John Liptak, EdD, and Ester Leutenberg have written extensively about the benefits of journaling in many of their mental health resources. In the Communications Skills Workbook, they say:

"Journaling is an extremely powerful tool for enhancing self-discovery, learning, transcending traditional problems, breaking ineﬀective life and career habits, and helping to heal from psychological traumas of the past. From a physical point of view, writing reduces stress and lowers muscle tension, blood pressure, and heart rate levels. Psychologically, writing reduces sadness, depression, and general anxiety and leads to greater life satisfaction and optimism. Behaviorally, writing leads to enhanced social skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity."

Do you make a habit of journaling? If not, what’s standing in your way?

The holidays are a time to give — but caregivers deserve care, too. Whether you’re supporting a loved one with special needs or a PT, OT, or SLP seeking balance, Dr. Love’s Healthcare is here to help you stay healthy, centered, and inspired.

Explore more: linktr.ee/DrKatLove

11/08/2025

The 80/20 rule is a relatively straightforward concept: 80% nutrition, 20% flexibility or indulgence. The "80 percent" part of the plan focuses on drinking lots of water and eating nutritious foods that include:

- Whole grains

- Fruits and vegetables

- Lean protein, including plant-based proteins such as legumes, beans, soy, and edamame

-Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocados or olive oil

For your treats or the "20 percent" part, eat your favorite foods in moderation and without guilt.

The 80/20 rule can be a more realistic approach for many to consuming holiday meals as it is less restrictive and allows flexibility between meals.

Given the opportunity to indulge, what is your favorite holiday treat? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

The holidays are a time to give — but caregivers deserve care, too. Whether you’re supporting a loved one with special needs or a PT, OT, or SLP seeking balance, Dr. Love’s Healthcare is here to help you stay healthy, centered, and inspired.

Explore more: linktr.ee/DrKatLove

11/07/2025

Foods and drinks that contain no significant nutrients but are high in calories are said to have "empty calories." These are mainly foods and beverages that have a high sugar, fat, or alcohol content but little or no other nutritional value. There is an abundance of drinks and sugary desserts during the holidays that should be consumed in moderation to avoid overconsumption.

These include:

1. carbohydrate-based desserts, such as cakes, cookies, biscuits, donuts, muffins, granola bars, and more

2. sugary drinks, including soda, energy drinks, and fruit juice

3. candy bars, chocolate bars, and hard candies

4. some meats, including bacon, sausages, and hotdogs

5. some total fat products, such as butter, shortening, and ice-cream

6. processed oils, such as soybean and canola oil

7. condiments, such as ketchup and barbecue sauce

8. fast food, including burgers, wraps, pizza, and more alcohol

Avoiding these types of food when possible or restricting their consumption will allow you to fill up on more nourishing foods that both taste delicious and are great for you and your body!

The holidays are a time to give — but caregivers deserve care, too. Whether you’re supporting a loved one with special needs or a PT, OT, or SLP seeking balance, Dr. Love’s Healthcare is here to help you stay healthy, centered, and inspired.

Explore more: linktr.ee/DrKatLove

11/06/2025

The holidays can be mentally strenuous for many. It can be a reminder of those that have lost family and are grieving. Others may not have someone to spend the holidays with. The fact of the matter is, everyone deals with personal struggles in their own way. Throughout the holiday season, try spreading random acts of kindness. Doing the right thing for the sake of doing good is uplifting, which can help inspire positive mental health. It can genuinely make a difference for those around you. Here are a few ideas to spread holiday cheer this season:

1. Volunteer: There are countless ways to volunteer your time around the holiday, such as working with a local food shelter.

2. Organize a caroling visit at a retirement home.

3. Offer to adopt a local family who may need assistance with food or presents this season.

4. Pay for coffee for the person behind you.

5. Donate to charity

Do you volunteer your time during the holidays? I would love to hear about your experiences!

The holidays are a time to give — but caregivers deserve care, too. Whether you’re supporting a loved one with special needs or a PT, OT, or SLP seeking balance, Dr. Love’s Healthcare is here to help you stay healthy, centered, and inspired.

Explore more: linktr.ee/DrKatLove

11/05/2025

🌿 Caregiver Boundaries During the Holidays: How to Say “No” with Love

The holidays are a time for family, food, and togetherness — but for caregivers, they can also bring pressure, guilt, and exhaustion. Everyone wants your time and energy, but you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Setting boundaries doesn’t make you selfish — it makes you stronger. When you say no with kindness, you’re not rejecting others; you’re simply protecting your peace and your health.

Here’s how to say “no” with love:
💛 Know your limits. You don’t have to do everything. Rest is part of caring.
💬 Say it kindly. “I’d love to help, but I need time to recharge.”
🌸 Let go of guilt. Taking care of yourself helps you care better for others.
🙏 Choose peace over pressure. Keep celebrations simple and focus on what truly matters — faith, family, and wellness.

Remember: you are more than what you do for others. Your health, your rest, and your peace matter too.
This holiday season, let love include you.

✨ Take care of your body, mind, and spirit — because the best gift you can give is a healthy, joyful you.

📲 Visit our Linktree for more caregiver wellness and self-care tips:
👉 https://linktr.ee/drkatlove

11/05/2025

It is easy to get distracted by superficial or materialistic things during the holidays, but there is also magic this time of year. The French poet Molière is quoted as saying, "The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit." But that can be harder to accomplish during the holiday season when your calendar is complete, your expectations are set high, your anxiety higher, and your mental health may be on the back burner.

Slowing down requires intentionality. But how?

1. Become comfortable with saying no. It can be tempting to accept every invitation with family and friends this holiday season. Still, when you find your attention is split in too many directions simultaneously, you will stretch yourself too thin. Rather than having a half experience, delegate your attention in order of priority, and feel confident saying no so that whatever you commit to gets your undivided attention.

2. Think slow, react slower. When you're hosting a holiday party, you may find yourself rushing to get through a plate of food to move on to your next hosting responsibility. Take a moment to savor each and every bite. Look around at your loved ones and enjoy the bounty of the meal you provided. Listen to the laughter and the conversation. Soak it in for what it is, and remember to appreciate the opportunity to share these memories.

3. Put the phones away. It is easy to find yourself mindlessly scrolling social media as a means of distraction or entertainment. This holiday season, think less tech and be more present in the moment.

Meditation is a great way to focus your energy and ground you back to a particular time or setting. How do you regain focus?

The holidays are a time to give — but caregivers deserve care, too. Whether you’re supporting a loved one with special needs or a PT, OT, or SLP seeking balance, Dr. Love’s Healthcare is here to help you stay healthy, centered, and inspired.

Explore more: linktr.ee/DrKatLove

11/04/2025

🌟 From Classroom to Real-World Success! 🌟

Meet Natalie Braslau, a Texas A&M Social Media Marketing Intern who spent five months learning, growing, and creating with Dr. Kat Demps and the K&K Services / Dr. Love’s Healthcare team. 💜

During her internship, Natalie dove into everything social media — from designing eye-catching posts in Canva to writing articles and boosting engagement on Facebook and Instagram. Through this hands-on experience, she didn’t just learn strategy — she saw real results from the content she created!

✨ “It was an awesome experience that let me flex my creativity, sharpen my strategy skills, and see real results,” Natalie shares. “I absolutely loved working for Dr. Demps and highly recommend this internship to anyone looking to gain social media and marketing experience!” ✨

At Dr. Love’s Healthcare, we believe in mentoring the next generation of communicators and health advocates. Every intern becomes part of a mission that blends caregiving, community, and creativity. 🌿

💬 If you’re passionate about marketing, wellness, and purpose-driven storytelling, we’d love to have you on our team. Learn more through our Linktree below.

👉 https://linktr.ee/drkatlove

Dr KL Johnson

11/13/2025

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