Clear Guidance, LLC, 47 River Street, Suite 210, Needham, MA (2026)

01/23/2026

NATIONAL HANDWRITING DAY

National Handwriting Day on January 23rd encourages us to put pen to paper and write out our thoughts. According to the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association, it is a chance for all to re-explore the purity and power of handwriting.

While technology speeds up the writing process and makes communication more efficient worldwide, there's something to be said for writing thoughts longhand. Whether it's a journal, notes, or even a letter to someone, the act of writing with pen and paper is a supremely tactile and patient practice. If it does anything, it forces the body and the mind to slow down and resynchronize.

Look around. In mere seconds, letters and words form when we text or email. Phones transmit our voices in real time. Once sent or said, those words cannot be recalled.

Meanwhile, writing longhand feels like taking a deep breath. Jumbled thoughts must be sorted before the ink spills onto a white page. They must count and be worthy of the lines that will fill it. It's an exercise in faith. And it requires practice, too.

01/21/2026

Tammy Pozerycki and her Essential Skills for Dementia Care training was featured in the Geriatric Resource Centre's newsletter!

Thank you Marci and Brooke for including Clear Guidance in your newsletter. We truly appreciate it and hope to continue to partner with you for your future dementia educational needs.

"Tammy's training class was a great success for our entire team. We plan to add additional training sessions to enhance our caregivers' dementia training."
- Marci Sage, Managing Director, Geriatric Resource Centre

To learn more about partnering with Clear Guidance to increase the quality of life for your clients, patients, participants, family, and staff, please contact Tammy Pozerycki at 508-861-6709 or tammypozerycki@clearguidance.org

https://buff.ly/sl9geVz

01/19/2026

A HIDDEN BRAIN SIGNAL MAY REVEAL ALZHEIMER'S LONG BEFORE DIAGNOSIS

Date: January 12, 2026
Source: Brown University
Summary: Researchers have discovered a brain activity pattern that can predict which people with mild cognitive impairment are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Using a noninvasive brain scanning technique and a custom analysis tool, they detected subtle changes in electrical signals tied to memory processing years before diagnosis. The findings point to a new way of spotting Alzheimer’s early—by listening directly to how neurons behave.

Using a specially designed analysis tool, scientists at Brown University have identified a brain-based biomarker that may help predict whether mild cognitive impairment will progress into Alzheimer's disease. The approach focuses on measuring electrical activity produced by neurons, offering a new way to spot early signs of the disease directly in the brain.

To read the full article by Science Daily online, please click here https://buff.ly/cipU96h

01/16/2026

NATIONAL FIG NEWTON DAY

National Fig Newton Day on January 16th annually recognizes a tasty pastry enjoyed across the country.

A Nabisco's trademarked version of the fig roll, Newtons are a pastry filled with fig paste. Fig Newtons have an unusual and characteristic shape that has been adopted by many competitors, including generic fig bars.

Up until the 19th century, many physicians believed most illnesses were related to digestion problems. As a remedy, they recommended a daily intake of biscuits and fruit. Fig rolls served as an ideal solution to their advice, which remained a locally produced handmade product.

In 1891, Philadelphia baker and fig-lover Charles Roser invented and patented the machine, which inserted fig paste into a thick pastry dough. The Cambridgeport, MA-based Kennedy Biscuit Company then purchased Roser's recipe. They began mass production after purchasing the recipe. In 1891, they produced the first Fig Newtons baked at the F.A. Kennedy Steam Bakery. The company named the pastries after the town of Newton, Massachusetts.

After recently becoming associated, the Kennedy Biscuit Company and the New York Biscuit company merged to form Nabisco. The new company trademarked the fig rolls as Fig Newtons.

01/14/2026

SURVEY REVEALS MAJORITY OF NEW ENGLAND FAMILIES SEEK SENIOR CARE ONLY IN A CRISIS

To view the survey results, please click here: https://buff.ly/OL2eHAW

The Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA) was formed in 1985 to advance dignified, coordinated care for older adults in the United States. With nearly 2,000 members nationwide, Aging Life Care Professionals® have cared for about two million older adults over its history. ALCA Members are distinguished from others practicing care management as they must meet stringent education, experience, and certification requirements and adhere to the ALCA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Members may be trained in several fields including, but not limited to, counseling, gerontology, mental health, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or social work; with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.

The New England Chapter (ALCA NE) supports professionals across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine who remain a trusted resource for families and professionals seeking clarity and confidence in aging care decisions.

CLEAR GUIDANCE is a proud member of ALCA!
To learn more about Clear Guidance, our team of experts, and the services we provide, please visit https://buff.ly/sl9geVz

01/12/2026

By Angelica Stabile Fox News

MISSING SLEEP MAY TAKE A HIDDEN TOLL ON YOUR BRAIN AND LONGEVITY, RESEARCH REVEALS
INSUFFICIENT SLEEP HAS HIGHER MORTALITY RISK THAN BAD DIET AND LACK OF EXERCISE, STUDY FINDS

New research from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), published in the journal Sleep Advances, found that poor sleep may shorten life expectancy more than other lifestyle factors like diet, exercise and loneliness. The researchers analyzed nationwide CDC survey data, identifying trends associated with average life expectancy by county, according to a press release. The study found that lack of adequate sleep led to higher mortality risk in every U.S. state and was the top behavioral driver compared to other factors, only behind smoking.

Senior study author Andrew McHill, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Sleep, Chronobiology, and Health Laboratory in the OHSU School of Nursing, noted in a statement that he did not expect sleep to be "so strongly correlated" to life expectancy. "We’ve always thought sleep is important, but this research really drives that point home: People really should strive to get seven to nine hours of sleep, if at all possible," he said. "This research shows that we need to prioritize sleep at least as much as we do [in] what we eat or how we exercise."

In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Daniel Amen, psychiatrist and owner of Amen Clinics in California, emphasized how important sleep is for brain function and longevity. "Sleep is so important," he said. "When you sleep, your brain cleans and washes itself. And if you don't sleep seven to nine hours at night, your brain looks older than you are — there's less blood flow, and it increases inflammation in the brain."

"Your brain doesn't have enough time to get rid of the toxins that build up during the day."
Lack of adequate sleep can lead to poor decisions and foster toxic cycles, the doctor warned.
"If your brain has less activity in the front part, not only are you tired, but you're also hungrier, and you're more likely to not make the best decisions," he said. "Which, of course, will stress you out, and then you won't sleep well the next night."

One small change to promote longevity and brain health is to try getting to bed 15 minutes earlier, Amen suggested. "Really be purposeful about not being distracted by Netflix or your phone," he said. "And when you get up in the morning, say to yourself, ‘Today is going to be a great day.’ The more positive you are, the better your brain."

01/09/2026

NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY

Across the country on January 9th each year, citizens take the lead to show support on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

Law Enforcement Officers of every rank and file have chosen a profession that puts their life on the line every day for their communities. They've answered a call to public service that is demanding and often unappreciated.

From local, state, and federal, their duties command dedication. The jobs are often thankless and take them away from their families for long hours. Rarely do they know what their days have in store for them. Often law enforcement are the only paid emergency resource a community has. More often they work in coordination with other local, state, and federal organizations to make communities safer.

On National Law Enforcement Day, we have an opportunity to thank them for their service and offer a token of respect.

There are several ways to show your support. Send a note of thanks to your local, county or state police agency. Wear blue, turn your social media channels blue or shine a blue porch light to show your support. Share your support using to share on social media.

01/07/2026

HIGH PRAISE FOR TAMMY'S ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR DEMENTIA CARE TRAININGS!!! 🎉

Become a Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP) by attending Essential Skills for Dementia Care Training approved and accredited through the National Institute for Dementia Education.

Tammy provides a practical and engaging session designed to build understanding, confidence, and compassion when supporting people living with dementia.

Whether you’re a professional, caregiver, or simply want to learn more, this training offers valuable tools you can use right away.

For more information or to register, please contact
Tammy Pozerycki, MA, BC-DEd, CMC, CDCL, CADDCT, CFRDT, CDP, COTP tammypozerycki@clearguidance.org or 508-861-6709

01/06/2026

UK HealthAndMe Website

This Common Cold Like Symptom Might Actually Be An Early Sign of Dementia

An early sign of dementia can sometimes look like a common winter-related issue. When this symptom appears along with other warning signals, it may be wise to speak to a doctor. Dementia is a syndrome marked by a collection of related symptoms that point to a gradual decline in brain function. Over time, this can affect memory, behaviour, thinking, and even movement. In its early phase, however, dementia often shows up through subtle changes that are easy to overlook or mistake for something less serious.

Dementia UK notes that one possible early indicator of dementia is “low mood, anxiety or depression”. Its specialists explain: “In the early stages of dementia, people often begin to notice symptoms that interfere with day-to-day life.” The difficulty is that low mood or depression can also be linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that tends to appear during winter and ease as the days become longer and brighter.

The NHS lists the following possible symptoms of SAD:
-Low mood
-Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
-Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
-Feeling restless, tense or easily irritated
-Problems with concentration
-Increased appetite and eating more than usual
-Feeling very tired and sleeping more than usual
-Thoughts of su***de or self-harm

Dementia UK also highlights other possible early signs of dementia, including:
-Problems with memory and concentration
-Difficulties with language and communication, such as struggling to find words or follow conversations
-Difficulties with planning, problem-solving and making decisions
-Getting lost in familiar places because of problems with orientation and reduced ability to recognise usual cues, such as signs or landmarks
-Changes in behaviour and personality, such as becoming more withdrawn or less patient

To read the full article, please visit https://buff.ly/PjKfiBq

01/05/2026

⭐️ ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR DEMENTIA CARE TRAINING ⭐️

Start the new year off right...

Become a Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP) by attending Essential Skills for Dementia Care Training approved and accredited through the National Institute for Dementia Education.

This full day training offers 7 nursing contact hours and 7 social worker CEs.
Located at the Clear Guidance Office, 47 River Street, Suite 210, Wellesley.
Cost is $325 per person includes lunch and credentialing.
Private organizational trainings may be arranged.

‼️Upcoming training is Friday, January 23rd ‼️

For more information or to register, please contact
Tammy Pozerycki, MA, BC-DEd, CMC, CDCL, CADDCT, CFRDT, CDP, COTP tammypozerycki@clearguidance.org or 508-861-6709

12/31/2025

⭐️ ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR DEMENTIA CARE TRAINING ⭐️

Start the new year off right...

Become a Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP) by attending Essential Skills for Dementia Care Training approved and accredited through the National Institute for Dementia Education.

This full day training offers 7 nursing contact hours and 7 social worker CEs.
Located at the Clear Guidance Office, 47 River Street, Suite 210, Wellesley.
Cost is $325 per person includes lunch and credentialing.
Private organizational trainings may be arranged.

For more information or to register, please contact
Tammy Pozerycki, MA, BC-DEd, CMC, CDCL, CADDCT, CFRDT, CDP, COTP tammypozerycki@clearguidance.org or 508-861-6709

12/29/2025

SURGEON GENERAL CALLED LONELINESS AN EPIDEMIC.
THE WAY TO FIX IT DOESN'T COME FROM A DOCTOR.
Simple actions like picking up the phone and showing up can address public health crisis
By Arnold Gilberg, Fox News

In 2024, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory declaring loneliness a public health epidemic. He wasn't exaggerating. The data shows social isolation is as deadly as smoking 15 ci******es a day and raises the risk of premature death by nearly 30%. Yet as a nation, we've done remarkably little to address it.

I've been a practicing psychiatrist for more than 50 years. This holiday season, my phone won't stop ringing. Patients are desperate for appointments — not because of clinical depression or anxiety disorders, but because they're profoundly alone. A recent AARP survey found 40% of adults 45 and older feel lonely, up five points from just a few years ago. The holidays only amplify the problem.

This isn't just a personal tragedy for millions of Americans — it's a policy crisis. Loneliness drives up healthcare costs, reduces workforce productivity and strains an already overburdened mental health system. When people lack social connection, they get sicker more often, recover more slowly and die younger. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers are footing the bill for what is, at its core, a social problem masquerading as a medical one.

Washington loves to debate healthcare spending. Here's a conversation we're not having: The most cost-effective intervention for many patients isn't another medication or procedure — it's human connection. And that's something no government program can prescribe.

But individuals can. Here's what I tell my patients — and what I'd tell policymakers looking for upstream solutions to downstream healthcare costs:
*Pick up the phone and actually call someone
*Help someone who has it worse
*Show up to your faith community
*Practice gratitude deliberately
*Get off the couch

To read the full article,, please click here https://buff.ly/mvTg2ET

Clear Guidance, LLC

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