Yes, the third time is the charm.

October 29, 2025

Hi there!

I’m Erna, the author of Care Fully.

My caregiver journey started over 20 years ago, when I was 21 years old. As a newly minted college graduate, my life was just beginning. I had no idea how to deal with the ups, downs, and in-betweens of caregiving for my Mother.

Care Fully is a play on words. The questions I am asked and the questions I still have drive each issue of this newsletter.

We “care fully” by balancing our needs as a caregivers with those we provide care for. My goal is to offer up experiences and information to support your caregiving needs.

If this edition was forwarded to you, please sign up for your own copy here. And, if you’re looking for ideas to spotlight or support caregiving in your company, reach out to me at [email protected].

This week’s newsletter discusses:

  • A recent provider experience.

  • Links of note.

  • Productivity milestones.

CAREGIVER HEALTH

Take it from me, keeping your doctor appointments = more options.

I have been dealing with an intense, lingering cough, for over a year. My primary care doctor has heard it, as have other clinicians. Everyone has said something to the effect of “that cough doesn’t sound good, but it is going around.”

Based on those remarks, I just kept things moving, until one of my doctors referred me to a pulmonologist. At first, I asked what she wasn’t telling me. A pulmonologist is a lung doctor. Do I now have a more complicated issue?

Not to worry. She made the suggestion since multiple x-rays and other tests didn’t provide answers to the origins or triggers of my cough. She gave me a list of doctors to contact.

I researched the list of pulmonologists she provided. After fully exploring their backgrounds and reviews, I made my choice and scheduled the appointment.

I’m so grateful I did! The doctor was attentive and asked great questions. He even answered my questions, before giving me a diagnosis. It turns out, I have a form of asthma.

I could not believe the third time was the charm! My third doctor visit (not even related to my cough) kicked off a plan of action.

None of my previous clinicians were experts in respiratory and lung care. Yet, only one thought to get me answers by referring me to a specialist.

Keep your doctor appointments. You never which doctor will have viable options. It has been a little over a week, but my cough has dissipated. It makes a world of difference for me.

News for you.

  • What if all employers offered employees a Lifestage Wallet to support any of your care needs?

  • Looking for caregiving tips on surviving the holidays? Register for this webinar.

  • If you are an Ōura ring user, you might be able to measure blood pressure in the very near future.

  • Startups and entrepreneurs have a new pathway for testing digital health solutions. Say thanks to the Cleveland Clinic and Khosla Ventures.

Hey there . . .

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PRODUCTIVITY

Three really is the magic number.

I always keep an eye out for the latest productivity tip or hack that has at least a 60% chance of working for me. The Fast Company article below has something that seems to be working for me. Check it out. It might work for you too.

These small, achievable actions will help make you more productive and less frazzled

These no-nonsense, science-backed ideas can make you more productive and less frazzled

www.fastcompany.com/91370981/these-small-achievable-actions-will-help-make-you-more-productive-and-less-frazzled-work-productivity-efficiency-calm

What if you had a framework that ensured you got your three “get this done no matter what tasks?” And, what if your framework some how gave you space to recognize your wins? In case you don’t have time to read the article, here’s the framework:

  1. Three must do’s.

  2. Two nice to have’s.

  3. One mood-boost.

I like this framework because your focus is on the three must do’s. Everything else is “over and above.” And one of those “over and above” tasks is a reward! That is it. Nothing complicated, which leaves you to get the things done that you’ve prioritized. Sounds simple, but it does work. Let me know what you think.

TILL NEXT TIME

Thanks for reading my newsletter. If you like it, please:

  1. Share Care Fully with a friend using this link.

  2. Are you thinking of ways to spotlight caregiving in your company? Reach out to me if you’re looking for a speaker or support to help plan your event. Email [email protected] for more information.

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Take care,

Erna