Wellness Wave Coming August 4th!

By Thomas Lehrich, President of the Board

Are you seeking to improve your wellness level, stay accountable to your goals, and raise awareness for individuals with neurological conditions? Plus One is hosting an event this summer, called Wellness Wave!

More details are coming about our 10-day fitness and wellness challenge. It is a fun event, and anyone can participate. You can also do it from anywhere! Last year, we had swimmers in the pools of Europe, walkers in Seattle, cyclists in Asia, and hikers and runners from all over the USA. You can start today by visiting our webpage.

We are looking for volunteers for the event committee for this event. If you are interested or have any questions, please email admin@plusonefoundation.org.

Above is a green and orange flyer for the Wellness Wave event with the phrase: “Every move makes a ripple.” There are people doing yoga poses, walking, and wheelchair racing on top of some waves. The Plus One Foundation event is described as 10 days of movement, mindfulness, and meaning.

National Nurses Week!

By Thomas Lehrich, President of The Board

National Nurses Week 2025 is here! We recognize the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide and the real-life challenges they face every day. Patients know that when navigating the healthcare system, nurses play a critical role in their lives.

It is a good time to show appreciation for the nurses in our lives. Thank you, Board Member Kevin, for your important work as a nurse. We know your nursing work has deeply impacted patients, and we appreciate your contributions in honoring nurses this week.

Kevin has told us that he and modern nurses are building on the profession from nurses before them.

Known as the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale made her mark during the Crimean War. She organized care for wounded soldiers and checked on them during the night — a practice that led to her nickname, “the Lady With the Lamp.” Nightingale became an icon of Victorian culture, and at the same time raised the reputation of nursing, previously regarded as a menial profession. But she was more than a pioneering nurse; she was also a social reformer who helped improve health care throughout British society, while at the same time expanding the “acceptable” roles of women in the workplace. Nightingale’s name is now synonymous with care and kindness — and also courage. She dedicated herself to helping others and, in doing so, forever changed the way medicine is practiced.

This week, we take the time to send our appreciation to board member Kevin and the nurses in our lives.

Hit The Deck Coming This Summer!

Above is a picture of a blue kickboard for swimming.

By Thomas Lehrich, President of the Board

Are you seeking to improve your wellness level, stay accountable to your goals, and raise awareness for individuals with neurological conditions? Plus One is hosting an event this summer, called Hit the Deck! More details are coming about our 10-day fitness and wellness challenge.

It is a fun event, and anyone can participate. You can also do it from anywhere! Last year, we had swimmers in the pools of Europe, walkers in Seattle, cyclists in Asia, and hikers and runners from all over the USA. You can start today by visiting our Hit the Deck information page from last year.

We are looking for volunteers for the event committee for Hit the Deck. If you are interested or have any questions, please email admin@plusonefoundation.org.

How Artificial Intelligence Can Help You

At Plus One Foundation, we’re always looking for ways to help you live your best possible life, especially when it comes to using technology. We understand that technology can be overwhelming, but we believe that artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to make things easier for you. There are undoubtedly frustrations and challenges that come with using smartphones and computers. You may find yourself repeating tasks, like downloading the same files over and over, but there are AI tools that can help you with these tasks.

AI tools, like ChatGPT, can be incredibly helpful. Founder and President Kacey Kroeger uses ChatGPT daily to help with tasks ranging from writing letters to finding articles online, saving time and keeping track of things for her. AI helps make communication easier and can organize your information, making everyday tasks smoother. It’s like having a helpful assistant right at your fingertips! The challenge isn’t always how AI works, it’s knowing what’s out there and how to use it. Kacey explained, “Not only is it hard to navigate to find these tools, but it's also very beneficial to have someone walk me through how to use them a few times. Once this happens, I then have the ability to maximize the uses on my own”.

Now let’s talk about how to use ChatGPT:

You can find ChatGPT by searching “ChatGPT” or “OpenAI” in any browser and navigating to the “Start now” or “Try ChatGPT” buttons. You can also install the ChatGPT app on your phone in Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store. Once you get to the prompt screen that says “What can I help with?”, type any question or request into the chat box as if you were speaking with a human assistant. You can ask it to help with writing, planning, or even just having a conversation. As you use it more, it will become easier to see how it can be helpful for your day-to-day tasks. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need someone to walk you through it!

We’re excited about how AI can make life easier for you. Plus One is here to support you every step of the way as you explore these helpful tools. Stay tuned for more resources, tips, and workshops to help you get started with AI and how to utilize it for some of your everyday tasks.

March is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness and Prevention Month

By Thomas Lehrich, President of the Board

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), is a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. Approximately 166 Americans die every day from TBI-related injuries. TBI is an injury caused by a blow, jolt, or penetrating object that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain at any age. This can result in serious damage to the brain that can lead to long-term complications and death.

TBI affects the totality of health and the different locations of the brain injury matter. A TBI to the frontal lobes of an individual’s brain may affect their ability to control emotions, impulses, and behavior or cause difficulty in recalling events or speaking. TBI to the temporal lobes may lead an individual to demonstrate difficulty with communication or memory. Injury to the parietal lobes may cause an individual to experience trouble with their five primary senses. TBI to the cerebellum may affect an individual’s balance, movement, and coordination. TBI to the occipital lobes may cause an individual to have trouble seeing or perceiving the size and shape of objects.

However, there is hope and healing for this chronic condition. Here at the Plus One Foundation, we provide life-changing programs and opportunities for individuals and families affected by TBIs. Please take a look at our website for more information.

Education is also at the heart of what we do; our Think aBout It campaign aims to dig deeper into all aspects of TBIs and neurological conditions. Look for the upcoming segment this spring on the newest medical developments in treating TBIs.