Valley Dietitian and Health Coach Publishes Book on Experience as a Caregiver
RIDGEWOOD, NJ, October 26, 2022 – Jessica Cording, MS, RD, CDN, INHC, a registered dietitian and health coach at The Valley Hospital Breast Center, has published The Farewell Tour: A Caregiver’s Guide to Stress Management, Sane Nutrition, and Better Sleep.
“The idea for this book formed when my family and I were supporting my dad through his pancreatic cancer journey, which he called ‘The Farewell Tour,’ says Cording. “I had a difficult time finding caregiver resources that spoke to me, and I wanted to write the book I wish I had.”
Through the lens of her heartbreaking and intimate journey, she offers a poignant, occasionally humorous, and unique approach for caring for someone with ongoing medical needs, including when the individual is near the end of life. One topic referenced in the book is caregiver burnout, which Cording notes is a serious health issue.
“The earliest seeds for the book were planted when I was working as a dietitian in an ALS [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis] clinic and watched the wear and tear my patients’ family members went through. I wished I had more to offer,” Cording said. “This book is part how-to, part personal story, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to share actionable tips and tools with people who need them in this way,” she said.
Cording blends her own expertise as a dietitian and health coach with personal anecdotes while offering insight from wellness professionals, world-renowned musicians, and music industry professionals.
The book includes a playlist of songs Cording and her father were each listening to during his ‘Farewell Tour,’ with suggested listening for each chapter. Cording reminds readers it’s okay to laugh, and it’s imperative to take care of yourself along the way.
“Writing this book turned out to be a very healing experience for me. Speaking with my father’s friends from the music industry made me feel as though I got to know him a little better. Creating the playlist that goes along with the book was also a very cathartic experience for me as I went through our Spotify playlists from the ‘Farewell Tour’ time period. Music is my family’s love language, and it had to be a part of this project,” said Jessica.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon, Simon & Schuster, and other booksellers. The Farewell Tour playlist is available on Spotify.
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