Dr. Rippe's Blog

Did you know that about one of every five American adults over aged 18 is involved in taking care of a loved one who is ill or disabled or has other special needs. And even if you aren't currently caregiving, the chances are great that most American adults at one time or another during our lives will have to care for someone. Many "boomers" (like my wife and I) have slipped into the "sandwich generation"--while we are still caring for our own children, we must also think about assisting parents as they grow older and also face health challenges. Most of us must continue to work while providing this extra care, too. Such circumstances are stressful by their very nature.

Fortunately, there are some excellent resources and online communities that may provide helpful information and support. I'd like to share several of these with you because it's never too early or too late to start checking out some basic tools and resources.

www.familycaregiving101.org is a project of the National Family Caregivers Association and the National Alliance for Caregiving. It provides information on stages of caregiving, resources on how to manage and opportunities to share with others.

www.thefamilycaregiver.org is the website of the National Family Caregivers Association. It provides a library of resources and information on public policy and advocacy. You can sign up to be part of their caregivers community.

www.caregiver.org is the website of the Family Caregiver Alliance. It provides information on caregiving and public policy and research and sponsors several online groups,

What goals for balance are you working on or would you like to be working on? More physical activity on a regular basis?  Better balanced nutrition? More time for relaxing and destressing? How are you coming along?

One of the greatest barriers to taking steps to take care of ourselves is feeling that we are not worth the effort. Over the years, I've counseled hundreds of individuals who really want to make changes for the better in their lives but are stymied or tripped up by deep-down feelings that they are not worth the effort. Sometimes, they have not even acknowledged this self-doubt to themselves.

To each I have said, You are worth the life you want. As a living, breathing citizen of the planet you have equal worth with any other person. I can assure you of that, but each of us must accept that truth for ourselves. That can be very tough. If you struggle with such issues, you might take a brief moment each day to focus on something you have done well or that you enjoyed and affirm that accomplishment. Just saying to yourself each day, yes I am worth it, can boost your feeling of worth. So affirm daily one positive thing--and remember, yes, I am worth it.

It's only eight more days to Halloween eve, as I write this. Most children really enjoy this holiday. Not only is it fun to dress up (even parents like this part), but there are all those yummy treats. As parents, we can keep this holiday fun for our children by making sure that we help them follow some important safety tips.

• Costumes and masks should fit well, with no trailing parts to trip on. Accessories should be soft and flexible. Masks should have eyeholes with adequate visibility. Reflector tape on costumes and treat bags/baskets enhances visibility in addition to other lights children may carry. Wear enclosed shoes with good traction (no sandles or flipflops).
• Stay visible. In addition to reflector strips just mentioned, carrying flashlights, small battery-powered lanterns, or even glow sticks helps children see and be seen.
• Accompany your children. Even if you live in a small town or an enclosed subdivision, the wisest plan is to accompany your children on their rounds. If your presence embarrasses older children, discuss the safety issues with them. Assure them that you can hang back, but you will be there.
• Check treats before eating them. Before you start out, discuss the importance of inspecting treats before consuming them. Of course, kids will want to eat some along the way--help them stick to factory-wrapped treats for this.
• Watch out for traffic. Walk on sidewalks facing oncoming traffic.  Cross at crosswalks, not in the middle of blocks. Look both ways before crossing the street. Keep your lights on to make sure others can see you.

Following these simple tips can keep Halloween a fun holiday for everyone. For more good tips, see these tips from the Center's for Disease Control.