Ageism – stereotypes that lead to prejudice and discrimination against older people – occurs frequently in young adults and can be seen in children as young as three. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Liege in Belgium, and published in December 2017 in the journal Child Development. sought to identify the factors… Continue reading Quality of Contact with Grandparents Is Key to Youths’ Views of Ageism
Category: Family
Be Prepared: 6 Tips for Caregivers
Here, from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a caregiving list that can prove lifesaving: 1. Keep a list of medicines for each person you care for. Include over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, vitamins and herbs. Keep this list with you at all times. Bring this list to doctor visits. Remember to ask any questions… Continue reading Be Prepared: 6 Tips for Caregivers
The Pros and Cons of Marijuana as a Mother
Though marijuana is often considered a drug for the young and rebellious, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently reported that middle aged parents are now more likely to use marijuana than their teenage children. This is partly due to the increased accessibility of marijuana with legalization of the drug across the country. Recreational marijuana… Continue reading The Pros and Cons of Marijuana as a Mother
Marital Marijuana: The Key to Wedded Bliss?
Frustrated by poor communication, a fizzling sex life, or lack of intimacy in your marriage? Say goodbye to couple’s therapy and counseling. There’s a new marital guru in town, and she goes by “Mary Jane.” These findings come in part from a recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, which found that marijuana users… Continue reading Marital Marijuana: The Key to Wedded Bliss?
Surrogate Healthcare Decision Makers for the Elderly Experience Psychological Distress
Nearly half of the 13 million older adults hospitalized annually in the United States are unable to make their own medical decisions and rely on surrogates, usually close family members, to make decisions for them. However little is known about how these surrogates respond to the demands put upon them. A study from the Indiana… Continue reading Surrogate Healthcare Decision Makers for the Elderly Experience Psychological Distress
Solving the Senior Loneliness Problem During the Holidays
Known by the clinical community as “The Christmas Effect,” it has been well-established that many people experience increased feelings of loneliness and isolation during the holidays. In fact, one study found that, among people who reported a psychiatric emergency during the holidays, the most common stressors reported were loneliness (40%) and being without a family… Continue reading Solving the Senior Loneliness Problem During the Holidays
Suddenly Obtained Power of Attorney? Five Things to Do & Five Things Not to Do
The operative word here is “suddenly.” In reality, it is best for everyone, including banking institutions and physicians, friends and neighbors, if the chosen Power of Attorney and the loved one assigning that title prepare well before incapacitation. It is a tough word to accept – incapacitation – but it is the reason for a… Continue reading Suddenly Obtained Power of Attorney? Five Things to Do & Five Things Not to Do
The Secret to Raising Healthy Kids Starts in the Kitchen
The incidence of children with obesity in the United States has more than tripled since the 1970s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Currently about one in five school-aged children (ages 6-19) are obese. In addition, “about one-third of American youth are overweight, a problem closely related to the increase in kids with… Continue reading The Secret to Raising Healthy Kids Starts in the Kitchen
Laser Toys: How to Keep Kids Safe
Many kids (and parents) who have seen Luke Skywalker battle Darth Vader with a light saber think lasers are cool. What they may not know is this: When operated unsafely, or without certain controls, the highly-concentrated light from lasers—even those in toys—can be dangerous, causing serious eye injuries and even blindness. And not just to… Continue reading Laser Toys: How to Keep Kids Safe
How to Help End Your Spouse’s Infernal Snoring
If your spouse snores, you may have just endured another sleepless night. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are steps you can take – or at least have your spouse take – that could end the snoring and perhaps even save your spouse’s life in the process. “A lot of people think… Continue reading How to Help End Your Spouse’s Infernal Snoring
Sharing Caregiving Responsibilities: What the Experts Say
From the National Institute on Aging, strategies for making a difficult task easier: Caring for an older family member often requires teamwork. While one sibling might be local and take on most of the everyday caregiving responsibilities, a long-distance caregiver can also have an important role. As a long-distance caregiver, you can provide important respite… Continue reading Sharing Caregiving Responsibilities: What the Experts Say
Do Tanning Salons Comply with State Laws Restricting Access to Minors?
Researchers posed as minors to investigate compliance rates in 42 states and the District of Columbia with laws restricting tanning bed use by minors and they report an overall noncompliance rate of 37 percent, according to an article published in October 2017 by JAMA Dermatology. A release from the publisher reports that most states have… Continue reading Do Tanning Salons Comply with State Laws Restricting Access to Minors?
Testing the Field: How to Spark Your Kids’ Interest in Sports
Kids benefit from athletic involvement in so many ways. Sports are a great way to socialize, learn about healthy competition, get exercise and fresh air, and just have fun. But it can be difficult for some kids (and their parents) to find the sport that fits just right. For some kids, playing a sport can… Continue reading Testing the Field: How to Spark Your Kids’ Interest in Sports
How Relationships with Parents and Children Change as We Age
It’s a universal truth that we take things for granted, especially when we’re young. Even though we know that it’s not logical, a part of us believes our parents or mentors will always be there when we need them. And we can’t wrap our mind around the idea that one day our children may have… Continue reading How Relationships with Parents and Children Change as We Age
Helping Aging Loved Ones Who Resist Care
National Family Caregivers Month, Novemeber, is an ideal time to reflect on both the responsibilities and rewards of being a caregiver. Being a caregiver is deeply challenging. Especially when those we’re caring for cling fiercely to their independence, resisting support and insisting on remaining independent even when this is no longer a safe option. I… Continue reading Helping Aging Loved Ones Who Resist Care
Keep Calm and Parent On: Teachable Moments at Sporting Events
Sports offer a fun and rewarding way for kids to learn some key life lessons. From the importance of following rules and directions to the value of practice and commitment, sporting events introduce children to some of the workings of the world—often without them even knowing it. As with any enrichment activity, they’re a key… Continue reading Keep Calm and Parent On: Teachable Moments at Sporting Events
Caregiving and Therapeutic Fibbing
It’s a strange feeling to lie to your mother or father when you are their caregiver; not unlike when you were a child learning right from wrong. It can be a gift, however, when your loved one has dementia. “Individuals with dementia are often living in their own reality,” says Debbie Fins (LICSW, CMC), a… Continue reading Caregiving and Therapeutic Fibbing
8 Ways to Stop Your Medically Complex Child From Being Bullied
Young people living with serious health conditions face challenges their peers can’t even comprehend. You’d think their classmates would cut sick kids some slack. Sadly, that is not the case. Teasing someone for a difference that already limits them is just mean, but we all know that kids can be cruel. Study after study after… Continue reading 8 Ways to Stop Your Medically Complex Child From Being Bullied