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Dear Friend,
When we are young, our health care is usually determined by our caregivers. As we grow, we are influenced by their decisions—for us and for themselves. In this way, their health habits become our health habits.
However, as we get older, we find ourselves making health care decisions for others—our children, partners, parents, siblings, etc. It is an enormous responsibility and can become overwhelming.
However, consider the fact that when you’re on a plane, safety instructions dictate that you secure your own mask before helping others. You cannot help someone else if you yourself cannot breathe. Therefore, we must learn to care not only for others but also for ourselves.
Introducing our new three-part series—“Understanding the Needs of Your Parents as They Age,” “Creating a Plan for Your Family,” and “Self-Care in Healthcare”—by Jenny Leyh, a mother, freelance writer, cancer survivor and integrative health advocate. The articles discuss the legacy of health that we inherit from our parents, how we learn to care for ourselves and our children, and later, how we care for our parents.
In this month’s articles, you will find tips for caring for others and for yourself. Read them, digest them, and practice them for the benefit of not only yourself but for all of those around you.
Be well.
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Understanding the Needs of Your Parents as They Age
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For much of our lives, we rely on our parents for care—whether physical or emotional. If we are fortunate, they are our rock through the hard moments and the golden ones.
But as our parents age, the relationship shifts, and we can find ourselves in the position of caregiver.
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What happens then? What kinds of conversations do you need to have? What do they want for their future? How do we ensure that they have the support they need? How do we care for their mental health? Read more for tips on caring for aging parents. |
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Creating a Plan for Your Family
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Preparing for a baby—whether it is your first, second, or fifth child—can be overwhelming. It may feel like it requires never-ending research, thought, and planning. If it’s your first child, you may find it challenging to be in the position of caregiver when you were previously cared for by others or just cared for yourself. |
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One way to ease the anxiety that comes with welcoming a new loved one is to organize your family’s health needs into three categories: medical, nutritional, and social. But it’s not all about the needs of others—it’s equally important that you include your partner, family, and friends in the process so that you can set aside time for yourself.
Read more for some tips for readying your life for a new addition.
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Self-care in Healthcare
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A crucial part of our legacy of health is self-care. After all, the more we give to others, the more important it is to remain connected to ourselves. When you are in a strong and healthy place, you are able to have healthy relationships. In other words, you’re in a position to be a more grounded, healthier caregiver to others when you’ve taken care of yourself.
This is often easier said than done. We can find ourselves overwhelmed with homework, shuttling parents to doctors’ visits, etc.
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However, it is essential for your health that you set aside time every day. This can be used for journaling, meditation, or exercise, including yoga, walking, or any form of movement. Remember, the best kind of exercise is the kind you enjoy and will do; don’t feel pressured to conform to something you don’t like.
Read the article for more ways to practice self-care and why it’s so critical. |
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The Caregiver’s Companion Journaling Guide
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Journaling is a self-care technique that can help you heal, grow and thrive. |
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Healthy Aging Guide
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Research finds three factors related to successful aging: maintaining your physical function, your cognitive function and continued involvement in social activities and productive pursuits. |
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10th Annual Women In Pain Conference: The Pain-Cancer Connection
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| The Pain-Cancer Connection, our 2021 theme, will explore the intersection of these two challenging health conditions. We'll examine how inflammation and chronic pain can lead to cancer, how to manage existing chronic pain in cancer patients and how many cancer treatments spark persistent pain. We'll also share how to overcome hurdles to become your own best advocate for clinical care. |
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September 24, 2021
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LEARN MORE
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Personal Health Inventory
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Personal Self-Assessment
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Download this one-sheet and fill it out before your next doctor visit, to help your health care provider assess your health and well-being from a whole-patient perspective.
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Get Well and Stay Well Using Your Hidden Power to Heal
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Drawing on 40 years of research and patient care, Dr. Wayne Jonas explains how 80 percent of healing occurs organically and how to activate the healing process.
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LEARN MORE
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