Department of Health
and Human Services
Administration on Aging
Elders and Families
Taking Care of You |
|
Caring for someone can sometimes be overwhelming. As you well know, it can be physically demanding, emotionally draining and cause stress and conflict when combined with other major responsibilities. So, it’s critical for you to take care of your own physical and mental health -- first. This section contains some important ideas and resources for maintaining your health, managing your stress and achieving good nutrition.
Maintaining Your Health
Taking care of your health is important, no matter what your age. This is especially true for caregivers who often overlook their own health needs as they care for loved ones. The section below is just for you! Take a few moments to read through the basic health tips and special health conditions highlighted in this section for a healthier you!
Preventing Disease and Staying Healthy
BASIC HEALTH TIPS
All Health Topics from the U.S. National Library of Medicine & the
National Institutes of Heatlh:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/all_healthtopics.html
Aging and Your Eyes:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/eyes.htm
Back Pain:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/backpain.html
Bereavement:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bereavement.html
Evaluating Health Information:
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/evaluatinghealthinformation.html
Family Issues:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/familyissues.html
Foot Care:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/footcare.htm
Hearing Loss:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/hearing.htm
Men's Health (General):
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/menshealthgeneral.html
Remember to Exercise:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/exercisephysicalfitness.html
Seniors' Health (General):
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seniorshealthgeneral.html
Skin Care and Aging:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/skin.htm
Sun Exposure:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sunexposure.html
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/teeth.htm
Using Medicines Safely:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/medicine.htm
Weight Loss / Dieting:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/weightlossdieting.html
Women's Health (General):
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/womenshealthgeneral.html
SPECIAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
Arthritis:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/arthritis.html
Cancer Facts:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/cancer.htm
Diabetes:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/diabetes.htm
Heart Disease / Prevention:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heartdiseasesprevention.html
High Blood Pressure:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/highbloodpressure.html
Obesity:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/obesity.html
Osteoporosis:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/osteo.htm
Osteoarthritis:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/osteoarthritis.html
Stroke:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/stroke.html
Urinary Incontinence:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/urinary.htm
MANAGING YOUR STRESS
Caregiving can be stressful in its own right, but especially so when other priorities are competing for your attention. Left unmanged, stress can lead to health problems including depression, substance abuse, and chronic health conditions. The information in this section will raise your awareness about stress and provide you with a collection of ideas and tools to help keep your stress under control.
Anxiety:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/anxiety.html
Depression:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depressionmenu.cfm
Dementia vs. Depression:
http://neuro.psyc.memphis.edu/NeuroPsyc/np-dx-demen.htm
Exercise:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/exercise.htm
Exercise for Seniors:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/exerciseforseniors.html
Menopause:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/menopause.htm
Substance Abuse (alcohol):
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/agepage.htm
ACHIEVING GOOD NUTRITION
Eating right is just as important for you as it is for the person that you care for. It also gives you the energy you need to help ward off disease. The information in this section offers suggestions for achieving healthy nutritional habits.
AoA Elderly Nutrition Program Fact Sheet
http://www.aoa.gov/press/fact/pdf/fs_nutrition.pdf
National Policy & Resource Center on Nutrition & Aging
http://www.fiu.edu/~nutreldr/
Food and Nutrition Information Center
http://www.nalusda.gov/fnic/
American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org/index.html
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/