Living 50 plus

MARCH 2014 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

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Heart Health Tips

No matter the weather

Living

with fibromyalgia

HEALTHY LIVING Could fend off dementia

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FEATURE ARTICLES: 4 Baby Boomers prefer sports cars

HIGHLY SKILLED MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS OFFERING THE MOST ADVANCED TREATMENTS AVAILABLE Braxton B. Turner III, MD

4 Baby Boomers prefer sports cars

5 Healthy living could fend off dementia 6 Beware buying medicines online 7 Heart health tips no matter the weather 10 Too much of a good thing?

6 Beware buying medicines online

11 Living with fibromyalgia

12 Osteoarthritis affects millions of aging men and women 13 What’s next after retirement?

14 Grandparents helping to raise children

13 What’s next after retirement?

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Steve R. Crider, Jr., MD Medical Degree: Medical College of Georgia Residency: Carraway Methodist Medical Center; Anesthesiology - Northwestern University Fellowship: PPain Medicine - Texas Tech University Board Certifications: American Board of Anesthesiology, American Board of Anesthesiology: Subspecialty Certified in Pain Medicine

H. Keith Robinson, MD Medical Degree: Medical College of Georgia Residency: Anesthesiology - University of Alabama: Birmingham, AL Fellowship: Pain Management - Wake Forest University, Bowman Gray School of Medicine: Winston-Salem, NC Board Certifications: American Board of Anesthesiology, American Board of Anesthesiology: Subspecialty Certified in Pain Medicine

Becky Caverzasi, APRN, NP-C Education: Valdosta State University - BSN North Georgia College & State Univ - MSN Board Certifications: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Georgia Board of Nursing

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BABY BOOMERS prefer sports cars

The Lexus SC 430 convertible is one of the many sports cars that Baby Boomers tend to gravitate toward.

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People born between 1946 and 1964, collectively known as Baby Boomers, are trading in their family vehicles for something with a little more power — sports cars. When the nest is empty (and sometimes before), the vehicle of choice becomes a sporty, fast little ride that may be the envy of all who see it.

Baby Boomers tend to have a higher income and/or a surplus in savings after retirement and choose to expend some funds on a car that will make waves. Convertibles are a popular choice among this demographic, as are other roadsters that turn heads. Here are some of the more popular models you’ll see cruising the roadways with Boomers behind the wheel, according to statistics from TrueCar.com.

• Chevrolet Corvette: The quintessential American sports car, Corvettes are especially popular among Baby Boomers.

Boomers flock to Corvettes more than any other age group, with nearly 64 percent of buyers belonging to the Boomer generation.

• Volvo C70: A turbo-charged, 5-cylinder engine provides enough power to give a thrill to many Boomers. And with a convertible top option, it’s possible to have a breeze running through their receding hairlines, too.

• Mercedes Benz SL: If it’s status and substance that Boomers desire, then there’s no looking beyond a Mercedes. Affluent Baby Boomers can enjoy a V8 engine and plenty of electrical gadgets to make their rides fun.

• BMW 6 Series Convertible: Another premier car for the elite Boomer, the BMW sees 80 percent of its sales going toward Boomers. The 6 series is quick and has

understated good looks, which also helps the vehicle serve as a status symbol for those behind the wheel.

• Porsche Boxter: For those who have always aspired to be behind the wheel of a Porsche, the Boxter is small and sporty, perfect for handling the turns on the way to a country winery or maneuvering around traffic in an urban setting.

According to industry experts, Baby Boomers have long driven the direction of the automotive industry. Many desire to stay away from the brands and styles their parents drove, preferring something with more pep and style.

In addition to the makes and models mentioned, CNW Marketing Research, a firm that looks at the reasons behind car purchases, says Boomers make purchases not only for the style of the car but also for the image the brand offers. The firm lists these vehicles as other popular purchases among Baby Boomers.

• Dodge Viper • Toyota Avalon • Cadillac DTS • Chrysler 300 • Jaguar XK • Lexus LS 600h • Lexus SC 430 • Audi A8/S8 • Infiniti FX • Lincoln MKZ Form and fashion drives the purchase of many Baby Boomers looking for a new vehicle. With more disposable income, many can afford to splurge on a car that is sporty and will garner “oohs” and “ahhs” from others.

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5

Healthly living

could fend off dementia

circulatory system.

But other seemingly harmless conditions can play a role, too. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle could help seniors fend off dementia.

Maintaining overall health is one way seniors Researchers in might stave off the onset of dementias, including Canada studied data on more than 7,000 Alzheimer’s disease. survey participants who answered questions of overall health.

Many people are apprehensive about While circulatory diseases did correlate high getting older because of the fear of losing to dementia onset, researchers discovered their faculties. Individuals may worry additional conditions, including arthritis, that dementia could rob them of precious sinus infections, incontinence, and poor memories and make daily living more hearing, also played a role. difficult.

The correlation between circulatory issues Many factors can contribute to the onset of and brain function may be obvious, but dementia, and recent research notes those researchers aren’t exactly sure why minor factors include heart disease, strokes and other serious health conditions that affect the health infractions could contribute to

KEEPING

senility. Some suggest that people with the burden of health problems may not be able to successfully thwart deterioration of the brain that comes with dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The World Alzheimer Report states that more than 35 million people around the world are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. These are largely brain-destroying illnesses that have no cure. But adults might be able to prevent or delay its onset. Placing a greater emphasis on overall health may help.

According to Dr. Kenneth Rockwood, MD, a professor of geriatric medicine and neurology at Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who participated in the dementia study published in July 2011 in the journal Neurology, “the best thing people can do to stay physically healthy — and thus maintain their brains, too — is to exercise.” Other things that can be done

include adopting a healthy, balanced diet and keeping the brain active as much as possible.

Here are ways to do just that.

• Seniors can participate in low-impact exercises that promote muscle strength and flexibility. Water exercises are very good because they don’t place strain on the joints. Stretching routines, like yoga or tai chi, are also effective. Exercise plans should be discussed with a health care provider prior to starting.

• Work with a nutritionist to develop a healthy eating plan. A healthy diet is essential to keep many diseases at bay, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and even to help maintain proper digestion.

• Keep the brain active by engaging in puzzles, like crosswords or sudoku.

Reading is a way to stimulate vocabulary and also keep the brain sharp. Interact with people on a daily basis and engage in conversation.

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We work with all local athletic trainers to help athletes get back into the game and perform at their peak.

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Guilford Clinics South Entrance | 1240 Jesse Jewell Parkway Suite 300 | Gainesville, GA 30501

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Beware buying medicines online The Internet has made it possible for consumers to buy just about anything without ever leaving their homes. Whether looking for a pizza or a car, consumers can find whatever they need with a few clicks of the mouse.

But buying merchandise online always comes with a degree of risk, and that’s especially so when buying medicine over the Internet. Not all Web sites that sell medicine are trustworthy, and many physicians feel buying medicine online is never a viable option. Recognizing the risk involved in such a transaction, the Food and Drug Administration offers the following advice to consumers consider purchasing medicines over the Internet.

Learn about medicines before ordering Consumers should learn as much as possible about the medicines they plan to purchase before placing an order. Know what the medicine looks like, including its color, texture, shape, and packaging.

If the medicine has a particular taste or smell, make note of that before taking any medication purchased over the Internet.

Know what you’re buying Many Web sites that sell medicine are perfectly legal and trustworthy. However, just as many, if not more, Web sites sell medicine that has not been checked or approved by the FDA. These drugs might contain the wrong active ingredient or too much or too little of the active ingredient, making them ineffective and possibly even deadly. These faulty sites appear just as credible as their legitimate counterparts, but sell ineffective or dangerous drugs to consumers who don’t know what they’re getting in return.

In an effort to increase awareness among consumers purchasing medicine online, the FDA purchased and analyzed a host of products that were sold online as Tamiflu, which is used to treat some types of influenza infection. The active ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir, but in one package purchased by the FDA online the drug they received as Tamiflu contained none of the active ingredient oseltamivir. Similar problems were reported by consumers who purchased Ambien, Xanax, Lexapro, and Ativan over the Internet. Instead of receiving these drugs, consumers received products containing the foreign version of Haldol,

a powerful anti-psychotic drug that sent consumers to the emergency room, where they were treated for a host of ailments.

When shopping for medicine online, the FDA notes the following signs of a Web site that’s trustworthy: • The site is located in the United States.

• The Web site is licensed by the state board of pharmacy where the Web site is operating.

• The Web site offers a licensed pharmacist available to answer any questions.

• The Web site provides accessible contact information that allows consumers to talk to a person if they have any comments or questions.

• The Web site has an accessible and understandable privacy and security policy for its consumers.

• The Web site does not sell consumer information without consent.

• The Web site only sells prescription drugs to consumers with an existing prescription.

More information about prescription medication safety is available at www.fda. gov.

Purchasing prescription medicines over the Internet might be convenient, but it also carries substantial risk.

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7

Heart health tips no matter the weather The weather and temperature outdoors can have a large impact on energy levels and motivation to exercise. Warm, sunny weather can beckon one outdoors, while cold or rainy weather could keep one hibernating inside — which is not good for the spirit or the body, including cardiovascular health.

Staying active when the weather seems to be pitted against you can be challenging.

However, there are many things you can do to make the best of things and still get the exercise needed for a healthy heart. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Head outdoors: Instead of the regular workouts you do, consider something that makes the most of the weather outdoors.

If it’s hot outside, consider walking by the seaside where the ocean mist can keep you cool, or having your feet in the laps of water reaching the sand. Unless you are the Wicked Witch of the West, a little rainfall will not make you melt. Don a raincoat and take a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

If it’s cold outdoors or if there’s an residual snow sledding or skiing remain fun ways to burn calories. All of these activities count as moderate to vigorous exercise, which is recommended daily for most people.

• Workout indoors: This doesn’t necessarily mean heading to the nearest gym. It’s possible to get recommended exercise at home or at another location.

Walking briskly around a mall is good exercise and you can window shop in the process. Lift heavy items around the house in place of dumbbells. Doing regular household chores with more vigor is another way to get blood flowing and your heart pumping.

• Eat right: It’s far too easy to indulge in comfort foods, but they tend to be fattening.

Eating the right foods to maintain a healthy weight goes a long way toward protecting the heart. Be sure to eat breakfast every day, and choose fruits and vegetables as snacks over sweet and salty items. Canned varieties are just as healthy as fresh produce and

can offer a variety of flavors when certain foods are not in season. Be sure to include plenty of foods high in fiber. Not only will they help keep cholesterol levels in check, but it will also help you to feel full faster and longer.

• Dress appropriately: Weather is often unpredictable. Therefore, dress in layers so you can remove or add clothing as needed to remain comfortable. Children and older adults are more susceptible to the effects of cold weather. According to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, when temperatures are low your heart works harder to keep the body warm. Dressing warmly can help avoid taxing the heart.

The same caution applies when the temperature is extremely warm. It’s easy for the elderly to overheat and become dehydrated. Dress in light clothing and remember to drink plenty of water.

Before starting any exercise regimen, it is important to discuss your plans with a physician. He or she can determine if you are physically capable of moderate exercise or if any illnesses may impede your ability.

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PERSONAL INJURY

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People unknowingly are taking too much of a vitamin supplement.

Millions of people regularly take one or more vitamin supplements daily. Many perceive vitamins as the way to combat nutritional deficiency from a poor or inadequate diet. With so many in the population leading busy lives, processed, convenience foods have become the go-to items at the grocery store. Because these foods may not be nutritionally sound, the belief remains that supplements can fix the problem.

Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Healthy Statistics found that more than half of all Americans take a vitamin supplement daily.

According to a survey by Ipsos Reid for Health Canada, 71 percent of Canadians use natural health products, with vitamins, at 57 percent, topping the list of supplements used.

There even are nutritional testing companies that will draw blood and determine vitamin deficiencies, like NutriChem in Ottowa.

The right vitamin mix is then created and personalized.

While vitamins can have their benefits, many health professionals say that the best way to get necessary vitamins is through the foods you eat. Furthermore, inexperienced people are simply taking their own cocktail of vitamins, and may be taking too much.

There is the perception that taking a certain amount can be beneficial, so that must mean that taking more of the vitamin will have double or triple the benefits. What many people do not realize is that vitamins — although they are naturally forming in food — can carry side effects like any other medication. Taking too much of a certain supplement can lead to toxicity or different side effects. Even in moderate doses, there can be some side effects to vitamins as well.

Vitamin A: There is particular concern over vitamin A. Taking high doses of antioxidant supplements such as vitamin A might do more

harm than good. Some research shows that taking high doses of vitamin A supplements might increase the chance of death from all causes and possibly other serious side effects. It can also make liver disease worse and increase the risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture.

B complex vitamins: B complexes or groups of various B vitamins put together in the capsule are some of the more popular vitamins bought.

Vitamin B deficiencies can lead to lack of energy and feelings of stress and anxiety and may contribute to difficulty with sleep. There is no magic number in terms of milligrams of B vitamins; however, taking too much can result in constipation, stomach upset, swelling, and even acne associated with B-12. Many people do not realize that some B vitamins can cause drowsiness, so it’s important not to drive until you determine the effects of the vitamins.

Vitamin C: People rely heavily on vitamin C to boost the immune system and promote good health. It is reported that vitamin C is largely water-soluble, so toxicity is rare. But side effects can include diarrhea, nausea and possible dental decalcification.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D has been touted as the wonder supplement in the past year. Taking vitamin D3, “the sunshine vitamin” can help regulate mood, improve sleep, regulate the circadian rhythm, among other things. Too much may cause nausea and vomiting, bone weakness, hypercalcemia — an excessive amount of calcium in the bloodstream, kidney stones and organ calcification.

Calcium: Calcium and vitamin D work together in the formation of strong bones.

Again, too much of this supplement can lead to excessive amounts of calcium in the blood.

Other side effects may include constipation and stomach upset, including excessive gas. Mental and mood changes, headaches, increased thirst, and other side effects are serious.

Vitamin E: Toxicity from this vitamin may include gastric distress, fatigue, easy bruising and bleeding, muscle weakness, and diarrhea.

In addition to vitamins, other nutritional supplements have the potential to interact with medications being taken. St. John’s Wort, for example, can affect cholesterol levels and the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering drugs.

It also may have contraindications with other medicines.

Although vitamins and supplements are sold over the counter, that doesn’t make them any safer than regulated medications. Individuals should always consult with a doctor before beginning supplements to find out the proper dosage and what vitamins may be beneficial or harmful.

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11

Living with fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can cause pain throughout the body.

Few look forward to getting older, and that is largely because of the toll the aging process can take on the human body. While certain conditions may be largely associated with the senior population, middle age women are paying more and more attention to fibromyalgia, a condition that affects roughly 4 percent of the American population and 1 percent of those living in England. Statistics Canada indicates that 390,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

While those figures are considerable, there may be even more people living with fibromyalgia. That’s because fibromyalgia, despite its prevalence, remains somewhat mysterious. What is known is that the illness primarily affects women and is characterized by widespread pain throughout the body.

Those with fibromyalgia experience pain in response to stimuli that for other people would not be perceived as painful. Experts surmise that elevated levels of a particular nerve chemical signal, called substance P, could be to blame for those who are affected. There is also evidence that more nerve growth factor in spinal fluid, as well as a decreased amount of the brain chemical serotonin, could be other influences.

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The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease says that stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, illness, certain diseases, and repetitive injuries, could be linked to the onset of fibromyalgia.

The pain of fibromyalgia may be widespread, and often affects the neck, shoulders, arms, upper back, chest, and buttocks. There may be tender points that elicit more pain than other areas, clues that the condition is in fact fibromyalgia. Other symptoms include fatigue, not enough non-REM sleep, anxiety, forgetfulness, and irritable bowel syndrome.

To receive a proper diagnosis, it is important for individuals to discuss all of their symptoms with a physician. Each patient is unique, and the symptoms may come and go.

The Mayo Clinic identifies certain risk factors that increase the liklihood a person will experience fibromyalgia.

• Gender: Females are diagnosed more than men. It is believed that female reproductive hormones may play a role in pain perception.

• Rheumatic disease: A history of arthritis or lupus could increase the risk of

fibromyalgia.

• Family history: Members of the family who have fibromyalgia may pass the condition on through genetics.

Getting diagnosed may require a series of tests and questions. The American College of Rheumatology developed certain criteria for a diagnosis. These include widespread pain that lasts at least 3 months, in addition to 11 tender points on the body out of a possible 18. Some doctors will diagnose it with less stringent criteria.

Treatment is a customized approach depending on symptoms and may include analgesics that reduce pain, antidepressants that help with fatigue and sleeplessness and anti-seizure drugs that may also reduce pain can be prescribed. Physical and mental therapy can also alleviate stress, which seems to exacerbate symptoms.

Some people find success with the use of alternative therapies, such as yoga, massage and acupuncture, to alleviate pain.

Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, getting an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan in place can help alleviate the multitude of symptoms that seem to accompany the illness.

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Osteoarthritis

affects millions of aging men and women While there are many benefits to getting older, few people associate the aging process with all the good things that occur as a person approaches their golden years.

Instead, aging is more often associated with aches and pains than grandkids and trips around the world.

Though such associations are unfortunate, they are rooted in the reality that aging often comes with a few ailments. One such ailment many older adults deal with is osteoarthritis, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affects more than 12 million men and women over the age of 65 in the United States alone. In Canada, one in 10 adults has osteoarthritis, proving this most common form of arthritis does not discriminate based on geography.

But as prevalent as osteoarthritis might be, the millions of men and women currently living with the condition are proof that it doesn’t have to ruin a person’s golden years.

In fact, learning about osteoarthritis, its risk factors and prospective treatment options can help those men and women currently living with the condition or those concerned about developing it down the road.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, or OA, is also referred to as degenerative joint disease. The most common type of arthritis, OA occurs when cartilage begins to wear away. Cartilage is an essential part of each joint, helping to absorb shock and enabling the joint to move smoothly. OA most often occurs in the body’s weight-bearing joints, which includes the hips, knees and spine.

When a person has OA, the cartilage in a joint stiffens and loses it elasticity, which makes it more susceptible to damage. Joints will be stiff in the morning, a stiffness that can last roughly 15 to 20 minutes. As the day progresses and the joints are used more and more, the pain can intensify and swelling can occur. This is typically because, as the joint’s cartilage continues to deteriorate, the tendons and ligaments are stretching and causing pain.

Are there symptoms of OA? There are symptoms of OA, but these can vary greatly from individual to individual.

Some people experience few symptoms of OA even if X-rays indicate their joints have undergone significant degeneration.

In addition, the pain associated with OA

isn’t necessarily constant, and some people can go years without experiencing any OA-related pain. Such instances are most common among people with OA of the hands and knees.

Those who do exhibit symptoms of OA can do so in a variety of ways. Men and women with progressive cartilage degeneration in their knee joints might become bow legged or develop a limp, which will worsen as the cartilage continues to degenerate.

OA of the spine often causes pain in the neck or lower back. Severe pain can be caused by bony spurs that form along the spine, and numbness and tingling of affected body parts can result as well.

Men and women with OA of the hands can also exhibit symptoms, which are usually bony deformities along the joints of the fingers. Heberden’s node is a bony enlargement at the small joint of the fingers that occurs because of bone spurs resulting from OA in that joint. A bony knob that occurs at the middle joint of the fingers, known as Bouchard’s node, is also quite common among men and women with OA of the hands. While neither of these nodes is especially painful, they are associated with limited motion of the affected joint.

Patients with OA at the base of the big toes might notice the formation of a bunion, something that researchers suggest is possibly genetic, as it can be found in numerous female members of certain families.

The Arthritis Society in Nova Scotia notes that, early on, men and women with OA will find their symptoms are typically only triggered by high impact activities.

However, eventually the pain can be triggered by daily activities and might not subside until men and women get adequate rest. Some people even feel pain for most of the day, including when they are attempting to fall asleep at night.

Can OA be treated?

OA can be treated, but men and women must recognize that it cannot be cured. As mentioned above, some people’s symptoms can disappear for years at a time. But they will return, and treatment, if it was ceased, must then continue.

OA is most common among people who are overweight, so one of the most effective ways to reduce pain from OA is to lose weight and get regular exercise. This takes pressure off of joints that are being heavily

taxed. To lose weight, choose a low-fat diet that features plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole-grains. For a more specific diet, consult a physician.

Though exercising when pain from OA is significant might seem counterintuitive, exercise is actually great for the joints. Each person is different, so consult a physician before beginning a new exercise regimen.

However, don’t shy away from aerobic exercises, including walking, swimming or even riding a bicycle, or strength-training exercises like weightlifting, which makes the muscles stronger and more capable of supporting the joints. And as with any exercise routine, don’t forget to stretch.

Another treatment option for joints hurting because of OA is the application of a heating pad or a cold pack. Cold and heat can be applied several times per day (always cover the skin with a towel prior to application to avoid skin damage). But those nursing an injury should only apply cold for the first

few days.

Medications are another treatment option for OA. Discuss medications, which can include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pills, such as Advil, Aleve or Motrin, prescription medications, and corticosteroid injections, with a physician who can help determine the best course of action.

While surgery is not a necessary course of treatment for the majority of OA sufferers, for some it is. Surgical options can be a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure, a joint fusion surgery wherein the joint is removed and bones are held together with screws, pins or plates, or a complete or partial joint replacement. Another surgical option is an osteotomy, a procedure where a section of the bone is cut and removed to improve joint alignment and stability.

More information about OA is available at the Arthritis Society Web site at www. arthritis.ca.

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13

What’s next after retirement?

Scores of people spend their working days dreaming of the moment they are eligible for retirement. They may have retirement counted down to the minutes and seconds, particularly if they’ve been in a job that hasn’t been the most enjoyable. But many people find that once they retire they do not know what to do to fill their time. Boredom actually may be a side effect of retirement, and some people actually want to go back to work.

Much of the focus when planning for retirement concerns finances. All other factors take a backseat. Therefore, there may be emotional issues that arise during retirement, and retirees are not always prepared to deal with such issues. Having a post-retirement plan in place can mean the difference between happiness and having a hard time adjusting, according to experts.

Here are some tips that can help anyone ease into the golden years.

Establish goals. After working for years, the idea of setting goals can seem counterintuitive. But goals can give life direction and have you looking forward to things in the future. Goals also motivate retirees to get up in the morning now that

a commute to work isn’t part of the daily schedule.

Donate time or money. Giving back to others, whether to the community or to a charitable organization, can feel good and give retirees some structure. Volunteering your time at a place can give life some sort of purpose outside of a job.

Start a home-based business. Just because you retire doesn’t mean you have to fully retire. Now may be the opportunity to start a business venture you have always dreamed about, whether that is something hands-on or just serving as a consultant.

Try new things. Part of goal-setting is to add things to the list you’ve never done before, which can boost feelings of excitement. You may discover a new interest that becomes a passion. Now that you have time to explore new hobbies, they might prove more rewarding.

Meet with people. Part of what makes work fulfilling is the opportunity to get out of the house and interact with others who are not members of your family. It’s easy to fall into a rut when you are not being mentally stimulated by conversation from different

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Realize it’s alright not to love retirement. Just because the grass seemed greener in someone else’s yard, doesn’t mean it always turns out to be that way. It is OK to accept that maybe retirement isn’t entirely what you expected and to make changes that can enable the experience to be better.

Getting out with friends or former coworkers can help banish boredom associated with retirement.

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Sunday, March 30, 2014 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

Grandparents helping to raise children

The stalled economy has pushed many families into the position of doing whatever is needed to make ends meet. In many cases, this means both parents working whatever jobs they can find and finding the best childcare option while they are at work.

Many people are turning to their parents to help care for their kids.

More than 60 percent of families with children under age 18 had both parents employed outside the home in 2005 to 2006, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That compares to less than a third of mothers in 1975. The numbers today are around 42 percent, a decrease that likely has a lot to do with unemployment figures remaining high.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada states that there are similar statistics among Canadian families.

With so many men and women heading to work each day, and money a factor for doing so, the topic of child care becomes

gainesvilletimes com one of necessity as well as affordability.

Grandparents are regularly stepping up to help family members who are under a financial crunch.

Grandparents considering caring for their grandkids should keep in mind some things even if the childcare scenario on the surface seems like it is the best option.

• It’s a big commitment. Once the decision has been made, it is expected that you will be providing care for a certain period of time — perhaps even without a future end date.

Remember, other arrangements will have to be made if you back out because it’s simply not working.

• Know your limits. Childcare is not something to take lightly. While you may have had enough energy to provide care years ago, maybe now you are simply not up to the task or have not identified factors that could hinder your ability to care for a grandchild — no matter how much you love him or her.

• Be prepared for changes to your life. You will no longer be able to operate on your own schedule. Now your days will largely revolve around caring for your grandkids. If many of your friends are living active lives without grandchildren in tow, this could put a hamper on your relationships and ability to socialize.

• It could be just what you need. On the flip side, if you have been seeking something

to do with your time, being in the presence of your grandchildren could be just what you need to find a purpose to your days.

• The relationship may cause animosity.

If you are offering care to one set of grandchildren and are not doing so to another, it could strain the relationships among your children. Think about the larger factor before agreeing to being the caregiver.

• Talk to your spouse. If you are married or are in a relationship, this is a decision that will have to be discussed with your partner, whose life will be impacted as well. If both of you aren’t seeing eye-to-eye on the situation, it may cause a rift that can damage your relationship.

• Avoid guilt. If you choose to say no to the situation, it may generate hurt feelings at the onset, but if you explain your reasons clearly, chances are the loved one will understand how you are feeling.

Although grandparents stepping in to become childcare providers for their grandchildren while parents are at work has become a popular situation in recent years, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of the situation before delving headfirst into the arrangement.

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Sunday, March 30, 2014 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

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