Our health

"Our bodily health depends upon our internal attitudes," Dr. Ernest Holmes.

Managing our own health is imperative if we are not to allow this caregiving to kill us. Last week when I was so stressed over several situations, I even had chest pains. The Oct. 25, 2010, Time magazine reports that there are nearly 10 million women either with Alzheimer's or caring for someone with dementia, and this is expected to triple in the next 40 years. It often means leaving one's work, as Sandra Day O'Connor and I both did. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, 30% to 40% of caregivers suffer from depression. The Shriver Report says that caregivers have higher levels of stress hormones, reduced immune function, and increased risk for hypertension and heart disease. Very dismal statistics.

We must not allow this caregiving to harm or kill us. Let us share ideas, support one another, get exercise, get respite care for ourselves, eat well and have fun. Let's do whatever we need to do to remain healthy.