Christmas: The Challenges of Dealing With Sibling Rivalry in Seniors

Is there such a thing as sibling rivalry in seniors and at Christmas, of all times? Maybe they do not know any better. Could it be that these siblings are reverting to childlike behavior again? Perhaps there are times when the sibling rivalry has never been resolved. 

Sibling rivalry can occur at any age. Baby boomers and seniors are not exempt from sibling rivalry. Place a few siblings in close proximity to each other and it can surface in many different ways. Perhaps the youngest of the seniors are the least likely to demonstrate sibling rivalry? Maybe the oldest of the seniors are the most likely to demonstrate signs of sibling rivalry.

The medicaldictionary.com offers two definitions for sibling rivalry.

“Sibling competition between siblings for the love, affection, and attention of one or both parents or for other recognition or gain.”

Competition for the love, affection and attention of parents is a normal phenomenon in children. It can continue with adults and has psychological implications when it goes beyond mere competition.

What is sibling rivalry?

Perhaps this statement best describes it,  “the intense, emotional competition among siblings – brothers and/or sisters that pits one against the other to obtain parental affection, approval, attention, and love.”

Note that for seniors, since the parents in question are no longer alive in the majority of situations, it may be the memory of earlier competition for the parent or parents, that is the emotional trigger.

Sibling’s genes are different. There may be health status factors in ongoing sibling rivalry. For example, if one member of a family has Alzheimer’s Disease, he or she may be reliving his or her past where sibling rivalry is a part of one’s early years.

Where there is dementia, there can be confusion, as well as sibling rivalry.

There can be a huge difference in the ages of siblings and the sibling rivalry may come from different periods in their lives. In other words, an older sibling may have sensed sibling rivalry with a brother or sister of approximately the same age. At times, that sibling rivalry may be from competition with a much younger sibling.

Understanding where a sibling rivalry relationship lies is not always easy to determine in seniors. When sibling rivalry affects the health of family members, it should be dealt with immediately, whenever possible.  

Understanding the reality of the possibility of ongoing, unresolved, sibling rivalry in seniors, makes it easier to comprehend why there can be family concerns that need resolution in order for there to be peace at Christmas, as well as at other times of the year.

Serious Health Concerns and Risks on New Year's Eve: Tips for Baby Boomers and Seniors

Could New Year’s Eve present a hazard to your health? There are folks who laugh at the suggestion that there are potential health concerns people should be alert to on New Year’s Eve. Many people also take unnecessary risks in other ways, because for them and others, it is a time of excitement, elation and celebration. As a baby boomer or senior, consider the following tips.  

The article, “Avoiding the most common health hazards during New Year’s Eve”, offers some common sense advice. 

Alcohol

Alcohol is probably the number one health concern on New Year’s Eve for adults of any age and teenagers, because of the high likelihood of over-indulgence. Coupled with this is the danger of combining alcohol with other drugs, or other substances that are new to people. A high intake of alcohol impairs judgment and often results in an alteration of one’s inhibitions. Substance abuse can do the same thing.

Heart attacks

People can suffer heart attacks during the excitement of a New Year’s Eve celebration, particularly when it involves rushing, shoveling snow or other unusual activity prior to or during a special event. 

Speed

Speed on the highways is a major problem in many areas, as people are often in a hurry to get to their New Year’s Eve celebrations. Many accidents are preventable with the reduction of speed and increased caution on the highways, especially when the weather is not good. Stormy weather and icy roads always present a serious hazard at that time.

Drinking and driving

The risk of drinking in excess and then driving, causing an accident, harm to yourself or others, is extremely high on New Year’s Eve, as many people throw caution to the wind and just do whatever seems fun and exciting, even when they know better. Having a designated driver can help to resolve alcohol related driving problems.

Allergies

While there are many new and different foods and drinks served everywhere on New Year’s Eve, exposure to some of them could trigger serious, allergy problems resulting in the need for emergency treatment.

Flu

Because of the high numbers of people in crowded places on New Year’s Eve, there is a high risk of flu transmitted from one person to another. Many people who are ill will not stay home because it is New Year’s Eve and they want to be a part of the celebration.

Other infections

There are numerous kinds of possible infections one can be in contact with during a New Year’s Eve celebration, including colds or pneumonia, because people are not careful about coughing, washing their hands or disposal of contaminated Kleenex. They may not use clean hand towels, depending upon where they are celebrating. There is also the danger of cross infection when they are greeting, hugging and kissing others.

Salmonella 

Salmonella is one of the many gastrointestinal infections that one can contact on New Year’s Eve, because of poorly or improperly cooked food, like turkey. At times, food is not refrigerated but instead, left out on a table for many hours at a time. E. coli is another gastrointestinal infection that is relatively common after New Year’s Eve.    

Theft

Many people go out to celebrate New Year’s Eve and do not realize that that their homes, vehicles and personal property need extra protection. Many things can happen while they are out celebrating. Break and entry is common during any holiday celebration. Theft is common at many celebrations as items can disappear quickly if there is a pick-pocket in the crowd. 

Fire

Fire is always a serous concern on New Year’s Eve, particularly where there are fireworks, candles or people who are careless smokers. Stoves and fireplaces may still be burning when people go out to celebrate. At times, chimneys need cleaning and chimney fires can occur. Unattended Christmas trees or faulty lights can present a fire hazard, as well.   

Food poisoning

Food poisoning is one of the dangers on New Year’s Eve as consuming new, different or unusual foods can present a danger to one’s health.

Child abuse

When children or grandchildren are left in the care of strangers on New Year’ Eve, they may be subjected to abuse of various kinds. With regard to baby sitters or other people who parents do not know, there should always be extra caution taken. The same is also true for senior care.

Should one refuse to celebrate New Year’s Eve because of the health hazards and other potential risks?

No, New Year’s Eve celebrations can be fun! It becomes a matter of being informed and thus, aware of potential problems and staying alert. There are many times when prevention is better than a cure. Being cautious with respect to New Year’s Eve activities is one of those times. Celebrating at home is always a viable option, as well!

Tips for New Foreign Students Attending Canadian Universities: Suggestions for Baby Boomers and Seniors

Are you a foreign student? Many young and older people, including baby boomers and seniors, come to Canada as foreign students. For the majority of students, studying abroad can be exciting and challenging, as well as difficult for them, especially at first.   

If you are a foreign student, who is just starting your first semester, be aware that foreign students who come to Canada are welcomed at universities for their diversity of culture, expertise and experience. The majority of faculty members and students in university settings will be willing and able to assist you.

Consider the following suggestions.

Be aware that you may be placed on academic probation for the first semester, to make certain as to whether or not you qualify for a specific university program. This may also be important if you are just learning to speak English or French. 

Note that the article,  “Studying in Canada” may be helpful to you and that there may be questions that you have with respect to being in Canada to study as a foreign student. For example, you may require a temporary resident visa while you are studying, if you have not already obtained one. You may also need study and work permits. It may be your desire to apply for citizenship, at some time in the future.      

How to make the most of your first semester in study abroad can vary from student to student, as university curricula varies.

Registration:

Most international students may have completed a fair amount of research, possibly online, with respect to university programs, before they come to Canada. Many foreign students will have had their academic credentials checked out by the university Registration Department and will have been notified of their acceptance in a specific program, at the university of their choice.

If this has not happened, it is important to make certain that you, as a foreign student or a foreign student on an exchange program, have met all of the basic requirements for university registration. In other words, confirm your registration with the university first, as well as your enrollment in a specific academic program. 

You may decide to make some changes.  

Note that while there may be misunderstandings because of language barriers, these can usually be resolved. At times, having, or finding a translator may be important.

Registration fees or other unanticipated fees, like student union fees, may still need to be paid. You will need to purchase books or other supplies. It is also important that you know where to purchase these, as well as when and where your classes will be.       

Residence:

Once you have established the viability of your registration at a university with acceptance into a specific university program, it is important to find an appropriate place to live. Many universities have accommodations for foreign students, who want to live on campus. The foreign student office may be able to advise foreign students of other appropriate accommodations that are off-campus. They will have also cafeterias, or be able to suggest where foreign students can obtain their meals.

  

Attendance:

Attending classes is vital for foreign students, as obtaining course outlines immediately is important. Your professors and their tutors will clarify the date, time and the location of your classes, as well as basic requirements or supplies needed for specific classes or projects. You will be advised as to when your papers or assignments are due, tests or exams scheduled, etc.    

Talk to your professors:

While many foreign students feel frightened, insecure or intimidated by professors and students at times, most academic problems can be resolved by talking with professors. They will answer questions and give advice on different areas of academic concern. You will learn the expectations they have for their students. Remember that many of them will have been international students at one time or another, as well. There will likely be foreign student counselors who can offer guidelines or assist in other ways.

     

Preparing for your first semester may appear to be a major hurdle and a challenge, but if you do your part and meet the university expectations, the rest of your academic career will be easier and ultimately rewarding, too.

How to Start the New Year With a Positive Attitude: Tips for Baby boomers and Seniors

Are you starting the New Year right? In other words, have you begun the New Year with a positive attitude? If not, why not?

The article, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” by Remez Sasson suggests,  “A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action.”

You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by having a positive outlook on life.

Make a note of exactly how you think and feel, at this moment in time. Maybe your negative attitude and perception about everything and everyone has become a burden that is weighing you down, making you feel that you cannot possibly carry that heavy load for another year. Be aware that you can do something about it.

Consider the following.

You can choose to think positive.

You have the choice of how you choose to think, in a positive way or in a negative manner. Of course, there will always be things that happen in your life that will affect the way that you think, but you can turn the negative into something positive, if you choose to do so. For example, the weather is very cold, but you can choose to see it as a blessing for someone who wants to go skating. Maybe that someone is you. Act on it.

There is empowerment in the positive.

Recognize the reality that there is empowerment in the positive, but that empowerment can quickly disappear if you choose to maintain your negative attitude. For example, look at the positive as being like sunshine on a cloudy, dark day. The positive brightens up everything and lifts what otherwise might be a heavy load for you and others to carry. Bring some sunshine into everyone’s life simply by changing your own attitude and perception.   

Be aware that your positive attitude empowers your emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health to function at its optimum level.   

Ideally, we all seek to be emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically healthy. Consistently seeking and maintaining a positive attitude about your personal life, family, home, community and the world in the New Year, will make you feel stronger, healthier and happier.  

Watch others begin to reflect your positive attitude.

The positive is highly contagious. Starting the New Year with a positive attitude is the right thing for you to do, because it is vital for everyone’s emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health.  Turning your negatives into positives, as well helping others to do the same right from the start of the New Year, becomes an ongoing challenge throughout the entire year, but one that becomes rewarding when you see it reflected in the lives of others.     

Become known as a positive person, who brings positive and constructive change to others around you. You will be glad that you did.

How to Buy a New Home and Sell Your Current Home: Tips for Baby Boomers and Seniors

Buying a new home can be a challenge! It can also be exciting and fun for you and spouse, as well as your family.  Selling your current home can prove to be nostalgic too, particularly when memories of the past begin to surface, as they do with baby boomers and seniors. Perhaps you do not want to part with your current home and yet you know that for different reasons, selling it is probably the wisest thing to do.

How does one go about selling a current home and buying another, without it being a juggling act? “Should we sell first or buy first?”

There is no easy answer to this question, as it largely depends upon your circumstances at that time. 

Weigh the pros and cons.

Weighing the pros and cons of selling your current home and buying a new one is important. There may be good reasons why you do not want to move. It is like trying to part with an old pair of socks. You are comfortable wearing them. At the same time, you need new ones, but it means time and effort on your part and a period of adjustment. See this as something that you can do!

Can you afford two homes?

Most people cannot carry two mortgages or afford to travel back and forth, so it is financially unrealistic to have two homes at the same time. Selling one and buying another is the most realistic solution to that kind of a dilemma. At times, there has to be a period of transition, as you sell one and buy another.

Make a decision.

Remember that making a decision about selling your current home and purchasing a new one is not always easy. Trying to see everything in a positive light will help you, your spouse and your family to make the right decision about selling and buying.

Your spouse and family may appear enthusiastic about buying a new home, but at the same time, be reluctant, offer resistance and argue, “All of our friends are here.” You can counter that with “It will not be long until you make new friends.”

Part of the decision making process includes being realistic, knowing and understanding why you are moving or have to move. Personally, you may have to wrestle with the thought of moving, too. Making a firm decision helps to resolve that dilemma.

Ask yourself, why you are contemplating moving.

For example, perhaps you are retiring or the company you work for has just moved to another city. In order to continue your employment with them, you must move, too. You know that financially, you cannot survive without employment.

Have you explored the employment possibilities if you do not move and begun to realize that moving with your company is for the best? Make certain that you have a guarantee of employment before making the decision to move.

Once you have made the decision to sell and buy, be prepared to stick to it. Maintain a good attitude, as well as a positive outlook with respect to your decision to move.

Start looking immediately.

It is important to begin to search for your new home immediately, as time is of the essence. That is when you are the most enthusiastic and energetic. Your spouse and family will begin to get excited about moving, when you make it into a challenge for them, too.

What kind of an area do you, your spouse and your family want to live in? Everyone in your family will have suggestions. You likely have a basic idea of what you are looking for in a new home. Your spouse and family may enjoy participating in the new house search, so find out what they want, too. You may need to make some compromises.

Pay a visit to the city where you are planning to live and work.

Make certain that you know the location of your company and spend some time with your employer. He or she may offer realistic solutions with respect to purchasing a new home there.  

Begin to look at residential areas that are relatively close to your new place of employment, areas where you, your spouse and your family think you might like to live. Weigh the pros and cons of living in different parts of the city, or in the immediate vicinity.

Contact a realtor.

You might know a realtor or be able to find a trustworthy, reliable and dependable realtor online. You could contact several realtors in the area where you are planning to move.

Do comparative shopping in terms of different residential areas near your place of employment and then pinpoint a tentative, more specific location. Are there good quality homes or suitable retirement homes for sale in the area of your choice? Are they affordable? Is the area suitable for children and teenagers? Will you be able to find what you, your spouse and your family need in that area?  How far will you have to drive or commute?

You might engage your realtor in this house search, by letting him or her know exactly what you are looking for, as well as your tentative price range. He or she can do a lot of research or legwork for you and save you a lot of time and energy.   

Have your current home evaluated by a realtor.

Make certain that your current home shows well, before you contact your realtor regarding its sale. If necessary, do some basic repairs ahead of time, or get some realistic quotes on essential repairs. Do not attempt to cover them up.

Having your current home evaluated by a realtor will give you a realistic, listing price. You will know approximately how much actual dollar value you have in your current home, as well as how much you have to work with in terms of purchasing your new home.

List your home with your realtor, or consider selling it privately.

If the realtor you choose lists it, then he or she will help to take care of many of the details with respect to showing it to tentative buyers and selling it for you. You will have to pay a realtor fee unless you sell it privately.

Arrange the financing on your new home.

Once you have found an area where you would like to live and a tentative new home in that area, you will need to put in an offer to purchase. This will require a deposit. You will also have to contact a mortgage company or a bank, (ideally in the area where you plan to move), in order to make the necessary financial arrangements. Your realtor will probably be able to advise you in this respect.

You have a buyer!

When you have a potential buyer, begin to arrange the sale of your current home and start to make the financial arrangements to purchase your new home. Note that these may need to be contingent on the sale of your current home. Not all offers are necessarily accepted. You may have to submit a counter offer on your new home. 

Make certain that your selling date for your current home and your purchase date for your new home are time-compatible, so that you, your spouse and your family do not need to find temporary accommodations because of your closing dates.

You may also need extra time to arrange financing or a down payment on your new home. Check for legal fees, as there will be a lawyer or lawyers, who handle your sales transactions on both homes. You may want to contact your insurance agency to be certain both homes have appropriate insurance coverage, during your transition period.

Recheck all the sale and purchase agreement details carefully with your lawyer, before signing anything.

Congratulations, as now you have now sold your current home and have purchased a new one.

Prepare to move and arrange for the movers. Get several estimates.

Make certain you know the starting date for your employment, so you have enough time to move into your new home. You may want to spend some quality with your spouse and family to put your new home in order and to help your them become familiar with your new home and the area where you will be living.

Yes, a celebration is in order as you now have two successful transactions. You, your spouse and your family may need time to adjust to your new surroundings, but you will probably be very happy.

Tips on Writing Letters of Condolences: Suggestions for Baby Boomers and Seniors

Writing letters of condolence is an act of kindness. Many baby boomers and seniors are aware that the practice of writing letters of condolence to those who have lost loved ones is gradually disappearing. Nowadays many people send condolence cards by snail mail. E-mail letters and e-mail cards are gradually replacing the snail mail cards.

The basic principle behind a letter of condolence, acknowledging the reality that someone has lost a loved one or an acquaintance, remains the same. An appropriate letter of condolence serves to comfort the person or people who receive it, regardless of its mode of delivery.

Unconditional love is one of the most important aspects of any letter of condolence.

The obituarieshelp.org website offers online templates with free, sample letters of condolences that may help you to write to someone who has suffered a loss. They also offer advice regarding the appropriate components of a letter of condolence.  

Consider the following tips on writing letters of condolence.

Be aware that there is a wide range or gamut of emotions that people experience when loved ones pass away, so sending a card that is in good taste is important. These emotions may include strong feelings like grief, anger, frustration, fear, guilt or blame. At times, there may be a sense of loss with resignation or relief, particularly when someone has been suffering for a long time.

Send the letter of condolence mentioning the name of the deceased within an appropriate time frame, preferably within a few weeks after someone has passed away. They may not appreciate a letter of condolence that they receive several months or a year later.

Include your name and address, as well as a telephone number or e-mail address with your letter of condolence, because family members who receive it may not necessarily know you, particularly in instances where there are many people who are trying to be helpful to the person who has lost a loved one. He or she may want to get back to you with a thank you note or contact you later.

Be cautious with respect to recounting earlier events with the deceased, although at times, they may be comforting to those who have suffered a loss. Humorous instances of your own personal relationship with the deceased prior to his or her death, may not always be appropriate or appreciated. Save those anecdotes for a later time.  

Offer to assist the family whenever possible. Normally, there are many things and personal matters to take care of after someone dies. If the family members refuse your offer, do not be offended. They may not want to include you in their personal affairs like funeral arrangements, wills, property settlement, etc. Respect their wishes. Give them time and space to take care of their family matters. Let them grieve on their own, if that is their decision. You may offer to assist them financially or donate to a charitable cause on behalf of the deceased person.   

Do not send humorous cards to someone who has just lost a loved one, as your sense of humor may not be the same as that of a person who has lost a loved one and may be upsetting to him or her.     

While religious letters of condolence will usually be of comfort to someone who has lost a loved one, be gracious in terms of what you send or write, as your belief system may differ from his or hers. Your religious letter of condolence may be rejected if it is considered offensive.

Remember that this is not the appropriate time or way to air any of your past grievances with respect to the person who has passed away. Your kindness and consideration in this respect are important.  

Letting someone who has lost a loved one know that he or she is being thought of at this time and is loved by you and others, is the most important part of  letters of condolences.

Tips to Being a happier Person in 28 Days: Tips for Baby Boomers and Seniors

Are you happy? This title, "Tips to being happier in 28 days", sounds like a project you or other baby boomers and seniors can tackle in February, (except that February 2012 is a leapfrog year, but 29 days would be all right, too.) Regardless of the year, month or number of days, you can be a happier person in 28 days, if you choose to become proactive about your happiness. Are you willing to put in a little bit of extra time and effort into becoming happy or happier? Where should you start to make a change for the better in your degree of happiness? 

Remember that happiness is a unique, individual thing. It is an important part of your emotional, mental and spiritual health, as well as your physical health. You can control your own happiness, at least to some extent.

Tom G. Stevens, PhD, in his book, “You Can Choose to be Happy” suggests that we can "Choose to make happiness a top goal."

Consider the following tips with respect to being a happier person in 28 days. 

Week one:

This week will be oriented towards discovering what makes you happy. When you are unhappy, there is obviously a deficit of happiness. Somehow, that deficit has to be resolved. Only you know what it will take to fill that void. What do you think will make you happy or happier? Make a decision to be happy or happier, regardless of your situation or circumstances. 

For example, you may not be happy with your current weight, but you know that losing weight makes you feel better about yourself. You are probably happy or happier if you weigh less. Do not give in to unhappiness because of your weight. You can do something about it. Focus on what makes you happy. In this instance, begin to focus on a weight loss program. Take positive, constructive steps towards your happiness, as you begin to take the steps that will help you to lose weight.  

Week two:

This week you will focus on figuring out what makes you unhappy. Obviously, there must be a cause, if filling the void has not resolved your unhappiness problem. Remember that everyone should be happy. You deserve to be happy, too. Determine what makes you unhappy. 

For example, perhaps you are unhappy about your old car. Take specific measures to fix, repair, eliminate or remove whatever makes you unhappy with it, wherever possible. In other words, make proactive changes. That old car could make someone else happy, if they know how to repair it. You might begin to look around for another car to replace it or perhaps someone to fix it for you. Gradually begin to get rid of all possible factors in your life that cause you to be unhappy. 

For example, one by one, begin to dispose of the old, broken down or worn out items that have become a burden to you. Do you need to carry them?

Week three:

During the third week, while still working at being happy, you will look seriously at the negative factors that consistently cause you and others to be unhappy. If you cannot eliminate them, is there a way you can turn these negatives into positives? It may take some ingenuity on your part. Turn what makes you unhappy into what makes you happy, if possible. 

For example, if you are in financial straits, look at possible employment to help meet your needs and desires.

Find a way to deal with anything that makes you unhappy, but cannot be eliminated, disregarded, prevented or avoided. 

For example, your home may be old, but you can make renovations to it.     

Ask yourself how important these things, issues, concerns or factors are to you. Are they going to determine your level of happiness for the rest of your life or will you choose to be happy in spite of them? The decision is yours.

Week four:

During week four, begin to look at the previous transitions or changes in your happiness level over the past few weeks. You have discovered many different and exciting things about yourself and your happiness. Your degree of happiness level has probably increased. You might want to document these changes.  

In order to stay happy, there may be things that you still need to do, so start working on them in order to change what you can. 

For example, you are unhappy about the flooring in your home, find a way to replace it. If you do not like your hairdo, talk to a stylist.    

Determine exactly who or what is still making you unhappy and is likely to make you unhappy in the future. 

For example, your in-laws may be making you unhappy because they are hypercritical. Having a heart-to-heart talk with them may solve that problem. Your children may be making you unhappy because of their attitude to life. Is this a reflection of your own unhappiness? With encouragement, they can change too.   

There are times when inappropriate, heart-breaking, negative relationships can make you unhappy. At times, it is advisable to walk away from them. (Sometimes running from them seems even wiser.)

“Can I do something about this?”

You should ask yourself this question anytime you are unhappy. Never settle for being unhappy.

Taking life one day at a time, over the next 28 (or 29) days, you will find that your happiness level is something that will fluctuate to some degree. Many times, happiness has something to do with where a person is at mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

If you identify the most important factors that you can change in yourself and then, work at changing what you can, other things that make you unhappy will gradually fall into place. They may not loom as large as you think they are and in time, you may be able to do something about them. In other words, keep everything in its proper perspective.

Taking a proactive stand for your own happiness is important. Once you have dealt with your own unhappiness, you will have learned tips that you can share with others.

“What is the secret to your happiness?” someone may ask you, in the future. “Did you inherit the happiness gene?”    

That is a possibility you cannot rule out. This time, it may be your 28 (or 29) day project that changed your degree of happiness.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Weight Issues: Tips for Baby Boomers and Seniors

Are you too embarrassed to talk to your doctor about your weight? Perhaps talking to your doctor about weight issues seems far too personal. You would probably rather talk to him or her about anything else and yet, it is one of the most important things that you can do for your health. Talking to your doctor about weight issues may be something you realize you need to do, particularly if you have been struggling with your weight unsuccessfully.

Have you succeeded in losing some weight or why are you not succeeding? You need to talk to someone.

One of the reasons that weight issues are difficult to talk about, even with a family doctor, usually involves personal self-consciousness and feelings of guilt. You know that you bear at least some of the responsibility when you are overweight. You may also be dealing with an unsuspected disease process or have genetic factors to consider.

Will your doctor put you on a guilt trip?

It is important to look beyond any feelings of guilt that you may have and open up to your doctor about your weight issues and concerns for the future. Be honest with your doctor about your fears and let him or her know that you have guilt feelings, too.

Be aware that your doctor and other, medical professionals are health-oriented and will acknowledge the reality that you are trying to improve your health status by losing weight. They will help you to learn to manage your weight more effectively. They will also commend you for your efforts and may be able to offer sound medical advice that will prove to be beneficial to you.

Approach your doctor with sincerity. In other words, let him or her know that you are serious about wanting to improve your health status by taking control of your weight. Ask him or her for help in this regard.

Begin to record your weight on a regular basis and make a note of when your weight tends to fluctuate. Document measures you are currently taking with respect to weight loss and ongoing, weight management.

For example, are you exercising on a daily basis? Are you eliminating certain foods from your diet? Are you over-indulging on other foods? Are you drinking too much water?

Your doctor will suggest that you undergo a physical examination to be certain that you are in good health and do not have an underlying, disease process that is affecting your weight and general health status.

He or she will offer to counsel you with respect to your weight on a regular basis, in order to learn what is happening with your weight. 

He or she can assist you to calculate your body mass index (bmi)to determine your appropriate weight.

“A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9,” according to an article entitled “Body Mass Index (BMA) Calculator”. This will become your goal to strive for in terms of your personal weight management.

Remember that each patient and doctor is different. If you do not feel comfortable with your current family doctor, do not hesitate to ask for a referral to someone else who you can relate to more effectively with respect to your weight.

Perhaps a weight loss and management program is the right solution for you. Maybe a specific exercise program is a better idea. You might also consider a referral to a dietitian for dietary management. Online research about weight management may prove helpful.

Remember that you do own some of the responsibility for your weight issues and that you can find help, if you choose to do so. Become proactive in this respect. Act on the advice of your doctor and you will succeed.

How to Control Mental Health Issues After a Job Loss: Tips for Baby Boomers and Seniors

Suffering a job loss is never easy. The reality of a pending or sudden job loss can be and often is, a source of mental stress. Job loss or lay off can devastate people mentally, as well as emotionally, even when the job loss is the result of a well-earned and planned retirement. 

How to control mental health issues after a job loss becomes problematic for everyone to some extent, regardless of the reason for the job loss. Resiliency or bouncing back is the key to survival, according to the article “Emotional recovery from job loss.”

Mental health issues after a job loss can include sadness, anger, fear, anxiety and depression. There can be grief associated with the job loss or sadness at the loss of personal contact and communication with fellow employees. Of course, one cannot discount the effects of lost income associated with job loss. Alcohol and drug abuse may be a response to job loss, but not necessarily a good one.

No job is ever one hundred percent guaranteed or permanent. Some people begin their teen or young adult life with one job and stay there until they retire. Imagine the shock to their systems, when they suddenly have to take mandatory retirement. For others, who have anticipated and planned for retirement, it is still never easy.

Some people appear to bounce around from one job to another throughout their entire lives. As quickly as they start to work on a job, it ends for one reason or another and they have to find another one. This is not easy either. Repeated job loss can be mentally disheartening and depressing. Yet in some ways, having to continually change jobs prepares them with a higher level of skills than someone who does the same thing continually, year after year.

Consider the following tips for coping with job loss.

Seeing one door close and another one opening is a healthy way of looking at a pending or actual, job loss. There can be a wonderful sense of anticipation and excitement associated with job changes.

Resting briefly, by taking a well-deserved holiday or vacation in between different jobs, is a good way of relaxing while you contemplate your previous experience, cope with your job loss and prepare to apply for another job.

Remember that each job requires different skill sets and preparing for new employment by acquiring new skill sets prior to or immediately after your job loss, is one way to deal with having to find a new job in the immediate future. It may also be a good idea to upgrade your education.

Allowing yourself time to grieve for your job loss is realistic, but overcoming sadness, anger, fear, anxiety and depression demands you take a proactive approach to the transition or change of jobs. New jobs can be exciting and fun!

Retirement can be nostalgic in many ways, as you attempt to relive past experiences on your previous job. Remember that roads only go forward, onward and upward, as you accept new challenges in your retirement years. Enjoy the nostalgia, but just briefly.

Working with different people is like seeing stars that pass in the night. Many times, over the years of your employment, people will come and go, sometimes quickly. It is not always possible to stay in contact with them and is not necessary, either. Allowing the time and opportunity to make new friends after a job loss, is important in order to stay mentally healthy.

It is always a good idea to alert your physician if you feel that you have health problems related to excessive sadness, anger, fear, anxiety and depression from your job loss, as there may be concerns from a medical perspective. Remember that job loss can lead to heart attacks, strokes, etc. and warning signs are important. Do not ignore them.

Sudden, unexpected job loss can cause mental health concerns of a different nature, particularly when it involves trauma, loss of a business, loss of lives, blaming oneself or guilt. Job loss that includes financial loss can lead to suicide if the person or people suffering the loss are unable to cope.

Being aware that there are always possible options after a job loss is important. Many times, job loss can prove to be beneficial as a person begins to take a strong, healthy attitude to job loss. What a way to get a promotion!

Do you love your job?

Remember that your employment will not last forever. Consider how you will cope with your job loss when it happens and find out what options there are for the future. Prepare for your retirement and take a mentally healthy attitude toward job loss, at any time.