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25 Great Tips for Building a Relationship With Your In-Laws

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Prior to marrying, my husband and I went through a twelve-week premarital counseling course with a psychologist whose main focus was marriage. Best. Money. Spent. Ever. 25 Great Tips for Building a Relationship With Your In-Laws
We covered every topic under the sun, ranging from finances to children to our pasts and everything in between. 25 Great Tips for Building a Relationship With Your In-Laws
In our ten years together since that time, I can honestly say there is nothing we’ve encountered that we hadn’t already discussed a “what if” for during those 12 weeks.
At least, that was is the statement I made a couple weeks ago and Keith quickly corrected me. ”There was an incident with my Mom…and that wasn’t expected.”
Yikes! I’d forgotten all about that. Yes, his mother and I are very similar in alot of ways but incredibly different in others. And when Keith and I were first married, one of those differences caused a momentary rift.
Thankfully, for the both of us, Keith was wise enough to know the best way to bridge the divide and we quickly came to understand how the differences in our personalities and the way we handle certain things could adversely impact our relationship.
What I discovered during that time, and have continued to learn over the years, was our love for that man of mine (her son) should always take precedence. And I truly love and adore her too.
Over the weekend, I posted a graphic in our Facebook community that simply read, “To my mother-in-law, thank you for raising the love of my life.” It was “liked” more than 15,000 times and shared almost as many.
That got me to thinking, I bet the women of this club have some great tips for building a relationship with your in-laws. So this morning, I posed the question, “If you get along well with your in-laws, what would you say has been the key to building that relationship?”
More than 500 people responded and provided us with some great tips. If I could quickly sum up what seemed to make the most difference it was B.RA.W.L: Boundaries, Respect, Acceptance, Willingness and Love.
So instead of having a “brawl” with your in-laws, as so many unfortunately do, remember they are a part of what made your wonderful spouse who they are and try this version [of brawling] instead:
Common Courtesy Can Go a Long Way. “My experience was difficult at first. But, when I realized that they didn’t dislike me, they just would miss their son, it all changed. Respect, honesty and common courtesy goes a long way. Eventually, the F.E.A.R (false evidence appearing real) goes away, guards are dropped and you realize you’re now an extended family – not a discontinuation of one.” -Jenny Campbell
Seek Advice Without Accusation. “Understand that they have loved your spouse much longer than you. Never put them in a position where they have to defend their child. Seek advice without accusations. Celebrate them for their support and encouragement of your spouse.” -Frances Siple
Extend Grace. “…the key to our relationship is respect and grace.” -Melissa Stratton Sanchez
Treat Them As Family. I have always looked at my in-laws like they’re my blood and it has made it so much easier to get along. We have all worked hard to make it important to us, though. It’s not always easy, but it has to matter enough to you to keep on working on it! -Laurina Rose Hendrickson
Be True to Who You Are. “Being yourself. Eventually it will work out. If you try to be something/someone you’re not, it will only cause everyone problems down the line.” -Karen Royalty Smith
Have Your Spouse Resolve Conflict. “When there is conflict between me and whomever, I talk it over with my husband and he talks to them. For one, they’re his family and he knows how to talk to them, and for two it takes him out of the middle – he doesn’t have to choose between me and them, he helps to resolve any conflict instead of letting one build.” -Tresa Koester
Give it Time. Realize relationships take TIME to build. One or even several large scale fights do not mean you cannot have a relationship. You may be very different people and it takes TIME to look at the world from another person’s viewpoint with love. Don’t give up. Always be kind. Give it time. -Tristan Roszkowski
Accentuate the Positive. “I love my mother-in-law. I think it helps to try to accentuate the positive. She is loving, giving, and incredibly kind. Of course, there are quirks that irritate me now and again, but in those moments, I try to remind myself that she is only doing what she thinks is best based off of her experience.” -Brittany Nielson
Include Them. Including them in all aspects of our lives, calling several times a week and including them on our family vacations with the kids. We WANT our children to have amazing memories of their grandparents. One day, WE will be the grandparents and would love the same respect. -Lori Ann Kennelly
Do Not Differentiate. “We never differentiate between “YOUR family” or “MY family”. It’s always OUR family from the day we were married. We love and respect each others parents and they love and respect us. We laugh, love and support each other as much as we can.” -Barbara Rocco Adams
Let Them Out of The Box. “For me, it has been to let them out of the little box I thought they were supposed to fit in. To be patient. To love and accept them as they are! I think I expected them to be like my family, and they are not. And that’s ok. It’s great, actually! They’re awesome!” -Stacy Smith Bishop
Remember Who They Are. “Remembering they raised and love the person you love and enjoy their company.” -Jeanine Parrish Giuliano
Remove Pride. “Love! Not being so prideful myself that I ignore their wisdom and love. They truly love me as their daughter and I love them as parents. Love never fails!” -Molinda Bailey
They Are Not the Enemy. “Mutual respect, not looking at your mother in law like she is an “enemy”, set healthy boundaries early on, communicate well, and a hug truly goes a long way.” -Alaina Marie
Know Your Roles. “Respect. Knowing each person’s role in their partner’s lives. A lot of times it can verge on who is SIGNIFICANT in their lives still? Each party has a different love type and level. When both parties respect that…then you have peace and harmony.” -June Robinson
Protect Your Words. “Prayer, self-assessment, forgiveness, always be humble and protect your own words, they become a part of your life and last forever.” -Melissa Dyer
Respect Their Position. “Respect their positions as parents (and grandparents, if apply)….Always be honest….Show constant love and gratitude for raising a wonderful child!” -Sheryl Taylor
Build a Friendship. “Love them, I mean really love them. Build a friendship with them and include them in your life, not just in areas where your spouse is involved but in all areas. Pray for God to connect your families together also.” -Vycki South
Have No Expectations. “Having their grandchildren, having no great expectations & just letting go of criticism – they see it as trying to help – believing the intention is good.” -Sara Litzkow Wax
Let Go of Grudges. “Be honest but respectful at the same time. Let go of grudges. Be patient. Have fun together! Communicate! Laugh! Share stories!” -Lesley Michelle Callahan Rogers
Don’t Put on a Show. “My relationship with my mother-in-law is separate from my relationship with my husband. I spend time alone with her…I don’t say negative things to her about him…and I act like me. I never put on a show for her.” -Angela Swartz
Bring Presumptions to the Surface. “Communication. Period. It was rough in the beginning but once I cleared the air by bringing all the presumptions to the surface, it’s been awesome ever since — and that was 13 years ago.” -Carlie Kercheval
Find a Respectful Approach. “If they raised the man of your dreams treat them as they are the reason he exists. Vent to your honey first, if something bothers you, to come up with the most respectful approach to not only them but your honey – respect them as HIS parents but love them as your own.” -Kristyn Johnson
Take Initiative. “Take initiative with them, don’t ignore them and wait for them to do so. Invite them for dinner, help your husband shop/buy gifts for them, etc. Include them in your good news! Help make them feel special and an important part of your life.” -Emily Reese
It’s a Package Deal. “Always put in mind/heart that tt’s a package deal. Love your In-laws as much as you love your husband no matter what.”
-Shirley Topang on The Happy Wives Club Blog

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Conditions & Treatments

How Massage Chairs Help People with Diabetes

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Because massage relaxes the muscles and calms the mind, it can provide a variety of benefits for people suffering from physical and mental ailments. Due to the number of physical complications that accompany Diabetes, as well as the emotional stress of coping with the disease, massage therapy has been shown to alleviate certain types of Diabetic complications. How Massage Chairs Help People with Diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 1 out of 3 Diabetics over the age of 50 will suffer from Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). PAD occurs when the blood vessels in the legs are narrowed and blocked by fatty deposits, and the blood flow to the feet is decreased. This can result in an alarming number of consequences ranging from foot ulcers to amputation. Therefore, it is critical for Diabetics to ensure that the blood flow to their legs is regulated.
Massage products—from recliners with foot-and-calf massagers, to targeted foot-and-calf relief solutions—can serve as an incredibly useful tool for people seeking to increase blood flow in their legs and feet. The Figure-Eight Technology® in many Human Touch® products deliver an advanced massage technique that emulates those used by a professional masseuse, and increases the blood flow between the legs and torso.
Massage has been shown to drop glucose levels, which can help to prevent Hyperglycemia in Diabetics. According to Healthline.com, Hyperglycemia can cause eye damage, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage (Neuropathy), skin and gum infections, joint problems, and can even result in a diabetic coma. Helping to relax your body with massage will assist in lowering your glucose levels, which can prevent these types of Hyperglycemic ailments.
Another benefit of massage for Diabetics is the increase in flexibility as the muscles are loosened through massage. High blood sugar can result in the thickening of connective tissue, and massage will increase the mobility and elasticity of that tissue. As the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are relaxed, massage recipients will find an increase in motion and flexibility in the joints, therefore improving their quality of life.
Important Precautions
All of these benefits of massage should be noted by anyone suffering from the symptoms of Diabetes. However, there are a few important factors to consider when seeking massage therapy.
As with any type of physical therapy, it is critical to consult with your physician before commencing. Massage is a great option for anyone seeking stress and pain relief, but Diabetics will need to be aware that the fluxuations in their blood sugar levels need careful observation at all times. The delicate balance of their insulin injections and glucose levels must be monitored, and reduced glucose may influence the amount of insulin they require.
It is also important to avoid massage in an area where Diabetics inject their insulin. Pressure in this area may influence the way that their body absorbs the shot, and therefore alter their intake.
As a final recommendation, Diabetics who suffer from Neuropathy should be cautious when assessing the pressure levels and heat options from any massage service, whether from a masseuse or a massage chair. Due to the nerve damage associated with Neuropathy, it may be difficult to determine the appropriate massage intensity or heat levels that work for their body, and misuse can result in bruising or overheated skin. It is recommended for those with Neuropathy to consult with a professional, friend, or family member to determine if the massage technique or heating levels are ideal for a person of their body type and sensitivity levels.
Shop Massage Chairs

How Massage Chairs Help People with Diabetes

How Massage Chairs Help People with Diabetes How Massage Chairs Help People with Diabetes How Massage Chairs Help People with Diabetes How Massage Chairs Help People with Diabetes How Massage Chairs Help People with Diabetes How Massage Chairs Help People with Diabetes

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Housing Tips

Moving This Summer?

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Summer is busiest time of the year for home and business moves. In fact, an estimated 65 percent of the 43 million Americans who are moving this year will do so in the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Moving This Summer?
What does that mean for those with a move in the immediate future? Considering the fact that moving is ranked just behind death and divorce in terms of life’s most stressful events, a summer move might mean stocking up on extra stress balls and taking a few extra deep breaths along the way.
“Whether you are hiring help or doing it yourself, you can expect a fair amount of anxiety,” says Sean E. Burns, a psychologist with Counseling Associates of West Michigan. “It’s helpful to simply recognize that it’s normal that your life is out of order during this period. Once moved, it’s important to resume life’s routines as soon as possible. Don’t worry about getting everything in place right away; put a priority on resuming your workouts and family trips to the park, and the rest will take care of itself over time.”
A summer move also means that you need to plan further in advance and be more flexible with your move dates.
“We moved 1.3 homes or businesses per minute last summer,” says Randy Shacka, president of Two Men And A Truck, the nation’s largest franchised moving company, “In fact, we moved 2,851 homes and businesses in the two days between June 28 and June 29. Based on year-over-year trend analysis of every move within our 260 store system, we believe that same weekend will likely be our busiest again this summer.”
So, beyond avoiding a late June move, how do you begin to navigate the waters of the busiest moving season?
“In a perfect world we’d all plan ahead, but the reality is we’re busy with work and life and next thing you know you have seven days to get moved,” Shacka says. “So while it’s important to be flexible, box things in advance, etc., you might just consider doing a few simple things to make your life a bit easier on move day.”

4 Suggestions for Moving:

Kids rule: If hiring a sitter isn’t an option on move day, get the kids involved as “supervisors.” Help them with a simple checklist or turn a box into a “treasure chest” of their own belongings so the move becomes a positive experience for them.
Free Fido: If watching the kids weren’t enough, try managing the dog as she tries to skirt through every open door. Ask a family friend to watch the animals, or consider boarding them for the day. The money spent is a good investment in reducing your overall stress.
Space it out: Often homeowners will move all their furniture into one room to save time for their movers. This can be a cost savings for boxes, but when it comes to furniture it can slow the move down. A good moving company will use stretch wrap to protect furniture, so when packed tightly together into one room the pieces have to be moved twice to properly prepare for the move. Go ahead and consolidate boxes, but save yourself the hassle and leave furniture where it lives.
Picture this: Photos are often the last thing to be packed because it seems safer to just leave them hanging until they are ready to be moved. In truth, they often delay a move because movers have to remove them to get furniture past. This time ask your movers to provide you with-the appropriate packing materials in advance and pack your photos yourself. It’s often light lifting, and it’s a fun way to relive memories while thinking about life’s next great adventure.

Moving This Summer?

Moving This Summer? Moving This Summer? Moving This Summer? Moving This Summer? Moving This Summer? Moving This Summer? Moving This Summer? Moving This Summer? Moving This Summer? Moving This Summer? Moving This Summer? Moving This Summer?

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Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time?
Dating

Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time?

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Many people ponder the question, is it right to marry as a senior? Is there a good time? And if so, when is the right time? Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time?
There is no age limit when it comes to love. Anyone can fall in love at any time of their life and in many cases, more than just the once. Whether you’re 21 or 61, love is love and no one can deny that special feeling you get when you’ve fallen for that special someone. But what about marrying again as a senior?

What’s the rush in marrying?

Most seniors who are single are likely to have been married or at least in a long term relationship. Therefore they know what they want from a partner if they were to be looking to reengage with someone again. They possess a far greater understanding of what qualities and negatives to be mindful of in a partner.
With this in mind, a lot of senior singles in that position would prefer to take things slowly and approach a new relationship or step in to the dating scene with a cautious mind, especially if they’ve divorced or split up from a long term partner. It’s in their best interest to ensure they find someone they can end up marrying and spending a lifetime with and not just a “fling”. Also, it may have been up to 30 years since they even had to contemplate dating again so it can naturally take time to adjust to that huge life change anyway.
On the other hand, some seniors who have recently broken up struggle to adapt to the single life after such a long time in a marriage or relationship. They miss the constant companionship they were used to and sharing every experience together and so rush back in to a relationship. But this can be dangerous and not lead to the happiness that they would ultimately be seeking.
Ultimately, it’s wise to take your time. If things are becoming more serious between you and a new partner, it’s worth taking a step back and asking yourself, what is the rush?

Dating Sites

Mature dating sites are becoming more and more popular in this current day since their proven track record of helping singles find love keeps improving. Let’s be honest, the older we get, the harder it is to meet new people and make new friends through socialising. Perhaps joining clubs or classes is an option but the people that you meet at these places are limited. With the internet, the possibilities are almost endless.
The convenience of these sites as well as their easy to use interfaces make it so easy for seniors to operate. There’s no real reason for senior singles not to give it a try. The added bonus is that it allows you to sit back and take your time before jumping in to face to face dating.
www.findmaturesingles.com is a brilliant online dating site for senior singles where you can find likeminded singles as well as similar blog posts to this.

Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time?

Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time? Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time? Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time? Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time? Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time? Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time? Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time? Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time? Marrying again as a senior – When is a good time?

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Smoking Kills: It is Never too Late to Stop!
Conditions & Treatments

Smoking Kills: It is Never too Late to Stop!

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

The dangers of smoking are well known, however, nicotine is highly addictive and it can be very difficult to quit – especially if the habit is decades old. At our practice, we offer preventative care and do not wait for serious medical challenges before we begin addressing the possible underlying causes for cardiovascular disease. Smoking Kills: It is Never too Late to Stop!

One such cause is undeniably smoking. Smoking Kills: It is Never too Late to Stop!
Smoking is the single greatest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States.
15% of Americans smoke, amounting to 36.5 million people. A majority of these are heavy smokers. Every year cigarettes kill close to half of a million Americans, with an additional 40,000 deaths resulting from exposure to secondhand smoke. In this sense, smoking is not solely a personal decision – other people may be affected even if they themselves do not smoke.
Another aspect of the wider reaching consequences of tobacco use are the health care costs. According to a 2014 study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), national smoking-related costs amount to $300 billion each year, including both direct medical care and lost productivity.
Apart from the cost to taxpayers and the burden on the medical system, cigarette smoking is very expensive to the individual smoker as well. American smokers spend up to $80 million every year on cigarettes or about 70$ per week.
While most people understand that smoking increases the risks of cancer, fewer may realize that smoking also has an adverse effect on the cardiovascular system. Smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is linked to one-third of deaths from CVD.
While smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States, cardiovascular disease is the single greatest cause of death. More than 16 million Americans have heart disease, and 800,000 Americans die of heart disease every year.

Heart attack and stroke affect 15 million Americans every year.

What this amounts to is that smoking is a very dangerous habit that can seriously impact overall health, and in particular can affect cardiovascular health.
Even people who smoke fewer than five cigarettes per week may be increasing their risk of early CVD, and this risk increases both with a number of cigarettes smoked daily and the number of years a person smokes for.
So how does smoking contribute to heart disease? The chemicals in cigarettes inflame the cells lining arteries, leading to an increased buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the blood along the arteries – this is known as plaque. Plaque can form dangerous clots that can travel to the brain or the heart, causing a blockage that leads to heart attack or stroke. The narrowing of arteries due to the buildup of plaque is called atherosclerosis, a condition that can be treated with medication. However, medication is no replacement for quitting smoking.
Other cardiovascular conditions that have been linked to smoking are peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and peripheral vascular disease which is what happens when plaque causes the narrowing of blood vessels feeding the body’s extremities.
When blood flow is reduced and the limbs deprived of oxygen and nutrients, symptoms will include aching and muscle exhaustion, and in extreme cases may even result in infection and amputation.

Smoking is the most common preventable cause of PAD.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when the portion of the aorta that is in the abdomen suffers restricted blood flow. If an aneurysm ruptures it can be life-threatening – almost all deaths from abdominal aortic aneurysms are caused by smoking.
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and a leading cause of death in the United States. When combined with other preventable and non-preventable risk factors, such as genetics, obesity, and high-cholesterol, smoking can greatly exacerbate the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Although smoking is very harmful and is increasingly harmful over time, even long-time smokers can reduce or even reverse these harms rapidly once they quit. Within just one year the risk of heart attack drops dramatically. Within five years, smokers who quit may cut their risk of stroke down to that of a person who has never smoked a single cigarette. Therefore, while smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, it is never too late to quit. Even just a few cigarettes a week can cause damage, so the safest strategy to prevent or reverse this damage is to quit as soon as possible.
At Dr. Leonard Pianko’s office, we treat the whole patient and not just disease.
This means that we are here to help you improve your overall well-being and day-to-day health holistically and preventatively rather than waiting for problems to appear.
If you smoke, we are here to advise and guide you through the process of quitting. Smoking is a serious addiction, and those who break free need serious support – our entire staff is dedicated to total care of every patient, including through the difficult process of quitting smoking. The gains of quitting are immeasurable, and we are here to help our patients attain their health goals. If you are interested in consulting with Dr. Pianko, please schedule an appointment at any time.

Dr. Leonard Pianko, M.D., F.A.C.C., is a specialist in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease.

Smoking Kills: It is Never too Late to Stop!

Smoking Kills: It is Never too Late to Stop!

Smoking Kills: It is Never too Late to Stop! Smoking Kills: It is Never too Late to Stop! Smoking Kills: It is Never too Late to Stop!

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Golf Training Products To Maximize Your Potential
Golf

Golf Training Products To Maximize Your Potential

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

When you think of golf training products do you think of training aids? Or do you think of products that work directly on some facet of your game… be it mental, physical or mechanical? Golf Training Products To Maximize Your Potential
I know what you’re thinking! Work! This all involves work right? Anything that was worth achieving does not ever come easy. Don’t you agree? If improving your golf game is a high priority, you won’t look at the process as work. In fact, you will invite these processes, and quite possibly even enjoy them.
Let me ask you a question. Can you take off a month from playing and expect to come back the first time and shoot a low score? I’ll bet not! If you have not been participating in a golf training improvement program with products that are specific to your golf needs, it will be virtually impossible to expect a high level of performance.
Now the question is what type of golf training product is right for you? Well… that’s something you need to figure out based on your current golfing results. What is happening on the golf course for you? Are you fading on the back nine? Are you having focus (mental) issues throughout the round? How about swing faults? What is your main swing fault when you mishit a shot?
Taking all these factors into consideration will help you make your decision on what approach and products you need to look into to take your game to the next level. The more specific you can get, the bigger the return on investment.
How many times have you purchased a training aid only to use it one or two times, not see improvement and throw it into the golf cabinet in the garage with all your other “not-being-used” training products? I’ll bet your wife has given you a few jabs here and there eh? I know mine has!
Golf training products can be physical training like fitness programs specific for golf; they can be mental books or tapes to improve your focus; or they can be swing fault training products that work on a specific issue in your golf swing be it a slice, topping the ball, thinning the ball, hooking it or the other 62 different swing faults you can possibly have.
The most important thing of all is commitment. Make a firm promise to yourself that you will be consistent with whatever product you choose. That is the only option you have to really see if it will be effective. If you don’t give it a real try you’ll never know. Golf Training Products To Maximize Your Potential

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Local TravelTravel

Hometown Tourism Basics

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

If you don’t have the time or the money to get away this summer, there’s no reason you can’t have a memorable vacation. Everything you need is right in your hometown. Be a Hometown Tourist
Sticking close to home means you not only save money, but you avoid the hassles of travel and help support the local economy. What’s not to like? Be a Hometown Tourist

THE BASICS Hometown Tourism Basics

The trick to having a great stay-at-home vacation is to create the environment of a traditional vacation. That means getting out of your normal routine and treating your time as true vacation time. Travel expert and creator of TravelingMamas.com, Shannon Hurst Lane, has some tips to help you plan:

  • Schedule it. Decide on a beginning and an ending date, then put them on the calendar. Clear those days of anything that smells of work or regularly scheduled events. You’re on vacation, remember?
  • Let local deals help you decide. These days, there are hundreds and even thousands of deals available close to home for dining, spas, attractions, museums and more. In fact, according to a survey from Bing.com, the decision engine from Microsoft, 6 out of 10 adults will search 2 to 10 different deal sources every week. For example, going to m.bing.com on your cell phone will save you time and money by showing you local deals – all in one place – from Groupon, LivingSocial, Tippr and many others.
  • Establish a “No Chore Zone.” This is not the time to clean out the closets, re-landscape the yard or tackle that home-improvement project. This is time for fun and family activities only.
  • Plan activities for every day. You wouldn’t go to Orlando and stay in the hotel room the whole time, so don’t just sit around the house. Find interesting places to go and fun things to do every day. Get the kids involved in planning, too – let them choose a place to go or a theme for the day.
  • Act like a tourist. Take photos and videos to document your local adventures. Pick up postcards and souvenirs from the museums or amusement parks you visit, just like you would if you had gone out of town. Be a Hometown Tourist

FUN STAYCATION IDEAS

Here are just a few ideas for some hometown adventures:

  • Use great deals to eat out affordably. Use Bing mobile deals to find great local deals at that restaurant that you’ve always wanted to try. This approach will let you eat out with the whole family, or even on a date night, and still not break your vacation budget.
  • Science and nature. Visit an arboretum or nature center. Bike the trails in a local or state park. Go horseback riding. Have fun in a local science center, or spend the day at the zoo or aquarium. Some zoos have overnight camping adventures available, too. Live near a lake or river? Try boating, water skiing or tubing for a day.
  • Amusement parks. You may not live near one of the big theme parks, but there are more options around town than you might realize. Check out regional theme parks, water parks, and even local community centers. Family fun centers that have mini golf, laser tag, go karts and bowling are a fun option, too.
  • Family food fun. Explore the local farmers markets and pick up fresh produce and local goods. Visit a U-Pick farm and gather things like fresh blueberries right off the bushes. Treat the family to a night out at a fancy restaurant, and have everyone dress in their best outfits. Or, order in from your favorite local eatery and have an indoor picnic.
  • Local highlights. You know all those places that out-of-town guests want to go to when they visit but you’ve never gotten around to seeing? Well, now’s your chance. Look for walking tours of historic districts; tag along on guided tours of famous landmarks; or take that scenic drive everyone talks about.
  • Take some time. Any vacation can be exhausting so make sure to take some “me time” at a local spa to get those toes done before stepping out.

“Your hometown is a treasure-trove of fun and interesting things to do,” according to Lane. “And you can make it even more fun by finding money-saving deals when you search on Bing or m.bing.com.”

GET LOCAL DEALS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE

Nearly 80 percent of respondents in a Bing survey said they were likely to pick their summer vacation destination based on whether or not they could find a deal or redeem a coupon to save money. Be a Hometown Tourist

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New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control
Conditions & Treatments

New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Gout, the most common inflammatory arthritis in adults, is a highly symptomatic and painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by high serum uric acid (sUA) levels in the blood, which can lead to painful flares. Most often those flares occur in extremities, such as big toes and fingers, but it can also occur in feet, ankles, knees, hands and wrists. While gout is treatable, a new survey by CreakyJoints, an online, non-profit, patient support organization, demonstrates that it is often a disease that is out of control, including for many seniors. New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control
Patients surveyed experienced an average of eight painful gout attacks per year and more than half these patients reported attacks that lasted three or more days. Moreover, 76% of patients indicated gout hinders their ability to walk, climb stairs, or sleep, causing a rippling effect not only on patients’ lives, but also on the lives of their caregivers and families. Almost 60% of patients surveyed admitted they wouldn’t be able to meet their basic needs (e.g., running errands, bathing, etc.) during a gout attack, if they did not have someone to help them. New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control
More than two-thirds of patients and nine in 10 caregivers surveyed said they accept painful gout attacks as part of living with the disease, even though most of these same patients and caregivers also stated they were satisfied with existing gout treatments, indicating a disconnect. Older adults, those 45 years and older, blamed themselves for the disease. Fifty-eight percent said, “I sometimes feel responsible for causing my gout due to my diet and/or alcohol consumption”
Of the survey results, Theodore Fields, M.D., Hospital for Special Surgery, New York and CreakyJoints Advisor said, “It’s startling that so many of the patients and caregivers surveyed have resigned themselves to the impacts of gout. There is much work to be done to educate patients with gout and their caregivers to help get the patients’ gout symptoms under control.”

The Blame Game and a Lack of Understanding

Stereotypically, gout is blamed on a person’s overindulgence in a diet rich in purines, like red meat or from drinking too much alcohol. However, hereditary factors contribute significantly to gout, a fact that only 35% of gout patients and 34% of caregivers surveyed identified as true.
There are two causes of gout – overproduction and underexcretion of uric acid – with only 14% of gout patients and 9% of caregivers surveyed correctly citing both causes contributing to gout. Moreover, merely 11% of patients and 9% of caregivers surveyed knew that the target sUA levels for gout patients was less than 6 mg/dL.
Concerningly, nearly three in 10 patients surveyed admitted to hiding gout attacks from loved ones, with more than two-thirds of caregivers surveyed stating they wish their loved ones would tell them sooner when they are experiencing a gout attack. Further, half of patients surveyed do not report all their gout attacks to their doctor.

Gout Guidance

According to Dr. Fields, patients must be transparent to their loved ones and their doctor about the impact of gout by reporting flares, and doctors should test their gout patients’ serum uric acid levels regularly to ensure these patients are reaching and sustaining the target goal of under 6 mg/dL.
CreakyJoints co-founder and Executive Director, Louis Tharp also recommended that, “Reach out for resources in your community, and be honest with your doctor and loved ones about your symptoms, including all your gout attacks. Get the uric acid in your blood to target level. Together, we can take the steps to get gout back in control.”
The survey was conducted online among 1,000 gout patients and 500 caregivers of gout patients in March 2017 to gain insight into their perceptions of and experiences with gout. Edelman Intelligence conducted the survey, which was made possible by CreakyJoints, with funding from Ironwood Pharmaceuticals.
By CreakyJoints

New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control

New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control New Survey Shows Gout is Out of Control

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Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active
Health Tips

Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Senior Citizens are the new cool generation. The U.S. population of people over 65 is bigger than it’s ever been and growing every day. And many baby boomers are not creeping into old age quietly. More than any time in human history the ways and means to stay vital and active into old age are available. Take advantage of this abundance of information and learn how to make your golden years fun, healthy and happy. Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active
Let’s explore ways to stay healthy and active. At the top of the list is the food you eat. By giving your body optimum nutrition, maintaining a healthy weight and trying with all your wits to stay out of doctors’ offices, you are advancing your own wellbeing. Choosing the best foods is a priority. Research indicates that a plant-based diet may be the best all-round choice you can make. Check out the movie, “Forks Over Knives.” Or read this article in U.S News and World Report. Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active

Exercise is not a dirty word

It is the amazing ability your body has to move, bend, stretch, walk and run. You can only be physically active if you use your body and keep it moving. If it’s been a while since you felt strong and flexible, start slowly. Some simple stretches from your favorite chair are good ways to begin. You could also take a slow walk around your neighborhood. Get out during your favorite time of the day and take a stroll. Walk the dog. Meet a friend at the high school track. There are endless ways to get your body moving again. Once you feel you are ready, look for a swimming pool in your community, tennis courts or a yoga studio that you can join. Your body is what propels you through life, keep it in the best shape possible.

Sleep Patterns

You have probably noticed that your sleep patterns are a tad wacky: waking up in the middle of the night, feeling sleepy after lunch then wide awake again at midnight. That is all okay. You are lucky if you can just go with it. One nice thing about retirement is you can take naps. Sleep when tired. Get up when wakeful. Don’t stress about it. And when you do find yourself awake in the middle of the night use it to your advantage. Read, pray, meditate and thank your lucky stars you’ve made it this far. Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active

Get out an see the world

This might be the time in your life that you finally get to travel. Go visit your far-flung family. Check in with the senior center in your community and join an organized trip. You might even make new friends. Or go solo and vacation in a place you’ve never been before. Get out there and see the world. And take advantage of every senior citizen discount there is. Reduced fares on all modes of transportation, discounts on goods, services and entertainment are all icing on the cake.
Whew! The kids are grown, jobs are minimized and you get to sit back and rest on your laurels. Or at least rest on your backsides. You deserve it. The time for self-reflection is at hand. If you belong to a church, continue going. If you have yet to find a place of worship that is right for you, keep looking. Or explore other spiritual and meditative practices. Spending time alone in peace and prayer can be empowering.

Learning Never Stops

Leonardo da Vinci said, “Learning never exhausts the mind.” An active mind can be just as vital in old age as an active body. Do yourself a favor and keep learning. Read books. Join a book club. Get on a computer and start searching. Join a class to learn how to get on a computer. Keep learning and growing and expanding your mind until the very last second of your life.op Ways to Keep Active as a Senior Citizen

Carpe Diem

This is it. The home stretch. Whether you live another 30 years or just 3 more days. Grab it. Make the most of every minute. You matter. You get to choose how you want to go out. Take good care of yourself. Make friends. Reconnect with family. Learn something new. There are so many ways to stay active and engaged with life. Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active
Ryan Bridges is a contributing writer and media specialist for the Partners in Home Care. He regularly produces content for a variety of lifestyle and living blogs, based around the transitional challenges which comes with staying active.

Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active

Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active Top Ways for Seniors to Keep Active

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