HHS HealthBeat (May 04, 2006)

In need of care

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Being a good caregiver – someone who, for instance, helps an aging mom or an ailing dad – takes more than taking care of the other person. Caregivers also have to take care of their own needs. Too often, they don’t.

U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona is joining in The Caregiver Initiative – a public-private effort to prescribe some healing for caregivers. Carmona says a constant heavy burden can be crushing – making the caregiver’s health worse, with conditions such as depression.

Carmona says caregivers should find ways to shift the weight:

"Do whatever activities you have engaged in, in your life, to reduce stress in your life – a little bit of exercise, taking a walk, engaging in family activities that help to reduce the stress. And share some of those caregiving activities. You don’t have to shoulder the burden yourself." (13 seconds)

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: August, 15 2006