Category: Family Caregiving

respiratory infections
Dec 6 2022

Respiratory infections: When to take your child your child to the doctor

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If you’re the parent of young children, you’re well acquainted with the snotty nose and cough that seems to return each fall and winter. In most cases, your child has caught a cold and will get better with time and perhaps some over-the-counter medicine to help ease symptoms. But there are other respiratory viruses that... Read More

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depression during the holidays
Nov 8 2022

“How can I help family and friends living with depression during the holidays?”

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If someone you care about is among the 10% of Americans living with depression, the holidays can become more complicated to navigate. Holidays can be more emotionally difficult and draining for people with depression and other mental health conditions. Parties, family dinners, and celebrations can add to stress, increasing depression symptoms and making it harder... Read More

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back to school
Aug 23 2022

Back to school: How to support your child’s mental health

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Many children have butterflies when heading back to school. Will they like their new teacher? Will their friends be in their class? What if they forget their homework? But beyond these typical worries, some school age children experience higher levels of anxiety and other mental health issues like depression. The disruptions of the pandemic—remote learning,... Read More

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college
Aug 16 2022

How to prepare your college freshman to manage healthcare away from home

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If you have a first year college student in your house, you’ve got a busy summer on your hands. There are forms to complete, supplies to buy, bags to pack, and travel plans to make if your child is going away for school. One thing that might not be on your to-do list is helping... Read More

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doctor's appointments
Apr 25 2022

Caregiver tips for doctor’s appointments with older relatives

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If you’re a caregiver for an older parent, relative, partner, or friend, one part of your role may be taking the person you care for to doctor’s appointments. There are several steps that can help you be a respectful, effective advocate and supporter for your loved one. These steps also play an important role in... Read More

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in the ICU
Feb 24 2022

How to advocate for a loved one in the ICU

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If someone you care about is seriously ill or injured and is receiving care in the ICU, you can play an important role in ensuring they get the care they need and that that care is in line with their wishes. One thing that can help guide you is your loved one’s healthcare directive or... Read More

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older family members
Feb 17 2022

How to figure out if older family members need help

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If you see your older parents, relatives, and friends frequently, you may not notice changes in their behavior and wellbeing that could mean they’re developing issues with their cognitive or physical health and may need extra support to remain safe and healthy. This checklist can help you take stock so you can develop a plan... Read More

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teens
Feb 8 2022

Strategies to encourage teens and young adults to take COVID precautions

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

As the omicron COVID-19 variant drives record high case numbers in the U.S., public health experts are recommending that people redouble their efforts to lower their risk of contracting and spreading the virus. The key steps of risk mitigation are familiar by this point in the pandemic: Getting vaccinated and boosted as recommended Wearing masks... Read More

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back-to-school anxiety
Sep 21 2021

Strategies to help your children manage back-to-school anxiety

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Most school years, there will be some children who feel anxious about going back to school. They worry about making friends, learning new routines, and whether they’ll like their teacher. But this year, child development specialists are predicting more children than usual may be experiencing back-to-school anxiety related to the pandemic. For some students, this... Read More

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parents
Aug 31 2021

Stress management for parents in a time of uncertainty

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Being a parent has always been a demanding job. Working to keep your children safe and physically and mentally healthy, balancing work and home life, acting as a caregiver for older parents and relatives, and managing your own health and wellbeing can be stressful at times. But during the pandemic, the stress levels of many... Read More

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