» A friend in deed

"If you know someone who has recently faced a death or other significant loss like divorce or job loss, ask them what kind of support works best for them. Everyone responds to grief and stress differently. "

» A hassle-free way to help out

"When someone you care about has a debilitating illness, is recovering from surgery, or has been put on bed rest, you and many others may be looking for ways to help out. But how? "

» A helping heart

"People with heart disease and their families can find support - and get a chance to help others - through Mended Hearts, a national nonprofit organization that partners with hospitals and clinics across the nation. "

» Be a guardian angel for seniors who live alone UPDATED!

"Difficulty cooking or shopping, trouble chewing, lack of appetite, and depression are some of the reasons elderly folks who live on their own don't eat well. In fact, one of four suffers from malnutrition. "

» Before Mom and Dad move in

"If you're thinking about having aging parents live with you, there are financial factors you should consider before you call the moving truck. "

» Caregiving - Share the load

"If you're the primary caregiver for an ill or aging family member, here are ways to ask for help - or at least moral support - from siblings or other relatives. "

» Caregiving -- Why pain is worse at night

"As a caregiver, have you ever noticed that your loved one's pain may be more intense at three in the morning than three in the afternoon? "

» Caregiving from afar

"There are an estimated 7 million long-distance caregivers in the United States. Although many miles can add difficulty to caring for an aging parent or loved one, you can still make a big difference. "

» Caregiving tips

"The number one rule of caregiving is to include your loved one as much as possible in any conversations or decisions that will affect his or her life, says Sandra Timmerman, EdD. "

» Caregiving tips at your fingertips

"A lot goes into caring for an aging loved one -- whether the person is living on his or her own, with you, or at an assisted living facility or nursing home. "

» Caregiving... How to deal with a loved one's anger UPDATED!

"If you care for someone with memory loss, be aware that their angry outbursts are usually the result of loss of control or frustration, not something that you did. Don't take it personally. "

» Caregiving: Ways to approach a difficult topic

"To make things easier: Avoid preconceived ideas about how your loved one will react. Say something Like... ""Let's start with what is important to you."" "

» Caring for aging parents

Family members have more control - and parents get to make their preferences known - when plans are made to care for aging parents before a crisis occurs. Pro-active steps you can take include:

» Caring for caregivers

"If you have a friend, family member, or co-worker who is a caregiver, you may want to consider: Offering to take the caregiver out for dinner and a movie, being a shoulder to cry on, or taking over the grocery shopping every other week. "

» Caring for someone with dementia

Reassure: Let the person know you understand their concerns if they are upset. Redirection: Encourage the person to think about or do another activity when they are upset or frustrated.

» Dealing with diabetes

"If you're caring for someone with diabetes, you know that diet and exercise are important for proper disease management. What can you do to help your loved one? "

» Elder care options UPDATED!

"By 2030, the American population over age 65 will double. As more families face care decisions for aging loved ones, remember: When health, social, safety, and comfort needs are met, any place can feel like home. "

» Elementary math

"An easy lesson in fractions may be one way to teach kids about good nutrition. A healthy plate should include: 1/2 fruits and vegetables, 1/4 whole grains like brown rice or whole-wheat pasta, 1/4 lean protein like chicken, fish, or turkey. "

» Family matters

"A famous movie line may ease your child's fears. ""I'll be back"" is the catch phrase from the ""Terminator"" movies, but it may also help your child deal with separation anxiety. "

» For caregivers

"When someone with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia needs help getting dressed, give them simple one-step directions like ""put on your pants"" instead of ""get dressed."" "

» Holiday shopping - Presence of mind with presents in mind UPDATED!

"Avoid putting packages in your car, and then going back into a mall to continue shopping. If you're not finished, move your car to another parking area. "

» In the trenches - Advice from patients to caregivers

"People undergoing treatment for cancer were asked what they would like their loved ones and other caregivers to know. Here are some of their suggestions: It's OK to get mad at me for not doing the dishes, forgetting to pay bills, or other things "

» Life lessons - The real rewards of caregiving

"For months I'd go to my dad's house every night. I'd change his bed, do the laundry, give him his medications, clean the house, and get his meals ready for the next day. "

» Living with autism: A mom's perspective

"April is Autism Awareness Month. Autism affects entire families. Ange Hammer, of the greater St. Louis area, knows this all too well. Ange is a mother of two boys on the autism spectrum. Her boys - ages 11 and 7 - are both diagnosed with PDD-NOS. "

» Nine warning signs of poor nutrition

"You can assess if someone is at risk for poor nutrition by using the letters in the word ""determine."" "

» Office visits

One way to help improve communication between you and your doctor is to write down a list of questions and bring two copies to your office visit.

» Pet therapy

Pets can improve your health. Pets can reduce stress and help prevent loneliness. They can also help lower blood pressure and decrease cholesterol and triglycerides. Pets may even increase life expectancy among people who had heart attacks.

» Shaken baby syndrome

It's never OK to shake a baby to try to make it stop crying or for any other reason. Parents of child caregivers who feel overwhelmed need to get someone else to take over or place the baby in a safe place like a crib until they calm down.

» Simple ways to make life easier

"These inexpensive items can help the elderly and other people with physical limitations maintain their independence: Kitchen tools that make it easier to open cans and bottles, peel potatoes, and cut and dice foods. "

» Take control of your life and death!

"Doctors' talking to patients about death is uncomfortable under any circumstances, but especially when a patient is dying. Yet, patients have a right to make decisions about their end-of-life care. "

» Taking care of the caregiver

"Caring for an elderly loved one is hard work. It's easy - and totally normal - to get tired, sad, and frustrated from time to time. Try not to ignore your feelings - it's not good for either of you and the feelings could get stronger. "

» Talking to someone with dementia

"Ask non-challenging questions to help the flow of conversation. Say things like ""Isn't that a beautiful picture,"" or read aloud the message from a greeting card and say something like ""Those are such wonderful words."" "

» The real costs of caregiving

"If your aging parents need help, there are numerous options, from in-home ""homemaker service"" to assisted living facilities. Here's how the costs compare. All are national median rates. "

» Tips for sizing up a babysitter

"If you're calling a potential babysitter for the first time, start the conversation by explaining why you're calling. Provide the basics, ask about the sitter's experience, inquire about any first-aid training... "

» What anyone who takes care of a baby must know

To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Always put babies to sleep on their backs. Keep the baby's crib or sleep surface in your room for the first six months.

» What to do if your child is too scared to go to sleep

Talk to your child during the day about how he or she can be less frightened at night and explain how you deal with something when you are afraid. Read stories out loud about children who have fears but conquer them.

» When someone has a serious illness

"When a family member or close friend has a serious illness, the most important thing you can do is make them feel truly cared about. The way you and other people interact with the person may be what matters most. "

» You're never too old to have the heart of a kid

If you think like a kid you'll discover ways to pass meaningful values on to your children. Kids love to: be generous.