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What Family Caregivers Need to Know
First, and most important: You are not alone! Taking care of an aging or ill family member can be enormously rewarding, but also exhausting and emotionally draining. As a result, caregiver burnout, leading to depression and major health problems, is a very real danger for family caregivers. That's why every caregiver also needs a caregiver - or at the very least, caregiving help - so you can take some time for yourself.
Respite care can get you through the long haul - and that's good for both you and your loved one. And, respite comes in many forms: from family and friends; volunteer groups; faith-based organizations; local, state and federal agencies; or paid respite workers. It can take place in your home, or at an outside facility, such as an adult day care center.
Talk with family members and be specific about what you need and when, then decide who can pinch-hit while taking time for yourself. Look outside, too, for the help you need. Locally, the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center can connect you with a number of support services and adult day care programs. If you belong to a church, there are likely other members who would be glad to help you out periodically. If the family member you're caring for served in the military, there's a Veteran Services Collaborative in Newhall that can help you out with activities and resources. There's also the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center that has a respite care program - you can apply for help online. And, certainly, there are licensed, non-medical home care companies willing and able to provide professional caregivers for a few hours a day, a couple of days a week. Find a way to give yourself a break - you deserve it.
Home Instead Senior Care for Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys 254-8701

Don't Miss!
Friday | October 20
Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Care Hosts A Day of Creating Beauty Event
From 9am to 6pm, enjoy live demonstrations and presentations, plus deep discounts on all cosmetic treatments and products. You'll also have a chance to win over $10,000 in raffle prizes, plus experience complimentary shoulder massages, skin care recommendations, breakfast with mimosas, a coffee/latte bar, lunch with wine and more. No appointment is necessary - drop in any time or call to purchase your treatments.
254-3686

What to Buy in November
Everywhere Balm from byDr.Poucheris the Post-baby, Post-surgery, Menopause-friendly Intimate Skincare You Need Now
You have selfcare products for your face, your hair, your body... but probably not your most intimate areas. The byDr.Poucher brand, started locally by Santa Clarita OB/GYN and gynecological surgeon Dr. Courtenay Poucher, is here to change that.
"A woman's intimate skin can become dry, itchy and irritated after having a baby, experiencing the hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause, after surgery and more. Women deserve to feel comfortable in their bodies, which is why we made our Everywhere Balm," explains Dr. Poucher.
Everywhere Balm contains honey propolis, avocado oil and tea tree oil to gently soothe and protect the skin while promoting healing. "Soothing relief is just a gentle swipe away. Women tell us that nothing heals their intimate skin faster than our Everywhere Balm. One mom makes sure to buy it for all her friends who are having babies and our clients who are in the throes of menopause have placed delivery subscriptions so they never run out," says the Aesthetic Center of Santa Clarita owner.
bydrpoucher.com

Doing Sauna like the Finns Means Cooling Down, Too
Cooling down is an essential part of sauna bathing. Follow your sauna session with a three to seven minute cold plunge for an authentic Finnish experience. The plunge causes the body to further increase your heart rate, constrict blood vessels and induce an incredible rush of endorphins. You'll feel amazing afterwards! Brand new to cold plunging? The experienced team at The Sweat Shack will guide you through the process every breath of the way. Experience sauna and cold plunge locally at The Sweat Shack's Newhall or Saugus locations.
The Sweat Shack 678-0880