American Heart Association Web Site Helps Caregivers Help Themselves; As Numbers Grow, Need for Practical Coping Strategies Increases

American Heart Association Web Site Helps Caregivers Help Themselves; As Numbers Grow, Need for Practical Coping Strategies Increases

PR Newswire via NewsEdge Corporation :

DALLAS, Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- A new American Heart Association Web site -- http://www.americanheart.org/caregiver -- is addressing the emotional needs of the approximately 50 million people in the United States caring for a family member or friend who has a chronic medical condition.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061017/DATU047 )

Many of these people are helping survivors of heart disease or stroke, the nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers and the cause of many disabilities survivors can't manage alone. The need for more caregivers is expected to grow rapidly as the population ages.

"This new Web site provides practical resources for caregivers who don't have any training and suddenly find themselves in this situation," said Barry Jacobs, Psy.D. a clinical psychologist, family therapist and author of the book The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers. "The demands put on family members in a caregiving role are increasing, and we need to offer the resources to help them cope."

A recent online survey of caregivers who use the primary American Heart Association Web site and other resources confirmed that family caregivers who give so much to their loved ones need more and better help to care for themselves.

Most caregivers surveyed reported having personal risk factors for heart disease, stroke and many other diseases. Risks mentioned frequently included high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Caregivers also reported that feelings of stress, depression and anxiety were common, and said they need help to manage their feelings.

The American Heart Association has responded with a suite of materials to support caregivers, including the new Web site. With sections titled "Rejuvenate," "Refresh," Reach Out" and "Replenish," the site gives caregivers practical, proven ways to take charge of their own health and emotional well- being. Modules include tips for communicating with family and friends about their situation, a guide to healthy eating and food preparation, as well as a Heart of Caregiving downloadable journal to help them prioritize their personal needs. A pre-printed journal and an Italian charm bracelet featuring the "Nine Caregiver's Rights," can be purchased via the Web site. In addition, a copy of the caregiver bookmark, brochure, resource guide and medical information magnet can be requested free of charge by calling 800-AHA-USA1.

"I frequently see patients who are not only burdened by the emotional strain of caregiving, but are also letting their physical health decline as a result of the entire focus being on the family member," said Jacobs. "The resources on this Web site are a great reminder that the emotional and physical health of the caregiver are just as important as the health of the person for whom they are caring."

Editor's Note: November is National Family Caregiver's Month

Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to reducing disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. These diseases, America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers, claim more than 910,000 lives a year. In fiscal year 2004-05 the association invested over $473 million in research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs to help all Americans live longer, healthier lives. To learn more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit http://www.americanheart.org .