HealthyLife Articles

Tag: communication

Build A Strong Family Foundation

FAMILY LIFE

Happy families have a strong foundation. This helps parents and children deal with changes and hard times. Every family faces challenges and stress. Here’s how to protect your family from whatever life throws at you.

Show love through attention

Connect with your kids or spouse each day. Take time to ask about their day or do an activity together. Have family meals when you can, play games or take walks together. Avoid being on screens too much, when no one is talking or noticing one another.

Be open to learning

Having a strong family takes knowledge and care. No one knows everything about families and relationships. Parents can take classes about child development. See a marriage counselor if your marriage is having trouble. You can also look into support groups. Ask your family’s doctor if you need help dealing with specific challenges.

Care for yourself

If you get burned out, you can’t help others in your family. Take quiet time to listen to music, take a bath or do whatever relaxes and calms you. Get regular exercise, such as walking, and include family members if you can. Talk to a trusted friend when you’re stressed or overwhelmed.

Build your community

Connect with others who understand and support you. Join a sports team, a group or a religious organization that supports family life. Community can make life fun and help you learn from others, too.

Be open about problems

If you’re stressed and need some time alone, tell your spouse or your kids. Explain that you need some time to calm down, rather than blowing up or feeling resentment toward them.

Don’t overschedule

Try to keep your activities and family calendar reasonable. When everyone is too busy, there’s not much time to connect.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hearing Loss

Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions

People over age 50 are likely to lose some hearing each year. The decline is usually gradual. About 30% of adults age 65 through 74 and about 50% of those age 85 and older have hearing problems.

Hearing problems can get worse if they are ignored and not treated. People with hearing problems may withdraw from others because they may not be able to understand what others say. Hearing loss can cause an older person to be labeled “confused” or “senile.”

Signs & Symptoms

* Words are hard to understand. This worsens when there is background noise.

* Certain sounds are overly loud or annoying.

* Hearing a hissing or ringing background noise. This can be constant or it can come and go.

* Concerts, TV shows, etc. are less enjoyable because much goes unheard.

Causes

Presbycusis (prez-bee-KU-sis). This is a gradual type of hearing loss. It is common with aging. With this, you can have a hard time understanding speech. You may not tolerate loud sounds. You may not hear high pitched sounds. Hearing loss from presbycusis does not cause deafness.

* Ear wax that blocks the ear canal.

* A chronic middle ear infection or an infection of the inner ear.

* Medicines (e.g., aspirin).

* Blood vessel disorders, such as high blood pressure.

* Acoustic trauma, such as from a blow to the ear or from excessive noise. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) can be from a one-time exposure to an extremely loud sound or to repeated exposure to loud level sounds.

* Ménière’s disease. This is a problem of the inner ear. The hearing loss comes and goes. Dizziness is also a symptom.

* Small tumors on the auditory nerve. Brain tumor (rarely).

Treatment

* Earwax is removed by a health care provider.

* Hearing aid(s). These make sounds louder.

* Speech reading. This is learning to read lips and facial expressions.

* Auditory training. This helps with specific hearing problems.

* Surgery. This can be done if the problem requires it.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

For Gradual, Age-Related Hearing Loss

* Ask people to speak clearly, distinctly, and in a normal tone.

* Look at people when they are talking to you. Watch their expressions.

* Try to limit background noise when speaking with someone.

* In a church or theater, sit in the 3rd or 4th row with people sitting around you.

* Install a flasher or amplifier on your phone, door chime, and alarm clock.

To Hear Sounds Better

* Use a hearing aid. There are many kinds. Examples are ones worn:

– In-the-Ear (ITE).

– Behind-the-Ear (BTE).

– In-the-Canal (ITC).

* To find the hearing aid that works best for you, see an audiologist. Ask him or her about a trial period with different hearing aids to find one you are comfortable with.

* Use devices and listening systems that help you hear better when you use your telephone, mobile phone, TV, stereo, etc.

To Clear Earwax

Use only if the eardrum is not ruptured. Check with your doctor if you are not sure.

* Lie on your side. Using a syringe or medicine dropper, carefully squeeze a few drops of lukewarm water into your ear (or have someone else do this). Let the water remain there for 10 to 15 minutes and then shake it out. Now, squeeze a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, or an over-the-counter cleaner, such as Debrox, into the ear. Let the excess fluid flow out of the ear.

* After several minutes, put warm water in the ear again. Let it stay there for 10 to 15 minutes. Tilt the head to allow it to drain out of the ear.

Repeat this entire procedure again in 3 hours if the earwax has not cleared.

Resources

American Speech-Language Hearing Association

800.638.8255

www.asha.org

Better Hearing Institute

800.EAR.WELL (327.9355)

www.betterhearing.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be Assertive

Healthylife® Weigh

Part 4

Learn the differences between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication.

Passive

* You lack expression for yourself.

* You do not stand up for your rights and needs.

Result: You usually do not achieve your goal.

Aggressive

* You stand up for your rights and needs, but at the expense of someone else.

Result: You usually put down or hurt someone else. You gain no respect.

Assertive

* You stand up for your rights and needs without putting down or hurting someone else.

* You express your feelings without becoming victim to them.

Result: You build self-respect and feel good about yourself.

Example: Your aunt offers you a large piece of cherry pie that she said she made especially for you. You know that you have eaten enough for the meal and eating the piece of pie does not fit your eating goals.

* Passive Response: “Thank you. It’s delicious!” Thinking… “I really don’t want to eat this right now, but I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”

* Aggressive Response: “I can’t believe you’re offering me cherry pie when you know I’m trying to lose weight. You’re going to ruin my diet!”

* Assertive Response: “I appreciate that you went to the trouble of making this pie for me! It looks great and I’m sure it tastes great. I am very serious about losing weight so I’d like to split that piece with someone.”

What Assertive Looks Like

* Body Posture: Be relaxed and natural. Avoid slouching, putting your hands in your pockets, and facing away from the person you are speaking with.

* Eye Contact: Good eye contact is vital to convey self-confidence and interest. Don’t stare at the other person; this comes across as a challenge.

* Voice, Tone, and Quality: Use a strong, varied tone. Speak clearly and firmly. Don’t shout or speak too softly. Don’t whine.

* Distance from the Person: Don’t position yourself too far or too close.

* Facial Expression: Let your face convey the same message as what you are saying.

* Content: Use short sentences. Be specific, clear, and firm.

Practice First

Plan or write down what you want to say. Have responses ready ahead of time to deal with questions and comments. Reinforce your remarks by saying what positive outcomes will occur for you and the other person. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend.

Benefits of Being Assertive

* You can feel comfortable saying “no.”

* You have more confidence to ask others for help.

* You gain more respect from others.

* You feel less angry with yourself and with others.

* You feel justified to say what you want to say.

* You feel comfortable requesting clarification.

* You accept compliments graciously.

* You can change your mind without feeling guilty.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
6 Simple Steps To A Healthier Marriage

FAMILY LIFE

Having a healthy, supportive marriage is important to your overall well-being. But the stresses of life, work, family, and day-to-day problems can put a strain on even the best marriage at times.

Fortunately, there are some ways you can help keep your marriage strong – or work on problems before they become major issues. Here are some tips from the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center:

1. Make every effort to keep your commitment.

Marriage will have “good times and bad,” and you need to realize that challenges will happen. The key is to work through them and be aware that everyone has disagreements and difficulties. No marriage is perfect, but with extra effort from both partners, you can make yours last.

2. Make time for each other.

Even when you’re overwhelmed with work, children, or other tasks, don’t forget about your marriage. Set aside time for a dinner alone or even a weekend getaway if you can. If that’s not possible, have 15 to 30 minutes of time to talk and connect each day – without TV or cell phones.

3. Have a sense of humor.

Life’s little mishaps are easier to take when you can laugh at them. Mistakes that don’t really hurt anyone don’t have to turn into arguments. Don’t focus on who’s to blame. Laugh at it if you can, and work on a solution together. Forgive your spouse (and yourself!) and try to find the humor in the situation.

4. Communication is key.

This is an important aspect of any marriage. Talk about what’s bothering you – and what you love. Listen to what your spouse is saying, and don’t be quick to defend yourself. No one has to “win” an argument. If you both listen and respect each other, a solution or compromise can usually be found.

5. Do “little” things for your spouse.

Make a favorite meal for the other person, do the dishes without being asked, or leave a love note. These small things can add up to big happiness. Just showing your spouse that you care about him or her will help build your marriage each day.

6. Choose your battles.

Before you get angry about something, ask yourself if it’s worth an argument. If it’s important to you, approach the subject calmly and be honest. If not, take a deep breath and focus your energy on better things.

Marriage isn’t always easy, but working to keep it strong and healthy can have big payoffs. People in healthy marriages have better mental health and may even live longer. Give your marriage the attention it deserves, and you’ll both enjoy the benefits.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Difficult People In The Workplace

WORK LIFE

A manager rushes into his employee’s office at 4:30 p.m., drops a pile of papers on her desk, and barks, “I need these read, edited, and finalized by 8:30 a.m.”

A woman calls in sick. She is shivering, coughing, and has a fever. Her supervisor screams, “I don’t care what illness you have. If you’re not in the office today, I’ll take it as your resignation!”

These are real examples of workplace bullying that cause stress, depression, and anxiety. The National Mental Health Association estimates that each year more than one billion sick days can be due to mental health disorders caused by work stress. That’s $193 billion a year in lost earnings.

Psychology Professor Katerina Bezrukova studies the psychological effect of workplace injustices and intergroup relations at Santa Clara University.

She says there are 4 kinds of co-workers and supervisors to look out for:

1.Narcissistic.These types have fragile self-esteem. They may become outraged when someone challenges them. Bezrukova says avoid criticizing them. Document your own work, too, so you have a record of everything you do.

2.Aggressive.To them, everyone is a predator or prey. That’s why they like to intimidate others and even bully them. They also tend to act frantic when a project comes in or a deadline is fast approaching. Bezrukova advises victims to stay out of the way. If they can, show them how management-by-hysteria can be inefficient.

3.Rigid.These types won’t try anything new. They manage with viewpoint of “It’s my way or the highway.” This stems from fears of being pushed around. Bezrukova says let them feel like they are a part of the decision.

4.Impaired.These people have ADD, anxiety, depression, burnout, or substance abuse issues. They need professional help. Employee Assistance Programs or other kinds of intervention are best.

“People, who suffer from a workplace injustice of some sort, develop anger, frustration, anxiety, insomnia, headaches. These relationships, coupled with the connection between long-term, chronic psychological distress and increased risk of physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease, make this a crucial dollars and cents issue for business,” says Bezrukova.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Family Matters

FAMILY LIFE

Your family is where you learn who you are and how to relate to others. It plays a vital role in fulfilling the human need to belong and have close, long-term relationships. Whether you are a child, teen, or adult, family experiences can promote or hinder your well-being.

Tips to foster family well-being

* Live a healthy lifestyle together.

– Plan for, shop, and eat healthy foods.

– Exercise as a family if you can. Or, promote physical activity suited for each family member.

– Get enough sleep.

* Plan to eat at least one meal a day together. Have each person talk about his or her day, such as stating the best part and worst part.

* Spend time together. Attend important events for each family member.

* Express care and concern. Be available to help each other out. Listen, listen, listen.

* Practice good manners. Say, “Thank you” and “You’re welcome.” Make it a practice to send thank you calls, notes, letters, or emails to others for gifts and other acts of kindness.

* Express affection. Say, “I love you,” “I care about you,” and “You mean a lot to me.”

* Discuss the value of the family as a whole. Encourage individual expression and development.

* Define clear, yet flexible roles for family members. Assign family chores.

* Keep the house as organized as possible.

* Discuss the need to adapt to changes and deal with stressful events.

* Seek professional help for problems the family cannot deal with on its own.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Forget Shouting

WELL-BEING

While many people try to steer clear of arguments with family members, two Vanderbilt University philosophy professors offer a better solution.

Scott F. Aikin and Robert B. Talisse co-wrote Why We Argue (and How We Should): A Guide to Political Disagreement. The trend to avoid arguments with loved ones has more to do with how bad we are at arguing than how strong our beliefs are, according to Aikin. “The better solution would be to improve our skill at making arguments in ways that allow for better, more reasoned exchange.”

Aikin and Talisse suggest the following:

* Remember that reasonable and intelligent people disagree about important matters. Keep this in mind even when your relative says something appalling.

* When arguing, be sure to acknowledge your family member’s good points.

* Be prepared to say what it would take for you to change your mind. Consider what evidence would make your view wrong.

* Know the weak points about your view. Be able to articulate what the best arguments against your view are.

“Acknowledging the opposition’s good points and seeing troubles for your own side are too often taken to be a sign of weakness,” Aikin said. “But it’s that attitude that actually makes us bad at argument and makes argumentative exchange so unpleasant and dogmatic. Instead, these habits make exchanges more reasonable and productive.”

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How Was Your Day At School?

FAMILY LIFE

Students are back in school, and now is the time for parents to develop routines to help their children succeed academically. Kimberly Greder, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life specialist, says parental involvement, more than income or social status, is a predictor of student achievement.

* Create a home environment that encourages learning. Set high but reasonable expectations for your kids.

* Get involved, with your kids, in school and community activities. Ask about homework. Visit with teachers and school counselors. Ask them what you can do at home to help your kids succeed.

* Ask your kids about their day at school.

* Encourage reading at home and be a role model.

* Watch who your kids hang out with. Make sure they are doing healthy activities.

* Get your kids involved in activities or sports to develop leadership skills and positive communication and conflict resolution skills.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Is Your Relationship In Trouble?

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Is your relationship stormy? Indifferent? One-sided? According to Pennsylvania psychologist, Dr. Michael S. Broder, these are the three types of troubled relationships. They account for the high divorce rate, as well as the much higher percentage of non-married relationships that end.

Stormy Relationship:

This type has plenty of passion, but it may not be the positive kind. Positive passion is a relationship at its best. Too much negative passion results in a great amount of anger and discomfort. At the extreme, these relationships can become abusive and even dangerous. A relationship with a lot of passion and little or no comfort can still be highly charged romantically and sexually. In some cases the most passionate sex actually occurs after the meanest and volatile arguments. The sad part is that the cause of the anger is never dealt with or resolved. Thus, the pattern can continue indefinitely.

Indifferent Relationship:

With this type, most-if not all-of the passion is missing. There can be a very comfortable living arrangement, but partners may have little feeling or sexual desire for each other. Sometimes partners simply grow apart without anger, or there can be as much anger as there is in the typical stormy relationship. The main difference is that there’s just not the tendency to argue or do battle with each other. This may be a result of the partners’ personality styles, or the absence of passion-including negative passion. Instead, the relationship merely begins to die a slow and quiet death. In other words, it may be brain alive but heart dead.

One-Sided Relationships:

In this type, one person usually puts out much more effort and energy to maintain and nurture the relationship than does the other. One partner can be quite content, having all the passion and comfort he or she needs. Yet the other partner feels somewhat to totally unfulfilled.

In all types of troubled relationships it is important to ask: “What is the potential for change?” If the answer is none, the next question to ask yourself is, “Is this where I still want to be?”

Adapted from Can Your Relationship Be Saved? How to Know Whether to Stay or Go by Dr. Michael S. Broder.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Know The Signs Of Autism

MEDICAL NEWS

Autism affects about 1 in 68 children in our country today, according to the CDC. Autism is a developmental disability that can affect how a person interacts with others, learns, and behaves. For some people, the symptoms are severe. Others can lead fairly normal, independent lives.

Although experts don’t know what causes autism in many cases, they do know that treating it early can help improve symptoms. Many children with autism show some signs between one and two years of age.

Now is a great time to learn the early signs of autism and talk to your child’s physician if needed. Some signs to watch for are if your child:

* Doesn’t respond to his or her name

* Doesn’t point, wave, or gesture

* Doesn’t look people in the eye or respond to facial expressions

* Doesn’t like physical contact with others

* Repeats words or phrases over and over, often without knowing what they mean

* Performs repeated body movements such as rocking, spinning, or twirling hands or fingers

* Has obsessive interests in only a few activities

* Gets very upset with change or differences in routines

* Is very interested in organization, such as lining things up in a certain way

* Talks in a “robot-like” voice with no emotion or change in tone

If your child has one of these signs or you notice any unusual behavior, it doesn’t mean your child has autism. But, you should talk with your child’s doctor if you are concerned or have questions about your child’s well-being.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026