As we dive straight into the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I’d like to gently remind all those who are caring for another human to also take care of themselves this holiday season.
When you bear the responsibility for another person’s health or well-being, particularly as a sole caregiver, your own health should be a top priority. But so often, it falls to the bottom of the list.
I learned this firsthand when I became the primary caregiver for my mother following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. It took months of practice to understand the profound importance of caring for myself so I could best care for her. Now, as a wellness coach who consults with primary caregivers, I can share definitively the importance of having your priorities in order.
One simple way caregivers can prioritize their health is by getting their updated seasonal vaccines. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced it expects rates of flu, COVID-19, and RSV to rise as we get closer to Christmas, and since immunity can wane over time, the agency urges all eligible adults to get their updated 2024-2025 vaccines. The earlier this is done, the more protection people will have ahead of holiday travel and large gatherings.
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This year, adults have a choice when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine that’s right for them: the mRNA versions or the protein version. Talk to your health care provider about what’s right for you. Whichever you choose, you are taking an important step toward avoiding potential serious illness and hospitalization this cold and flu season.
Vaccination is a simple form of self-care; a proactive measure whereby we can control whether a seasonal virus may be a minor inconvenience or wreak havoc on our holidays. It’s our way of taking care of ourselves as we also take care of those around us.
Brenda Summerville, Oak Park
Cutting my teeth to find affordable dental care
Those needing general dentistry need to be leery when presented with quotes and treatment plans.
I needed to shop for a new dental practice because my longtime dentist no longer accepted my Blue Cross dental insurance. I visited one dental practice and its treatment plan called for two crowns, the prep, plus four quadrants of planing and scaling at a cost of more than $5000.
I sought out a second opinion with Midwestern University’s dental school in Downer’s Grove and its treatment plan recommended two fillings and one quadrant of scaling for less than $300.
I asked the dental school’s professor who was assigned to me, “Why such a difference in treatment?” Her response was very diplomatic, “There are many different approaches to treatment.”
Needless to say, under the supervision of the dental school’s professors, I allowed the school’s students to work on my teeth, and I am quite satisfied with the results.
Mary E. Dooms, Hoffman Estates
Biden’s pardon was right
I, for one, am very happy President Biden pardoned his son. Who knows what Trump had in mind for him when he took office? And if it was your son, wouldn’t you pardon him. I would with no hesitation.
Virginia Dare McGraw, Naperville
Keep DEI from being destroyed
In an era of social and political turbulence, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) faces unprecedented and unapologetic assaults. From Fortune 500 companies’ diversity rollbacks, to the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, to a critical mass of institutions vowing to wordsmith their diversity vernacular, it all serves as a precursor to an ominous conservative political shift that warrants activism.
The movement to dismantle DEI is in higher education, corporate boardrooms and business/community enterprises. The movement aims to capitalize on the vulnerability of far too many DEI programs that were simply propped up, devoid of anchors to measurable resources.
According to a study by Citigroup, the United States could be up to $16 trillion richer if not for systemic discrimination against African Americans, primarily in education, housing, wages and business investments. This is just one example of how exclusionary practices contribute to a negative bottom line and a less-than-perfect union.
This is more than a moral issue. It’s also as an business imperative.
Most immediately, we can leverage the holiday shopping season. As pragmatic consumers, customers, investors, and stakeholders, we should examine how our values align with retailers and businesses. We must study who these companies hire, mentor and promote. Who serves on their board of directors? In which communities do they invest their time and resources? Is there tangible evidence of their DEI practice?
One common engagement philosophy promotes doing business with people we know, like and trust. It is time to assess our return on our investment. Just as anti-DEI lawsuits and legislation are being used to erode progressive policies, communities of consciousness must organize our collective voices, resources, platforms, votes and economics to ensure impactful diversity and inclusion, so that it becomes the rule versus the exception.
Keiana A. Barrett, DEI consultant, South Shore