Missing Andy

Hello Baby Boomers,
I can't believe it is now September - my birthday month. I will be turning 61 and I am missing my son Andy who died at the age of 19, six years ago. I grabbed my locket with Andy's picture in it to wear today. It has a lock of his hair tied with an orange ribbon - his favorite color. I have been missing him so much. I feel guilty having a life span that has tripled his. This earth would be such a better place with him being here, sharing his smile and saving animals. Sometimes I can get through the day, smiling when I think of him, and at other times, I can't catch my breath. I wanted to post a beautiful tribute sent to me by his friend, Gavin. It took place at Gavin's home on his 6th birthday party in 1990. Please click below on "Andy and Friends" to view. It is always painful to see my beautiful son laugh and enjoy life without a care in the world. At the ending shot, he is standing next to his good friend Andy Gathers who died a few years ago as well. Even though this blog is for my generation, I will continue to devote my time and energy fighting drug and alcohol abuse among teens and young adults. You can access Andy's Foundation at www.andysfoundation.com. Peace, Andy's Mom, Elaine

Andy and Friends

Elaine's Oprah Baby Boomer Video

NO REGRETS

Hello to all my darling Baby Boomers,

I know you are out there. But blogging was not in our vocab growing up - nor twitting nor YouTube nor Facebook. My daughter signed me up for the new age way of communicating (note daughter signed me up as I couldn't get it) but I still don't use it properly. I have several friends and family on Facebook and actually send them my posting every Sunday. My sister Eloise hoots and toots on in and she is only 18 months younger than I am. How can I reach a generation that doesn't use this form of communication?

You know this whole Baby Boomer obsession of mine was born from an idea for a talk show. Oprah had offered this opportunity to anyone who had a dream of hosting their own show. I will be honest - that was not my dream at the time. But I submitted a video that voiced my concerns about my generation. I plan to attach that video to this posting - that is if my son or daughter are available to help me today. When you view it, you will pretty much understand the motivation for this blog. The more I listened to my own words, the more I appreciated the need to continue my quest. I was not selected, obviously, but now it has become a dream, a passion. TV shows are what many of my generation are quite comfortable with. I could have reached so many more boomers had I been selected to compete. So what did I do? I decided to blog my thoughts, my concerns. Thus, We Are Booming was created. Not the best means of communicating, but it will do for now. I would have regretted not following through with the desire to talk to my generation. And if a handful are able to enjoy it - YEAH!!! It's a handful of folks I never reached before.

One of my regrets in the video was the lack of emphasis on the "No Regrets" segment of that talk show. Here we are between the ages of 46 and 64. Who does that include? New empty nesters? Grandparents? If you are fortunate to have a job, you may be facing retirement next year. You may be overwhelmed with stressors and be required to dig down deep to cope with things that you never thought would happen - loss of a job, a failed marriage. I have a dear friend who's divorce was just finalized after 30 years of marriage. Sad but true. But today's posting is not to address the stressors or the current state we find ourselves in. But it is to ask you to go to that place inside - maybe deep in your heart or in the private recesses of your beautiful mind and ask yourself, "What would make me happy today? " Or, "What did I want to do that I never got a chance to do?" I want you to put your needs first. This may not feel natural. And may I stress that this isn't being selfish. Don't you ever think that for a moment. Remember the stewardess always warning us to put our oxygen masks on first before placing it on our child? Did you ever think to yourself, "Absolutely not. My child's safety matters the most!" Of course we think that way but the important lesson is that, unless you are OK, no one else will be.

Well - I am asking all of you to do something for yourselves. It could be something so simple as to connect with an old friend or family member. May I suggest Facebook (that is if you have someone around to help)? You may have envisioned yourself in better shape at this age. No regrets mind you. Look in the mirror, appreciate your inner beauty, and set out to tweak yourself. I joined Weight Watchers last Tuesday and I bought these new age sneakers that promised to tone as I walked. I set out yesterday with my St. Bernard, Sampson. Unfortunately, his idea of walking was a slow lumber and our mile walk ended up in my worrying all afternoon over his panting and recovery from such exercise. Want to take a trip? Mine would be to visit Italy where I could feast upon the art and the pasta. I received a Rosetta Stone Italian set from Santa. I am taking baby steps towards a few goals.

I have no regrets when it comes to my spirituality. God has become so important in my life. Letting go and letting God has been a lifesaver for me. Certain events have happened in my life recently that I believe He has had a hand in. I had the good fortune to reconnect with my med school colleague, Dr. David Parajon, who, along with his wife Dr. Laura, reside in Nicaragua and meet the needs of so many less fortunate. So, I have added a larger goal to my life - to actually be a medical missionary to Nicaragua. I hope to set aside 2 weeks a year to visit them and do what is necessary to help.

What are your dreams? What is standing in your way? Life is too short, my friends, to not take a chance. Call up your local community college for a brochure. Take a walk. Put daisies on your table. Enjoy the simplicities and make your day a better one.

I have the privilege of calling Gai Russo a friend. Just being with her elevates me to a better place. She makes the air I breath sweeter. Her kind soul is reflected in her eyes. She also happens to be a brilliant jewelry designer. (https://www.gairusso.com/)
She has been very supportive of me throughout the years. After my son, Andy, died, she made Peace jewelry as she knew that that was his favorite thing to say, "Peace". The other day I received a package in the mail. She sent me a "NO REGRETS" bracelet. I will never take it off, Gai. Thank you for believing in me and my dreams.

So, my dear Baby Boomers. What are you plans for today? Are you looking ahead to the holidays? Are you hoping to accomplish something this month? This year? Please let me hear from you. I am sending you "NO REGRETS" karma through my blog.

Next week I will put a new widget on my Blog. Know what that is? I don't either but I am looking forward to learning something new and to enhance my blog at the same time.

Love and Peace to you all. Dr. Elaine

P.S. I could not add the video by myself. Surprise, Surprise. I will wait for Peter or Molly to help.

P.P.S. I did it. See my video on the post above.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS -Depression - Part 4 - Community Resources and Individual Supports

To my dear Baby Boomers,

Whether you have been one of the few who follow my blogsite or our just discovering it now, I do hope that you take the time to visit the past postings. This month has been devoted to depression, treatment options, suicide, and listing some community resources and individual supports. The decision to veer away from more fun topics like "four boobies" was based on two important facts. For the past two years, baby boomers between 46 and 54 years of age had the highest suicide completion rate. I am a psychiatrist and feel very competent in addressing underlying causes that might be responsible for this statistic. I love my generation. As a result, this blogsite was born and the topic of depression was the first I chose to tackle. In later blogs we will discuss substance abuse which is also a contributor to our generation making irrational and, at times, fatal decisions.

NAMI, the National Alliance of Mental Illness is an organization at the local, state, and national levels. It's missions statement is the following:

About NAMI: Support, Education, Advocacy, and Research

From its inception in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

NAMI's support and public education efforts are focused on educating America about mental illness, offering resources to those in need, and insisting that mental illness become a high national priority. Mental illness is a serious medical illness that affects one in four families. No one is to blame. Treatment works, but only half of people living with mental illness receive treatment. NAMI has engaged in a variety of activities to create awareness about mental illness and promote the promise of recovery.

Find out more about NAMI advocacy efforts: It can be reached through the following web address: http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=your_local_nami.

NAMI also has a blog: http://blog.nami.org/

For individuals wanting a psychiatric assessment of their current problems and our fortunate to have insurance, either private or Medicare/Medicaid, the back of your insurance card or your county mental health department can assist you. For those who do not have insurance, again, the county mental health department can refer you to agencies able to meet your needs.

For emergency situations, call 911, If you are wanting to be connected to a suicide hotline, please call Call 1-800- SUICIDE / 1-800-784-2433; Call 1-800-273-TALK / 1-800-273-8255 .

How about individual support? That it another matter, my friends. It is a shame that baby boomers who have lived to our terrific ages may have limited friends, families or spouses who could prevent situations from snowballing.

Communication is key to any relationship, especially marriage. And trust is one of the most important elements of communication. It is so important to learn to listen. It says, "I value you". "You are important". Being available to one another shows your love, your caring. And your need to ventilate or discuss something that is painful may come at an inconvenient time. Believe me, I have learned that there are acceptable times and unacceptable times to communicate with my spouse. The problem is, I don't think we will be able to communicate about certain topics no matter what the ideal time or setting.

Any topic should be respected, especially if it is important to you. A patent answer of, "I won't go there" is painful to hear. It always causes myself a re-examination of my need to ventilate. This self-exam helps me determine if am "looking for an arguement" which I have been often accused of, or being some lunatic who can't let past problems go. After self-examination I often conclude that I am not so bad, may be justified, and might be dealing with someone feeling superior, or who places themselves on a higher spiritual plane. Well, that won't help, will it? So I have found a better solution that works for me and allows me to remain in my marriage.

This article is devoted to community support but the greatest support I have found is through my church and my ministers, Martin and Stephanie. I love my minister who once met with me during a state of suicidal thoughts and reassured my that the painful feelings I was experiencing were important enough to be acknowledged by my spouse. Because my spouse disagreed and choose to continue the "no visit this topic" attitude, I have been required to release myself from this pain in other ways.

First of all, forgiveness is an important action to release yourself from pain. There are no strings attached. It does not give the other person any authority over you. It actually allows you to recognize them as human beings that have similar flaws as yourself. My only wish is for reconciliation. This would require a recognition by the other party to understand the pain caused, an examination of their faults as well as your own, and a promise to try to continue to work on those concerns as a couple. Ah - we could actually achieve trust. Impossible when your pain and the topic associated with it is off-limits. So forgiveness has actually been enough for me. I am able to enjoy my family with no unrealistic expectations.

In addition to forgiveness, I have the support of a Stephen Minister and a wonderful therapist who used to serve as our marital therapist but has worked miracles with me on an individual basis. I have self-confidence and will never accept "I won't go there". The difference is, I pick my battles now, and realize a trusting relationship is not a possibility at this time.

It has come as a great discovery to me that the greatest support I have is ME thanks to all of the wonderful and caring people I have in my life. I hope that that rediscovery, that rebirth occurs to others in my generation. It is a beautiful think and makes life every day a gift - that's why they call it the Present.

Support of every kind is out there for you. And we never touched on substance abuse that can certainly add to the fire. You do not need to be an alcoholic or drug addict to visit a 12 step program. The import thing is the desire to stop drinking or, as they say, drugging. I have visited these programs and have met wonderful people and received invaluable information and support. Your mind will be clear to make the necessary decisions needed to move forward in a positive direction.

Do you have support in your life? Define it and appreciate it. If not, please contact the above agencies.

Next week I plan to address "No Regrets". Until then, Good Mental Health and Peace to you all. Dr. Elaine

HEALTH AND WELLNESS -Depression - Part 3 - Suicide

To my dear Baby Boomers,
It is Sunday afternoon and I just arrived home from a beautiful weekend in Chicago. My son Peter's best friend was married and, of course, it was a joyous occasion. We were also able to connect with my husband's relatives, joining them in Greektown for absolute gluttony. Not to mention that our hotel was steps away from Michigan Avenue - a mecca of shops and boutiques that I could never afford to step into but, boy, was window shopping dreamy. So, as we loaded the car this morning and headed toward Ohio, I thought about my blog article and how I needed to refocus my thoughts.

NOT A PROBLEM!! The streets of Cleveland were so desolate. I recall happier times several years ago when Higbee's and May Company were typical downtown department stores and Christmas instilled a sense of magic in all of us. Wow - what a difference. Then we turned into our driveway to see the "For Sale" sign still there. The latest showing was a few days ago in 90 degree heat - just to help emphasize the "no A/C" feature in our massive money pit of a home. We were also notified of an attempt to deliver a certified letter - never a good thing. So, I dragged my suitcase and my bag of cherished caramel popcorn, (where I stood in a line extending out the door for over a block because it was "worth the wait") now stale from humidity, into our roasting home. The one redeeming moment is that my family is in the next room, viewing the recorded Cleveland Brown's preseason game. We won! And though I miss my dog's, they are in good hands at the kennel and I can sleep in an extra 10 minutes tomorrow.

So life has it's ups and downs and I, for one, have had plenty of roller coaster rides. I confessed that I had suffered from depression in the past. I will also be honest about today's topic. I am one of the 24% of individuals who have considered it as a means of ending some extreme emotional pain. And as you are aware from my previous posts, Baby Boomers are more successful than any other generation at attempts and completion. So, let's discuss suicide.

I can throw out all sorts of statistics to you. Over 34,000 people die of suicide a year - translating to one person dying every 15 minutes. Although women are more likely to try, men are more successful because of the more violent means they choose - firearms or hanging. 90% of adults and 60% of adolescents who commit suicide have a diagnosed mental illness, especially depression or substance abuse. And, sadly, 70% of older individuals visited their PCP within the month of their suicide.

The above statistics are important as it underscores this very important consideration - that suicide might be preventable.

Again, I always consider the Biopsychosocial characteristics of an individual when considering signs of suicide as well as risks of suicide. And why? Because there is no poster person that represents the face of suicide. Although statistics are an important consideration, it is the individual we are truly analyzing.

The following are WARNING SIGNS listed by a Suicide Prevention Program called Yellow Ribbon. Please visit them at www.yellowribbon.org:

WARNING SIGNS

Abrupt changes in personality
Giving away possessions
Previous suicide attempt
Use of drugs and/or alcohol
Change in eating pattern - significant weight change
Change in sleeping pattern - insomnia/oversleeping
Unwillingness or inability to communicate
Depression
Extreme or extended boredom
Accident prone (carelessness)
Unusual sadness, discouragement and loneliness.
Talk of wanting to die
Neglect of academic work and/or personal appearance
Family disruptions - divorce, trauma, losing loved one.
Running away from home or truancy from school.
Rebelliousness - reckless behavior.
Withdrawal from people/activities they love.
Confusion - Inability to concentrate
Chronic Pain, Panic or Anxiety
Perfectionism
Restlessness

Many of the above warning signs refer to the biological and psychological factors I discussed in previous posts. Yellow Ribbon also emphasizes the need to consider the RISK FACTORS. Many of those listed here refer to the sociological factors. Coupling the two gives a clearer suicidal risk. I agree entirely.

RISK FACTORS

Problems with school or the law
Breakup of a romance
Unexpected pregnancy
A stressful family life. (having parents
who are depressed or are substance
abusers, or a family history of suicide
Loss of security...fear of authority, peers,
group or gang members
Stress due to new situations; college
or relocating to a new community
Failing in school or failing to pass
an important test
A serious illness or injury to oneself
Seriously injuring another person or
causing another person's death
(example: automobile accident)
Major loss...of a loved one,
a home, divorce in the family,
a trauma, a relationship

Yellow Ribbon stresses the following:
Suicide victims are not trying to end their life - they are trying to end the pain!

How can we help?
First of all, don't be afraid to be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
You have to be willing to listen. Allow the person to express their feelings.
Do not be judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
Don't be afraid to get involved, to be available, to show interest and support
Don't act shocked. You want to maintain their trust in you,
Don't be sworn to secrecy.
Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
Ask if they have a plan. Take action. Remove any means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or have even developed a plan or have the intent, please contact someone you know, visit the closest ER or call the number listed below.

If you are worried about someone and see some warning signs and/or identify risks, please consider getting involved.

The National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

When I lost my son, Andy, at age 19, to an accidental drug overdose, I started a foundation modeled after Jason's Foundation which is dedicated to the silent epidemic of teen suicide. Please visit www.jasonfoundation.com if you are concerned about our younger generation.

I wish you all brighter days and good mental health. Peace, Dr. Elaine

HEALTH AND WELLNESS -Depression - Part 2 - Treatment options

As I promised, I wanted to devote four of my postings to depression. Today's topic is dedicated to treatment options.

I suspect that the growing percentage of suicide attempts in baby boomers may be influenced by the increasing amount of stressors facing our generation and the reluctance to seek treatment for depressive symptoms. Of course medication cannot magically remove the threat of foreclosure or stop a partner from their emotional or physical abuse. But there is hope for those suffering from the symptoms of depression and we will discuss a number of possible treatments in today's article.

Have you ever heard of the term BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL? It is a combination of the words biological, psychological and sociological. And it is these important aspects of our lives that should be taken into consideration when treating depression.

Biological concerns address not only family history of mental illness, medical illnesses that could contribute to depression, but also to substance abuse problems. This information can contribute to treatment recommendations that might include follow up for current medical symptoms and referrals to substance abuse programs.

Psychological considerations are paramount in considering treatment options. How do you cope with sadness, with stressors, with unexpected changes in your workplace or daily routine? Are you one to "cry over spilled milk" or do you pride yourself in making "lemonade from lemons"? Our defense mechanisms come to play when things go wrong emotionally. I have clients who claim that "this too shall pass" and never need any significant interventions. Others may collapse on my desk with the same mild symptoms, demanding that I find immediate relief. No two individuals experience similar episodes in exactly the same way. Some turn to substances to self-medicate or stop taking medication the minute they experience a side effect that might be transitory or if relief of symptoms does not come within a short period of time. They can perceive their situation quite differently which effects the way they feel and, ultimately, the way they behave.

Social concerns have more recently been at the core of my clients depression. Job losses and financial concerns, foreclosures, broken marriages that occur after years of celebrating anniversaries are just a few of my client's stressors. In addition, a strong support system is an essential element of the care plan. Are family members invested in the welfare of this person? Does the client live alone? Are there caring neighbors? Do they have a spiritual base and is a church family present?

All of the above considerations need to be a part of the initial assessment. Will the client need medication only? If a family member has a history of depression as well, did they respond to a certain medication? Are other medical problems under control or contributing to the situation? Are the client's defense mechanisms inadequate to deal with their current situation? Would a referral to a counselor such as a social worker or psychologist be necessary at this time? Is a case manager needed to address the financial situation, living arrangements or unexplored entitlements that the clients may desperately require?

Without team management, my task is made more difficult because medication alone may not solve the problem. However, I am a psychiatrist and it is my function to treat the symptoms with medication and to refer to the wonderful social workers, psychologists and case managers if needed. God Bless them all. I feel that these important individuals are so overworked and underpaid. They are truly devoted caretakers. And I am proud to claim that my daughter, Molly, is one of those dedicated LISW's.

Now about medication. For client's presenting with mild symptoms, medication may not be necessary. If the symptoms are more moderate or severe, and I am referring to the number of symptoms that they are experiencing, then medication is advised. If the patient has physiological complications, with poor sleep, loss of weight, dramatic change in functioning, or suicidal thoughts, plan or intent, then hospitalization is usually recommended at that time.

The selection of medication depends on the symptoms that are described by the client. And certain neurotransmitters in our brain are utilized to help target and relieve symptoms. I am referring to serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

If anxiety, obsessive compulsive traits, or ruminations are present(those thoughts that show up at bedtime or tend to act like a broken record), then my first choice is a serotonin agent. They are classified as SSRI's or Selected Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (lexapro, zoloft, celexa, paxil, prozac, luvox) and can be very efficacious in targeting symptoms that include anxiety, ruminations, guilty conscious, and obsessive compulsive traits that predominate one's depression. Concerns that often leads to non-compliance are side effects - transient stomach or abdominal discomfort, headache, or more importantly, sexual dysfunction, specifically the inability to experience an orgasm. This needs to be discussed with patients prior to treatment.

Medications that include both serotonin and norepinephine also supply benefit for concentration and anxiety. If focus is a problem, often times a combined drug can offer benefits. SNRI's (Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) include effexor, pristiq, cymbalta, and remeron. Remeron is benefical if the client is unable to sleep as it has sedative properties and causes no sexual side effects. Cymbalta is used in clients that have some of the physiological symptoms of depression. Effexor and pristiq provide not only serotonin and norepinephrine, but some affinity for dopamine which is addressed below.

Dopamine, to me, is the "feel better" neurotransmitter, providing energy, motivation and concentration. If the symptoms are more consistent with a "couch potato", or a withdrawn nature, than a dopamine agent like wellbutrin may be indicated. Although it also has no sexual side effects, it is limited in client's who have no history of seizure disorder or eating disorders.

Education is an important aspect of the initial assessment. Medication needs to be taken consistently and the client needs to be aware that responses to medication may require at least 2 to 3 weeks. Any concerns regarding side effects or thoughts of discontinuation of the medication need to be discussed with the doctor. Follow-up appointments are critical in determining the response to the medication, whether dosage needs to be adjusted or whether other agents need to be considered for adjunctive benefits.

There it is - my philosophy of medication management in a nutshell (actually "blogshell").

In summary, discuss your full spectrum of symptoms with your doctor so that the right medication can be prescribed. Do not leave the office without a full understanding of the side effects and benefits of the medication. Do not change your dosage or stop treatment unless discussing this with your physician first Should suicidal thoughts develop during the inital part of the treatment (often seen in children, adolescents, and young adults), notify your doctor immediately or present to the Emergency Room for a risk assessment.

Next week we will discuss the topic of suicide.

Until then, I wish you Peace and Good Mental Health. Dr.Elaine

HEALTH AND WELLNESS -Depression - Part 1

What is depression? If you were to ask your friends or family, or be brave enough to conduct a survey of passing strangers on a street corner, I guarantee you would get a variety of different responses. That is because depression has become an umbrella term used by many individuals to describe a number of different moods ranging from "the blues" to a severe, debilitating state where nothing but suicide could end their pain. There is quite a gap between these two ends of the spectrum. So, let's begin by defining depression more clearly.

First of all, I am very grateful to have a person who is feeling "depressed" actually sitting in my office. Most of my patients who are depressed may be referred by their primary care provider (and may not follow through). Some are brought by a family member or friend, not necessarily willing to provide details to a complete stranger. Very few individuals come on their on volition. So, when I am given this opportunity, I better be able to diagnose my client correctly.

As a psychiatrist, I rely on specific criteria to diagnosis an individual with a major depressive episode. The interview is critical in gathering the objective data. I rely on an acronym to obtain the necessary information - SIGECAPSS. This represents the following symptoms: (S) Sadness or depression; (I) lack of interest or anhedonia; (G) guilt, poor self-esteem, worthlessness; (E) loss of energy; (C) poor concentration; (A) changes in appetite, either increased or decreased; (P) psychomotor retardation or agitation - most likely observed by others ("All you do is sit around" or "You seem more edgy than usual"); (S) changes in sleep pattern, either increased or decreased; and, most importantly, (S) suicidal thoughts, plans, or intent. The DSM-IV manual (the psychiatrist's bible for establishing diagnoses) requires that at least five (or more) of the above symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1) (S) depressed mood or (2) (I) loss of interest or pleasure. If the symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning such as family relationships then it becomes a major depressive disorder. I have also been required to rule out any medical condition that could contribute to depression (e.g. hypothyroidism), any concurrent use of alcohol or drugs that can influence or mimic some of the above symptoms, or bereavement symptoms that have not become more debilitating after a two month interval. I am not at all dismissing the depression that can be attributed to other general medical conditions, substance abuse, or pathological bereavement. These individuals are just diagnosed under a different terminologies. In addition, individuals with other mental illness, including bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or adjustment disorder with depressed mood can also experience the same symptoms. It is beyond the intention of this posting to address these other conditions but will be discussed at another time.

When I wrote above that I am "grateful" to be able to assess a person face to face, I truly meant this. Depression is treatable. Statistics claim that women are twice as likely to develop depression than are men. Based on the gender of my clients, I suspect that this statistic is true. However, men are also less likely to admit that they might be suffering from depression. Considering the other statistic that woman are more likely to attempt suicide but that men are more successful, I am concerned that this younger segment of my generation (the 46 to 54 year olds) are experiencing more stressors.

PLEASE!!!!! Even if you are feeling "a little blue", or if a friend, a colleague, a family member gives you some feedback about a change in your behavior, promise me that you will at least talk to your primary care physician. If you do not have one, turn your insurance card over and call the number for behavior health services for a referral. If you do not have insurance, there are community mental health services in your county that can offer you services. MOST IMPORTANT - if you have thoughts of suicide, please go to the nearest Emergency Room for an evaluation. Please promise me that. I may not know you or the extent of your grief or your stressors. But I do know that everyone on this earth is precious. Life is precious. Please have faith and know that you are loved.

With Blessing and Peace to all, Dr. Elaine

FASHION - Four Boobies

I don't know about you, but I always have to do a reality check when watching the latest ads on TV promoting skin creams that promise to reduce "fine lines". If you really pay close attention, the models complaining about their so-called wrinkles can't be any older than 30. What happened, you poor little thing? Did your pillow case have a crease in it? I guarantee that streak will disappear by mid-morning. Oops - sorry. I did not mean for my disgust at these marketing madmen to show through. As we age our body does respond to various environmental factors that cannot be easily erased. Doctors may find some plant extract that promises a fountain of youth, but I cannot believe that the answer is that simple. If I want my face to look years younger, and I'm talking so dramatic that people do a double take, I would have to visit a very reputable plastic surgeon. But most of us cannot afford that. So - this article is devoted to an area of our body, often neglected, but if properly cared for can take years off of our appearance in seconds! Yes you read that correctly. And I am not a marketing madwoman.

Let's talk boobies. If I knew then what I know now, I would have been doing handstands, starting in my teens, to counteract the effects of gravity. But Mother Nature had it's way with me. My dear manicurist reminded me of the pencil test. If you can hold a pencil under your breast, you need to wear a bra. Are you kidding me? I can hold the whole darn pencil cup and anything else on my desk under these babies. And as I began to look like those granny caricatures with the breasts, one always longer that the other (my right one), I was more embarrassed to "bare" myself to a lingerie consultant in a department store. Anyhow, if you glance at the racks, your were lucky to find an E cup size. Where are the Z's?

So, I decided to go into the very popular and sexy lingerie store in the mall. I found a bra to snap in the back. At my age, that's all I need. Give me a big enough cup - the store's largest size is a 40EE - and I can fold these babies in anywhere. Here's the problem. I am a curler. You know that silly game on ice with brooms? Well, when I lean down to sweep the stone, I stand up with 4 boobies - yes, count them, 4! As eager as I was to slide my babies into this beautiful, lacy adornment, my babies were just as eager to release themselves from their misery. So what was the price of bringing home a lovely item in a pink bag that had my husband jumping for joy? "That's for you and not for daughter Molly - Wow Elaine"! A woman - realizing that I will never look like those models, even if I attached wings to my back.

How can we look years younger? Wear a bra that fits. Rather than sag or look like some sort of circus freak (I am sure my fellow curlers might think that), we can look perky. And being perky does take years off of our figures. I plan to find my tape measure and send into this wonderful website I found on line. I had guesstimated my size since I did not have the tape measure handy, thinking the answer would be, SORRY, you should have done handstands. But they actually carry cup sizes I never knew of. Hurray for us. And I am sorry to the male baby boomers reading this article. Although the content applies to women only, you might want to share it with your wife.

Here is Linda, the Bra Lady's website: http://www.lindasonline.com/bra-school.html

As we say on the ice, Good Curling. I know mine will be a lot more comfortable! Dr. Elaine

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

BABY OIL AND IODINE - A RECIPE FOR SPF MINUS 15

Oh, I can smell it now. That combined concoction led to a sublime sunburn, which eventually, maybe after three days and bottles of Bactine numbing spray, turned into a golden bronze tan. And let's not forget, we may have been sipping on the Funny Face fruit drink determined to rival Kool-Aid without the calories. Problem? Funny Face had cyclamate as it's sweetener, soon removed from the market for increasing the risk of kidney cancer. So there I was, enjoying the peaceful summer and listening to the Beach Boys or Sgt. Pepper, and contributing to the possible decline in my mortality.

My kidneys are fine, thank you very much, but it is the, what do you call them - sun spots, liver spots, age spots - that have chosen to remind me of my younger, reckless days. Hey, was SPF part of our vocabulary back then? Oh, if we knew then what we know now. I tell you what, I wouldn't need an extra blotch of cover up on the side of my nose and forehead to conceal my "sun freckles".

Do you like to get a little sun in the summer? I'm guilty. I admit that I love to feel the warm rays on my face and body with a cool drink in my hand. I don't have to be on vacation or have a cabana boy around to feel totally relaxed. But now, with all of the research devoted to skin cancer and it's prevention and the SPF products on the shelves with SPF numbers beginning to outnumber my age, I am now encouraging all of my Baby Boomers to follow these prevention guidelines:

- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
- Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours.
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
- Do not burn.
- Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of 6 months.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
- See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

For a beautiful looking and a safe tan, I just book a Buff and Bronze at the clinic. Please consult the skin care department for the specials they are offering this week. Your skin will thank you!

For more information, please visit the Skin Cancer Foundation at http://www.skincancer.org

INTRODUCTION TO WE ARE BOOMING

This is my very first posting and I am thrilled to have figured this blog site out on my own. There may be some flaws but I will work them out as we go. I am computer-challenged.
The conception for this blog developed from a contest I had entered offered under Oprah's new network, OWN. They asked everyone with a desire to own their own show and an idea worth considering, to submit a 3 minute video. I actually was able to do this with a little help from my oldest son and very little, "Mom you are lame with the computer" attitude .
My idea to target baby boomers was a no brainer. First of all, I turned 60 last year and screamed louder on that day than my Mother did in giving birth. However, it so happens that I am exactly 1 day younger than Bruce Springsteen and he looked mighty fine on the cover of AARP. So, our wonderful generation, often being overlooked these days, and having specific needs and concerns has now become my passion.
Why should we take pride in our generation? We were Time's Man of the Year in 1966. We span Grandparents to new Empty-Nesters, making up about 1/3 of the population, and driving over 75% (a conservative figure) of the Economy.
On this blog site, we will deal with nostalgia. It will have it's own segement. Send in your favorite childhood memories. I still am obsessed with the penny candy I could get from Pup-Pup's Cloverfarm store in the '50's - red licorice records, small wax pop bottles with some juicy 1/2 ounce of liquid inside. Where did Fantan gum go? Or Tom Tucker's mint gingerale which could only calm my tummy?
Health and wellness is another segment. I am prepared to bring the lastest knowledge to my boomers. Remember baby oil and iodine? Was SPF part of our vocabulary. Look for the lastest discussions re. skin cancer prevention guidelines this week.
We will cover fun topics as well as more difficult subjects under this heading. Did you know that the younger segment of our population (the 46 to 54 year olds) had the highest suicide completion rate for the past 2 years in a row. Being a psychiatrist, I am prepared to tackle issues of depression, of substance abuse, of bereavement.
Cooking will also be a very important part of this blog. Send in your favorite childhood recipe and let's manage to make it more healthy. Yes, LDL was another missing part of our vocabulary. Any Grandmother's wishing to part with a secret recipe? We want to share with our group.
And the most important aspect that we should all address is, "Do you have a dream that you want to accomplish?" "What are you waiting for?" Are motto is, "No Regrets". I want you all to realize that the oldest members of my generation will turn 65 in 2011. So, what are you doing now and are you planning to make changes. Were you fortunate to plan ahead, or are you more typical of the generation that lived day by day.
And don't forget our music. No other generation can match that era of brilliant tunes, lyrics, and spirituality.
So, there you have it. I will address all of these topics individually on a weekly basis for a year and see what response I get.