Back to School: Fresh Start for Families

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MADISON, Wis., Aug. 29, 1996 -- Back-to-school days can put many a parent into a frenzy as eager young faces rush home with a list of needs and new activities that can overload any calendar. "What makes this overwhelming at times, is that school starting comes at a time when work, organizations, or volunteer commitments are also stepping up," says Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph.., Founder and President of Women's Health America Group. "Organizing carpools, soccer games, and piano lessons are challenging enough. Add work pressures, a committee chairmanship, and household responsibilities to it, and major stress can take over," Ahlgrimm points out.

"Since women are still the primary caregivers in the family, they are affected most, Ahlgrimm said. "Women are prone to not consider their own needs and desires when others are beckoning, and while it may seem easier just to give in to others' requests, it is not better.

"Time and stress management are basic building blocks of overall good health," states Ahlgrimm. To help women who are struggling with the demands of a hectic life, Women's Health America offers the following suggestions:

• Wait before committing yourself to anything. Give yourself time to determine what you can manage. It's fine to say that you need to check your schedule or your budget first. Then let the family member, friend or colleague know that you'll get back to them with an answer.
• Get comfortable with the word "no." If you can't meet the request, be honest, straightforward, and give the reason why. Learning to be assertive about the use of your time can increase your level of self confidence in other areas of your life.
• Set priorities for yourself. Define what you would like to accomplish in the next three months, and block out the necessary time for it. Include extra pleasures -- like reading that new novel you've heard so much about.
• Schedule a fun exercise activity into your fall routine, just as if it were a meeting you were required to attend. Exercise promotes wellness and reduces stress. Don't discount the benefits of your active life, either. Just running up and down stairs is great for your body.
• Take the team approach to family living. Rather than doing it all yourself, enlist the help and counsel of family members. Have them come up with healthy snacks to have on hand. Or ask their advice on how to handle some problem. Let family members have some ownership in coordinating the flurry of family life, and they'll be more willing participants; it's great for teaching initiative and building self worth.
• Enjoy this special time. You don't have to be perfect. It's better to smile, relax, and let the dust settle. Too many parents forget the rich rewards of just having fun with their kids.

For more information, call the toll-free 24-hour Women's Health America Group hot line at 800-222-4767. Or writs to: Women's Health America Croup, P.O. Box 259641, Madison, WI 53725. The web site address is: http://www.womenshealth.com.

SOURCE Women's Health America Group

CONTACT: Carol Breyer of Women's Health America Group, 608-833-9102