SandwichINK has a couple of interesting current events just for you! First, as members of the Baby Boomer Generation of caregivers, we need to stay as healthy as possible. When we get sick, who helps our aging parents and/or grandkids? For the most part, we still do, no matter how miserable we are. In worst case scenarios, we get so sick, we have the added headache of helping our beloveds get help. Neither option is fun.

If you’re like me, you do everything you can to stay healthy, and when you do get sick you work hard to get well. Some of you may have done this by using various Zicam nasal cold remedy products. I know I’ve seen them and considered them, though I haven’t yet tried them. Turns out my procrastination was a good thing! And if you didn’t procrastinate and have some in your cupboard, please check this list as soon as possible. If any of them are on it, you need to know that “the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has advised consumers to stop using three products marketed over-the-counter as cold remedies because they are associated with the loss of sense of smell (anosmia). Anosmia may be long-lasting or permanent!” NOT GOOD!

Per the FDA,  the three products that have received over 130 reports of smell loss include:

• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel;
• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs;
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, kids

That means we also need to let our kids and our grandkids know about this possible problem. WOW! The last medicine I used that had major problems was Entex. I had used it and loved it for years for congestion and sinus infection. Then they discovered it caused people to die! Losing your sense of smell is better than dying, but still. I’m glad I never gave it a try. This is definitely a good reminder to all of us to research the over the counter AND prescription medications we take, as well as those our aging parents have. And even then, there are no guarantees.

Another more personal piece of news is that SandwichINK is once again participating in the EldercareABC Blog Carnival. You can find a link to my article, Flying Practice for Baby Boomer Generation and Senior Citizens, in excellent company. They have some useful and interesting articles including:

• I Won a WalkerWonder – Yup, that’s by Mary, who won SandwichINK’s WalkerWonder contest 
• How to pick the best car for yourself and your aging parents
• Fixed annuities
• Easing caregiver stress
• And more…

I think you’ll find it to be an excellent resource for caregivers. I know I did.