Over at In the Middle, Linda asks a question common to everyone in the Sandwich Generation, ” How do you balance it all and end up feeling like youre doing whats right?”.

She has the classic dilemma:

With one sick parent and three kids back in school, and oh yes, a job and a husband Ive been pulled in a million different directions lately. And the bad thing is, being stretched so thin seems to benefit nobody.

Sometimes it’s nice to realize we aren’t alone, but I wish I had magic answers since I don’t know how to keep from feeling that way, either.

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Saving Our Parents us a documentary about the hazards of abuse our older generation faces and it’s hosted by Ed Asner.

It features law enforcement and elder abuse specialists who share tips for abuse prevention:

Featuring real-life events, Saving our Parents is a startling demonstration of the potential pitfalls facing today’s aging adults. Exposing scams and the devious crooks that may have us or our parents in their cross-hairs, this compelling documentary delivers a message that will both empower and motivate.

Professionals, experts and “victims” share life-saving knowledge and inspirational insights with candor, their heartfelt message guiding us, our parents and our loved ones safely into the golden years.

Saving Our Parents can be purchased for $29.95 and you can see film clips here.

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I know an unexpected death while traveling isn’t pleasant to think about, but I know people who have experienced it and I used to be in charge of processing deaths (the paperwork and funeral home/coroner stuff, what were you thinking?) in a major hospital and I know it happens more than we care to think about.

Unfortunately, there are people who prey on travelers during this vulnerable time.

MSNBC has an article, Dealing with an unexpected death on the road looks at ways to avoid being scammed in this situation.

No one wants to think about their loved one dying out of town, but it happens. As it is with many situations, especially those related to aging, the key is to be prepared.

Do your work ahead of the trip. Give at least some thought to what you would do and how you would handle it, especially if you’re going to be away for a while. Review your life insurance policy, put contact numbers in your wallet, make note of hospitals in the area and consider funeral pre-planning in some cases.

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So, this might not be the most appetizing subject in the world, but it affects many people, often the elderly: the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) has determined that we really don’t need to remove ear wax from our ears:

For the everyday individual, the new guidelines suggest you leave your ears alone unless you experience symptoms that you think are associated with too much earwax.

But, don’t use a cotton swab either. Just like your grandmother told you, don’t stick anything in your ear smaller than you elbow.”

Cerumen, or “ear wax” serves a purpose and often, trying to remove it causes build up or blockage.

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Congratulations to reader Cinidi for winning the High Sierra backpack!

Thanks to all who entered and look for another giveaway soon.

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