When you shop at your local pharmacy or drycleaner, you’re not only building relationships but also strengthening the fabric of your entire community. Local business owners know you, and you know them. When you see someone frequently at the coffee shop, dry cleaner, or hardware store, you build relationships with people who have similar needs and interests. Shopping at local businesses connects neighbors with each other. It’s social networking without the screen! You get better customer service when you shop local. When you fill a prescription at a community pharmacy you are likely to be served by the owner or a long-time employee who knows your medical history and medication needs. Many local pharmacies also offer specialties such as compounded medications. A local laundry service or dress shop knows your preferences so you get more personalized service. Local businesses are more likely to donate to community events, local non-profits, and sports teams. Studies have shown that they do so at over twice the rate of large chains. This kind of participation brings the community closer together. Did you know that each dollar you spend at a local independent business can bring as much as $3.50 into the local economy? Local businesses are customers of local ad agencies, insurance brokers, accountants, printers, lawyers and other services and often buy locally-made goods too. This creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to start more local businesses. Some studies have reported that local businesses employ more people directly per dollar of revenue than national chains thus creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. But it’s not just the jobs at the independent pharmacy, the laundry pickup service, or the boutique that get created. As the local economy strengthens, you’re helping create jobs for firefighters, police officers, teachers, and other public service employees as well! Author: The WSI Touch is a digital marketing agency serving small and medium-sized businesses in Boston, Massachusetts. Too busy even to pick up your prescription at the local pharmacy? Life gets busy when you add caring for an aging parent or loved one to your full time job, especially when you still have kids at home who need you. Effective time management is the key. Here are a few tips for saving time and getting the important things done.
Hey Bostonians! The Highland Street Foundation is sponsoring Free Fun Fridays again this year. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit museums and cultural venues across Massachusetts for free! Among the venues is Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro which is about 50 minutes from Boston. It’s a nice ride out of town to see exotic animals such as the white lion, red panda, emus and pythons. But for us, the main attraction is the splash pad, a fun and exciting zero-depth water playground that thrills children of all ages. For maximum enjoyment, bring bathing suits and beach clothing and sunscreen for your kids. The local pharmacy near me offers a quality selection of sunscreens and other health and beauty aids for the whole family and they provide more individualized care than the national chains. You should try them, if you are not yet a customer. The adults can use some sunscreen too, but take care that it doesn’t stain your clothing. The oil component of these lotions leaves invisible stains that can become visible over time. These stains may not be easily removed in normal washing. I usually take stained clothing to a dry cleaner near me for stain removal. The park does not allow visitors to bring picnics, but there is a Concession Stand that offers delicious fresh cooked food, ice cream and cold drinks while you rest at shady picnic benches. The Zoo is a wonderful place to visit at other times of the year too. There are educational classes on animals and how to take care of them, conservation, photography and more. If you have teenage children, you may consider enrolling them into the Zoo Crew program which gives teens the opportunity to volunteer at the Zoo. The Zoo also offers birthday party packages for children – a perfect birthday celebration for the kid who loves animals! We get older every year. That’s just a part of life. Staying active and healthy ensures that you’ll feel your best at any age. What can you do to age healthily? Here are a few tips for keeping yourself healthy and active. Get moving.We’ve all heard that exercise helps us live longer and feel better. The best way to work regular exercise into your schedule is to pick an activity that you enjoy so you’ll stick with it. A daily walk, a yoga class, or doing some gardening can all make a difference. You can add more movement to your ordinary routine by things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking in the farthest parking space. Eat smart.Small changes like choosing leaner proteins (chicken or fish) and whole grains, adding fruits and vegetables to each meal, and drinking water instead of sugary soda can make a big difference in how you feel. Make room for some "Me Time."Be sure to allocate some time for activities that nourish your spirit and help you get rid of stress. There’s more to life than errands and chores. Use a laundry service to free up some of that chore time for meditation, exercise, knitting, reading, or whatever refreshes you. Pay attention to your health.Don’t forget to schedule your annual checkup and screenings as recommended by your physician. Aging and stress can increase your need for some vitamins and minerals, so consider getting vitamins and supplements from your local pharmacy.
Life can get even busier when you add caring for aging parents or a disabled family member to your responsibilities. Consider hiring a homecare aide to help with your caregiving responsibilities if you need a respite in order to stay healthy yourself. Is your aging parent starting to need help with some of the everyday tasks at home? A change in functioning doesn't necessarily mean it’s time to move to assisted living or a nursing home. Sometimes all they need is a little help with chores or some extra support so they can continue to live in their home. Start by asking your loved one what they need help with, discuss your concerns with them, and coordinate with their primary care doctor. That way they’ll still feel like they’re in charge and you’ll get a good feel for what is really needed to keep them safe, comfortable, and happy.
Maybe a few modifications to the home, such as grab bars for the shower or a stair lift can make things safer for them and reduce the worry for you. Maybe you can stop by once a week to do yard work or household chores and prepare some meals for them. If they have difficulty with bathing or dressing, you could stop by once a day to help. However, don’t be afraid to get some extra care giving help. Here are some ideas:
For busy professionals living in cities like Boston, caring for an aging parent can be overwhelming. Don't sweat it out all by yourself. A little extra help here and there can make all the difference in your quality of life, as well as your parent's! |
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March 2023
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