Yet a recent Johns Hopkins study found that most family caregivers seldom rely on support groups or respite care for themselves. Most get no training for the demanding tasks they take on. And many have to juggle caregiving with paying jobs and the needs of their own families.

But it’s a labor of love, the study shows. Most of those surveyed said they found their role rewarding despite the emotional, physical and financial strain.

Have you ever been the primary caregiver for a loved one? How hard was it? What was your biggest challenge? Please share your experience with us.

More caring and sharing

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How do you handle the flu or does it handle you?

By Fran Jeffries | Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 11:34 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

It happens every year. The days grow shorter, the temperature drops — and the flu strikes.

Most people recover from the flu virus without seeing a doctor. But it’s also true that thousands of Americans die from the flu each year, and millions are sick enough to miss work or school.

Influenza is a serious infection — but it can be prevented and treated.

What precautions do you take to avoid the flu? Do you get a flu shot? How do you treat the flu once you do get it? What are your home remedies?

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When money is tight, how do you eat healthy?

By Fran Jeffries | Tuesday, November 4, 2008, 12:12 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A couple in California recently decided to find out what it was like for a month to live on just $1 a day for food. Overnight, their diets changed significantly. The budget forced them to give up many store-bought foods and dinners out. Even bread and canned refried beans were too expensive. They experienced what many folks in poverty grapple with every day.

What about you? Have you had to cut back on healthful foods? What have you cut out and what have you kept? Were you able to keep fresh foods in your diet? How did you do it?

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Watching racy TV increases teen pregnancy?

By Charles Yoo | Monday, November 3, 2008, 11:03 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

pregnant teen Here’s a groundbreaking study suggesting that pregnancy rates are much higher among teens who watch a lot of TV programs with sexual dialog and behavior, compared with those who have tamer viewing tastes. Teens who watched the raciest shows were twice as likely to become pregnant over the next three years as those who watched few such programs, according to the study. Wow. What say you?