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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
My Husband Is Absolutely No Help When My Kid Is Sick — And That Needs To Change
This year, respiratory illnesses are on the rise, and our family has added to that count more than once. Well, most of our family. You see, I'm sick in bed — because my kid has coughed, sneezed and, oh yeah, vomited all over me. But my husband is completely fine, living his best healthy life out in the world, trying to locate his phone and food in the fridge. When our kid is sick, my husband's parenting 'fight or flight' response kicks in, and his usual can-do attitude vanishes, along with our much-needed stash of tissues. 'Honey, can you get us a cold cloth?' I text my partner. My son's fever is high, and my little guy has asked me to stay with him because his head hurts. After reading my husband's response, I immediately reconsider the request. Maybe I should ask my mom (who lives 15 minutes away) to bring us a washcloth. I wouldn't need to text her detailed instructions on how to make a cold cloth. Texting my partner with one hand, I comfort my crying son with the other. The sleep-deprived knot in my stomach won't let me ignore the truth: I wish parenting felt more equal. Why isn't taking care of our son when he's sick more balanced between us? Slate reported that 74% of moms (versus 40% of dads) stay home when their kids get sick. Julie Spears, a licensed clinical social worker, told HuffPost that for many heteronormative couples, a 'she-fault' situation can occur in the parenting dynamic. Related: 'Women are typically expected to be caregivers,' Spears said. Historically, girls have been expected to be caring and empathetic, gender socialization theorists say, while boys have typically been taught to inhibit these kinds of prosocial behaviors. Connecting these caregiving dots, we see how gender beliefs form in childhood and continue to influence our parenting in adulthood. In many households, it's the moms calling the pediatrician, cleaning up the vomit and attending to the needs of their feverish children. Supatra Tovar, a clinical psychologist, told HuffPost this pattern persists due to factors including implicit expectations and practical habits. 'There may be unspoken assumptions (or expectations) that the mother should take on more caregiving duties,' Tovar said. Plus, some mamas take on more caregiving responsibilities from the start, and Tovar said this can form a lasting pattern. Any of this feel familiar? If the responsibility to care for your coughing kids is all yours, know that you are not alone. Linda P. from Aurora, Illinois, told HuffPost that taking care of her three children when they got sick fell to her because 'I made less money than my kids' dad, so the potential of losing my income would be less impactful than him losing his.' Related: One 2012 study found that even if working mothers and fathers have similar access to paid sick days, mothers miss work more often to care for their kids. Choosing between your career and comforting your children when they're ill isn't a choice moms should face, but many do. 'Men don't feel empowered to take off work, and that's a societal shift we need to work on,' Spears added. Amanda J., a mother of two from New Albany, Indiana, told HuffPost that looking after her sick littles was a job she wanted as a stay-at-home mom. But when her kids were 2 and 6.5, she started working outside the home again. Parenting duties became more equal, but her husband was easily overwhelmed and frustrated when caring for their sick kiddos. 'I felt like it was my fault they (the kids) had to deal with it,' Amanda said. So she took over caregiving duties when she could to ease tensions. 'The research tells us that moms generally worry more than dads, and this worry may push moms to stay home to care for a sick child even when it may make more sense for dad to stay home,' said Katie Smith, a licensed clinical and child psychologist who treats children, adolescents and families. Societal expectations, family habits and conflicting work schedules are a few reasons a mother's workload can unfairly increase when kids are sick. And then, in some cases, it's about 'perceived caregiving competency' — as is the case in my family. 'If the mother has historically been the one to handle most caregiving tasks, she might be viewed (by herself or her partner) as more adept at managing the children's needs,' Tovar said. She added that for working mothers, the dual expectations and pressure to perform both as a professional and the primary caregiver can create potential mental health issues and feelings of resentment. But there is a way to make all this 'nurturing' more equal between partners — or at least, there is a place to begin. 'Working parents should be in frequent communication about the equity of shared parenting responsibilities,' Smith told HuffPost. It's a good idea to have a plan in place before the kids get sick. 'I think it's a talk that needs to happen, and having that intentional proactive conversation about who's on point for the week can help,' Spears added. When talking to your partner, clear communication about boundaries and expectations is crucial, Tovar said. Express your needs using 'I' statements, and suggest practical, divided responsibilities so you can both see a clear plan of action. Smith added that moms and dads need to get more comfortable allowing and expecting dads to enter this role. From the beginning, I've been the go-to parent offering comfort to our little guy, so it's no wonder the simplest caregiving instincts elude my husband. Awareness can break any pattern, so I think I'll start small: This time, my text reads, 'Honey, can you sit with him while I shower?' My husband peers around the doorway, and our 10-year-old smiles at his dad — giving my husband the little confidence boost he needs. For many families, the model of a caregiver has always been Mom. But with communication, commitment and collaboration, this model can change. In our 10 years of parenting together, it's clear that my husband and I bring different parenting strengths to the table, but that doesn't mean we can't learn some new ones, too. Related... These Comics Highlight The Unfair Ways Society Views Moms Vs. Dads Dads, Stop Giving Your Wife's Email For Your Kid's School And Extracurriculars 27 Really Funny — But Humbling — Things Kids Have Said To Adults 10 Items Pediatricians Always Pack In Their Suitcase For Their KidsSolve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ontario, medical association near new compensation deal they say will help retain, recruit family doctors
The Ontario government and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) say they're close to reaching a new compensation deal for doctors working in family health organizations, which is intended to draw more physicians to family medicine amid a provincial doctor shortage. Both parties say the proposed changes, which would impact roughly 6,500 family physicians, are intended to encourage more doctors to practice or remain in comprehensive family medicine. Negotiations are happening as more than two million Ontarians are without a family doctor. The new model, called FHO+, would allow doctors to bill for administrative tasks that are currently unpaid, on top of clinical tasks, according to the OMA. The Ontario College of Family Physicians says in an average week, doctors spend about 19 hours on administrative tasks, such as filling out forms, charting and reviewing test results. An OMA spokesperson said in an email that the new compensation model "recognizes family physicians are treating patients with increasingly complex conditions, which often require physicians to spend more time completing administrative tasks." "We believe allowing family physicians to bill for this larger administrative workload will attract and retain more of them in Ontario," Julia Costanzo said in the emailed statement. "Our hope is that this new model will enable more Ontarians to [be] able access a family doctor." WATCH | Breaking down Ontario's family doctor shortage: The FHO+ model will also end "negation," the OMA statement said, the practice of financially penalizing a family doctor when a patient of theirs who is part of a family health team goes to a walk-in clinic or an emergency department for non-emergency care. The proposed deal would update the current compensation model, which pays doctors working in the province's 615 family health organizations through capitation. While different doctors are compensated in different ways, most family doctors get an annual payment from the government for every patient on their roster, with payments adjusted for factors like age and patient complexity. Bachir Tazkarji, a family physician and medical director of the teaching unit at Summerville Family Health Team, says he thinks the new deal would make comprehensive family medicine a bigger draw for new doctors. "Physicians are staying away from comprehensive family medicine practice, because they have less compensation, where, if they're working in hospitals or O.R., for example, they get compensated for more of this work," he said, adding that about 15 to 35 per cent of his month is spent doing administrative work. "I would think this [deal] is going to be very attractive and helpful to physicians for a better quality of life, reducing burnout and improving the patient's care, improving the direct contact with patients," he said. Health Minister Sylvia Jones told reporters at an unrelated news conference Wednesday that she would not comment on the details of negotiations with OMA, but that talks have been generally positive. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said in an email that the "FHO+ model incentivizes enrolling new patients, promotes shifting procedures to clinics instead of emergency departments, and strengthens incentives for after-hours care to expand access." The proposed deal was sent to arbitration in June, with a ruling expected in the fall. OMA CEO Kimberly Moran says the deal is about 90 per cent agreed upon and would be in place in April 2026 if finalized. She told CBC Radio's Here and Now Wednesday that while it's important doctors are compensated for "the really large and alarming amount of clinical administration time that they're spending," the province also needs to support physicians with teams and artificial intelligence tools that will reduce the work in the first place. "They didn't go to medical school [to be] on their computer. They went to medical school because they like to treat patients," she said. The Ford government has promised to connect every Ontarian to a family doctor or primary care team by 2029.
Globe and Mail
08-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
FED Fitness Teams Up with Talking Tom & Friends for Home Fitness Campaign
FED Fitness partners with Talking Tom & Friends for a July campaign blending entertainment and wellness, featuring a 400+ influencer challenge and Prime Day discounts. FED Fitness, a global leader in home fitness solutions, is launching a co-branded marketing campaign this July with the beloved gaming entertainment brand, Talking Tom & Friends. The partnership centers on the theme 'Sweat with Talking Tom. Fitness at Home,' timed to coincide with two major sales events: Amazon Prime Day and TikTok's Deals for You Days. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for FED Fitness, reinforcing its position as a fun, engaging, and sustainable brand committed to helping families worldwide stay active and healthy at home. The campaign will feature more than 400 influencers participating in the 'Sweat with Talking Tom' social media challenge, amplifying buzz across platforms and encouraging millions to join the movement. A Family-Centered Fitness Revolution FED Fitness primarily serves global family users aged 25 to 65, with a core demographic of 35 to 44 years old. These consumers value safe, convenient, and science-based fitness solutions designed for the home. They seek enjoyable, easy-to-stick-with routines that fit busy family lifestyles. Partnering with Talking Tom & Friends, a globally adored digital character, taps into the demand for approachable and entertaining fitness experiences. As the master brand, FED Fitness leads a portfolio of category-focused sub-brands, each specializing in key home fitness areas. This campaign prominently highlights YOSUDA (cardio systems), FLYBIRD (strength training), and BCAN (low-impact & recovery), with other sub-brands including NICEDAY, FEIERDUN, and Sportsroyals. Driving Engagement and Sales During Prime Day The July campaign aligns strategically with Amazon Prime Day and TikTok's Deals for You Days to maximize visibility and drive sales. FED Fitness will offer discounts up to 50% on its products during this limited-time event, encouraging consumers to invest in home fitness equipment tailored to cardio, strength training, low-impact & recovery, and functional support needs. The 'Sweat with Talking Tom' social media challenge is a key campaign element. Over 400 influencers worldwide will share creative content featuring FED Fitness products alongside Talking Tom & Friends, leveraging official hashtags: #SweatWithTalkingTom, #TalkikngTomFitnessChallenge, and #TalkingTomxYosuda, #TalkingTomxFlybird, and #TalkingTomxBCAN. This grassroots approach aims to build organic buzz, boost brand recognition, and foster trust in FED Fitness and its sub-brands. Innovative Products Backed by Quality and Trust FED Fitness has earned its reputation through professional quality and a strong quality-for-money value proposition. Its comprehensive portfolio meets the diverse needs of all ages and fitness levels. Key highlights include YOSUDA and NICEDAY cardio equipment such as exercise bikes and ellipticals, FLYBIRD strength training gear including weight benches, and BCAN's low-impact trampolines popular with families. A standout innovation is FEIERDUN's 5-in-1 eco-friendly adjustable dumbbell, a long-time Amazon Best Seller noted for durability, versatility, and user-friendly design. Thousands of positive reviews underline the brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. User convenience is further enhanced by space-saving designs, intuitive controls, and smart app integration that offers real-time workout tracking and AI-driven fitness recommendations. Robust after-sales support and hassle-free delivery round out the customer experience. Global Vision and Mission With over five million families served worldwide, FED Fitness continues expanding globally, aiming to become the preferred home fitness brand for families everywhere. Its mission is to bring the joy of fitness to households through ongoing product innovation and service excellence. The collaboration with Talking Tom & Friends perfectly embodies this mission, combining fitness with fun to make exercise accessible and engaging for the entire family. As home fitness becomes a lasting lifestyle choice, FED Fitness strives to lead the market with solutions addressing users' evolving needs across all life stages. Looking Ahead While the 'Sweat with Talking Tom' campaign as a start, FED Fitness plans to introduce additional co-branded themes and campaigns later this year, leveraging innovative partnerships that resonate with its global audience. Consumers and media are encouraged to explore FED Fitness and its sub-brands, learn more about the campaign, and join the social media challenge by visiting the official websites and Amazon storefronts: Join the conversation using #SweatWithTalkingTom and discover how FED Fitness and Talking Tom & Friends are redefining home workouts by blending entertainment with wellness. And don't miss the fun—My Talking Tom Friends 2 is officially launching globally on July 17th! Download the game here: About FED Fitness FED Fitness is a global leader in home fitness solutions, dedicated to delivering professional-quality, innovative products designed for the whole family. As the master brand, FED Fitness oversees a portfolio of specialized sub-brands—including YOSUDA (cardio equipment), FLYBIRD (strength training), BCAN (low-impact & recovery), NICEDAY, FEIERDUN, and Sportsroyals—that together provide comprehensive, science-backed fitness options for users of all ages and fitness levels. Media Contact Company Name: Hong Kong Feier Smart Technology Co., Limited Contact Person: Palson Yi Email: Send Email Country: China Website:
NHK
02-07-2025
- NHK
Over 10,000 wind chimes welcome visitors to temple in southwestern Japan
The soothing sounds of more than 10,000 wind chimes are providing relief from the heat at a temple in the southwestern Japanese prefecture of Fukuoka. Visitors to Mitsuidera temple in Tagawa City can enjoy the refreshing musical accompaniment through August 31. Colorful strips of paper hang from the chimes, bearing messages people have written that wish for their family's health and global peace. Visitors are treated to a calming atmosphere created by the chimes and soap bubbles that are blown into the temple precinct. A woman from the prefecture's Kitakyushu City, who visited the temple with her friend, said the beautiful sounds of the chimes made her feel happy. Another woman, from Yamaguchi Prefecture, said she was moved by the sight, as she had never seen so many wind chimes.
Daily Telegraph
25-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Telegraph
Can We Talk?: Families open up about managing mental health
Don't miss out on the headlines from Family Health. Followed categories will be added to My News. It's a rare sight in modern families. Three generations of Emma Styles' family live under one roof and gather for dinner – device-free – most nights of the week. The mother-of-two says open communication across the generations is a priority in their home, and they use meal times as an important way to check in. Mrs Styles, 47, her husband Matt and their teenage daughters moved in with her parents in 2023 after her father Martin was diagnosed with dementia. 'It's very important to talk openly about what's going on, otherwise things can get to a point where they can't easily be remedied,' she said. 'We sit down for dinner and use the rose, bud, thorn exercise, where we all share what was good about our day, what didn't go our way, and what we are looking forward to tomorrow.' She said she has always been able to confide in her mum, Barbara Deacy, 72, and her dad, who recently passed away. And she has always encouraged her daughters, Suraya, 15, and Kenya, 18, to open up to her too. Emma Styles with her daughters Suraya (15) and Kenya (17). Picture: Tim Joy 'Mum's health isn't the best now, but she's always been there for me when I've had mental health issues or relationship breakdowns,' she said. 'And she comes to me now with anything that's going on, big or small. 'My parents have always been a big support. I always want Suraya and Kenya to know they can come to me with anything awful that happens, and keep those communication lines open.' But she sets boundaries around what she shares about her life with her daughters, and avoids talking about finances or her own mental health as she doesn't want to be a 'burden'. Kenya, 18, said she felt comfortable talking to her parents about personal issues, from relationships to bullying and peer pressure. 'Mum will always listen and console me if I need it, and acknowledge that I have a problem,' she said. 'Depending on the situation, she will validate my feelings or tell me how to move on and what to do next.' She said the stress of Year 12, including schoolwork, bullying issues and a break-up, would have been even harder without her parents' support. 'My grades would have plummeted, and I probably would have ended up almost dropping out of school,' she said. Her sister Suraya, 15, turned to her mum and online therapists when struggling with issues including fitting in with peers and social media dynamics. 'WhatsApp and friend groups and chats can cause some stress, and I'll go to mum because she gets it,' she said. But both teens said it was harder to be open with their grandma, even before her health began deteriorating. 'I can't imagine talking to my grandma about serious stuff like my friends or ex-boyfriend… I don't think she'd understand what I'm going through,' said Kenya. 'I think it's a generational barrier. She's had different life experiences to me, and communication is different because she grew up without social media.' She said it would be helpful if older generations listened more to young people and showed 'a willingness to be in a vulnerable state with you'. Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, helping Australian families better tackle mental wellbeing. To follow the series and access all stories, tips and advice, visit our new Health section. Originally published as Can We Talk?: Families open up about managing mental health
