Sarah Henry

Caring.com senior editor

About

Sarah Henry has covered health stories for most of her more than two decades as a writer, from her ten-year stint at the award-winning Center for Investigative Reporting, to her staff writer position with Hippocrates magazine, to her most recent web work for online sites including WebMD, Babycenter.com, and Consumer Health Interactive. Sarah has collaborated on several books, including the popular Dr. Koop's Self-Care Advisor, and her health articles have appeared in a wide range of publications including Modern Maturity , Health , Parenting , Glamour , the Washington Post , and Los Angeles Times Magazine . She holds a B.A. in communications from the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia, where she majored in journalism.

Sarah understands the tyranny of distance faced by many adult children caring for their aging parents. Her mother and father are both in their 70s and dealing with health challenges. Although Sarah returns to her hometown regularly, she's grateful that her five siblings -- who include a doctor and a nurse -- live near her parents. Sarah herself lives in Berkeley, California, with her nine-year-old son, whom she hopes will look after her in her old age.

Recently Published on Caring.com

Monday October 05, 2009
1. 10 Health Checks Your Parent with Diabetes Needs
  Article - How often should your parent with type 2 diabetes see her diabetes doctor? The ADA recommends quarterly appointments for people who take insulin or who have trouble controlling their glucose levels, and two or three annual visits for others with diabetes...
Friday October 02, 2009
1. 10 Essential Diabetes Resources on the Web
  Article - Information about type 2 diabetes abounds on the Internet. But which sources are reliable, and who has the best tips, tools, and advice? This list includes 10 excellent sites you can trust. Don't use them to make changes to your parent's treatment plan, though, without first checking with someone on her healthcare team...
Monday September 28, 2009
1. 10 People You Need on Your Diabetes Care Team
  Article - If your parent has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult-onset diabetes (and the most common form of the disease in seniors), it's essential to get it under control. And to do that, your parent will need the help of a team of medical professionals...
Tuesday September 01, 2009
1. 10 Signs a Senior Needs Assistance
  Blog Post - Ten telltale signs that an older adult needs stepped-up caregiving help.
Monday August 24, 2009
1. What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
  Article - What is type 2 diabetes? Learn what it means and why it's such a serious disease.
Monday August 17, 2009
1. Signs of Hearing Loss
  Article - Symptoms of hearing loss to watch for in older adults, and hearing tests that can can help pinpoint the causes of hearing loss.
Thursday August 13, 2009
1. Managing Type 2 Diabetes: How to Help Someone in Your Care Make Lifestyle Changes
  Article - How to help an older adult with type 2 diabetes make healthy lifestyle changes.
2. Managing Type 2 Diabetes: How to Identify and Overcome Age-Related Obstacles
  Article - Find out about challenges for older adults coping with type 2 diabetes and potential solutions to the problems.
3. Type 2 Diabetes: Causes and Risk Factors
  Article - Type 2 diabetes: Learn about the cause of diabetes and know the risk factors for who is most likely to get type 2 diabetes.
4. Diabetes Diagnosis: How Doctors Determine It's Diabetes
  Article - Find out how doctors arrive at a diabetes diagnosis.
5. Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
  Article - Learn about common diabetes symptoms, what they could mean, and how to get a diabetes diagnosis. 1 Comment
6. What Are the Best Steps to Take for Diabetes Prevention?
  Article - Learn about the best methods of diabetes prevention.
Wednesday August 12, 2009
1. Managing Type 2 Diabetes: How to Juggle a Diabetes Diagnosis With Other Medical Issues
  Article - Challenges for older adults with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis along with other medical conditions, and potential solutions to dual-diagnosis problems.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome
  Article - Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome can affect older adults with very high blood sugar. Prevent this emergency complication of type 2 diabetes.
3. Type 2 Diabetes: High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
  Article - High blood sugar is a common complication of type 2 diabetes. Find out what you need to know to recognize, treat, and prevent high blood sugar.
4. Type 2 Diabetes: Hypoglycemia Unawareness (Low Blood Sugar Condition)
  Article - The low blood sugar condition hypoglycemia unawareness is an acute complication of type 2 diabetes. Learn to recognize, treat, and prevent this low blood sugar condition.
5. Type 2 Diabetes: Ketoacidosis
  Article - Ketoacidosis is an emergency condition that can affect people with type 2 diabetes. Find out how to recognize, treat, and prevent ketoacidosis.
6. Type 2 Diabetes: Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
  Article - Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can hit hard in older adults with type 2 diabetes. What you need to know to recognize, treat, and prevent low blood sugar.
Tuesday August 11, 2009
1. Managing Type 2 Diabetes: How to Help an Older Adult Deal With Denial and Depression
  Article - Help older adults with type 2 diabetes deal with denial and depression.
Friday July 31, 2009
1. How to Help Someone Make Dietary Changes
  Article - Advice on how to help a patient with chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease make dietary changes for the better.
Wednesday July 29, 2009
1. 12 Common Diabetes Myths Debunked
  Article - One myth is that people with diabetes can't eat sweets. People with type 2 diabetes can eat sweets occasionally, if they eat a low-carb meal first. 8 Comments
Monday July 20, 2009
1. Monitoring Blood Glucose 101
  Article - Monitoring the blood glucose of someone with diabetes helps identify which treatments work best. Here are the basics of blood glucose monitoring.
Thursday May 14, 2009
1. 9 Things to Do When Someone Is Diagnosed With Diabetes
  Article - A handy checklist of things you can do to help when someone is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Thursday May 07, 2009
1. Diabetes and Stress
  Article - Try these strategies to help someone with type 2 diabetes deal with stress. 1 Comment
Wednesday May 06, 2009
1. How to Help Someone With Diabetes Stick With Diet Recommendations
  Article - Help someone with diabetes make smart food choices. Educate yourself and her about what she can and can't eat without driving her crazy.
2. How to Help a Diabetic Follow Exercise Recommendations
  Article - A guide to how to encourage someone with diabetes to exercise
3. How to Help a Diabetic Follow Medication Recommendations
  Article - Strategies to help you help diabetics take their diabetes medications on time and consistently.
4. How to Avoid 10 Chronic Diabetes Complications
  Article - How helping an older adult keep her diabetes under control can avoid 10 serious -- even life-threatening -- complications.
Tuesday May 05, 2009
1. Trimming Toenails of Someone With Diabetes
  Tip - Learn about trimming toe nails for diabetic loved ones, and get diabetes caregiver advice on correctly trimming toe nails at Caring.com.
2. What to Do When You First Find out Someone Has Had a Stroke
  To Do List - When a loved one has had a stroke, use this checklist to help yourself understand treatment and provide necessary care.
Friday May 01, 2009
1. 15 Essential Diabetes Drug Tips
  Article - 15 tips for people with type 2 diabetes, and their caregivers, about taking oral medications
Thursday April 30, 2009
1. 12 Items Someone With Diabetes Should Always Carry
Monday April 13, 2009
1. What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
  Article - Learn the basics about type 2 diabetes -- its causes, complications, and management -- so you can help someone after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
2. 8 Ways to Help Someone With Type 2 Diabetes Handle Sick Days
  Article - Eight tips to help someone with type 2 diabetes handle sick days
Wednesday April 08, 2009
1. How to Avoid a Diabetic Emergency
  Article - How to avoid two potentially life-threatening type 2 diabetes complications.
2. How to Avoid Acute Diabetes Complications
  Article - How to avoid acute, short-term type 2 diabetes complications such as low or high blood sugar (hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia)
Monday April 06, 2009
1. Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Coping With the 5 Toughest Challenges
  Article - Learn about the toughest challenges those with type 2 diabetes face and find ways you can help someone with diabetes overcome these obstacles.
2. What You Should Know About Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes
  Article - A guide to the oral medications available to people with type 2 diabetes.
Thursday December 25, 2008
1. How a Yoga Teacher and Caregiver Maintains Her Balance
  Blog Post - How yoga can help a caregiver balance the demands of caregiving.
Thursday December 18, 2008
1. Why Blogging May Be Good For an Elder's Health
  Blog Post - Why blogging may be good for the elderly and their caregivers. 1 Comment
Thursday December 11, 2008
1. Caregiving Advice From a Doctor Who's Been There
  Blog Post - Elder care advice from geriatrician Dennis McCullough, who's been there personally and professionally.
Friday December 05, 2008
1. What's the best diet for my diabetic father?
  Answer - You're not the first person -- and you won't be the last to ask about what kind of food a family member with type 2 diabetes should eat. In brief, a healthy diet for a person with diabetes is the same as for those of us without the disease: lots of fresh fruit and vegetables along with some lean protein and wholegrain carbohydrates...
Thursday December 04, 2008
1. Could Online Insomnia Therapy Solve a Senior's Sleep Problem?
  Blog Post - Online insomnia therapy is a new approach to tackling a tired, old problem: difficulty sleeping.
Thursday November 27, 2008
1. For Seniors, Taking Care of Minor Health Matters Makes a Major Difference
  Blog Post - For seniors, taking care of small health concerns can have a big impact on quality of life.
Thursday November 20, 2008
1. Slow Medicine: A (Not So) New Prescription For Aging
  Blog Post - Slow medicine advocates a return to less medically-invasive ways for the very old to live out their lives.
Friday November 14, 2008
1. Why You Should Care About Diabetes
  Blog Post - Type 2 diabetes: Why you should care, and what you can do, if a person in your care has type 2 diabetes. 1 Comment
Monday November 10, 2008
1. Is Byetta a safe drug for Type 2 diabetes?
  Answer - Exanatide (brand name: Byetta) is a safe and effective medication for people with type 2 diabetes, writes Caring.com diabetes expert Karen Earle.
Wednesday November 05, 2008
1. Distance Caregiving: Advice on Looking After Someone From Afar
  Blog Post - Advice on providing caregiving for someone from a distance.
Thursday October 23, 2008
1. Fall Prevention: Take Steps to Keep Seniors Steady
  Blog Post - Fall prevention tips for older adults, including exercise options, products, resources, and home safety improvements.
Thursday October 16, 2008
1. Just Diagnosed With Diabetes: Now What?
  Blog Post - For people newly diagnosed with diabetes, a guide by diabetes educator Theresa Garnero called "Your First Year With Diabetes."
Wednesday October 08, 2008
1. Second Opinions: 6 Tips to Seeking Alternative Advice
  Blog Post - Second opinions: Six tips to getting a second opinion for aging family members.
Thursday October 02, 2008
1. Second Opinions: If in Doubt, Seek One Out
  Blog Post - Second opinions for seniors and when caregivers should seek a second opinion. 1 Comment
Thursday September 25, 2008
1. Lack of Energy: Not a Normal Sign of Aging
  Blog Post - A lack of energy in the elderly isn't normal and may signal an underlying health concern that warrants medical attention. 4 Comments
Thursday September 18, 2008
1. Doctors' Visits: Getting the Most Out of Appointments
  Blog Post - How to get the most out of a doctor's office visit when you're the caregiver for a loved one. 1 Comment
Thursday September 11, 2008
1. The Case For Geriatric Care
  Blog Post - How -- and why -- to choose a geriatrician for your aging parents' care. 1 Comment
Thursday September 04, 2008
1. Diabetes Doughnut Hole Dilemma
  Blog Post - The so-called doughnut hole in prescription drug coverage hits seniors with diabetes -- and what to do to help a loved one keep paying for diabetes drugs.
Thursday August 28, 2008
1. Diabetes A1c Test: New Use for an Old-Line Tool
  Blog Post - The A1c diabetes test should be used to screen for undetected diabetes, say a panel of experts. 1 Comment
Wednesday August 27, 2008
1. Keys to getting a good night's sleep
  Community Post - It's a funny term, but the whole concept of "sleep hygiene" is key to getting a good night's rest -- whether you're 2, 42, 82, or 102. Taking simple steps such as:
Thursday August 21, 2008
1. Diabetes A1c Test: Out With the Old and In With the New
  Blog Post - A new diabetes measure, called an eAG, tracks blood sugar levels.
Sunday August 17, 2008
1. Is diabetes affecting my mom's brain?
  Question - My mother, who has type 2 diabetes, is forgetting things, like how to write a check. I know that having diabetes may increase her risk of getting Alzheimer's disease, which her sister has. What do you advise I do?
Thursday August 14, 2008
1. Diabetes Drug Combo May Keep the Mind Healthy
  Blog Post - Some diabetes drugs may stave off Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.
Wednesday August 06, 2008
1. Seniors May Need Less Sleep
  Blog Post - Seniors may not need as much sleep as previously thought.
2. What's your greatest challenge caring for a parent with diabetes?
  Community Post - There are so many aspects to managing type 2 diabetes. I'm sure it can feel overwhelming at times to care for a parent with this disease. Even the simple act of cutting the toenails of someone with this condition can be a big deal!
Saturday August 02, 2008
1. A Toast to Aging Well
  Blog Post - A tribute to a dad on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
Thursday July 31, 2008
1. Diet Linked to Diabetes Risk
  Blog Post - Diet does matter if you or your parents want to cut your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Thursday July 24, 2008
1. Fall Prevention: How to Stave Off Stumbles
  Blog Post - Fall-prevention advice for senior caregivers.
Thursday July 17, 2008
1. Weight Loss: Keeping a Food Diary Makes a Difference
  Blog Post - Losing weight is more effective when you keep a food diary, a new study finds. 2 Comments
Tuesday July 15, 2008
1. Drugs That Up the Odds of Falling Down
  Blog Post - Prevent falls in the elderly by keeping an eye on the combination of drugs they're taking.
Thursday July 10, 2008
1. Diabetes: Can't Get No Respect -- And Why It Should
  Blog Post - Why people with type 2 diabetes -- and their caregivers -- should take the disease seriously. 3 Comments
Thursday July 03, 2008
1. How to Take a Vacation With Diabetes
  Blog Post - How to help your parent with diabetes eat well -- and keep blood sugar and weight in check -- while on vacation. 2 Comments
Wednesday July 02, 2008
1. Brain Injuries Are the Biggest Risk When the Elderly Fall
  Blog Post - Brain injuries present the biggest danger when elderly fall.
Thursday June 26, 2008
1. Falling Down and Feeling Down: What's the Connection?
  Blog Post - Falling down and feeling down linked in elderly, say researchers from Down Under.
2. Say What? Hearing Loss Common Among Adults with Diabetes
  Blog Post - NIH researchers discover that hearing loss is widespread among adults with type 2 diabetes. 1 Comment
Thursday June 19, 2008
1. The Connection Between Diabetes and Sleep Apnea
  Blog Post - People with type 2 diabetes urged to get checked for sleep apnea.
Tuesday June 17, 2008
1. Getting to the Heart of Recent Diabetes Findings
  Blog Post - Making sense of three type 2 diabetes studies, known as ACCORD. ADVANCE, and the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial, intense glucose control, and heart trouble. 1 Comment
Thursday June 12, 2008
1. Healthy Gums May Keep Type 2 Diabetes in Check
  Blog Post - Type 2 diabetes and gum disease are linked. Here's a simple solution to dealing with this dilemma.
Friday June 06, 2008
1. Can You Keep Type 2 Diabetes at Bay With a Mediterranean Diet?
  Blog Post - Type 2 diabetes may be kept at bay by eating a Mediterranean diet, a new study suggests.
Friday May 30, 2008
1. In Men With Type 2 Diabetes, Bedroom Blues May Signal a Broken Heart
  Blog Post - In men with type 2 diabetes, erectile dysfunction may be a warning sign for serious heart trouble, including heart attack and death.
Thursday May 29, 2008
1. With Diabetes, Diet and Dumbbells Make a Difference
  Blog Post - Making lifestyle changes can help people at risk for type 2 diabetes prevent or delay the disease, includes diet and exercise tips.
Wednesday May 28, 2008
1. Farewell to Falls
  Blog Post - Seniors can prevent life-altering falls by doing balance training exercises.
Saturday May 24, 2008
1. Got a Parent With Diabetes? Chew on This
  Blog Post - A new chewing gum, infused with the widely-prescribed diabetes drug metformin, is in development.
Wednesday May 21, 2008
1. The Plot Thickens: Another Clue in the Alzheimer's-Diabetes Mystery
  Blog Post - New research may help explain the connection between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Plus tips if you suspect your parent with type 2 diabetes has Alzheimer's disease. 2 Comments
Saturday May 17, 2008
1. Desperately Seeking Senior Care Specialists
  Blog Post - A shortage of senior care doctors concerns baby boomers and their aging parents; find tips on how to locate a geriatric specialist.
Thursday May 15, 2008
1. Too Much and Too Little Shut-Eye May Be Bad for Health
  Blog Post - Too little and too much sleep can be a health hazard. Find tips on helping your parents get just the right amount of rest. 2 Comments
Wednesday May 14, 2008
1. A "Hip" New Sound or a Noisy Nuisance?
  Blog Post - Why some artificial ceramic hips squeak and what people with hip replacements are doing about it.
Saturday May 10, 2008
1. A Big Butt May Keep Diabetes at Bay
  Blog Post - New research suggests that body fat found around the buttocks may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 1 Comment
Friday May 09, 2008
1. Note to People With Arthritis and Diabetes: Move It or Lose It
  Blog Post - That's the advice coming out of a major new study linking diabetes to arthritis.
Thursday May 08, 2008
1. Should You Put Type 2 Diabetes to the Test?
  Blog Post - Researchers are asking whether daily self-monitoring is worth the effort and expense.
Wednesday May 07, 2008
1. Weighty Matters: Diabetes Drugs Can Pack on the Pounds
  Blog Post - Some prescription drugs, it turns out, have an unintended side effect: They lead to weight gain. 2 Comments
Friday May 02, 2008
1. Diabetes Studies: Good News? Bad News? Who Knows?
  Blog Post - How to make sense of drug study findings for people caring for parents with type 2 diabetes.
Thursday May 01, 2008
1. Solutions for Seniors Who Struggle to Get Enough Zzzs
  Blog Post - Sleep problems are common among the elderly; find ways to help your parents get a good night's rest.
Wednesday April 30, 2008
1. Downward Dog May Keep Elderly Upright
  Blog Post - Recent research reveals Iyengar yoga improves stability and balance in older women, which could lower their risk of falling. 2 Comments
Thursday April 24, 2008
1. Yelling and Nagging: Not the Way to Keep Someone With Diabetes on Track
  Blog Post - Practical advice on how to help your parent or partner with diabetes comply with health recommendations. 1 Comment
Thursday April 17, 2008
1. The Link Between Diabetes and Alzheimer's
  Blog Post - What to watch for and what you can do. 1 Comment
2. Does reading study results and headlines about Diabetes treatment confuse or help you care for your diabetic parents?
  Community Post - A recent study on type 2 diabetes found that intense blood sugar control among folks with heart disease may actually increase the chances of dying from a heart attack. The results from the so-called ACCORD trial might confuse many people with type 2 -- and their caregivers -- who have been encouraged...
Friday April 11, 2008
1. Old Meets New: High-Tech Toys Help Seniors Deal With Diabetes
  Blog Post - A handy list of high-tech gadgets that can help take the hassle out of dealing with diabetes for seniors and their caregivers.
Thursday April 03, 2008
1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People With Diabetes
  Blog Post - Find advice from self-help writer Stephen R. Covey in a guide for people with type 2 diabetes and their caregivers called The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People with Diabetes.
Thursday March 27, 2008
1. Wanted: Companionship for a Dad with Diabetes
  Blog Post - How to find senior companionship for your aging and ailing parent.
Tuesday March 25, 2008
1. Could You Have Diabetes -- And Not Know It?
  Blog Post - Find out if you're at risk for type 2 diabetes by taking the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Risk Test.
Monday March 24, 2008
1. Seven Words of Wisdom for Dealing with Diabetes
  Blog Post - Find seven words of wisdom for dealing with diabetes.
Thursday March 20, 2008
1. Medications vs. Lifestyle Changes: What's the Best Way to Tackle Type 2 Diabetes?
  Blog Post - How to help your parent with type 2 diabetes make lifestyle changes for the better. Learn simple strategies to encourage your parent with diabetes to eat better and get exercise.
Monday March 10, 2008
1. 25 Essential Diabetes Questions
  Checklist - Whether you accompany your parent to doctors' appointments or handle queries over the phone, you may feel rushed to get your questions answered. So it pays to plan ahead. No matter how hard you listen during these appointments, the information may become a blur as soon as you leave the office, so it...

Sarah Henry

Caring.com senior editor

Recently Published on Caring.com

Monday October 05, 2009

Friday October 02, 2009

Monday September 28, 2009

Tuesday September 01, 2009

Monday August 24, 2009

Monday August 17, 2009

Thursday August 13, 2009

Wednesday August 12, 2009

Tuesday August 11, 2009

Friday July 31, 2009

Wednesday July 29, 2009

Monday July 20, 2009

Thursday May 14, 2009

Thursday May 07, 2009

Wednesday May 06, 2009

Tuesday May 05, 2009

Friday May 01, 2009

Thursday April 30, 2009

Monday April 13, 2009

Wednesday April 08, 2009

Monday April 06, 2009

Thursday December 25, 2008

Thursday December 18, 2008

Thursday December 11, 2008

Friday December 05, 2008

Thursday December 04, 2008

Thursday November 27, 2008

Thursday November 20, 2008

Friday November 14, 2008

Monday November 10, 2008

Wednesday November 05, 2008

Thursday October 23, 2008

Thursday October 16, 2008

Wednesday October 08, 2008

Thursday October 02, 2008

Thursday September 25, 2008

Thursday September 18, 2008

Thursday September 11, 2008

Thursday September 04, 2008

Thursday August 28, 2008

Wednesday August 27, 2008

Thursday August 21, 2008

Sunday August 17, 2008

Thursday August 14, 2008

Wednesday August 06, 2008

Saturday August 02, 2008

Thursday July 31, 2008

Thursday July 24, 2008

Thursday July 17, 2008

Tuesday July 15, 2008

Thursday July 10, 2008

Thursday July 03, 2008

Wednesday July 02, 2008

Thursday June 26, 2008

Thursday June 19, 2008

Tuesday June 17, 2008

Thursday June 12, 2008

Friday June 06, 2008

Friday May 30, 2008

Thursday May 29, 2008

Wednesday May 28, 2008

Saturday May 24, 2008

Wednesday May 21, 2008

Saturday May 17, 2008