Taking care of the caregiver

Sep 24, 2009

Editor's note: Sheri Doniger's column, Dental Diaries, appears regularly on the DrBicuspid.com advice and opinion page, Second Opinion.

I am recovering from a bout of bronchitis that has apparently decided to settle in my left ear. It has been an interesting 10 days in our household and, correspondingly, our office. I felt something coming on two weeks ago. I had to introduce my son, Ryan, to the Illinois State Dental Society, amid sniffles, on Friday. A full day of patients on Saturday. Ryan departing for his master's program in Scotland on Monday, during my patient day.

Then, on Monday afternoon, the bottom fell out. My coughing was out of control. I had a full-blown case of a respiratory ick that lasted a week. Patients had to be canceled (there was no way I could work, let alone lift my head off the pillow) and obligations postponed.

So, you are thinking, what's the big deal? People get sick. People get well. The big deal is that for years I have been discussing the reality of caring for the caregiver. When we are sick, so sick that we have to cancel patients, our bottom line does suffer. As a sole practitioner, you have different obligations than a group partner. Depending on your practice situation and your referral network, there is usually a place for your emergencies. Fortunately, patients usually are understanding when we are sick. At least I hope they are. No one wants to see a sick dentist!

But what about life at home? Like many of us, not only do I have a practice, I also have a family. Granted, my family is "older" and does not need me on a moment-by-moment basis, but there are many of us out there who not only have little ones depending on us, but elderly parents in our care as well. Does one understand more than the other when we are sick? Sometimes, I don't think so. Young or old alike, those who count on us can be demanding at times.

This is why caring for the caregiver is so important. If we take our own health for granted, we may not be able to bounce back as quickly as possible. Between patients, parenting, and other life events, the day doesn't seem to end. Sometimes we don't have enough time to exercise. In fact, after a long day at the office, the only exercise many of us want is to sit down on the couch and relax. For some of us, though, exercise is second nature. We can't go more than a day without our exercise routine.

For others, however, the mere act of slowing down can be a first step to health. With the current difficult economic times, added to the perfection of practice, dentistry is a high-stress profession. Finding some time to de-stress during the day -- either through exercise, reading, walking, or meditation -- may be more therapeutic than you think.

How did I get so sick? Who knows. We see patients every day, some of whom might have a bug themselves. We have children who go to school and bring home surprises from their classmates. We go to the grocery store, gas station, and gym. With flu season fast approaching and the added concern over H1N1, we need to be more proactive when it comes to our own well-being. Hand washing, using hand sanitizers when soap is not available (always in my car), and covering your mouth when you cough so not to create more bacterial aerosols are all important.

Staying healthy is paramount. We have so many people counting on us.

Sheri Doniger, D.D.S., practices clinical dentistry in Lincolnwood, IL. She has served as an educator in several dental and dental hygiene programs, has been a consultant for a major dental benefit company, and has written for several dental publications. Most recently, she was the editor of Woman Dentist Journal and Woman Dentist eJournal. You can reach her at [email protected].

The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.