Each year, more than 44 million Americans provide unpaid care to their elderly or disabled family members, friends, and neighbors.  They may help their elderly parents or spouses suffering from dementia, cancer, or other conditions with daily tasks, such as shopping, cleaning, cooking, paying bills, giving medicine, bathing, dressing, and eating. Caring for loved ones can be very rewarding, strengthening bonds and bringing about feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment.  At the same time, caregiving can also be quite stressful, bringing about feelings of frustration, guilt, loneliness, and exhaustion.  Caregivers are often so busy helping others that they might become less likely to take good care of themselves.  They may forego their own medical care, not get enough sleep, not take the time to cook healthy meals for themselves, and not get enough exercise. It is no wonder that caregivers are at increased risk of depression,anxiety, long-term medical problems like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or arthritis, weaker immune systems, obesity, and problems with memory and paying attention. If you are caring for someone else, here are some tips from the US Department of  Health and Human Services for reducing stress and keeping yourself well: Ask for and accept help.  For example, allow other family members or neighbors to take on some of the responsibilities. Say "no” to requests that are draining. Don't feel guilty that you are not a "perfect" caregiver.  Nobody is perfect, and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. Identify what you can and cannot change. You may not be able to change someone else's behavior, but you can change the way that you react to it. Prioritize, make lists, and establish a daily routine. Stay in touch with family and friends. Join a support group for caregivers in your situation, such as caring for someone with dementia. Besides being a great way to make new friends, you can also pick up some caregiving tips from others who are facing the same problems you are. Make time each week to do something that you want to do, such as go to a movie. Try to find time to be physically active on most days of the week, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep. See your doctor for a checkup. Tell her that you are a caregiver and tell her about any symptoms of depression or sickness you may be having, and see a counselor if you need someone to talk to about your emotional stress. Try to keep your sense of humor. If you work outside the home and are feeling overwhelmed, consider taking a break from your job. Employees covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act may be able to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year to care for relatives. Ask your human resources office about options for unpaid leave. Make use of community resources.  You may be able to get assistance with transportation, meal delivery, home health nursing or physical therapy, housekeeping, respite care, and other services.  You can start by contacting the local Area Agency on Aging for specific ways to get help (http://www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/aaa.aspx)