TresSugar

How to Avoid Getting Your Significant Other Sick

DearSugar — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Spring is here, but with the temperature change brings illness. I know too many people sick with a cold, the flu, or stomach bug right now, so here are some ways to prevent spreading your sick germs to your loved one.

Don't touch your significant other or their personal stuff. That means no kissing, no hugging, no holding hands, and no using their phone, remote control, water bottle, lip balm, laptop, etc.
Disinfect the personal items in your home, car, and at work to kill germs since they can live on surfaces for up to two days.
The best thing to do is get some space. Even if you start feeling better, you can still be contagious. If it's a stomach bug, avoid each other for three days after the time you start feeling better. If it's a cold or the flu, keep in mind that you're contagious for the entire time you're experiencing symptoms, which could be up to two weeks.
This is a tough one, but resist the urge to sleep in the same bed. If you live together, separate and have one of you sleep in the guest room or on the couch. If that's not possible, sleep facing opposite directions and be sure to frequently wash your sheets in hot water. If you don't live together, even better - spend the night at your own places until you're no longer contagious.
Take care of yourself by drinking hot liquids, eating nutritious foods, and resting.

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Relationship Protocol: Is Your Significant Other a Good Caregiver?

DearSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:00:00 -0800

With Winter comes cold and flu season - blah! Though some of you like to be alone when you're sick, many of you like to be taken care of, cuddled, and kept company.

When you're in a relationship though (especially when you're living together), it's your significant other that adopts the role your mom used to play - bringing you chicken soup and making sure you have everything you need - but not all men are well equipped in that department. So when you're sick, tell me, is your man a good caregiver?

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The How-To Lounge: Calling in Sick, When You're Not

DearSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:30:00 -0800

We’re all human, which means there are mornings when we wake up wanting to skirt our responsibilities for the day. I don’t recommend playing hooky on a weekly or even monthly basis, but there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a mental health day now and then. There are responsible ways to get out of work for 24 hours and then there are completely silly ones. See my tips for the former when you read more.

As I said before, skipping out on work should be the exception not the rule, so make it count! Pick a day that you can actually enjoy off. The day before a huge project is due probably wouldn’t be the best choice.
Before you make the call, come up with your excuse. Keep in mind that faking a terrible cold isn’t going to work when you come into work the next day looking perfectly fine. The same goes for injured limbs! For more reasonable excuses, consider minor things like dental work.
When you finally make the call, avoid over-doing it with excuses or antics, like sniffling, fake coughing, etc.
Keep your explanation simple; don’t be afraid to just say you’re not feeling well and leave it at that.
Don’t post pictures of yourself out partying on the Internet. Some employers actually do check up on that. On the same note, don’t come into the office the next day sporting a new tan or acting like you just had the day off.

Understandably, many people feel guilty calling in sick when they’re not, but if you need a day off, you need a day off. Just make sure you don’t put your job at risk!

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This or That: Drunken Debauchery

DearSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Out with a large group of friends, including the newest guy you’ve been seeing, you end up drinking too much too fast. Before you know it, the night’s passed you by in a blur. You’ve definitely had one or two too many and your date has to practically carry you home. Would it be worse if on the way home . . .

This: You get sick all over him? He’s covered in your dinner from his waist down, and even though he’s nice about it, you can tell he’s completely disgusted.

Or …

That: You foolishly decide to bring up your ex and without realizing it, you're rehashing old relationship issues? You’re sure your new guy couldn’t be more turned off.

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This or That: Honeymoon Disasters

DearSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0700

After all the stress of your wedding , the honeymoon has finally arrived, and you and your new husband couldn’t be more excited. The last year has been a whirlwind and you’re ready for some serious relaxation. But within hours of arriving, your dream honeymoon is turning into a vacation nightmare. Would it be worse if . . .

This: Your luggage never makes its way around the baggage turnstile? When you talk to a rep at your airline, they inform you that they don’t know where your luggage is or when it will arrive, but hopefully within five days - nearly your entire trip.

Or . . .

That: Before you have a chance to even change into your bathing suit, you’re sick beyond belief? You’re stuck in the bathroom sick to your stomach for half of your stay.

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Group Therapy: I'm Sick and He Doesn't Know

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Two years ago I was diagnosed with MS. I've had steroid treatments in the past, but haven't had to in the past 14 months because I've been doing so well (insert major rejoicing here!!). Now here's the tough part - my boyfriend and I recently became official, however he has no idea of my illness. Part of me doesn't want to tell him because I don't want him to worry, to constantly think of it when he sees me, or to take pity on me, but the other part of me wants to be completely honest with him. So what should I do? And if I tell him, how? And when?

[EDITOR'S NOTE: To be involved in more GROUP THERAPY, click here]

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Do Tell: Do You Like To Be Alone When You're Sick?

DearSugar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:00:00 -0800

If you haven't noticed, it's flu season. I feel like everywhere I turn, someone's sneezing, coughing, or blowing their nose - gross! I haven't caught the bug yet, but when I do, I can guarantee that I'm going to want to be left alone. I'm not one that likes being doted on, but I know a lot of people who enjoy the company of their roommate, best friend or significant other when they're under the weather. Ladies, since it's that time of the year again, do tell: Do you like to be left alone when you're sick or do you feel better having someone to commiserate with?

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News to Me: Women Call in Sick More Than Men

DearSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 08:00:00 -0800

We all get sick, it's just a part of life, but did you know that workers are calling in sick less often than they did a decade ago? That's the good news, but according to MSNBC, women are still absent nearly twice as often as their male counterparts. Although some people feel the obvious reason for this is because women are the main caretakers in the family and need to tend to their sick children at home, that isn't necessarily the case.

According to Terence McMenamin, of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, even people who have no children at home, the reported absence rate is higher among women than among men. I am sure we are all guilty of playing hooky and using the sick card from time to time, but ladies, tell me: Do you make it a point to use all of your allotted sick time?

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The How-To Lounge: Have a Better Doctor's Visit

DearSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:00:00 -0700

We all know how important it is to visit your doctor and to stay healthy, but it seems like it's close to impossible to get an appointment, let alone get all your questions answered. For some helpful tips, click here to read more

If your doctor books up easily, schedule your next appointment before you leave the office.
If you're sick or need an emergency appointment, always let the receptionist know the situation and put yourself on a cancellation list if there is legitimately no space available.
In order to maximize your time with your doctor, make a list before sitting in the waiting room.
Don't get caught up in the small talk once your doctor enters the room. Get straight to the point as most visits are only twelve minutes long.
Cut straight to the point. Hit the big issues first and make sure to ask all the questions on your check list. Don't skip out any detail, even if it's embarrassing for you to talk about it - remember doctors have seen it all.
If you are prescribed medication, be sure you know what to expect in terms of results, side effects, and dietary limitations.
Before your doctor leaves the room, do a recap of everything you discussed including medication, follow up appointments, alternative methods and the next steps needed. Recapping your appointment will decrease confusion and unnecessary follow up visits or phone calls.

I hope these tips help, and if you have any other ones that work for you, please share them below.

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Do Tell: What Makes you Feel Better?

DearSugar — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:00:00 -0700

When I am sick, all I want is the comfort of my own bed and some homemade chicken soup. While I like to commiserate in my lonesome, for some reason it's your creature comforts that make you feel taken care of and nourished even if you're all by yourself. So do tell, what's the formula that makes you feel better when you are under the weather?

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