Wellness in the New YearYou’re already on your way to being a healthier you!Sean Horrigan

Balancing work with family care responsibilities is not always easy. Life has a way of throwing curve balls when we least expect it. The kids get sick, your mom needs a ride to the doctor, your baby sitter can’t make it at the last minute. Let’s face it, unexpected changes are inevitable. While these work/family stressors may seem inconsequential, they can add up and have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. In fact, a recent study by the Consulting Practice at Bright Horizons found that work/family stressors can lead to minor health issues such as headaches, digestive problems as well as more serious issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and depression.

Fortunately, Home Depot associates have access to Back-Up Care from Bright Horizons® which means you don’t have to worry if your normal child or adult/elder care arrangements break down. For example, you can rely on Back-Up Care when:

• A child is mildly ill and cannot attend school or child care• Schools/child care programs are closed for vacations, snow days or holidays• An adult/elder relative is unexpectedly ill or recovering from a medical treatment

Three Types of Care:

Center-based child care: The Back-Up Care Advantage Program connects you a national network of quality child care centers for infant to school-age children near an associates home or work location.

In-home child care: For well or mildly ill children. Certified and carefully selected in home health professionals provide working parents with an alternative in the child’s familiar surroundings.

In-home adult/elder care: Home health care professionals provide care and assistance to adults/elders who need help with daily tasks or trips to the doctor.

Associates with access to family care supports report few absences and spent 20 percent less time dealing with dependent care issues at work. This decrease in stress leads to an increase in overall health. Studies show that associates with access to back-up care are happier, healthier and experience less stress.

Home Depot is proud, to offer the Bright Horizons Back-Up Care Advantage Program. To learn more about this benefit contact the HR Service Center at 1-866-myTHDHR (698-4347), email MYTHDHR.com or visit www.mythdhr.com.www.mythdhr.comwww.mythdhr.