Q: I love my husband very much, and he loves me just as much. We've been married for five years, and I am worn out with our two children (ages 11 and 7). I hesitate to discuss this with him because he works seven days a week and has health issues caused by his military years.

Luckily, my grandparents and parents are often helpful on a part-time basis, but they cannot be available all the time.

Although it would be a stretch, two of my married girlfriends have scheduled a three-day vacation and have asked me to go.

I would really like to join them but feel guilty asking my husband to go. Should I?

A: You should. As complicated as it may be to temporarily rearrange your priorities and go, it could prove to be one of the best decisions you ever make. After having a no-responsibility vacation, you will return joyful, energized, grateful and able to move forward.

Your trip also offers some bonding time for your family, and hopefully, you'll be able to arrange a few days off for your husband so that he can fish or have his own mini vacation.

It's important that you get time off for yourself, so that you avoid burning out further down the line. Having a stressful lifestyle without reprieve can lead to marital problems, and potentially divorce. Instead of letting things devolve into a breaking point, allow yourself some time to focus on you! — Doug

HOLISTIC ADVICE

Q: My joints have been getting worse and worse through the years, and I was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Although my doctor has given me a prescription, I feel like my condition is worsening. I'd like to find out whether there's anything else I can do.

Do you know of any helpful tips?

A: Because doctors examine their patients for a relatively short period of time, they generally have a difficult time when developing a treatment plan that covers all of the contributing factors in their patients' daily lives and routines. Therefore, they tend to focus on treating symptoms by prescribing medications.

However, there are lifestyle changes you can make that will work in tandem with your doctor's medical expertise.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, and inflammation of the joints causes pain and inhibition of movement. A preventative approach is to avoid sources of inflammation in your life. Unfortunately, making lifestyle changes involves much more effort than taking a daily medication.

Many researchers emphasize the importance of changing one's diet by avoiding inflammatory items that exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis. These foods include processed foods, dairy, gluten, salt and excess alcohol.

Investigate these changes for yourself, and experiment with phasing them out of your diet. Choose one item from this list and avoid it for a week. See whether there are any changes in your general health, and if so, act accordingly.

Keep healthy with a good diet and moderate exercise, for bad habits often aggravate health conditions. — Emma, Doug's granddaughter

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. Emma, Doug's granddaughter, helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.