Trust

One of the most important keys to democracy is trust. People need to be certain that those who wield the power in government will put the best interests of their constituents ahead of their own desires.

A trustworthy leader will put people first, not politics. Such a leader will seek to know the needs and hopes of the people and will actively seek ways to give them opportunities to move toward their dreams.

Trust cannot exist where facts and actions are hidden from the people. As Ronald Reagan said, “Trust, but verify.” I want to see Michigan become a state where people are given access to the information needed in order to know and understand the actions and decisions of their government leaders.

My hope for Michigan is that we will have trustworthy leaders at all levels of government. The transparency of each leader will result in a state in which our ability to trust each other enables us all to work together for the common good.

Jim

https://hines4michigan.com

Paid for by Dr. Jim Hines for Governor; P.O. Box 5595, Saginaw, MI 48603

Advertisements

Michigan’s Future

My dream is to see Michigan be a magnet, not just for tourists, but for families to settle in, plant their roots, and thrive.

Our state has so much potential! I’m looking forward to the future of automated vehicles and other ways we can help make the population of the world more mobile. Our industries offer much promise for job growth.

Our children, our greatest resource for the future, will thrive as we invest in their education. One of my goals as governor would be to make sure our educational system is among the top ten in the nation. I want to help our children learn to work together in community and prepare to live bountiful lives.

Michigan’s beauty, its 11,000 lakes and natural resources, and its people make it a great place to live. As guardians of 21% of the world’s fresh-water lakes, we can invest in a great future by protecting our lakes, as well as our land, wildlife and plant life by cleaning up toxic sites.

Michigan has a great future. Let’s live up in every way to our motto, Pure Michigan!

Jim

www.hines4michigan.com

Paid for by Dr. Jim Hines for Michigan; P.O. Box 5595, Saginaw, MI  48603

Burnout

With the crazy pace of today’s society, it’s not surprising that burnout is a common occurrence. Symptoms of burnout can include lethargy, depression and cynicism or detachment. In addition, there are often feelings of futility or lack of effectiveness or accomplishment.

Burnout is defined by Merriam Webster dictionary as exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration. Note that not only stress, but frustration can also be a cause. The more it’s prolonged, the higher the chance of burnout.

If you don’t adjust your life to counter burnout, you could end up with a host of mental and physical consequences. Here are a few keys to avoid burnout:

1. Take care of your body. Physical exercise and healthy eating go a long way toward helping prevent burnout from taking over. Allow yourself adequate time to sleep—most people need 7-8 hours each night.

2. Remember what matters most to you. Sometimes we can get so busy trying to meet demands and expectations that we forget to do what most satisfies and recharges us emotionally and intellectually.

3. Build times to rest and reflect into your schedule. Self-reflection is not a waste of time; rather, it helps you identify what you care about and eliminate unnecessary busyness from your life.

4. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Give yourself permission to enjoy life. Try it—the world will keep on spinning without your help. Laugh with friends, tackle a fun project, or help someone for the joy of giving of yourself.

Above all, recognize the symptoms of burnout and take radical steps, if necessary, to deal with it. Life’s short; don’t waste it on burnout.

Jim

www.hines4michigan.com

 

Paid for by Dr. Jim Hines for Governor; P.O. Box 5595, Saginaw, MI  48603

 

Mentoring

Many people who are successful in business and in life attribute that success to having mentors. The mentors provided wisdom and support at key times in the mentee’s life.

The importance of mentoring cannot be overstated. Whether it’s a child who is struggling in life and needs a healthy role model or a young executive looking for career advancement, having a mentor can make all the difference. A good mentor can be a better predictor of success than education, natural abilities, and “the luck of the draw.”

There are several keys to finding a mentor. Look for someone you admire, someone who lives in a way you want to live. Have the humility to ask for their help honestly and openly.

Good mentors will at times challenge you, so stay humble and teachable. Realize they are making an investment in you and recognize the honor it is to have them share what they’ve learned in life.

Many people in this world need good mentors, and everyone has something they can offer. Are you willing to be a mentor?

If so, pay attention to those around you who might benefit from something you have learned. Get to know them and invite them into your life in a way that opens doors for you to offer insights and encouragement.

As governor, I will seek to encourage mentorship at all levels of life.

Jim

www.hines4michigan.com

Paid for by Dr. Jim Hines for Governor; P.O. Box 5595, Saginaw, MI  48603

The Benefits of Owning A Pet

What are the benefits of owning a pet? We hear stories on the news at times of pets rescuing their owners from a fire or getting help for someone who was injured. Heroic pets like that make the news, but the benefits of owning a pet go far beyond rescues.

 

Recent research shows that, contrary to popular belief, children who have pets early on are less likely to develop animal allergies. Another benefit for children is the way caring for a pet helps them develop compassion and a sense of responsibility.

 

Most of us are aware of the benefits of trained service animals, but many people struggling with disabilities, mental disorders, or post-traumatic stress syndrome are finding that interacting with their pet can help them cope with anxiety or depression.

 

Pets help reduce blood pressure and stress, and often help their owners get exercise through walking or playing. Pets are great social icebreakers and can help ward off loneliness.

 

Any pet owner can tell you what good therapy their pets are for them. Martha and I have taken our dog, Pug-Z, our pet Pug, with us on the campaign trail. Stop by and see him when you can!

 

Jim

 

www.hines4michigan.com

 

 

 

Paid for by Dr. Jim Hines for Governor; P.O. Box 5595, Saginaw, MI  48603

Elder Care

As the national life expectancy increases, sooner or later most families have to face decisions about how to care for grandma and grandpa. It’s important to know what our options are in determining what will be best for our elderly family members.

For some families, the logical approach is to have the individual move in with one of their children. It’s important for the children to discuss how they will make this work. Will the other children watch the parent at times so the primary caregiver can take a break? Who will be responsible to oversee financial needs of the parent? Will decisions about medical needs be made jointly or by the primary caregiver?

The caregiver should be aware that there often is help available. Home health services can provide services such as therapy, or even help bathing. Adult daycare centers can give the caregiver a much-needed break.

In cases where the children are not able to care for the parent in their homes, a nursing home can be a good solution. Check the reputation of area nursing homes before making the choice. Above all, stay involved. Even if the individual doesn’t seem to recognize you, they will be comforted by the special attention, and it will help you be sure they are getting the best care.

For questions on the legal aspects of caring for the needs of the elderly, the services of an Elder Care attorney can be well worth the investment.

Above all, keep in mind that how you treat your parents as they age is setting an example for your children on how they should treat you someday!

Jim

www.hines4michigan.com

Photo Credit: www.eldercarecares.com

Paid for by Dr. Jim Hines for Governor; P.O. Box 5595, Saginaw, MI  48603

Special Needs Children

While many families of children with special needs will tell you they see their child as a real blessing, it doesn’t change the fact that a child with special needs presents challenges for any family.

Most families experience major changes in their routines. It takes more time and attention to meet the child’s needs. Involvement in activities outside the home is limited by the demands of caring for special needs. Added to that is the fact that going out in public often draws unwanted attention, making it awkward and exhausting.

The family’s other children can feel left out and resentful of the attention required by the parents to care for the special-needs sibling. Because of the additional stress on the family, there can be increased emotional issues for family members, and they can even find themselves more susceptible to illnesses.

The demands of caring for special needs can also interfere with romance in the marriage and increase stress even more. The divorce rate is very high among parents of special needs kids.

Family finances are another consideration. The problem is two-pronged. Special needs often place a drain on financial resources. In addition, parents can find themselves missing work far beyond what is generally acceptable to employers in order to deal with a child in crisis.

If you know a family with a special-needs child, why not seek ways to help ease their burden! A little compassion can go a long way!

 

Jim

www.hines4michigan.com

 

Paid for by Dr. Jim Hines for Governor; P.O. Box 5595, Saginaw, MI  48603