PAYING THE PHYSICAL PRICE 26 FA L L 2019 Caregivers have an increased risk of heart disease and other physical ailments. PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES Because of the extreme demands of their role, caregivers' physical health suffers in several ways: 3 Overall well-being is worse, with higher rates of ailments including acid reflux and headaches 3 Increased risk of heart disease 3 Lower levels of self-care, such as filling prescriptions on time, keeping doctor appointments and maintaining proper nutrition and exercise The Family Caregiver Alliance notes that "keeping family caregivers healthy and able to provide care is key to maintaining our nation's long-term care system, and, with the aging of the population, this issue will only grow more important in the coming decades."