Protect your drinking water
There are two primary ways the medications you take can get into the environment and your drinking water. Learn what they are and what you need to do right now to make sure your water is safe to drink.
A small change can make a big difference
We sometimes think that to be healthier and happier we have to make sweeping changes in our lives. Not so. Read about small changes that have made a difference.
Conversations About Aging: Leona Chasse, 95
Have you ever heard of the Code Girls? They were part of a top-secret mission that helped end World War II. You're about to meet one: Leona Chasse, now 95 and living in Cornish, Maine. Listen to our conversation. I think you'll be glad you did.
How to enjoy your summer and remain tick-free!
Does the threat of ticks keep you from enjoying outdoor activities? If you're confused about how best to protect yourself, be sure to read these important tips.
Fitness tips for your knees
If your knee hurts, you might think you need to give it a good rest. In some cases, just the opposite is true. Check out these tips and videos and learn how to keep your knees in good shape.
Get rid of pesky deer flies with this easy-to-make hat trap
Thanks to deer flies, mowing the lawn used to be a nightmare for my husband. Now, it's a dream! Learn his secret to getting rid of them and get an update on its success rate.
Easy blueberry recipes
Blueberries. What isn't there to appreciate about blueberries? They're delicious, easy to eat, full of nutrition, and beautiful to behold. AND there's so much you can do with them — here are a few recipes.
Portland Area Villages: Making a difference
As people age, a common scenario is family members worry that home is no longer a safe place to live and the person growing older wants to stay put. A little bit of extra help might make that possible. That's where Portland Area Villages comes in.
Warning: Too much time in the heat can make you sick
It's going to be wicked hot in Maine this weekend. In the 90s and high humidity could make it feel even hotter. Stay cool and take a minute to learn about heat-related illnesses, their symptoms and what to do if someone has any. (Pets, too.)
Conversations About Aging: Shirley Weaver, 82
When I decided to launch Conversations About Aging, I contacted lots of people and organizations for recommendations on individuals I might interview. One of them was Jess Maurer, Executive Director of the Maine Council on Aging. One of her recommendations was Shirley Weaver. "In her 80s, a force to be reckoned with — a must interview!" I took her advice. Listen to my conversation about aging with Shirley Weaver, 82. She IS a force to be reckoned with.
Where you can pick blueberries in Maine
If you want to go blueberry picking in Maine this summer, you're in luck. Check out the 2019 Catching Health list of where you can pick blueberries in Maine. It would be a fun thing to do with your kids or grandkids!
The joyful sounds of the FLUKES
Imagine walking into a roomful of people strumming and singing a happy tune. Your worries would melt away in an instant. Your toes would start tapping and your face would break into a smile. It happened to me when I heard the ukulele band The FLUKES.
Simple food safety tips for outdoor cooking
It never hurts to be reminded about the safe handling of food. Especially when it's summer and you're cooking outside.
Before you set off those 4th of July fireworks — how to stay safe and follow the law
Planning a 4th of July fireworks display in your backyard? You need to know what the law allows. You also want to follow these important safety tips.
Conversations About Aging: Joy Hare, 75
Joy Hare tries to live up to her name in all aspects of her life. You can't make it to 75 without experiencing some heartache, and she has. But she is always seeking joy, which is reflected in the poetry she writes, the art she produces, the work she does, and the adventures she takes. She reflects on all of that in the latest episode of my special series Conversations About Aging.
Let’s make some peanut butter cookies together
Join me in the kitchen as I make a batch of vegan peanut butter cookies with a young, but talented baker. We'll share the recipe with you.
Soothing a browntail moth caterpillar rash
A painful, itchy, gross rash. That about sums up what can happen if you come in contact with the hairs of a browntail moth caterpillar. We've got some remedies that may help to settle things down.
What? Me, an impaired driver?
Join me for a worthwhile, albeit a bit dizzying experience as I put on a special suit and try to walk a straight line.
Age Friendly Saco: A Community for a Lifetime
When a community decides to work together to ensure that its older citizens have the resources they need to continue living in their own homes it can benefit people of all ages. Take a look at some of the things happening in Saco, Maine.
Conversations About Aging: Bill Green, 65
Join me for a conversation with Bill Green, a familiar face on Maine television for more than 40 years. This time the stories he's telling are mostly about himself, including what his plans are for the next chapter of his life.
Where you can pick strawberries in Maine
What's more delicious than freshly picked strawberries? Here's the 2019 Catching Health list of where you can pick strawberries in Maine.
Chiari malformation — ever heard of it before?
It seemed as if one day 13-year-old Heidi Fox could run like the wind and two weeks later she couldn't. The cause was a rare condition called Chiari malformation.
Conversations About Aging: Lavon Harris, 100
Lavon Harris is grateful to have lived as long as she has — 100 years! She considers herself healthy, happy, and also sad because you can't live without some sadness in your heart. She shares her joys and her sadness in this episode of Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.
Getting your affairs in order
It's so easy to procrastinate about things, especially when they involve matters you'd rather not think about. Like not being able to speak or act on your own behalf. Or dying. But getting your affairs in order while you still can is a smart thing to do and we've got some useful information on how to get started.
How to make your fascia glide again
Stiff when you wake up, get out of a chair, climb the stairs? You think it's just your age, but maybe your fascia needs some attention. What's that? Let's find out.
Dupuytren’s contracture
If you feel a lump in the palm of your hand, it may be a sign that you have Dupuytren's contracture. As the disease progresses, one or more fingers begin to curl over. Learn more about risk factors and treatment.
Conversations About Aging: Sue Hoyt, 73
Sue Hoyt has spent her entire life helping people. She's retired now but continues working as a volunteer. Listen to our conversation and hear her stories about living in the Maine woods, going back to college, and being a volunteer.
Jackie’s easy tips for cutting carrots
Eat your carrots, they're good for you! What my mother always told me and it's true. I bought a bunch of lovely heirloom carrots and asked Jackie Conn to give us a quick carrot cutting demonstration.
A Journey of Care to the End
Fran Evans was blessed. Her daughters took turns moving into her home to care for her as she grew older. And now, they've written a book about their experiences.
Conversations About Aging: Dr. Bob McAfee, 84
Retired surgeon Dr. Bob McAfee no longer sees patients but he still contributes to the health and wellbeing of his fellow human beings. In our conversation about aging, he reflects on his accomplishments and his life now that he is 84. He also shares a bit of wisdom.
Should you still be driving?
If you're worried about a loved one's ability to drive, it can become a challenging situation — for many reasons. That's when someone like Heather Shields can step in and help. She assesses people's driving skills and not only makes recommendations but also helps families come up with a workable plan.