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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SilverSneakers. Put ’em on and let’s get moving!
If you're looking for an exercise program that is designed with older people in mind and you live near St. Joseph's College of Maine, you're in luck. Along with several other adult fitness classes, the college's Alfond Center now offers the SilverSneakers program.
Easy ways to add a healthy new vegetable — seaweed — to your diet
Why add seaweed to your diet? It's loaded with nutrients. And don't turn up your nose if you've never tried it. Check out these great tips and recipes. One more thing, help celebrate Seaweed Week!
Conversations About Aging: Peesh, 76
Peesh wants to move and Paul wants to stay right where they are. How is this couple, who are now in their 70s, handling this conundrum? We talked about it and more in this episode of Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.
Building a new kidney from skin cells
Imagine taking cells from a person's skin and using them to build a new kidney. That's what's happening at MDI Biological Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. Someday, the process could save people's lives.
The environment and its link to cancer rates in Maine
The environment you live and work in can either enhance your health or put you at risk of certain diseases, such as cancer. Learn the facts about two cancers that have been linked to environmental factors in Maine.
Conversations About Aging: Jack, 74
During a serious episode of depression that landed him in the hospital two years ago, Jack found out just how important friends can be. Good medicine and good friends made all the difference. We talk about that and a lot more in Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.
So … you’ve never exercised before
Come on now, winter is over. No more excuses for not exercising. And if you've never ever exercised before, you can't use that for an excuse, either. We've got some tips for you.
Recipes for your senses
Sights and tastes to behold. Sharing some highlights from a recent vacation with friends.
Did you know? Adults need their shots, too!
My dad had shingles and ended up with unrelenting nerve pain. That's why I didn't hesitate to get the new shingles vaccine. Neither did my husband. It's not the only vaccine recommended for adults. We've got the whole list for you.
Heart problems made her afraid until she got up and started moving
When Kelly David was diagnosed with two life-threatening heart conditions, she became afraid and depressed. It took a while but she finally decided being afraid was no way to live. When you read her story, you'll not only cheer her on, you might also be motivated to start moving, too.
Updating colorectal cancer screening guidelines and insurance coverage
A Bill in the Maine legislature would update insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. The updates are in line with new guidelines from the American Cancer Society. Get details about both on Catching Health.