Losing your balance lately? This is a must-read
I'm getting old, my balance isn't what it used to be. Do you ever say that to yourself? Well, guess what, age may be a factor, but there are things we all can do to improve our balance.
The truth about women and retirement
One of the truths about women and retirement is that everyone's story is different. Some women don't know what they'll do with their lives when they stop working and for others, it's their chance to start fulfilling their dreams.
October surprises about the COVID-19 pandemic
We've learned some important, potentially life-saving, facts about COVID-19 since the pandemic descended upon the world. We get some of the details from Dr. Dora Anne Mills. She calls them October surprises.
Finding new ways to honor passed loved ones during COVID
We've all read the stories or had a personal experience with not being allowed to see loved ones who are in the hospital, a nursing home, or assisted living facility. Especially heart wrenching is not being able to gather around when a loved one is dying or to honor them afterward.
Add some yoga poses to your life
As the days get shorter and cooler forcing people to hunker down inside, getting regular exercise can be a challenge. But not impossible. For instance, how about signing up for an online yoga class?
Navigating Glioblastoma: A Caregiver’s Perspective
When Sally Connolly's late husband was diagnosed with glioblastoma, she started writing down everything. Those notes eventually evolved into a memoir. In this podcast, Sally talks about her husband's struggle with brain cancer from her perspective — as his caregiver.
Early warning signs of a torn or detached retina
It's easy to take your eyes for granted when you're seeing just fine. And some people are apt to not pay attention to annoying little things like floaters or occasional flashes of light. Don't ignore them.
A conversation about aging with a soaring senior
Rita Losee describes herself as a Woman of adventure, Doctor of Success, Proponent of Prosperity, InspirACTional Speaker, Author. She is that and more. Decades ago, she made a promise to herself that she would live a life of adventure. What a ride it has been and she is not even close to slowing down. At 78, Rita is also doing her best to encourage people to follow her lead. Instead of thinking it's all downhill from here, you could be a soaring senior — just like Rita.
The doctor will see you now — by video
With the explosion of COVID-19 in the United States, we've also seen an explosion of telehealth programs. If you can't go see your doctor in person, how about an online visit?
Where you can pick apples in Maine
A list of some Maine orchards that let you pick your own apples. It's a great way to spend a late summer/early fall afternoon. Check ahead to make sure your favorite farm is open this year or to see what COVID-19 restrictions may be in place.
What exactly IS mindful eating?
Are you constantly thinking about food? Often reaching for something to eat without thinking? Feeling guilty or resentful? What if you could learn to appreciate what you eat? Every morsel. There's a term for it — mindful eating.
Now it’s my turn
All Nancy Marshall's mother wants is a hug, but because of COVID, it hasn't been possible for months. Nancy writes about the frustration, sadness, and guilt she's been feeling.
Coping with the pandemic has its highs and lows
Most of the time I think I'm doing ok, even better than ok. I don't really mind staying home and have plenty of projects to keep me busy and opportunities to connect with other people. But out of the blue, I can suddenly feel almost overwhelming sadness and despair. One minute the sun is shining and the next, it's a downpour.
Lessons from abroad and from here in Maine
Dr. Dora Anne Mills takes a look at what has been happening with the pandemic in other countries and reviews lessons learned both abroad and closer to home. She warns that this fall and winter could be very challenging, but she also shares some motherly advice.
Your aging parents are getting a divorce? Now what?
Whether they were caught off guard or they've been expecting their parents to divorce for years, many adult children are rocked to the core when it actually happens. Family therapists Carol Hughes and Bruce Fredenburg have written a book called Home Will Never Be the Same Again. They did it because, in their experience, few people recognize the impact divorce can have on adult children. In this episode of the Catching Health podcast, the authors offer a useful guide for so-called adult children of gray divorce.
Tarts full of sweetness and a few life lessons
What lessons could this mouth-watering pastry teach other than sometimes it's ok to indulge in sweetness? One might be that you shouldn't be afraid to tackle a project you think you'd never be able to do. Don't hold back. Learn some Kitchen Lessons from a pro.
Desperate for a little extra help? Call My Grandson
What do you do when you're no longer able to run your own errands and it's becoming more difficult to do even simple household chores? Alicia Shambo calls My Grandson.
Painful sunburn? Look in your kitchen for quick relief
We all know that a sunburn not only hurts like you know what, it can also set the stage for problems down the road, including skin cancer. If you slipped up and stayed out in the sun a bit too long, your kitchen may provide some remedies.
Our Wisdom Years and how to make the most of them
How can you grow older with joy, fulfillment, resilience, and no regrets? You could begin by reading the book Our Wisdom Years by psychologist Dr. Charles Garfield. Instead of fighting against aging or later life as he calls it, he suggests that we embrace the opportunity to live a more meaningful life. His book provides a roadmap that is guaranteed to lead you down a road of adventure and deep reflection. Listen to our conversation and learn more.
Conversations About Aging: Jim Mardin, 98
At 98, Jim Mardin has led an incredible life, and he intends to keep on living it for several more years. We had our conversation shortly before COVID-19 forced him to stop his three days a week volunteer job. He still drives, takes no medications, enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, and loves sharing stories about his life. He is kind, optimistic, curious, unafraid, and very entertaining.
Quitting smoking during the pandemic
What do you think? Would now, in the middle of a pandemic, be a good time to quit smoking? Maybe, since your usual routine may already be disrupted. Here are some pros and cons from a man who quit in May and some helpful resources if you want to try.
Coping with hot steamy weather and bad air quality
When the temperature rises here in Maine, so can the ozone level. High levels can make it harder to breathe. The best advice is to take it easy and stay cool. Learn more from Catching Health.
Warning: Too much time in the heat can make you sick
It sure is hot and humid here in Maine. Stay cool and take a minute to learn about heat-related illnesses, their symptoms, and what to do if someone has any. (Pets, too.)
COVID-19: Our actions matter
As deaths from COVID-19 climb upward, it is on track to become the third leading cause of death in the U.S. for 2020. Our actions can move us in either direction, says Dr. Dora Mills. Our actions matter.
COVID-19 in 2020: Cleaning up from atop my soapbox
How do we make sense of what we know about COVID-19? What's true, what's not? How do we cope with our new realities? If we can't change things on a grand scale, what can we do in our corner of the world? These are a few of the questions Nancy Flagg has been pondering lately.
How to wear and care for your mask
You might think it's pretty straightforward. Put on a mask when you'll be around other people and store it where you can find it for the next time. Only there are some important steps and tips that you should know about. Here they are.
The importance of being in control
It's challenging enough for people with chronic conditions to manage their health and navigate a complicated healthcare system. Because of COVID, many people are isolated and disconnected, which creates even more challenges. Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, a program called Ibis is helping people stay connected and manage their health from home.
Will your relationship survive the pandemic?
COVID-19 has changed our personal relationships in a big way. We are separated from some of the people we love and thrown together 24/7 with others. Either situation takes its toll. In this blog post, we look at the stress too much togetherness can cause and offer some professional advice.
COVID-19 Maine update on reopening schools
Is it safe for schools to reopen in the fall? At this stage of the pandemic, there is no way to know. We can, however, learn from the experiences of other countries. Dr. Dora Mills makes some comparisons and looks at what scientists understand so far about COVID transmission in school-aged children.
Where you can pick blueberries in Maine
If you want to go blueberry picking this summer, you're in luck. Check out the 2020 Catching Health list of where you can pick blueberries in Maine. I updated as much as I could, but you should check ahead to make sure your favorite farm is open this year or to see what COVID-19 restrictions may be in place.
Enjoying challenges, staying grounded
For Tim Hayes, the COVID-19 pandemic became a reality on a Friday the 13th. The school he works in closed and within a matter of days, everything was happening online, including counseling students, which is what Tim does. From time to time, he's also had to do a bit of self-counseling. Either way, he always offers a blend of compassion and optimism.