Are you at risk for osteoporosis?
As we age, our bones become less dense. For some people, it's not a problem. For others, especially women, it can lead to osteoporosis or brittle bones. Here are some things you should know about your risk.
Decade by decade. How to keep your body strong and agile
Whether you're 20 or 90, it's important to be physically active. We've got all kinds of tips to get you started and keep you motivated.
Halloween health and safety tips
Taking your kids trick or treating for Halloween? Here are some important tips to help them have a healthy, safe, and enjoyable time.
What you may not know about the flu
Did we learn any lessons from last year's flu season? Why did fewer people choose to get a flu shot? How would you know if you have the flu? We have some answers from one of Maine's top infectious disease specialists
Overwhelmed? Add a timeout to your schedule
Can't say no? It's high time to start — before you risk getting sick. Catching Health has some expert advice on how to make room for yourself in your daily schedule.
Boost your memory. Take a walk
Find yourself forgetting more lately? Maybe what you need is a little exercise. Research shows that going for a brisk walk may help improve memory.
An Important Reminder About Cold Weather and Carbon Monoxide
Got carbon monoxide monitors in your house? Fresh batteries? Winter's on its way and that means the heat will be on. Make sure you're not putting yourself at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Oh, my aching thumb
For a while, the cause of my aching thumb was a mystery. Fortunately, I figured it out and also, how to make it feel better.
Let’s celebrate National Chocolate Cupcake Day!
Who needs a special occasion to indulge in a little chocolate? If YOU do, you're in luck because it's National Chocolate Cupcake Day and I've got some delish recipes for you.
Stress and Memory Loss
Research shows that too much stress may affect memory. What happens and what can you do to reduce stress? Find out in this Catching Health blog post.
Women. This is what you need to know to defend yourselves
Be confident, be aware, be strong, be prepared. Then go for the vision, wind, and limbs. Self-defense lessons from a police officer that could save your life.
Found at the farmers market: Unusual cukes, peppers, tomatillos and something sweet
A few weeks ago, I introduced you to Jamaican Burr Gherkins and now I've got a few more interesting vegetables to share with you. All from the Farmers Market in Burlington, Vermont.
A conversation about suicide. Why there are no right or wrong words
If you're worried that someone is contemplating suicide, there are no right or wrong words. What's important is to say something. Learn more in this podcast with psychiatrist Dr. Marc Kaplan, Medical Director at Sweetser.
Squat to stand: A fitness tip from Andy
Looking for a fitness move that doesn't require a lot of hard work or time? Here's a quick one that just might do the trick.
What you may not know about sleep apnea
The stereotype of someone with sleep apnea is a middle-aged obese man. Those two factors certainly increase the risk, but sleep apnea can occur in anyone, at any age. The American Sleep Apnea Association recently conducted a survey that helps increase our understanding of the many challenges associated with sleep apnea, which is far more common than you may realize.
Why 16 weeks of paid parental leave made sense to a Portland, Maine law firm
A Portland law firm recently expanded its parental leave benefits to be more inclusive and more flexible and to provide more time off (with pay) for new parents. It now has what it considers an extremely progressive policy.
Learning about leukemia the hardest way
Sometimes, it only takes seconds for life to change dramatically. That is all it took for the Cochrane family. A day that began like any other ended in a nightmare and has not been the same since.
Living with grief: What to say to someone who is grieving
Have you ever wanted to say something to someone who is grieving but don't? You can't find the right words so you say nothing. In the final segment of Living with Grief, we get some loving words of advice from several people who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Take a walk, learn some Maine history
Did you know that Maine played a significant role in the production of gunpowder during the Civil War? I discovered this bit of history while walking on a beautiful trail in Gorham.
Living with grief: Disenfranchised grief
The definition of grief is deep sorrow, but not all people feel it when a significant person in their life dies. They may feel relief, sadness about what never was, shame, anger, guilt, or nothing at all. In part four of Living with Grief, we talk about such feelings and what is called disenfranchised grief.
How to be financially fit no matter what your age
Whether you're a college senior or going to senior college, you can relieve some worry and stress by becoming more financially fit. We have some fitness tips from two experts — one on wellness and the other on money.
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.
Living with grief: John Tewhey’s story
John and Gloria Tewhey had been together close to 60 years when she was diagnosed with leukemia. The end of this month marks the first anniversary of her death. It's been a difficult year for the whole family. John shares their story in Part Three of Living with Grief.
Living with grief: Jackie Conn’s story
Jackie Conn's husband Tim died February 18, 2018, after suffering a massive stroke. They were always there for each other. Now she often feels as if she's drifting. I don't even know who I am anymore, she told me. Jackie shares her story in part two of Living with Grief.
Fitness tips courtesy of a toddler
Couldn't make it to the gym but it doesn't matter. That's because I spent the day with my two-year-old granddaughter. No time for sitting still!
Living with grief
Grief is a natural response to loss and yet how we react can feel anything but normal. We worry that we're doing it wrong, taking too long, crying too much, feeling too numb. As we'll find out in Part One of a special series on Living with Grief, there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Easy ways to stretch your hip flexors and why you should
Your hip flexors help you walk, run, dance, do all kinds of important things. If you sit a lot, you're not doing them any favors. Here are some simple exercises to give them a good stretch.
Guess the mystery vegetable I found at the Farmers’ Market
I love going to the Farmers' Market and filling my bags with good food. Check out what's in season and guess the mystery vegetable.
Don’t ignore a slightly high calcium level. It could mean hyperparathyroidism
For years, Luanne Cameron knew her calcium ran slightly high. Only recently did she find out it was a sign that she had a problem with her parathyroid glands. She shares her story so that others won't go through what she had to.
Loneliness among elderly people who live in rural areas
Loneliness is a huge issue for many people, including elderly people. Imagine living in a rural area where access to resources and human contact may be limited. A recent summit focused on the problem and possible solutions.
Benefits of walking in the city (of Portland, Maine)
A good part of my working day is spent sitting in front of a computer. I try to practice what I preach and move around as much as possible. My new workspace has provided me with lots of opportunities. Let's go for a short walk together.
