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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You may not be hosting many people right now, but it still never hurts to be reminded about the safe handling of food. Especially when it's summer and you're cooking outside.
We are certainly in the midst of turbulent times, but how do we cultivate mindfulness? What does that even mean? We get some answers from Anne Gosling, who teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Just what we need!
Out of the blue, soon after we began staying at home because of COVID-19, I received an intriguing email from a retired librarian who lives in Newfoundland, Canada. This is a story about why she sent me an email and what she has been doing to cope with the pandemic.
"We teach best what we most need to learn." A quote that has helped guide Patrica Raskin throughout her life. She wears many hats, but in her job as a radio show host, she learns a lot from the people she interviews. What interests her most is how to maintain a positive attitude.
Bill Saltzer lives in Maine and the rest of his family is scattered around the country. Seeing each other in person was already difficult. but because of COVID-19, it's now an impossibility. His son writes about the challenges of trying to stay connected.
If you've been staying at home because of the pandemic, do you find yourself being more active or less? Either way, you may be putting yourself at risk of hurting your back. Here are some prevention and treatment tips from physical therapist Jason Adour.
Strawberry season — time to go picking! Here's the 2020 Catching Health list of where you can pick strawberries 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.
Who doesn't love the smell of baking bread? Since COVID-19 has kept me home, I've baked quite a few loaves. Want to fill your home with the scent and your belly with the deliciousness? Here's a recipe for rosemary focaccia.
Everybody has a story to tell about how they are coping with the pandemic. This one comes from my brother-in-law Russ, who writes that among other things, riding his bike and creating art help keep him on firm ground.
Been a little lax when it comes to getting regular exercise? You're not alone. Some people have figured out a routine that works for them, but others are struggling. If that's you, here's some motivation and a few how-to videos.
Dr. Dora Anne Mills usually informs us about the current situation with COVID-19. But in this update, she writes about the connection between the pandemic and the recent protests and where it might lead.
Follow the lines, the shapes, the colors in this image. When I do, I am mesmerized and calmed. The image was created by Maine artist Pejj Nunes, who wants to teach her method as a form of art therapy. It's called Shibui Found Image Art and because of COVID-19, she now has to develop a different way of teaching than she had planned.
George Smith, the consummate outdoorsman, now spends most of his time inside. Because of COVID-19, yes, but also because he has ALS. I'm sure George has his moments, but he manages to meet them with grace and humor.
This is a story about finding humor in a complicated, confusing, anxiety-provoking situation. Determined to go by the book when she re-opened her acupuncture practice, Meret Bainbridge was blindsided by something unexpected that happened. She invites us all to laugh with her.
Dr. Fred Craigie teaches and writes about spirituality and says he often talks about what it means “to live a good life.” He contemplates his own answer to the question during these extraordinary times.
You hate black flies even more than some other flying insects? They actually do some good in the world. Read how.
For some people, the grief that COVID-19 has wrought is painfully apparent. Serious illness, death, unemployment, isolation, severe anxiety, depression. But even people who seem to be doing ok are feeling grief. Dr. Katie Eastman, a psychotherapist, says right now everyone, including her, is grieving the loss of something or someone.
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, including in Maine and the rest of the United States, the information we receive can sometimes be misleading and/or confusing. That's why it's important to get it from a trusted source. One of mine is Dr. Dora Anne Mills.