Flu season has arrived!
Leaves are falling, temperatures, too. Autumn in Maine heralds the beginning of flu season. Are you planning to get a flu shot?
Racing, concussions, and the road to recovery
Watch the video of a discussion between retired NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr and Dr. Micky Collins, the concussion specialist who gave Dale his life back. It's chock-full of important information.
My husband’s free-range applesauce and other apple recipes
Got armfuls of apples to eat? Looking for some new recipes? We've got a few. Enjoy!
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Got a tingling sensation in your thumb and several fingers? You might have carpal tunnel syndrome. Learn more.
Conversations About Aging: Ernie DeRaps, 91
At one time, Ernie DeRaps was a lighthouse keeper in Maine. After retirement, at age 80, he became an artist. What do you think he painted? Mostly lighthouses, of course! I hope you enjoy our conversation.
On healing a moral injury
Have you ever done or witnessed something that made you feel sick inside because it violated your moral code? And ever since you seem lost and maybe even broken? There's a term for what you may be feeling — moral injury — and Volunteers of America Northern New England is trying to do something about it.
Ginny Hoy, Wonder Woman
Ginny Hoy has been going to the gym regularly for the past 10 years. Even after she had two heart attacks this past year. Survived, I should say. She doesn't think she would have if she hadn't stayed active.
Honey apple torte
This honey apple torte recipe always gets high marks in my family. Technically, it's a dessert but I confess, I've been known to have a slice for breakfast.
Can you learn to be grateful even when you feel anything but?
Did you know that practicing gratitude can make you happier and healthier? Don't know where to begin? Some tips from Dr. Robert Emmons, a gratitude expert.
Conversations About Aging: Dr. Bill Taylor, 97
He's 97, but he hasn't seen it all yet. That's because Dr. Bill Taylor has an insatiable curiosity and eagerness to learn new things. And I learned a lot from him, including about windsurfing. He was a champion. In many ways, he still is. Listen now to our conversation about aging.
Test your balance
Let's face it. As we age, a lot of things don't work quite as well as they used to. Balance, for instance, can be an issue. But guess what? There are ways to assess and lower your risk of losing your balance and falling.
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.
Conversations About Aging: Mary Hamblen, 98
Try to imagine living to 98 years old. Mary Hamblen didn't and yet, it happened. She's had a good life filled with ups and downs. You just have to go with it, she says. We talked about her life, her thoughts about being older, and her last car, which she misses a lot.
Strong to the core
Most of the movements we make originate in our cores — from putting on our shoes to playing a sport. Where exactly is your core and how can we make it strong. Watch our short videos to learn more.
How to keep your brain fit
We do all kinds of things to exercise our bodies and keep them strong and healthy. Here are some tips on how to keep our brains fit as well.
Hot vegan options for Portland school lunches
When you're a vegan and your school doesn't serve anything vegan for lunch, it can make you feel pretty left out. But now vegan is on the menu for students in Portland, Maine's elementary schools. That's good news for a lot of kids and parents.
Conversations About Aging: Bill Saltzer, 93
It's not easy giving up your independence and moving into an assisted living facility. That's what Bill Saltzer decided to do. He talks about the challenges and also reminisces about being a Marine during WWII.
Garden-fresh recipes for tomatoes and zucchini
Why is it that when you plant your tomatoes and zucchini it doesn't seem like that much and when it's time to start picking there's more than you ever imagined? We've come to your rescue with lots of recipes and a few tips.
Oh, my aching shoulders
Do your shoulders ache sometimes? Maybe while you're on the computer or texting on your phone? Watch our short video demo of some shoulder soothing exercises.
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.