A new adventure
I'm embarking on a new adventure, which means I have to let something go. It's all good!
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.
Poignant old memories tucked away in my mother’s bookcase
My mother has been gone for six years, but the memories of her are still strong. Unfortunately, because of Alzheimer's, her own memories were not so strong. This is a story about an art project I did about her and her lost memories.
The connection between being hoarse and having acid reflux
If I had a lot of heartburn, I might have suspected acid reflux. Instead, I was often hoarse, which I didn't realize can also be a symptom.
Aging doesn’t mean you have to stop being active
Could you be using aging as an excuse to take it easy instead of being more active? How about some good advice and motivation?
In memory of Joe Semmes, who chose love, not fear
In 1996 Joe Semmes learned that he had pancreatic cancer. Joe passed away in 2020, but his spirit lives on in the lessons he learned and shared throughout his life.
The power of healing with crystal bowls and a beautiful voice
A few weeks ago, I awoke to the sounds of these crystal bowls and Laura Thompson Brady's beautiful voice. We were at camp and she was sitting on the dock next door playing the bowls and singing. Laura is a sound healer and I can say with certainty that she is a gifted one.
What you should know about sunscreen and malignant melanoma
Does sunscreen prevent malignant melanoma? The short answer is not necessarily. Read this important advice — it could save a life.
Where you can pick blueberries in Maine
If you want to go blueberry picking this summer, you're in luck. Check out the 2022 Catching Health list of where you can pick blueberries in Maine.
When should you be concerned about memory loss?
Now, where did I put my keys? What is that person's name? I know I came in here for something, but what was it? If any of these happen to you, should you be worried about dementia?
Glaucoma: what you might not know, but should
As we age, it's normal to see things differently. Literally. Our vision changes as we age, and sometimes conditions develop that can lead to blindness. That's why routine eye exams become increasingly important.
How to interpret your blood pressure numbers
What is normal blood pressure? When do you need to take action and what can you do to get it lower? We have some answers.
How to recognize a swallowing problem in someone with dementia
Difficulty swallowing is common in people with dementia. It can lead to serious, even life-threatening complications. Here's what you need to know.
Bladder infection: The older you get, the more you need to pay attention
As we get older, unfortunately, we become more susceptible to infections. That’s because, with age, the immune system doesn’t work as well as it used to. As one of my friends found out, a bladder infection is one that can be easy to miss.
Where you can pick strawberries in Maine
Strawberry season — time to go picking! Here's the 2022 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.
How to tame your sweet tooth and sugar cravings
Who doesn't like a little sugar now and then? A piece of candy, a cookie, any kind of sweet treat? What happens when you know you're eating too much, but can't seem to stop? Here are two different approaches for someone who wants to change their relationship with sugar.
How to soothe a browntail moth caterpillar rash
A painful, itchy, gross rash. That about sums up what can happen if you come in contact with the hairs of a browntail moth caterpillar. We've got some remedies that may help to settle things down.
View from Maine COVID update: Never lose hope
This COVID update from Dr. Dora Anne Mills is just what my soul has needed. "There are days when I find it very hard to maintain hope," she writes, and then goes on to share stories of what her parents' generation endured. Maybe her words will do your soul good, too.
All about getting the right compression stockings
I recently helped my sister-in-law find some compression stockings that were fun as well as functional. The experience was so confusing at first that I decided to talk with a vein specialist and write this blog post.
COVID-19 update: The view from Maine
Once again, we are hearing about the rising number of COVID cases. And once again, Dr. Dora Anne Mills helps us make sense of it all.
Lynch Syndrome: One family’s life-threatening legacy
Sixty years after her death, Audrey Wade's family discovered that she carried a gene that increased their risk of cancer. It's called Lynch Syndrome.
Seven easy ways to exercise your brain
Worried that your brain doesn't seem as sharp as it used to be? Time to do a little exercise!
Five reasons why some aches and pains stick around
Got chronic aches and pains? We've got some expert advice on what might be the underlying cause and how to turn things around.
memoir II, a neighborhood rich with color, relationships, and memories
I walked into a pale blue space and it reminded me of my mother. Memories like that are what artist Amy Stacey Curtis invites people to write about when they visit her latest exhibit The Color of Memory.
How art helps break down misconceptions about mental illness
For the past 50 years Shalom House has been helping people with mental illness. One of its lesser known services is a wonderful art program. Meet two of its artists and learn more about mental illness.
Suicide awareness through the lens of the camera
Art student Isabella Deep is working on a photography project to raise awareness about suicide. She's looking for people to photograph.
How Foster Grandparents are doing good in the world
So much is happening in the world right now, it is important to notice the good things. The Foster Grandparent program is something that can remind us of that.
Tinnitus: the hissing sound that never ever goes away
Raise your hand if you have tinnitus. Mine's up! Here's what I've learned so far. I'm hoping you have some advice to share.
The latest on deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis is something to pay attention to because it can be deadly. Learn about risk factors and symptoms.
OOPS! Replaying an unfortunate accident
When Judith fell recently, she hurt more than her pride. She replays her accident and the lessons she learned.
Important: we have to watch where we’re going
Accidents happen and some can't be avoided. But others can if only people would follow my mother's advice.