A tribute to WWII veteran Leona Chasse
When she was 20 years old, Leona Bright Chasse joined the Navy. She served during World War II. The work Leona did was top secret until just a few years ago. She was a Code Girl.
What you should know about hepatitis C — at any age
An estimated 2.4 million people in the United States are living with hepatitis C. Baby boomers are among the high-risk groups. Find out why and also learn about new medications that have revolutionized how this serious infection is treated.
The Crabby Old Man
A poem called "The Crabby Old Man" has made the rounds for years. It turns out the story behind the poem is not accurate, but it still contains a useful message. He may seem crabby, but the man is simply feeling lonely, isolated, invisible, and depressed.
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.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Got a tingling sensation in your thumb and several fingers? You might have carpal tunnel syndrome. Learn more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
Before you set off those 4th of July fireworks — how to stay safe and follow the law
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.
Soothing 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.
What? Me, an impaired driver?
Join me for a worthwhile, albeit a bit dizzying experience as I put on a special suit and try to walk a straight line.
Age Friendly Saco: A Community for a Lifetime
When a community decides to work together to ensure that its older citizens have the resources they need to continue living in their own homes it can benefit people of all ages. Take a look at some of the things happening in Saco, Maine.
Chiari malformation — ever heard of it before?
It seemed as if one day 13-year-old Heidi Fox could run like the wind and two weeks later she couldn't. The cause was a rare condition called Chiari malformation.
Getting your affairs in order
It's so easy to procrastinate about things, especially when they involve matters you'd rather not think about. Like not being able to speak or act on your own behalf. Or dying. But getting your affairs in order while you still can is a smart thing to do and we've got some useful information on how to get started.
Dupuytren’s contracture
If you feel a lump in the palm of your hand, it may be a sign that you have Dupuytren's contracture. As the disease progresses, one or more fingers begin to curl over. Learn more about risk factors and treatment.
A Journey of Care to the End
Fran Evans was blessed. Her daughters took turns moving into her home to care for her as she grew older. And now, they've written a book about their experiences.
Should you still be driving?
If you're worried about a loved one's ability to drive, it can become a challenging situation — for many reasons. That's when someone like Heather Shields can step in and help. She assesses people's driving skills and not only makes recommendations but also helps families come up with a workable plan.
Building a new kidney from skin cells
Imagine taking cells from a person's skin and using them to build a new kidney. That's what's happening at MDI Biological Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. Someday, the process could save people's lives.
The environment and its link to cancer rates in Maine
The environment you live and work in can either enhance your health or put you at risk of certain diseases, such as cancer. Learn the facts about two cancers that have been linked to environmental factors in Maine.
Did you know? Adults need their shots, too!
My dad had shingles and ended up with unrelenting nerve pain. That's why I didn't hesitate to get the new shingles vaccine. Neither did my husband. It's not the only vaccine recommended for adults. We've got the whole list for you.