The art of offering comfort to someone who is grieving
In our culture, we're taught to cheer people up. It's not the same as giving comfort. Learn some tips on the art of comforting from an expert on grieving.
A tribute to my mother Beverley Swett
My mother died last week. Tuesday, September 6 at 5:16 in the morning. I was there, hand resting on her chest. I needed to feel her last breath, her final heartbeat. Three of my sisters and one of my nieces were also there, holding her hands and gently running their fingers through her hair, which [...]
What to do with all of those tomatoes! Try this recipe for tomato mostarda
If your garden is overflowing with tomatoes and you're looking for some cooking inspiration, try this recipe for Tomato Mostarda.
Massage your muscles and your mind
Got sore muscles from all the activities you've been doing this hot summer? Feeling stressed because you're not looking forward to cold weather? How about a massage?
Being in a wheelchair hasn’t prevented these people from playing an energetic game of tennis
Adaptive sports give new life to many people with a variety of disabilities. That includes wheelchair tennis, a program offered by Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation.
DIY remedies for stings, bites, scratches, and sunburns
Whether you wear a special hat, suit up from head to toe or cover yourself in bug spray, warding off summer insects can be a hassle. Here are some DIY remedies just in case.
Earl Cutter has MSA. You won’t see life the same again after you read his story
Seven years ago, Earl Cutter began losing his balance. Today, he's in a wheelchair. He has MSA. Find out what that is and how Earl copes with his new life.
Thriving after cancer. One woman shares her recipe for a healthier lifestyle and for sesame swiss chard
When Mary Moskowitz was diagnosed with breast cancer, she decided to take back as much control as she could. She shares her recipe for good health and for a tasty stir fry.
How dementia can lead to a serious swallowing problem. On the Morning Report
On a recent WCSH 6 Morning Report, we talked about the risks associated with dementia and swallowing problems.
How composting stirred up happy memories for some people who struggle to remember what happened yesterday
When a memory care facility began composting, I asked some residents if they had composted before. I was touched by their comments. I also learned interesting information about recycling waste.
This is what it feels like to have lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder — the body attacks its own cells. JoAnn Plante shares what it's like to have this serious and painful disease.
Don’t know what to do with your farm share produce? You’re sure to love these great ideas
I helped my daughter pick up her family's farm share this week. Their bounty was so plentiful we've been using it in meals all week. You have to try some of our recipes.
Some expert advice on how to be a good grandparent
As a new grandmother, I think a lot about what it means to be a good grandparent and how I can be most helpful. I asked other grandparents for some advice.
A gold medal award for a Maine author’s book about children, cancer and sibling love
Daniel and His Starry Night Blanket: A Story of Illness and Sibling Love wins its sixth literary award. Written by former child psychologist Sally Loughridge.
The alcohol intervention that gave us back our father: On the Morning Report
Many years ago, my family did an alcohol intervention on my father. He was sober until the day he died. Watch this WCSH 6 Morning Report to learn our process.
Herbal first aid for bug bites
Don't let bug bites or bee stings take the sunshine out of a glorious summer day. Try this natural remedy made from a plant that may be right at your feet.
Looking for a new primary care provider? Some advice from a doctor
Finding a primary care provider who is a good fit for you and your family can be a challenge. Dr. John Yindra offers up some tips on the Catching Health blog.
Hypothermia isn’t the only risk in cold water
Body heat is lost about 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air. From the moment you hit the water, the body begins to react in a fairly predictable way. Hypothermia is not the first step.
Why you should drink water and other beverages at room temperature
Chinese Medicine says your body will be better off if you forget about the ice and drink only room temperature beverages. Even on hot steamy days.
How Bettina Blanchard tries to simplify life — hers and ours
Have you ever tried to clear your clutter and simplify things? Two years ago, I invited Bettina Blanchard into my home to give me a hand. She lit the spark!
A history of bloody noses turned out to be a serious condition called HHT
Lots of people get bloody noses, especially as kids. If you get them a lot and they go on and on, it could be HHT. Two families share their stories.
Alopecia Areata. On the Morning Report
Search the word bald and you’ll find lots of information — about men going bald. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes baldness in men and women. This is Jean Jackson's story.
Strawberry rhubarb pie and Nona Mac’s southern pastry, vegan style
How about some strawberry rhubarb pie made with Nona Mac's southern pastry, vegan style!
100+ Women in Southern Maine are rocking the world
Knowing how hard it is for local non-profits to raise money and how busy schedules can thwart volunteers' intentions 100+ Women Who Care is a great solution.
What would you do if you suddenly lost all your hair? It happened to this woman
Jean Jackson is bald. Totally. Not a single hair on her entire body. It's happened to her twice. Read her story on the Catching Health blog.
The challenging ups and downs of thyroid disease
Always tired? Losing hair? Feeling low? Irritable? Sudden weight loss? Or weight gain? All symptoms of thyroid disease, but can sometimes be missed.
A special dog for a little boy with diabetes. On the Morning Report
A little boy with diabetes hopes to get a specially trained dog that will warn him if his sugar levels get too high or low. I shared his story on the WCSH 6 Morning Report.
Bug in a Jar: A little book with a big message about dying
Will you think I'm weird if I tell you I think Bug in a Jar — Alison Bramhall's book about dying — is charming? Maybe, but I can't help it. It is.
The difference a rescue dog could make in the life of a little boy with diabetes
What four-year-old wouldn't want a dog? Liam Thomas is hoping to get one. A dog he can run and play and cuddle up with. A dog he can trust. With his life.
Is the 7-minute workout the best exercise?
To solve time and motivation problems, exercise specialists promote the 7-Minute Workout. But, this is May in New England. The best time to get out and walk!
Why an extremity MRI won’t make you feel closed in. On the Morning Report
Normally, when you have an MRI you have to lie still inside a big magnetic tube. Not with an extremity MRI. Sharon Vaznis and I talk about it on the Morning Report.