Enjoying Maine’s fabulous produce — safely
Concern about chemicals used in farming has many folks opting for organic produce, which can be helpful, but isn’t the end to the story
Coping with hot steamy weather and bad air quality
As the temperature rises here in Maine, so can the level of ozone. High levels can make it harder to breathe. The best advice is to take it easy and stay cool. Learn more from Catching Health.
Getting in touch with the emotional demands of Alzheimer’s by channeling Jackson Pollock
Alzheimer's disease is usually an emotional roller coaster not only for the person who has it but also for family and friends. While you can't let go of the disease, people can learn to let go of their emotions. One way is by expressing themselves through art.
How Risa Card turned having brain cancer into something positive
This is the story of how one woman turned the darkest time of her life — when she was being treated for a malignant brain tumor — into something positive. She was supported and inspired by someone special and now she is the one who is supporting and inspiring others.
Lessons on preventing Medicare fraud
Some lessons are learned the hard way. Don't let Medicare fraud be one of them. To help arm you with some useful information, I did a little research on how to be vigilant.
Important tips on making your pool a safe place to swim
At last, summer is nearly here in New England. The kids will soon be out of school and pool covers will be coming off. You might be anxious to dive right in, but first, read these important safety tips.
Shingles and the new shingles vaccine
A new two-shot shingles vaccine was recently approved for people 50 and older. Catching Health has an overview of shingles and some information about the new vaccine, which is called Shingrix.
The truth about gout
More than 8 million people in the United States have gout. Learn what it is as we separate fact from fiction and hear one man's story about dealing with this painful disease.
Nurses needed: A brief history of nursing in Maine
While at its core, the practice of nursing continues to be caring for people, the profession has undergone many changes over time. We take a brief look at the history of nursing in Maine in the final segment of Nurses Needed, a Catching Health special report.
Nurses needed: Showing our gratitude
In celebration of National Nurses Week and of the dedication that most nurses show each and every day, we're sharing some love. Read stories of nurses who made a difference in someone's life – in part six of Nurses Needed, a Catching Health special report. Has a nurse made a difference in YOUR life?
Nurses needed: Public health nursing in Maine
Public health nurses have been traveling the state of Maine since 1920, trying to keep people healthy and prevent diseases. They still do, but in far fewer numbers and under challenging circumstances. We look at the current state of Maine's Public Health Nursing Program in part 6 of Nurses Needed, a Catching Health Special Report.
Nurses needed: In the community
Nursing care is moving from inside the hospital to outside in the community. What kind of work are nurses doing if they're not at the bedside? How are they being trained? You'll find some answers in Nurses Needed: In the community, part 4 of a Catching Health special report on nursing in Maine.
Nurses needed: Are you man enough?
Historically, men played a major role in caring for the sick. Their numbers dwindled in the late 19th century as people began to see nursing as "women's work." Today, we're seeing a slow, but steady increase in the numbers of men who become nurses. We hear from several Maine nurses about their chosen profession. Nurses who happen to be men, in part 3 of Nurses Needed, a Catching Health special report.
Nurses needed: Maine takes action
As Maine faces a critical shortage of nurses, nursing schools and healthcare facilities are already coming up with possible solutions. We take a look at some of them in part two of Nurses Needed, a Catching Health special report.
Nurses needed: Why there is a critical shortage in Maine
Why does someone choose to become a nurse? The most common answer is to provide care to another human being. Compassionate care. In this seven-part series on nursing in Maine, we explore the challenges and rewards of being a nurse. At the moment, the nation and especially Maine faces a critical shortage of nurses. We look at why in part one of Nurses Needed, a Catching Health special report.
Did you know? Reading is good for your health
Calling all book lovers. It's time to celebrate all the benefits of reading. Just looking at a picture of a Grampie reading to his granddaughter can make you feel better. Find out how and where you can join the party and why reading is so good for you.
How the secrets held by salamanders may benefit human beings
Did you know that a salamander can regenerate nearly every part of its body — without any scars? Why can't humans? A Maine scientist is working hard to uncover the salamander's secrets. Find out what he's learned so far.
Don’t want a colonoscopy? There are other ways to screen for colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. If you over 50, you KNOW you should be screened. If you've put off getting a colonoscopy, you need to read this.
Are you at risk of type 2 diabetes?
By 2050, as estimated one in three Americans will be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Today is Diabetes Alert Day. The American Diabetes Association has a short test to see if you are at risk.
What to do when you don’t think it’s safe for your parent to be driving
It's obvious that your parent is no longer safe on the road, but you freeze when it comes to having the conversation. Read this and you'll understand how important it is to act.
From patient to caregiver: Dave Whitten’s medical cannabis story
As lawmakers figure out how to handle Maine's medical cannabis program alongside the newer recreational use program, people like Dave Whitten remain in limbo.
Some straightforward advice for those winter-chapped lips
Got chapped lips? Here's some expert advice from Dr. Martin Wesolowski, a family physician at Martin's Point Healthcare.
Classical Five-Element Acupuncture
Learn how Classical Five-Element Acupuncture connects with nature to restore a person's balance and promote healing of the mind, body, and spirit.
How to write a one sentence love letter
Nothing says l love you like something you made yourself. We've got some handmade inspiration for you. They're simple ideas but packed with love.
A step closer to finding an effective treatment for diabetic nerve damage
Millions of diabetics develop painful peripheral neuropathy. Discoveries by a scientist at MDI Biological Lab in Bar Harbor may lead to new treatments.
When do you need to worry about hypothermia?
Hypothermia: When the core body temperature is below 95°F. It happens if the body loses heat faster than it can be produced. Read these important tips.
Insomnia? Don’t eat or drink these before bed
What's wrong with a little coffee in the afternoon? For me, it can mean being wide awake at 3 am. Here are some other things not to eat or drink before bed.
Got a sore throat? Will gargling with salt water help?
The connection between a sore throat and gargling with salt water. An old wives tale or can it really help? We have the answer.
A little friendly advice for lifting your spirits
It's easy to get in a funk in the middle of winter. I got a little advice from my friends to help me climb out of mine.
Simple exercises for lymphatic drainage and a healthy immune system
With so many colds going around, I think everyone's immune system needs a boost. Dr. Shawn Higgins gives us some advice on how we can do that.
What foods are apt to contain hidden salt?
Salt is an essential nutrient. But too much may lead to high blood pressure, strokes and kidney disease. Make sure the food you eat doesn't hide salt.