Stories and News | Catching Health with Diane Atwood - Part 4

Some advice and perspectives on growing older

What is old? Wendy Adlerstein, my guest on this episode of the Catching Health podcast, suggests that it has more to do with attitude than how many birthdays you've celebrated. She's a licensed social worker with a certificate in gerontology and the Executive Director of FirstLight Home Care in the Boston area. We tackled several issues related to getting older that are definitely worth listening to, especially if you or your parents are getting older.

By dianeatwood|2020-12-07T23:58:03-05:00December 7th, 2020|Podcast, Stories and News|0 Comments

COVID-19: which habits to keep, which ones to ditch

As we prepare for our pared-down Thanksgiving celebrations, COVID rages on across the country. With vaccines on the horizon, it's possible to imagine life returning to "normal" again. Dr. Dora Anne Mills considers the habits we've had to develop and what will happen to them.

By dianeatwood|2021-01-11T14:49:30-05:00November 24th, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

COVID-19: A tale of two worlds

Playing it safe versus throwing all caution to the wind. A not-so brief update from Dr. Dora Anne Mills.

By dianeatwood|2020-11-16T22:35:45-05:00November 16th, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

Managing motherhood when you have MCAS, POTS, and hEDS

Crystal Goodwin had always wanted to be a mother. Because she has some significant health issues, she knew it would be a challenge. She was right, but she has a lot of support and is looking forward to a little bit more.

By dianeatwood|2020-11-19T08:04:04-05:00November 16th, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

Postpartum depression happens to dads, too

It's not unusual for new mothers to experience postpartum depression after giving birth. But what about new fathers? Can they, too, have postpartum depression? Definitely.

By dianeatwood|2020-11-13T11:25:30-05:00November 13th, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

Anxiety in the time of COVID (and politics)

So ... feeling anxious lately? I know I am and it's wearing on me (and likely, my husband). Fortunately, I'm open to asking for advice, and that in itself can help me calm down. Writing this blog post was also helpful. It makes me feel connected when I can share what I learn.

By dianeatwood|2020-11-06T18:57:06-05:00November 6th, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

Achieving a personal best during COVID and staying positive

At the beginning of the pandemic, Connie Venskus worked on puzzles, but then she put them away to pursue some more meaningful goals — making masks and training for a Jimmy Fund marathon walk.

By dianeatwood|2020-11-02T15:01:53-05:00November 2nd, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

Understanding the impact of COVID on senior living communities

People who live in senior and assisted living communities are at increased risk when it comes to COVID because of their age and the likelihood they have underlying health issues. How these communities tackle keeping residents and staff safe during the pandemic can be either life-saving or life-threatening. I look at one company that has been trying hard to get it right.

By dianeatwood|2020-10-27T15:00:05-04:00October 27th, 2020|Stories and News|2 Comments

Catherine Gentile, author

Listen to my conversation (there's also a transcript available) with Maine author Catherine Gentile. Her latest book, Small Lies was just released. We talk about the stories in it, including the lie we tell ourselves about aging, and we talk about Alzheimer's' — which both of our mothers had — and how to possibly prevent this horrible disease.

By dianeatwood|2020-10-29T10:17:41-04:00October 26th, 2020|Podcast, Stories and News|0 Comments

You mean there’s therapy for that? Pelvic health physical therapy and why it matters

Most people have been to a physical therapist or are familiar with what they do. What you might not know is there are physical therapists specially trained in strengthening an often overlooked group of muscles — the ones in your pelvis. More important than you may realize.

By dianeatwood|2020-10-23T10:29:29-04:00October 23rd, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

What happens to your veins as you age

Our veins change with age, but no matter what risks you might have or how old you are, living with venous disease is not a foregone conclusion. Learn about common conditions and modern treatments and techniques that get you on your feet again.

By dianeatwood|2020-10-20T16:24:20-04:00October 20th, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

Losing your balance lately? This is a must-read

I'm getting old, my balance isn't what it used to be. Do you ever say that to yourself? Well, guess what, age may be a factor, but there are things we all can do to improve our balance.

By dianeatwood|2020-10-12T15:19:49-04:00October 12th, 2020|Stories and News|2 Comments

The truth about women and retirement

One of the truths about women and retirement is that everyone's story is different. Some women don't know what they'll do with their lives when they stop working and for others, it's their chance to start fulfilling their dreams.

By dianeatwood|2020-10-17T19:26:31-04:00October 12th, 2020|Podcast, Stories and News|1 Comment

October surprises about the COVID-19 pandemic

We've learned some important, potentially life-saving, facts about COVID-19 since the pandemic descended upon the world. We get some of the details from Dr. Dora Anne Mills. She calls them October surprises.

By dianeatwood|2020-10-05T18:36:09-04:00October 5th, 2020|Stories and News|2 Comments

Finding new ways to honor passed loved ones during COVID

We've all read the stories or had a personal experience with not being allowed to see loved ones who are in the hospital, a nursing home, or assisted living facility. Especially heart wrenching is not being able to gather around when a loved one is dying or to honor them afterward.

By dianeatwood|2020-10-05T16:39:07-04:00October 2nd, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

Add some yoga poses to your life

As the days get shorter and cooler forcing people to hunker down inside, getting regular exercise can be a challenge. But not impossible. For instance, how about signing up for an online yoga class?

By dianeatwood|2020-09-30T13:40:34-04:00September 30th, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

Navigating Glioblastoma: A Caregiver’s Perspective

When Sally Connolly's late husband was diagnosed with glioblastoma, she started writing down everything. Those notes eventually evolved into a memoir. In this podcast, Sally talks about her husband's struggle with brain cancer from her perspective — as his caregiver.

By dianeatwood|2020-09-29T11:12:02-04:00September 28th, 2020|Podcast, Stories and News|0 Comments

Early warning signs of a torn or detached retina

It's easy to take your eyes for granted when you're seeing just fine. And some people are apt to not pay attention to annoying little things like floaters or occasional flashes of light. Don't ignore them.

By dianeatwood|2020-10-17T20:07:13-04:00September 21st, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

A conversation about aging with a soaring senior

Rita Losee describes herself as a Woman of Adventure, Doctor of Success, Proponent of Prosperity, InspirACTional Speaker, Author. She is that and more. Decades ago, she made a promise to herself that she would live a life of adventure. What a ride it has been and she is not even close to slowing down. At 78, Rita is also doing her best to encourage people to follow her lead. Instead of thinking it's all downhill from here, you could be a soaring senior — just like Rita.

By dianeatwood|2022-05-01T16:33:47-04:00September 14th, 2020|Podcast, Stories and News|0 Comments

The doctor will see you now — by video

With the explosion of COVID-19 in the United States, we've also seen an explosion of telehealth programs. If you can't go see your doctor in person, how about an online visit?

By dianeatwood|2020-09-11T11:38:27-04:00September 10th, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

What exactly IS mindful eating?

Are you constantly thinking about food? Often reaching for something to eat without thinking? Feeling guilty or resentful? What if you could learn to appreciate what you eat? Every morsel. There's a term for it — mindful eating.

By dianeatwood|2021-12-06T15:25:07-05:00September 1st, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

Now it’s my turn

All Nancy Marshall's mother wants is a hug, but because of COVID, it hasn't been possible for months. Nancy writes about the frustration, sadness, and guilt she's been feeling.

By dianeatwood|2020-08-31T15:02:17-04:00August 31st, 2020|Stories and News|1 Comment

Coping with the pandemic has its highs and lows

Most of the time I think I'm doing ok, even better than ok. I don't really mind staying home and have plenty of projects to keep me busy and opportunities to connect with other people. But out of the blue, I can suddenly feel almost overwhelming sadness and despair. One minute the sun is shining and the next, it's a downpour.

By dianeatwood|2020-08-27T15:34:51-04:00August 27th, 2020|Stories and News|2 Comments

Lessons from abroad and from here in Maine

Dr. Dora Anne Mills takes a look at what has been happening with the pandemic in other countries and reviews lessons learned both abroad and closer to home. She warns that this fall and winter could be very challenging, but she also shares some motherly advice.

By dianeatwood|2020-08-24T19:27:12-04:00August 24th, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

Your aging parents are getting a divorce? Now what?

Whether they were caught off guard or they've been expecting their parents to divorce for years, many adult children are rocked to the core when it actually happens. Family therapists Carol Hughes and Bruce Fredenburg have written a book called Home Will Never Be the Same Again. They did it because, in their experience, few people recognize the impact divorce can have on adult children. In this episode of the Catching Health podcast, the authors offer a useful guide for so-called adult children of gray divorce.

By dianeatwood|2020-08-24T15:43:33-04:00August 24th, 2020|Podcast, Stories and News|0 Comments

Tarts full of sweetness and a few life lessons

What lessons could this mouth-watering pastry teach other than sometimes it's ok to indulge in sweetness? One might be that you shouldn't be afraid to tackle a project you think you'd never be able to do. Don't hold back. Learn some Kitchen Lessons from a pro.

By dianeatwood|2020-08-21T13:55:20-04:00August 21st, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

Desperate for a little extra help? Call My Grandson

What do you do when you're no longer able to run your own errands and it's becoming more difficult to do even simple household chores? Alicia Shambo calls My Grandson.

By dianeatwood|2020-08-21T06:47:05-04:00August 20th, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

Painful sunburn? Look in your kitchen for quick relief

We all know that a sunburn not only hurts like you know what, it can also set the stage for problems down the road, including skin cancer. If you slipped up and stayed out in the sun a bit too long, your kitchen may provide some remedies.

By dianeatwood|2020-08-18T09:55:36-04:00August 18th, 2020|Stories and News|2 Comments

Our Wisdom Years and how to make the most of them

How can you grow older with joy, fulfillment, resilience, and no regrets? You could begin by reading the book Our Wisdom Years by psychologist Dr. Charles Garfield. Instead of fighting against aging or later life as he calls it, he suggests that we embrace the opportunity to live a more meaningful life. His book provides a roadmap that is guaranteed to lead you down a road of adventure and deep reflection. Listen to our conversation and learn more.

By dianeatwood|2020-08-14T16:37:31-04:00August 14th, 2020|Podcast, Stories and News|0 Comments

Quitting smoking during the pandemic

What do you think? Would now, in the middle of a pandemic, be a good time to quit smoking? Maybe, since your usual routine may already be disrupted. Here are some pros and cons from a man who quit in May and some helpful resources if you want to try.

By dianeatwood|2020-08-06T07:07:48-04:00August 5th, 2020|Stories and News|1 Comment

Coping with hot steamy weather and bad air quality

When the temperature rises here in Maine, so can the ozone level. High levels can make it harder to breathe. The best advice is to take it easy and stay cool. Learn more from Catching Health.

By dianeatwood|2020-08-03T22:07:05-04:00July 31st, 2020|Stories and News|0 Comments

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