Celebrating the Season With Flair
Sparkle Up and Enjoy Yourself!
The holiday season is coming up quickly! Let’s get organized. Planning your outfits ahead of time relieves last-minute party stress. You can probably pull together a great holiday look with things you already have in your closet. Sometimes, just a few new items or accessories can liven up last season’s favorites.
All black is always a polished choice. Liven up your all-black outfit with sparkling statement jewelry or perhaps add a jacket in a trendy holiday color such as burgundy, forest green, ruby red, or another jewel tone. Play with a scarf that has metallic threads to add a festive vibe. (If you are not sure how to tie a scarf, YouTube offers great tutorials!)
If black seems boring, winter white is another elegant option. Winter white with sparkling accessories is always a head-turner, especially in a sea of little black dresses!
If black and white is not your style, try a head-to-toe monochromatic holiday look, especially in a jewel tone of emerald, sapphire, or ruby red. A bold monochromatic outfit can make a powerful and sophisticated statement.
For the showstopper in us, it’s always fun to have an excuse to bring out the sequins and go for a high-energy vibe. How can you make last year’s sequined dress look different this year? Add a jacket! Cropped, shapely jackets are trending—perfect for adding a little sophistication to your sparkles. Jackets with buttons of burnished gold or crystal are showing up this year, which is sure to add a festive feeling.
For a classic yet modern look, consider a vest instead of a jacket. Picture a buttoned-up black vest with gold buttons worn over a sequined dress. You will be chic and trendy. The black vest will also be a great addition to your existing wardrobe, as there are endless ways to wear it for many seasons.
When you’re wearing sequins or metallics, it’s always best to keep the accessories minimal and let the sparkles do the talking. Conversely, when you’re dressing up a monochrome outfit or simple pants and top, accessories are the key elements that kick it up a notch into a
festive look.
Luxurious fabrics such as satin, silk, or fabric with the addition of metallic threads also give off that holiday vibe. Ruffles and vintage-inspired lace, along with other embellishments popular this season, fulfill the hopeless romantic in all of us.
The see-through trend continues. If you have a favorite sleeveless dress, add a sheer long-sleeved top under it for a completely different take on the dress. Another way to wear a sheer top is over an opaque camisole. Pairing some of these elements can make fantastic outfits. Combine a ruffled top with a satin bias-cut skirt, and you’ve created an effortless and elegant ensemble.
We all need at least one cozy-chic loungewear outfit for those at-home events when we are entertaining and cooking. Rich, washable velvet is a perennial favorite and a perfect choice. A little glamorous and a lot comfortable, velvet is synonymous with the holidays, and it’s enjoying an opulent comeback this year.
Matching knit sets are plentiful in the stores and are another great option for festive yet work-friendly attire. Choose a rich color such as burgundy, crimson, sapphire, or emerald. Wide leg trousers are prevalent this year and are perfect for comfort while adding a touch of drama to your casual outfit. Paired with a simple cashmere sweater, wide leg trousers add a stylish touch.
Accessories can completely elevate your outfit to a holiday level. Statement belts add polish and opulence to any outfit, and metallic touches are always an elegant contrast. With the addition of a gold or silver handbag, shoes, or belt, you are ready for any holiday gathering.
Let’s keep in mind that the holidays are supposed to be fun! Take a break from planning outfits to be grateful for the wonderful winter world around us, along with the company of our family and friends. Take some time out to make yourself feel special and pampered. Take a friend to the spa for a manicure. Take a loved one out for coffee or cocoa. Take a nap! Each is a luxury in its own way.
We know we are happiest when we know we look good, feel confident, and have everything under control. But don’t forget—our families and friends will still enjoy us even if not everything is perfect. That goes for the food, the decorations, your outfit…everything! May your holidays be merry and bright this year.
Editor’s Note: Holly has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years as a buyer, boutique store owner, visual merchandiser, and fashion show producer. She is currently the owner of a modeling agency. Holly regularly appears on local TV doing fashion segments.
Fashion Worthy
By Holly Bell
Weekend Gourmet
Holidays and Family Vibes—Let’s Eat!
Cottage Eggs
Whisk 6 eggs together with 2 Tablespoons of milk. Melt 2 Tablespoons of butter in a 10-inch skillet. Add the eggs and stir around for 20 seconds. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. Add salt, pepper, onion powder, or green chilies if you like. Keep stirring until the eggs are done.
Another Egg Casserole
Cook and drain 1 pound of breakfast sausage. Mix with one medium onion (chopped), 8 eggs, 4 cups of thawed shredded hash browns, 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded Swiss or Parmesan cheese (or a blend), and 1 and 1/2 cups of cottage cheese. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake (uncovered) at 325 degrees for 45–55 minutes.
Pumpkin Spice Tube Cake
Toast 1 cup of chopped walnuts in a skillet (or oven-bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes). Set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of vegetable oil, 3 room-temperature eggs, 1 can of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 2 teaspoons of bourbon. Mix until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together 2 and 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1 teaspoon each of nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon.
Slowly add the dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Stir in the walnuts. Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt-style pan and pour in the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 55–60 minutes; test for doneness with a toothpick. Remove from oven when done and cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Invert the cake onto a rack and let cool. Dust with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a mixture of whipped cream and whipped cream cheese.
Berry Pudding Pie
In a saucepan, stir together 6 Tablespoons of water with 2 Tablespoons of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of sugar. Cook on low for several minutes. Add 1 and 1/2 cups of berries (blueberry, blackberry, raspberry). Add 1 Tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, stir, and remove from heat. Mix together 1 cup of flour, 2 Tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, a dash of salt, 1/2 cup of melted and cooled butter, 3/4 cup of water, and 1 egg. Mix well. Pour this mixture into a lightly greased deep dish pie pan or 8-inch square cake pan. Carefully spoon the fruit filling into the center. Bake at 375 degrees for 30–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Serve warm or chilled.
Too Much Turkey! Beefy Meatloaf
Mix 2 pounds of ground beef or chuck with 1 cup of breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned), 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, 1/3 cup of ketchup, 1/3 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 2 eggs, and pepper as desired. Mix gently with your hands. Form into a loaf and place onto a baking pan or sheet. Mix 2 Tablespoons of ketchup with 1 Tablespoon of brown sugar and spread over the top of the loaf. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes.
Harvest Days Quiche
Blanch 1/2 cup of cubed butternut squash for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside. Put 1 Tablespoon of butter or olive oil into a skillet. Add 1 chopped and rinsed leek (white only), 3 slices of cut-up bacon, and 1/2 cup of chopped mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add the squash, then cook another 1–2 minutes, until the bacon is crispy.
Line a pie plate with a pastry crust (yours or purchased). Blind bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees, then remove from the oven. In another bowl, mix 4 large eggs with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of whole milk. Stir in a pinch each of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Place the vegetables into the pie plate, pour in the egg mixture, and sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Swiss or cheddar cheese. Bake (on a cookie sheet) for 20–25 minutes, until the eggs are set. When done, let the quiche set for 5 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Place 4–6 turkey wings in a greased baking dish. Add 2 sliced onions, pepper, salt, and 1/4 cup of water. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 90 minutes (turn once or twice). Put the roasted wings into a soup pot. Add 2 stalks of celery, 2 chunk-cut carrots, and a sprinkle of dried thyme or a few sprigs of fresh. Add a large (40-ounce) can of chicken or turkey broth to the pot. If you have a bag of turkey giblets, add them now. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer (uncovered) for 45 minutes. Strain broth, shred some of the wing/giblet meat, and discard the vegetables. Refrigerate for 2 days (skim fat when it gels). It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to assemble gravy: In a large sauce pot, melt 4 Tablespoons of butter, then whisk in 4 Tablespoons of flour until smooth. Gradually add the broth (you should have about 4 cups). Whisk until heated through and thick. Season with pepper.
Merry Widow Turkey Sandwiches
Spread fresh bread with a bit of mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. Layer with a slice or two of turkey, spread cranberries on top, and add a piece of Swiss cheese. Broil or toast until golden. You can also add cream cheese, leftover dressing, or other cheeses before toasting.
Cheesy Zucchini Bread
Whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 Tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Add 1 cup of grated Asiago or cheddar cheese, 12 ounces of beer, 4 Tablespoons of melted butter, 1/4 cup of honey or sugar, and 2 Tablespoons of chopped chives. Mix lightly. Pour into a greased loaf pan (or several mini pans). Bake at 350 for 50–60 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, then invert and remove from pan.
New Orleans Mashed Yams
Peel, chunk cut, and boil 5 yams in water (until tender). Mash and mix the cooked yams with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of cream, 1/3 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/3 cup of raisins (optional). Place into a buttered casserole dish. Put 8 large marshmallows on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 25–30 minutes, until the marshmallows are gooey.
Sweet Potato Pie
Prick a few holes in 3 sweet potatoes (about 1 and 1/2 pounds). Bake on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 90 minutes, until tender. Let cool. Scoop out the potato. Blend or puree with 3 large eggs, 1 cup of cream, 2/3 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger, and salt, and the zest of a small orange. Pour the filling into an unbaked pie crust. Bake on a cookie sheet for 60 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool and then refrigerate. Whipped cream on top!
Editor’s Note: Kate has been an Omaha area culinary instructor since 1997. She attended The Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha.
By Kate Beiting
Zodiac Forecast
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
November is a month of intense transformation. During this transition, you will experience a surge of magnetic attraction, personal charisma, and romantic opportunities. Use the time to focus on self-love, self-care, and self-expression. It makes you more alluring.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Let go of old patterns and resentments and open yourself to new possibilities. Respect yourself and trust that the right person will come into your life. At work, nurture collaborative relationships.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) This is a time of social connection and humanitarian pursuits. You have the wisdom and the charisma to change the world! Make space for new opportunities that challenge your mind and open your heart.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 19) Embrace your ambitions and desire for success! Do the inner work. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks that could showcase your innovation and vision.
Pisces (Feb. 20 – Mar. 21) November is a time of spiritual exploration. You are attracted to people who challenge you to explore new ideas. At work, embrace your drive to expand your skills and seek opportunities for growth.
Aries (Mar. 22 – Apr. 19) This month is a time to celebrate your achievements and appreciate the abundance in your life. You’ve earned a little self-indulgence! It might be the moment to take that trip you’ve been putting off.
Taurus (Apr. 20 – May 20) Dive into the realm of vulnerability and emotional authenticity. Confront the power struggles that are holding you back from true connection and embrace the healing power of emotional honesty.
Gemini (May 21 – Jun. 20) Embrace your celebratory spirit with optimism and exploration. At work, consider opportunities for learning. Pitch ideas that help expand your authentic self in some way. If you have a chance to travel, be open to surprise detours.
Cancer (Jun. 21 – Jul. 22) You may experience some turbulence, but stay centered. Trust that these occurrences will lead to self-awakening and evolution. Work is quiet, so use the time to tie up administrative matters. If an opportunity arises to travel, take it.
Leo (Jul. 23 – Aug. 22) Let your light shine! Be open to playful, spontaneous connections that bring joy and laughter. This might be the time to make a bold move in your career.
Virgo (Aug. – Sep. 22) Focus on your personal life, nurturing close relationships and creating a sense of safety in your domestic environment. New projects at work may lead to advancement and growth in your field.
Libra (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22) Release any limiting beliefs or attachment that may be preventing you from experiencing true fulfillment. At work, you will experience extra energy to pursue your goals and take on new challenges. It’s a good time for a short trip.
A Woman's Work
Laughter
It Really Is Good Medicine
A giggle, a belly laugh, even a snort—the sounds of laughter always make me smile. If I am having a bad day, hearing laughter can turn it right around. I cherish the times when my family gets together because we spend so much time laughing. We tell funny stories about each other from the past, and we laugh and laugh. Sharing laughter makes daily struggles easier to bear.
Did you know that laughter can help you both medically and spiritually? As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day. As adults, life tends to be more serious and laughter less frequent. But by seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness, and even add years to your life.
The saying “laughter is the best medicine” may have originated from Proverbs 17:22 of the King James Bible. The reading is “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” I have to admit, I like the snappier, more recognizable form. Either way, it rings true! Whether you’re cracking up at a sitcom on TV, giggling at a comic strip, or guffawing your way through a cat video, laughing does you good. Laughter is a great form of stress relief, and that’s no joke.
A good laugh has great short-term effects. It actually makes physical changes in your body. It enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
It also activates and relieves your stress response. A laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can also increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. It basically relaxes you. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid in muscle relaxation.
Finally, laughter lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side of life can help you put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding on to bitterness or resentment.
Laughter is also good for you over the long term. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing the protective power of your immune system. Laughter can combat stress chemicals in the body with the endorphins it releases. These endorphins, known as the body’s natural painkillers, also help relieve physical pain.
As I’m sure you already know, laughter can improve your mood. Did you know that a study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor actually outlived those who don’t laugh as much? The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer. The sadness and depression that can accompany a chronic illness can be ameliorated with laughter. Laughter can help lower stress levels, lessen feelings of depression and anxiety, and may make you feel happier.
The social benefits of laughter have been well documented. Laughter strengthens relationships, attracts others to us, enhances teamwork, helps defuse conflict, and promotes group bonding. It can also improve your self-esteem.
So, how can you bring more laughter into your life? Smiling is the beginning of laughter, and, like laughter, it’s contagious. Practice smiling every time you look at someone or see something even mildly pleasant. Instead of looking down at your phone, look up and smile at the people you pass in the street, at the person serving you a morning coffee, at the coworkers you see in the elevator.
Another strategy is to stock your environment with things that amuse you. Post photos, greeting cards, comic strips, or other items that make you chuckle. Put funny movies, shows, or comedy specials on your streaming playlist and watch them when you need a pick-me-up. You can double the effect if you watch them with someone else and laugh together. You could even go to a live comedy club. When you hear laughter, seek it out and ask, “What’s funny?” Surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Find a few jokes you can share with friends.
As laughter, humor, and play become more integrated into your life again, your creativity will flourish. New opportunities for laughing with friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and loved ones will occur to you daily. With so much power to heal and renew, the tendency to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. It really is great medicine! Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.
By Deborah Daley
Fresh Concepts
Wake Up to the Truth
Sleep Disorders Explained
Imagine waking up after a perfect night of sleep—refreshed, energized, and ready to face the day. If you can’t imagine it, it’s possible that your sleep is rare or fleeting. Welcome to the world of sleep disorders…and then, welcome to the world of resolving them! It’s important to note that sleepless nights are not uncommon and are surprisingly treatable. Let’s take a walk through what sleep disorders are, how doctors diagnose them, why ignoring them is risky, and the exciting options for treatment.
First, a look at statistics. How many people have sleep disorders? A lot. According to CDC surveillance data, insufficient sleep affects a large portion of the US population. The National Sleep Foundation says nearly four out of 10 adults score a “D” or an “F” in overall sleep health. The Global Wellness Institute says that sleep anxiety is emerging as a critical wellness challenge in 2025, fueled by increasing digital dependency, economic uncertainty, and excessive worry.
Specific disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy affect millions who don’t get adequate sleep on a regular basis. That leaves tens of millions of adults who likely have significant sleep disorders that need professional treatment.
How can you tell if you have a sleep disorder? Most experts define a sleep disorder as any condition that negatively impacts the quality, timing, or amount of sleep you get, if that, in turn, harms your health or how you function during the day.
Clinicians use systems like the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and other clinical resources to group the information into categories such as insomnia, sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea, central nervous system disorders like narcolepsy, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnias like sleepwalking or REM behavior disorders, and movement disorders like restless leg syndrome. Physicians and professionals often diagnose, analyze, and treat based on these clinical categories.
Untreated sleep disorders aren’t just annoying—they also carry health risks. Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and even heart failure. Chronic insomnia wreaks havoc on mood, memory, and immune function and contributes to a higher accident risk. All sleep disorders can worsen everyday life, creating challenges with metabolic health (the ability to process and use energy). Poor metabolic function might result in weight gain, obesity, and diabetes.
Increased inflammation, which is another side effect of poor sleep, creates more medical challenges like fatigue, pain, and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer. Lack of proper sleep can contribute to depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. These mood disorders often create difficulty socially, professionally, and with family. Since good sleep protects your brain, heart, and how your day unfolds, it’s important to seek help if you lack good sleep hygiene. Thank goodness, there are plenty of professionals who want to help!
Are sleep disorders curable? That depends on the type of disorder. Some conditions, like circadian rhythm problems, usually respond well to behavioral strategies and light therapy. Others, like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are often chronic but are still very treatable. Lots of people achieve control of their OSA symptoms and even remission with the right kind of therapy—weight loss, CPAP, oral appliances, surgery, and implants, to name a few. Insomnia is often manageable with cognitive behavioral therapy. The experts caution to use sleep medications sparingly, but they do have their place.
Diagnosis of a suspected sleep disorder usually starts with a thorough personal history—that means sleep schedules, snoring patterns, daytime sleepiness, caffeine and alcohol use, mood, and medications. Even your sleep mate plays a role.
Objective testing might include polysomnography (an in-lab sleep study). This is usually the gold standard for diagnosis because it records brain waves, breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and things like how your limbs move during the night. Home sleep apnea testing, called HSAT, provides portable monitors that measure breathing and oxygen for sleep apnea. It’s all about technology today! For example, a wearable device resembling a watch with sensors (wrist actigraphy) tracks sleep and wake patterns to measure circadian rhythm disorders, sleep quality, and measures body movements.
Sleep centers are one option for a journey to good sleep health. Teams of specialists like pulmonologists, neurologists, ENTs (ear, nose, and throat doctors), dentists trained in dental sleep medicine, and sleep technologists are on board to interpret the data provided by testing at a sleep center, and they work together to recommend tailored plans.
This type of diagnostic and treatment facility is becoming quite common in the United States, with over 2,500 accredited centers nationwide. (You can find one on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine website: aasm.org.) Treatment plans may include medical devices, implants, oral appliances, behavior therapy, or even surgery.
Medical devices are popular and usually safe. Many people are familiar with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) devices, which are most effective for obstructive sleep apnea if used consistently; they keep the airway open during sleep. If the CPAP mask feels cumbersome, talk with your doc about getting a restful night of sleep with Inspire, the only FDA-approved implant that promotes regular breathing by delivering a gentle pulse to airway muscles. This game-changing implant, also called hypoglossal nerve stimulation, helps stimulate the nerve that controls the tongue muscles, resulting in open airways during sleep.
Custom dental devices can push the lower jaw forward to help maintain an open airway. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine have both issued updated clinical guidance recognizing oral devices and dentists as playing a vital role in fitting and adjusting oral appliances like mouthguards for sleep medicine. Oral appliances are great for mild to moderate OSA or for those intolerant of CPAP.
Upper airway surgeries like tonsillectomy or tongue and soft-palate procedures might clear the way to better breathing. Nasal surgeries seek to solve obstructions that contribute to snoring and airway pressure. Talk with your physician about the pros and cons of procedures like these.
Are non-invasive options worth trying first? Absolutely! Non-invasive sleep hygiene might involve behavior therapy for good sleep hygiene. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia helps those who can’t fall asleep or stay asleep. Admit it, counting sheep rarely works! Think of cognitive behavioral therapy as a structured program to change behaviors and thoughts about sleep. There is strong evidence that results are long term.
What is positional therapy? The goal is to prevent collapse of airways during sleep using devices or techniques to help the patient from sleeping on their backs, as sleeping supine is the most common position linked to OSA. Tools might include special pillows, back support belts, or a vibrating alarm when you fall out of position. If excess weight is contributing to airway collapse during sleep, a weight loss program can also be considered a non-invasive therapy for OSA.
What’s new in 2025? Reports highlight an uptick in AI-powered wearables that screen for sleep apnea and analyze sleep patterns. AI isn’t a replacement for diagnostic studies, but it can be a helpful screening tool to improve symptom analysis and treatment. Also new in 2025 is an improved device for hypoglossal nerve stimulation (the updated Inspire V) to integrate better sensing and simpler implants to improve reliability and to broaden eligibility.
Evolving guideline clarity is big in 2025, too. In other words, sleep medicine societies and dental sleep medicine organizations have updated practice advice refining when to use oral appliances or a home sleep apnea test. That means improved access with no sacrifice to safety!
Good sleep is worth fighting for. If lack of sleep wakes you up to a fog you can’t shake, start your journey for diagnosis and treatment. Sleep disorders are often manageable with a menu of options tailored to your life. If you often find yourself or a loved one in a loud snore, or if you experience strange night-time movements like jumping legs, or if you tend to fall asleep during the day, make an appointment with your doctor or a sleep specialist.
The struggle with chronic insomnia and sleep disorders is real. It’s worth taking the time to resolve it! A good night’s sleep is not a luxury—it’s the foundation for good health, good mood, and a long life.
Sources for this article included: cdc.gov, mayoclinic.org, and nih.gov.
By Janette Calabro
Good Looks
Aesthetic Laser Technology
Putting Your Best Face Forward
If you’re like most women, you’ve probably spent a great deal of time in front of the mirror, wishing you could wave your magic wand and make those skin imperfections vanish. Well, ladies, that magic wand has arrived, in the form of aesthetic laser technology! These advanced light-based laser therapies can turn back the clock and erase imperfections, all without the downtime of more invasive procedures. Whether you’re hoping to smooth out wrinkles, tighten sagging skin, treat “turkey neck,” even out skin tone, get rid of hooded eyelids, or simply achieve a more radiant complexion, there’s an option for everyone.
Laser treatments have continued to evolve and improve. Unlike traditional surgical methods, lasers are minimally invasive, providing targeted treatment with little or no downtime. They offer solutions for a wide range of aesthetic concerns. Treatment plans are easily tailored to individual skin types and issues.
Fractional lasers target only a portion (that is, a fraction) of the skin’s surface, leaving the rest intact. The intact area aids in faster healing by stimulating collagen production and new cell turnover.
There are two types of fractional lasers: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin and heat the underlying skin, encouraging collagen production. Non-ablative fractional lasers do not remove the skin’s surface but instead heat the skin enough to promote collagen growth.
These types of treatments are particularly effective for acne scars, age spots, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and textural issues. The procedure takes 20–30 minutes. Most patients see smoother skin within a few weeks, and results typically continue to improve for another six months.
Hybrid fractional lasers combine ablative and non-ablative technologies in a single treatment, allowing for comprehensive skin rejuvenation. They address a range of skin concerns and provide noticeable improvements with minimal discomfort.
The HALO laser treatment is one such hybrid fractional laser that targets both the top layer of skin and the deeper tissue beneath the skin’s surface. The laser removes damaged outer skin layers while stimulating collagen production in deeper layers. Hybrid CO2 lasers deliver significant results after just one session.
Patients report noticeable improvements in skin texture, elasticity, and a reduction in wrinkles and scars. This treatment effectively addresses concerns such as fine lines, deep wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone, resulting in smoother, firmer skin. It’s typically used on the face and neck but can also treat arms, hands, and legs, and is suitable for all skin tones.
InMode laser technology is a leading-edge system that combines radiofrequency and laser energy to deliver non-invasive treatment options that address a variety of skin concerns. InMode focuses on facial contouring, skin tightening, and even body sculpting. Its goal is to provide patients with dramatic results with minimal discomfort and no downtime.
Its dual energy approach allows for deeper skin penetration and more effective treatment than traditional lasers. The energy produced by the radiofrequency heats deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and tightening the skin tissue. The laser energy targets the skin surface, addressing fine lines and wrinkles, skin pigmentation, and other concerns.
The number of InMode treatments needed varies based on individual concerns, but one to three sessions, four to six weeks apart, is typical. A variety of treatment methods are available. Consult an InMode certified provider in your area to discuss which plan is best for you.
Other skin rejuvenation treatments include chemical peels, injectables like Botox and other dermal fillers, and microdermabrasion and microneedling.
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the outer layers, revealing smoother skin underneath. Peels vary in strength; your choice depends on the level of skin correction you desire. They can address fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.
Injectables are non-invasive treatments to add volume to the face and reduce wrinkles. Botox is one of the most well-known. It freezes facial muscles, smoothing out wrinkles. Dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid and collagen help restore volume and smooth out skin texture. The benefits of injectables include fast-acting results, no need for anesthesia or recovery time, and adjustable doses to determine how subtle or dramatic the results can be.
Microdermabrasion and microneedling help exfoliate skin and promote collagen production. Microdermabrasion uses a handheld device with an abrasive surface to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture and radiance. In microneedling, a device with tiny needles creates small punctures in the skin surface. These stimulate the body’s healing process, enhancing cell turnover and promoting collagen production.
Begin by talking to a trained professional such as a dermatologist or a licensed aesthetician. The experts will help you make smart choices for the best results.
Sources for this article included: laserforefront.com, sciton.com, and inmodemd.com.
By Loretta McCollum
Income Outcome
Science Has Caught Up!
Positive Affirmations
How do you start your day? Do you utilize positive self-talk? “It’s a great day…I’m going to have so much fun today…I am so excited about what I get to do today!” Feels good, doesn’t it?
“Be mindful of your self-talk. It’s a conversation with the Universe.” —David James
Every morning, we have the opportunity to reprogram our brains to be better. We have a clean slate to create what we want in our lives. We can choose to get happier and happier!
“Convince yourself every day that you are worthy of a good life. Let go of stress, breathe. Stay positive, all is well.” —Germany Kent
I have been promoting positive affirmations in this column for decades. I wondered if some of our readers might think it was a little wowie zowie…but I kept it up. In the last few years, science has caught up with this approach to living.
This body of knowledge has discovered that speaking affirmations—out loud—actually strengthens neural pathways and rewires the brain. It improves our ability to handle stress, influences our behavior, and improves our self-confidence. By speaking positive affirmations out loud, we engage our language centers and help to solidify these affirmations in our minds.
“Relentless, repetitive self-talk is what changes our self-image.” —Denis Waitley
It is so important to start each day by loving ourselves. We must look ourselves in the mirror and speak out loud what wonderful beings we are. “I love me. I am smart, I am kind, I am energetic, I am confident, I am beautiful, I am loved, I am magnificent. Things always work out for me.”
Will you see change overnight? No. We do not live in a world of instant manifestation. But your life will change. It will get better. If you make a commitment, right now, to alter your morning routine to the positive, it will only take about three weeks for you to realize that things are changing…that they are getting better every single day.
Once we realize that we have control over what we feed our mind, we can make an impact on how our lives grow and evolve. If we realize that we are negative and want to change that to positive, we can change it. We get to decide whether we are going to be positive or whether we are going to be negative. The key here is to make the decision—to choose how we are going to be—and then have a plan to make it happen.
“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.” —Naeem Callaway
By Janet Van deWalle
Kids Comments
Accentuate the Positive
It Makes Life Easier
Many of my friends have stopped listening to the news. It’s all negative. It seems like nothing good is happening! All this sorrow at the state of the world is depressing. If folks in the general population are depressed, then kids are going to be depressed, because kids are people, too!
What can we do to help the kids…and ourselves…when things get bad? Change the dynamic! How do we do that? We change our attitude by looking for things to be thankful for. My suggestions for getting this done just happen to be related to songs.
“Look for the Silver Lining,” a song from 1919 written by Jerome Kern, encourages looking for the positive aspect of a gloomy situation, with hope for better things to come. No matter what happens, look for something good…any situation could be worse.
“Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella,” written in 1927 by the Fain/Kahal team, reminds me that, when you look at life with a frown, expecting things to go wrong, they often do. When troubles rain down, wear a smile…it makes your friends wonder what you know that they don’t.
By smiling, you “Accentuate the Positive,” a song from 1940 by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen. This song encourages listeners to recognize the positive side of things and ignore (at least temporarily) the negative. The instructor in one of my graduate classes asked us to choose a troublesome person in our life and do two things: First, list 10 positive things about that person; second, list 10 negative things. Try it…it’s not easy.
Irving Berlin wrote “Count Your Blessings” in 1954 for the movie “White Christmas.” The song reminds us that, even when things aren’t turning out the way we would like, they could be worse. “Blessings” are the good things in life.
“Put on a Happy Face,” written by Adams and Strouse for the 1960 movie, “Bye, Bye, Birdie,” encourages town teens, who were saddened by their teen idol leaving for military service, to smile and see the positive things he would be doing. Their “happy faces” made the situation more bearable.
The Beatles came out with “Good Day, Sunshine” in 1966. Their lyrics point out that, when you need to laugh, smile, love, or feel good, it’s much easier to do when the sun is shining.
Do what you can to help your kids see the positive things in life. It’s easy to start feeling sorry for ourselves and give in to sadness. It’s okay to feel sad…to a point. I’ve found that looking at life with positivity rather than negativity makes my life a lot easier. When I stand back and look at a troubling or difficult situation and think, “I can handle this!” a solution becomes apparent.
I’ve been asked why I smile all the time. My answer? Because it’s easier than frowning.
Editor’s Note: Marge has three children, two grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She holds advanced degrees in education. Her life’s mission is to teach everyone that kids are people, too.
By Marge Shoemaker, BS, MS
Interiors By Design
Modern Lifestyles
Creating Home Entertainment Areas
With the pace of life in the 21st century moving faster than ever, finding time to kick back and relax has become a challenge. Long commutes and jam-packed schedules leave little time for entertainment and enjoyment. Without entertainment, life can feel pretty dull and uninspired!
As a result, homeowners have come to realize that dedicating a space at home, designed to escape the stressors of everyday life, is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The demand for entertainment spaces within the home has surged. Why not create a full-blown entertainment area in your own home where family and friends can enjoy themselves?
In most households, the entertainment room is the place where family can be together to relax and enjoy one another’s company. A finished basement is a top choice for this space, but a spare bedroom, attic, or area over the garage can easily be converted into a recreation room.
When considering creating an entertainment area at home, think about what features you want to incorporate. A widescreen television, a bar and beverage center, and a game area are popular choices. The focus is on creating multi-purpose spaces that can adapt to different activities.
Since it’s all about kicking back and having some fun, comfortable seating is a must. Large modular sectionals made of sumptuous leather or cozy fabric are ideal, as they provide comfort and allow for flexible reconfigurations.
Media rooms are emerging as the must-have room of the modern home. Gone are the days of cramming everyone onto one couch. New technology is transforming the way we watch movies, stream television shows, and enjoy gaming. The dedicated theater rooms of the past have evolved into spaces that serve multiple functions, from a total immersive home theater set-up for movie nights to a more relaxed lounge for casual entertaining. The new media room serves as an entertainment hub, offering an immersive and personalized cinematic experience.
With space often at a premium, home theater rooms can be designed to easily transition from a movie-watching zone to a gaming area or casual lounge, providing versatility without compromising on the cinematic experience. Hidden or retractable screens and projectors, along with soundproofing, ensure the enjoyment of various activities.
For enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of home entertainment enjoyment, spaces designed with optimal acoustics, lighting, and comfort seamlessly deliver an immersive experience. Integrating smart home features such as lighting control and motorized shades simplify and elevate the entire experience even more.
Game rooms are a huge trend—if you have the space, it’s game on! Create the ultimate hangout and encourage some friendly competition with a pool table, a foosball table, and a dartboard. For board games and card games, a round gaming table with comfortable chairs makes your space the clear winner!
With the current focus on health and well-being, a home gym has become one of the most sought-after luxuries you can have in your home. Whether you’re just embarking on your fitness journey or you’re already a dedicated fitness nut, a home gym can make you into a happier and healthier version of yourself. It’s also an opportunity to get the more sedentary members of the family started on the road to fitness.
The home gym has evolved from a basic setup to a dedicated part of the modern lifestyle. The best home gym ideas are tailored to your preferred style of exercise, whether it’s mastering Pilates or working on your cardio endurance. Smart and connected gear such as treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines offer virtual and real-time performance tracking. Invest in high-quality, durable equipment that combines strength training with cardio and mobility workouts.
Perhaps you’re not seeking a full-on gym experience and want more of a wellness or movement-focused space for activities like meditation or yoga. In that case, consider a room that’s close to the garden or has windows with plenty of natural light to connect you to the outdoors. Choose a rubber or vinyl floor for comfort during extended poses. Add greenery and plants and an aromatherapy burner. Soak up the serenity!
Home entertainment isn’t just about finding ways to pass the time; it’s about creating meaningful connections with your loved ones. Whether you’re sharing laughter during family game night or cuddling together on the sofa watching a holiday movie, these moments shape your family’s story.
With the holidays fast approaching, consider the ultimate gift of recreational joy for the whole family—consider converting your home’s extra space into an entertainment area. The family traditions built around enjoying each other’s company serve to build strong family bonds, strengthening emotional connections and binding generations together.
Sources for this article included: consumerreports.org, hgtv.com, and housebeautiful.com.
By Robyn V. Powell
Home Works
Home Safety and Maintenance
Your Pre-Winter Checklist
With winter around the corner, now is the time to make sure everything in your home is in top condition. You’d hate to have something crucial break down just when the weather starts negatively affecting whether a repair tech can come and fix it. Let’s take a quick look at items around your home that might need attention…and review who you can hire to do the job!
First on the list is cleaning your carpets and rugs. If you haven’t had this done recently, now is the time to call in a professional carpet cleaner or send in your rugs for cleaning and repair. We’re facing several long months of having the house sealed up tight and closed to outside air. You don’t want your air quality soiled by dirty carpets! A professional cleaning will remove trapped dirt and allergens, as well as making your carpet easier to keep clean over the winter.
Next on the list is your dryer vent. What? you may ask. Surely cleaning the lint trap meticulously after each load takes care of this problem! The truth is that some lint will still slip through the trap and may become lodged in your dryer vent, even if you clean it every time.
How will you know if your dryer vent needs attention? Here are some signs: your clothes are taking longer to dry, your dryer exterior feels very hot, you notice burning or musty smells, there’s lint buildup around the vent opening, or your dryer prematurely shuts off in the middle of a cycle. If you see any of these signs, or even if it’s just been a while since your vent was cleaned or installed, you should absolutely clean your dryer vent. Kill two birds with one stone by calling an HVAC specialist who offers vent cleaning and a regular maintenance inspection on your furnace (another item on the autumn maintenance and safety list).
Air ducts are less of a fire hazard than dryer vents, but clean air ducts do contribute to the air quality within your home. Air duct cleaning does not necessarily need to be done annually. Most HVAC specialists will offer duct inspections as part of their annual maintenance services, and some offer duct cleaning as an add-on if they find debris. If you notice visible dust and debris, have clogged ducts, or are experiencing an increase in allergy symptoms, it’s probably time to get the ducts cleaned.
Our next item you probably recall learning about in school: testing and replacing the batteries in your smoke detector.
Most detectors have a button on their exterior for testing, and all will have a series of beeps or chirps to let you know when the batteries are dying. Carbon monoxide detectors only have a lifespan of five to seven years, so you’ll want to check your model’s manual to know the difference between the “change the batteries” beep and the “end of life” boop. If you’re not sure you have the right equipment, call your local fire department’s non-emergency line for advice.
Fire extinguishers can be recharged or replaced but, unfortunately, never repaired. If a piece or part is broken, or if it’s over 12 years old, you’ll need to replace it. Until then, you can get your extinguisher recharged any time it’s been used or if it’s lost any pressure. If you’re unsure of its condition, call your local fire department for an inspection.
If you’re a home chef who likes cooking daily or who regularly fries or sautés foods in oil, regularly cleaning your exhaust hood is essential. All hoods have a filter, usually made of steel baffle or mesh. Unlike air filters, which are made of charcoal, hood filters do not need to be replaced regularly, but they absolutely need to be cleaned. The best method for this is removing and giving them a good soak and scrub with hot water and degreaser.
Garbage disposals are a little trickier to clean. Experts agree that the best way to clean a garbage disposal is with ice, baking soda, vinegar, and lemons (for a fresh smell). If you want to hire someone else to get these kitchen jobs done, you’re best off with a professional cleaning service. You probably won’t find one that specializes in kitchen exhaust hoods or garbage disposals, but a residential cleaning service can certainly get the job done…and maybe a few other cleaning jobs, while they’re here!
Have a worry-free winter at home when you clean, repair, or replace these items before the weather turns cold.
Sources for this article included: bbb.org, cpsc.gov, and firstalert.com.
By Anne Yankus
To Your Good Health
Stronger Than the Struggle
Overcoming an Eating Disorder
A healthy lifestyle depends on a positive attitude toward food. Eating disorders can harm both physical health and mental health, which is why it’s vital to recognize the signs and understand available treatment options. When left untreated, eating disorders can cause heart problems, digestive issues, bone and dental damage, and even death. The good news is that effective treatments are available.
It may surprise you that “disordered eating” is not the same as an “eating disorder.” Disordered eating may involve avoiding a particular food group or eating for reasons other than hunger (like stress or boredom). An eating disorder, on the other hand, is a clinical diagnosis. It often includes obsessive thoughts about food, significant weight changes, extreme exercise, strict calorie monitoring, or purging.
The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Each of these can be life-threatening, with anorexia carrying the highest death rate.
An estimated 30 million Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime—20 million women and 10 million men. While eating disorders are often associated with young women, men suffer as well. Cases in men are likely underreported, frequently appearing as an obsession with gaining muscle rather than with losing weight. In fact, one in seven American men will experience an eating disorder by age 40, with onset most common in late adolescence and early adulthood. By comparison, one in five women will be affected.
Social media plays a powerful and dangerous role in the development of an eating disorder. More than 90 percent of adolescents are active on platforms like Instagram and TikTok that significantly influence their perceptions of body image. Research shows that adolescents, already vulnerable to eating disorders, are especially influenced by celebrity and peer content. Four factors—visual appeal, content spread, social connections, and digital influencers—intensify the risks.
Harmful TikTok trends, including “Pro-Ana” (anorexia), “Pro-Mia” (bulimia), “thinspiration,” and “fitspiration,” often reach teens even without active searching. Such content reinforces unrealistic body ideals and, in some cases, promotes self-injury. Peer bullying further compounds mental health struggles tied to eating disorders.
Understanding the different types of eating disorders helps in recognizing the warning signs. Binge eating disorder involves regularly consuming large amounts of food in a short period without control, followed by distress. Many with this disorder are overweight or obese.
Bulimia nervosa also includes binge episodes, but they are followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, laxative or diuretic misuse, fasting, or extreme exercise. Anorexia nervosa occurs when someone severely restricts food intake, leading to dangerously low body weight. Both anorexia and bulimia are marked by intense fear of gaining weight and distorted body image, even in the face of malnutrition.
The average age of onset is 21 for binge eating disorder and 18 for bulimia or anorexia, but eating disorders can develop at any age.
Eating disorders have no single cause. Genetic factors can increase the risk, as can changes in brain chemistry. Psychological and emotional issues such as perfectionism, impulsive behavior, or low self-esteem are common contributors.
Social media has added another dimension, as seen in a Wall Street Journal report on Facebook’s internal research. The study revealed that Instagram worsened body image struggles for 32 percent of teen girls who already felt bad about themselves and for 14 percent of teen boys in the United States. Stress and weight-based bullying also increase vulnerability.
Family history is another risk factor for developing an eating disorder. Coexisting mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, also increase risk.
Even dieting can be dangerous: prolonged restriction alters brain function and can create harmful eating routines. Major life changes such as leaving for college, starting a new job, or going through a breakup may also trigger an eating disorder.
Because many people with eating disorders don’t recognize the need for treatment, family and friends often play a crucial role. Warning signs include skipping meals, adopting highly restrictive diets, withdrawing from social events, exercising excessively, misusing laxatives or supplements, or leaving the table to use the bathroom during mealtime.
Treatment for eating disorders requires a team approach. Mental health professionals provide therapy and may prescribe medication, while registered dietitians offer nutrition education and meal planning. Medical doctors, and sometimes dentists, help address the physical consequences. Family members also play an essential role in support and recovery. Though managing an eating disorder can be a long-term process, it is absolutely worth the effort.
You don’t have to face an eating disorder alone! Healing is possible, and it begins with one brave step. With the proper support, recovery is real, and a healthier, brighter future awaits.
Sources for this article included: ohsu.edu, nimh.nih.gov, mayoclinic.org, and cnbc.com.
By Leslie Byrne
Focus On Finance
Are We There Yet?
Would We Know If We Were?
Remember when your kids were young and you took them on a summer road trip? They sat in the back seat and yelled, “Are we there yet?” every 10 seconds. The problem was that they didn’t really know where “there” was. This brings to mind the old saying, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you might end up somewhere else.”
The same conundrum applies to investors. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t have somebody tell me that their investments are having a great year. When I ask what that means, the most common response is, “I have a bunch more money.” That’s not the whole story. Meaningful investment performance evaluation also requires a benchmark.
Golfers evaluate their performance in terms of par. The game is scored by the number of strokes it takes to get the ball into each hole (the lower, the better). Par is the score that a proficient golfer should expect to achieve on a good day. Each hole is assigned a par value, and the sum of the 18-hole course provides a quantifiable benchmark on the whole round.
The term par was used in the stock market before it became a golfing term. Back in the day, when investors felt that a stock’s price did not fully reflect a company’s economic value, they referred to it as a subpar stock. The stock market equivalent of par is one of the three major stock market indexes: the S&P 500, the Dow, or, more recently, the Nasdaq. Most individual investors and professionals consider the S&P 500 to be the best indicator of the three because it provides the broadest representation of the total market.
How are your investments doing? Are you there yet? The only way to answer that question is to compare your investments to a representative market index, the investor’s equivalent to par. Most people are too busy to pay close attention to the market’s gyrations, and the media tend to focus on the last 60 seconds instead of providing a longer-term perspective. People are reluctant to take the time necessary to calculate time-weighted returns, and few statements produced by the major brokerage firms provide this information. Thus, the most common response to, “Are we there yet?” is, “I don’t know.”
To help remedy this shortcoming, consider the following: Since 1900, the average yearly return for the market has been 10.3 percent. For the past decade, the market has exceeded the norm and has gained 15.1 percent. This year to date, the S&P 500 has gained 10.6 percent, the Nasdaq 11.5 percent, and the Dow 8.5 percent. These three indexes tend to move in sync with each other, they just move in different magnitudes, with the Dow being the least volatile and the Nasdaq the most volatile.
There are 7,431 mutual funds currently available to the investing public. Of that number, 6,188 are actively managed and 1,243 are index funds that mimic one of the major market indexes. Year to date, the average return on the actively managed funds is 5.4 percent, which means that half of them broke par and half of them shot over par. By definition, all the index funds shot par.
American investors also have a significant number of dollars in the bond market, where, unfortunately, a market index equivalent to the S&P 500 does not exist. There are bond indexes, but they cover a broad spectrum of maturity dates and lender quality. They range in maturity from six months to 30 years and in lender from the US Treasury to speculative tech start-ups. If forced to choose a benchmark, however, the bond market equivalent of the S&P 500 would be the 10-year Treasury.
One asset class widely used by individual investors that is overlooked in discussions of investment returns is money market funds. Here is an asset class moving in the opposite direction of the market, but for the year to date, it has been moving in the wrong direction. At the beginning of the year, interest rates were at historic highs and money market yields were slightly higher than 5 percent. As the year progressed, we experienced a decline in the general level of interest rates and money market yields have dropped to just slightly higher than 4 percent. This is an obviously poor choice compared to index funds.
Investing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Many individual investors are focused on careers, grandkids, and leisure activities and take a laissez-faire approach to their investment accounts. They randomly select actively managed funds with a 50/50 chance of success. Other investors care deeply about the details of their money and are willing to put forth an effort to more proactively manage their investments. They typically choose portfolios that focus on index funds with a 100 percent chance of shooting par. Which type of investor are you? And are you there yet?
Editor’s Note: George Morgan has five decades’ experience in all phases of the investment process. He is currently the Founder and Principal of Morgan Investor Education. His website is morganinvestoreducation.com.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing.
By George Morgan
Seasons of Life
Maneuvering Open Enrollment
Don’t Miss Your Window!
Open enrollment is the once-a-year opportunity to enroll in, change, or cancel a health insurance plan for the ensuing year. Whether you have a Medicare, employer, private, or Affordable Care plan, you may be able to save money or increase benefits by reviewing your coverage. It can get quite complicated. While there are helpful resources online, many people reach out to a professional for advice. You likely have some licensed health insurance advisors in your area.
In addition to open enrollment, Medicare has an initial enrollment period. This window is the three months before one’s 65th birthday, the birth month itself, and three months after. Once you have initially enrolled in Medicare, changes can be made during an annual open enrollment period that begins every October 15th.
Those who have health insurance through their employer will also have an annual open enrollment period when they can make changes in their coverage. These dates vary depending on the company or insurer. The employer sends out a notice along with any options for changing coverage or adding additional coverage.
Those who have Affordable Care plans or who wish to enroll in one can do so beginning on November 1, via the Health Insurance Marketplace. You may be eligible to enroll if you do not currently have health insurance through an employer, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or other qualifying coverage.
We have been fortunate that my husband’s employer provided a health insurance plan while he was working. When he retired, our coverage continued. At 65, we were each enrolled in Medicare and chose supplementary coverage offered through his former employer. When his company offered a Medicare Advantage plan, we chose that.
It is essential to know your open enrollment dates because, in many cases, changes can only be made during that window. Open enrollment is like an annual check-up for your health coverage. Does your current plan fit your needs and also your budget?
Insurance advisors are licensed by each state. A state insurance department has certain requirements that must be met, including such things as a background check, educational requirements, and a state examination. Many states also require continuing education after licensing.
Advisors differ from insurance agents. Agents represent one or more insurance companies. They sell policies and are paid by the company. Advisors are independent consultants. They analyze a client’s insurance needs and recommend options. Advisors may receive a commission from the company whose policy is chosen by the client. If so, the client is not charged for the advisor’s assistance.
Medicare and Affordable Care can have annual changes in coverage, deductibles, co-pays, and the like. It is important to be aware of these components and how any changes affect your coverage and costs.
For those reaching age 65, the initial enrollment dates for Medicare are vital. Be sure to enroll in the three months prior to your birth month through the three months after. Missing the window may cost you more. It is possible to delay enrolling, for example, if you are still working at age 65 and have health insurance through your employer. There are also some exceptions to the penalties of missing enrollment dates, including if they are missed due to an emergency, the loss of job, a move, or a disaster.
Medigap insurance can be purchased at any time, but there are benefits to buying it during Medigap Open Enrollment. It helps to cover some out-of-pocket expenses you might incur with Original Medicare—things such as deductibles and co-pays. It is purchased from a private insurance company, and some varieties pay a substantial percentage of foreign travel medical costs.
As you might guess, insurance options vary from state to state. However, it’s important to know that they can vary within a given state, as well. For example, the options may be different in rural areas compared to urban areas, even within the same state. Insurance that has a specific network may not be available in certain areas.
Those who live in more than one state may have to deal with some additional insurance challenges. You will want to be covered wherever you are residing. A PPO plan may provide coverage in more than one state. For those traveling out of country, a travel insurance plan may be the best option.
Take extra care when changing your plan to be sure there is no gap in your coverage. Most experts believe it is well worth your time to evaluate your coverage each year before open enrollment begins. Those who lack the time or inclination to review all the details can consider finding an experienced advisor to navigate the many options for health insurance.
Sources for this article included: aarp.org, newsweek.com, legal clarity.org, and healthcare.gov.
By Linda Barnes
Peak Performance
Crafting Trends
Making Friends While Making Crafts
One of my favorite things to do, especially in the fall, is to attend local craft fairs. I enjoy seeing the creativity, artistry, and innovation of talented people. If I am looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member, something homemade usually does the trick. Many others must agree, because the estimated market for handmade goods in the United States is $268 billion.
But crafting isn’t just about sales! Crafting is enjoyable. It brings the satisfaction of making something yourself. It builds your fine motor skills, offers opportunities to socialize, and much more.
The latest trends in crafting include old faithfuls like woodworking and wreath-making as well as new ones like visible mending. Personalized crafts and kits are popular, too.
The upcycled sewing trend puts a spotlight on crafters’ desires to engage in sustainability and mindful crafting with the use of recycled materials. It also points to a consumer trend that is growing amid rising costs and a stagnating economy: thrift. People who love to sew are turning to secondhand shops and thrift stores to source materials they can repurpose into garments and accessories.
Visible mending has trended for several years now, but its popularity was mostly relegated to the realm of knitting, sewing, and embroidery. It remains popular in those spaces and continues the focus on sustainability, with crafters opting to mend worn items rather than toss them out. People love to make use of their scraps rather than let them languish in their stash.
More artistic pursuits like kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending cracked pottery and ceramics with lacquer and gold dust, join the visible mending sphere. The trend has evolved into decorative mending, a focused practice for transforming well-loved items into uniquely beautiful pieces.
Watercolor painting has exploded on TikTok. The technique is beginner-friendly, which might be one reason it’s popular. Watercolor paints are also fast-drying, inexpensive, and portable. Another hot TikTok art trend is painting glass.
We’re living in an age of multi-crafters. Embroiderers want to learn how to felt; knitters want to learn how to quilt, painters want to learn how to crochet. Kits and classes provide approachable entry points for creatives to try other crafts.
While it is common to think of “arts and crafts” as a childhood activity, crafting can be therapeutic for all age groups. Crafting improves cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical health by fostering creativity, reducing stress, enhancing motor skills, and boosting self-esteem. It also builds valuable social skills, teaches patience and problem-solving, and can provide a sense of purpose and connection to heritage.
The benefits of crafting are varied and well-documented. Physically, it can increase hand-eye and spatial coordination thanks to the detail work in many crafting projects. Learning a new craft can help you learn patience and perseverance as you gradually work through your project. It is a whole world away from the instant gratification that modern technology provides.
Crafting can also serve as meditation and emotional release. When you are immersed in a craft you enjoy, you focus on it and stop thinking about the daily hassles of life. It reduces stress and allows you to express your thoughts in different ways.
Crafting has also become a worldwide social activity. Joining a craft course can be a lovely way to meet people. From scrapbooking clubs to crafting classes to crafting events, you’re surrounded by people of all ages who are supporting each other to achieve the same goals.
Even if you’re not selling your crafts, they can be good for your budget if you focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling. The trend in sustainability is prevalent in the crafting world; many people prefer repurposed materials. Through crafting, your family could learn about environmental sustainability and how to recycle products.
Making crafting a family activity can also help create family bonds. Encourage your kids to get off the phone by offering a fun and interesting way to spend time with each other. Getting family members involved in craft projects at an early age will help them gain confidence and skills they will put to good use later in life.
Consider crafting projects that also reinforce family history, such as preserving family photos in scrapbooks or storing family heirlooms in creative keepsake boxes. Create decorations for your favorite holidays or make personalized gifts for loved ones. Be sure to take turns choosing the craft so everyone feels heard and involved.
Crafting is a huge industry and is beneficial in numerous ways. It can bond families, improve cognition and motor skills, allow you to express yourself and share with others, and relieve stress. Look into crafting. You will be glad you did.
Sources for this article included: forbes.com, cnn.com, and lifework.arizona.edu.
By Deborah Daley
Auto Wise
Winter Driving Preparedness
Better Safe Than Sorry!
Winter driving always bring some challenges, so it’s best to have your vehicle in top condition before the cold hits. From tires to brakes to lights, there are a lot of systems to check. Let’s dig in!
First, the tires. Good tread depth is needed to maintain contact with the icy roads, so have your mechanic check all four tires for sufficient tread. Some drivers choose seasonal “winter tires,” which are made of a specialized rubber that is able to stay flexible in very cold temperatures. If you choose winter tires, they need to be put on after the temperature remains at 40 degrees in the morning and evening. Warmer temperatures cause these tires to wear out sooner.
The fluids in the transmission, brakes, and power steering need to be checked by a mechanic. The cooling system of the engine depends on the correct mix of antifreeze and water. This keeps your engine from freezing. Periodically check this level by using a store-bought tester or having your mechanic provide the service to ensure it is at the right strength. This needs to be checked while the engine is cold.
It takes more current for a battery to start the engine in cold weather. Have your battery’s current tested; if it is not putting out the needed capacity, replace it. Check that the cables are snuggly connected and in good repair. Make sure the battery posts are not corroded.
Brakes need to be in the best working condition. Have them inspected for wear and tear on the brake pads. Any repair needed should be done, as brakes are essential for avoiding accidents.
Even the smallest windshield crack can quickly expand in freezing weather. If the crack cannot be repaired, the windshield needs to be replaced. There are windshield wipers made of specific rubber that is better suited to removing ice and snow. Use a de-icing fluid in your vehicle windshield washing device. Have a strong ice scraper and a snow brush to clean the accumulated snow and ice off your windows.
Test your vehicle’s heater before the cold weather sets in. If it takes too long to warm the vehicle, have it checked. It is necessary for the heater to warm well and quickly to keep the windows free of fog and snow. You should also make sure your defroster is working so your windshield can stay clear.
Head lights, tail lights, brake lights, signal lights, emergency flashers—these lights all work to make your vehicle visible to other drivers and to pedestrians. If any bulbs are burned out, they need to be replaced. Make sure the light covers are free of dirt and snow before you drive away!
Use a winter grade engine oil, as oil thickens in cold temperatures. A winter grade oil is lighter, so it will ensure better circulation. Frequent oil changes are recommended.
When you go in for an oil change, have the hoses and belts inspected, too. Cold weather can cause them to become brittle, which leads to breakage. Check for cracks, fraying, leaking, and loose clamps. If your vehicle has the newer multi-rib serpentine belts, they will not show wear. These are to be replaced every 60,000 miles.
If you end up stranded on the road in cold weather, your emergency kit may be a lifesaver. It should contain a good supply of drinking water, a flashlight and extra batteries, protein snacks, jumper cables, and a battery cleaner. Reflective devices or roadside triangles are helpful to make your vehicle more visible, especially in a storm.
Tools such as a screwdriver, pliers, an adjustable wrench, and a shovel are additional helpers. A sack of abrasive material such as sand or cat litter can help your tires get some traction on slippery spots. Additional clothing, a heavy winter coat, stocking hat, pair of warm mittens, and a blanket to help keep warm are also important items.
Having the vehicle checked over mechanically is important for safe winter diving, but don’t forget the exterior! Have the vehicle washed and waxed before winter weather sets in. Salt and other snow-melting products keep the roads less slippery, but these products are hard on the exterior of the vehicle. Periodically take your vehicle through a car wash; this will lessen the damage. The wax on the vehicle will make it harder for the grime to stick and will help prevent the chemicals from penetrating the surface.
Make sure your winter driving is safe by having your vehicle professionally checked for cold-weather safety. Stock your emergency kit to take care of the passengers you usually carry, and you’ll all be glad you did. Enjoy your winter travels!
By Liz Hebda
The Good Life
Holiday Entertaining Made Easy
Simple Tips for Stress-Free Celebrations
Cooler weather, vibrant colors, and fall flavors mean that the holiday season is just around the corner. For many, it is a time to gather with friends and family, but the thought of hosting can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do it all yourself! Booking a venue, hiring a caterer, and renting party items can take the stress out of entertaining. You can focus on what is most important: enjoying the celebration.
Where do you begin? Start with a budget. Decide how much you are comfortable spending and identify your “must-haves.” Major expenses, such as the venue, catering, and invitations, should take priority, as they often set the tone.
Once those essentials are taken care of, you can focus on other elements, such as entertainment, décor, photography, and party rentals. Don’t forget to factor in smaller items, such as favors, transportation, or gratuities, that may add up. Having a clear budget and sticking to it will help you stay organized, avoid overspending, and efficiently reallocate funds if unexpected costs arise.
After establishing a budget, the next step is selecting a venue, as they book early during the holidays. Consider the size of your guest list when booking a venue to ensure it is the right size for your crowd. Is the venue available on your desired date? Ask what services are included in the rental fee.
Ask if the venue requires using an in-house caterer or if outside catering is allowed, as well as any additional fees that may apply. Find out when you will have access to set up, check the Wi-Fi capability, and review practical items like parking availability. Finally, make sure to ask about the cancellation policy, so you understand your available options if plans change.
As you plan your event, you may want special touches like arches, centerpieces, backdrops, specialty linens, or even a champagne fountain. For entertainment, popular options include photo booths, casino games, and interactive games.
Instead of buying these items, consider renting them. Renting items is often more cost-effective, especially if you will only use them once. If you’re planning to reuse them, consider that you’ll need to store and maintain them in the meantime before you decide whether to rent or purchase.
When selecting a party rental company, it’s important to learn exactly what is included. Determine if the rental fee includes any service fees or sales tax. Clarify delivery times and fees. Ask whether overtime fees apply depending upon when items are delivered or picked up. Confirm the length of the rental period, damage policies, and backup options if something you’ve selected becomes unavailable. Understanding the details up front will prepare you to handle any unexpected issues.
If you plan to hire a caterer, there are several important factors to consider. First, ensure they can accommodate the size of your guest list and the type of menu you prefer, whether it is a buffet or a sit-down dinner. Confirm that they can cater your event within your desired budget. Find out if they have experience at your venue or in a similar space. Clarify whether the caterer prepares food on site or if it is delivered. Ask if they can accommodate dietary restrictions or food allergies that you and your guests might need.
Before signing a contract, review the details carefully to be sure you understand the terms. Confirm that the caterer is licensed and insured. If you have not worked with them before, request a tasting, check online reviews, and ask friends and family for their recommendations. Taking these steps will help ensure you hire a caterer who can deliver an enjoyable dining experience.
When the planning is done, it’s time to invite your guests! Invitations set the tone and create the first impression of the party for your guests. It is essential to select an invitation that reflects the theme and style of your party.
Digital invitations are popular options because they are convenient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective, and they make RSVP tracking simple. On the other hand, paper invitations are more traditional and formal. There is something special about opening a beautiful invitation in the mail! Regardless of the format you choose, include essential information like the date, location, time, dress code, and RSVP details.
Planning a holiday party can be a fun and rewarding experience. Creating a budget, choosing the right venue, and letting professionals handle the cooking means you can relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about the details during the party. You will be able to focus on your guests and creating lasting memories. Spending time with loved ones is what makes the holidays truly special.
Sources for this article included: eventbrite.com, partyplanchecklist.com, and theknot.com
By Angella Arndt
Great Escapes
Italian Holiday?
Head South!
If you’re planning an Italian vacation but aren’t sure where to go, you’re in luck. I have quite a few friends who are from Italy (or have lived there), and I want to share with you their personal recommendations for an Italian holiday. Do you want to spend your trip learning about ancient history? Do you want somewhere to just relax and walk around on your own? Do you seek an outdoor adventure or a luxury getaway? It’s time to choose your dates, find your travel partners, and get ready to pack!
Wouldn’t it be lovely to explore all of Italy on holiday? That sounds amazing, but it would take several months of travel to see the whole country. For shorter trips, it’s best to explore Italy by region. Which region should you choose first? All of my Italian friends tell me the same thing: “Go to the South!”
Let’s start with Naples (Napoli). The name means “new city” because the current city was built over an ancient one. You can still see plenty of evidence of the old city, both aboveground and in the tunnels and catacombs. The environment is unique, and it’s crowded—Italians and international travelers alike love to vacation in Naples.
My friend Martin describes Naples as “old architecture, full of interesting buildings that contain hidden messages. Homes hanging on the hills, antique libraries, shops, restaurants—keeping the look, taste, and feeling of thousands of years ago. Cuisine is still simple, original. It’s like jumping into another world.”
When you visit Naples, Martin advises, take the time to enjoy just walking around. The Street of Shepherds is famous for its handmade art, including exquisite wood carvings of nativity scenes. Visit some of the old churches and see cherished art like the marble sculpture Cristo Velato (Veiled Christ). Walk the straight path of Spaccanapoli, the street designed to go from the king’s residence straight out of the city, now lined with antique shops and monuments.
Taking an organized tour is a great way to see the city, especially on your first trip. You can also buy or download a guidebook and go at your own pace, resting and eating wherever you choose. Of course, make sure you are not on a diet when visiting Italy, where you will be faced with croissants that are “exploding with Nutella.” Christmas is the most popular time to visit Naples, and it’s a more expensive and crowded time to go. Perhaps it’s so popular because of the traditional fried pizza on December 24th?
Naples has a big harbor, which makes it easy to travel to nearby islands by boat. I’m sure you’ve heard of Capri, famous for the Blue Grotto, visitors on yachts, and exclusive hotels and shopping. Walk or take the funicular to the highest peak, Monte Solaro, for gorgeous views of Naples, Vesuvius, and the Amalfi Coast. Another tourist destination is the island of Ischia. Full of coves, beaches, and unspoiled landscapes, Ischia has over 300 spas, thanks to its hot springs. It’s a great spot to unwind.
The southern Italian city of Caserta is worth a visit just to see the Royal Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a real treasure. You can tour the apartments, the park, and beautiful English gardens.
Let’s talk about the next Italian city I’ll be visiting: Calabria! Located at the toe of the boot, the area combines beautiful Mediterranean seas and mountainous regions. The culture is different here than in other parts of Italy, and Greek influences are easy to see in the ancient ruins.
My friends Aneta and Daniel have a family home here that they rent on Airbnb. “We are in the beautiful mountains,” they say of their cozy villa, “where you can drive 30 minutes down to one beach or 30 minutes down the other side to another beautiful beach.” Aneta has many recommendations for places to see in Calabria. “There are a lot of beautiful places here,” she says. “The most touristic are Tropea, Capo Vaticano, Pizzo Calabro, Reggio Calabria…these are near the beaches. We also have beautiful mountains called Parco Nazionale della Sila, with forests, lakes, and the biggest sequoia in Europe, at Pino Laricio. At this park, you can eat very tasty food, visit different museums, and snowboard or ski in the winter.” Calabria is a gorgeous place where you can swim, dive, or sail in the crystal blue Mediterranean waters. The nearby scenic mountains are ready for you to hike, bike, and walk the nature trails.
There you have it! Head south for a little something different when visiting Italy. Enjoy a vacation where you can relax as much as you want, enjoy nature as much as you want, and have as many cappuccinos, pizzas, and gelatos as you want. Ciao!
Sources for this article included: visitnaples.eu, italia.it/en, and britannica.com.
Editor’s Note: Jackie has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared in publications including Colorado Golf, Desert Golf, and Canadian Architecture & Design. Her blogs can be found at BoardandRide.com and the luxury and adventure travel website, ArtofTripping.com.
By Jackie Williams
The Green Thumb
Drought-Tolerant Winners
Planning for the Heat of Summer
What does it mean when a plant is drought-tolerant? These are trees, shrubs, grasses, and plants that can handle high temperatures and do not need a lot of water. Since drought-tolerant plants require less water to thrive, tending these plants could mean cutting down on your water bill and saving some money.
The benefits of drought-tolerant plants are many. They are so low maintenance! Because they do not need constant watering, you should not have to prune and fertilize as often, either. This is perfect for those of us who do not want to spend hours in the garden every week. Drought-tolerant plants have a deeper root system than other species (this is how they thrive even when it doesn’t rain). This root system helps with soil erosion in your landscaping and helps avoid runoff.
There are many options for drought-tolerant plants. You will not be limited to cactus and succulents! My absolute all-time favorite plant for drought-tolerance is lavender. You cannot beat this front-runner for beauty, continuous blooms, and love of heat. Lavender thrives when planted near rocks and concrete walkways and definitely does not like to be overwatered.
And did I mention the fragrance? Lavender must be one of the greatest smells in the universe. While we’re talking herbs, consider that thyme, rosemary, and sage are also fairly drought-tolerant, and they are great to use in cooking!
Lantana is a wonderful plant to grow if you are dealing with dry conditions in your garden. This amazing plant keeps blooming even when its water source is scarce and gives you gorgeous clusters of small colorful flowers from spring all the way to fall. It also is a great filler for open spaces since it spreads nicely.
As I have mentioned before, coneflowers are the perfect flower, and the fact that they are drought-resistant is just another reason to love them. They will add vibrant mid-to-late season color in your garden, and they ask for so little in return. When you first plant them, you will need to keep them well watered until they develop a good root system. Then, they will be one of your best performers in the garden.
Russian sage is not only elegant, with its silvery-green foliage and tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers, but very low maintenance, as well. As with many drought-resistant plants, the first growing season will require regular watering to encourage a deep root system. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be cautious.
For another beauty that loves dry spells, you need to look no further than yarrow (Achillea). Their color lasts all summer, and deer and rabbits do not care for them. Yarrow is a very easy plant to maintain.
Artemisia, also known as wormwood, is the perfect plant for adding a unique texture and contrast to your garden. The silvery foliage of this beauty will thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
The old-time butterfly bush (Pugster blue) is also a great choice for drought-resistant gardens. This compact little gem delivers gorgeous blue full-sized flowers on a dwarf frame. It is perfect for smaller spaces or a mixed border. It also attracts pollinators, and the blooms have a wonderful fragrance.
If you want to create some drama in your garden, you need to plant torch lily. It comes complete with eye-catching spikes in fiery colors that stand above its grassy foliage. This has been a longtime favorite for gardeners, and it blooms from the bottom up. It usually starts out with orange blooms that fade to yellow as the florets open along the stem. They do have a tendency to rot in soggy soil. Once established, let this plant show you its drought-resistant characteristics.
Another favorite of mine that likes dry conditions is the California poppy. Poppies are adaptable to all soil types, but they prefer dry, sandy areas. Flowering tapers off with hot summer nights, and the plant may die back and go dormant in the heat of the summer. Luckily, the California poppy will resprout in the fall, and you may even see a few more blooms as temperatures cool down.
Penstemon is also a winner for a drought-resistant garden. It is a tough native and very adaptable. Its sweet flower spikes are much sought after by bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. When flowers have come and gone, you should deadhead them to get a second flush of blooms.
It seems that summers are getting hotter, and we should always be concerned about conserving water, so it only seems natural that the savvy gardener should give these drought-tolerant plants some consideration when planning next spring’s garden.
By Linda Sutherland
Cuddly Critters
Senior Pet Adoption Month
Open Your Heart to an Older Pet
Do you know how many years it take to qualify a dog as “senior”? Several factors are considered by veterinarians and animal scientists when determining a dog’s age. Some experts consider both calendar years and physical characteristics. Most consider both the dog’s breed and size to determine whether a dog is young, middle-aged, or old. Small dogs, for example, are still considered young at age two. A large breed dog will be mature at two and a senior at five or six years.
Also influencing a dog’s age is the kind of life he has lived. A dog who is the pet of a loving family will seem younger than a dog who has been neglected or lived as a stray.
In the United States, over 350,000 dogs are euthanized from shelters every year. Experts estimate that at least 60 to 75 percent of these were adoptable senior dogs—dogs as young as two years old. It’s no secret that people love to adopt puppies (and kittens). After all, baby animals are adorable. But let’s take a moment to consider the pros of adopting a senior dog.
Adopting a six-week-old puppy brings a large set of training responsibilities. If you adopt a pet who is no longer in the puppy stage and already knows a few tricks (like going outside for relief), your tasks are fewer and easier.
With an older dog, you’ll spend less time training and cleaning up, which can be a real plus for someone who has a busy schedule. Your senior pet is no longer an impulsive chewer, so your best shoes and sofa legs are safe.
While you will miss the adorable puppy moments that can steal your heart, adopting an older pet brings many rewards. A calmer, more easily trained senior dog will be a pleasure to own. Such a dog will probably already know how to respond to basic commands, and don’t worry—they can still learn new tricks.
You can find an older dog to cherish in the same places you would find a puppy—humane societies, pet rescues, and pet adoption services.
If someone you know is forced to give up a family dog, that can definitely be a good opportunity.
The difference will be in the questions you ask about a potential pet. You want to know what has influenced the dog’s life to date. Find out as much as you can about where and how the dog has lived so far. (This information can come directly from the previous owner or from the shelter or rescue organization.)
What positive and negative behaviors has the dog exhibited? How long was the dog in the care of the previous owner? Does the dog have any known medical issues? The answers to these questions need not change your mind about a potential pet. A known problem is not nearly as difficult to solve as a surprise problem.
You should have a veterinarian perform a thorough medical examination of any dog you’re considering as a pet. This exam should include eyes, ears, posture, coat, and stance. The teeth may be especially revealing of past care, as are checks of body fluids. This is vital in the case of a senior pet, since a full medical history of the dog’s life might be unavailable. Your vet can spots ailments early and treat them before they become serious. They can let you know what to be aware of and help prevent expensive emergency treatments.
Doing your due diligence before you decide which senior dog to adopt has definite rewards. Don’t fall in love with the first tail-wagger that catches your eye! Keep in mind what kind of dog would fit into your lifestyle. Do you have a yard? Young children? A penchant for early morning runs? One benefit of adopting a senior dog is that there are fewer personality surprises…their demeanor has already been established.
Another benefit is that basic training has likely already been done. Even if your senior dog no longer responds to verbal commands or walks well on a leash, it is easier to renew training that has not been totally forgotten.
Having a calm pet that no longer barks wildly for attention, that appreciates nap time, and that is far beyond the chewing stage gives you something we could all use more of: a few moments’ peace. Adopting a senior pet gives you time to enjoy that peace. And to appreciate the fact that your dog will think of you as a hero. Of course, they cannot verbalize it, but they will prove it repeatedly by being your best friend.
Sources for this article included: 24petwatch.com, chewy.com, and shelteranimalscount.com.
By Jackie Byers
Positive Perspective
Let’s Get Healthy!
Old-School, In-Person Communication
Would you like to get healthier? No, this is not a new diet or exercise program. It’s a plan to change our thoughts and patterns in regard to how we view other human beings.
“Compassion is not a virtue—it is a commitment. It’s not something we have or don’t have—it’s something we choose to practice.” —Brené Brown
Sometimes, it feels like this human trait has slipped away from so many of us. It’s as if our ability to exude true compassion and empathy for our fellow travelers on this planet has vanished. Is social media to blame? Maybe it is the 24-hour news cycle. Or maybe we are all just tired.
“Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year-olds.” —Unknown
Maybe we are worn out from compassion fatigue. We are bombarded with so many sad stories, trauma stories, and things that are going on in the world that we have absolutely no control over. I feel, at times, that we just shut down because we are exhausted at the magnitude of it all.
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” —Jack Kornfield
Maybe it’s time to step back and practice some compassion toward ourselves. Let’s cut ourselves some slack and make a decision to let go…even if it’s just for a day or two. Let’s get off our news apps and our social media apps and give our psyches a rest.
“Taking a break from social media…taking a break from the noise.”—Unknown
Now, back in the day, we all engaged with one another face to face. We looked our friends, co-workers and neighbors in the eyes and had conversations about our lives, our challenges, our similarities, and our differences. This in-person contact gave us the ability to pick up on nonverbal clues. Studies show that 93 percent of all communication is nonverbal. We saw each other’s gestures, posture, and eye contact, and we related on an entirely different communication level than many of us do now.
Let’s take a deep breath and look at our spouse, our kids, our friends, and our neighbors. Let’s look them in the eyes again. Let’s get back to communicating like we did, back in the day.
“Walk with me for a while, my friend—you in my shoes, I in yours—and then let us talk.” —Richelle E. Goodrich
When we get our second wind, which we always do, let’s make a decision to, once again, practice compassion. Walk in someone else’s shoes, engage in random acts of kindness, nurture relationships with family and friends, express gratitude for having them in your life.
Bonus? We will all become healthier…once again.
By Janet Van deWalle
