A lot of time is spent in the home, so ensuring a home’s safety for a loved one should be a top priority. There are many everyday areas within a home that host some concern that healthy adults may take for granted. What may not be an obstacle to you, may be to your elderly loved one. Many areas of the home should be addressed to better suit the mobility and agility limitations we experience as we age. Here is a safety preparedness checklist that can really make a significant … [Read more...] about Making Homes Safe for Seniors
Columnists
Reviewing How Healthcare Costs, Coverage Have Changed
Every year, The Kaiser Foundation completes an extensive national survey of Employer Health Benefits. As healthcare had changed dramatically over the past 10 years, it provides some really good information, historical references and even some surprising statistics. Remember, these are national statistics. Premiums and Employer Contributions In 2017, the average single premiums for employer-based health insurance were $6,690; up 4 percent from 2016. Average family premiums … [Read more...] about Reviewing How Healthcare Costs, Coverage Have Changed
Hiking, Walking and Being Outside Improves Your Health
Summer has arrived and the outdoors is beckoning into the warm sunshine, cool shade, tall pines and scenic trails. Spending time outdoors and in nature can be very enjoyable and relaxing, but did you know spending time outside can also make you happier and healthier? Here are just a few ways hiking is a great addition to your weekly routine: Calmer Mind and Body Being in nature provides a feeling of relaxation that reduces anxiety and stress. In fact, just seeing pictures of nature … [Read more...] about Hiking, Walking and Being Outside Improves Your Health
Warnings from the IRS About the Latest Tax Scams
The Internal Revenue Service has concluded its annual "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams with a warning to taxpayers to remain vigilant about these aggressive and evolving schemes throughout the year. The information below is a reprint from IRS.gov for June. This year's “Dirty Dozen” list highlights a wide variety of schemes that taxpayers may encounter throughout the year, many of which peak during tax-filing season. The schemes can run the gamut from simple refund inflation scams to technical … [Read more...] about Warnings from the IRS About the Latest Tax Scams
Protect Our Forests, Especially During Drought
Hello Flagstaff! Hopefully, by the time you read this, it will have rained. As of its writing, I’m wondering if I plant some tomatoes in the garden can I maybe tempt the weather into snow? It’s dry, really dry, and right now, windy. Large parts of our treasured national forests are closed, and fire restrictions are in effect for Flagstaff and Coconino County. We implement restrictions and close the forest to protect them from the very real threat of a catastrophic fire. There are several … [Read more...] about Protect Our Forests, Especially During Drought
Economic Development Improving Community Well-Being
Economic development is a process of improving the economic well-being of a community. Individuals, entrepreneurs, entities and agencies work together to create an environment in which ideas and inspiration are developed into goods and services that the public wants to buy or employ. As you may imagine, such activities are powered by relationships. Local and regional economic development partners work every day to support businesses and entrepreneurs. One of many collaborative partnerships is … [Read more...] about Economic Development Improving Community Well-Being
Hip Pain in Runners and Athletes: Could it be Bursitis?
A common hip condition that affects active people and athletes is bursitis. Bursae are small, jelly-like sacs that are located throughout the body. They are found around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and heel. They contain a small amount of fluid and are positioned between bones and soft tissue. They act as cushions to help reduce friction between boney prominences and the nearby ligaments and tendons. There are two primary bursae in the hip that often become irritated and inflamed. One bursa … [Read more...] about Hip Pain in Runners and Athletes: Could it be Bursitis?
NAU Strengthens Arizona by Serving Students and Communities
We have reached the end of another great academic year at Northern Arizona University, and we have much to celebrate, including the more than 5,700 graduates who joined our spring commencement ceremonies. We know those NAU alums will use their degrees to positively impact Arizona, since 70 percent of the graduating class already calls our state home. This year, we continued our work to train the medical professionals that will treat and cure disease, the astronomers who will find answers … [Read more...] about NAU Strengthens Arizona by Serving Students and Communities
Mind Games: A Good Walk Spoiled
This column applies to any activity requiring being totally present. Golf is a perfect example. Why does a game that is supposed to be fun and relaxing often turn into a frustrating, miserable experience? It’s time spent out in nature (manicured as it may be), with friends. What could go wrong? A person addresses the ball, hesitates, tightens his or her jaw, pulls the club back and promptly A. digs a trench, B. misses the ball entirely, C. hits the ball right, left, straight up or anywhere … [Read more...] about Mind Games: A Good Walk Spoiled
Being Water Wise During This Dry Year
All signs point to another dry summer in Northern Arizona this year. For gardeners, this raises the dilemma of how to enjoy growing flowers and foodstuffs during a time when conserving water is not only ecologically desirable, it’s a necessity. The key is cultivating a garden that is water-wise. It is not necessary to sacrifice beauty or garden enjoyment to conform to the arid conditions we are experiencing. A water-wise landscape is one that is functional, attractive, easily maintained … [Read more...] about Being Water Wise During This Dry Year