It’s a question as old as retirement itself: Now that the children are gone, should you downsize your home? Maybe move to your favorite vacation spot to enjoy the sunshine and natural beauty? Or should you stay put, relaxing in familiar surroundings and a community you know well? Today’s retirees enjoy more freedom than ever to choose where and how they live. Many retirees choose to downsize or move to be closer to family and to reduce housing costs. As with most important personal and … [Read more...] about Now That the Children Are Gone, Should You Downsize Your Home?
Columnists
Coaching Ourselves in the Aftermath of Elections
I don’t know about you, but I am exhausted! I am thankful that my life will not be bombarded by TV, radio and newspaper ads about how to vote. Now it is time for me to sit down and think about what needs to be done next. How am I going to react to either having the people I supported elected or how do I react to the people I wanted in office not winning their elections? Am I setting a healthy example of managing myself to my family and friends? How can the children in my family learn from how I … [Read more...] about Coaching Ourselves in the Aftermath of Elections
Fred the Stoic
Fred was an epic cat. Really. While most pets are special to their owners, Fred really was special; if nothing else, he lived to be almost 22 years old, which you have to admit, is special. As nearly as I can tell, the oldest cat currently alive is around 27. Fred came close, which is pretty special. But what was most special about Fred was his attitude towards life. As any cat owner can tell you, saying a cat has attitude is redundant, but as he grew older, Fred’s attitude morphed from typical … [Read more...] about Fred the Stoic
What’s New in Fireplaces
What are the newest, hottest and most incredible features available in a modern fireplace? Traditionally, when purchasing a gas fireplace, you have a variety of remote controls from which to choose. Now there are models that allow you to download an app! Yes, the smart phone that connects us to every aspect of daily life can now control your gas fireplace with eFire. All standard functions, including flame height, on/off, and blower speed are standard. An added bonus is LED lighting, with a … [Read more...] about What’s New in Fireplaces
Maintaining the Summer Glow in Winter
With winter upon us, summer tans and glowing skin can begin to fade into a dull, dry complexion. Maintaining that glowing skin in the cooler season is possible with these four steps: Hydrate Hydration is key when it comes to glowing skin. Clinical professor of plastic surgery at the University of Chicago Julius Few explains that when skin is kept hydrated, it’s less likely to crack and let in external elements that cause blemishes. Also, the more water you drink, the more blood … [Read more...] about Maintaining the Summer Glow in Winter
Flossing Through the Holidays
The holiday season is often associated with festive meals and sticky foods. And, even though there’s been some discussion about the need for flossing, the American Dental Association (ADA) continues to recommend cleaning between your teeth once a day. Floss and other interdental cleaners get in between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque that is not removed can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Whether you use floss or use another interdental cleaner is a personal … [Read more...] about Flossing Through the Holidays
Communicating with Those Suffering From Dementia
When are senior moments not so funny anymore? As a caregiver of an elderly parent, I started noticing some signs of forgetfulness over the span of several years. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I knew deep down that something was wrong. Sometimes I would attend my father’s doctors’ appointments, but he seemed so normal during the visits that it seemed silly to bring up his “senior moments.” As time progressed, the little things started to become more obvious. One of the most noticeable … [Read more...] about Communicating with Those Suffering From Dementia
Speech-Language Pathologists Treating Stroke and Parkinson’s Patients
People who have neurological conditions – such as those caused by stroke and Parkinson’s disease – often have communication problems, including difficulties with swallowing and vocalizing. Because of their highly specialized training and experience, speech-language pathologists can work with these patients to help them regain function. Two major signs of a stroke are slurred speech and facial droop. Sometimes the muscles used in swallowing become weak, which can cause the patient to aspirate … [Read more...] about Speech-Language Pathologists Treating Stroke and Parkinson’s Patients
What is Economic Development?
Most people think of new buildings or businesses when they think of economic development. This is somewhat true, but not entirely. IEDC (International Economic Development Council) defines economic development as a program, group of policies or set of activities that seek to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for a community by creating and or retaining jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base. I would equate economic development to a football game. It seems … [Read more...] about What is Economic Development?
Caring for Your Christmas Tree
For many of us, the centerpiece of our winter holiday is the Christmas Tree, that jewel of spruce, fir or pine bedecked with ornaments, lighting up the cold winter nights. We at Warner’s Nursery want to make sure that you not only pick the right tree for you, but have these helpful hints so that your tree stays lush and beautiful throughout the holiday. But before we get into the choosing and care of a “real” Christmas tree, let’s address the (plastic) elephant in the room – the fake … [Read more...] about Caring for Your Christmas Tree