In Norway, 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, there is no sun from late November through January. Yet, there is little incidence of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which affects almost 10% of people in northern New Hampshire, hundreds of miles to the south. Research indicates that an explanation of happiness in months of darkness is a positive winter mindset. A study compared light therapy, similar to sunlight, and cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of “talk” therapy. In the first … [Read more...] about Getting to 2021
Columnists
How Non-Profits and Charitable Giving Changed in 2020
When a 75-foot Norway Spruce was delivered to Rockefeller Center to serve as the complex’s iconic Christmas tree this year, it showed up looking a little worse for wear. It was bedraggled and a bit scraggly. It was shedding its thin needles all over the place. It was described as a really tall Charlie Brown tree. Lots of clever comments were made in the news and on social media about it being a perfect metaphor for the year 2020. The symbolism of the tree was transformed when a tiny … [Read more...] about How Non-Profits and Charitable Giving Changed in 2020
What is it Like to Have a Hearing Loss?
As an audiologist, I see hearing-impaired individuals every day. One of the most rewarding activities of my job is to teach the family members what it is like to have a hearing loss and how to better communicate with hearing-impaired people. What Can the Hearing-Impaired Person Hear? I think that understanding what a person really can and can’t hear is the key to successfully living with or working with a hearing-impaired person. It is crucial to understand what can change the clarity of … [Read more...] about What is it Like to Have a Hearing Loss?
There is No Place Like Hope for the Holidays
Think of the holiday season. For most people, happy memories and being surrounded by loved ones come to mind. For children in the foster care system, it can be a harsh reminder of what is missing – family. There are more than 13,000 children in Arizona spending the holidays away from their parents and often from their siblings, too. While caretakers may try to make the day special, all the excitement of the holidays can leave children in foster care feeling very alone. With the help of the … [Read more...] about There is No Place Like Hope for the Holidays
When to be Concerned about Veins
You know the signs, a few gray hairs here and there, little wrinkles around your mouth that you insist are smile lines or the twinge you feel when get up from the couch. It’s happening to all of us. We’re getting older. While these are familiar symptoms of aging we try to ignore, some of us may experience other changes that shouldn’t be ignored. If you notice a feeling of heaviness in your legs, fatigue or aching in your leg muscles, swelling, skin discoloration, tenderness or soreness, wounds … [Read more...] about When to be Concerned about Veins
Exploring the Post-Pandemic World of Real Estate
Now that you are working and schooling in your Flagstaff home, are you thinking of making a couple of improvements? Welcome to our post-pandemic world of real estate! According to the National Association of Realtors, what we envision for 2020-2021 pandemic and post-pandemic homes may not surprise you. Nationally, the most popular improvements are focused on making our homes a sanctuary for safely staying in place, working, teaching/learning, fitness and entertaining, all in one house! In … [Read more...] about Exploring the Post-Pandemic World of Real Estate
Staying Current with Routine Medical Care
Your medical providers in Flagstaff are here for you! While we ask that you practice social distancing, we do not ask you to practice medical social distancing and want to be sure that you are not delaying routine medical care. COVID-19 has brought new challenges to our lives, particularly for those with chronic illnesses. In fact, the American Heart Association warns that the COVID-19 pandemic has led many individuals to delay cardiac care, which can cause health emergencies. No matter … [Read more...] about Staying Current with Routine Medical Care
Addressing Tendonitis of the Foot, Ankle
One of the more common conditions of the feet is tendonitis. Most people have heard the term, but don’t really know what it is. So, what is tendonitis? A tendon is what connects a muscle to bone. For instance, the Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. And speaking of the Achilles, it’s one of the more common foot tendons to become inflamed. Tendinitis refers to when a tendon becomes inflamed. This can happen for many reasons, such as overuse, an injury, faulty shoes … [Read more...] about Addressing Tendonitis of the Foot, Ankle
Gratitude: A Gift to Ourselves
For so many people all over the world, these are stressful times, exacerbated by isolation and social and traditional media. There are worries about catching a serious disease, or others getting sick, negative financial situations, whether present or possible, and political and social unrest. It’s natural to focus on threating things. The media tends to feature negative events. Scary, explosive, violent, fast things get attention. Peaceful, calm, slow things aren’t as exciting and don’t sell … [Read more...] about Gratitude: A Gift to Ourselves
Understanding the Importance of Relationships in Recovery
Life is complex, and as human beings, we rely on others to learn and build our confidence and capacity to cope with changing situations. As a result, it stands to reason that the challenges of life are best faced when we surround ourselves with others who demonstrate healthy behaviors. For the recovering addict, this means inviting people into his or her life who will encourage, motivate and inspire the individual to be the very best version of himself or herself. All types of relationships – … [Read more...] about Understanding the Importance of Relationships in Recovery