As we are preparing our children and ourselves to take on the new academic year, our attention may naturally turn to brain function. How can we equip our children to do their best? And how can we function optimally, as well? Less rest, greater cognitive demand and a more hectic schedule increase stress and unbalance. Starting the school year with a plan for wellness and optimal brain function can make all the difference. Sleep Sleep is our best friend when it comes to stress reduction and … [Read more...] about Nourishing the Back-to-School Brain
Columnists
When is the Right Time to Invest?
I work with clients and talk to people in many different stages of life. Regardless of these differences, people often ask some of the same questions. One of the most common is, “When is the right time to invest?” We all hear about stock market movements, and it is natural to wonder if the market is too high to invest in right now and whether we should wait to invest. Or, if it falls, is it going to continue falling? When is the right time? At those times, I wish I had a crystal ball, but I … [Read more...] about When is the Right Time to Invest?
How Rehab Hospital’s Zero Gravity System Helps Stroke Victims
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. When a stroke doesn’t take a life, it often leaves a person’s life changed forever, suffering from short-term and/or long-term mental and physical deficits. Though each person’s post-stroke conditions are unique, many experience loss of movement, balance, coordination, loss of memory and other cognitive or physical functions. Following a stroke, rehabilitation is the most important factor in determining recovery and long-term … [Read more...] about How Rehab Hospital’s Zero Gravity System Helps Stroke Victims
Three Ways to Save on Your Energy Bill Year-Round
As the temperatures heat up and the chance for monsoons increases, APS is committed to delivering reliable power to its more than 1.2 million customers. In Flagstaff, energy needs peak in the winter when heaters are necessary during cold temperatures. However, while we’re enjoying our beautiful mountain summers, those living in the southern part of the state see increased energy demand. Regardless of where you happen to be throughout the year, APS is here to help you better understand your … [Read more...] about Three Ways to Save on Your Energy Bill Year-Round
OneAZ Helping Non-Profits
OneAZ Credit Union and OneAZ Community Foundation have pledged to award $60,000 in Community Impact Grants as part of their commitment to improving Arizona communities. OneAZ Credit Union and OneAZ Community Foundation are committed to supporting the local economy through several initiatives, including the flagship Community Impact Grants program. Since launching the program in 2016, OneAZ has given more than $160,000 to non-profits statewide that make a difference in the communities they … [Read more...] about OneAZ Helping Non-Profits
Reducing the Risk of Wildfire with Forest Restoration Efforts
With the Museum Fire threatening East Flagstaff and the Timberline areas as this article is being written, it reminds us of the ever-increasing threat of catastrophic wildfire and post-wildfire flooding. Coconino County has created a Forest Restoration Initiative in recognition that the most effective way to reduce these threats is through thinning the forest. In the past 12 months, as the forest restoration director, I have been busy with many projects that support this initiative, including … [Read more...] about Reducing the Risk of Wildfire with Forest Restoration Efforts
Working Together for Common Goals
We are emerging from an historic summer in Flagstaff, which includes celebrating the contributions of hundreds of thousands of innovative and creative people who helped put Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Moon. Though it took place 50 years ago and a quarter million miles away from Earth, the Moon landing is woven into the history of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona University. Astronauts trained at Meteor and Sunset craters near Flagstaff, and engineers and scientists used telescopes at … [Read more...] about Working Together for Common Goals
Protecting Pets, Humans from Deadly Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that can infect any mammal. Regardless of where the virus enters the body, it slowly invades the central nervous system and eventually the brain. With a few rare exceptions, the disease is fatal. August is Rabies Awareness Month, so please take a moment to learn more about this contagious virus and understand how to protect your pets. Prevalence Except for several well-regulated islands, rabies can be found worldwide. Causes/Transmission The usual source of … [Read more...] about Protecting Pets, Humans from Deadly Rabies
Understanding the Importance of Nutrition During Recovery
A balanced diet is essential for the body and the brain to function normally. Unfortunately, most Americans do not receive proper nutrition education, and have difficulty consistently eating a well-rounded diet of nutritious, whole foods. Now, imagine that you not only do not know the information, but you also struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals who suffer from SUDs often dedicate their finances, energy and time to using. Substances can cloud the brain’s ability to make … [Read more...] about Understanding the Importance of Nutrition During Recovery
Houseplants: Good for Your Physical, Mental Health
If you think you’ve seen more philodendrons, orchids, succulents, snake plants, pothos and fiddle-leaf figs inside homes, offices and social media feeds, you aren’t imagining things. Demand for indoor plants and a chance to bring a little bit of nature inside our walls is a growing trend. In fact, in response to the renewed interest in houseplants, we’ve begun offering a series of free seminars at the nursery to help “plant parents” with their greenery. We have sessions on plants that are … [Read more...] about Houseplants: Good for Your Physical, Mental Health