You had planned to walk in your backyard garden this afternoon, with the winter sun enveloping you in a warm glow. But then, your plan is shattered by fast-approaching storm clouds. You seek shelter inside, just as rain lashes the windows. So much for your vitamin D exposure for today, you think. It’s true: winter weather often hampers the body’s opportunity for exposure to sunlight, a prime source of essential vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin. The timing of a lack of sun and … [Read more...] about Getting Enough Vitamin D in Winter
Winslow
Flagstaff Scientists Working to Control Galapagos Rat Population without Poison
The chain of 19 islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago have been called “a priceless living laboratory.” The vast biodiversity of these islands that lie 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador is said to have inspired the theory of evolution. Now, a local organization is working to help protect the islands from an invasive rat population that is threatening not only many of the endemic species of the Galapagos, but also the farms that are vital to the islands’ 40,000 human … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Scientists Working to Control Galapagos Rat Population without Poison
The Color Purple
Montagne Vue Lavender Farm sells lavender in many forms: soap, lip balm, foot balm, linen and room spray, body butter, body oil and culinary lavender. Montagne Vue, French for Mountain View, is family owned and operated in Chino Valley by Janet and Brett Hall, and their son, Carter. Janet said their family gets help from family and friends when it comes time to plant and harvest. They have 1,500 plants that encompass five varieties of lavender. The farm is at 5,000 feet in altitude and … [Read more...] about The Color Purple
Brightening Lives with Blooms
The beauty of flowers has a beguiling way of showing our love, gratitude or appreciation to our friends and loved ones and often are part of a celebration, be it for a birthday, wedding or Valentine’s Day. “Flowers change with the seasons and brighten our lives,” said Sutcliffe Floral and Floral Arts of Flagstaff owner Kelly Tulloss, who procures her flowers from around the world. “I love being surrounded by beautiful flowers and it is so rewarding to create something beautiful for Flagstaff … [Read more...] about Brightening Lives with Blooms
Mental Toughness is a Dance of Rituals, Rhythm and Rest
Tennis Pro Mark Frampton says when you’re a beginner, 90% of your focus is on the physical aspects of the game. But after your body has grasped the mechanics, most of your success shifts to the mind. “For top players, the game is 85% mental,” he said. Frampton, director of racquets at the north Scottsdale Terravita community, breaks it down like this: In any game, any match, any set, the time spent actually playing the game is only about 25%. Thus, he created his Mental Toughness Workshop to … [Read more...] about Mental Toughness is a Dance of Rituals, Rhythm and Rest
Super Snowpack for Snowsports and Vineyards
With one of the snowiest Januarys on record, causing closures to Flagstaff area schools and highways at times, city crews and residents have been busy plowing streets and shoveling sidewalks. Meanwhile, those in the snow business, along with ranchers and farmers, are happy to keep the snow and moisture where they need it. “I remain truly grateful for the hard work and dedication that our streets and parks crews have exhibited throughout the snow events,” said Flagstaff City Manager Greg … [Read more...] about Super Snowpack for Snowsports and Vineyards
Knowing CPR for Pets
When Kate Klasen’s five-pound dog started choking one day, she knew the Heimlich Maneuver from teaching human CPR but didn’t know exactly how to apply it to her pet. While she was ultimately able to save her, she realized it wasn’t enough just to know the life-saving techniques that are applied to people. She needed to know more. Today, Klasen is an instructor at The Frontline Coalition, an organization that teaches CPR and first aid for pets. She says Pet CPR is similar to what we might … [Read more...] about Knowing CPR for Pets
Arizona Nordic Village Announces Best Opening of the Season in Decades
All 45 miles of trails are groomed and open for cross-country skiing at Arizona Nordic Village. Longtime skiers are calling this the best season opening in more than 20 years. “Everybody is stoked!” said General Manager Theo Callan. “December snowstorms have kept the ski area blanketed. And cold temperatures, along with the masterful snow-farming skills of our groomers who are out there every evening, mean we are able to keep the snow where we want it!” Meanwhile, the Village’s first … [Read more...] about Arizona Nordic Village Announces Best Opening of the Season in Decades
‘Tripledemic’ Underscores Need for Larger Hospital
This new year, COVID-19 is sharing the headlines with the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as hospital beds fill up, COVID deaths rise and children’s Tylenol, Advil and Motrin are difficult to find. “All three viruses are going around. Flu in Coconino County is at a 1,800% increase from the five-year average,” said Fry’s Pharmacy Manager Ted Sawulski, RPh, of Flagstaff. “We’re seeing lots of flu, lots of RSV, COVID is at a medium level – it’s steady in the background – but that can … [Read more...] about ‘Tripledemic’ Underscores Need for Larger Hospital
Six ‘Universal Truths’ for Being Happier, Living Peacefully in the New Year
Salsa Queen (Maharba) Zapata was in the United States illegally, had no education, didn’t speak English and grew up thinking she had no value. As author Michael Glauser tells her story: “After two divorces and seven children, she was in a complete state of despair and could see no way out of it. Then she met a friend named Jim, an incredible mentor to her, who said, ‘Well, what do you like to do? What are you good at?’ She said, ‘I know food. I know salsas.’ So they started making … [Read more...] about Six ‘Universal Truths’ for Being Happier, Living Peacefully in the New Year