Earlier this month, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy stated that young people are facing overwhelming mental health effects as a result of the challenges experienced by their generation. This 53-page report noted that the pandemic intensified already widespread mental health issues. Dr. Murthy issued an urgent call to address the youth mental health crisis. The Surgeon General also recognizes what we know to be true: that mental health cannot be treated separately from our overall … [Read more...] about Supporting Youth Mental Health
Growing Edible Plants
It’s the start of a new year, with new plant deliveries already arriving for the season. This is a rather interesting list of plants used to dress up and decorate the garden - and they are surprisingly tasty. Indigenous people have known many of these plants since the beginning. Here is a listing of some edible perennials that may surprise you and favorites for the backyard. All are available at Watters Garden Center or are being shipped in a few weeks. Bamboo Panda bears enjoy munching … [Read more...] about Growing Edible Plants
Staying Resilient as We Age
What is resiliency and can it help us as we age? Being resilient means you bounce back after a challenge in your life. A few examples of these challenges are: hearing bad news about a loved one, a death or illness of a loved one, a change in your health, a big change in life such as retirement or moving from where you live. Being resilient does not mean you do not feel all the emotions, because you do! You feel it all, and that is actually a part of being resilient: being open and honest … [Read more...] about Staying Resilient as We Age
APS Feeds Hungry, Shelters Homeless
For some in Central and Northern Arizona, APS provides much more than electricity. The largest electric utility in Arizona, APS contributes more than $10 million annually to community organizations and programs to help those in need of food and/or shelter. “Combatting hunger and ensuring food security are important focus areas within one of our strategic pillars - human needs and services,” said APS Director of Community Affairs Tina Marie Tentori. “For example, our giving programs support … [Read more...] about APS Feeds Hungry, Shelters Homeless
Living in Gratitude at Altitudes
On a typical “bluebird” winter day on Arizona’s highest mountain, expert skiers like Lynda Fleischer greet the crystal clear bluest-of-blue sky with a huge smile to the heavens after a night of fresh-fallen snow. “This is where I belong,” she said. “The mountain is part of who I am. It makes me who I am. It makes me better. It makes me powerful and in control. It makes me feel alive.” Fleischer found the majestic San Francisco Peaks when she arrived at Northern Arizona University, where she … [Read more...] about Living in Gratitude at Altitudes
Minimizing Workplace Drama in the New Year
While skiing at Alta Ski Area, Shasheen Shah found himself caught in a small avalanche caused by a skier-released snowslide that funneled through the chute he had just skied. “I never saw it coming. It launched over the rockface and landed on me like wet concrete. Within seconds, it felt like I was buried alive and then swept me down the slope. I was disoriented. I didn’t know which way was up or down. I didn’t have light and I couldn’t breathe. Panic.” In his new book, “The Kid and the King: … [Read more...] about Minimizing Workplace Drama in the New Year
How to Recognize a Scam
Let’s say you receive a call like this: “Hello, I am Agent Smith from the IRS. You owe $2,368 plus interest. If you don’t pay immediately, we will issue a warrant for your arrest!” Then the caller proceeds to tell you to go get prepaid gift cards and send them to some P.O. Box. Well, if you have gotten a call like this, there is good news! It is not the IRS and you are not in any trouble. The bad news is that it is a scam. I hope you did not fall for it! Have you ever received a call … [Read more...] about How to Recognize a Scam
Anticipating Another Strong Seller’s Market
The real estate market outlook for 2022 is for a strong year on most accounts but a year that may seem quite boring compared to 2021. The projections call for a continued seller’s market, but with less frenetic activity and competitive bidding than we experienced in 2021. To get an idea of the overall national real-estate market, typically we sell about five-and-a-half million homes across the country each year. Last year, close to seven million homes sold. In 2022, that number is projected … [Read more...] about Anticipating Another Strong Seller’s Market
Eating Healthy Food is Part of Self-Care
When you hear the term “self-care,” what comes to mind? For many years, I have thought that self-care involved getting a massage, receiving a luxurious facial, hiking in our beautiful forests, attending a fancy retreat, relaxing in a bubble bath, reading a good book and listening to jazz music with some lighted candles. Through the years, I have found that self-care was holding my grandsons and rocking them to sleep after storytime or sitting on the porch and watching deer walk through the … [Read more...] about Eating Healthy Food is Part of Self-Care
Bringing Together Professional Musicians and Grade-School Composers
Arizona Philharmonic’s Jan. 9 performance of ¡Andalusia!, the Music of Southern Spain, has taken on a special Prescott community involvement. Not only is Maestro Peter Bay leading the orchestra with three exceptional soloists (Maria Flurry on marimba, and flamenco artist husband and wife team Chris Burton-Jácome on guitar and Lena Jácome, dancer), but there will be a special Prescott guest conductor and a selection of mini-compositions from Prescott-area school students. Conductor in … [Read more...] about Bringing Together Professional Musicians and Grade-School Composers