We have an increasing population of older adults moving to the Quad Cities area to enjoy all it has to offer. Being healthy and active and able to travel can ease the sense of loss of family and friends who may live some distance away. Most older adults are able to enjoy this independence into older age, but as we know, life can change in an instant or over time. Many who have lost a life-long partner find themselves living alone for the first time, often far from close family and friends. Loss … [Read more...] about Supporting Those Feeling Isolation, Loneliness
Identifying Plants Rabbits and Deer Dislike
Not all baby bunnies are cute, especially when they eat a new Euonymus to the ground, or wipe out those pretty pansies and tulips! Jackrabbits are born with a full coat of hair and open eyes, and only spend one day in the nest before beginning to forage. Cottontails are less precocious but may spend their entire lives living and breeding in one suburban backyard. Rabbits gravitate toward their favorite plants throughout the growing season: devouring pansies and tulips in the spring, and snacking … [Read more...] about Identifying Plants Rabbits and Deer Dislike
Getting to Know Christie Board
Welcome to “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” Sit back, relax and enjoy. As you know, Tom and I have been sharing our column on a monthly basis with the community for several years now – and what fun it has been. Starting a couple months ago and continuing forward for a few more publications, Tom and I have been introducing you to our community/industry partners so you can get to know them better. Last month, you met Jim Reed of Reed Brothers Construction and before that was Steve Simpson of Blue … [Read more...] about Getting to Know Christie Board
Understanding the Reverse Mortgage
There are many misconceptions about what a Reverse Mortgage is. So let’s clear the air on what it is and what it is NOT. Reverse Mortgages are now commonly referred to as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, or HECMs for short. Previously, they were known as Reverse Annuity Mortgages, or RAM. A HECM is designed to help a homeowner tap into the equity in their home while not making any mortgage payments. In its simplest terms, an HECM is a Home Equity Line of Credit that does not have a payment … [Read more...] about Understanding the Reverse Mortgage
Relax, Reset and Repair
Life can be hectic, crazy and downright out of control. We live in a world surrounded by chatter and noise, whether it is someone talking on a cell phone in front of you at the grocery store or sirens roaring past you. We have TVs, computers, cell phones, iPads, even phones on our wristwatches. Technology puts us in an incredible position to be more efficient than any generation before us, but I challenge you to define the cost of all of this. How do we determine if we are at risk and what … [Read more...] about Relax, Reset and Repair
Giving Skin a Break During Hot Summer Months
To say it is dry out is a big understatement. Summer finally arrived and the monsoons can't get here soon enough. The climate is overly dry and in desperate need of moisture. That also means our skin is need of moisture and TLC. The dry Arizona environment takes a toll on our skin, which is often neglected. The skin is the largest organ of the human body and requires care to keep our bodies healthy and protected. Good skincare isn’t only for women. Men of all ages and professions can and … [Read more...] about Giving Skin a Break During Hot Summer Months
July Fourth Means Something More This Year
In light of recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the movements and protests taking place all over the world, the usual sentiments of the July 4 holiday mean something a little more. As we take time to reflect and celebrate the freedoms we are all so fortunate to have and gather with family to take part in barbecues, special events and firework spectaculars, we are even more aware of how special they are. Now, more than ever, it is clear how grateful we must all be for our freedom, … [Read more...] about July Fourth Means Something More This Year
Getting Your Home Ready for Your Vacation
Ironically, getting ready to go on vacation can be really stressful. Aside from figuring out how not to over-pack, Prescott Maid to Order offers these suggestions to help Prescott homeowners leave the house relaxed, worry-free and ready to have some fun. Clean No one ever wants to come home from a beautiful, relaxing and fun vacation to a mess. A dirty house is no one’s idea of “welcome home.” It’s not necessary to perform a spring cleaning ritual before you leave, but every room should be … [Read more...] about Getting Your Home Ready for Your Vacation
Your Best Fitness Program Ever
What do you want from a fitness program? A healthy heart … an amazing core … some fun … and a routine that keeps you motivated? That’s a lot to expect from one fitness program. But, it is possible, especially if you follow the advice of Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse Jill Potter, RN, ACSM-CEP, AACVPR, CRP, at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). Goodbye Old Exercise Ideas Creating your best fitness program means shaking off old ideas you may have about exercise. “No pain, no … [Read more...] about Your Best Fitness Program Ever
Basic Cleaning Tips for Floor and Upholstery
Oriental Rugs There are easy, basic steps you can take to care for and protect an Oriental rug. Rotation To ensure even wear, your rug should be rotated regularly. Depending on the traffic, the rotation may vary from six months to two years. Vacuuming Oriental rugs, like most carpeting, should be vacuumed on a regular basis to remove dirt and restore life to the fibers. Vacuum side to side to avoid catching the fringe with your beater bar! Use the end of a vacuum hose if using a … [Read more...] about Basic Cleaning Tips for Floor and Upholstery