Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” As I like to say, “sit back, relax and enjoy.” Starting four months ago, Tom and I began to introduce you to our community/industry partners so you could get to know them better, and what fun that has been. You have met Steve Simpson of Blue Line Designs, Jim Reed of Reed Brothers Construction, Christie Board, our local certified kitchen & bath designer with Board By Board Design, and most recently, Tom Liuzzo, a registered land surveyor for Granite … [Read more...] about Creating a Livable, Relaxing Outdoor Space
Columnists
Eating During Stressful Times
Stress can be found on the faces of family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. I have seen perfect strangers with frantic looks on their faces. My heart goes out to them. The last several months have been a roller coaster, and with all the uncertainty in our world, many are experiencing stressful times. I can share that I, too, have experienced forms of stress since mid-March and am grateful that our team of “essential” workers has the ability and passion to create delicious and fresh foods … [Read more...] about Eating During Stressful Times
Understanding the Value of Massage as We Age
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70 million baby boomers in the United States are poised to join the ranks of those aged 65 or older. As a result of baby boomers crossing the 60-year-old threshold, more Americans than ever before are entering into their golden years. At the same time, modern medicine and health care are working to put an end to or decrease life-ending and life-shortening disease and illness. The result is a growing population that … [Read more...] about Understanding the Value of Massage as We Age
Finding Support When You Need It
This year has presented some of the greatest challenges many of us have faced. The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that working together and supporting our neighbors is vital to everyone’s success. While we have had to remain socially distanced and find new ways of living day-to-day life, we have also found ways to stand together and take joy in the little things. I’ve said time and again that the resiliency and togetherness of this community is something that I take great pride in and something … [Read more...] about Finding Support When You Need It
Saving Lives with Early Detection Lung Cancer Screening
Starr Herridge left her home one morning to go to the mall, a familiar trip where she regularly picked up her cigarettes. But, on this particular morning in 2012, Starr decided to pull in to the neighborhood drug store instead, and found herself purchasing smoking cessation patches. Starr said with a laugh, “I guess I was lazy – I didn’t want to go all the way to the mall.” “Once I retired, I started smoking so much more,” Starr admitted. “When I was working, it wasn’t so bad because I … [Read more...] about Saving Lives with Early Detection Lung Cancer Screening
Can You Hear Them Now?
Hearing loss is an insidious condition that affects all aspects of an individual’s life. Enjoying television or movies means turning up the volume too loud for others or reading captions. In-person conversations become less enjoyable because of the effort required for the hearing-impaired listener. Phone conversations can be even more difficult, as visual cues are unavailable and the quality of the connection can vary. The inability to communicate effectively over the phone can be frustrating … [Read more...] about Can You Hear Them Now?
Moving In, Moving Out
One of the hardest things that most of us go through several times in our lives is moving. We have to uproot everything, try to organize and move our whole lives to another location. It is physically and emotionally exhausting. I’ve heard many people tell me, “I’m NEVER moving again!” When I go into a house to do an estimate for a move-out cleaning, often people will mention, “It should be easy, everything is out.” It does make things easier for cleaning when there is nothing in the house and … [Read more...] about Moving In, Moving Out
Stepping into Autumn with Better Balance
Moving into autumn and Healthy Aging Month, it’s a good time to reevaluate our fitness routines as the high energy of summer begins to fade and we prepare for the colder months. As we get older, it becomes increasingly important to work on strengthening the muscles and systems that keep us upright and help to prevent falling. Why do people fall? Risk factors often include: Fear or uncertainty following a previous fall. Changes in mobility because of physical limitations. Impaired … [Read more...] about Stepping into Autumn with Better Balance
Understanding Causes of Suicide During the Pandemic
September is suicide prevention month, and given the dramatic changes in lifestyle necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, it seems appropriate to address how the pandemic has impacted suicide and suicide prevention. But, let’s first look at suicide prior to the pandemic. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among those 10-34 years of age. There were 47,173 suicides reported in 2017. It is estimated that for each suicide, as … [Read more...] about Understanding Causes of Suicide During the Pandemic
Community Partnerships Key to Successful Academic Year
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on commerce, business, health, and access to goods and services. It has had a strong impact on business communities that are closely tied to Northern Arizona University. It is more important than ever for NAU to continue providing students, faculty and staff the opportunity to study, innovate, do research and use its collective creativity to imagine a new way of living. At NAU, we are devoted to our mission of providing a high-quality … [Read more...] about Community Partnerships Key to Successful Academic Year