It seems like “allergy season” is an ever-expanding timetable, not just confined to the release of juniper pollen. Whether you have asthma or seasonal allergies, you are probably painfully aware of this. One Culprit: Carpeting One place to look for how to mitigate allergies is in your very home. Why? Because dust, pollen and allergies can be trapped inside your home and continue to make you suffer even after the worst of the season has passed. Probably the worst offender in this arena is … [Read more...] about Replacing Carpeting for Allergy Relief
Columnists
Enjoying the Outdoors
While current events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have us in uncertain times, we still have much to look forward to. Temperatures are warming and the sun is beginning to shine a bit longer each day. As we all begin enjoying the first musings of spring and anticipate summer, it is the perfect time to take advantage of extra time with family and get out and enjoy one of the greatest assets in our community – our trails. In the spirit of encouraging social distancing and giving our … [Read more...] about Enjoying the Outdoors
Practicing Self-Care
Today, I am reminded to open my heart and let in the light. We have been hit with information by the government and news media that could be rather daunting. I have learned from a few mentors and professionals that we must take our own health and environments into our own hands. Of course, we need air, water, food, shelter and love to make it through the day. During these uncertain times, our community is doing so much to live differently. We are encouraged to stay home as much as … [Read more...] about Practicing Self-Care
Happy Healthy Succulents Grow Easy
Succulents are popular for two simple reasons: they are beautiful and nearly indestructible. They have shallow roots that form a dense mat just under the soil surface. With thick, fleshy, water-storing foliage, stems and/or roots, they are especially adept at surviving harsh Arizona conditions. A fascinating variety of exciting succulent foliage and plant shapes abound, including paddle leaves, tight rosettes, bushy fullness or trailing columns of teardrop leaves. Aloe and agaves are the most … [Read more...] about Happy Healthy Succulents Grow Easy
Cold March Winds Beg for Hot Stone Massage
No doubt. March weather has its mood swings – it can be warm, it can be cold; it can be sunny, it can be snowy; it can be unseasonably warm; it can be bitter cold. However, the most noticeable and consistent weather factor in March seems to be the strong winds. The promise of spring seems to be blown from reach with breezy, windy and, of course, gusty days. Most of us are ready to get outside and start summer activities; yet, many of us find our muscles and joints aching and our bodies longing … [Read more...] about Cold March Winds Beg for Hot Stone Massage
Understanding the Role of Protein as We Age
March is National Nutrition Month, and I’d like to focus on how our nutritional needs change as we get older. Many people don’t realize that adults need to increase their protein consumption as they age in order to maintain their current level of physical functioning, and even more so if they are trying to lose weight or build muscle mass. Why We Need Protein If you find daily tasks are becoming more strenuous to complete without any other changes to your health, this might be an … [Read more...] about Understanding the Role of Protein as We Age
Three Drawbacks to Early Retirement
Being early can be considered a virtue. Just think of some of the proverbs that we’ve all heard hundreds of times over the years: “The early bird gets the worm.” “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” There are many situations where being early can be a good thing. But when it comes to retirement, going too early can actually have drawbacks. That’s certainly not the case for everyone, but you’ll want to carefully evaluate your situation before … [Read more...] about Three Drawbacks to Early Retirement
What is Making America Fat?
Obesity began a noticeable rise in the 1980s in the United States. Since then, the problem has become an epidemic; significant populations are obese in 30 countries. Despite the increased awareness, the upward trend continues. In the U.S., more than 70% of us are overweight or obese, and a large number are children. Obesity is at play behind many of the major diseases, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Every 1% decrease in obesity in our country can save close to $90 billion healthcare … [Read more...] about What is Making America Fat?
Welcoming Maher to NAU
Northern Arizona University recently welcomed Joshua Maher as the new associate vice president for community relations. An experienced public servant with a strong background in higher education and municipal government, Maher is a great resource for Northern Arizona University and communities across all NAU campuses. Maher joined NAU from the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, where he was assistant director of government and external affairs. In a former position, he worked … [Read more...] about Welcoming Maher to NAU
Understanding the Effects of Noise Pollution
Noise, or unwanted sound, is one of the most common environmental exposures in the United States. In 1981, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that nearly 100 million people in the United States (about 50% of the population) had annual exposures to traffic noise that were high enough to be harmful to health. How Does the Body Respond to Noise? Despite the widespread prevalence of noise exposure, noise has historically been treated differently from pollutants of a … [Read more...] about Understanding the Effects of Noise Pollution