This month we’re celebrating our canine companions, and in honor of Hug Your Dog Day (April 10) and National Pet Day (April 11), we’re exploring a few of the ways dogs (and other furry friends!) enhance and improve our lives for the better. Did you know that beyond the cheerful tail-wags and comforting cuddles, pet ownership also provides tangible benefits to our overall health and well-being? That’s right, in addition to the companionship and loyalty your furry friend provides, being a pet owner can make you a healthier person! Here’s how. Walk Your Way to Well-Being There’s nothing like a wa ..read more

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the successes and sacrifices of U.S. women. It’s also a time to celebrate women and the vast roles they play in society — from caregivers to industry leaders to politicians to creators to entrepreneurs. Today, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by strong women who are making advancements in many parts of our culture and our world and they are not letting their age – or anything else – slow them down. In fact, these women warriors are changing the game with each step forward. Here are just a few of the women that continue to inspire us. Sarah Je ..read more

So, how are your New Year’s resolutions going? If you are like most people, those lofty goals are a distant memory by now. But as we head into Spring, it might be a good time to revisit — and revamp — those resolutions. Revisit Your “Why?” “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” This insightful line from the classic French novella, The Little Prince, is famous for a reason. It can also be said that a goal without a why is a waste of time. It is important to go back and think of why you set those resolutions. Was it to be healthier? To spend more time with your family? To finally make a dream a ..read more

Have you ever thought about starting an herb garden in your home, but just didn’t know where to begin? Growing herbs indoors allows you to enjoy homegrown produce, whether you’re short on garden space or just want a little touch of green for your inside space!  Even just a few pots of herbs grown on a windowsill or under grow lights can yield wonderful flavors, and often lovely scents, year-round. Herb gardens can be a great way to get introduced to edible gardening once you’ve built up your confidence. Let’s Get Growing Most herbs can be grown indoors, but those that tend to really thriv ..read more

Who doesn’t love a little adventure? Exploring foreign lands, seeing new sights, and learning about different cultures is a dream… or is it? Embark on a journey with us as we discover the joys of “Armchair Travel.” No need for an updated passport, pricey flights, or living out of a suitcase here! Armchair Travel is just as it sounds… traveling to exotic places in the comfort of your own home, thanks to an abundance of educational and entertaining programs. And thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, your journey can “take off” whenever you choose. Of course, Armchair Travel isn ..read more

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, visions of chocolate, wine and romantic dinners may come to mind. While that’s all well and good, indulging in rich food and vino is not the only way to celebrate those in our lives whom we love. And it’s not only the “romantic” version of love that we honor—love for family members, friends, and neighbors is just as important, too. Here are a few heart-healthy ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your Valentine or Galentine this year!  Did you know February is American Heart Health Month? It’s the ideal time to integrate exercise and nutrition into your ..read more

It’s Black History Month, and this year’s theme is African Americans and the Arts. This theme encourages us to pay homage to the immense contributions and indelible impact of African Americans in the vast world of the Arts, such as the incomparable Alice Walker (pictured above). In honor of and inspired by this theme, we’ve compiled some outstanding recent novels written by African American authors. Spotlighting historical fiction and mostly set within the past century, these impactful works help us all better understand, connect with, and learn from the Black American experience.  Note ..read more

We all know the importance of keeping fit and strong, at any age. But as we get older, it’s even more important to maintain our fitness level to stay strong and healthy. Working out helps improve your balance, flexibility, endurance, and mental health. Seniors should aim for 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week. And the great news is that it can be done inexpensively and despite the cold temperatures.  For many, it’s hard to get into the habit of regular exercise–there’s so much else to do! But once temperatures turn cold and snow and ice snarl the sidewalks and roadways, it ..read more

Many of us dream of retirement and all the freedom it will give us–spending ample time on the golf course, traveling to exotic locations, sipping cocktails as the sun sets–but not everyone is prepared to live on a fixed income. Coupled with the effects of inflation and the rapidly rising costs of gas, groceries, electricity, heating, etc, it can be daunting. Good news: a little smart planning can go a long way–and so can your savings. Here are a few tips and considerations for successfully living on a fixed income.  Track Retirement Spending Patterns  During periods of inflation, it ..read more

We all hope that our families will live out our legacies and do amazing things to make us proud. But some families take it to a whole new level! While there is no end to the inspiration we can garner from Martin Luther King, Jr., his legacy did not stop there. In honor of MLK Day, and as we head into Black History Month, we’re taking a look at some of MLK’s family and the impressive work they’ve done as well. Many members of MLK Jr.’s family have made an indelible impact, each carrying on his legacy in their own unique ways. Here are some of the ways the King family’s legacy lives on. Coretta ..read more