Fall Traditions I love the holiday's link to the harvest, American history and, of course, the food and autumn colors. But it’s the notion of giving thanks that makes me pause, reassess and reaffirm. I find it refreshing and grounding. Gratitude: "An Affirmation of Goodness in Our Lives" In addition to the feast, each year, we prepare a list of readings for our Thanksgiving guests, with a focus on gratitude, giving and the tradition of sharing the Earth’s bounty with family and friends. In pursuit of this notion, I inevitably land at the work of Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., founding editor-in-…

Attention southern savers! Spiraling grocery prices and the popularity of such TV shows as Extreme Couponing, have made coupon redemptions increasingly  popular for those looking to save money.  A recent study by Con Agra predicts food costs will rise by 10 percent during the next year. There's a lot of advice out there for saving money. Some experts suggest using generic items, which can be less costly than using brand name coupons for a discount. Others say ditching paper products for linen can save a ton of money over the course of a year. Yet most agree that rising grocery and gas costs …

With tree pollen about to peak, allergy sufferers on Florida’s west coast find the topic nothing to sneeze about. What is an allergy? An allergy has been described as how a body reacts to substances it cannot easily tolerate. Whether dust mites, grasses, tree pollen, pet dander or chemicals, the body launches an immunological attack producing antibodies. Tips to Reduce Symptoms Avoid exposure to the pollen, even if it means remaining indoors. When outdoors, use a mask if necessary, to protect your airway. Tight-fitting glasses can help keep the pollen out of your eyes, especially while …

Although vitamin supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry, medical and nutritional experts urge patients to balance their diets with whole foods for optimal health. In 2009, the American Botanical Council’s Quarterly Journal estimated that sales of herbal supplements in the United States reached $5 billion. Consumers are the target. Vitamin supplements are a complex topic, requiring a good background in disease prevention, nutrition and physiology. Factor in research showing it is often unclear whether supplements make a difference in pill form, the topic can have your head spinning. “…

It’s widely known that coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death for American men and women. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one out of six adult Americans is at risk for heart disease, but many say the numbers may actually be higher. Experts also say that while genetics play a factor, a fatty diet and increasingly sedentary lifestyle also are culprits. The good news is that both are easily remedied, but commitment is key. “Obesity and cardiovascular disease will be an epidemic for the next generation,” said Jill Edwards, an exercise physiologist in the Cardiac…

Before it’s in the bag and out the door, it's both helpful and healthy to give some thought to the elements of your child’s lunch. Living well is not just for adults, but for children too. Part of making healthy choices is being aware of your options and being aware of why nutrition is important. September has been designated National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Yet with diabetes and cardiac issues on the rise, it’s wise to think about healthy food choices all year long. Lunch preparation provides an opportunity to adopt nutritious habits. Don't Forget About Lunch While the evidence …

Since Florida schoolchildren recently returned to the classroom, we thought it wise to take a look at immunization requirements. There are several laws governing immunization requirements for schoolchildren in our state. In Pinellas County, parents must show proof of immunization before enrolling their children in kindergarten and again, in seventh grade. It's all about safeguarding public health and protecting against the spread of disease.  There are a few temporary and permanent exemptions: a permanent medical condition exemption may be granted if a child has an allergy if the child is ill…

For as long as I can recall, books have been an especially important part of my life. I like the ritual of selecting and reading through book jacket blurbs. I like the smell and the feel of the pages between my fingers, and of course, the story itself. Years later, a book’s jacket design catapults me back to a certain place and time, inspiring a flood of memories. Summertime reads are somehow even more delicious. No matter what the subject, reading on a hammock, in a garden, or while curled up in an air-conditioned nook, have made summer reads memorable. My parents ensured that we viewed our …

Swimming in the gulf, lakes and pools almost seems synonymous with summertime. Water is ubiquitous in Florida and it’s not difficult to find swimming hotspots in Pinellas County. Experts agree that swimming offers an excellent way to stay fit and live well. Yet it's not without risks. Swimming Safety for Children SafeKids USA reports that drowning is the second leading cause of childhood deaths. Learning to swim at an early age is the best prevention, according to experts. Kelley Poole, Marketing Director at St. Pete Beach Recreation, first began her love affair with water when she was seven …

Recently, a reader mentioned that she felt the recent spike in outside temperatures outside was affecting her sleep patterns. It made me ponder the importance of sleep, so fundamental to cognitive function. I also wondered why it’s so elusive for so many. Sleep is generally characterized as a resting cycle for our bodies. It involves complex rhythms and a cycle of two sleep types. Yet we also know our brains remain active while we sleep. Experts recognize that sleep deprivation has devastating effects upon our health, performance and well-being. That’s likely why 100,000 car accidents …

As temperatures climb into the 90s, thoughts turned to living well in Florida’s summertime heat. In addition to high temperatures, humidity can be debilitating, especially when it climbs above 75 percent. Robert McJennett, an osteopathic physician on staff at the Palms of Pasadena Hospital Emergency Department, cautions that a preventive approach is best to surviving the hottest months in Florida. That goes for sunburn, dehydration and other heat-related conditions. McJennett offers simple tips for protecting yourself from debilitating heat exposure: wear a wide-brimmed hat wear long-sleeved…

Each month has its designations, reminding us to focus on certain events. Men's Health Week is June 13 - 19! With Father's Day falling on June 19th, it's the perfect time to brush up on what you need to know to keep the men in your lives healthy! I scoured through some sources to locate good information and tips for achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In our country, the leading causes of death in men are: cardiovascular disease cancer injuries from accidents Men are generally less likely than women to establish a professional relationship with a physician. Yet considering these …

Last week, new food guidelines were released. Called MyPlate, it’s a bit of a change from the Food Pyramid. Experts and health professionals say it’s a step in the right direction. Locally, Theresa Zanicchi, a registered dietician, gave a talk on nutrition Monday, June 6 at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center. She offered insight into good nutrition for seniors. But her tips were relevant for any age group.   “Heart disease is 80 percent preventable and one half of risk factors are controllable, “ Zanicchi said. Cardiovascular disease affects one in three Americans and is the number one …

Wednesday marks the beginning of what could be a long hurricane season. The trick for Floridians is planning ahead. Now is the time to gather a few spices and place them into air tight containers. I find that small snack-size Ziploc bags are easy to pack, identify and use. I have sacks for: basil black pepper cinnamon curry Chinese five-spice powder garlic powder oregano mint mini bottles of hot sauce Multi-spice jars of seasonings offer easy storage as well. Recently, I’ve been stowing tubes of lemongrass and curry, which are easy to use when camping, or roughing it after a storm. I store …

Celebrate fitness this Thursday, May 25, 2011. It's  National Senior Fitness Day, which marks the end of a month commemorating the achievements and contributions of older Americans. A celebration is planned for the special day at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center at 1:30 p.m. marking the final balance class in a series they’ve been offering. Historically, Pres. John F. Kennedy proclaimed May Senior Citizens Month in 1963. In 1980, Pres. Jimmy Carter changed the name to Older Americans Month. But whatever the title, it offers a chance to reflect on how to live well and into old age. One …

Less than six months ago, I lost a good friend, suddenly, to a massive hemorrhagic stroke. In an instant, she lost her ability to speak and we lost a committed community member. It made me think about what causes a stroke, and if prevention techniques exist. Since May is National Stroke Awareness Month, it felt like the right time to find out. Residents of Pinellas County have access many hospitals nearby that treat stroke. That’s good news, because early intervention, even of suspected strokes, is the key to successful treatment and recovery. I did a little digging and learned that each year…

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 700 deaths from sun-related exposure are reported annually. Heat exhaustion is one of the milder forms of heat-related illness. Symptoms include: fatigue heavy sweating headache muscle cramps nausea and a headache fast and shallow breathing If untreated, heat exhaustion could lead to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency requiring professional treatment. But there are a few things you can try at home. Based upon information offered by the Centers for Disease Control, and their Prevention Guide for Emergences and …

Florida’s sub-tropical climate virtually assures encounters with insects and spiders. According to www.floridanature.org, there are about 500 insects and spiders found only in our state. And while many insects play a vital role in breaking down decaying plants and animals, some can also be a nuisance for humans. From mosquito bites to bee stings, hornets and fire ants, it’s good to know what’s bugging you. While some mosquitoes can transmit diseases, such as Malaria, experts say few cases are seen in our state annually. While also at a fairly low rate in Florida, ticks can cause Lyme Disease…

Following time spent exploring the coastline in celebration of Earth Day; I couldn’t help but write about why I love the outdoors. I like the connection with the natural world, and I always feel refreshed after a hike. We’re lucky to live in a climate where we can be outside virtually every day of the year. Being involved in nature is a deep commitment for me. It dates back to helping my parents with a beach re-nourishment project on Earth Day. For years, I took that portion of beach seriously enough to ride my bike and check on it regularly. I saw it flourish, support the growth of beach …

As sunny skies gave way to much needed rain in Tampa Bay earlier this week, I found myself reaching for a cup of soothing hot tea. That reminded me of a special china tea cup and saucer in my cabinet. As I poured the amber-colored liquid into the cup, I immediately began to smile. Whether one part ritual and two parts health benefits, tea has long been the universal relaxer. I checked in with James Clark, proprietor of the T and Me Tea Company. Clark and his wife Tania bring a healthy dose of creativity to their tea booth, which feels more like a comfy living room, than a stall at the …