Spring is in the air, even if the snow is still on the ground in Otis… With the warmer days and later sunsets comes the desire to get in shape for shorts and tanks. Many of us have put on our “winter weight,” like hibernating bears. For me, it’s the holiday season and my birthday…
Tomorrow is National Walking Day. Saturday is National Play Outside Day. I’ll bet you can guess where I’m going with this… Let’s make a vow today to do a little bit more walking and do it outdoors! Now that the weather is a bit nicer, we’ll get our daily dose of Sunshine Vitamin (D), breathe…
Do you play pickleball? It’s been getting a lot of press lately and courts are popping up everywhere! It’s the fastest growing sport in the US. Even here in East Otis we now have an indoor pickleball court and are developing a league. I went to the discovery session last week to see what it’s…
If you’ve been reading my articles for some time, you know how I get when a doctor tells one of my clients that there’s nothing that can be done for their pain. Just the other day one of my Pilates students told me that her doctor said there’s nothing that can be done for knee…
In recent years there has been a lot of buzz about taking 10,000 steps a day for cardiovascular health. Well, it turns out that this particular goal was rooted more in advertising new pedometers than in real science. The pedometers that were introduced at that time tracked 10,000 steps… Since then, several studies have been…
A friend recently asked my input on a shampoo and conditioner that she was using and that she liked. This reminded me that it’s been a long time since I talked about safe and healthy skin care products, so today we’re going to look at this important part of healthy aging. In 2012, when I…
Have you been worried about keeping your brain fit as you age? We all have. Alzheimer’s has been so much in the news and so many of our family members have suffered or are suffering with this terrible disease. The good news is that medical science is finding out more about it every day. As…
Happy New Year! Did you stay up to watch the ball drop? Most of my friends did not. I watched the Sydney, Australia fireworks on You Tube and then went to bed. We don’t stay up as late as we did when we were younger. Patterns and habits change as we age. Mostly that’s good…
I’ll bet you’re surprised by that title, huh? It really does mean that you allow yourself whatever treat you enjoy over the Holidays, just not every day for every meal… I have always loved pumpkin pie, but for several years I have been cow dairy free, and more recently, gluten free as well. BUT I…
The first snow of winter is fun for most of us. We dream of making snowmen, skiing, sledding, etc. However, the joys of winter get old fast, the older I get. Flus and colds, dry skin, static flyaway hair, the lack of energy… Many people are already down in the dumps after more than three…
In recent weeks, I’ve written about the best exercises and food for 50+, and today I want to discuss fascia. I have been talking with my students about fascia for the last several years, and specifically, how we can keep it strong and flexible with certain exercises in my Pilates and Yoga classes. What is…
Lately my articles have talked about the exercises that I recommend for people over 50, but what about foods? How much are the foods we eat affecting our aging brain and body? Turns out – a lot! Healthy Fats for Brain and Heart Health. YES, there are healthy fats that we SHOULD be eating!Many of…
Building muscle is one of the most important things that those of us over 50 need to incorporate into our weekly exercise routines. Since muscle loss begins around 30, we’ve already been losing muscle, and we don’t want to become frail. In fact, most of the 50, 60, 70 yr. olds that I know are…
I used to think that isometric exercises were something that you needed machines or straps to do. However, isometric contractions occur when your muscle(s) is held in a static position. Examples of isometric exercises include wall squats, planks, or any position that you can maintain and hold for an extended time. No machine necessary! Since…
50, 60, 70 are so much more than milestone birthdays, yet I’ve heard many women say things like, “I don’t want to be 70! Don’t have a party or make a big deal about my getting old!” My feelings are that, YES, we should be celebrated! Not because we’ve managed to live that long, but…
It’s Labor Day, and fall is in the air! Personally, I feel that we didn’t get much of a summer this year, but some years are like that. Here are a few things about fall that I love: Mosquitoes are gone! Hot cider by the fire! Foliage is fabulous! Pumpkin Pie! (NOT pumpkin everything else!)…
Any exercise that you can do, which combines physical exercise in nature and sunlight, is something we should be thinking about doing during these waning, warm summer days. Studies show that sunlight lowers blood pressure and gives us our daily dose of vitamin D. Walking, hiking, and biking are all excellent exercises that can be done…
Have you had, or are you thinking of getting, cataract surgery? As we age, the lenses in our eyes may become foggy, but thanks to modern medicine, we can have the lens replaced with a new one – Cool! It’s a common surgery done on an outpatient basis. I thought I’d share a few tips,…
This week, let’s talk about human vs machine, specifically, our human interaction with machines to achieve our strength goals. When we’re looking to increase our physical strength, there are gyms that have everything from Pilates Reformers and weight machines, to indoor bikes and treadmills. And there are personal coaches/trainers who are there to teach us…
Happy 4th of July!!!!! Nothing says summer like 4th of July! So, if you are grilling or picnicking tomorrow, or any time this summer, please keep in mind the items that you’ve decided to cross off your list of foods to eat. Last newsletter listed the five worst offenders, and hopefully, you’ve chosen one to…
For those of us over 60, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, are the most dreaded of illnesses. Many of us have seen our parents or other family members waste away from these devastating diseases and we don’t want to go that way! Today is the first of a two-part series on how food can help…
Ahhhhh, the sounds and smells of summer: birds chirping, kids splashing and laughing, grills sizzling and smoking. And all of us relaxing more than we allow ourselves to during the rest of the year. Yay! I think maybe I can finally put my fleece lined jeans away… 😊 I’m hoping to also put away my…
A couple of weeks ago, I found myself having a difficult time hearing what people were saying. I was asking everyone to repeat what they were saying and I found that quite frustrating. Instead of wondering why everyone was mumbling, I began to wonder if I should get my hearing checked! It just so happened…
All the trees are fully covered in pretty leaves now, and my tulips are (at last) blooming! Perhaps this time it’s truly the start of spring weather? Fingers crossed… Today, I’d like to talk a bit about the “age related” muscle loss that we experience during and after menopause. And, more importantly, what we can…
I looked at my calendar to see what special days will be coming up in May and here are a few that I thought we could take a deeper look at today: Red Cross Day is May 8th Mother’s Day is the 9th Mental Health Action Day is the 18th National Holocaust Remembrance Day is…
Ever wonder why the post-menopausal weight gain that settles around your middle is so tough to lose? One could say that weight gain for women over 50 starts a downhill slide that brings many other health issues, like high blood pressure, diabetes, poor posture, and breathing difficulties, which just makes us feel bad about ourselves.…
Spring is coming! Yesterday was the first day of spring on my calendar. It’s hard to imagine that, since the Nor’easter that passed through the other day brought us an additional 33 inches of snow here in Otis… I AM loving the fact that my lovely sunsets are happening a bit later each day. Sunsets…
My niece recently mentioned that she is taking Boron for her Osteopenia and that when she did a bit of research, had discovered that there has been evidence at least since the 1960s of the benefits of Boron for bone health. Of course, this made me curious and I did my own research which is…
Do you know the difference between the facts and fiction regarding chocolate’s effect on the heart, brain, and overall health? Lots of Facebook posts this week have been from happy people buying discounted Valentine’s Day chocolate. Certain holidays have deep associations with chocolate: Valentine’s Day, Easter, Passover, Halloween, to name a few. From white to…
If you’ve ever looked longingly at a dish of chocolate covered strawberries and wished that you could make them – here you go! You’ll need: I pckg of BIG organic strawberries 1 3.17 oz. (or similar size) bar of dark chocolate (85% Green and Black works great for me!) Directions: Place a large plate in…
Self-care is something most people don’t do enough of, but as we get older, it’s even more important. For anyone who has a hard time doing things for (or spending money on) themselves, it’s time to make a change. Learn to take time for yourself and focus on smart self-care with these tips from Gabriel…
Good news for all post-menopausal women who don’t like to exercise for long periods – running, biking, etc. A new study has shown that five minutes of movement every half hour reduces insulin spikes after eating by 60%! That’s quite a big bang for your five minutes! And the people in the study didn’t run…
So many people who have back or neck pain are not getting the help they need. I am writing again about chronic pain and our spines because it’s something we all need to keep in mind. For so long we’ve been thinking that a pain in the neck is caused by something in the neck.…
Only three more days until we start a brand new year! My wish for the new year is that we all have a safe and peace filled 2023. In 2022 I began offering a new training to help post-menopausal women lose weight, get more sleep, and have more energy. As I complete my year-end review,…
Did you know that Arugula is one of the best leafy greens that you can eat for healthy bones? Just one uncooked cup of this peppery little green has 16 mg Calcium and 11 mcg vitamin K. The vitamin K helps your body absorb the calcium in the arugula, for better osteoporosis prevention! In addition,…
Have you seen enough advertisements about discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Me too… My wish is that we could go back to shopping local and forget all this Cyber Monday, Black Friday shopping for items from businesses that we don’t know. Did you know that Black Friday has had a few different meanings…
Next week is Thanksgiving already! The other day, I was thinking about how some of my recipes have changed over the years. I have always loved pumpkin pie, but for several years I have been cow dairy free, and more recently, gluten free as well. I still get to eat my pumpkin pie, and I…
I LOVE pumpkin pie and the holidays are coming, so here’s my recipe – ENJOY! Ingredients: 15 oz can pumpkin puree ¾ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp ground ginger ¼ tsp ground cloves ½ tsp coarse salt ¾ cup sugar 12 oz can of evaporated coconut milk 2 eggs slightly beaten…
I was just reading an article about BMI and why it should no longer be used as an accurate measure of obesity. This article reminded me of one of my friends who was upset a few months ago when her doctor said she was classified as “Obese.” I was looking at her and thought –…
I apologize for not publishing a newsletter in almost four weeks. I don’t like to skip newsletters, but, after two and a half years of following all precautions and taking good care of ourselves, Ned and I got COVID. We attended a wedding that had been postponed a couple of times because of COVID. Ned’s…
Fall begins in two days. Summer went much too fast, but then, it usually does! Fall in the Berkshires is a good time to get out walking or hiking again, though! Do you like to hike in the woods? Just getting outside for a walk can relieve your stress and make you feel more energized.…
For those of us over 60, giving our brain a workout means playing a board game, or doing a puzzle; but what about physical activity? Is aerobic activity more important for keeping our brain healthy than playing games? New research from the University of Iowa’s Brain and Cognition Lab has demonstrated that physical activity helps…
As much as I hate to see this, summer is fleeting, and the season of “pumpkin everything” is approaching! This week we’ll discuss the dangers of processed foods before you start thinking of pumpkin shakes, muffins, and beer… Last week more evidence that highly processed foods harm us. This time the study found that these…
When it comes to tying the knot, Americans are increasingly getting married later in life than previous generations. This is particularly true for senior couples choosing to embark on a fantastic journey together later in life. Whether this is your first time getting married or you’ve been through the experience before, it can be tricky…
It’s not news that women over 50 don’t lose weight by starving ourselves with the latest diet. By this age, we’ve tried them all! Lots of us over the age of 50 have become discouraged when attempting to figure out HOW to get back into shape. There is so much mis-information on social media and…
Retired seniors are often looking for fun activities to fill their days. Your budget doesn’t have to limit your opportunities to enjoy life. Consider these eight tips for retirees looking to enjoy life on a budget, presented to you below by Karen Weeks of Elderwellness.net 1. Make Room for Activities in Your Budget Prioritize the…
Chocolate Black Bean Cupcakes – sounds delicious and IS! Ingredients: One 15 ounce can (or 15 ounces, cooked) unseasoned black beans* OR 1 1/2 cup cooked beans, any color (navy beans, kidney beans, etc) 5 large eggs 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder…
Welcome to July! And, warmer weather! YAY! At Last! No more stressing out about the cold. Maybe I can actually put my fleece lined jeans away this week!? Speaking of stress, Dr. Sarah McKay is a neurobiologist that I follow. She recently made a good point about stress in the body that I’d like to…
Isn’t it funny, how sometimes, we don’t see ourselves clearly – especially when we’re looking at our body? I know this to be true, but I’ve been so busy lately that I guess I have not been paying enough attention to me. Last week when I went for a Physical Therapy evaluation, I got a…
Did you have a nice Memorial Day weekend (those in the US)? Ours was lovely. Nice weather, parades honoring those who gave their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy, and good food. Today, I’d like to talk a bit about muscle loss. Have you heard of sarcopenia? It’s like osteoporosis, only for muscles instead…
I just found out that next Tuesday, May 31st is National Meditation Day! Cool! Let’s Meditate together. I’ll be live on Facebook at 9 am (eastern) for a loving kindness mediation. Join me if you can, here! https://www.facebook.com/WomenOver50Coach And, speaking of meditation, one of the benefits of a regular meditation practice is hanging on to…
Mother’s Day this week! The first few months of this year are certainly flying by. This year on Mother’s Day, would you like to: Have more energy? Sleep better at night and feel rested in the morning? Get rid of those nasty stress hormones causing you to age prematurely? Of course, you would! Well, a…
How are you feeling this week? Are you getting outside and enjoying any nice weather that comes your way? Are you tired of listening to the bad news stories on TV and the internet? Are you anxious about all the businesses that don’t have enough staff to stay open? Want some quick anxiety relief? I…
My soul sings when I garden. I soooooo love seeing all the beautiful flowers blooming, veggies popping up, getting my hands dirty in the soil, smelling the flowers, seeing the worms popping in and out of the ground, and the birds that come to dine on them… All of this brings me such joy! In…
Did you know that more than 600 muscles work together as a team, every day, to keep your body moving and its internal systems functioning? The rhythm of your breathing, pumping the blood through your body, and keeping your organs functioning properly are all the responsibility of your muscles. It’s easy to see, then, how keeping the…
Spring is coming, can you feel it? I’m loving the fact that my lovely sunsets are happening a bit later each day. In a few days here in the Berkshires, daylight savings will begin. And, a week and a half later, Spring will officially arrive on the calendar. Hope. That’s what I feel now. Hope.…
222 is a number that is thought to represent the state of perfect balance. According to Carl Jung, it is the union of masculine and feminine principles, or the meeting place between the conscious and subconscious minds. Today is 2-22-22 – lots of 2’s there! I’m wishing perfect balance for us all today! Boosting brain power is on our…
On Feb 2, we passed the half way point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, yay! That means we are more than halfway through the darkest days of the year and getting closer to more light. Soon, we’ll be saying “see ya” to old man winter! For those who pay attention to Punxsutawney Phi and…
The first snow of winter is usually fun. We dream of making snowmen, skiing, sledding, etc. However, the joys of winter get old fast, the older I get. Flus and colds, dry skin, static flyaway hair, the lack of energy… Many people are already down in the dumps after two years of this epidemic, not…
Happy New Year to you all! This is a time of year when many people make “resolutions,” although that term has gone out of favor in recent years. Goal setting tips, vision boards, etc. abound! Use anything that helps you take the time to look at what you’d MOST like to see and FEEL in…
‘Tis the season for eating tons of treats that don’t show up at any other time of year! We all have a tendency to fall out of the healthy eating habits that we are mindful of during the rest of the year. Bring on the eggnog, holiday cookies by the hundreds, pies, mini cheesecakes, oh,…
This is one of my favorite recipes for a special dinner! Ingredients: 1 lb. scallops 1 tblsp. sesame oil 1 bunch of arugula (we use about 5 oz.) 1 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds salt and pepper to taste Directions: Rub sesame oil lightly on all the scallops, then sear them…
Winter’s first snow arrived last week here in the Berkshires. A pretty white blanket to cover the hard brown ground all around. Remember when we were kids and we’d get so excited for the first snow? I remember putting on our snowsuits and running outside with my brothers to lie down in the snow and…
This week is Thanksgiving in the US, a time for us all to remember the many things that we are grateful for. Here’s my list of the Top Seven Things I Am Grateful For: My kids, they are such a blessing in my life My lovely home on the lake, way out in the boondocks…
Happy November! Thanksgiving is just around the corner! I recently received a question asking what all this information about food and daily exercise has to do with my expertise in ways to end chronic pain. This is a good question! Firstly, food is medicine. The more we all hear that, and understand that, the sooner…
Hello from the winterscape in East Otis! Okay, not really, but, Brrrrrrrr anyway! Did you know that October is Emotional Wellness Month? Who knew there was a whole month dedicated to our emotional health? I’m very happy that there is, though. Many of us still have old programming from childhood that holds us back from…
Hello to fall! Wow, it’s definitely arrived. Trees everywhere are dropping leaves of all colors, making a colorful carpet for walking adventures! Fall has always been a prelude to the Holiday Season for me. Halloween in a couple of weeks, a few weeks after that, Thanksgiving, and then, before we can blink, Christmas! Each year…
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. When we think about suicide, we often associate teenagers with suicide attempts, however, something for us to be aware of are the statistics on senior and elderly suicides. Suicides in older adults is on the rise and this fact has not seen much publicity. Older adults are about 12% of…
Our topic for today is, as James Bond might say, “Pain, chronic Pain!” Chronic pain is no picnic. AND, it causes us to lose our precious grey matter faster than we would otherwise, but what can you do? There are several steps that you can take to reduce chronic pain caused by inflammation. Inflammation is…
This recipe is filled with anti inflammatory foods and tastes delicious! It’s a modified version from Dr. Mark Hyman’s Blood Sugar Solution cookbook. Ingredients: 1/4 sup sesame seeds 8 oz hunk of wild salmon 2 tablespoons sesame oil 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 inch peice of fresh ginger, peeled and grated sea salt and freshly…
Hello! I make this smoothie on days when my schedule does not allow time for breakfast. It fills me up, tastes delicious and is packed with nutrients for my brain and body! 8 oz. unsweetened non dairy milk (I use coconut milk) 1 heaping Tablespoon of Almond butter 1 small avocado or half a large…
Most of you know that I LOVE my garden. I dream of what and how I’ll plant during the winter months. Then I purchase some seeds, and in Spring, I can’t wait to prepare the garden and plant the seeds and plants. Now is the time to harvest the fruits of my labor and I…
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 quarts zucchini/leek puree (recipe at bottom) 3 large cloves garlic, chopped 1 red pepper, chopped (optional) ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional) ¼ tsp Thyme also goes well with this dish (optional) 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed 8 oz sharp Cheddar, grated (or any hard goat cheese that you like. I…
In honor of International Peace Month – Today’s good news story is more new science on Alzheimer’s prevention! That should give us some peace of mind… August has, thus far, not been a month that we can describe using the old term “Dog Days of August.” As I write this, I am wearing my fleece…
How are you all doing today? I have to admit, I’m really, really tired of all this rain. I’m visualizing pushing it out to the west coast to help drown the fires out there… After a year and a half of staying inside due to COVID, it’s difficult to accept this dreary weather. I think…
I hope your summer is going well so far. Have you been enjoying the warm weather? Did you have 4th of July fireworks in your neck of the woods? We alwyas have a big display and I look forward to it each year! Included here is a photo of people with sparklers – remember sparklers?…
Hello fellow women 50+ on the journey to better fitness! Here’s a great breakfast recipe for you – packed with the protein that we need to start our day! Sweet Potato Hash: Ingredients: 3 Tbsp oil (coconut, grape seed or other favorite) 2 lg sweet potatoes chopped into very small pieces 1 lg. onion chopped (I like…
It’s the end of June – how did that happen?! Last week, I had to turn on the heat in my Yoga studio, because I refuse to wear fleece pants and a jacket to teach Pilates and Yoga… Mother Nature is quite a jokester. Later this week we’ll be celebrating the 4th of July here…
This is soooooo easy, yet looks quite festive, tastes delicious and is healthier than many of our old time picnic recipes! Caprese Salad Kabobs! Ingredients: 12 appetizer skewers 24 fresh cherry tomatoes 12 cherry sized mozzarella balls (vegans can use artichoke chunks or plump mushrooms). 1 medium zucchini, cut into chunks Handful of fresh basil…
My soul sings when I garden. I soooooo love seeing all the beautiful flowers blooming, veggies popping up, etc. Getting my hands dirty in the soil, smelling the flowers, seeing the worms popping in and out of the ground, and the birds that come to dine on them… All of this and more bring me…
I was happy to read that June is National Appreciation month. An entire month for us to contemplate all that there is to appreciate in our lives. What’s at the top of YOUR list? There is so much to be grateful for that I feel I could fill an entire notebook! Here’s my gratitude “shout…
Most docs today recommend, organic when possible, grass fed animal protein, etc. It doesn’t have to be expensive if we grow at least some of our own. As I write this, the sun is shining, all my windows are open, tulips have livened the front yard, and the buds have opened on all the trees…
Have you lost the joy in your life? When was the last time you laughed, truly hard? Has the pandemic and resulting quarantines, social distancing, not going out to eat all winter, etc., gotten to you? Well, you’re not alone. It’s been sooooooo long since we’ve been able to do many of the activities that…
Did you know that more than 600 muscles work together as a team, every day, to keep your body moving and its internal systems functioning? The rhythm of your breathing, pumping the blood through your body, and keeping your organs functioning properly are all the responsibility of your muscles. It’s easy to see, then, how keeping the…
This recipe is from the New York Times Cooking Section AND it’s delicious! INGREDIENTS: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest and 2 tablespoons juice 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika 2 garlic cloves, grated Kosher salt and black pepper 1 pound peeled, deveined large shrimp (tails removed) 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick) (Or, I used 2 Tbs butter and…
Have you ever wondered why the latest diets or work out plans just don’t work for you? You are not alone. Lots of us over the age of 50 are discouraged when attempting to figure out HOW to get back into shape. There is so much information about this work out, that work out, Keto…
Has the Covid physical distancing, school and work from home, restaurants doing take-out only, changed your way of thinking about “normal”? Do you have some ideas about a “new normal” for yourself? For sure, 2020 was not a normal year… Let’s set aside a bit of time this week to look closely at how we…
March is Irish American Heritage and National Celery month. Yes, you read that correctly, a month dedicated to celery! Well, it is green, so I guess it fits in with Irish American heritage… It’s also my birthday month and I’m having a Facebook fundraiser for the No Kid Hungry Program. Click this link if you’d…
Can you believe that February is almost over?! How did that happen? I know it’s the shortest month, but still… February is a month of celebrations – Love, Black History, spiritual wellness month, and my current favorite – Spunky Old Broads Month!!! Yes, believe it or not, there is a month dedicated to us “Spunky…
You’ve heard me talk about being the CEO of your own health care for quite a while now, but do you really know what that means? Do you know your own body so well that you can give your doctor the information she needs for a proper diagnosis, or, even figure it out yourself? Here’s…
Kindness is my word for 2021, so, for today’s newsletter, here is a bit of good news to begin your day. I chose this article because January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month, and undergoing cancer treatments is awful and expensive. This article highlights how one person’s act of kindness can make a difference. Last…
Here we are, a week and a half into the new year. It’s been a bit rough so far, hasn’t it? When I sat down to write this, I looked at what’s going on in the world, the holidays this month, etc. It’s always a bit fun, as, sometimes, the holiday of the day is…
In a couple of days, we’ll be entering 2021 – at last. It does seem like this year has lasted longer than 365 days, doesn’t it? We were not used to staying at home, wearing masks, not being able to eat out, etc. It’s been a long, rough year for all. Some of us have…
Today, we are halfway through the last month of 2020. Normally, this is a time of year when I take a few days off, enjoy the holiday lights in town, and do a little last-minute shopping so I can see all the many Santas with little ones on their laps… BUT, 2020 is a different…
OMG – it’s December already! OK, I admit it, I’ve had my outdoor holiday lights up for a few weeks. I LOVE the holidays, and, truthfully, 2020 has not been the best of years. We need some cheering up – right?! Wow, we’ve been distancing for so long I feel like I might break when…
OK, this is a difficult. A scratchy throat is something we’ve all had at some point in our lives. I had one last week, and it’s not easy being grateful for that! I was drinking hot tea while making poached eggs for breakfast. We like to add a bit of wilted spinach to our poached…
At last, it’s election day. If you haven’t voted yet, please do. Change only happens when we all do what we can to make it so. And when the results come in, if you don’t like the results of the election, please go here to read a recent post on how to deal with whatever…
Here is my favorite Chocolate Cake recipe. I bring it to parties all the time and people LOVE it! They don’t have any idea it’s Gluten Free! Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Flour (NOT the one with the xanthum gum already included) 1 tsp Xanthum gum 1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp…
This is a difficult time for all of us. It feels like the hate and violence is escalating, and peace of mind becomes harder to find. I especially feel it right this minute as it has hit here, too close to home. Last week a friend of mine set up a display of large round…
Nutrien packed dinner that can be made ahead and frozen in single serving containers! Turkey Meatball Stew Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion chopped into small bits 6 or 7 large cloves of garlic (We love garlic!) 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (try it, you’ll like it) 4 cups of carrots…
Today’s guest post is from Mary Shannon at seniorsmeet.org Thanks Mary for all these great resources! Staying in touch with seniors can be hard, especially if your older loved ones aren’t very tech-savvy. When you’re considering ways to stay in touch, remember that the seniors in your life might need some help getting set up…
Yes, Change can be difficult. Add social distancing for six months to that formula and what do you get? GRUMPY! I am not as technology friendly as I would like to be. So, when my web site or newsletter site “upgrades,” as they have in the last couple of weeks, and I start my learning…
Good morning, With bad news headlines hitting us constantly these days, I thought I’d share a couple of good news articles with you today, and then open a discussion about how to find joy in difficult times. Butterflies in the UK have been brought back from extinction! Scientists worked for 40 years with butterfly larvae…
Well, we’ve reached the “dog days” of August. And, it’s hot in the Berkshires. I’ve been spending every possible moment outside to take advantage of summer this year. My vegetable garden is doing well, but the flower garden has been taken over by weeds. Every year I find it difficult to keep on top of…
The second line of the old song in this blog post title is “No, not just for some, but for EVERYONE!” It’s relevant right now, don’t you think? Have you been wondering what you can do instead of scrolling down the news on social media, which only makes us anxious? I know I have. I…
How’s your July going? Is the weather cooperating for summer swimming, picnics, gardening, hiking, etc.? Are you growing some of your own veggies, this year, while we’re all practicing physical distancing? Or maybe you’ve joined a CSA and you’re receiving a box of delicious, fresh veggies each week? My garden is growing like gangbusters! We’ve…
Last post we talked about the relationship between chronic pain and our brain health. Today let’s examine some delicious, fresh and in season foods that benefit our brains. Maybe even re-think our summer picnics and go back to planning “old fashioned” picnics. When I was a child, we ate what was in season. I find…
Summer is time for gardens and yard work. I love my gardens, but I know it’s a lot of back breaking work. Many people over 40, that I know, suffer from chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain all summer, from spending long days working in their yards and gardens. That’s not good for our bodies,…
Happy Summer! Let’s get out there and exercise! According to Harvard Health, regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, helps control body weight, and protects against a variety of diseases. Exercise contributes to general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system. It may contribute even more directly to our ability to fight viruses…
In the last couple of weeks, I’ve seen evidence that working from home or binge-watching TV during this COVID-19 epidemic brings up another whole set of health issues. More people with back pain than you can shake a stick at! That’s understandable for a couple of reasons – let me explain: Sitting too much by…
Low-level chronic inflammation, associated with lifestyle, is found in most common diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. By now, we’ve all heard that COVID-19 has a mortality rate that increases with these pre-existing conditions. In those who are most susceptible, the virus creates an acute and severe form of inflammation referred to…
Is “Quarantine 2020” causing you to change your perspective on a few things? Let’s all take this time to look closely at how we were living before COVID-19 and what changed during this epidemic that we might want to keep in our schedules. Are you finding out that home schoolers are well supported, learn better,…
Today is World Health Day – I hope that you are all staying home and staying healthy! This is a stressful time in our lives, for sure. It’s difficult to find a balance between keeping informed and remaining calm. At this point, we all know someone who is immune compromised – either due to asthma,…
Our generation has not faced anything like this Covid-19 epidemic before, so, naturally, we’re a bit scared, worried, or stressed. It’s OK to feel those feelings and acknowledge them. We must make sure that we are taking care of ourselves and our family so that we have the best chance of keeping the virus away.…
What can a Health Coach do for you? One of my most frequently asked questions is, “What, exactly, is a health coach?” When you think about the word coach, you perhaps see Bill Belichick with his headphones, telling Brady what play to use. Or, maybe you think of your high school soccer or baseball coach.…
This stew is so good that I don’t wait until St. Patrick’s Day to serve it, but have it often throughout the winter! Here’s the recipe: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 pound lamb, cut into chunks, bones removed (used for the bone broth) 2 lg. red potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters 4 stalks celery,…
The dictionary says resilience is “the ability to recover from, or adjust easily, to misfortune or change.” How then, can we become resilient during the ongoing political turmoil currently in our country? Knowing that hate mongering and lying will get worse as we get closer to November’s election, how can we remain resilient? Can we…
Ladies – Not only does stress play a large role in causing our skin to age faster, our brain to lose grey matter, and weight gain that we don’t want, but did you know stress causes us to lose our hair as well? Stress can make your hair follicles go into a “resting” phase. When…
Most of us learned back in high school that breathing is something that our body does automatically, without us thinking about it, so, no need to think about it, right? Not exactly… We absolutely need to think about our breath – not all the time, but often during the day. We have become a world…
The other day I was reading an article about all the people who are turning 65 in the next several years and I was delighted with the some of the statistics in the piece! In the past, 65 was heralded as “retirement” age. Recently many “doom and gloom” news stories have been shared all over…
Nature never fails to inspire me. I LOVE being outside, admiring the beauty around me. Fortunately, I live in “Narnia” this time of year and there is sooooo much to love here. Did you know that the electromagnetic field of mother earth matches our human electromagnetic field? And that our constant use of electronics (smart…
Happy New Year’s Eve! Are you celebrating at home or going out tonight? If you go out, drive safely, or UBER! Ned and I are celebrating at home with grilled lobsters, asparagus, and our favorite champagne! Our intention is for 2020 to be the best year ever! We’re planning more travel, more boating, more hiking,…
You might think meditation and back pain an odd combination. Let me explain why it’s not. People with chronic pain of any kind, could be back, hip, knee, shoulder, neck, all have one thing in common, STRESS. Being in pain all the time is stressful. When it’s difficult to stand, or sit, or walk comfortably,…
Hope all who celebrate this holiday had a lovely Thanksgiving, I did! My turkey came out perfectly, shared with my son and his girlfriend; we enjoyed a lovely afternoon. Thankfully, the snow storm held off until after the weekend! I had been sitting in front of the fire, drinking a cup of tea, and deleting…
I am so blessed to have the most incredible students and clients in the world! Thank you all for your love and support! Thanksgiving is the one time of year where we concentrate on being grateful for the many blessings in our lives. Each year, we say that we’ll try to remember gratitude more often…
Do you think that it’s difficult to meditate? Have you tried and been disappointed? Have you been told that there is only one way to meditate? For several years after I did my Yoga teacher training, I had a daily meditation practice and was quite pleased with the results of my meditation. Then, a few…
You know, these online sites that tell us what the observances of the month are have gotten a bit ridiculous. I used to check them each month and there were a handful of meaningful dates and events like Breast Cancer Awareness month listed. Now, you get things like: National Pickled Peppers Month National Pizza Month…
How many years have you spent taking care of everyone else – kids, elderly parents, other family members, the people you serve in your career? Have you forgotten about YOU? Time to take care of yourself. But where do you begin? Many of the women who have attended my weight loss course, recently, have discovered…
Wow! Turn around, and just like that, September is half gone and October is right around the corner. The Holidays will be here before we blink. YIKES! Let’s take some time right now to really take a look at what you’ve accomplished so far in 2019. Have you met the health goals that you set…
Hard to believe, but in a few days, September will be upon us. September is World Alzheimer’s Awareness month. I know it can be an uncomfortable topic, but let’s talk about Alzheimer’s for a moment. Do you know the risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s? Genetics is one – Scientists have found that having the ApoE…
Let’s talk about brain health for a moment. None of us wants to lose our memories to dementia diseases, like Alzheimer’s; BUT what are you personally doing to keep yourself safe from products that can harm your brain and/or other products that are linked to cancer? I know you don’t want that disease either! In…
Ever wonder why it’s so easy to eat healthier in the summer? Perhaps it’s the fresh fruits and vegetables that surround us in summer. I do find that all the veggies and fruits from my favorite farm stand, which I know were picked the morning I bought them, taste better than anything I can buy…
Yay, it’s summertime in the Berkshires! Fresh produce stands are up in all the towns and farmers markets are filling up with lettuces, summer squashes, tomatoes, cukes, and more. I LOVE summer! My own garden is coming along. I’ll have lettuces ready by the end of the week, and we’ve already picked and eaten fresh…
In the US, nothing says summer is here like the 4th of July celebration! Here on the lake, people begin setting off firecrackers two weeks before, and most years, they continue until Labor Day! Not sure why, since we have our own professional display every year. Every year the property owner’s association collects money to…
Summer is here at last! Or, it will be in a few days… Hard to imagine, but last week, some towns near me were preparing for a night of freezing rain – yikes! We didn’t get it, but, c’mon mother nature – that’s not supposed to happen in the middle of June! Anyway – I’m…
What a coincidence. May is National Correct Your Posture Month AND Osteoporosis Awareness month. What’s a body to do? Well, here are a few of my top recommendations for prevention. Exercise is a key ingredient for osteoporosis prevention. BUT, it’s very important to have good posture in your exercise program, so, for me, the first…
This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day in the United States – are you ready? What I have found over the years is that the item that many grown kids think is Mom’s favorite gift, is not really what she’d like to have the most. In spite of what Hallmark tells us, maybe flowers aren’t her…
Happy Earth Day! I know that most headlines on major news networks give a picture that looks pretty grim for the health of our mother earth, so I wanted to give you a few that give us hope instead. Here’s a headline about a group of scientists and engineers who have designed a wall for…
With all the headlines today about the opioid epidemic, and the addictive properties of prescription pain meds, we are all looking for better alternatives. Anyone who has ever suffered from sciatica, or any type of chronic pain, will do just about anything to get rid of that pain. The problem is that most doctors aren’t…
Wonder why neck and shoulder injuries and pain are on the rise? Not a surprise if we take a step back and watch all the people around us sitting in their cars with their head down as they text – hopefully in a parking lot! Or, having to get out of the way of people…
I have seen quite a few over 65’s, lately, who are frustrated with what is happening to their bodies – suddenly, knees and hips don’t always work the way we want them to. Medicare also kicks in, now, and we have to choose a supplemental plan, which, I admit, was quite confusing for me; what…
As a meditation teacher and someone who has studied the science of meditation, I am not surprised by the latest news story of schools replacing detention with meditation! I will say that I am delighted to hear that meditation is finding a way into schools in the US. In cultures where meditation is simply something…
Happy Valentine’s Day, fellow Boomers! The first thing I thought about when Valentine’s Day was coming around again is that after so many years together, it’s difficult to find a gift that is different or “inspired.” So, of course, I did a bit of research and found some cool ideas to share with you today.…
Today, on my way home from a class, I heard a Ted Talk about how engineers are using their skills in medical fields now; as an example, to figure out how a surgeon can re-wire the nerves in someone’s arm that was lost in an accident, so that the prosthetic arm and hand works the…
The holidays of 2018 were a lovely time for reflection, visits from family and friends, and talk of plans for the year ahead. Unfortunately, also for WAY too many treats! But that’s what the holidays mean to my family and the “Holiday Five” (extra pounds) will come off quite easily once I get back into…
Good News! Visualization (mental imagery) is a technique used to help people lose weight – with long term success! Recently, Dr. Linda Solbrig and colleagues, from the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom, conducted a study where they compared a fairly common talking therapy known as Motivational Interviewing (MI) with a novel type of motivational intervention called…
I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving! Mine was excellent! Great food, delightful company, and lots of leftovers. I’m sure you’ve seen those musclebound guys at the gym who do their bicycle crunches so fast, that, by the time you get two done, they’ve done 20. Well, don’t feel the least bit bad about your efforts because that twisting at…
Take a minute to think about how much time you spend worrying. It’s important. Are you stressed out and worried all the time? Most of the time? Some of the time? Rarely? Chronic worry can paralyze us and bring on anxiety disorders. New studies have shown that “Chronic stress is associated with impaired functioning of…
Recently, one of my students was having some shoulder and arm pain, and her primary care physician was not able to help her. She asked if I had any ideas. Well, since I also knew that she’d been having some trouble with swollen feet and ankles recently, (which her doc told her was due to…
Almost everyone deals with back pain at some time during their life, and sometimes, when the reason is not obvious, we can be made to feel like we are imagining it. BUT, usually, we are not. Certainly, there are times when physiological pain can be exacerbated by a stressful situation, but in this day and…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Let’s talk about breast cancer. It’s the most common cancer affecting women in the US, which means it’s time to think more about prevention. Environmental toxins, stress, and the food we eat can increase our risks for all cancers. Why not do anything and everything possible to keep ourselves…
Today, I am excited to announce the re-release of my multimedia course, “Top 7 Exercises To Prevent Low Back Pain.” I have helped thousands of people get rid of their back pain. Here’s what Stephen has to say about my program: “I was in such pain when I contacted Kathi that I wasn’t sure…
The feedback I have been getting from you all lately has been quite gratifying! Each month, I write two posts, with information that I have thoroughly researched and I know it will help you lead healthier lives. Much of what I share has to do with living without pain because I believe that no one…
I often get asked about fat free diets and what is a good vs. bad fat. Also, people don’t seem to know what a serving truly is. So, I have put together some info for you today that is short and sweet and easy to remember. You can even print this and keep it in…
This summer has definitely been one of changing weather patterns for us, here in the Berkshires. Many more of those dreaded “dog days of summer!” And not as much yield from my garden as I would have liked, nor even as much as I had last year. In addition, I have had lots of people asking…
Thank you for sharing your lovely sunset photos! Wasn’t that fun? It was difficult to choose, but, the winning photo is below – Congratulations Johanna Dube! I’ll get an autographed copy of “STOP Back Pain!” out to you right away. Lately, lots of people are asking about brain health, and foods that might be helpful.…
You probably didn’t know that next week is National Capture the Sunset Week. Personally, I don’t believe anyone could actually capture something as beautiful as the sunset. Here in Otis, we have gorgeous sunsets every night all year long. I have attempted many times to photograph this natural beauty, but my pictures do not do…
Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago, now that’s staying power! On December 11, 2014, The United Nations declared June 21, to be International Yoga Day. This date was selected because it is the longest day of the year and holds special significance in many cultures. Cool! It’s also pretty easy to celebrate both the…
My Aunt Millie could balance an egg on its end on the summer Solstice. She insisted that everyone could do it, but only on that day. As kids, we could never manage it at all. As an adult, I looked it up, and sure enough, you should be able to do this; BUT on any…
Grilling Season is upon us! Looking for a healthy grilled hamburger? Here’s one of my favorite recipes (I use ground turkey) from Mark Hyman’s cookbook. He calls this one a “Blue Cheese Cowboy Burger.” Enjoy! Ingredients: 1 lb. lean ground beef (or turkey) 1 Tblspoon unsalted butter 1 Tblspoon grapeseed oil 1 small Vidalia onion…
Yesterday was Memorial Day in the US. Thoughts and prayers for all the families whose sons, daughters, brothers, or fathers, etc., never came home from a war. My prayers are that peace will happen in our lifetime and this loss of life will stop. Current tensions in world politics are not the only reason that…
Whether we like it or not, the times they are definitely changing! In fact, sometimes it feels as though changes are happening so fast that it’s impossible to keep up. Some changes are long overdue though, and here’s an example. I am rarely ever sick. Not sure when the last time I had an occasion…
This year scientist are predicting we’ll be inundated with insects – oh, joy! I was out doing some gardening this past weekend, and the mayflies were abundant! They don’t bite, but are quite annoying as they fly into your nose, ears, eyes, mouth – YUK! I didn’t see any mosquitoes yet, but they are never…
Did you say that as a kid? I know, I’m dating myself here, but I remember it being said to me in the schoolyard when I was a bit younger – most likely by my little brother! 😊 Well, as adults, we can make like a tree while gaining HUGE benefits for our brain and body. Like…
Remember when we were kids and were taught how to “stand up straight”? It was a raising of the shoulders, pushing them back and down, then sucking in the gut… Well, thanks to technology, we know a lot more about the body now, and this is not the way to treat our bodies! Today’s video…
Today is the first day of Spring – are you ready? I certainly hope Mother Nature is ready for Spring; we’ve had enough of this white stuff in the last couple of weeks to last well into next winter! Speaking of snow shoveling, quite a few people have come in with back issues in the…
It’s funny how sayings take on different meanings as we age, isn’t it? Several years ago, when someone would tell me “Don’t get old,” I’d laugh and say that the alternative isn’t too good. Recently, I’ve been thinking about that phrase and realized that I pretty much cringe when people say this. So, why has…
Today I have a guest post from my friend and colleague Dr. Mark Hyman: Food can energize, heal, repair, and uplift us. Every bite you take creates a powerful opportunity to create health or promote disease. Unfortunately, most of us find nutrition confusing. While many things play into that confusion, misinformation, poor reporting, and personal…
What Can You Do In Your Office Chair? Plenty! In today’s video I demonstrate an exercise that stretches all those muscles around your hip. In fact, they’re same ones we stretched a few weeks ago in the video that talked about the piriformis. The best thing about today’s exercise is that you don’t even have…
Today, I’d like to get back to my series of videos on how unevenness in our pelvic area can cause some pretty nasty back pain, and what you can do about it. Our previous discussions revolved around having one hip higher than the other and a simple exercise that you can do to remedy that;…
This past weekend, I tried out my new snowshoes. Saturday was a glorious day in the Berkshires – I didn’t even need my big arctic coat! It didn’t take long before my heart was pumping right along with my arms, and it was fun to breathe in air that didn’t freeze my lungs on its…
Did you know that scientists predict that the number of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s will triple in the next few decades? The most important NEW information is that this is not a disease of age, or something that everyone just gets In fact, memory loss is not a “normal” part of aging at all.…
Is there such a thing as a “too tight butt”? I couldn’t resist asking that one, but the answer is, YES; especially when one cheek is tighter than the other. Perhaps you have a diagnosis of Piriformis Syndrome? Well, that’s what this diagnosis means. Your piriformis muscle on one side is tighter than on the…
Is your doctor still handing out pain meds like they’re the only solution that works for back pain? Well, I’m here to tell you that you have other options that are safer! Today, I’ll be starting a conversation about how your hip/pelvic area becomes uneven, and what you can do about it. Over the next…
Chronic Pain shrinks the grey matter in your brain. Studies have shown this, but those who are in pain didn’t need science to prove it – you know it! It’s difficult to smile or laugh when you’re in pain, and as time goes on you can’t even think clearly. Today, I’ll talk about two things…
Recently, a reader remarked that much of what I discuss and share in these posts is very serious. Although I attempt to bring a bit of humor into my writing, it’s true that relieving back pain or preventing dementia is something that I take very seriously, and I share anything I learn which can help…
Wow, today is 10-17-17. That seems crazy to write. How did it get to be 2017? Where have I been since singing along with Jimmy Buffet “where the party will be on Jan 1, 2001”? The years have flown by and now I’m 65. (Paul McCartney reached this age long before I did, and he…
Life is always surprising. Sometimes in a good way, other times, not… This past week, the surprise I received was very exciting! I got a note from my friend and colleague, Dr. Mark Hyman, about a new telesummit he’s going to offer in January called “Broken Brain”. At first, I giggled, and then I sent…
I’m not sure what Mother Nature is attempting to tell us with all these recent events, but… In light of these natural disasters occurring all over the globe right now, I have decided to push back what I had planned for today and simply talk about where and how we can all be of help…
Did you know that recent medical studies have shown that our brains begin showing signs of dementia related diseases up to 30 years before we actually can’t remember what our car keys are used for!? It’s true. We begin losing grey matter and growing amyloid plaques in our 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. That’s the bad…
I’ll bet that’s a surprise, huh? I admit, when I first saw those headlines, I was skeptical. Even though I see firsthand every day how much Yoga helps our physical health, I didn’t understand the “why.” Now that it makes so much sense, I wonder why someone hadn’t discovered this information long ago. For years…
I’ll bet you guessed wrong. So many people are passing around info on Facebook, and other social media, advising us to eat more turmeric; sprinkle it on salads, add to soups, even put it in your oatmeal to reduce inflammation, etc. Not exactly… Here’s the real truth. No one really knows how much of the…
Well, how about that! Western science has shown that Yoga helps reduce back pain better than medication! In fact, the new guidelines from the American College of Physicians, states that people with back pain should avoid pain medicines if possible, and instead opt for alternatives such as tai chi, yoga and massage. Halleluiah! Now, if…
Fewer Teens Smoking and New Cancer Research! I check the health news each week and I have to say that sometimes it’s quite depressing. More young people dying from opioid overdoses, another mosquito borne illness detected, cancer spreading and spreading… BUT, this week, there were two good news stories that I want to share with…
Have you been diagnosed with Piriformis Syndrome? Do you have Sciatica and are not sure of the cause? Let me tell you a story about a really thick muscle that can cause a lot of misery if you don’t take good care of it. The Piriformis stretches from the bottom of your hip, across the…
Scientists are predicting we’ll be inundated with insects this year – oh joy! I found a tick on me last weekend; can I tell you how much I HATE ticks?! It was not a deer tick, just a brown dog tick, but creepy nonetheless. Another one was on the dog when she came in from…
Let’s spend a few minutes looking for Dory on the bottom of the sea! Yes, you heard that right. This exercise is called “Sea Weed Legs” and it’s a fun way to remove the tension in your lower back. You can even do it with the grandkids for a fun activity to share; they’ll love…
One of the most interesting bits of information that I have come across when researching for my program on Neuroplasticity is the finding that the combination of aerobic exercise (not Yoga, Tai Chi, or even strength training) and a strong social network gives us a MUCH better chance of retaining good health AND keeping dementia…
Is Being “Pain Free” Really Possible? That depends on what those words mean to you. Do I wake up with aches and a bit stiff sometimes? You betcha! I didn’t get to be an adventurous 65 year old without sprains and breaks at some point. BUT, am I pain free? YES! Because I know exactly…
Have you thought about going gluten free? Have you wondered what all the buzz is about? Well, I have just reached my one year anniversary of being gluten free. I originally went gluten free to see if it would help my psoriasis. Sadly, it has not. There have been other benefits that I hadn’t counted…
So many people with back and or neck pain, and so many options for relief that they have not been told about… It’s frustrating when you go your doctor, get an examination and a referral to a specialist, then go through more test and exams with that doc – sometimes after waiting months for your…
A while back I wrote about a remedy I’d found which science showed dated back to Hippocrates. It was Black Elderberry Extract and he used it for upper respiratory issues, ear infections, etc. I passed the recipe around at that time and I tried it myself a few times. While it most certainly tasted like…
The progress that medical science has made in recent years is truly amazing to me. From using 3D medical technology to replace lost limbs and heart valves, to the deeper understanding of brain plasticity (neuroplasticity) and how we can repair brain damage that was previously thought permanent… This is definitely the stuff that sci-fi movies…
I’m sure you’ve heard things said before like, “mind over body” or, “your mind can heal anything,” but do you ever think to yourself, “that’s easier said than done!” After all, if you’re like most people, you don’t have time to sit around like a Buddist Monk, meditating for hours a day, focusing on healing your…
With the start of each new year, many of us take an inventory of what we’ve accomplished in the past year, contemplate where we’d like to go this year, and then set some goals for ourselves. It’s a tradition that has been around for at least as long as I’ve been alive… The problem is…
I’ve been chatting with people and asking questions during the last few weeks about how one views the end of the year. I found that the majority of people look at December as a month of parties, shopping, children’s holiday programs, and in the north, snow and cold. Most people I spoke with were not…
The holidays are here! Are you ready for Italian cookies, fruit cake, egg nog, latkes, candied yams, or one of my favorite holiday traditions, my sister’s, pecan tassies? Wow, that’s a whole lot of extra calories! I don’t deny myself, and it’s not necessary for you to, either; just use a bit of restraint. Instead…
My friend Dianna Mullane and I are excited to tell you about our enchanting, stress relieving, adult coloring book, “A Coloring Book For Women – 30 Divine Designs.” Dianna and I have just completed this project of love and we’re so excited to share it with you today! “A Coloring Book For Women – 30…
Dr. Mark Hyman’s Fat Summit 2 begins on November 7th, and tens of thousands will listen to experts as they dispelled the biggest MYTHS about eating fat, and revealed the latest research about how to eat, move and supplement your diet for improved health (and to possibly prevent/reverse chronic diseases!). Will you be there? Dr.…
A topic that seems to surface almost constantly on social media, at the water cooler, family parties, or anywhere that people gather, is sleep. Many people feel that they don’t get enough sleep, but find it hard to get to sleep at night, or they wake up during the night and can’t get back to…
Ever been in a place where all of life’s standard issue strain has literally hit the fan and you sink into a place of believing that Oprah, Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, your Yoga or meditation teacher, and countless others are so much more qualified, prepared, capable of getting through this life smoothly, and you wish…
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What do you think of when someone mentions the FDA? Do you believe that they are a watchdog agency that truly looks after our best interests? Or do you, like me, think the FDA has been laying down on the job for the last few decades? Here’s some interesting news that you may have…
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Today’s post may be considered controversial, but I feel the need to talk about wine. Specifically, all the women who are being lead to believe by the wine industry that they deserve “Mommie’s little helper,” after a long day taking care of children, home, work, etc. Every day there are memes that show up on…
After menopause some symptoms hang on or come back to visit. I’ve recently received some questions about why this happens and what can be done to alleviate these symptoms. Here are some useful practices that can bring balance back to your life. Extra adipose (fat) tissue can act as an endocrine organ, producing more estrogen…
Another Article, this week, about knee injuries in Baby Boomers, and how exercise can help many of us avoid surgery. I won’t go on a rant about how Western medicine is all about the money generated for big pharma and unnecessary surgeries. Instead, I will tell you about a knee strengthening exercise that I have…
Hope all US residents had a fabulous 4th of July celebration! Did you include some healthy recipes from my previous posts? Grilled Peaches is always a good one for summer holidays. Today I am sharing a short video of the best way to get up (and down) from the floor. So many people in my…
Nothing beats a 4th of July grill fest! Someone always brings a pie or cake decorated as a flag… BUT, my favorite is grilled peaches. So sweet, juicy and delicious! Try them and you’ll be hooked too! Grilled Peaches – Yummmmmmm! Ingredients: 4 ripe peaches, cut in half with the pit removed 2 TBSP Butter…
Well, it’s mid June – that means 2016 is more than half over. How are you doing on your goals for this year? Have you completed some of them? What I have noticed lately is that it’s just about impossible to meet new goals when life is buzzing along with more responsibilities than one can…
It’s been a while since I wrote Beautiful Sexy Skin For Women Over 40, and since then I’ve found another natural product that I really love, which I’d like to share with you today. A couple of months ago I began to use BADGER Damascus Rose Face Oil, and I fell in LOVE right away,…
I am excited to say that I have planted my garden this year BEFORE Memorial Day! Can’t remember ever doing that before; hope that means an early and fruitful harvest… May is the month for gardening in the Berkshires. And, once again this year, most of my friends and neighbors are walking around with stiff…
A while back I wrote about a study that showed aerobic exercise increased the brain’s hippocampal volume in older women, which increased memory performance. Now, another study has confirmed that meditation is good for your brain. This Harvard study used MRI scans to document, for the very first time in medical history, how meditation…
Yayayyyyyyyy! Sunshine and blue skies! Just went for a walk between my classes and I am soooooo enjoying this sunshine. Summer will be here in the blink of an eye (I hope). Are you ready for shorts and tanks season? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 36 percent of…
Here’s a delicious recipe that includes Rosemary from Dr. Mark Hyman’s book, “The Blood Sugar Solution.” Lemon Rosemary Chicken with Swiss Chard and Baked Delicata Squash Ingredients: 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 Delicata squash halved and seeded (I used Acorn squash) 1 Lg head of Swiss Chard roughly chopped 2 (6…
You have most likely seen the info passing around on Facebook that sniffing Rosemary is good for your memory. Did you think it was baloney? I wondered too. So, of course, I did some research, and here’s what I found. Rosemary has been known as the “herb of remembrance” for centuries! That’s pretty…
This week is St. Patrick’s Day, and being the good Irish girl that I am, I will be joining my son for his favorite Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner. It’s the one time all year that I eat corned beef, and only a mouthful at that. This is a cured meat, so very high in…
With all the excitement this month of Irish festivities, preparing for Easter and spring hiking/biking starting earlier this year, please remember to take care of you. The more I teach, and the more clients I see, the more important I realize self-care is. So many people – especially women, forget how important their own health…
I am happy to announce my friend and colleague Dr. Mark Hyman’s new book, Eat Fat to Get Thin. Yes, you heard that right. Mark is talking about the “good fat,” however, not twinkies and triple layer chocolate cake! In addition to rising rates of obesity, cancer, and diabetes, millions of Americans are suffering from what…
Wild Salmon with Rosemary, Sweet Potatoes & Lemon Asparagus (from Dr. Mark Hyman’s Blood Sugar Solution) Ingredients: 1 sweet potato, peeled and sliced 1 yellow onion, sliced 2 Tblsp extra virgin olive oil Sea salt 1 garlic clove (I love garlic and use 3!) 2 tsp dry mustard Juice and zest…
It’s always fun at the beginning of a new year to look back on achievements from the previous year. Not just personally, but also in the world at large. So today, I’m sharing one that I am proud of, as well as looking at health and wellness milestones in general for 2015. I am grateful…
During one of my presentations on nutrition, recently, I was asked about the concern of high levels of arsenic in rice. Since this was not a topic I was familiar with, I promised to do some research and write about this topic in a future post. The results are included here for your information. Please…
This is the time of year when we look at our goals from last year, see how we did, make new ones for the new year, and then formulate a plan for making it all happen. I’m very glad to have this process, especially this year. Last week I thought I hadn’t done very well on…
Chaga Tea tastes a bit like coffee. In fact, when I add a little almond milk, it tastes just like the hazelnut coffee that I used to drink years ago. If you want to read about the benefits of Chaga, check this recent post. This post also has a short video of our gathering expedition…
Have you ever heard of Chaga? Neither had I until a friend mentioned it and now I can’t get enough! Chaga is a beneficial fungus that grows on yellow birch (and a few white) trees in northern climates. The more research I did on Chaga, the more we wanted to try some. My neighbor mentioned that she had…
Thanksgiving is a November holiday that we know well, but are you aware that World Peace Day is the 17th? I know we don’t get that day off, but let’s take a moment now to contemplate the idea of peace. What does world peace look like to you? Do you feel you can make a difference…
Now that Halloween is over, the rest of the holidays will come sliding in at a speed to rival a tornado in the midwest. Hold on to your hats! When people ask me if I am ready for the holidays, I cringe; I’ve never met anyone who is ready. We cannot be “prepared for” the…
Today I have included another recipe – this time for a healthy dessert. Now you’ll be prepared for National Chocolate day… This Chocolate Mousse is delicious! I made it just last week for a gathering of friends and there was none left; we ate every bit of it! This tasty treat, along with another, will…
The other day on my journey to teach Gentle Therapeutic Yoga, I was visited by a flock of turkeys – well actually, a family of them. I saw mom, dad, and several younger ones. Dad was attempting to cross the road and was nearly hit by the car in front of me. He stayed on…
The Autumn Equinox has come and gone, the leaves on the trees are doing their brilliant redesign, and colder weather has arrived in the Berkshires. I have already started wearing my fleece lined jeans. While I do love the colors and the brisk air in the fall, I do not like the idea of heading…
September is National Honey month. Interesting – I wonder if that means my honey, Ned, or the honey I put in my tea? Did you know that honey can help you beat seasonal allergies? Yes, indeed. I have tested it out with many clients, family, and friends, and it works every time! One tablespoon of…
I plan to keep this body that I have been blessed with in good shape, and in keeping with that thought, I’ll be moving into my fall eating pattern soon. Yogic traditions recommend eating seasonally, as that aligns our body with nature, and is the way to better health. I am one of those who…
Energy Healing is on the rise – partly due to people wanting a non- invasive, non-addictive, non-chemical solution for their aches and pains, but also because so many people see results. The ancient methods, treatments, and traditional herbal medicines that have been in use for thousands of years work very well when combined with our…
Well, technology is wonderful, when it works, but when it doesn’t, it can be frustrating – IF You Let It Get To You! Tech glitches prevented me from publishing last week’s newsletter. I didn’t let it get to me, but I have to say that I have only recently mastered that skill. Even now, sometimes…
Is it just me or are meetings getting longer and longer?! Or, maybe it’s just that I am so used to moving all day that I find it difficult to sit for long periods. Well, whatever the reason you may be having pain when sitting for long periods, here’s a simple tip that will help…
My daughter was home over the weekend. We had such a great time. I love when she is around! When she arrived, she emptied out a bag with some items she had purchased for the weekend that include one of the most highly poisonous sunscreens on the market! I couldn’t believe it! How do these…
Countless people have come in to see me with shoulder problems lately. Some have injured themselves doing push ups or plank, so let’s look at the correct way to do those, as well as some exercises that can improve range of motion, strengthen shoulders, and release the tension that often causes those muscles to tighten…
Can that be true? I did some research and what I found was a surprise to me and will most likely be to you as well. Have a seat, because there is no simple answer here and I will do my best to inform you of my findings. First, organic means that farmers cannot…
I’m still outside working in my garden, planting more this week! Believe it or not, we had a frost last week here in good ol’ New England! We hope Mother Nature is done with that now (fingers crossed…). One thing I notice about gardening is that no matter how much I love it, the older…
Bicycles Battling Cancer is an all day fundraising event in Massachusetts that’s coming up on June 7th. If you like to ride, there are several options – you don’t need to do the 100 miles that my friend Ned does. If you can add a donation, we appreciate your help. We all have lost relatives…
It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who’s been waiting for this sunshine and warmth! All living things need the sun to survive, and most humans also need sunshine to simply feel good. On a sunny day, we are much more likely to get outside in nature and enjoy all that Mother Nature…
None of us get enough fiber in our diets these days. Here’s a delicious recipe to remedy that! Easy Bean Salad Ingredients: 1 ½ cups cooked or canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 ½ cups cooked or canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained 1 ½ cups cooked or canned black eyed peas, rinsed and…
So many people are talking about the lack of good sleep that seems to go hand in hand with getting older. There are some nights I can’t seem to fall asleep even though I know I’m exhausted, so I know how frustrating that can be. First, I want to tell you that there are LOTS…
How is your short term memory these days? Long term memories, like movies and songs from our childhood, seem to stay with us. But how often during the week do you walk into a room to get something and forget exactly what it was that you went in there for? I find myself doing that…
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, which is coming up, I’m posting a healthy alternative to traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage. And with a name like Kathleen Casey, you can imagine that I’ve eaten my share of corned beef and cabbage over the years! A serving of traditional corned beef and cabbage, however, contains about 772…
Another big storm hit the Berkshires this week! And school closings are driving parents crazy. I don’t know about you, but I don’t remember so many snow days from my childhood. Either school officials call off school more quickly these days or my memories of snow days have gotten mixed up with other childhood memories…
Holy Veggies Batman! I just read in my copy of the Physician Committee News that 75% of restaurants at the nation’s busiest airports are offering at least one cholesterol-free, plant-based, fiber-packed meal, according to a new report from registered dietitians at the nonprofit Physicians Committee. Cool! Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport ties with Newark Liberty…
We all know that life doesn’t always go the way we intend. In fact, little and big surprises seem to be always popping up, but when we learn to deal with them in a calm way, the road is less bumpy. Here are a couple of simple tools for relieving anxiety that take very little…
Have you done a 30 Day Challenge yet? They’re quite popular, and fun! They’re also a great way to start a new workout plan because when you complete anything for 30 days, you have a much better chance of making it a permanent new habit; so let’s get started! Here’s my recommendation for those of…
I know how difficult it is to keep the weight off this time of year, so here are a few simple tips for keeping the weight down at this time of year when Christmas cookies, pies, and holiday parties make it so difficult to maintain your self control! Eat an apple half an…
Freezing Rain, Snow, Sleet, Wind – Winter has arrived… Seems a bit early this year, but perhaps it’s just that I’m not looking forward to several more months of this. 🙁 While we don’t actually hibernate like bears, there are some things we can do to prepare ourselves for the long winter months. Here are…
Speaking of over-doing, the holiday season is a time when many of us overbook ourselves and become pretty stressed out. I have one word for you: no. Learn how to say “no.” It’s difficult at first, but after a while you’ll feel a lot happier for not overbooking, overcooking, overworking, etc., and then it becomes…
Drink ginger tea during these weeks of, uhh, overindulgence. As we head into the holidays. If you are eating, more than usual, when you wake up in the morning feeling like that overstuffed chair in grandma’s living room, don’t follow it up with French toast for breakfast; try sipping ginger tea until your stomach feels…
Last week’s news release of a study that proved diets don’t work made headlines, but in my opinion, should not have. Anyone that’s been on one knows that once you stop, you gain the weight back. Who needed a scientific study to tell us this!? All four of the top diet programs, Atkins, Weight Watchers,…
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, let’s talk food for better health! Most people know that berries are high in antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage; and that foods like nuts and cold water fish are high in Omega 3’s, which help prevent inflammation, in turn, keeping our brains and hearts healthy. But are you familiar with phytonutrients? Phytonutrients…
Remember that the best way to keep skin and hair healthy is through your diet. As they say – we are what we eat! If you want luxurious hair, choose foods rich in vitamin A. This important vitamin promotes the production of sebum, an oily substance secreted by hair follicles which protects them from drying…
One of my favorite fall foods is Polenta. Polenta is made from dried corn kernels that have been ground up. It is cooked until thick and served hot, or cold. Roasted red peppers have a sweet, smoky flavor which is perfect for combining with the mild-tasting Polenta. Red peppers are rich sources of lycopene, a…
How many of you are participating in the current Gratitude Challenge making its viral debut through Facebook? If you are, I’m sure you are noticing a difference in your mental clarity and overall sense of wellbeing. That’s because when we take a few minutes each day to allow ourselves to feel grateful for the many…
Kids are back to school and the sniffling, sneezing and coughing has begun already! Take heart, help is on the way! There are a few easy things you can do to quickly beef up your immunity and lose that spring cold. Firstly, take some extra vitamin C. Then eat foods with lots of vitamin C.…
I have tried this tea and it’s delicious! Peel an organic tangerine taking care to retain the white pith. Let the peel dry naturally, over night. Insecticide sprays are widely applied over citrus crops, so organic fruits are best. In fact, anytime you need the peel or zest of a citrus fruit, it’s a good idea…
We have been hearing for years that diet soda is bad for us, yet I know several people who still drink several cans daily. YIKES! I’m hoping this blog post will help them make the switch away from soda today. According to a study that was published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, daily…
This recipe is from my friend Dr. Mark Hyman’s bestselling cookbook “The Blood Sugar Solution Cookbook.” The fat from coconut is very healthy and carries the flavors and aroma of the curry. I love cooking with coconut oil and this is one of my favorite recipes from Mark’s cookbook. Ingredients: 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil…
Did you ever have one of those days when you want to do so much, but can’t figure out how to fit it all in, and end up just feeling discombobulated?! Well, today was one of those days for me. I wanted to get some outdoor exercise, but I also wanted to walk down to…
Exciting research out of Japan is good news for all of us Baby Boomers! The chief physician at Kariya Toyota General Hospital in Kariya City and his colleagues evaluated three separate case studies involving one of my favorite spices, turmeric and found this herb to have fabulous therapeutic value. In each case, turmeric was shown…
Much has been written about grilling your meat, chicken, etc. on high heat, however, that’s the way to get those lovely grill marks and that delicious charcoal taste, right? Well, the problem is that the high temperatures convert proteins in red meat, pork, poultry, and fish into heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs are chemicals that have…
When Mother Nature pours on the heat, there’s nothing I like better than a cool, refreshing smoothie! I know some of you would rather have an ice cream cone, but give this smoothie a try before you give up on them completely and run out to the “Ding Dong cart.” This smoothie uses frozen banana…
I have been putting coconut milk in several recipes lately, enjoying coconut milk ice cream, and using coconut oil for cooking, but I would never have thought of adding coconut milk to hamburgers! Dr. Carolyn Dean did though, and her recipe is here. Dr. Dean is a medical doctor, naturopath, herbalist, acupuncturist, nutritionist, lecturer, consultant,…
Today, I have the great pleasure of being the host on DAY 12 of the Virtual Blog Tour for Melonie Dodaro, author of the brand new book, The LinkedIn Code: Unlock the Largest Online Business Social Network to Get Leads, Prospects & Clients for B2B, Professional Services and Sales & Marketing Pros. That book will…
So, you know that I’m a firm believer in the use of accountability partners and today was another good example, in my own life, of why they are such a vital tool for meeting your goals. In this morning’s call with my accountability partner I asked her to hold me accountable for getting some outdoor…
This is another guest post by my friend Carolyn Dean MD ND The Huffington Post is an online site that attracts millions of viewers. But nobody took much interest in an article titled “PCSK9 Inhibitors: New Class Of Cholesterol Drugs Shows Promise In Trials.” Since only 9 people shared it on Facebook. I think this…
2 pound unsalted butter Use a medium size, heavy bottom sauce pan. Cook the butter on medium heat, uncovered, until the butter melts. Continue cooking the butter, stirring occasionally, until it boils. The butter will foam and sputter. Reduce to low heat and continue to simmer until the butter is clarified, about 20 minutes. More…
One of the things I recommend in my coaching programs is having an accountability partner. So far, no one I have mentioned this to has any idea what this is, but everyone who has tried this system, loves it! An accountability partner is a friend, coworker, or relative (not a spouse) who also wants to…
It’s the first week of April! Here’s a workout I put together for myself to get my abs, arms, legs, and upper body in shape for shorts and tanks season. Please join me; we can keep each other accountable! Let me know if you have questions about any of the exercises. I have photos, descriptions,…
Have you ever had one of those days where you got off to a really bad start? Perhaps your alarm didn’t go off or you didn’t hear it, then you proceeded to spill coffee on your new shirt, and then you got stuck behind a school bus… Your bad day picked up momentum as it continued and…
I took an old Rice Pilaf recipe and made it with couscous instead – delish! 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 large head of finely chopped cauliflower 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup home-made or reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest 1/4 cup orange juice 1/4 cup currants 2/3 cup whole-wheat couscous 1/2…
The weather in New England has been sooooooo cold this year. Winter is not my favorite season to begin with – and this one has been a monster! We all know that winter heat can dry our skin and hair, so here’s a list of hydrating foods for your winter table. Cantaloupe Honeydew melons grapes cucumbers…
Today, I have the great pleasure of interviewing Dr. Clifton Meador about his newest book Fascinomas. A “fascinoma,” as Dr. Meador defines it, is medical slang for an unusually interesting medical case. And Clifton K. Meador, MD has a gift for filtering through these cases and coming up with succinct but extremely entertaining stories. He…
Here’s a walking meditation that was a favorite of mine during my Yoga training at Yogaville. The ashram is on top of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with an amazing view from just about anywhere on the site. When we meditated outdoors it was as if we could reach up and touch God. You’ll need a grassy…
Do you believe you have the ability to improve your life?Do you actually think things can be better for you, or are you just hoping they will be? Does your wellness toolbox include EFT? Would you like it to? I have talked about EFT (tapping) before, especially about how it is helping thousands of returning…
What does the phrase “Emotional Freedom” mean to you? Have you ever thought about it? Just for a moment, close your eyes and see yesterday’s routine. See yourself waking in the morning, brushing your teeth, eating breakfast, dressing, going off to work, etc. As you walk through your day, notice when your emotions took control of…
Today I want to share a yummy recipe for all of those who are taking me up on my 30 day fitness challenge. We’ll be ready for bathing suit season without compromising on taste! Quinoa “Chowder” with Spinach, Feta and Scallions Ingredients 3/4 cup quinoa (any color) 8 cups water 2 Tbsp…
Here are a few more steps that you can take to start 2014 off on the right foot and keep it going! 1. Brushing your teeth can be a fabulous time to plan a little aerobic exercise. You brush at least twice a day, and most of us also floss, so there’s 3-4 minutes where…
Michelle Obama turns 50 today! Click HERE to see the Time article on how she stays so fit – I love that she continues to jump rope both on her own, with her children, and with kids in schools through her Let’s Move programs. She is definitely a great example for us Boomers!
A very sad report was published the New England Journal of Medicine in 2013. It seems that in 2010 (the year that was studied) doctors prescribed antibiotic drugs for approx 1 in every 4 Americans. Good grief! The survey showed that the most frequently prescribed antibiotic was azithromycin, often used to treat bronchitis. The problem is that…
This is one of my favorite recipes for Brunch on New Years Day! 4 Large eggs 1 cup crumbled Feta cheese 1 lb Ricotta cheese (I use sheep’s Ricotta) 1 large red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup of shitake mushrooms 1 red pepper 1 cup shredded zucchini 1 lg. bunch of fresh spinach 3…
This time of year so often seems to fly by for most of us, but perhaps not so fast for Baby Boomers who find themselves alone – perhaps for the first time in many years. The office and neighborhood parties, family visits, shopping, and tree lighting ceremonies can be difficult for someone who is without…
In keeping with a holiday theme, here’s a fabulous recipe for your holiday table! A large squash stuffed with rice, cranberries, apples, nuts and other festive spices that you would add to whatever you are roasting this week is not only satisfying, but provides a festive look to your table and makes your whole kitchen…
The holiday season is all about peace, love, and joy, yet, it’s often filled with just the opposite. Travel, parties, shopping, and entertaining are piled on top of our already jam-packed schedules, and we are often left exhausted, irritable, and about as peaceful as a tornado! This year, I am attempting to explore alternatives to…
This constantly changing weather seems to have everyone around me coming down with or just getting over a cold or the flu. I have posted some of these great natural methods for cold and flu prevention before, but so many of you have asked about natural remedies that I am posting more today! Antioxidants are our…
There is a ton of press both pro GMO and against GMO lately. In fact, it’s difficult to pick up any news post that doesn’t mention GMO. Here’s the part that’s got my goat. This, to me, has become a freedom of choice issue. GMO foods have infiltrated our agricultural lands and our lives, giving us…
It’s no secret that I love tea. First thing in the morning there’s nothing like my first sips of spiced black tea. I drink two cups of the black before switching to green tea for the rest of the day. At night before bed, my favorite is herbal sleepy time tea. Yup. I’m a tea drinker.…
This post is from my original web site posted on April 12, 2011 – I’ve been seeing a lot of bad press about SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulfate) lately so I decided to complete my own investigation. OK it really is EVERYWHERE. It seems that SLS is a highly effective surfactant used in a variety of…
