On July 24 each year since 2011, International Self-Care Day raises awareness about self-care as a vital foundation of health. The date chosen — 7/24 — serves to remind us to practice self-care and reap its benefits 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Not long ago I probably equated self-care with selfishness. After […]
COOKING DURING COVID
When Glen and I arrived home from Scottsdale in mid-March, we entered the netherworld of COVID-19. For our quarantine, Brandon stocked us with food, disinfectants and sanitizers, and coveted rolls of toilet paper. Eventually, however, I wanted to buy groceries myself. First, I tried shopping online using home delivery, but items often ended up being […]
WALKING WONDERS
We know walking can be an easy activity that burns a few calories. A spry 92-year-old woman attributes her good health to taking a walk, faithfully, every day. During frigid months in Edmonton, Mom joined the ‘Mall Milers’, walking a circuit in an indoor mall with other older people eager to move. Neuroscientist Shane O’Mara […]
WORLD BOOK DAY 2020
Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” Mason Cooley (1927-2002) Although decades old, Cooley’s aphorism seems especially relevant during this time of sheltering in place. The occasion’s ripe to renew our interest in books or, if we’re already avid readers, to devote more hours in a day to […]
MARVELOUS MUSIC
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato (c. 428 BC – c. 348 BC) How did Plato manage to encapsulate music so eloquently long before it evolved into the many pleasing genres of today? In a brief history of classical music, […]
TOP TV VIEWING OF 2019
Since Glen and I didn’t watch many riveting TV shows in 2019, winnowing our recommendations to five wasn’t too difficult. Before revealing our choices, I will mention the Golden Globe (GG) nominations: “Big Little Lies”, “The Crown”, “Killing Eve”, “The Morning Show” and “Succession”. Netflix dominated the GGs by earning 34 nominations: 17 in each of the different film […]
’TIS THE SEASON
Many people feel sad at this time of year and it’s not related to the festive season. Rather, they’re experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is associated with fewer hours of daylight and can be exacerbated by spending too little time outdoors. While some people react to the first signs of seasonal change around the […]
SALUTARY SOJOURNS
Although it’s been a few months since Glen and I went on a sojourn, we can easily recall the pleasure of our last one to Parksville and Victoria. Sojourns bring happiness in the planning and anticipation before departure, enjoyment at the destination, and in the memories to discuss once they’re over. Studies increasingly show that […]
DONATING ORGANS
Forty years ago I became an organ donor, on paper that is, by registering with the Kidney Foundation of Canada and the Eye Bank of Canada. I also volunteered to recruit new donors, which at the time was no easy task. Many people feared they would not receive the utmost care from doctors if their […]
MY LOVE AFFAIR — WITH BOOKS
Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people – people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.” E.B. White (1899-1985) On the 24th edition of World Book Day, April 23, 2019, I choose to write about a favourite pastime: reading. Although I […]