kbarnes 
Here’s something to warm the cockles of any chocolate lover’s heart: If you’ve had a heart attack, seriously consider eating chocolate at least twice a week to dramatically cut your risk of dying of heart disease. Researchers found that heart attack survivors who ate chocolate at least three times a week reduced their risk of … Read more
Many of us have painful experience with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. I can’t think of anything much worse than seeing a loved one slip away, physically still present but mentally absent. Worse yet, many of us have seen loved ones’ personalities change, becoming combative and even violent as they slide inevitably toward a protracted death. … Read more
Cancer arouses more fear in the human heart than any other disease. The dread is well placed, even though cancer is not the #1 killer in the Western world. Every year, more than 1.5 million people are diagnosed with cancer, not including skin cancers, which are by far the most common cancers. Skin cancers afflict 2 … Read more
Are you a multitasker? True confession: I am an inveterate multitasker. am. I often find myself taking a weekend break, reading a book, drinking tea, perhaps texting with family members and even checking the news on TV while kind of /sort of supervising the guy painting downstairs and wondering if I answered the e-mail from … Read more
I know. This time of year, everyone is all obsessed about exercise and trying the shed those holiday buffet pounds and all of my fellow writers are urging you to hit the gym. I look at exercise in a slightly different way: As a stress management tool. It is perhaps the most effective stress buster … Read more
Many years ago, a spiritual teacher gave me what seemed like a simple assignment: Do nothing for five minutes a day. That’s it. Do nothing. It was the most difficult assignment I’ve ever had. It didn’t mean to meditate or look at the flowers in the garden or count my breaths or take a nap … Read more
This pungent spice is a staple in every kitchen cabinet. It’s a holiday favorite and an every day treat. But most of us don’t know that it can also help control blood sugar, boost memory, knock out infections and even prevent cancer. We all need more—and it’s tasty, too! Of course, I’m talking about cinnamon. … Read more
Yes, indeed. I am probably crazy. But I did it on New Year’s Day. (See attached photo for proof). I am a die-hard swimmer. Swimming soothes my soul. I admit that soul soothing generally takes place on balmy summer days, but my swimming addiction reached a new level this year when we bought a lot … Read more
It’s not spring? Really? We’re battening down the hatches for an upcoming winter storm, but my allergies are kicking in like crazy. This is the first year I’ve had trouble with winter allergies beyond the pollen season. But then, pollen isn’t the only cause of the sniffling, sneezing, coughing and itchy, watery eyes that go … Read more
As the festive cheer of the holiday season unfolds, our days often become a whirlwind of activities and commitments. From preparing lavish meals and decorating our homes to shopping for the perfect gifts and attending a myriad of social gatherings, this time of year can feel like a non-stop hustle. Amidst the twinkling lights and … Read more