On January 20, the first case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) was reported in the United States. Since then, more than 103,000 cases have been confirmed and the country has all but come to a stop. Many have lost their jobs, struggle to find childcare and are worried about the health of ill or elderly relatives. You…

March is National Colorectal Awareness Month. While colon cancer is responsible for an estimated 50,000 deaths each month, increased awareness efforts have caused the death rate to drop consistently since the 1980s. As a way to recognize colon cancer survivors, patients and caregivers, people often wear dark blue ribbons. Early detection is one of the…

It’s no surprise that being outdoors comes with a number of benefits. The fresh air, Vitamin D from the sun, and extended hours of daylight in the spring all act as natural mood enhancers. One way to maximize the benefits of the outdoors is to add gardening to your routine. Don’t worry if you’re not…

When you think of flowers, perhaps Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day comes to mind. We can’t blame you. After all, more than 110 million roses are gifted on Valentine’s Day alone, so it’s easy to see the natural connection. Science shows us, however, that giving flowers to a friend or loved one has a positive…

Being kind to someone isn’t a novel idea. We often take measures to show family members and friends our love and appreciation through different acts of service. Sharing that kindness with a stranger, however, likely happens less frequently. If you needed a reason to live outside your comfort zone and perform random acts of kindness,…

You don’t have to be an experienced therapist to support a friend or loved one through adversity. Whether it’s health and illness, family challenges, or grief and loss, it can be hard knowing the right words to say to show love and empathy but also encourage your loved one to find the strength to overcome…

Supporting someone in pain can be challenging. It’s difficult to know just what to say or do in hard moments. While filling a supportive role may feel awkward, and even difficult, there are ways to better your approach. Your goal is to comfort a friend or loved one, not solve their problems. It’s your very…

Don’t wait on a special occasion to send a gift to a loved one or yourself. Knowing how to use your energy to support a friend or family member can be challenging because everyone finds comfort in different ways. While a best friend would appreciate a heart-felt gift encouraging them to be brave, your sister…

There seems to be a natural desire to start fresh in the New Year. Whether it’s getting organized, bettering your health, or pursuing a new career, there’s an invigorating sense of possibility when the calendar starts anew. Researchers say roughly 60 percent of us will make a New Year’s resolution, but only about 8 percent…

It turns out, having a Blue Christmas is much more than a holiday tune. Whether you’re feeling the stress of gift-giving or experiencing sadness after family and friends leave, you’re not alone. The holidays can bring on feelings of stress, sadness, and loneliness for many. Research shows up to 25 percent of us will feel…