Elders and youth can broaden each other
In a world where the only constant is change, we are continuously being introduced to new ideas, beliefs, situations and states of mind. As a result, our perspectives are often challenged. And this is true, whether one is a teenager or an older adult. Growing up is similar to opening your eyes. When you are very little, you are often sheltered from many of the themes and events that are... READ MORE
Books from silver screen to printed page
It’s Oscar time. Catch up on this year’s nominees and winners. But don’t forget the Hollywood classics. Though one picture is worth a thousand words, these thousands of words are enjoyable to read. We’ll Always Have Casablanca: The Life, Legend and Afterlife of Hollywood’s Most Beloved Movie by Noah Isenberg, 336 pages, 24 black and white illustrations, W. W. Norton... READ MORE
Is speech therapy helpful after a stroke?
Dear Mayo Clinic: My mother had a stroke six months ago. Her mobility has returned to near normal. She can read, and understands others when they speak. But she has a lot of difficulty talking, often struggling to find the words she wants to say. She’s frustrated, but refuses to go to speech therapy. She doesn’t think it will do any good. What does speech therapy after a... READ MORE
Ways to boost your retirement savings
Saving enough for retirement is a challenge for most people. So why do so many ignore the incentives and tax advantages that are there for the taking? Perhaps they don’t know about them, or maybe they need reminders. With that in mind, here’s a list of steps to take to boost your retirement accounts. Take your employer’s matching contributions. If your employer matches... READ MORE
Have diabetes? Use a team of specialists
Diabetes is a complicated condition. It doesn’t just affect your blood glucose level and insulin sensitivity; it affects every part of your body — from your mind to your stomach to your toes. For that reason, people with type 2 diabetes don’t just “go to the doctor.” They go to a team of healthcare professionals, and for people who are newly diagnosed, this can feel a little... READ MORE
Understanding new State Dept. advisories
The U.S. State Department recently revised the way it classifies risks you face when visiting other countries. Each country gets a risk rating of one to four, replacing the old “warning” system. In practice, it looks like the new system will provide more useful risk assessments, but the utility of recommended precautions you should take in response to risks is underwhelming. The... READ MORE
A day spent amidst the Malecon mayhem
So I heard that you could spend from dawn to dusk on the seaside promenade known as the Malecon, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and never get bored. And I thought, “OK, I’m up for that challenge.” And yes, the Malecon is a 1.5-mile delight, bordered by shops on one side and the Bay of Banderas on the other. I was initially struck by the preponderance of unusual brass sculptures... READ MORE
Five cheap stocks to buy for $20 or less
Stocks with low share prices can be a cost-effective way for small investors to diversify their portfolios. But even after a bumpy few weeks, the market remains near all-time highs and is as expensive as ever, making quality cheap stocks more and more difficult to find. Before a rising market tide lifted almost all boats, it wasn’t too tough to find stocks for less than $10 that... READ MORE
New approach to treating brain diseases
Scientists have created a hair-thin implant that can drip medications deep into the brain by remote control and with pinpoint precision. Tested only in animals so far, if the device pans out it could mark a new approach to treating brain diseases — potentially reducing side effects by targeting only the hard-to-reach circuits that need care. “You could deliver things right to... READ MORE
How to find and use your best time of day
Most people’s mental energy is a roller coaster, said Chris Bailey, the author of The Productivity Project. “There are certain hours when you naturally have much more drive than at other times,” he said. The tricky thing is that the time of day when mental energy peaks is different for everyone. Fortunately, your highs tend to occur at about the same times every day, so you can... READ MORE
