Overview

With families sending out picture-perfect Christmas cards and couples snuggling close to avoid the winter winds, the togetherness of the holiday season sometimes serves to make singles feel lonely. Pestering questions from nosy friends and relatives make matters all the more frustrating for those of us who aren’t currently in committed relationships. Are you feeling blue about being single this December? If so, you might just need to change your perspective! Being single and free definitely has its perks. Here are just a few reasons to embrace being unattached this holiday season.&n... more ...

Visiting a German Christmas market is an unforgettable experience. Those who have the opportunity to travel to Deutschland during the holiday season can visit one of the hundreds of markets located around the country. In cities like Nuremberg, locals and international guests alike peruse stands selling snacks and handcrafted goods. Visitors are often found sipping on spiced mulled wine and munching on juicy sausages and sweet, gingerbread-like Lebkuchen. Is your budget too tight or schedule too packed to visit Germany this winter? Don’t despair! The ever-growing popularity of German... more ...

With Black Friday and the subsequent holiday shopping season just around the corner, the time for generating holiday gift ideas is already upon us. Though some people are easy to shop for, most of us find it difficult to track down the “perfect present” for everyone on our list. Does your gift-giving mind go blank when you think of your sister, neighbor, boss, or son? If so, these simple tips just might spark some new ideas!  Do Your Research In the past, many of us purchased gifts based on the off-hand remarks we remembered others making. Today, due in large pa... more ...

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, November is the perfect month to turn inwards and reflect upon the many blessings we have in our lives. Studies have shown that those who take the time to be thankful sleep better, have stronger immune systems, and feel more energized on a daily basis. Don’t limit your expressions of thanks to just the holiday season, though! Follow these simple suggestions to begin integrating gratitude and generosity into your daily life.  Be present, loving and respectful in your daily interactions with others.  Gratitude doesn&rsqu... more ...

This month, aspiring writers from around the world will be participating in National Novel Writing Month. Often abbreviated as NaNoWriMo, this fun writing event, which runs for the duration of November, challenges wannabe-authors to write 50,000 words in 30 days or less. Participation is open for all and free of charge. If you’ve always wanted to put that one story in your head on paper, now is the time to do so! It’s not too late to get started. Whether you’d like to write a science-fiction novel or your own autobiography, NaNoWriMo offers just the right amoun... more ...

Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about our healthcare providers. By the time we’re contemplating a doctor’s visit, most of us are already in need of an examination or a prescription renewal. When it comes to seeking out a new doctor, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Almost all of us have had negative experiences with dismissive, patronizing, or misguided medical professionals in the past. How can we improve the odds of finding a fantastic physician on the first try? Though there’s no simple way to guarantee success, these simple guidelines may a... more ...

When your grandfather told long-winded stories about his youth, were you the sole family member who actually listened? If so, you might be the perfect candidate for recording your family history! Genealogy, the study of family lineage and history, was once used primarily to distinguish royal blood lines from those of the masses. Today, many individuals have taken up genealogy as a hobby, tracking down everything from historical records to personal belongings in a quest to discover more about their origins. The advent of the internet and the digitalization of historical records has made th... more ...

The state of our sleep is becoming an issue of global concern. In 1942, adults were averaging a healthy 8 hours of sleep per night; today, that average has dropped to just 6.8. Studies reveal that sleep disorders are on the rise, with factors like growing obesity rates and nighttime technology use accelerating these trends. Poor sleep quality may ultimately lead to reduced cognitive function, decreased sex drive, heart conditions, mental health issues, weight gain, and more. If you’re practicing good sleep hygiene and still experiencing frequent sleep disturbances, you may be strugg... more ...

Our oral health can have an impact on our well-being at any age. As we grow older, adhering to good dental hygiene practices becomes even more important. Oral conditions like gum disease and dry mouth affect well over a third of seniors over the age of 60. Whether you have a complete set of dentures or all of your natural teeth, it is important to keep an eye on your oral health. Follow these simple hygiene guidelines to ensure the health of your mouth and body!  Cavities & Tooth Decay Cavities can form at any stage in our lives. When acidic plaque builds up on the teet... more ...

When we picture assisted living homes, many of us imagine older seniors being wheeled around by caregivers. In countries like Japan, Germany, and the United States, rapidly aging populations are quickly outpacing the number of individuals entering caregiving professions. Social isolation, physical handicaps, and mobility issues challenge many individuals during their twilight years. Impressive developments in robotics, however, will likely alleviate many of these problems, likely within the coming decades. The following projects offer a few interesting insights into the rapidly-changing world ... more ...