My knees and shoulder are decent temperature-change prognosticators; they tend to ache more right before the weather shifts. That's why the following news from a Cleveland Clinic doctor is interesting but not surprising: winter's cold weather may be the reason our joints creak and pop more than usual. ...

While it's temping to wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket and sit by the heat vent (or fireplace, if you're lucky), that's not the only way to spend a winter afternoon. Cleveland Metroparks has come up with a handy list of good winter hikes that are guaranteed to get your blood moving and help shake off the winter blahs.  ...

My dad and my in-laws are 90 years old and unicorns. They don't want gifts, although my dad always appreciates a good book and a restaurant gift card. Instead, they're the ones who have given us, their children, gifts: the inheritance talk. That makes them unicorns, based on conversations with friends whose parents have never discussed their estate plans with them. ...

Taking care of a friend, loved one or neighbor can happen overnight or over weeks and months. It's difficult to ask for help if you don't realize you need it.  ...

Ohio winters pose quite a few challenges for our native animals, but they have managed to come up with a variety of ways to deal with those challenges. Whether they are migrating, tolerating, hibernating or brumating, Ohio animals are sources of wonder all season long. ...

Have you ever thought, "Gosh, it's really cold; I should hike to a waterfall"? Nah, we haven't either. But that doesn't mean it's not a good idea. From now through February, join a Cleveland Metroparks naturalist for a hike to a waterfall. The hikes include some of the park system's most beautiful places. ...

If you're looking for something to read, why not look back to 2023 for suggestions? Cuyahoga County Public Library's list of most popular books last year reminds us of how much good literature exists out there. ...

If you've ever tried your hand at knitting or run your fingers through skeins of colorful yarn, you may have an appreciation for knitting but not necessarily an awareness of its unexpected use throughout our culture. A KSU museum exhibit explores knitting in technology, architecture, manufacturing and other arenas. ...