Personal Improvement

Creating pleasant seasonal rituals and routines has many benefits, bringing our awareness and focus to the present moment, relieving stress, and enhancing gratefulness. Good habits are well-planned, regular and predictable. Predictable rituals motivate everything from buying habits to household activities. ...

In Bill Starcher’s world, art is meant to be seen, touched, climbed on, and closely examined. He enjoys the delight and surprise when people recognize fork handles, tire strips and other found objects in his sculptures—the ordinary turned extraordinary. ...

A Lakewood woman underwent successful heart valve surgery at University Hospitals five years ago when she was 89. She's still swimming laps at 94. ...

New research shows that isometric exercises—ones where muscles contract but do not visibly change in length—are the most effective at lowering blood pressure—specifically, planks and wall squats (also known as wall sits). These findings are not a panacea for lowering blood pressure; they are another piece in the puzzle. ...

The eyes have it! Did you know that women spend more time on eye makeup than any other feature? From creams to serums to mascara, a little eye makeup can make a big difference in our appearance. Our Style Stop blogger breaks down the details for us. ...

The human brain thrives when it is socially connected with others. Having a conversation with another person is a total brain workout. Ultimately, conversations are not just a means of communication. They play a vital role in maintaining brain health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. ...

Not all unsolicited phone calls are scams! If you are contacted by your health insurance company about coaching, take the few minutes to hear what it is about. If you do not get a call, it's worth going to the website or calling the customer service number. This service is almost always "free"—that is, included in your premiums. ...

If its worth noting, these newsworthy tidbits are in editor Marie Elium's Worth Noting—a collection of local news bites. ...