It's no wonder we're feeling a big pandemic-weary right now. Many of our holiday plans were disrupted, we're seeing (or experiencing) more breakthrough COVID-19 cases, and no one is quite sure when things will seem normal again. If you're having a tough time coping with stress, we've got some handy reminders that can help.

“S.M.A.R.T.” is the acronym used for goal-setting, which can easily be applied to our health and wellness goals. Each letter shows us how a goal should be written for optimal success. “S.M.A.R.T.” goals can help us achieve our desired brain fitness resolutions or get a former brain-healthy habit back on track.

Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises. This change means prices for goods and services are a little more expensive, so the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) helps to offset these costs.

Older adults who have a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives are less likely to develop cognitive and physical impairments, suffer less from depression, and are more likely to live longer than people without this kind of underlying motivation. We can help our loved ones rediscover purpose in life from learning something new, accomplishing a new goal, working together with other people, or making new social connections. Older adults with a solid sense of purpose tend to retain strong hand grips and walking speeds — key indicators of how rapidly people are aging.

With the Omicron variant posed to continue to increase infection rates, Better Business Bureau Serving Cleveland is once again reminding consumers to be careful of websites and individuals selling products that claim to prevent, treat, cure or test for COVID-19.

If you're years (or decades) away from your school days, The University of Akron is making it easy to get back to class. And the best part? It's free. Registration starts next week for folks who want to brush up on art history, economics or dozens of other subjects.