Gardening directly improves physical and mental health by lowering cortisol levels, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boosting overall life satisfaction. Research compiled by organizations such as the Mayo Clinic Health System and the National Institute of Health reports that regular interaction with soil and plants serves as a powerful, non-clinical tool to stabilize the nervous system, elevate mood, and improve vitality. Stress Reduction Gardening lowers stre

Keep looking up…that’s the secret of life. - Charles Schultz June ushers in Great Outdoors Month, which began in 1998 under President Bill Clinton as Great Outdoors Week. This popular event has grown over the years into a month-long celebration of America’s beautiful land and waterways with thousands of events across the country. Each year, the U.S. Senate designates June as a month to celebrate the outdoors and recognize nature’s healing contributions to the mental, emotiona

In 1963, Older Americans Month (OMA) was established to celebrate older Americans for their contributions to the nation. More than 60 years later, this tradition continues each May. The Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of OAM. The 2026 theme is Champion Your Health, which encourages taking an active role in managing and advocating for your health, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions. This year, the focus is on evidence-bas

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is observed annually on April 16th. This advance care planning initiative was founded in 2008 by attorney Nathan Kottkamp to raise awareness of the importance of planning one’s medical healthcare wishes. NHDD is celebrated nationally to encourage, educate, and empower each of us to begin conversations about what values and wishes guide our healthcare preferences. The Conversation Project now coordinates the annual event. For more infor

2026 ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse. This is a rare event that occurs once every 60 years, with the last appearance in 1966. The horse represents freedom, action, and transformation. When paired with the Fire element, these traits are significantly amplified. In Colorado, imagine the energy of the wild mustangs on the Western Slope. The energy of the year is considered “high voltage.” It's a time of breakthroughs and at times, thriving on energy at a full-speed gallop.

Recently, I met a friend for tea at a cozy coffee shop. Almost immediately, our conversation dissolved into the perils and concerns of U.S. and world events. With a sigh, my companion lamented, “I’m drowning. I’ve never felt so full of despair. This is a terrible way to start the New Year.” The conversation made me reflect on human reliance. How do people weather stormy and uncertain times? How do you manage stress? Nurturing your body, brain, and social connections can help

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. It’s the new year and it’s a great time to schedule a comprehensive eye examination. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that mainly affects people who are middle aged or older, but it can affect anyone at any age. The Glaucoma Research Foundation reports there are more than four million people in the United States who suffer from glaucoma. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and vision loss. Typically, the disease star

December offers a time of reflection, rest and connection. Whether you approach the month with joy or dread, we can all make small changes that can create a big difference in making our celebrations more sustainable. Here are six tips to “green-up” your winter break. Gift with Intention – Give Memories not Things Approximately 50% of Americans report they received at least one unwanted gift last December. With all this dissatisfaction, you might consider giving practical and

The crispness of fall is in the air. Time to pause with a deep, mindful breath. We all face challenges, and many would agree amidst the struggles that we can embrace gratitude and welcome an opportunity to focus on wellness. Mindful Eating: With Thanksgiving around the corner, practice mindful eating to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Savor your meals, make conscious food choices, and find balance between indulgence and nourishment during holiday gatherings. Small

National Estate Planning Awareness Month in October serves as a helpful reminder of the importance of having a ‘peace of mind’ plan. This month is the perfect time to think of important decisions that protect you and your loved ones from bedside to graveside. Planning for your current needs: Healthcare Decisions: Estate plans often include documents like a healthcare directive and a medical power of attorney (MPOA), allowing you to specify your preferences for medical care an

Every year on September 1, people worldwide are encouraged to grab a piece of paper and a pen and write a letter. On this day, World...

August is National Wellness Month with a focus on managing stress, promoting healthy habits and developing self-care routines. As we...

This summer, some areas of Colorado will expect between 60 to 75 days of temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. After age 65, your body has a...

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“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” – Albert Schweitzer May is the convergence...

True health is not just the absence of illness, but the presence of vitality. -Marilyn Halpern April is National Minority Health Month,...

“Our relationship with others is the single biggest predictor of lifelong health and happiness. At a time of increasing polarization and...

“We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it...

“The world is full of miracles patiently waiting to charm us toward our spiritual path.” Marilyn Halpern We are welcoming in a new year...

University of California – Davis offers great advice to enjoy your December festivities without adding on extra pounds or suffering from...