Overview

As buying local produce and eating organic food becomes more popular, farmer's markets are cropping up everywhere, from big city streets to small town squares. If you are still a grocery store shopper and your local outdoor market remains a mystery, here are some tips that may help you navigate the market for the best and freshest produce of the season.     When To Go For the first few visits to your market, you may want to experiment by going at different times of day. Early shoppers can usually beat the crowds and have first pick of the best produce. If you prefer a colorfu... more ...

If you find you that you have extra space in your house and extra room in your heart, you may want to consider getting a pet. Caring for a pet has been linked to improved health and mental well being and animals everywhere are waiting for a human family. All you need to do is choose.   Make a Match Are you a dog lover? Do you have a passion for birdsong? Consider carefully before investing in what may be a very long-term relationship with an animal. A dog may live 12 years while a cat may live 20 and a bird may last several decades. Assess your lifestyle. Do you really have room for a ... more ...

When you are first dating, being in a group can be easier than being alone together. If you are in a group, others can fill in awkward gaps in the conversation and give you time to get comfortable with your date. Group dates also give you a chance to see how your partner interacts with others. Is he polite? Is she warm? Here is a sampling of casual settings and activities that will engage a variety of couples.       Give Back Organize a service project for the group. You can volunteer to paint a school, collect clothes for the homeless or work at a food bank. Community serv... more ...

It's mid-afternoon and your energy is beginning to flag. Visions of a refreshing soft-serve ice cream cone flash before your eyes. A double mocha latte pumped full of sugar seems like the perfect solution to help you get through the pile of work on your desk. You need a little pick-me-up but what can you choose that won't turn into love handles the minute it hits your palate? Believe it or not, you can snack during the day without risking too many excess calories and unwanted pounds. If you think before you eat and plan ahead, you can stock your pantry with healthy snacks that will qu... more ...

Baby Boomers who have warned their children against the dangers of substance abuse and addiction may need to take a good long look in the mirror. A recent study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration found that drug abuse was on the rise among Boomers from 51 to 59 years old. The study showed an increase of a little over three percent during an eight-year period but experts predict that the need for substance abuse treatment for boomers may double by 2020.   What Sets Boomers Apart? Experts say addictions in older people may increase for several reasons. The Bo... more ...

Once upon a time, when people reached 50 years old, golf was just about the only sport anyone played. If golf wasn't an option, people could still try bocce ball, shuffle board or checkers. Times have changed. The baby boomer generation is known for being physically fit and remaining athletic and active. Boomers are training as triathletes, marathon runners and mountain climbers in greater numbers than any generation before them. Most boomers can look forward to decades of participation in sports and fitness activities, but bodies do change and boomers can stay active longer if they listen... more ...

Dating is usually about having fun or getting to know each other better. Have you ever thought about helping others while you date? There are dozens of ways you can share your passion for giving back and help your community as a couple. Pitching in on a service project gives your date a focus and a purpose while working together can help you know each other better. Here are few dates with purpose you may want to consider.     Share Your Passion Do the two of you enjoy writing, painting or gardening? Most schools and youth programs are eager to have volunteers lead projects for st... more ...

For many people, driving a car is a way of life and a lifeline to stay connected with the rest of the world. Unfortunately, fatal car accidents are more common for older drivers, particularly those 70 and older. It is clear that as we age, some of us lose the skills we need for safe driving. It’s important to be aware of these changes in ourselves, our parents and other loved ones to ensure well-being for every driver on the road.     What Changes Several physical changes occur as we age that directly impact our driving ability. Neck stiffness may make it difficult to turn ... more ...

Organic gardening can seem intimidating. You want fresh flowers or nutritious fruits and vegetables but you don't want to use pesticides or other chemicals that can end up on your dinner plate. Some common garden supplements can poison animals or pollute groundwater. How do you tend a successful and plentiful organic garden without synthetic help? Follow these basic tips to give your garden a solid start.     Simply Soil A successful garden begins with great dirt. Pick a sunny spot where your plants will get at least six hours of direct sun each day. Remove rocks and other ob... more ...

The temperature is rising and summer is in full sizzle. When the mercury goes up and it seems too hot to even move, you and your date can cool off with a trip to a local body of water or even by staying close to home to play. Whether you live near an ocean or use the hose to make a waterfall, water dates can add a splash of adventure to your dating routine. Use your imagination and impress your date by suggesting one of the following outings and take advantage of summer in full swing.   Parasailing Fly high and share an over-water adventure that neither one of you will forget. Parasail... more ...