Protein Oatmeal Cookies: 2 c oats; 1 c vanilla protein powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup stevia; 1/2 c + 2 tbsp melted butter; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups oats, 1 cup protein powder, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ cup stevia. Mix well. Next, add in ½ cup + 2 tbsp of melted butter, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla. Roll into 12 equal-sized balls and press flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!
1) True or False? Cold weather makes you sick.
2) What was invented first, the wheel or the ski?
3) How many sides does a snowflake have?
1) False: While cold weather doesn’t cause illness directly, spending more time indoors in close contact to others can increase your risk of exposure to viruses and bacteria.
2) The ski was invented before the wheel, 22,000 years ago.
3) All snowflakes have 6 sides.
The process of laughing increases your respiratory rate. The increased oxygen consumption causes you to enter a state of relaxation for a period of time.
We wish you and your family a joyful, bright, healthy, prosperous and happiest new year ahead! Happy New Year!
Dementia can make bathroom use challenging due to confusion, reduced balance, and difficulty recognizing hazards. Ensuring bathroom safety helps prevent falls and supports independence. Install grab bars near the toilet and shower, use non-slip mats, and keep pathways clear. Good lighting reduces disorientation, while contrasting colors on toilet seats or towels help with visual recognition. Remove clutter, secure loose rugs, and consider a raised toilet seat or shower chair for added stability. Clearly labeled doors and simple routines also reduce anxiety. Creating a calm, predictable environment promotes confidence and helps individuals with dementia remain safe during daily personal care.
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often unnoticed by the individual. Being tested is crucial because untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and daytime fatigue that increases the risk of accidents. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, such as CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, or oral appliances, which can significantly improve sleep quality, overall health, and daily functioning. Testing also helps identify the severity and type of apnea, guiding personalized treatment. Proactive evaluation safeguards long-term health and enhances quality of life.
The start of a new year invites reflection, renewal and a fresh sense of possibility. Reiki can support this shift by helping you feel grounded and clear as you set new intentions. This gentle practice encourages relaxation and allows the body to release tension and emotional strain. Many people feel lighter and more centered after a session, which can make personal growth feel more accessible. Reiki also fosters mindfulness, helping you tune into what you truly need as you move forward. Whether received from a practitioner or used as self care, Reiki offers a simple way to step into the year with calm and clarity.
Helping children understand and manage their emotions is one of the strongest protective factors for lifelong wellbeing. When kids learn healthy regulation skills, they build resilience, strengthen relationships, and improve their overall mental health. Parents play a vital role—practicing strategies at home, noticing early signs of distress, and creating consistent routines. Mindfulness, yoga, sensory activities, music, and positive self-talk can all support emotional awareness and calm. Because every child’s needs are unique, setbacks are normal, and progress varies. When challenges arise, therapy can offer individualized tools to support both children and their caregivers in building confidence and emotional balance.
Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest. Explores how conflicting inner needs create self-sabotage and resistance to change. By understanding our patterns, building emotional intelligence, and releasing past experiences, we learn to stop blocking our own progress. The book teaches us to act as our higher future selves so we can move toward our true potential.
Winter weather means snow…and shoveling. It can be excellent exercise, but poor form quickly leads to strain or injury. Start with a short warm-up of light movement or stretching to prep your muscles. When lifting snow, bend at your knees instead of your back and keep the shovel close to your body. Turn your whole body rather than twisting at the waist and take breaks every 10-15 minutes to prevent overexertion. A lightweight, ergonomic shovel can make the job easier, and pushing snow is safer than lifting it. If soreness sets in afterward, consider scheduling a therapy session. Stay safe and warm!
