Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. We know. We put heroes to work every day; people dedicated to providing healthcare, education, community health and other essential support for our communities.

Not able to get together with family and friends this year? That’s ok, there are still plenty of good reasons to head to the kitchen and whip up your favorite Thanksgiving recipes. After all, your grandmother’s green bean casserole or Aunt Martha’s pecan pie might just be the ticket to a happier, healthier you.

Face it, no matter how positive a person you are, 2020 has caused us all to have those times when we’re simply not in a great mood. After all, bad days happen.

Tea has always been surrounded by myth, mystery, and legend. Even today, rumors run rampant across the internet on the magical curative powers of tea.

Though not all have been scientifically proven, you cannot deny the medical, emotional and physical health benefits that can be provided by this herbal concoction. From strengthening your immune system to relieving stress and anxiety, tea continues to prove true the old Chinese proverb “Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.”

As we move into colder months and what is traditionally flu season, it’s a great time to build up our body’s defenses. Eating right is a key part of a healthy immune system, and so easy to overlook when things get busy!

Here are a few quick reminders.

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays of the year. Adults and children alike enjoy the celebration of ghosts and goblins. In fact, it’s estimated that in a typical year, about 70% of the American population takes part in Halloween festivities.

2020 and the coronavirus has been hard on everyone, but perhaps on none more so than older adults.

Seniors are among the hardest hit population with infections of COVID-19 and are at a much higher risk of complications. As a result, they are also the group most likely to follow safety guidelines for social isolation.

We live in a “get it done” world.

Even more so today as we deal with a variety of roles and responsibilities – employee, parent, care giver, significant other, teacher, and countless others. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget to take the time to unwind, meditate and sooth the senses.

It’s safe to say the last six-months have introduced us all to increased stress, uncertain times and daily doses of negative news. No matter how mentally strong we are, the constant curveballs being thrown our way can wear us down and stretch us to our limits.

With the lazy days of summer mostly behind us, we find ourselves moving into one of the busier, and potentially more stressful, times of the year. The good news is, forewarned is forearmed, and there are plenty of things you can start doing today to help boost your mental health and emotional well-being.