Stress Remedy: Wine and Chocolate

A glass of red wine, a lovely piece of chocolate, comfy clothes and a moment to say “ahhhh” at the end of the day — yes, the wine and chocolate stress remedy. No, it doesn’t have to be wine and chocolate, although they both have heart healthy benefits, but taking some time at the end…

Escape Adulthood

Escape Adulthood:  8 Secrets from Childhood for the Stressed-out Grown-up. Having kids is the quickest way to feel like a grown up! Yet, as author and cartoonist Jason Kotecki demonstrates children are a rich source of helping us all fight Adultitis and live a less stressed life. We all have those moments when we wish…

Less Stress for Easter

My Dad, psychologist and all around wise man, used to say, “Even good things are stressful.” I guess it is little wonder why having your family converge for holidays can produce stress. Stress over getting dinner to the table. Stress over living up to Mom or Grandma’s cooking expertise. Stress over limiting the overeating. Stress…

Prank, Laugh & Connect

Clay loves April Fool’s Day! My wonderful husband is devious and secretive, but fortunately he uses his powers for good. For years he pulled pranks on me before my eyes were fully open on the first morning of April. Now he has a new audience. Our six-year-old daughters! He greeted them this morning dressed in…

Shaken, not deterred

I was shaken up today. Most days I don’t think about the fact I almost died. It’s not like I pretend it didn’t happen, but in order to live my life the way I want, with passion and zest, I choose not to dwell on it. Yet, when my blood pressure was 140/90 today, I…

Ordeal or Adventure?

On a recent plane trip I discovered the Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine for cruising sailors. The “enjoy the journey” mindset fits nicely with my own and the articles about sailing the Caribbean and other exotic places were a nice antidote for the nasty Midwestern weather. I especially delighted in the motto: Attitude: The Difference between…

Pamela Contos

Three days in Napa, California for a Wisconsinite is quite a treat. While the locals found the 60 degree weather chilly – I thought it was a huge relief from the below zero temps we’d been having. Even more impressive than the weather was the Queen of the Valley Hospital. I was in for the…

Survivors are lucky – champions are brave: Kay Marie Koras

Did you know nearly 50 million women are living with heart disease? It is true! February is Heart Health Awareness Month, and certainly there is an effort to educate women about their heart risk. During the past three years, the Red Dress campaign has elevated awareness significantly. Now, more than half of women will identify…

Pecked to Death By Ducks

This week the stomach flu hit our household with a vengeance! As I lay in bed, moaning, I did what every other self respecting woman would do… obsess about what wasn’t getting done. Each thing I remembered was like something taking a bite out of me. Years ago Oprah had Maya Angelou as a guest.…