Healthy Living

  Fall isn’t often thought about as the season where we spend all our time outdoors, but it should be! The weather is the perfect mix of not too hot, not too cool and nature puts on quite a show displaying a wide array of beautiful colors. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the Fall. Here are some tips to prepare for them. Fall Cookout Barbecues aren’t just for the summertime. In fact, Fall is perfect grilling weather! Get out those autumn themed linens and set the picnic table. Don’t forget to take them to a  dry cleaner nearby  for a refresher. Also, fill up that  propane tank for the grill . How about a nature theme for the decor? Pumpkins, gourds, corn cobs and leaves are never in short supply this season. Forest Hike The changing leaves are one of the best things about Fall. A family hike through the woods is the perfect way to enjoy the show up close. Be sure to pack supplies like  bug spray and a first aid kit , the forest can be...

Many people think of Spring and Summer as big allergy triggers. But actually, Fall can be quite the culprit as well. Ragweed is rampant in autumn and can cause all sorts of problems for allergy sufferers like coughing, red and itchy eyes, and sneezing. Mold and dust mites can be another Fall allergy trigger, especially since you tend to spend much more time indoors. Here are some ways to prepare for and deal with fall allergies. Stock up on Allergy Meds Having everything you need for an allergy attack ready and waiting is a good idea. Since we’re going into flu season, and still have the effects of the pandemic to contend with, stocking up on supplies is key. The local  pharmacy near me  has everything I need to get a Fall allergy kit ready. Over the counter medications like  antihistamines, pain killers, nasal sprays and decongestants  are all essential to have on hand. Your pharmacy probably carries some alternative health options that could be helpful as well. Loo...

We made it to Labor Day, guys! Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate whenever we can, even if it’s a little differently than we’re used to. If you’re planning a Labor Day BBQ for your family, or a social distanced version with your neighbors, here are some tips to get you ready. Prep That Grill! Your grill is always the MVP of any BBQ, and this one is no exception. Make sure you have everything ready to grill up all your favorites. The first step is to make sure you have a full  tank of propane , or a bag of fresh charcoal depending on your type of grill. Then make sure you have clean grill-ready utensils like tongs and spatulas. Plan Your Menu When planning your Labor Day BBQ menu, keep in mind that grocery stores still have limited supplies of certain ingredients, or that some may be hard to find. The regulars like ground beef for burgers and hot dogs should be readily available. But if you’re planning on something a little special like grilled salmon or kabobs, it’s b...

Caring for an aging parent can be both complicated and rewarding. Having a little extra help can make all the difference. It’s important to take care of yourself, as well. Being a family caregiver can be both emotionally and physically exhausting, so here are some tips for caring for an aging parent at home. Cooking Simple Meals Part of holding on to your dignity as you age is remaining as independent as possible. So even if your parent needs significant assistance with living by herself or himself at home, there are ways to make it so that they can do some of the everyday tasks themselves. For example, on weekly grocery trips, be sure to pick up food items that they may be able to prepare themselves. Prepping ingredients beforehand and labeling them in containers in the fridge is always a great way to lend some assistance without overstepping. Laundry and Cleaning Laundry and cleaning are chores that require physical exertion, so it is best to get help with these tasks as much as poss...

COVID-19 has changed the world, and changed the way we do just about everything. Local businesses are being hit hard, and now more than ever, we need to come together and support them. Here’s how. Support Your Local Dry Cleaners The  dry cleaners near me  are taking quite a beating right now, since the majority of the office work force is now operating remotely. You may not have suits or fancy work clothes to clean, but what else do you have lying around the house that could use refreshing? Comforters, linens and specialty fabrics maintain their shape and longevity the best when cleaned once a year. Call your local dry cleaners ahead of time to check on their current hours and policies. Support Your Local Pharmacy You may think that pharmacies are doing fine during the pandemic, but that may not be the case. Smaller, independent pharmacies are being hit just as hard as everyone else. Your local pharmacy isn’t just for  prescriptions , they also carry most of the supplies...

Well, it’s that time of year again! But this time, it’s a little bit different. Okay, it’s a lot different. At this point, we’ll take any sort of normalcy we can get, so it’s time to the kids (and maybe yourself) ready for back to school in the time of COVID-19. Get School Clothes and Uniforms Ready You may not have done the usual annual shopping trips this year for new wardrobe staples. And that’s okay. Social distancing is more important right now than getting your hands on the latest fashions for your kids. But that may mean you have to dig last year’s stuff out of storage. School uniforms are usually a bit trickier to care for than traditional jeans and t-shirts. Be sure to take them to the  dry cleaner  at least a week (more if possible) before school begins. Check for stains, rips, or missing buttons beforehand. Most dry cleaners can do repairs like that for a very low cost. Also, be sure to ask them about  alterations  for those hand-me downs! Don’t Postpone V...

Summer is here, but the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Most of us are still leery of flying, so vacationing overseas or out of state is not under consideration. Although we are in phase 2 of re-opening and many restaurants and shops are now open, our safest activities this summer would be outdoors, especially in parks and beaches, with social distancing, of course. One place I’d like to visit with my family is the Minuteman Campground in Lexington, which is just 30 miles northwest of Boston. There, you can enjoy a quiet, spacious campsite among the tall pines. The campground has tent campsites, RV campsites and cabins. The RV sites have picnic tables , Wi-Fi, laundry, fire pits and electricity hookups, so you won’t need propane for RV generator . For fun, the campground provides kids playground, swimming pool, basketball, volleyball and more. As long as the family is outdoors, you always should be prepared with insect sprays and sunscreens, first aid kits and wound care supplies...