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family playing a game

Building traditions as part of a "family night in"

The holiday season is approaching, and many families are feeling the pressure building.  How can everything get accomplished?  Do I have a low-fat recipe for pumpkin pie?  Instead of trying to do it all, set aside a “family night in” to enjoy the season. In previous articles, I have shared lots of...
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woman kissing forehead of older grandaughter

Celebrate National Family Caregiver Month this November

Families are often the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities. In fact, today in America, more than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care. That's an economic value totaling more than $470 billion. The caregiving population is greatly diverse representing...
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house in grassy hill surrounded by trees

Making social connections in rural or suburban communities

“A good friend is a connection to life – a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world." – Lois Wyse. Friends are people we can rely on, talk to, and spend time with. Think about your own friendships, how does that person(s) make you feel? Now take a second...
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Person walking in the woods

6 steps to prevent a fall

Having just observed National Falls Prevention Week (Sept. 18-22), I thought it would be good to discuss falls and how to prevent them. Chances are you know someone who has fallen or who is afraid of falling. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related...
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family eating dinner

Making family mealtimes happen

With many families in back-to-school busy mode, it can sometimes be difficult to enjoy having meals together. However, research shows that having meals together is beneficial for individuals as well as the whole family. Family members who eat together tend to eat healthier – they eat more fruits...
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two childen playing a game

Tips for a fun family night in July

It’s hard to think about the 4th of July without visions of flags and fireworks appearing.  The holiday event is rich with traditions that help us celebrate our country’s heritage with pride and a sense of belonging.  Families also have a wealth of traditions that help us feel special and part of a...
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lightning storm

Be ready for severe weather

Spring is the time of year that we pay more attention to the weather. Whether we are watching the television, listening to the radio, checking our weather App, or getting alerts from the radio, severe weather can impact our lives. Planning as a family is an excellent way of not getting caught off...
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a family playing a board game

Take time for a "family night in" this April

April is here and brings many changes. The temperature. The clock. Even our clothing.  Why not add one more change to the list?  Get out your calendars and pick a night for a “family night in” to relax and spend time together. What children really want is more time with friends and family. What...
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