Life's Too Short

Millions of people in their 50s and 60s find themselves facing job and financial insecurity. Financial wellness can be defined as the amount that makes you feel grounded and content. You have to find a textured and meaningful life on a modest income. As you age, you may not be considered for jobs that pay as much as the last job you left. Consider taking a freelance position or two in order to generate income. Short consultancies, subletting rooms in your home and driving for a ride share service are options. Things beyond your control may have landed you in your current financial state. You can learn from past mistakes, but the economic state of the country doesn’t boost your savings. Listen as Elizabeth White joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to find your financial footing over 50.

When you reach a certain age, finding the right low-impact fitness can be a challenge. Yoga is a great option for middle-aged individuals to strengthen muscles and maintain mobility. Mid-life is roughly defined as ages 45 to 65. It’s a peak time for career-minded individuals, and the hustle and bustle of running a household is also a challenge. Yoga encourages stress reduction and mindfulness. Listen as Dennis and Kathy Lang join Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how yoga can benefit you in mid-life.

Men 50 and over have a lot of opportunity ahead of them. The trick is to be healthy to enjoy them. Older men often become more sedentary and neglect their health. Oftentimes, partners have to motivate them to get necessary screenings and make lifestyle changes to live longer.Tips for Men in Middle Years Get to know what’s most important in your life. Work to enhance those relationships. Eat sensibly. Cut out vices like smoking and alcohol. Get a good night’s sleep. Learn to adapt as you age and your body’s skills decline in certain areas. For partners, it’s ideal to be supportive and encourage longevity. However, you sometimes have to take control so the life-preserving actions can happen. Listen as Louis Bezich joins Melanie Cole, MS to discuss how to find fulfillment as you grow older.

Menopause ends the female reproduction window. Perimenopause is like adult puberty, the transition from regular menstrual cycles to one year without periods. Perimenopause is tough to define. Symptoms can occur for three to five years or longer. Menopause occurs when the ovaries have fully retired. Heavy or light periods, irregular bleeding, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats may pop up as the ovaries wind down their work. Until the ovaries shut down completely, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Progesterone may be prescribed by your provider to even things out. Some over the counter products like black cohosh may provide some relief from symptoms. Listen as Dr. Mary Jane Minkin joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss what to expect from perimenopause.

Different cultures contribute to our culinary melting pot. The flavors of American foods alter with these new contributions, influencing generations to come. What was once known as “foreign” food eventually becomes adopted and Americanized. It’s inevitable that food changes as it mixes with American cultures. Lack of unique ingredients and brushing up against other cultures gives food a new identity. Americans are spoiled, as we can enjoy a panoply of flavors every day. The strength of our country is in our differences and should be celebrated. Be adventurous and try something new. Listen as Chef Edward Lee joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how Americanized foods are worthy of celebration.

Parents can feel an emotional upheaval when their children venture off to find their fortunes. Empty nest syndrome is legitimate. From the moment the child is born, the focus of a parent becomes the best survival of that child. While watching out for the next milestone, personal activities and relationships can fall away. Start asking yourself what you’d like to be doing. What is fun for you? Re-engage with those things. Find time for yourself before your child leaves the nest so you can start to reclaim friendships and discover new interests for yourself. Listen as Samantha Lewis joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to prepare yourself for and survive empty nest syndrome.

It’s not uncommon to have at least one person in your life who stresses you out. Holidays can force interactions with toxic family members. First, don’t take their toxicity personally. It’s often not about you. They may misdirect upset from other aspects of their own lives. You don’t have to have this person in your life regularly. If you are upset with someone, acknowledge the different viewpoint. “Interesting point-of-view; I have this point-of-view.” Unexpressed to the source of stress, this can help you handle their opinions. Repeat to yourself until you don’t feel as charged up about it. Additionally, you can be a kind and caring person without a toxic person in your life. It is a kindness to let them go. Be good to yourself and live your life without this person as a regular participant in it. Listen as Doris Schachenhofer joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how you can interact with toxic individuals... or not.

Victims of abuse (physical, sexual, verbal) are often fearful of leaving the abuser for a number of reasons. Aside from personal safety, a significant concern is financial well-being. Many times, the "bread winner" of the household is the abuser, making it problematic for the abused to leave the relationship. Rosemary Lombardy is a financial advisor with over 35 years of experience. Although her professional expertise is in financial matters, her perspective on marital abuse, divorce, and recovery is deeply heartfelt and holistic, having gone through her own abusive situation.Rosemary has some helpful tips for anyone who is in a dire situation and needs to seek help: Personal safety is the number-one priority. If you believe physical abuse is imminent, you have to protect yourself and your children. Never leave your children behind. This could be considered abandonment or be perceived as the abused falsifying accounts of the abuse. Before you leave or alert your partner you're filing for divorce, set aside cash and get a credit card in your name only. Transfer half of any jointly-held funds to another account, and have those bank statements sent to a PO Box or an address that is not your home. Make copies of bank statements or any other important documents. Store this "evidence" somewhere safe outside the home. Prepare a go-to bag, with cash, driver's license/passport, clothes, toys for kids, birth certificates, marriage certificate, medical and immunization records, prescriptions, insurance information, legal documents, and a restraining order if you have one. Document the abuse, take photos, and write down the name of any law enforcement officers you speak with. Keep "incriminating" emails, such as threats from your abuser or evidence of infidelity. If you're unable to afford legal help, shelters often provide a lot of assistance, such as free or reduced cost legal counsel, therapy, and job assistance if you've been out of the workforce. If you can, Rosemary suggests getting the advice of a financial expert in addition to your attorney.Listen in as Rosemary joins host Melanie Cole, MS, to learn more about the "right" way to get out of a bad situation and additional resources for those who are suffering abuse.

Warming up and cooling down are both important parts of any workout. People want to get to the meat of the workout, skipping these necessary parts. The warmup gets the muscles warm and pliable, making them ready for a complete workout. It also helps focus the mind on the work that’s to come. Blood flow is increased to the muscles and other parts of the body. Tailor the warmup to the activity you’re about to undertake. Do the warmup close to the time you’ll be engaging in the activity so your body doesn’t cool off before you begin. The cooldown helps your heart settle down. It gives the lactic acid from the workout a chance to clear out a bit. If your head is above your heart during the main workout, the blood is pushed to the lower body. Cooling down allows the blood to return to other parts of the body, reducing lightheadedness after exercise. Listen as Dr. Brian Parr joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the importance of warming up and cooling down.

What conversations should you have with your potential mate to know your love will last a lifetime? If conversations start out harsh, the relationship will often break down into loneliness and unhappiness for both parties. Conversations where each partner discusses the positive things they need tend to go smoother. You don’t have to hook up with your clone. In fact, someone a little different from you makes it interesting. You can learn from each other. Here are the topics that make a date easy and enjoyable, while giving you the information you seek quickly: Trust Conflict Sex and intimacy Work and money Family and children Fun and adventure Sacred beliefs and values Dreams for life Discussing the history, experiences and preferences with each of these topics will help both of you see if this is a relationship worth pursuing. Listen as Dr. John Gottman joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to have the conversations for a lasting love.

The modern man can redefine himself. “Man up” no longer applies, because men’s roles have changed over the past century. Men need to create safe spaces in their relationships. Communication is key. They also need to practice self-care and express their feelings to their partners. The journey of manhood doesn’t end. You can be any man you want as long as you stick to your truth. Listen as John Kim joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how men can embrace manhood while maintaining integrity.

Women of a certain age go through a transition from child-bearing possibilities to menopause. Menopause is declared when one has gone a full year without a period. Menstrual irregularity is common, but when related to perimenopause it kicks in between age 35 and 60. Hot flashes, night sweats and sleeping disturbances are normal American female complaints during perimenopause. If it’s been a year since your last period and you experience vaginal bleeding, contact your gynecologist. Make sure you feel comfortable with your health care provider so you can discuss your menopausal concerns openly. Listen as Dr. Mary Jane Minkin joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss what to expect when you reach menopause.

Trauma is subjective. It’s hard to measure and understand. Its effects can be physical or mental. Yoga has been proven to assist in healing from trauma. It promotes mindfulness and can help people let go. A simple start you can do anywhere is focusing on your breath. Put your hand on your belly and concentrate on your breath. Your diet impacts your mental health and ability to heal. Eat foods that support gut health. You may notice some of the physical symptoms associated with trauma subside. Listen as Liz Arch joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to help yourself heal from trauma.

Losing someone is incredibly tough. However, we tend to run away from grief situations. It’s easier for things to be happy and light. We need to process our own sadness instead of running from it. Don’t push friends to move past that grief. Feelings can build up from traumatic losses that aren’t discharged. Helping Your Mourning Friend Don’t say “I know how you feel.” Everyone has a unique grief journey and healing process. Ask “What can I do to help now?” The bereaved may not have the energy to make a request. Instead of offering to share a meal any time, ask when you can dine together. See when and how you can help. They may feel worse a few months later than when the loss initially occurred. Check in a few months later. They need casseroles and love beyond the first few weeks. For The Grieving Grief changes over time. Take breaks from grief to find some happiness as the marathon of feelings continues. Get plenty of sleep. Nurture your immune system. Exercise to elevate mood. Push yourself to be social. There is hope. Listen as Dr. Sherry Cormier joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share tips for the grieving and how you can help your loved one after loss.

Millions of people in their 50s and 60s find themselves facing job and financial insecurity. Financial wellness can be defined as the amount that makes you feel grounded and content. You have to find a textured and meaningful life on a modest income. As you age, you may not be considered for jobs that pay as much as the last job you left. Consider taking a freelance position or two in order to generate income. Short consultancies, subletting rooms in your home and driving for a ride share service are options. Things beyond your control may have landed you in your current financial state. You can learn from past mistakes, but the economic state of the country doesn’t boost your savings. Listen as Elizabeth White joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to find your financial footing over 50.

When you reach a certain age, finding the right low-impact fitness can be a challenge. Yoga is a great option for middle-aged individuals to strengthen muscles and maintain mobility. Mid-life is roughly defined as ages 45 to 65. It’s a peak time for career-minded individuals, and the hustle and bustle of running a household is also a challenge. Yoga encourages stress reduction and mindfulness. Listen as Dennis and Kathy Lang join Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how yoga can benefit you in mid-life.

Menopause ends the female reproduction window. Perimenopause is like adult puberty, the transition from regular menstrual cycles to one year without periods. Perimenopause is tough to define. Symptoms can occur for three to five years or longer. Menopause occurs when the ovaries have fully retired. Heavy or light periods, irregular bleeding, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats may pop up as the ovaries wind down their work. Until the ovaries shut down completely, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Progesterone may be prescribed by your provider to even things out. Some over the counter products like black cohosh may provide some relief from symptoms. Listen as Dr. Mary Jane Minkin joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss what to expect from perimenopause.

Aging in place is a way for seniors to live in a familiar environment while growing older. While it’s an ideal option, it can be very stressful for the loved ones of these seniors. Striking a balance between their independence and familial confidence in senior safety is the trick. Reasonable Risks Assess the dwelling for safety. Change handles and add grab bars as needed. Eliminate tripping hazards. Ensure frailer individuals have protection when falling. Walkers help but are a bit unbalanced. Clothing should be protective, especially where damage is likely. Adequate escalation. It isn’t always necessary to escalate immediately to emergency services. Behavior monitoring devices can track when a senior doesn’t move through the home predictably. This can help detect a fall. Listen as Philip Regenie joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss new technology to aid those aging in place.

For those who still participate in snail mail, holiday letters are a fantastic way to keep in touch and update loved ones. No need to fret over your own holiday letter. Here are some tips for your own: Keep it short, about one page. Keep it real—not too cutesy or boastful. It should sound like you wrote it. Share specifics about activities and life happenings. Listen as Gretchen Anthony joins Melanie Cole, MSs to share how to write holiday letters that others will enjoy.

On the hundred year anniversary of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, flu prevention is top of mind. With the close quarters of the holidays at hand, it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting the flu. Each season’s vaccine is based on an educated guess of the four most likely strains of flu to hit that season. As the predictions are made six months ahead of time to allow for vaccine creation and distribution, it sometimes misses the mark. Viruses mutate, but the vaccine is the best first defense against flu. Flu tends to come on quickly, prompting a feeling of fatigue and achy muscles. Recommendation is for anyone over six months to have the vaccine. Individuals with weakened immune systems should consult with their physician before getting a shot. Listen as Dr. Richard Webby joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the importance of the flu vaccine.

Parents can feel an emotional upheaval when their children venture off to find their fortunes. Empty nest syndrome is legitimate. From the moment the child is born, the focus of a parent becomes the best survival of that child. While watching out for the next milestone, personal activities and relationships can fall away. Start asking yourself what you’d like to be doing. What is fun for you? Re-engage with those things. Find time for yourself before your child leaves the nest so you can start to reclaim friendships and discover new interests for yourself. Listen as Samantha Lewis joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to prepare yourself for and survive empty nest syndrome.

It happened. You had unprotected sex. When should you get a pregnancy test? Ovulation occurs around 14 days before your next menstrual period. You may ovulate a little early or a little late, so be sure to use protection if you don’t want to get pregnant. A pregnancy test can be taken before your expected period. The First Response brand is reliable six days before your potential missed period. If you get a positive result, you can retest in two or three days. If you have a negative test but think you may be pregnant, retest in a few days. You can take morning-after contraception if you have an accident. No prescription is required and there is no age restriction. It’s effective within three days. For those who aren’t ready for a pregnancy, there are many birth control options available. Speak with your provider to find what’s right for you. Listen as Dr. Mary Jane Minkin joins Melanie Cole, MS, to help you know when you should take a pregnancy test.

Muscle mass may be a reliable factor in evaluating current health and predicting future wellness. Those with low muscle mass are at risk of more difficulty healing, longer hospital stays and lower physical function after surgery. Body mass index (BMI) is a better indicator of body volume. The problem is that it doesn’t differentiate muscle from fat. It’s critical to build strong muscle mass. There is a correlation between your grip strength and your overall muscle health. Slowed movement suggests you may be losing muscle. Resistance exercises at least three times a week benefit muscles and bone density. Listen as Dr. Suzette Pereira joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the importance of improving your muscle mass.

When someone else is stressed out, are those stressful feelings contagious? People who are empaths are emotional sponges, taking on other people’s stresses. Watching the news can really bring someone down. The trick is to learn how to not adopt other people’s stress. Tips for Empaths: “No” is a complete sentence. No need to give reasons. Set boundaries. Meditate to center and ground yourself. Learn self care so you can re-calibrate from the stresses you see. Make sure you address your anxieties so you’re not affecting your children with it. Stop using electronics two hours before bedtime. Listen as Dr. Judith Orloff joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how you can protect yourself from other people’s stress while remaining empathetic.

Holidays are full of so many amazing treats and delicious foods. It can be a tough time if you're trying to achieve or maintain health goals.CocktailsThere are calories in most beverages you consume. Alcohol has more calories than carbohydrates or protein, but you can get more bang for your buck with hard alcohol, requiring less of it to get a buzz. Beware of calorie-filled mixers. Beer has more calories than hard alcohol. Wine typically has about 120 calories for four to six ounces, but who drinks only six ounces of wine?Sip a glass of water between cocktails. If you imbibe too much alcohol, you may get the munchies. Be kind to your waistline and monitor your alcohol consumption.Family FeastsFeel free to taste everything. Take a fork or spoonful of each dish. Fill one plate and stick to what's on that single plate. You want to have room for dessert. If you can't resist a second visit to the buffet table, consider using some white kidney bean extract up to 30 minutes before your meal. A supplement like Phase 2 (white kidney bean extract) inhibits the absorption of starchy carbohydrates by up to 65 percent.Consider having just an au jus gravy instead of adding starch to thicken. Enjoy the flavors from the cooked meat.Don't fast or eat right before heading to a feast. Have some yogurt in the morning. If you know there won't be enough vegetables at the meal, have a salad early in the day.Make sure you don't fill up on all of the amazing appetizers.Office TreatsUse willpower when you can and moderation when you can't. Know there will be candy bowls and treats your co-workers share.ExerciseGet moving to fight off seasonal depression. It's good for your joints, cardiovascular system, bone health and waistline. Go to shopping centers or museums to get some casual exercise. Outdoor sports with the family are a great way to burn off those feasts.Chef SatisfactionIf you're preparing the meal and tasting everything, you may not be very hungry when you sit down for the meal. Limit yourself to a smaller vessel for tasting if you can't resist going back for more.Wear comfortable shoes when cooking to avoid strain. Use your kitchen for lunges, calf raises and counter push ups to integrate some fitness into your cooking day.Listen in as Dr. Felicia Stoler shares her best advice for navigating the holiday festivities.

It’s not uncommon to have at least one person in your life who stresses you out. Holidays can force interactions with toxic family members. First, don’t take their toxicity personally. It’s often not about you. They may misdirect upset from other aspects of their own lives. You don’t have to have this person in your life regularly. If you are upset with someone, acknowledge the different viewpoint. “Interesting point-of-view; I have this point-of-view.” Unexpressed to the source of stress, this can help you handle their opinions. Repeat to yourself until you don’t feel as charged up about it. Additionally, you can be a kind and caring person without a toxic person in your life. It is a kindness to let them go. Be good to yourself and live your life without this person as a regular participant in it. Listen as Doris Schachenhofer joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how you can interact with toxic individuals... or not.

Losing someone is incredibly tough. However, we tend to run away from grief situations. It’s easier for things to be happy and light. We need to process our own sadness instead of running from it. Don’t push friends to move past that grief. Feelings can build up from traumatic losses that aren’t discharged. Helping Your Mourning Friend Don’t say “I know how you feel.” Everyone has a unique grief journey and healing process. Ask “What can I do to help now?” The bereaved may not have the energy to make a request. Instead of offering to share a meal any time, ask when you can dine together. See when and how you can help. They may feel worse a few months later than when the loss initially occurred. Check in a few months later. They need casseroles and love beyond the first few weeks. For The Grieving Grief changes over time. Take breaks from grief to find some happiness as the marathon of feelings continues. Get plenty of sleep. Nurture your immune system. Exercise to elevate mood. Push yourself to be social. There is hope. Listen as Dr. Sherry Cormier joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share tips for the grieving and how you can help your loved one after loss.

You try to do your best to raise your child to be compassionate, empathetic and appreciative. You also want him to understand that your financial limitations may be different from other parents. How can you deal with the gimmes and sense of entitlement? Technology has contributed to an expectation of instant gratification. In real life, the speed of achievement is slower. It takes longer to earn things. Your child learn know to enjoy life right now while working toward future desires. This will help him enjoy the future more when he gets there, especially if things don't turn out as he anticipates. Teach him how to fail effectively. The value of failing can lead to eventual success. He has to get up and try again, taking a lesson from the experience. “But My Friend Doesn’t Have to Do Chores!” That’s great. Chores may be part of your household. Tasks are a great way for your child to contribute to the family. There is satisfaction in getting things done. Work out a subjective measure for a financial allowance. Be clear about what tasks are allowance-worthy. Allowance is for frivolous expenses so push for proactivity from your child. You want to raise a compassionate, resilient child who knows the difference between needs and wants. Listen as Dr. Michael Wetter joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how you can curb expectations and have your child earn what he wants.

Our society uses “busy” as a badge of honor. We multi-task our way into exhaustion. We may get a lot done, but how much are we actually enjoying? Neck pain, headaches, irritability, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating may send the stressed person to the doctor. You need to get rest in the areas where you’re depleting yourself. There are seven areas where you may need rest: Physical Mental Spiritual Emotional Social Sensory Creative A nap won’t restore your creative stores. Going to bed early won’t ease a strained neck. It’s hard to stop activity. Interject rest throughout the day to help your body in all of your activities. In fact, people work better when they take little rest breaks throughout the day. Listen as Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to improve your productivity through rest.

Most weight loss and fitness advice in the media focuses on making a major change. But, many people just want to drop a few pounds and make smaller improvements. “Remodeling” is perfect for those who want to get into better shape and lose five or ten pounds. Start with strength training, focusing on building muscle instead of building fat. Don't worry -- you have to lift a lot of weight for a long time to get bulky muscles.Diet and exercise should support replacing fat with muscle. Cardio burns calories, helping shed fat. Focus on getting good calories. Stick to proteins over carbs, and cut back on sugar consumption. It’s not about calorie counting but getting nutrient-rich calories. Look at when you eat, how you eat, and what you eat. Remodeling means taking changes in areas that you know you need to fix. Start by removing sweetened drinks from your diet and skipping the afternoon snack. Get up from your desk and move around if you find yourself glued to the chair. High-intensity interval training is an efficient way to start remodeling. Find an exercise you enjoy and do that. Consider getting an app or joining a community if you benefit from that form of motivation. If you’re leery of working out on your own, take a group class or hire a personal trainer. Listen as Dr. Brian Parr joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to get started remodeling your body.

Finding a creative outlet can ease the difficulty of daily living. Creativity can lift mood, aiding with depression and anxiety. Creativity is a physical and psychological action. Cooking, gardening and knitting are wonderful ways to implement creativity in your regular life. Insights arise while your mind has freedom during creative periods. If you work in an oppressive or mundane situation, it’s a challenge to feel creative. Work to make peace with the mundane and engage in your work in the present. Allow yourself times for meditation and mindfulness. Take advantage your work being the means to the creative end that you pursue outside of the workplace. Make a genuine human connection with someone at work to make the days easier to bear. Listen as Dr. Carrie Barron and Dr. Alton Barron join Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to improve your resilience through creativity.

Online dating has changed the face of courtship. With so many websites and apps available, it’s hard to know where to start. One of the advantages is that you can pre-screen people before you meet them. You needn’t sidle up to the bar, fingers crossed that attractive person is available and looking to date. It’s easier to zero in on likely candidates for love. Of course, the disadvantage is that body language and tone of voice don’t come across in a text chat. Concerns about cat-fishing or disingenuous profiles are legitimate. Watch out for those who don’t talk about their future or have clear statements about themselves. Take the first step and be honest yourself. You have to meet lots of people to find love. Online dating makes it easier to narrow the candidates. The yeses matter; forget about the rejections. Mobile apps are best for a first screening and a first date. You can gain more information about a person and see more photos on a website. Listen as Mark Gibson joins Melanie Cole, MS, to guide you into the world of online dating.

In 2017, 68.5 percent of applicants for Social Security disability who applied on their own were denied benefits. The process and paperwork is complicated and overwhelming for many. Eligibility Requirements for Application You must have worked five of the last ten years. During that time, you must have paid FICA taxes on your pay. You are between ages 21 and 65. You have medical evidence of physical or mental illness and confirmation from a physician that shows you can no longer work. Your disability must last twelve months or longer, or will contribute to your death (i.e., ALS or stage-4 cancer). Visit www.ssa.gov to check your eligibility. If you are able to return to work, there are incentives to aid your return. Receiving Social Security benefits isn’t necessarily lifelong. Some situations just require a boost to help get you back on your feet. Apply as soon as it’s clear you can’t work for twelve months or longer. If you are still working, you will be denied. There is a five-month waiting period before your benefits will kick in. About 34 percent of those who apply for benefits are approved without appeal. Appeals can take years. Listen as Mary Dale Walters joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to improve your chances to receive your Social Security disability benefits when needed.

Difficulty breathing, sweating, trembling, heart pounding, fear... sounds like you might be having a panic attack. Panic disorder has a genetic component, but panic attacks can occur for anyone. Stress precipitates panic attacks. Someone who is already stressed is prone to panic attacks. Many people suffer quietly. Panic attacks are short-lived and intense, lasting no more than a couple of hours. Rule out any medical causes right away. Blood work and heart observations will help rule out medical conditions that could be disguised by a panic attack. You will not die from a panic attack. Behavioral and pharmacological treatments are available for those who experience frequent panic attacks. Listen as Dr. Alex Dimitriu joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to handle panic attacks.

School is back in session. Your kids are prepared with supplies and lunches, but are their eyes ready?Five Tips for Eye Health Get your child an eye exam. Instill a hand washing habit to avoid pinkeye. Invest in protective eyewear for sports. Reduce eyestrain by encouraging 20 minute breaks from screens after 20 minutes of use. Sunglasses will reduce exposure to harmful UV rays. Listen as Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how you can prepare your child's eyes for school.

Children are very attentive. They pick up on parental stress, even when you think they’re too young to notice. Kids see how you deal with your problems and use that as a model for their own lives. Stressed kids often have physical symptoms that could be confused with other conditions. Symptoms of childhood anxiety include stomachaches, headaches, difficulty sleeping, changes in school and social behavior. They may be unable to express what they’re feeling. Watch for physical manifestations of stress and anxiety. Look at your lifestyle and pump the brakes. Take one thing off the table to reduce the stress. Spend time enjoying life as a family. Food is medicine. Sneak in snacks that have extra magnesium and potassium. Carrot and celery sticks have a stress-reducing crunch. Small portions of dark chocolate can help release seratonin. Listen as Dr. Mark Menolascino joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss signs of childhood anxiety and how to reduce stress for everyone in your household.

How’s your memory? Does it need a little work? The more you exercise your memory, the stronger your memory becomes. One memory technique involves strong visualization attached to things you need to remember. You can create a story to help connect the things you want to remember. The less it makes sense, the more it sticks in your memory. Listen as U.S. Memory Champion Chester Santos joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how you can improve your memory.

Money management is a tough subject. It’s difficult enough for many to meet their monthly bills. How much money do you need to save? You have to look at your lifestyle and see what it would take for you to save the equivalent of what you require for how you live. To save for retirement, look at how much you’re spending and the source of your retirement funds. Where will the money come from that supports you? The older set wishes they had started saving earlier. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but you can’t prioritize your children above yourself. They are equal. You have to take care of you so you can take care of your children. Don’t wipe out your life’s savings for your kid’s college degree. Newer resources may help you address college costs. Listen as Julie Jason joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to get started saving for retirement, how to plan for your child’s college expenses, and where to get your financial advice.

Long days at the office? Are you feeling stressed out by work? Perhaps you can change your point of view. The things you think you can’t change can be stressful. There may be ways to enjoy more of the work or improve your ability to get through the work. Not every task in any job is enjoyable. Find a way to make those tough tasks fun. Perhaps a reward system will engage you better. Consider ways to make work fun that don’t disrupt the workplace if your boss is no fun. If you know that a stressful time is ahead, do everything you can to mentally and physically prepare yourself for it. Clear your work plate as much as you can so there’s space for the tasks ahead. Listen as Dr. Andrew Gardella joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss reducing work stress.

The busy modern world makes it seem like you shouldn’t have a chance to get bored. However, there’s no shame in allowing yourself some downtime. Letting your mind roam enables more effective problem solving, creative thinking and productivity. It is imperative to carve out time for personal reflection. Tips for downtime: Take 20 to 30 minutes per day without your cell phone. Encourage your child to take some quiet time if it is unavailable at school. Turn off devices during mealtime. Make sure your quiet time is not goal-oriented. Eliminate the guilt you experience when you take quiet time. Listen as Dr. Alan Lightman joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss why we all need to learn to waste time.

In 2017, 68.5 percent of applicants for Social Security disability who applied on their own were denied benefits. The process and paperwork is complicated and overwhelming for many. Eligibility Requirements for Application You must have worked five of the last ten years. During that time, you must have paid FICA taxes on your pay. You are between ages 21 and 65. You have medical evidence of physical or mental illness and confirmation from a physician that shows you can no longer work. Your disability must last twelve months or longer, or will contribute to your death (i.e., ALS or stage-4 cancer). Visit www.ssa.gov to check your eligibility. If you are able to return to work, there are incentives to aid your return. Receiving Social Security benefits isn’t necessarily lifelong. Some situations just require a boost to help get you back on your feet. Apply as soon as it’s clear you can’t work for twelve months or longer. If you are still working, you will be denied. There is a five-month waiting period before your benefits will kick in. About 34 percent of those who apply for benefits are approved without appeal. Appeals can take years. Listen as Mary Dale Walters joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to improve your chances to receive your Social Security disability benefits when needed.

Difficulty breathing, sweating, trembling, heart pounding, fear... sounds like you might be having a panic attack. Panic disorder has a genetic component, but panic attacks can occur for anyone. Stress precipitates panic attacks. Someone who is already stressed is prone to panic attacks. Many people suffer quietly. Panic attacks are short-lived and intense, lasting no more than a couple of hours. Rule out any medical causes right away. Blood work and heart observations will help rule out medical conditions that could be disguised by a panic attack. You will not die from a panic attack. Behavioral and pharmacological treatments are available for those who experience frequent panic attacks. Listen as Dr. Alex Dimitriu joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to handle panic attacks.

Do you put things off? Why do you procrastinate? Fear and anxiety get in the way. Worries about failure are prominent. Sometimes there’s a fear of achievement. What projects are you putting off? Why are you putting them off? Looking at these aspects may get you moving more than someone telling you to just do it. Procrastination is so common that we may need to become a little more tolerant of it. We’re all human. You may be able to trick your procrastination by putting out your tools before distractions occur. This may help you get your workout in or your lunch made before something more interesting takes your attention. Listen as Andrew Santella joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how common procrastination is.

The sun is shining, and you’re ready to hit the beach. Your eyes need to be safe while you have fun in the sun. Just as you wouldn’t forget sunscreen, be sure to grab your sunglasses before stepping outside. You want something that protects you against UVA and UVB rays. Your eye doctor can test your sunglasses. Eye sunburn can cause discomfort, blurry vision and pain. Sunglass lenses are often made of impact-resistant plastic. This should protect your eyes from debris that might otherwise penetrate the eye. Take care of your eyes when swimming. Contact lens wearers must consider how spongy lenses are, making them prone to holding microbes and bacteria against the eye. Avoid severe eye infections by removing contacts before swimming. Use cool, artificial tears to soothe eyes after swimming. If they continue to bother you, see your eye doctor. If you get something in your eye, flush the eye and give it time to recover. Use clean tap water if you must. If the vision is affected or pain persists beyond one hour, head to your eye doctor. Listen as Dr. Justin Bazan joins Melanie Cole, MS, to talk about summer eye safety.

Spring has sprung. It’s almost time to hit the beach. Maybe you’ve got some winter warming weight padding you out more than you would like when you slip into your swimsuit. Your ideal beach body may be your shape from your twenties. You have to trace back when things changed so you can get closer to the idea. Activity levels change, as do lifestyles and eating habits. Aging can’t be helped, but other factors can. Consider adding extra activity breaks at work. Take the stairs or walk to the mailbox. View your eating habits to see what food is available. Focus on eating real food. Be conscious of when you eat and why you eat. Modify your environment as much as you can. You need dedicated exercise to see changes beyond being physically active. That’s the way you change your body composition. It should include some form of resistance training, cardio or aerobic training, and flexibility. Change up your workout if it gets boring. Most importantly, be realistic. Find a balance between what you’re happy with and what you’re willing to do. Anything you’re doing is moving you in the right direction. There will always be someone who is stronger, faster and fitter than you. Shift the focus from a number on the scale to how you feel. Listen as Dr. Brian Parr joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to get your new beach body back.

Olympic athletes dedicate their lives to their sports. It’s inspiring and may leave you dreaming about becoming an Olympic contender. Can the average Joe become a medalist? The truth is that most people have daily jobs, making training difficult. Olympians have a team of physical therapists, nutritionists and doctors to help them succeed. They also work to the point of overtraining. You need to rest your muscles and sleep in order to get results. Consuming a protein shake after a workout can help build muscle. Velocital helps build lean mass during training. High quality carbs and proteins are important for your nutrition. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Muscle training is important. Work with a trainer to develop a routine that works with your body’s functionality. Save advanced techniques until you are strong enough to benefit from them. If your time is very limited, do strength training instead of cardio. Alternate upper and lower body if you only have 40 minutes four or five times a week. Find something that fuels your passion and pursue that as your supplemental workout for your sports training. Listen as Jim LaValle joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how Olympians train and how you can up your fitness game.

According to the National Institutes of Health, around six and a half million people in the United States use a cane, walker or crutches to assist with their mobility. Crutches are awful. Scooters make life a bit simpler.But, wouldn't it be amazing if you could keep walking without putting pressure on your knee or your injured lower leg? The iWalk Free is a prosthetic frame that wraps to the upper thigh to enable walking without a crutch or wheels. Your leg moves the same, but the injured part of the leg is protected and bears no weight. The knee isn’t a resting point so it won’t suffer pain from the device. Listen as Brad Hunter joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how the iWalk Free can assist your mobility with minimal intrusion to your daily tasks.

You’re headed to the movies or another outing. You need something healthy, tasty and portable.Now you can save money on your life insurance just for being healthy. HealthIQ helps physically active people save up to 33% on their life insurance. Go to HealthIQ.com/lifestooshort to get a free quote. - sponsor Here are some simple suggestions: Small portions of cooked chicken Peanut butter Blueberries Cut fruits and veggies Oatmeal Granola Almonds Stew Smoothies If you do buy snacks when you’re out, portion control is your friend. Don’t deprive yourself of amazing foods -- just eat small portions. Skip the fried foods, added condiments and butter. Drink plenty of water. Listen as chef Jacob Bustos joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share his favorite snacks on-the-go. Sponsor:Now you can save money on your life insurance just for being healthy. HealthIQ helps physically active people save up to 33% on their life insurance. Go to HealthIQ.com/lifestooshort to get a free quote.

If you have access to an on-site gym, do you take advantage of the facility? Do you use the cool gym at the hotel when you travel? It’s time to get the most out of your gym access. This is your opportunity to try something new. Equipment will be limited in comparison to a large gym. Here are some tips to get the most out of your on-site gym. Safety first. Most apartment gyms are remote. If you head to the community center at night, bring a buddy. You’ll feel safer going with a friend or familiar neighbor. Hire a personal trainer if you’re new to the community and don’t know what to do. They’re insured and credentialed and will come to you. Apartment gyms aren’t crowded and have a small variety of equipment; both make trainers happy. It’s convenient so you might take it for granted. Remember that you’re paying for it. Take advantage of the pool and gym. Assess the available equipment and see what there is. Try out the things you haven’t used after learning how to use them. Using your complex gym is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors. It’s great for handling depression and improving socialization. Sample Workout Squats in front of a mirror with a medicine ball or dumbbell Crunches with large, fully-inflated therapy balls Shrugs, lateral and frontal raises with dumbbells Listen as Dr. Christopher Berger joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to get the most out of your apartment gym.

The busy modern world makes it seem like you shouldn’t have a chance to get bored. However, there’s no shame in allowing yourself some downtime. Letting your mind roam enables more effective problem solving, creative thinking and productivity. It is imperative to carve out time for personal reflection. Tips for downtime: Take 20 to 30 minutes per day without your cell phone. Encourage your child to take some quiet time if it is unavailable at school. Turn off devices during mealtime. Make sure your quiet time is not goal-oriented. Eliminate the guilt you experience when you take quiet time. Listen as Dr. Alan Lightman joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss why we all need to learn to waste time.