The dentist’s guide to Easter candy

By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times As many of the folks who read my column know, I am not in favor of denying our children the occasional sweet treat. Holidays are special and to steal a chocolate bunny out of the hands of child is just no fun. However, in light of the supersized world we live in and the prevalence of 4 and 5 pound packages of jelly beans, I felt obligated...

It’s Spring….finally. Time for a SuperSix!

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Are you ready for a springtime Super Six??? I thought this day would never come after the seemingly endless winter. But, we made it. Hallelujah! I think this month’s picks are pretty special… Slightly South of Simple – Kristy Woodson Harvey- I literally cannot put into words how excited I am that I can FINALLY read a leisure book. With my graduate...

All About Connecting: Live like you are dying

“The best way to deal with death is to live in a fully conscious, compassionate, loving way. Don’t wait until you’re on your deathbed to recognize that this is the only way to live.” – Morrie Schwartz  By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times Are you bored with life? Are you feeling unfulfilled in your relationships, career and hobbies? Are you anxious about your future? Do...

Don’t Retire, ReFire: A look at relationships

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times What gives us all the greatest joy in life is to love and be loved. Although it may sound cliché, it truly is one of those few facts in life. “Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead,” — Oscar Wilde. The word “love” encompasses many things and comes in many forms and through many ways.

A bit of birthday wisdom

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Friday was my birthday. With age comes wisdom, they say. And, considering that I am hardly a spring chicken, I suppose I have learned a few life lessons. Wouldn’t it be nice of me to make an enumerated list for as many years as I have been on this planet? It sure would…but, then I would be outing myself and I prefer an air of mystery. (I will delete...

On Your Table: Spring soups perfect for quick suppers

By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times Creamy Roasted Carrot Soup is both colorful and delicious Soup is one of my favorite foods and I love to make these kind of recipes all year long, because they are so easy to make and so appetizing/nutritious for the family. Spring soups are among my favorites, because they show off the flavors of favorite produce.

Shopping isn’t a problem, right?

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Right now, I’m sitting in a weekend graduate course on Addictive Disorders. While we are focusing primarily on substance abuse, we are also discussing behavioral addictions like gambling, gaming, and….shopping. Eeeeek.  Why is my face turning red? I don’t have a problem. I mean, arguably shopping is part of my job. How can I advise others...

No really, 10 easy hacks for oral health

By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times While you’ve probably seen linkbait around the Internet on “10 easy hacks to…” on everything to weight loss to dating, many of which are of dubious quality, there really are a few simple things you can do to improve your dental health (and keep your family happier and maybe save you a few bucks). So here’s an...

What is the definition of vanity?

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I was standing in line at CVS the other day and witnessed something interesting. A woman and her pre-teen daughter (probably 12?) were ahead of me to check out. While we waited for the cashier, the young girl picked up a lip-gloss from the aisle display. Her mother’s response? “Put that down! Don’t be so vain. You do not need lip gloss.” Obviously...

On Your Table: Lighten up and deconstruct

By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times Lightening up familiar favorite dishes is a great way to please the family while serving healthier dishes. If the recent spate of springtime weather (this week’s crazy winter weather notwithstanding) has started you thinking about summertime and bathing suits, now is the time to start lightening up food choices. And, by the way, this doesn’t...