It was the Friday before Labor Day. My co-worker, Patricia, knocked on my office door and said, “Kate, there is a mom who needs to talk to you about her vouchers.” Her statement was simple, straightforward, and one I heard often in the social service agency where I worked at the time. It’s also important […]
The Economics of Poor Health, Part One
Would you like to do better when it comes to diet, exercise, and wellness? If so, that’s great, but you are not the only one interested in your health. Others who have a vested interest in you (and your lifestyle choices) are your employers and the government, because health care costs have skyrocketed over the […]
The Single Advantage
I’m single, and for the most part I like being single-and I am not alone. Today, more Americans spend more years of their adulthood single than married (Sharp & Ganong, 2011). In a society that increasingly values individualism and independence this is no surprise (Poortman & Liefbroer, 2010). While many may see being a single adult as […]
New Year’s Resolutions for Teens
It is the season for New Year’s resolutions and this year you might want to consider getting your teen involved! Research shows that the development of positive future orientation through goal setting among teens is linked to improved school performance, motivation, self-confidence, self-esteem, and decreased risk of engagement in harmful behaviors (Forneries, Danish, & Scott, […]
Planning Your Trip to Good Health
I love taking trips to new places and enjoying the scenery, the people, the food and the fun. When I take a trip, I spend a lot of time planning. I want to know the best route to travel, the restaurants recommended by locals, and the sites I want to see. While there I look […]
I Think I’ll Go For A Walk Outside
“I just can’t stay inside all day, I gotta get out, get me some of those rays.” These words often bounce around my brain like the cheery melody of “Sunshine Day” (sung by the Brady Bunch). When I’m walking, sometimes I find myself being able to think creatively or find I’m just in a better […]