January is a time of change and new beginnings. People often look forward to January as a chance to wipe the slate clean, often resolving to make changes to improve their quality of life in the months ahead. Such traditions may date back to the ancient god for which the month of January was named. January is named after the ancient Roman god Janus, who was the god of beginnings and transitions as ... »
(BP) Long winter days can quickly bring on feelings of cabin fever. Although cabin fever is not a recognized medical condition, it can compromise well-being, and can strike even the most optimistic people. Cabin fever normally affects people during the winter months, when shortened days, longer periods of darkness and cold temperatures often force people to remain inside. These factors can lead to... »
Mindfulness activities for everyday life Here are a few ideas for practicing mindfulness in your day-to-day life. by Darcy Wallen, LCSW, PC Eat Slowly. Make sure you are seated when eating. Try a variety of foods (or a few foods with complex flavors). Experience each part of the act of eating. For instance, take time for everything, such as: washing your hands, sitting down, thinking about the ben... »
In recent years, Thanksgiving Eve has become known as the biggest party night of the year. While everyone enjoys a good party with family and friends to usher in the holiday season, the planning isn’t complete until arrangements have been made to guarantee a safe ride home at the end of the evening for all of your guests. “There are many reasons why Thanksgiving Eve has evolved into the biggest pa... »
As one of America’s most anticipated and celebrated sporting events, the Super Bowl brings together families, friends and fans each year to enjoy the excitement of the big game. In many instances, fans will gather to watch the game at sports bars, restaurants or Super Bowl-themed parties. The Resource Training Center in Amherst, provider of the Drinking Driver Program, wants to spread an important... »
What will really make you happy? Research reveals 4 common misconceptions. By Lynda Wallace (BHL) – Happiness has been appropriately cited as a goal in political debates on issues from taxation to the social safety net to marriage equality, but the debate is often confused. Some people claim that happiness is all in your DNA or bank account. The truth is that happiness is largely a matter of... »
CDC study finds fecal contamination in pools A study of public pools done during last summer’s swim season found that feces are frequently introduced into pool water by swimmers. Through the study, released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers found germs in samples of pool filter water collected from public pools. CDC collected samples of water from pool filt... »
by Darcy F. Wallen, LCSW, ACSW Blue skies smiling at me, nothing but blue skies, do I see… Irving Berlin Did you know that gray weather causes some people’s poor moods to get even worse? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more prevalent in our region, where the sun shines less than it does in regions closer to the equator. So, what’s a wintry Western New Yorker to do? While most... »
It’s hard growing up today. The internet can make it that much harder. by Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC (Special to BHL) – From the age of twelve to at least eighteen years of age, a girl is under constant scrutiny about her body, looks and sex appeal. We have advanced technologically, but we haven’t gotten any less har... »
by Dr. Kathleen Moore Do you find yourself feeling more tired, sluggish, and irritable as the days grow shorter? Are you sleeping more, eating more, craving sweets and other carbohydrates, perhaps gaining weight? Is it harder to get out of bed each morning? If you find that these symptoms occur regularly each winter, starting sometime between September and November, and then completely disap... »
