As the world awakens from winter's slumber, spring offers the perfect opportunity to revitalize your health and wellness journey. This season of renewal is an ideal time to reset your habits, boost your energy, and create a foundation for a healthier, more vibrant year ahead. Start by embracing the fresh energy of spring. Shake off the winter blues and step outside to soak in the warming sunlight. Incorporate more outdoor activities into your routine – whether it's morning walks, gardening, or simply enjoying nature's beautiful awakening. Physical movement not only improves your fitness but also enhances your mental well-being. Nutrition is key to your spring transformation. Fill your plate with seasonal fruits and vegetables bursting with nutrients. Farmers' markets are treasure troves of fresh, local produce that can inspire new, healthy meal ideas. Consider adding more colorful, nutrient-rich foods to your diet, supporting your body's natural renewal process. Mental health deserves equal attention during this season of change. Practice mindfulness, try meditation, or start a gratitude journal. Take time to declutter not just your living space, but also your mind. Set realistic wellness goals that excite and motivate you, creating a positive framework for personal growth. Hydration and sleep are often overlooked but crucial components of overall health. Increase your water intake and establish a consistent sleep schedule. These simple yet powerful habits can dramatically improve your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. Remember, transforming your health is a journey, not a destination. Be kind to yourself, celebrate small victories, and embrace the potential for positive change this spring brings. Your body and mind will thank you for the investment in your personal wellness. MORE...

The rising tide of dementia is becoming a critical global health concern, with neurologists sounding the alarm about its potential widespread impact. Experts now predict that up to 30% of the population could be affected by this debilitating condition in the coming years. While some risk factors like age and genetic predisposition remain beyond our control, emerging research highlights the significant role of lifestyle choices in preventing or delaying cognitive decline. One of the most prominent contributors to dementia risk is a sedentary lifestyle, which can accelerate mental deterioration and compromise brain health. As our global population ages and modern work environments become increasingly desk-bound, understanding and mitigating dementia risks has never been more crucial. Individuals are encouraged to adopt proactive strategies such as regular physical activity, mental stimulation, and healthy social engagement to protect their cognitive well-being. The growing prevalence of dementia serves as a powerful reminder that our daily choices can profoundly impact long-term brain health. By making informed lifestyle decisions, we can potentially reduce our risk and maintain cognitive vitality well into our later years. MORE...

Celebrate Mom in Style: Annual Mother's Day Tea Promises Delightful Afternoon of Fun and Festivities Looking for the perfect way to honor the special woman in your life? The Gresham Senior Center invites you to an enchanting Mother's Day Tea event that promises to be a memorable celebration. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 3rd at noon and prepare for an afternoon filled with charm, laughter, and heartwarming moments. This year's tea gathering offers something for everyone. Guests can explore a charming bazaar featuring unique gifts and handcrafted items, enjoy a delectable lunch, and participate in an exciting raffle with wonderful prizes. The highlight of the event will be the whimsical hat parade, where attendees can showcase their most creative and elegant headwear. Tickets are still available, so don't miss this opportunity to create lasting memories with your mother, grandmother, or the special maternal figures in your life. Gather your loved ones and join us for an afternoon of joy, connection, and appreciation. MORE...

A Legacy of Excellence: Four Decades of Home and Lifestyle Solutions This year marks a remarkable milestone for our Grand Forks-based company as we celebrate 40 incredible years of serving our community. Throughout four transformative decades, we have consistently delivered an exceptional range of products designed to enhance both indoor comfort and outdoor living experiences. From innovative home improvement solutions to carefully curated leisure products, our commitment has always been to provide customers with high-quality items that transform houses into personalized, functional, and inviting spaces. Whether you're looking to renovate your living room, upgrade your backyard, or simply add a touch of style to your home, our comprehensive product line ensures that every customer finds exactly what they need. Our journey of four decades reflects not just a business achievement, but a testament to our unwavering dedication to quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous adaptation to evolving lifestyle trends. We take pride in being a trusted partner in helping our customers create spaces that are not just beautiful, but truly reflective of their unique personalities and aspirations. MORE...

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio emerges as a stunning testament to Italian automotive artistry, blending breathtaking design with exhilarating performance in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. This latest iteration showcases Alfa Romeo's unwavering commitment to creating vehicles that are not just modes of transportation, but passionate expressions of driving excellence. From the moment you lay eyes on the Stelvio, its sculpted lines and aggressive stance speak volumes about its sporty DNA. The distinctive triangular grille and sleek, muscular bodywork pay homage to Alfa Romeo's rich racing heritage while delivering a thoroughly modern aesthetic that turns heads on every street. Underneath its beautiful exterior, the Stelvio promises a driving experience that is quintessentially Italian – dynamic, responsive, and utterly engaging. Advanced engineering meets emotional design, with precision handling that makes every journey feel like a thrilling adventure. Whether navigating urban landscapes or carving through winding mountain roads, this SUV delivers a perfect balance of comfort and performance. Technology enthusiasts will appreciate the sophisticated infotainment system and cutting-edge driver assistance features that complement the Stelvio's athletic character. It's a vehicle that doesn't just transport you, but connects you intimately with the pure joy of driving. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio isn't just another SUV – it's a passionate statement on wheels, proving that practicality and excitement can coexist in perfect harmony. MORE...

Maximize Your Sun Protection: A Comprehensive Guide to Staying Safe

Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is more than just a summer precaution—it's a year-round commitment to your health and beauty. Whether you're spending a day at the beach, running errands, or simply enjoying outdoor activities, understanding how to effectively use sun protection can make a significant difference in preventing skin damage and reducing long-term health risks.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Look for broad-spectrum protection that guards against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30. Apply generously and evenly, covering all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Don't forget often-missed areas like ears, neck, and the tops of your feet.

Reapplication is Key

Sunscreen isn't a one-and-done solution. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you're swimming, sweating, or toweling off. A good rule of thumb is to use about one ounce (a shot glass full) to cover your entire body.

Additional Sun Protection Strategies

• Wear protective clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)
• Use wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses
• Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM)
• Consider additional protective measures like sun umbrellas or UV-protective clothing

Remember, sun protection isn't just about preventing sunburn. It's about safeguarding your skin from premature aging, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and maintaining your skin's long-term health and appearance.

Rails, the quintessential Los Angeles lifestyle brand celebrated for its effortlessly chic Southern California-inspired collections, has expanded its footprint by launching its first Maryland boutique in the heart of Bethesda Row. Nestled at 4852 Bethesda Avenue, the new store promises to bring the brand's signature laid-back, sun-soaked aesthetic to the local fashion scene. Renowned for its women's clothing that captures the essence of West Coast cool, Rails has become a go-to label for those seeking stylish, comfortable, and versatile pieces that seamlessly transition from beach to street. The Bethesda location marks an exciting milestone for the brand, offering local fashion enthusiasts a chance to experience the Rails lifestyle up close. MORE...

In a shift within Minneapolis's vibrant dining scene, restaurateur Kim Bartmann has decided to close Pinoli, her Italian restaurant located in Uptown, which originally opened in 2023. The space is now set to welcome a fresh culinary venture from entrepreneur Michelle Courtright, signaling an exciting transition for the popular neighborhood location. Pinoli's closure marks another dynamic moment in Bartmann's notable restaurant portfolio, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of the city's dining landscape. While the details of the restaurant's closure remain limited, the upcoming arrival of Courtright's new shop and restaurant promises to bring renewed energy to the address. Local food enthusiasts and Uptown residents can look forward to discovering what innovative concept Courtright will introduce to the neighborhood, continuing the area's reputation for creative and engaging dining experiences. MORE...

Bridging Data and Storytelling: A Conversation with Michelle Pera-McGhee from The Pudding As Northern Arizona University prepares to welcome Michelle Pera-McGhee, a talented journalist engineer from The Pudding, our team had the exciting opportunity to dive deep into her innovative approach to visual data journalism. The Pudding has become renowned for transforming complex data into compelling visual narratives, and Pera-McGhee stands at the forefront of this creative intersection between technology and storytelling. Her unique background allows her to translate intricate datasets into engaging, accessible stories that captivate audiences and illuminate hidden insights. In an intimate pre-visit interview, Pera-McGhee shared her passion for using visual design and data analysis to communicate meaningful information in ways that resonate with readers across diverse backgrounds. Her work exemplifies how modern journalism can leverage technology to make information not just informative, but truly memorable. Students and faculty at NAU can look forward to gaining unprecedented insights into the evolving landscape of data journalism during her upcoming visit. MORE...

Beyond Calories: How Life Disruptions Could Be Sabotaging Your Weight Forget everything you thought you knew about weight gain. A groundbreaking new study suggests that the number on your scale might have less to do with what you eat and more to do with the chaos in your life. Researchers have uncovered a fascinating connection between lifestyle instability and unexpected weight fluctuations. Rather than simply counting calories, the study reveals that disruptions in daily routines, emotional stress, and unpredictable life changes could be significant contributors to weight gain. The research challenges traditional weight management approaches, highlighting that our bodies respond not just to food intake, but to the overall rhythm and stability of our lives. Sudden job changes, relationship shifts, moving to a new city, or experiencing high-stress periods might trigger metabolic responses that lead to weight gain. This innovative perspective invites us to look beyond diet and exercise, encouraging a holistic approach to health that considers our emotional and environmental well-being. It's a reminder that maintaining a healthy weight isn't just about what's on your plate, but also about creating a balanced, consistent lifestyle. As science continues to unravel the complex factors influencing our bodies, this study offers a refreshing and compassionate view of weight management—one that recognizes the intricate connection between our life experiences and physical health. MORE...