Doctor: What is a podiatrist?
What exactly is a podiatrist? The short answer is a foot and ankle specialist.
A podiatrist is a physician who has an undergraduate degree, a...
Koczor: Alzheimer’s, dementia, take huge toll on families, economy
September is World Alzheimer’s Month. This year’s theme — “Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s” — highlights the importance of support for those diagnosed with the...
5 tips to avoid falls, including over your pets
Most of us can’t live without our cats and dogs, but sometimes they literally just get in the way.
About 85,000 people suffer nonfatal injuries...
Accelerated learning program to kick off in kindergarten
In recent years, the Maricopa Unified School District has made a concerted effort to improve the assessment of the learning that occurs in its...
American Heart Month: Taking care of your ticker
The first American Heart Month was marked in February 1964 following President Lyndon B. Johnson’s proclamation on Dec. 30, 1963. At that time, more...
Continuing-care retirement communities worth a look
More than 2,000 continuing-care retirement communities exist nationally. They include all phases of senior living: independent, assisted, memory care and skilled nursing, packaged into...
Coping with stressful news: Keep things in perspective
Today’s news reports have been less than encouraging for exiting a globally traumatic event, such as the COVID crisis, to cope with. While feelings...
Holiday gift suggestions
In an attempt to reduce holiday stress, I’m going to provide you with some gift suggestions for friends and loved ones. Of course, in...
Squash, pumpkins carve out niche in Maricopa-area history
It’s that time of year again, when we give thanks with pumpkin and squash on the holiday table.
Cucurbita, Latin for gourd, is among the...
Traveling by air just got easier
Traveling by plane is one of the safest and fastest ways to get to your destination. But crowded airports, long waits at security checkpoints,...
Algebra a tough equation to solve
Algebra (specifically, high school algebra) truly is a gatekeeper to a student’s future.
Non-technical college degrees generally require completing a college algebra course, which might...
Siegel: What does an academic coach do?
Most everyone knows what an athletic coach does, yet many are ignorant about the duties of an academic coach.
By next school year, all Maricopa...
Danger in the air for older Americans
Here in Arizona, we are all exposed to desert dust every time the wind blows. This can lead to lung problems such as Valley...
Siegel: Expanding STEM success: 2 simple steps
Last month’s column looked at how the teaching of math in the elementary grades has reduced the number of students taking advanced math classes...
Master Gardener: Prepare that new vegetable garden now
It’s August, and we have not quite given up on summer and are wondering when it will end. The temperatures are consistently in the...
Medical alert devices: Do you need one?
Last week, I was helping my wife install a home key box for a Province resident when she asked me what I knew about...
Technology helping more seniors age at home
By Al Brandenburg
Americans are living longer, and most would prefer to age in their own home and community, rather than going to a hospital...
Expert: Observ your face in a new light
At Maricopa Wellness Center, we pride ourselves on our visual diagnosis of skin concerns and issues. Unfortunately, we are unable to see what is...
Koczor: May is a month to celebrate older Americans
Every year in May, older Americans are recognized for their contributions to our
communities and nation.
A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy...
Hot! Hot! Hot! Gardening in July
By Al Brandenburg
Another year and again I am watching my plants wither in the 100-degree-plus heat. Gardening in Arizona in July can be difficult...
Learning to read in Maricopa schools
For several years, emphasis has been placed on the learning of mathematics and science in the elementary grades, yet nobody disputes that the most...
Learn how to ‘take care’ of yourself
So many posts from friends end with “take care.” It seems a simple salutation at the end of a letter or social media post,...
Planting a garden? The merits of raised, in-ground beds
Planting a new garden? Are you torn between what type of garden bed you should use?
When establishing a garden, you can either choose a...
In the New Year, take an honest approach to relationships
Good, we have that resolution moment out of the way. Now to begin a movement of another kind.
At some time or another, we have...
Recognizing the crucial contributions of women, today and always
The theme of National Women’s History Month, “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” is a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during...
Survey challenges conventional wisdom, perception about aging
This past June, American Association of Retired Persons and National Geographic published results of their joint “Second Half of Life Study” in the AARP...
Siegel: Advanced Math for elementary students, please
In January 2016, I began this education column with two purposes. First, provide readers with new ideas about teaching and learning through the lens...
Memory Café offered by Pinal-Gila Council for Seniors
A recent article by Ginger Fligger with Pinal-Gila Council for Seniors states 173,000 people in Arizona will live with Alzheimer’s or another condition that...
Phelps: How to keep our students safe
This month, our children will return to school. The concerns we have about safety have been heightened recently by more school shootings by mentally...
Aging in place: Is it for you?
Because there is “no place like home,” aging in place may have many benefits: it can cost less if you own your home, slow...