Hello! It's been a long while since you last heard from me. I hope you are all staying well! Long story short...a pandemic happened and threw our lives into quite a tizzy. At the same time, I gave MySoCalledMidlife a makeover. It was time. Whew. A lot of changes.I'm excited about this change: MySoCalledMidlife has morphed into a new newsletter called thePause. As before, I'm still … [Read more...] about Big News! MySoCalledMidlife is Evolving Into Something New
The Eyes Have It! 8 Things Your Eyes Can Reveal About Your Overall Health
In addition to symptoms of the more traditional eye ailments—cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration—here are some eye health warning signs on your eye doctor’s radar. Read about eyes as health indicators on Parade.com. … [Read more...] about The Eyes Have It! 8 Things Your Eyes Can Reveal About Your Overall Health
Here Are 7 Ways to Protect Your Heart During the Pandemic
The coronavirus has taught us the importance of stocking up on toilet paper, but it’s also been a wake-up call to take better care of our health. Since people with existing medical conditions—among them heart disease—are at higher risk for severe symptoms from COVID-19, now is a critical time to pay attention to your heart health, says Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Heba Wassif, M.D. Here are … [Read more...] about Here Are 7 Ways to Protect Your Heart During the Pandemic
An Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Is Met With Resilience
Brian Van Buren’s life has been filled with thrilling adventures. In the late 1980s, he met Princess Diana at one of her pet projects, the London Lighthouse AIDS Clinic, while caring for his late husband (who died before Van Buren’s diagnosis); during his 22-year tenure as a flight attendant for United Airlines, he visited 57 countries; he twice appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show, as a survivor of … [Read more...] about An Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Is Met With Resilience
Protect Your Peepers! Expert Tips to Help Protect Your Eyes from Blue Light
It’s hard to avoid technology, with TVs, tablets, computers and mobile phones playing such a big part of our everyday lives—especially during quarantine. American adults spend almost half of each day interacting with screens, with those 60 and older devoting an extra half hour each day compared to 10 years ago. But are these blue-light-emitting devices wrecking our health? Read the full article … [Read more...] about Protect Your Peepers! Expert Tips to Help Protect Your Eyes from Blue Light
Breast Lumps: 8 Myths and Facts
When you feel a lump in your breast, it's understandable to be concerned. But don't jump to conclusions. Instead, take action. Call your doctor to find out what it is. Also, make sure you haven't fallen for any of these 8 myths about breast lumps. Read the full article on Web MD. … [Read more...] about Breast Lumps: 8 Myths and Facts
‘Life Is Full of Uncertainties’! Survivors of Cancer, Coronavirus and Stroke Share Their Stories
As both a long-time cancer survivor and, more recently, a COVID-19 survivor, I know firsthand how a medical issue can surprise and test you, physically and mentally. “Life is full of uncertainties; it’s not until they descend upon us that we know how resilient we are,” says Cleveland Clinic psychologist Scott Bea, Psy.D. It’s natural for survivors to feel both vulnerability and mastery, he … [Read more...] about ‘Life Is Full of Uncertainties’! Survivors of Cancer, Coronavirus and Stroke Share Their Stories
The Benefits of Swimming if You Have Crohn’s
Research shows that moderate swimming can reduce the inflammation and relieve joint pain of arthritis, a common problem in people with Crohn’s. If you have Crohn’s disease, exercising may be the furthest thing from your mind. But its effects can be far-reaching — and getting wet may be just what the doctor ordered. “Exercise is important for all people, including those with Crohn’s disease,” … [Read more...] about The Benefits of Swimming if You Have Crohn’s
The Give and Take of Being a Volunteer
Good deeds may promote good health and skills. All you need to do is step up. Most likely you’ve heard calls to action for volunteering like “it’s better to give than to receive.” “Think globally, act locally.” And, “do good while doing well.” Giving to others — in the form of time, sweat, support, and smiles — gives back to you in amazing ways that may have a positive impact on your … [Read more...] about The Give and Take of Being a Volunteer
How Being a Cancer Survivor Helps Me Cope With Coronavirus Fears
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, one of the worst things about it, aside from the obvious countless physical ramifications, is the emotional upheaval it causes. The raw feelings of vulnerability. The absolute terror of knowing that your body has betrayed you. The desire to close yourself off, make yourself as small as possible and hide inside an impenetrable antiseptic bubble of safety. Read … [Read more...] about How Being a Cancer Survivor Helps Me Cope With Coronavirus Fears