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Roll portable air conditioner among rooms

Editorials and columns

Dear Jim: We are empty-nesters now. Is it wise to move a portable air conditioner among rooms instead of running our central air as much to cool the entire house? - Kari K. Dear Kari: Using a portable or air conditioner is a good idea especially when two of you are going to be in the same room for an extended time. This also is effective with central air-conditioning. Even though the cooling efficiency of a newer central heat pump is generally higher than that of a portable model, using portable one can save money overall. Run the portable unit to cool just a few frequently used rooms ...

A case for letter writing

Editorials and columns

If there were a single task that could do all the following, would you do it? (1) cultivate deeper emotional connections, (2) improve cognitive and mental health, (3) increase mindfulness, (4) reduce screen fatigue, (5) lower anxiety, (6) stimulate memory retention, and (7) create tangible ...

Men don't have to suffer in silence

Editorials and columns

While we have traditionally celebrated Father's Day in June, this month has also been set aside to highlight awareness of men's struggles with mental health and depression. The National Alliance on Mental Illness continues to advocate for breaking the cultural stigma that men have to "tough it out" on their own while wrestling with internal issues. Current statistics show what many mental health professionals are calling a "silent crisis." Many men do not like to talk about how they are weighed down emotionally, and this suppressed affliction often leads to anxiety, stress and, in the ...

Taking care of your family

Editorials and columns

Do you have a will or a trust? Have you signed “Power of Attorney for Finances” and “Medical Power of Attorney” forms? Have you made any funeral arrangements? Have you made decisions about your children if they are minors? If this makes you uncomfortable, it certainly is ...