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Secrets To A Successful Life

WELL-BEING

What do America’s elder citizens say about living a happy, healthy, and successful life? A Cornell University professor, Karl Pillemer, asked hundreds of seniors and gives their advice in his book 30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans.

*Take risks to avoid regret.People in their 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond endorse taking risks when you’re young, contrary to a stereotype that elders are conservative. They say that you are much more likely to regret what you didn’t do than what you did. Say yes to opportunities.

*Make the most of a bad job.Pillemer said, “Remember that many of these folks who grew up in the Great Depression had bad jobs early on-in fact, their bad jobs make our bad jobs look like good jobs! They found, however, that they learned invaluable lessons from these less-than-ideal work situations. You can learn how the industry works, about communicating with other employees, and about customer service.

*Choose excitement over money.Choose a career for its basic value rather than how much money you will make. Our elders are keenly aware of how short life is, and they think it’s a mistake to waste precious time in work you don’t like. According to our elders, you need to be able to get up in the morning excited about work, so choose your career with that in mind.

*Regrets?Embrace travel, especially when you are young.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Screens & Stress A Close Connection

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

If you’re feeling the effects of stress and anxiety in your life, you may want to look at your use of smartphones, tablets, and TV. A study done by psychologists at the University of Worcester in England says that frequent use of electronic devices could be linked to higher stress levels.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, think about cutting back on the amount of screen time you have each day. This works well as a family effort. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends these tactics:

*Find out how much you use screens.Keep a log of how much time you spend on screens outside of work or school. Often people are surprised to see how much time they spend on electronic devices.

*Set a two-hour goal.Try to keep non-work and non-school screen time activities to less than two hours a day. This is a good rule for adults and kids.

*Find alternatives.Explore fun things you can do instead of screen time, such as playing a game or going for a walk.

*Combine exercise with screens.If you’re going to watch TV, do stretching, yoga, or other exercises while you’re watching. This can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall health.

*Have designated screen-free times.Whenever possible, have family meals without the TV on or phones nearby. Spend time talking with your family and enjoying your food. Set aside other times of the day as screen-free. An hour before bedtime is a good choice to help you wind down for sleep.

Emergency stress stoppers

The next time you feel your stress level rise, try one of these tips:

* Take three to five deep breaths.

* Count to ten before you speak.

* If possible, walk away from the situation and say you’ll be able to handle it later.

Source: American Heart Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Say ‘No’ To Interruptions, ‘Yes’ To Better Work

WELL-BEING

Today’s office workers are expected to multitask regularly, often juggling multiple projects and priorities over the course of a day. Studies have shown that the typical employee in an office environment is interrupted up to 6 times per hour, but how does that impact the finished product?

“People don’t realize how disruptive interruptions can be,” said the researchers at George Mason University, whose study was published in Human Factors.

The researchers found significantly lower quality in essays completed by the participants who were interrupted during the outline and writing phases than in essays of those who were not interrupted. In addition, those participants who were interrupted during the writing phase wrote considerably fewer words.

Interruptions lower the quality of the work, they said, and suggested ways to reduce the number of external interruptions: Turn off your cell phone and disable dings for incoming email. Close your door. Face away from office traffic patterns.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Saving Food, Saving Money

FINANCIAL HEALTH

In the U.S., we throw out millions of tons of food each year. Most people have thrown out food that spoiled or was simply never eaten. This harms the environment because it adds up to more waste, and it’s also harmful to your budget. It’s a lot like throwing money in the garbage! In addition, some of that wasted food could have gone to people who don’t have enough to eat.

Shopping, planning, saving

The number one way to stop wasting food is to plan meals and shop for only those meals. You’ll need to make a shopping list and stick to it when you go to the store.

Your list should have ingredients for all your meals, including main dishes, sides, drinks and snacks. Then, buy only what’s on the list. This requires some extra time and planning, but the savings can add up.

Some people like to shop for the whole week, while others shop for only a few days at a time. This is up to you. No matter how you like to shop, having a list can save you money and cut down on food waste.

In the end, your budget and the environment will thank you. As an added bonus, you will be eating healthier by planning your meals ahead of time.

Keep the pantry organized

Have you ever bought a can of beans, only to find that you already had three at home? Having an organized pantry can help avoid this.

Try putting your pantry into sections. You may wish to divide up canned foods into categories like fruit, vegetables, beans and other foods. Have another section for pasta, one for rice and so on. Being able to quickly glance at the pantry when you’re making your shopping list can save time and prevent buying duplicates.

Other tips to prevent food waste

* Buying bulk portions can be a big saving – but only if you eat it. Only buy these large portions if you plan to use or freeze it all before it expires.

* Eat leftovers! Have a leftover dinner night, rather than cooking another meal. Get creative and use leftovers to make a casserole, soup or sandwiches.

* Check your fridge first. Before you go shopping, see what you already have in your fridge. Eat what you have on hand before buying more.

* Ask local food banks about their needs. Donate food that you don’t think you will use instead of throwing it away.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Simple Steps To Save Your Sight

WELL-BEING

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the number one cause of blindness in older adults. AMD damages central vision, which means things like reading, driving and seeing faces are limited or impossible. There is no cure for AMD, but there are procedures and steps you can take to help save vision. Lower your risk of getting AMD with these tips:

*Don’t smoke.Studies show that smoking increases the risk of AMD. Smokers are twice as likely to get AMD as nonsmokers. If you do smoke, take steps to quit.

*Know your family history.People with a close relative who has AMD have a 50 percent chance of getting AMD. Detecting AMD early means you could save your vision.

*Eat a healthy diet.People who eat omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, are less likely to get AMD. Also, focus on eating leafy greens such as spinach, kale and leafy lettuce. Eat plenty of whole fruits (not fruit juice).

*Limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol.Eating a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol raises the risk of getting AMD. Avoid processed (packaged) foods with unhealthy saturated and trans fats.

*Be active.Exercise may keep your eyes healthy. Exercising at least three times per week can reduce your risk of getting AMD.

*See your eye doctor regularly.An eye doctor can catch AMD early with an eye exam. Find out how often you should have your eyes checked.

*Protect your eyes from the sun.Always wear sunglasses that have 100 percent UV protection when you are outside. For additional coverage, wear a wide-brimmed hat.

*Get regular checkups from your doctor.Keeping cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure under control also helps maintain healthy eyes.

*Your vision is too important to leave to chance.A healthy lifestyle and good medical care can help you avoid AMD or catch it early, before it damages your sight.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Macular Degeneration Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Save More, Spend Less

FINANCIAL HEALTH

According to the American Psychological Association, finances are the number one cause of stress in America. Whether it’s meeting the monthly bills or trying to build a retirement fund, financial worries can be difficult to deal with.

If you’re looking for ways to stretch your monthly budget, the Federal Trade Commission offers some tips that may help you save more and spend less without feeling the pinch.

Start with a budget.

This may not be fun, but it doesn’t have to be long and difficult. You can use something as simple as a two-column sheet of paper. In one column, write your net income for the month. In the other column, record all your expenses: basic monthly bills (mortgage, food, transportation), lifestyle choices (entertainment, eating out, personal care, pets), and other expenses. This will give you a clear idea of how much you need to save or cut back on spending. The FTC website offers a free budget worksheet atwww.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-1020-make-budget-worksheet.pdf.

Consider direct deposits into savings accounts.

Have part of your paycheck go directly into a 401 savings or other type of retirement account. Have additional money put into another savings account for an emergency fund and major expenses as needed.

Pack lunches.

A daily $6 spent on lunch adds up to $800 a year. Instead, make extra food for dinner and take leftovers or make your own sandwich. Or, purchase healthy frozen meals when they’re on sale.

Use free community services.

Most cities have well-stocked libraries that have books, magazines, music, games, and movies. You can check these items out for free.

Know that every little bit helps.

Make small, manageable goals to help you save. Even just $1,000 less on your credit card bill could save you hundreds of dollars in interest each year. Eating out one fewer time each week adds up to big savings in a few months. Rather than being discouraged by a goal that seems impossible, look for small, doable ways to save a few dollars here and there.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Save Money On Health Expenses

FINANCIAL HEALTH

Unexpected health care costs can be hard on any budget. To help manage your own health care costs:

*Get preventive care.Well visits and checkups often cost a lot less than treating a disease or illness. Talk to your doctor and dentist about how often you should be seen, and stick to this schedule.

*Use generic medicines.Name brand medicines can cost hundreds of dollars more than generic ones. Ask your doctor if a generic medicine is available for your condition. Tell your doctor if you are having trouble paying for medications. Drug makers sometimes offer coupons or savings cards for people who need them.

*Shop around for your prescriptions.Medicine costs can vary widely among pharmacies. Call pharmacies and ask for the cost of your prescription medicine. Some websites also have prescription medicine costs available for pharmacies in your area. You may also wish to look into mail-order pharmacies.

*Check your medical bills.Make sure there are no mistakes on your doctor, hospital or prescription bills. And, be sure your insurance covered services it is supposed to cover. If you have questions, or think you may be over-billed, call the number listed on your bill.

Source: Consumer Federation of America

Watch those late fees!

A few dollars here, 20 dollars there… late fees can add up. Whether it’s your credit card bill or a service you received, make an effort to pay your bill on time. Avoid late fees by getting bills set up on automatic payment plans. Or, have a special slot on the wall to place bills that haven’t been paid. Then, they won’t get buried under junk mail or other papers on your desk.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Salmon’s Health Benefits

HEALTHY EATING

NUTRITION FACTS

* High quality protein

* Vitamins: Niacin, thiamin, B6, B12, and D

* Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc

* Omega-3 fatty acids

HELPS IMPROVE memory and brain function

LOWERS THE RISK of cardiovascular disease and cancers of the colon, kidney and prostate gland

LOWERS INFLAMMATION which can be beneficial for arthritis

AIDS IN MAINTAINING insulin levels in the body

HELPS PREVENT macular degeneration and vision loss

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Safer Winter Driving For Under $30

WELL-BEING

Rain, fog, snow, ice, and sleet-all the challenges of winter driving. You can’t control the weather, but you can take care to be prepared (and spend less than $30 to be safer), say auto claims experts from MetLife.

* Cold weather can cut the life of a car battery in half. Buy a battery tester for less than $1, and check the health of your battery to make sure you won’t be left stranded out in the cold.

* Check to see if your antifreeze is at the recommended 50/50 ratio of antifreeze to water to protect your car’s cooling system from freezing. Buy an antifreeze tester for less than $2.

* Properly inflated tires guarantee the best possible contact with the road, giving you more control. Check your air pressure to make sure it matches your tire guidelines. Air pressure drops as the temperature drops.

* If your windshield wipers leave a streak across the windshield, it’s time to invest in winterized wiper-blade refills (around $7).

* Top off the windshield wiper fluid and always carry an extra gallon ($2).

* Buy an ice scraper and de-icer for about $2 to break up any ice that might be blocking your vision or clogging your locks.

* If your car is stuck in snow or ice, have a folding snow shovel (about $7) and a bag of cat litter (around $2) handy to dig yourself out and provide traction for your tires on the slippery surface.

* Keep free stuff from your home in your car: old blankets, hats, gloves.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Safe Ways To Get Rid Of Warts

SELF-CARE CORNER

Warts are noncancerous growths caused by a contagious virus. Common warts usually appear on the hands, and plantar warts appear on the bottoms of the feet.

Most common and plantar warts are harmless and will go away on their own with time. But, they may cause pain or embarrassment. As a result, many people would rather see them gone sooner rather than later.

Wart basics

If you’re not sure whether you have a wart, it’s best to see your doctor. Some skin cancers can look like warts.

You can get warts from other people or from touching a surface that had the wart virus on it. The virus that causes warts is known as human papillomavirus (HPV). Children and teens get warts most often, but they can happen to anyone.

Keep warts away

It’s best to try and avoid getting warts in the first place. To help avoid warts, doctors say:

* Don’t go barefoot in public showers, bathrooms, locker rooms, and around swimming pools. Wear flip flops or waterproof shoes.

* Don’t share towels or personal items with others unless it has been washed.

* Wash hands regularly, including before and after eating, after using the bathroom, and after touching shared surfaces like doorknobs and ATMs.

* Finally, never pick at or scratch warts. This can spread the wart to other parts of the body.

Medicines for warts

There are a few ways to help speed the healing process for warts and get rid of them sooner. They include:

*Wart medicine:Look for one that contains salicylic acid as the active ingredient. This medicine helps peel the wart off gradually. It can be purchased in a liquid or gel you apply to the skin, or in patches that stick on the wart.

*Wart freezing sprays:An over-the-counter wart freezing spray can help get rid of warts. The spray blisters the wart and the skin around it, allowing it to fall off in a few days.

*Duct tape:Some studies suggest that applying duct tape to the wart may help it go away. Put a small piece of duct tape over the wart and change the tape every couple of days. This may help peel the wart off.

Be patient with any wart treatment. It may take several applications before the wart goes away. If these home remedies aren’t working, talk to your doctor. Most dermatologists offer stronger wart removal treatments when needed.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026