Do Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pregnancy Mix?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which causes inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. It can lead to deformities in the hands and feet, anemia, decreased range of motion, numbness and tingling, pleurisy, and other mild to severe symptoms. It is a long term disease that can be managed (but not cured) by drugs that are incompatible with a healthy pregnancy. Does that mean women who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis can’t carry a pregnancy? Fortunately, that is not the case! Conception The pain and discomfort associated with RA may affect a couple’s sex life and account for the fact … Continue reading

Glucosamine For Older Dogs

My dog Barnaby is an old yellow lab that I love dearly. He’s getting up there in age and I know that within the next few years he’ll probably be leaving us. I don’t want to think about that right now though. While he is with us, I want to be sure his life is as stress free and healthy as possible. Looking at him you’d know he was older, but he acts much younger. Aside from adding a teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar to his water dish each day, I feel I owe it all to the natural … Continue reading

Marriage Doesn’t Prepare People

‘Marriage doesn’t prepare people for retirement,’Mick said today as we were talking about people we know and they way they hardly interact with each other. Think about it. His comment makes a lot of sense. The reality is for most of married life it is a case of the husband, or more commonly these days both parties, going off to work. They work in separate places and spend a lot of hours apart then come together in the evening with family. Then there are chores to be done and kids to feed and meals to prepare. It is not exactly … Continue reading

Arthritis Myths

If you crack your knuckles, you’re more likely to end up with arthritis. Wrong! That’s just one of many popular misconceptions about arthritis. While cracking your knuckles could injure an individual joint, it won’t cause arthritis. Here are some more myths about arthritis! Overuse of joints leads to arthritis. Wrong! If overusing a joint caused arthritis, wouldn’t you only get it in the hand you write with and not in the off-hand? While repeated injury to a joint can lead to a particular type of arthritis (degenerative arthritis, where the joint is breaking down), repeated USE of a joint won’t … Continue reading

Joaquin Phoenix Retires and “Melrose Place” Rides Again

It may have sounded like an April Fool’s joke, but the bomb actor Joaquin Phoenix dropped at a Paul Newman tribute earlier this week was anything but funny. The 34-year-old actor’s stunning announcement: He’s retiring from acting. “I’m not doing films anymore,” the two-time Oscar nominee told a shocked reporter from TV’s “Extra.” According to Phoenix, he’s leaving the big screen behind to concentrate on his music career. While he refused to elaborate on his plans, the actor did reveal that he is currently working on a record for the British band The Charlatans and has been contemplating a move … Continue reading

Are Your Core Values the Same?

How did you go with three words to describe you and your spouse? Did you find it hard to choose just three? I did. For my husband I could have also added, loving, creative, clever (especially at fixing things and doing things with his hands which I am not) friendly, (people always enjoy talking to him and he can talk to anyone), down to earth and realistic. (I’m emotional and I’m a worrier. He’s neither.) Since we are so different how does that work out in our marriage? Fine. As Courtney said we compliment or balance each other. He keeps … Continue reading

Want To Save Yourself $800?

Okay, how can I save $800, you ask? Actually, you can save even more than that by becoming familiar with financial markets, retirement planning and more. One comprehensive evaluation with a financial planner, where he or she will sit down and evaluate your retirement goal, typically costs $800 to $2000. Hey, why not learn some financial planning on your own and turn it into a side business! Then, not only will you save money, you can make a little money as well. How do you learn what to do in order to plan for your retirement appropriately? Do the research! … Continue reading

Tips for Retirement Planning

Every year you should take the time to evaluate your long-term financial plans. If you are very close to retirement, you might need to do this more often than once a year. Try to come up with a schedule that works for you. Look at it each year on your birthday, the New Year, each fall when school starts, at tax time, find a time that is best for you. During this time, your retirement plans should be part of this process. When you do sit down to review, consider these tips: 1. Every year we see inflation rising. Your … Continue reading

Switching Careers Later in Life

Many people over the age of 50 consider switching careers. When they do, they often wonder if it is even possible or worthwhile. Once you have become established in a profession, change can be scary. In addition, there are risks associated with that change. If you are considering switching careers later in your life, there are some unique considerations to consider. First, ask yourself some of these questions: 1. How much longer do I plan to work before retirement? 2. Could I plan to continue my current career until retirement age? 3. What are the main reasons I want to … Continue reading

Making a Major Decision

My last blogs have been about submission and marriage. Does that mean my husband does whatever he likes and I’m expected to go along with it? No, it does not. He would never make a decision without consulting me and talking it over. Similarly I would not make a major decision without his input. Before he retired, my darling was under considerable stress at work with expectations beyond what any human being could reasonably do. It looked likely to get worse. He suffered many migraines, severe neck and shoulder pains and other health issues caused by stress. I was very … Continue reading