Inner Nature: Inosculation
By Vidya Rajan, Columnist, The Times
I was taking a walk the other day (in a tropical country) and came across limbs from two trees that had twisted around each other and had actually grown into each other, presumably sharing their vasculature at the point of contact. These kisses are termed inosculation. It happens when the bark between the abutted limbs wears away due to friction and the vascular...
Becoming the Best U: Advice on spring cleaning, letting go of guilt
By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times
Question: I decided to try writing a few New Year’s goals after my sister’s suggestion. Last November I broke up with my boyfriend of four years and every room in the house is a horrible reminder of him. I also want to clean out the clutter in my house. I don’t know how to begin. My sister read your column and told me to write you for some advice.
Jocelyn,...
Inner Nature: A chat with ChatGPT about bioelectricity
By Vidya Rajan, Columnist, The Times
The power of a good story is that has sound grounding in fact, but also pushes the boundary of belief. Is it too much to imagine that our world will be un-livable soon due to the effects of climate change? Will watching the movie The Day After Tomorrow change your mind? Will watching GAATACA sensitize you to the possible outcomes of human genetic engineering? Will...
ReFirement at Any Age: Love, a big little word
By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times
No matter what your age or situation is in life, I think we can all agree that love is, indeed, an undeniably big little word.
The fourteenth of February has been designated as the day we set aside specifically to celebrate love.
We acknowledge love in many traditional ways. We send cards, give candy and go out to dinner, just to name a few.
All of those...
Becoming the Best U: Tips on navigating Valentine’s Day
By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times
Question: I’ve been dating this girl, and although I really like her, I don’t have the budget to take her out to a fancy restaurant for Valentine’s Day. Do you have any inexpensive ideas to let her know I care?
Jim – Exton
Answer: Good for you to not be pressured into spending money you don’t have at a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day! You’re...
Inner Nature: Antibiotic Ambivalence
By Vidya Rajan, Columnist, The Times
Pathogens are organisms which cause disease, and we are regularly exposed to these pathogens through the food we eat, people we mingle with, animals we tend, and soil we dig.
Until the mid-twentieth century, vaccinations had been the preventive method. The discovery that weakened bacteria and viruses could activate the immune system to fight them at the next sighting...
ReFirement at Any Age: As another new year begins
By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times
Are you making plans to welcome something new into your life this year? It might be an improvement or an adjustment to something you’ve already begun. The best way to start your new 2023 adventure is by painting a visual picture of what you want your year to look like and then pour it out on paper for you to read.
Excitement surrounds each New Year, don’t...
Becoming the Best U: Christmas stress and finding a new normal
By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times
Question: Christmas is my least favorite holiday. My parents are divorced and both got remarried. My sister spends Christmas with her husband’s family. Me, I just want to get through the day. I hate the drama the comes with it all. Is it terrible if I just stay home and ignore the day?
Jane – Berwyn
Answer: You’re not alone. Although many people say...
Becoming the Best U: Advice on exercise, gifts and self care
By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times
Question: I stopped exercising during Covid, and I want to get back into shape, but don’t know where to begin. Do you have any suggestions?
Dana – West Chester
Answer: I always tell my clients who are getting back into exercising to turn it into a social experience, so they look forward to it. Depending on your budget, physical limitations, and time allowance,...
ReFirement at Any Age: Good Thoughts. Good Words. Good Deeds
By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times
This message is very fitting for this time of year and one that should be practiced every single day. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a fulfilling life, doesn’t it?
If we have good thoughts, they will form into good words, which can be put into motion as good deeds. Sound easy? It’s not. It takes a conscience effort. If we view it and practice it as...
