Music can regulate the nervous system, reduce pain and heal trauma Writing by Anastasia Mills Healy  Artwork by Justin Negard As a graduate student in 1978, when Dr. Concetta Tomaino was assigned to play atmospheric music for the mostly nonresponsive residents of a nursing home in Brooklyn, the staff who fed them through tubes and tied them to their wheelchairs ...

Writing by Kayla Schmidt Artwork by Molly McGarvey Reports of suspicious activity amongst the county have surfaced; citizens claim the water is “unsafe.” But who is the perpetrator? Well, it’s not really a question of who, but what. And that “what” are forever chemicals known by the name of PFAS. PFAS 101 Let’s start with the basics. What are PFAS? ...

Why Your Dog Hates Goodbyes Writing by Dr. Sarah J. Cutler Artwork by Molly McGarvey When you leave your dog home alone, what happens? Do they look out the windows or stand at the door anxiously awaiting your return? Do they ignore their food or chew items that smell like you, such as remote controls, doorknobs or pillows? Are they ...

Writing by Susan Trumpdour Artwork by Justin Negard We’ve all met “natural” enthusiasts who proudly slather their faces with mysterious plant concoctions, strictly follow the latest clean-food fads or promote the benefits of consuming raw milk as a life elixir. Many believe anything labeled “natural” guarantees better health, happiness and a thriving gut microbiome. But the truth is, just because ...

Writing by Alina Mata Artwork by Aeneas Eaton Remember learning that eating carrots would improve your eyesight? Or that, according to the Kardashians, SugarBearHair gummies could give you stronger and shinier hair? What about when Prevagen claimed it could improve your memory? These claims, along with hundreds of others (Cheerios, Skechers, vitaminwater, etc.), were false. But don’t feel embarrassed if ...

Writing By Emma Lazar Artwork by Tricia Caracappa Modern life moves fast. Between work, school, family and the constant pull of screens, it’s easy to feel like there’s no time to take care of your health. But wellness doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym or a complete lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes, the most effective changes are the smallest ones—especially ...

Writing By Isabella Aranda Artwork by Tricia Caracappa Brain fog, constant fatigue, nagging headaches? Dehydration might be the culprit, even if these symptoms only pop up now and then. Luckily, staying hydrated is easier than you think. Here’s how you can stay healthy and hydrated throughout the year. 1. Bad memory? It may be dehydration. Your brain needs water to ...

Writing by Alexandra Zodda Artwork by Tricia Caracappa Brains are pretty amazing. “Your brain serves valuable functions,” says Dr. Emeran Mayer, a neuroscientist, gastroenterologist and founder of The Mayer Model, which explores the role of the brain-gut axis in overall health and well-being. “It’s this supercomputer that you carry around with you throughout life. And if you don’t take care ...

Choosing home essentials that endure By Stephanie Susnjara Design by Justin Negard When Andrea Gottschall purchased a new cherry wood dining table several years ago, she didn’t discard her old pine table. Instead, she tucked it away, saving it for one of her children’s future living spaces. “It’s going to feel like home for them,” explains Gottschall, highlighting the sentimental ...

Did your dishes come out spotty again? Are your clothes still damp after a full cycle? Here’s how to keep your appliances running efficiently —and avoid these frustrating mishaps. By Isabella Aranda Garcia The guests have arrived, the wine is poured, and the oven—well, the oven isn’t warming up. You give it a reassuring pat, maybe even a not-so-gentle kick, ...

Essential Tips For Downsizing Your Home By Josephine D'ippolito Photography by Marisa S White Transitioning into a new chapter of life often involves moving and downsizing, a process that can be emotionally challenging and logistically complex. So we decided to help. In this guide, we explore how to make this transition as smooth as possible with insights from Cate Bauer, ...

By Courtney Davis Walker Design by Justin Negard You’ve been asked to give a wedding speech…and you’re honored? Okay, you’re probably nervous and maybe a bit intimidated. What do you say? How long should it be? What if you aren’t funny? Should you just wing it? (Hint: Absolutely not.)  Where do you even begin? Fear not, fellow readers and soon-to-be-wedding-speech-writers/givers, ...