Reel Corner - March 2024

Donne Paine

And the Nominees Are...

Reel Corner - March 2024

The 96th Annual Academy Awards Oscars
are scheduled for March 10 at 7 p.m.

For Academy Award Oscar fans the book 50 Oscar Nights by Turner Classic Movies’ Dave Karger is a must read. For nearly a century, movie fans have been riveted by the Academy Awards and the stars who have won Oscars. 50 Oscar Nights takes readers behind the scenes of Hollywood's most storied award’s show through new and exclusive interviews with dozens of A-list actors, filmmakers, and craftspeople spanning 60 years of the Oscars. These artists reflect on their winning work and recount all the details of how they got ready for the biggest night in movies, what they wore, how they felt when they heard their name called, how they got up on stage to accept their award, and how the entire experience impacted their life.

Skating Uphill - March 2024

Judith Lawrenson

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Skating Uphill - March 2024

“Nature is pleased with simplicity.”
– The Uphill Skater –

Nature may be calling you loud and clear, so be sure your ear buds are tuned-in properly, or you may miss the message. Perhaps nature is calling you to eat more natural foods. If this is the case, and I promise it is, you probably know there are many products out there, claiming to be edible, that are NOT natural foods, and they are terrible for you. I am not going to go on about this, simply because you already know…hello! However, spring is here which makes it much easier to say hello to foods grown and resourced as close to home as possible, maybe even in your own garden.

Single File - March 2024

Susan Deitz

One and Only You!

Single File - March 2024

Be aware of your personhood and to make sure you are
expressing it in and out of a love relationship.


Single life is a series of challenges. But the one that leaves me breathless even as I write this is the supersize twin dare to be undependent (aka whole) during unpartnered phases and to keep that sense of self while coupled. And no, that's not an impossible dream. Radical, yes, but eminently doable. What it takes is conscious—and constant­vigilance.

 

Parenting March 2024: Sibling Bullying… Is it Just Human Nature?

John Rosemond

Living With Children by John Rosemond

Parenting March 2024: Sibling Bullying… Is it Just Human Nature?

Q: Our eight-year-old, the oldest of three, is often rude to his siblings. I know some sibling conflict is normal, but this seems excessive. I hear him multiple times per day tell his younger brothers how annoying they are. In addition, he often yells at them to stop whatever they are doing that he doesn’t like. We’ve asked him to stop berating and yelling at them and have him rephrase his disrespectful words, but his disrespect doesn’t seem to be improving, and it’s beginning to drive us up the wall. Thanks for any advice you can give us.

Pink Prescriptions - March 2024

It's All Pink

Let’s Talk About Colon Health: Because Colorectal Issues are Too Hard to Stomach

Pink Prescriptions - March 2024

A healthy colon is a much taken for granted organ when working properly. However, when things go awry, it can turn into a terrible situation. The colon is essential for waste removal in the body. If it’s not working properly, the body can’t absorb essential nutrients, or rid itself of waste. Colon health is incredibly important, although it’s not something most people want to talk about—even to their doctor.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month—the perfect time to educate yourself about this disease. Colorectal cancer is highly preventable when detected early, but deadly when ignored. It’s the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. And, there is a rise in early-onset colorectal cancer diagnosis—that’s the under-50 crowd.The lesson here is don’t leave your colon health to luck. If you have symptoms, changes in your bowel movements, a family history, or it’s just time to get things checked, trust your gut and get checked. Don’t put it off…colorectal issues are just too hard to stomach.

Here’s what some of the Lowcountry’s medical experts had to say:

Reel Corner - February 2024 Issue

Donne Paine

Who Are You Rooting For?

Reel Corner - February 2024 Issue

As the Reel Corner recovers from knee replacement surgery, I wondered if there were any films with a knee or leg injury as part of the story line. Believe it or not, there was plenty to choose from. Included were I Tonya, Bend it Like Beckham, and Varsity Blues.

After reviewing the list, the one that stood out most to me was Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, where Jimmy Stewart solves a murder with his leg in a cast and without ever leaving his room. If you have not seen Rear Window, or perhaps forgotten about it, stream it. You will not be disappointed.

 

Skating Uphill - February 2024

Judith Lawrenson

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Skating Uphill - February 2024

“I just enjoyed a bowl of soup.
So why is that a big deal you may ask?”
– The Uphill Skater –

I just finished a big bowl of my favorite cold-weather, delicious go-to meal: soup. I love soup and frequently enjoy it with fresh bread, chunks of cheese, a sliced apple, or crackers. I try not to let anything go to waste in the kitchen, and my numerous soup recipes actually bare that out. My one exception is a tasty soup called Autumn Harvest, which I’m happy to share the recipe for: Go to Panera Bread (they even have a drive-thru) and order the Autumn Harvest soup. It’s so good!

Single File - February 2024

Susan Deitz

Singleness as an Adventure

Single File - February 2024

It's true that being single isn't all fun and dream dates;
on-your-own-ness can feel downright lonely.

(And my reminder that marrieds also have their down times doesn't always break the mood.) Single life may have become the majority lifestyle here in America, but that fact doesn't help when you're trudging to the corner coffee shop for Saturday brunch. Alone. Believe me, I know. Which is why I'm suggesting my one-word cure for the blues: adventure.

Parenting February 2024: Weekly “Date Night” is Not Enough

John Rosemond

Living With Children by John Rosemond

Parenting February 2024: Weekly  “Date Night” is Not Enough

Q: Concerning chores, another expert recommends giving a child a certain number of chips, like poker chips, every month and if he or she fails to do a chore or doesn’t do it properly, you take a chip away. The chips can be used to purchase clothes and other things the child wants but doesn’t necessarily need. The child can also regain lost chips by doing extra chores. My wife and I are searching for a way to get our kids, ages 6 and 9, to do some light lifting around the house. What do you think of this system?

Pink Prescriptions - February 2024

It's All Pink

Matters of the Heart: Facts You Need to Know about Heart Attacks & Atrial Fibrillation

Pink Prescriptions - February 2024

Matters of the heart are serious. More than any other female medical condition, heart disease is No. 1, and in this case, it is not a good thing. It is the No. 1 cause of stroke, disability, and death in women…and men. Once thought to be only a concern for men, women need to take heart when it comes to their heart health.

Is your body communicating signs or symptoms? Are you paying attention? These Pink Prescriptions’ heart-healthy answers to our questions, provided by local cardiology experts, are the facts. Educate yourself! Do not ignore the signs! Talk to your care provider and ask questions. It’s your health, and when it comes to matters of the heart, it is as serious as a heart attack. Read on to learn more.

Reel Corner - January 2024 Issue

Donne Paine

Here Comes Award Season

Reel Corner - January 2024 Issue

As award season kicks off and winners are predicted with the likes of Maestro, Killers of the Flower Moon, Barbie, Wonka, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things, Anatomy of a Fall, and May December, my vote is on the small independent film, The Holdovers.

Skating Uphill - January 2024

Judith Lawrenson

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Skating Uphill - January 2024

“I love the ‘You Go, Girl!’ slogan,
but before we all jump on the bandwagon,
let’s be sure exactly where it is we are going!”
– The Uphill Skater –

We girls are on the go, no doubt about it. However, speaking from simply a foodie point of view, I find the way to actually go nutrition-wise can be murky, to say the least. As regular readers know, I am always on the hunt for not only new things and new science about food, but I am also looking for that “myth buster” new science that may increase our health benefits, while still being edible, if you know what I mean!

Single File - January 2024

Susan Deitz

Nice Guys Don't Necessarily Finish Last

Single File - January 2024

Dear Susan:
My wife and I divorced about six years ago. She initiated it and moved out shortly thereafter. After two years of having joint custody of our three children, she decided to "temporarily" move across the country to gain work experience. She asked me to take care of our kids full time until she came back. I happily agreed, but the kids were sad, though they still (like me) believed she'd return soon. Well, six months became a year, and then I received an attorney's notice that she was asking the court for full custody—plus permission to take the kids out of state to live with her. Long story short, she lost a ferocious and expensive court battle—and the kids are staying with me.

Parenting January 2024: Chores are for the Entire Family… that Includes Your Kids

John Rosemond

Living With Children by John Rosemond

Parenting January 2024: Chores are for the Entire Family… that Includes Your Kids

Q: Concerning chores, another expert recommends giving a child a certain number of chips, like poker chips, every month and if he or she fails to do a chore or doesn’t do it properly, you take a chip away. The chips can be used to purchase clothes and other things the child wants but doesn’t necessarily need. The child can also regain lost chips by doing extra chores. My wife and I are searching for a way to get our kids, ages 6 and 9, to do some light lifting around the house. What do you think of this system?

Pink Prescriptions - January 2024

It's All Pink

Let's Talk Eye to Eye: Local Eye Surgeons Address Common Vision Concerns

Pink Prescriptions - January 2024

Eye exams at every age and life stage can help keep your vision strong. About 11 million Americans over age 12 need vision correction—but it’s just one of the reasons to get your eyes examined. Regular eye exams are also an important part of finding eye diseases early and preserving your vision. Early treatment is critically important to prevent some common eye diseases from causing permanent vision loss or blindness. Of the estimated 93 million US adults at high risk for vision loss, only half visited an eye doctor in the past 12 months. Regular eye care can have a life-changing impact on preserving the vision of millions of people.
(Source: www.cdc.gov)

Reel Corner - December 2023

Donne Paine

The Year of BioPic Films

Reel Corner - December 2023

A biopic is a movie that dramatizes the life of a real, non-fictional individual. Short for “biographical motion picture,” a biopic can cover a person’s life or one specific moment in history. Topics for biopics are endless, with famous figures from history, along with popular celebrities of late, being featured.

Skating Uphill - December 2023

Judith Lawrenson

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Skating Uphill - December 2023

“So, let’s talk about choices—what you eat,
how you respond to things going on around you,
and your approach to the holiday season.”
– The Uphill Skater –

I’ve had a wooden sign in my kitchen for many years. It reads: "Be The Change You Want To See In The World."  It’s a daily reminder that I can make a difference. A friend of mine made it for me because we attended a conference together in Bluffton that dealt with accepting personal responsibility for one's actions. The conference centered on the importance of how we utilize and dedicate our volunteer hours. In addition, it also focused on personal choices, which is why the sign is so important to me. Every time I look at it, I immediately go back to the lessons from this conference on how my choices make a difference whether they are good or bad. I don’t know about you, but dear friends, I want my choices to be good ones, and I want to make a positive difference.

Single File - December 2023

Susan Deitz

To Marry or Hit the Road

Single File - December 2023

Dear Susan:
Recently, a reader praised one of your past columns, “What—Me Marry?” He said it was good advice, to be remembered when considering marriage. He was so enthusiastic that I’m curious to read it for myself. I’m wondering whether you would repeat it—or at least the best parts.
—Frida J., from the “Single File” blog

Parenting December 2023: Put the Brakes on Bad Holiday Behavior

John Rosemond

Living With Children by John Rosemond

Parenting December 2023: Put the Brakes on Bad Holiday Behavior

Q: I’m already dreading the holidays. Our eight-year-old is a very excitable child and our family is expected to attend numerous holiday get-togethers at the homes of family members. When he’s included in events where there’s lots of excitement and anticipation in the air, he has a reputation for becoming very impulsive, loud, talkative, bouncy, and generally annoying. He’s also the oldest grandchild and the other, younger kids tend to follow his lead. I do not want to be constantly correcting him, but I don’t know what else to do.

Pink Prescriptions - November 2023

It's All Pink

Diabetes isn't Sweet! Are You One of the 134 Million Americans at Risk?

Pink Prescriptions - November 2023

Sugar has infiltrated the American diet, and it is winning. Pre-diabetes and diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes is at an all-time high—truly epidemic proportions. Diabetes is a brutal disease which affects your entire body. It can be lurking in your bloodstream wreaking havoc on your vital organs and you don’t even know it. However, in the midst of this out-of-control, all-out war with this avoidable dreaded disease, there are new breakthroughs here to save the day and maybe even your life. We needed to know more about diabetes, and what better time than in November—American Diabetes Month? Our power lies within understanding how this disease works, what it does to our bodies, and what we can do to stay healthy. That’s why we asked local experts to help us out climb out of the “sugar bowl” and onto the “dinner plate” of good health.

Reel Corner - November 2023

Donne Paine

Honoring Veterans Day

Reel Corner - November 2023

First known as Armistice Day, President Woodrow Wilson set aside the date of November 11 in 1919 on the first anniversary of the signing of the armistice ending World War I. It was created to recognize and thank our American soldiers for their service. The day was declared a National holiday in 1938, and in 1954, the name changed to Veterans Day to honor all American Veterans. Therefore, we take this day to commemorate and celebrate our brave, loyal, and selfless American soldiers and their families for giving us the opportunity to live freely in this great country.

With our military personnel gathered on aircraft carriers in the Middle East, the Reel Corner is honoring our military for Veterans Day…with a big “Thank You” for their service.

Skating Uphill - November 2023

Judith Lawrenson

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Skating Uphill - November 2023

“Honestly, if I hear one more word about FAT being the new ‘inʼ thing,
I am going to be forced to eat a cookie.”
– The Uphill Skater –

Okay, of course no one is touting that being overweight is now healthy, but things about body weight have been redefined lately in a way I feel is positive. Magazines have started including heavier women in fashion photo shoots. Department stores have new, “bigger-boned” mannequins. Medically, Body Mass Index (BMI) is no longer considered the be-all and end-all number to define obesity, and insurance companies are reevaluating guidelines for their definitions of healthy weights. However, none of this means being overweight is good for you.

Single File - November 2023

Susan Deitz

From Friendship to Love

Single File - November 2023

DEAR SUSAN: I'm 26, attractive and well-educated. I've been with the same man for three years. Before, I'd dated arrogant men. This man was a friend I started dating on the rebound. I've stayed with him because he's loyal and treats me well. However, I feel intellectually superior and wish he had more to offer in the way of interesting conversation. Help!
—Dodie A., Indianapolis, Indiana

Parenting November 2023: Silly Children, Decisions are for Parents

John Rosemond

Living With Children by John Rosemond

Parenting November 2023: Silly Children, Decisions are for Parents

My wife and I were enjoying an evening out in one of our favorite restaurants when a family of three—mother, father, girl of perhaps four—were shown to a table next to ours. Immediately, the parents began asking the little one where she wanted to sit. They both stood while she went about trying each chair until she finally settled on one. Well, not really, because as soon as everyone sat, she wanted to move, so she and her father exchanged seats. This entire process took several minutes.

Pink Prescriptions - October 2023

It's All Pink

Spot the Clot Blood Clots: Pulmonary Embolism, DVT & Aneurysm

Pink Prescriptions - October 2023

The scary part of clots in the blood, whether it be a pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis or aneurysm, is not only are they dangerous, they can also be sneaky. They lurk in our veins and often times offer no symptoms. When they finally reveal themselves, it can be too late. The best defense against any type of blood clots is paying attention to even little changes in your body—new aches or pains, swelling, redness, or generally not feeling well. If you have concerns, be sure to see your healthcare provider. The good news is knowledge gives you power, and understanding the risks and symptoms of blood clots may help if you ever suspect one lurking in your own veins. That’s why we asked local experts to tell us more.