Health
Why more Americans need to prioritize sleep
As you head to bed, you may be thinking, “Tomorrow’s going to be great.” It’s a new day and you probably have too much to do on your list, but that’s a good thing. Whether you plan to catch up with a friend over coffee, take another look at that long-standing project at work or head to the gym as part of your new worko...
Medicare Advantage: 20 years, 20 million people and 4 factors
In 1997, the federal government created the Medicare + Choice program — later renamed Medicare Advantage — to enhance consumer choice and more efficiently deliver Medicare benefits to older Americans. You may have heard of Medicare Advantage, but maybe you don’t know exactly what it is, what it offers and how it can help you. Toda...
New Book Gives Hope to Those Needing to Lose Weight
By Aaron Retherford Ralph Peterson’s life-changing journey started on April 24, 2013 when he woke up fat, hung over, borderline suicidal, and hugging his toilet at the all-inclusive Breezes Resort in the Bahamas. It was supposed to be a celebration of his 42nd birthday. Instead, it was his rock bottom. Peterson has since lost over 150 pounds, and h...
When Life Gives You Lymes
Debra Paul’s recounts of Chronic Lyme as transcribed by Melissa Ruiz Part III: Controversies So these past couple of segments we’ve discussed transmission and symptoms of Lyme disease, and touched a little bit on its treatment. Now it’s time to talk about the controversy surrounding Lyme disease. That’s right, controversy. As if Lyme itself weren’t...
When Life Gives you Lymes
Debra Paul’s recounts of Chronic Lyme as transcribed by Melissa Ruiz Part II: Cause and Effect. Hello again, readers! I hope you are all well. Last week I introduced this series to spread awareness about this awful disease, Lyme disease. This week I will go deeper into the cause and symptoms of the illness. To recap, Lyme disease is an illness caus...
A four-point plan for joint health
Whether it’s a brand-new Bentley or a classic 1970 Mustang, most people have a car they dream about. If they’re lucky enough to own it someday, you better believe they’re going to take care of it. Regular maintenance is an essential part of keeping a vehicle in tip-top shape. The same is true of the human body, particularly the jo...
Vermont Senate Committee Approves Proposal to Regulate Marijuana for Adult Use
The Vermont Senate Committee on Judiciary approved a bill (4-1) on Friday that would end marijuana prohibition in the state and regulate marijuana for adult use. S. 241 would make it legal for adults 21 years of age and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and establish a tightly controlled system of licensed marijuana cultivation sites, t...
Aging With Grace…
Happy New Year from Project Independence! As we begin 2016, please take a few moments to remind yourself that you are a wonderful caring person who deserves the best of everything. Sometimes in our busy day-to-day lives, we forget to take care of ourselves and this is a huge mistake! In order to care for others in our life, first we have to care fo...
Rabid Skunk Killed in Area of Barre City Middle and Elementary School
On August 17, 2015 Barre City school officials contacted the Barre City police department about a skunk that was acting unusual in the area of the Barre City Middle and Elementary School. The property is 50 Parkside Terrace in Barre, Vermont. A police officer arrived at the school and the decision was made to dispatch the animal. After dispatching...
The Causes of Dry Eye Go Beyond the Obvious
Burning or stinging feeling in your eyes? Do they feel dry and uncomfortable? You may not be alone. Studies suggest that, in the United States, up to 7.8% of women aged 50 or older and 4.34% of men over the age of 501, 2 experience symptoms of dry eye, a progressive3 eye disease. The symptoms of dry eye vary in severity, but are most commonly descr...
