Articles written by Michelle Reitan
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 27
The healing power of water | Health and Wellness
We all understand the benefits of drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps with joint health, our complexion, helping deliver oxygen throughout our body, and much more.... — Updated 5/24/2023
Stretching your food dollars | Health and Wellness
Food is expensive, and it seems that it keeps getting more expensive. If you are on a fixed income, grocery shopping can be a challenging and stressful experience. Because... — Updated 4/26/2023
Protein, and why it is important as we age | Health and Wellness
We all hear how vital protein is for building and maintaining muscle strength as well as a healthy weight. A 2018 study by The Journals of Gerontology suggests that having adequate... — Updated 3/15/2023
Gratitude and your mental health | Health and Wellness
I think we have all heard that the practice of gratitude, being grateful for things in your life, has a positive effect on one’s mental health. I believe that for some people,... — Updated 1/18/2023
Breathe | Health and Wellness
According to Merriam Webster, breath is a noun and means the air taken into or expelled from the lungs or an inhalation or exhalation of air from the lungs. Most of us do this... — Updated 11/17/2022
The importance of advanced directives | Health and Wellness
Fall is my favorite season. I love the crisp morning air, the changing colors on the trees, the feeling of the ending of summer and the beginning of the coziness of winter. As a... — Updated 10/19/2022
Music and dance: It's not just for enjoyment | Health and Wellness
Several years ago I watched a documentary on how movement and music played a significant role in helping people manage Parkinson’s and dementia. I was fascinated by how someone... — Updated 9/21/2022
Fraud: How you can protect yourself
In the age where everything is digital or online, many of us are on high alert for scams. When I make a purchase online, I always use my credit card, knowing that it is easier to di... — Updated 8/17/2022
Prescription costs: There's help | Health and Wellness
I know that it is no surprise to hear that prescription drug prices are out of control. Even with insurance, many people have difficulty affording their medications. Some even have... — Updated 7/20/2022
You can't wait to feel better to feel better | Health and Wellness
Now that the weather is improving, many of us will notice improvements in our moods. We have more energy; our mood is lighter; we are more motivated to do tasks. Yet, for some, a... — Updated 6/15/2022
Sun, vitamin D, and you | Health and Wellness
If you are like me, you are lamenting the lack of sun and warmth this spring in the Pacific Northwest. I feel as if the sun comes out with its shining rays and warmth to tease me a... — Updated 5/18/2022
Emerging from our COVID cave | Health and Wellness
Several weeks ago, soon after the mask mandate was lifted by Gov. Jay Inslee, I was having dinner with a dear friend. It was the first time we had seen each other in several... — Updated 4/20/2022
Back in the routine: Your vital health checklist | Health and Wellness
As it looks like we are coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of us may be realizing that we have put off routine appointments and exams over the last several years. Now is a gr... — Updated 3/16/2022
Nightshades: Have they gotten a bad rap? | Health and Wellness
I have been noticing that nightshades have been in the news lately. Like many, I have believed that nightshades can negatively impact inflammation and arthritis. There has actually... — Updated 2/23/2022
Prime Living | Compassion = Better health for us and others
We are entering our third year of the COVID-19 pandemic. When many of us thought the worst was behind us, we are hitting record levels of infections … hospitals are again... — Updated 1/20/2022
Vital documents checklist | Prime Living
I wrote this article a few years ago, and as I was thinking about what to write for this month’s article, I realized that this is a perfect time to revisit it. A lot has happened... — Updated 12/15/2021
What's for dinner? | Prime Living
I don’t know about you, but I am really looking forward to this Thanksgiving. I love everything about Thanksgiving, the food and the coming together with family and friends. We ho... — Updated 11/17/2021
Are we really OK? | PrimeLiving
No one will deny that the last year and a half has been difficult, and for many it has been life altering. If you are like me, the last 18 months have been different, but not terrib... — Updated 10/20/2021
Feeling blue … not a normal part of aging | Prime Living
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Much of this time is focused on younger people experiencing depression. But seniors make up a disproportionate amount of death by suicide... — Updated 9/15/2021
Sleep – or lack thereof… | Prime Living
If you are like me and thousands of others in the United States, you have trouble sleeping. Some of us can’t fall asleep, or we wake up, at what I call the “witching hour” at... — Updated 8/18/2021
Heat – We are not all created equal | Prime Living
The historic heat wave last month left many of us sweltering and trying to figure out a way to stay cool. Luckily, I work in an air-conditioned building, and my family spent those h... — Updated 7/21/2021
Advanced Directive – A gift to your loved ones | Prime Living
One of the most popular workshops that the Health and Wellness Department offers at the Edmonds Waterfront Center is our Advanced Directive Workshop, led by me as well as our... — Updated 6/16/2021
Dire health threat facing seniors: hunger | Prime Living
Over this last year, we have heard in the news or seen for ourselves the long lines at food banks throughout our county, state, and country. Perhaps we were in those lines or know... — Updated 5/19/2021
Nature: Better emotional and physical health | Prime Living
This last year has been challenging to say the least. One of the ways that I was able to keep grounded was to head out for a hike with my daughter, Julia. During the summer we made... — Updated 4/21/2021
Aging in place – it takes a village | Prime Living
As the social worker for the Edmonds Waterfront Center, I am frequently asked about assistance for household chores or rides to medical appointments. According to the Population Ref... — Updated 3/18/2021