Overview

July may feel like a month without much worth celebrating. After Americans finish celebrating Independence Day on July 4th, it can feel as though the month is simply one, long, unending heat spell!Instead of just sitting in front of your fan sweating for the rest of the month, take the time to celebrate some of the unusual, lesser-known holidays taking place this July. Here are just a few of the dates most worth celebrating.  July 1st-7th: Clean Beaches Week July is the best month to hit the beach. Instead of simply visiting the beach to lounge on the sand, consider bringing a f... more ...

As citizens of the world, we have looked on in collective horror while witnessing the murders of innocent African American men and women. The tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor highlight the racial hatred and violence that many people of color face on a daily basis. Many of us had hoped that we now lived in a post-racial world; racially-charged crimes around the globe, however, have proven this to be far from the truth. Racism is alive and real. Our society is unjust, and people of color suffer often at the expense of the white majority. Today, we humbly ackn... more ...

Since the earliest days of the internet, the web has been used by nefarious individuals to entangle online users in various cons and scams. Misleading job postings, false lottery and inheritance claims, advance-fee “Nigerian prince” emails, and romance cons are just a few of the most common online scams. As with most online scams, romance scammers are usually after one thing: your money.  Though scammers will continue to seek out new targets, most scam artists behave in predictable ways. You don’t have to fall prey to a romance scammer! The #1 rule of stay... more ...

All of us could use a little more laughter in our lives. In addition to making us feel good, research has proven that laughter can improve our health. Cortisol levels, known for contributing to feelings of stress, are reduced through laughter. Your blood pressure may be lowered, as well as your risk of developing heart disease. A few good chuckles throughout the day can even burn some extra calories!Life often leaves us sighing more often than laughing, however. Sometimes, we need to actively seek out laughter, rather than waiting for funny moments to come to us.Can you remember the last time ... more ...

A guilt trip is a form of communication in which an individual uses guilt as a manipulation tactic, attempting to make a target feel guilty and thereby controlling their behavior. All of us have experienced guilt trips throughout the course of our lives. Some of us may even have a friend, family member, or lover who has guilt-tripped us frequently over time, leaving us feeling bitter and emotionally exhausted.Though those who initiate guilt trips are ultimately to blame for their behavior, we can all learn how to better cope with guilt-tripping. By recognizing when you’re the target of a... more ...

Whether you’re currently under self-quarantine, are working from home, or are simply continuing to limit your contact with others, there’s a good chance that the coronavirus outbreak has left you isolated from many of those in your life. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as though life will fully return to normal any time soon. As we continue practicing social distancing, it is important to ensure that the most isolated and vulnerable members of our society are not left feeling abandoned and alone.  Are you looking to support others in your community during this diff... more ...

Around the world, prescription drug abuse is a growing problem. Misuse of prescription medications can lead to addiction and can result in serious consequences, as data from the last 15 years reveals. More individuals are being sent to the emergency room, and deaths from overdoses have risen dramatically.  Though many find it an uncomfortable topic, learning more about prescription drug abuse is one of the best ways to address the issue. By knowing which medications are most likely to be abused and the signs of misuse and addiction, you can better manage your own pill use, and keep a... more ...

With most of us limiting our grocery shopping due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, many of us are having to get more creative in the kitchen. Even those of us who tend to prefer restaurant and convenience meals are finding ourselves forced to prepare more dishes at home.Even for avid home cooks, preparing meals while shopping less frequently can be a challenge. How can we maintain balanced diets while limiting our grocery shopping? Here are a few ideas for essential items to stock up on.  Dry Goods  Dry goods are some of the best products to stock up on during this diff... more ...

To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, lockdown measures have been enacted in countries around the globe. All of us should be practicing social distancing and remaining at home whenever possible.It can be challenging not to be overwhelmed by stress and anxiety at the present time. If you’re looking to get your mind off of things, close out the news websites and open up your online dating profile instead. Though the current crisis feels all-encompassing, this, too, shall pass. Use this time to connect with others online.Are you tired of being stuck at home? Here are a few reminde... more ...

Are you comfortable being emotionally vulnerable with those around you? Have you been in a relationship with someone who just couldn’t open up to you? Whether you’ve been on the giving or receiving end of such a dynamic, the chances are good that either you’ve struggled with your own lack of emotional availability, or have fought to connect with someone you’re close to. Being emotionally present can be difficult, particularly if you’ve been hurt in the past. With effort, however, it’s possible to work through these feelings, making you a better and more... more ...