Katie Mazur will be offering her one of a kind style once again on Monday, February 13th at 5:30 pm via zoom. Celebrate the body you are in with this high energy class designed to show YOU some self love!

One. is collecting the below items for Bates Middle School through the month of February

By Marie Sherlock

You can do this by resolving to help others in lieu of improving yourself. By vowing to volunteer in 2023, you can reap a host of physical and mental health benefits.

Healthier Hearts. Those who volunteer are less likely to develop hypertension and simply donating money to good causes can lead to lower blood pressure.

Longer Lives. Numerous studies reveal that those who volunteer tend to live longer than those who don't. One study found a 44% reduction in early death among frequent volunteers, making volunteering more effective than exercising four times a week.

Sharper Minds. Research also shows that older adults who volunteer could delay or possibly reverse declines in brain function.

Lower Weights. The physical activity involved in volunteering can help you reduce the risk of weight gain and obesity-related conditions.

More Joy. Extensive research suggests that when you help others your brain releases "feel good" chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins. This can lead to a euphoric experience called "helper's high."

Less Depression. The release of those "feel good" chemicals also can combat feelings of depression; specific research shows decreased depression levels for people over 65.

Reduced Stress. Helping others can also reduce cortisol, the stress hormone that can make you feel overwhelmed or anxious. The American Psychological Association points to myriad physical conditions caused or exacerbated by stress, including chronic pain, respiratory problems, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome and even heart attacks.

By Rosie Wolf Williams

Bishara's research during the early days of COVID showed that younger patients, particularly children, were not presenting with extreme illness as many older persons were. 

"If you look at the composition of gut bacteria (of children), it's very different from adults. Their digestive system typically has a substantial percentage of one specific bacteria called Bifidobacterium (about 70 to 80%). The levels start to decline as we age," says Bishara. 

Bishara found during the time of pre-vaccination that giving high doses of zinc, Vitamin D, and probiotics to patients was very helpful. So today, the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance has added probiotics with Bifidobacterium into their protocol for patients presenting to ICU with COVID.

a 15 to 20-minute walk after eating aids gut health and longevity, says Bishara, adding that doing this can also reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes and heart disease.

This might be the most delicious rice alternative we have come across thus far. Made from Hearts of Palm, it literally tastes just like rice. Use it in stir fries or Vegetable Fried Rice, an amazing way to get more vegetables into your diet. Yum!

The public is invited and admission is free, but donations are requested to benefit the Light House. Donations can be made online as well at heritageloves.com/onlinegiving and selecting “SOUPer Bowl” when prompted. One hundred percent of the money donated goes directly to the Light House.

Virtual Lecture - Annapolis: An American Story - Sharing our Diverse History

You can also add Sunchokes or Jerusalem artichokes to this recipe for a delicious nutty flavor