Sufficient sleep is often an unsung hero of overall health. When people get enough sleep, their bodies are in a better position to fend off illness and the rest ensures they have enough energy to tackle whatever challenges they confront. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research ...

Extended summer vacations may get all of the glory, but individuals and families needn’t feel pressured to go away on week-long trips to get the rest and relaxation they deserve. With “spring break” upon us, there is plenty to be said for weekend getaways as well. Working oneself ragged is no way to...

If your goal is to extend your growing season, either in lingering cold days of spring or the quickly approaching cold days in autumn, providing a covering for your garden space is the way to go. However, much like everything else in farming, there’s more than one way to do pretty much everything. I...

For some, March is the month of turbulent spring weather. Remember that old saying, “In like a lion, our like a lamb”? But for those who can embrace those shifting temperatures, the payoff is sweet. March is International Maple Month in the U.S. and Canada. Maple sugaring season usually begins in th...

Spring is coming and homeowners are eager to get outside and spruce up their yards. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and supplier...

Next time you’re packing lunch for your kid or reaching for a healthy afternoon bite, consider this: only three types of fruit snacks – dried fruit, fruit puree and canned fruit with juice – meet the latest recommendations for high-nutrition snacks set by federal dietary guidelines, according to res...

Looking for versatile, native shrubs? Look no further than willows ( Salix spp.) and dogwood ( Cornus spp.). Both species are exceptional landscape plants. They have strong roots that can help secure steep banks and prevent erosion. They grow in tough conditions, and after being cut down, they grow ...

There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of biting into the hearty crust of a slice of homemade bread. As a certified “foodie” and amateur cook, I’m all about trying new things – new recipes. Everyone’s experience with bread varies: perhaps you are an experienced bread maker, with hands that...

Spring is just around the corner. With its arrival, bluebirds will be returning north from their winter migration to the southeastern U.S. and Mexico. If you’re lucky, they’ll pay a visit to your yard. While bluebirds likely won’t be dining at your bird feeder (they prefer insects and berries), one ...