TV’s “Dancing With the Stars” has shown us how dancing can lower your body fat, cholesterol and reduce your overall weight. I am here to tell you that it is true. I have been dancing since my high school years. I love the Jitterbug, Latin dance and Fox Trot. I even taught dancing at one point. It is not just healthy for cardio and weight maintenance, it’s fun. Dancing has clearly been the exercise of choice for me. Continue Reading

Life provides so many opportunities for growth. What you commit to will be available if have a clear vision and hold it tight.

When we are moving in the right direction, the universe provides what we need for the journey. It’s a miracle in our lives. You decide what you truly believe possible, and avenues open up to support your decision.

It’s really a simple process, because we all have within us what is needed and wanted to fulfill our deepest most passionate dreams. First you have to know what it is you want to have happen and what doors you want to open. It’s like a business plan. If you are truly engaged in the process you might discover how much fun you can have. Continue Reading

Lawyer Nicole Bryan of the Estate and Elder Law Firm of VanDiver & Bryan will speak to seniors about “Questions you never knew to ask” on Friday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m., North Mecklenburg Senior Center, 18731 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Pre-registration is suggested, but walk-ins are welcome. Call 704-892-4041 to tell them you’re coming.

North Mecklenburg Senior Center in Cornelius has free window fans available for local residents at least 60 years old who need them amid the sweltering heat. The center is at 18731 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius, and is open weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call 704-892-4041.

For the latest list of activities at North Meck Senior Center, see the center website. Continue Reading

By NANCY WAITE-KAHN

When asked where we would like to live as we get older, most of us say we would like to remain in the comfort and familiarity of our own homes. What should we be asking ourselves as we age, or to what should we be paying attention with our parents as they age?

Am I keeping up with my house and yard work and making or arranging for repairs? Am I able and do I care how it looks? Do I feel safe, comfortable and secure in my present environment? Have I fallen more than once in the past year, resulting in hospitalization? Am I happy with my current living situation? Do I see others or have visitors as often as I would like? Am I cooking and eating like I should? Do my children nag me about taking my own medicines, complain about my appearance and my clothing?

What’s actually needed for one keep living independently at home? Continue Reading

Our real journey is not in seeing greener pastures but seeing with new eyes. I have given this a lot of thought. So often I hear people say it is the area they live in that does not work; it is not like the place they left which was so wonderful. Can we ever really be happy where we are?

Many times we have heard that the grass is greener elsewhere. We think that if we were somewhere else things would be different. Unfortunately, wherever you go that’s where you are. So greener pastures don’t really exist if you bring yourself to the party. Continue Reading