Life's Too Short
132 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 5 years ago - ★★★★★ - 18 ratingsLife's Too Short... so make the most of it! Try something new, eat something healthy, grow something beautiful, hug someone you love, move around a lot, and be kind to yourself.
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Episodes
Encore Episode: Finding Your Financial Footing Over 50
May 07, 2019 05:00 - 12.9 MBMillions of people in their 50s and 60s find themselves facing job and financial insecurity. Financial wellness can be defined as the amount that makes you feel grounded and content. You have to find a textured and meaningful life on a modest income. As you age, you may not be considered for jobs that pay as much as the last job you left. Consider taking a freelance position or two in order to generate income. Short consultancies, subletting rooms in your home and driving for a ride share...
Encore Episode: Benefits of Midlife Yoga
April 30, 2019 05:00 - 19.7 MBWhen you reach a certain age, finding the right low-impact fitness can be a challenge. Yoga is a great option for middle-aged individuals to strengthen muscles and maintain mobility. Mid-life is roughly defined as ages 45 to 65. It’s a peak time for career-minded individuals, and the hustle and bustle of running a household is also a challenge. Yoga encourages stress reduction and mindfulness. Listen as Dennis and Kathy Lang join Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how yoga can benefit you in mi...
Fulfillment in Men Over 50
April 23, 2019 05:00 - 14.1 MBMen 50 and over have a lot of opportunity ahead of them. The trick is to be healthy to enjoy them. Older men often become more sedentary and neglect their health. Oftentimes, partners have to motivate them to get necessary screenings and make lifestyle changes to live longer. Tips for Men in Middle Years Get to know what’s most important in your life. Work to enhance those relationships. Eat sensibly. Cut out vices like smoking and alcohol. Get a good night’s sleep. Learn to adapt as ...
Encore Episode: Perimenopause: Adult Puberty
April 16, 2019 05:00 - 19.9 MBMenopause ends the female reproduction window. Perimenopause is like adult puberty, the transition from regular menstrual cycles to one year without periods. Perimenopause is tough to define. Symptoms can occur for three to five years or longer. Menopause occurs when the ovaries have fully retired. Heavy or light periods, irregular bleeding, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats may pop up as the ovaries wind down their work. Until the ovaries shut down completely, it’s going to b...
Cultured Cuisine: Blending America in the Kitchen
April 09, 2019 05:00 - 12.3 MBDifferent cultures contribute to our culinary melting pot. The flavors of American foods alter with these new contributions, influencing generations to come. What was once known as “foreign” food eventually becomes adopted and Americanized. It’s inevitable that food changes as it mixes with American cultures. Lack of unique ingredients and brushing up against other cultures gives food a new identity. Americans are spoiled, as we can enjoy a panoply of flavors every day. The strength of ou...
Encore Episode: Empty Nest Syndrome
April 02, 2019 05:00 - 4.7 MBParents can feel an emotional upheaval when their children venture off to find their fortunes. Empty nest syndrome is legitimate. From the moment the child is born, the focus of a parent becomes the best survival of that child. While watching out for the next milestone, personal activities and relationships can fall away. Start asking yourself what you’d like to be doing. What is fun for you? Re-engage with those things. Find time for yourself before your child leaves the nest so you can ...
Encore Episode: Enduring Difficult & Toxic People
March 26, 2019 05:00 - 12.4 MBIt’s not uncommon to have at least one person in your life who stresses you out. Holidays can force interactions with toxic family members. First, don’t take their toxicity personally. It’s often not about you. They may misdirect upset from other aspects of their own lives. You don’t have to have this person in your life regularly. If you are upset with someone, acknowledge the different viewpoint. “Interesting point-of-view; I have this point-of-view.” Unexpressed to the source of stress...
Leaving Your Abuser
March 19, 2019 05:00 - 15.8 MBVictims of abuse (physical, sexual, verbal) are often fearful of leaving the abuser for a number of reasons. Aside from personal safety, a significant concern is financial well-being. Many times, the "bread winner" of the household is the abuser, making it problematic for the abused to leave the relationship. Rosemary Lombardy is a financial advisor with over 35 years of experience. Although her professional expertise is in financial matters, her perspective on marital abuse, divorce, and r...
Why and How: Warm Up and Cool Down
March 12, 2019 05:00 - 15.5 MBWarming up and cooling down are both important parts of any workout. People want to get to the meat of the workout, skipping these necessary parts. The warmup gets the muscles warm and pliable, making them ready for a complete workout. It also helps focus the mind on the work that’s to come. Blood flow is increased to the muscles and other parts of the body. Tailor the warmup to the activity you’re about to undertake. Do the warmup close to the time you’ll be engaging in the activity so ...
Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love
March 05, 2019 06:00 - 10.9 MBWhat conversations should you have with your potential mate to know your love will last a lifetime? If conversations start out harsh, the relationship will often break down into loneliness and unhappiness for both parties. Conversations where each partner discusses the positive things they need tend to go smoother. You don’t have to hook up with your clone. In fact, someone a little different from you makes it interesting. You can learn from each other. Here are the topics that make a...
Redefining Manhood
February 26, 2019 06:00 - 13.2 MBThe modern man can redefine himself. “Man up” no longer applies, because men’s roles have changed over the past century. Men need to create safe spaces in their relationships. Communication is key. They also need to practice self-care and express their feelings to their partners. The journey of manhood doesn’t end. You can be any man you want as long as you stick to your truth. Listen as John Kim joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how men can embrace manhood while maintaining integrity.
Menopause: Happy Endings
February 19, 2019 06:00 - 26.1 MBWomen of a certain age go through a transition from child-bearing possibilities to menopause. Menopause is declared when one has gone a full year without a period. Menstrual irregularity is common, but when related to perimenopause it kicks in between age 35 and 60. Hot flashes, night sweats and sleeping disturbances are normal American female complaints during perimenopause. If it’s been a year since your last period and you experience vaginal bleeding, contact your gynecologist. Make ...
Helping Yourself Get Over Trauma
February 12, 2019 06:00 - 11.1 MBTrauma is subjective. It’s hard to measure and understand. Its effects can be physical or mental. Yoga has been proven to assist in healing from trauma. It promotes mindfulness and can help people let go. A simple start you can do anywhere is focusing on your breath. Put your hand on your belly and concentrate on your breath. Your diet impacts your mental health and ability to heal. Eat foods that support gut health. You may notice some of the physical symptoms associated with trauma su...
Encore Episode: Dealing with Loss
February 05, 2019 06:00 - 7.37 MBLosing someone is incredibly tough. However, we tend to run away from grief situations. It’s easier for things to be happy and light. We need to process our own sadness instead of running from it. Don’t push friends to move past that grief. Feelings can build up from traumatic losses that aren’t discharged. Helping Your Mourning Friend Don’t say “I know how you feel.” Everyone has a unique grief journey and healing process. Ask “What can I do to help now?” The bereaved may not have the ...
Finding Your Financial Footing Over 50
January 29, 2019 06:00 - 12.9 MBMillions of people in their 50s and 60s find themselves facing job and financial insecurity. Financial wellness can be defined as the amount that makes you feel grounded and content. You have to find a textured and meaningful life on a modest income. As you age, you may not be considered for jobs that pay as much as the last job you left. Consider taking a freelance position or two in order to generate income. Short consultancies, subletting rooms in your home and driving for a ride share...
Benefits of Midlife Yoga
January 22, 2019 06:00 - 19.7 MBWhen you reach a certain age, finding the right low-impact fitness can be a challenge. Yoga is a great option for middle-aged individuals to strengthen muscles and maintain mobility. Mid-life is roughly defined as ages 45 to 65. It’s a peak time for career-minded individuals, and the hustle and bustle of running a household is also a challenge. Yoga encourages stress reduction and mindfulness. Listen as Dennis and Kathy Lang join Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how yoga can benefit you in mi...
Perimenopause: Adult Puberty
January 15, 2019 06:00 - 19.9 MBMenopause ends the female reproduction window. Perimenopause is like adult puberty, the transition from regular menstrual cycles to one year without periods. Perimenopause is tough to define. Symptoms can occur for three to five years or longer. Menopause occurs when the ovaries have fully retired. Heavy or light periods, irregular bleeding, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats may pop up as the ovaries wind down their work. Until the ovaries shut down completely, it’s going to b...
Safely Aging in Place
January 08, 2019 06:00 - 14.2 MBAging in place is a way for seniors to live in a familiar environment while growing older. While it’s an ideal option, it can be very stressful for the loved ones of these seniors. Striking a balance between their independence and familial confidence in senior safety is the trick. Reasonable Risks Assess the dwelling for safety. Change handles and add grab bars as needed. Eliminate tripping hazards. Ensure frailer individuals have protection when falling. Walkers help but are a bit unba...
Holiday Letter Writing
December 25, 2018 06:00 - 5.19 MBFor those who still participate in snail mail, holiday letters are a fantastic way to keep in touch and update loved ones. No need to fret over your own holiday letter. Here are some tips for your own: Keep it short, about one page. Keep it real—not too cutesy or boastful. It should sound like you wrote it. Share specifics about activities and life happenings. Listen as Gretchen Anthony joins Melanie Cole, MSs to share how to write holiday letters that others will enjoy.
Controlling the Spread of Flu
December 18, 2018 06:00 - 12.6 MBOn the hundred year anniversary of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, flu prevention is top of mind. With the close quarters of the holidays at hand, it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting the flu. Each season’s vaccine is based on an educated guess of the four most likely strains of flu to hit that season. As the predictions are made six months ahead of time to allow for vaccine creation and distribution, it sometimes misses the mark. Viruses mutate, but the va...
Empty Nest Syndrome
December 11, 2018 06:00 - 4.7 MBParents can feel an emotional upheaval when their children venture off to find their fortunes. Empty nest syndrome is legitimate. From the moment the child is born, the focus of a parent becomes the best survival of that child. While watching out for the next milestone, personal activities and relationships can fall away. Start asking yourself what you’d like to be doing. What is fun for you? Re-engage with those things. Find time for yourself before your child leaves the nest so you can ...
When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?
December 04, 2018 06:00 - 12.8 MBIt happened. You had unprotected sex. When should you get a pregnancy test? Ovulation occurs around 14 days before your next menstrual period. You may ovulate a little early or a little late, so be sure to use protection if you don’t want to get pregnant. A pregnancy test can be taken before your expected period. The First Response brand is reliable six days before your potential missed period. If you get a positive result, you can retest in two or three days. If you have a negative tes...
Muscle Mass: A Factor in Healing
November 27, 2018 06:00 - 13.7 MBMuscle mass may be a reliable factor in evaluating current health and predicting future wellness. Those with low muscle mass are at risk of more difficulty healing, longer hospital stays and lower physical function after surgery. Body mass index (BMI) is a better indicator of body volume. The problem is that it doesn’t differentiate muscle from fat. It’s critical to build strong muscle mass. There is a correlation between your grip strength and your overall muscle health. Slowed movemen...
Empathy: Is Stress Contagious?
November 20, 2018 06:00 - 12.6 MBWhen someone else is stressed out, are those stressful feelings contagious? People who are empaths are emotional sponges, taking on other people’s stresses. Watching the news can really bring someone down. The trick is to learn how to not adopt other people’s stress. Tips for Empaths: “No” is a complete sentence. No need to give reasons. Set boundaries. Meditate to center and ground yourself. Learn self care so you can re-calibrate from the stresses you see. Make sure you address y...
Encore Episode: Holiday Eating: Make Smart Choices
November 13, 2018 06:00 - 14.5 MBHolidays are full of so many amazing treats and delicious foods. It can be a tough time if you're trying to achieve or maintain health goals. Cocktails There are calories in most beverages you consume. Alcohol has more calories than carbohydrates or protein, but you can get more bang for your buck with hard alcohol, requiring less of it to get a buzz. Beware of calorie-filled mixers. Beer has more calories than hard alcohol. Wine typically has about 120 calories for four to six ounces, but...
Enduring Difficult & Toxic People
November 06, 2018 06:00 - 12.4 MBIt’s not uncommon to have at least one person in your life who stresses you out. Holidays can force interactions with toxic family members. First, don’t take their toxicity personally. It’s often not about you. They may misdirect upset from other aspects of their own lives. You don’t have to have this person in your life regularly. If you are upset with someone, acknowledge the different viewpoint. “Interesting point-of-view; I have this point-of-view.” Unexpressed to the source of stress...
Dealing with Loss
October 30, 2018 05:00 - 7.37 MBLosing someone is incredibly tough. However, we tend to run away from grief situations. It’s easier for things to be happy and light. We need to process our own sadness instead of running from it. Don’t push friends to move past that grief. Feelings can build up from traumatic losses that aren’t discharged. Helping Your Mourning Friend Don’t say “I know how you feel.” Everyone has a unique grief journey and healing process. Ask “What can I do to help now?” The bereaved may not have the ...
Encore Episode: Curb Expectations & Don't Create a Spoiled Brat
October 23, 2018 05:00 - 16.6 MBYou try to do your best to raise your child to be compassionate, empathetic and appreciative. You also want him to understand that your financial limitations may be different from other parents. How can you deal with the gimmes and sense of entitlement? Technology has contributed to an expectation of instant gratification. In real life, the speed of achievement is slower. It takes longer to earn things. Your child learn know to enjoy life right now while working toward future desires. T...
Rest = Happiness = Productivity
October 16, 2018 05:00 - 4.03 MBOur society uses “busy” as a badge of honor. We multi-task our way into exhaustion. We may get a lot done, but how much are we actually enjoying? Neck pain, headaches, irritability, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating may send the stressed person to the doctor. You need to get rest in the areas where you’re depleting yourself. There are seven areas where you may need rest: Physical Mental Spiritual Emotional Social Sensory Creative A nap won’t restore your creative stores. Go...
"Remodeling" Your Body
October 09, 2018 05:00 - 12.9 MBMost weight loss and fitness advice in the media focuses on making a major change. But, many people just want to drop a few pounds and make smaller improvements. “Remodeling” is perfect for those who want to get into better shape and lose five or ten pounds. Start with strength training, focusing on building muscle instead of building fat. Don't worry -- you have to lift a lot of weight for a long time to get bulky muscles. Diet and exercise should support replacing fat with muscle. Car...
Creativity Brings Happiness
October 02, 2018 05:00 - 10.4 MBFinding a creative outlet can ease the difficulty of daily living. Creativity can lift mood, aiding with depression and anxiety. Creativity is a physical and psychological action. Cooking, gardening and knitting are wonderful ways to implement creativity in your regular life. Insights arise while your mind has freedom during creative periods. If you work in an oppressive or mundane situation, it’s a challenge to feel creative. Work to make peace with the mundane and engage in your work in...
Online Dating: How to Find Love
September 25, 2018 05:00 - 6.45 MBOnline dating has changed the face of courtship. With so many websites and apps available, it’s hard to know where to start. One of the advantages is that you can pre-screen people before you meet them. You needn’t sidle up to the bar, fingers crossed that attractive person is available and looking to date. It’s easier to zero in on likely candidates for love. Of course, the disadvantage is that body language and tone of voice don’t come across in a text chat. Concerns about cat-fishing...
Encore Episode: How to Apply for SSI Disability & Get It Right
September 18, 2018 05:00 - 18.4 MBIn 2017, 68.5 percent of applicants for Social Security disability who applied on their own were denied benefits. The process and paperwork is complicated and overwhelming for many. Eligibility Requirements for Application You must have worked five of the last ten years. During that time, you must have paid FICA taxes on your pay. You are between ages 21 and 65. You have medical evidence of physical or mental illness and confirmation from a physician that shows you can no longer work. ...
Encore Episode: Are You Having a Panic Attack?
September 11, 2018 05:00 - 14.1 MBDifficulty breathing, sweating, trembling, heart pounding, fear... sounds like you might be having a panic attack. Panic disorder has a genetic component, but panic attacks can occur for anyone. Stress precipitates panic attacks. Someone who is already stressed is prone to panic attacks. Many people suffer quietly. Panic attacks are short-lived and intense, lasting no more than a couple of hours. Rule out any medical causes right away. Blood work and heart observations will help rule out ...
Back to School Eye Care
September 04, 2018 05:00 - 10.4 MBSchool is back in session. Your kids are prepared with supplies and lunches, but are their eyes ready? Five Tips for Eye Health Get your child an eye exam. Instill a hand washing habit to avoid pinkeye. Invest in protective eyewear for sports. Reduce eyestrain by encouraging 20 minute breaks from screens after 20 minutes of use. Sunglasses will reduce exposure to harmful UV rays. Listen as Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how you can prepare your child's eyes...
Are You Spiking Anxiety in Your Kids?
August 28, 2018 05:00 - 13.5 MBChildren are very attentive. They pick up on parental stress, even when you think they’re too young to notice. Kids see how you deal with your problems and use that as a model for their own lives. Stressed kids often have physical symptoms that could be confused with other conditions. Symptoms of childhood anxiety include stomachaches, headaches, difficulty sleeping, changes in school and social behavior. They may be unable to express what they’re feeling. Watch for physical manifestatio...
Encore Episode: Improve Your Memory
August 21, 2018 05:00 - 11.7 MBHow’s your memory? Does it need a little work? The more you exercise your memory, the stronger your memory becomes. One memory technique involves strong visualization attached to things you need to remember. You can create a story to help connect the things you want to remember. The less it makes sense, the more it sticks in your memory. Listen as U.S. Memory Champion Chester Santos joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how you can improve your memory.
Encore Episode: Financial Literacy & Retirement Planning
August 14, 2018 05:00 - 14.6 MBMoney management is a tough subject. It’s difficult enough for many to meet their monthly bills. How much money do you need to save? You have to look at your lifestyle and see what it would take for you to save the equivalent of what you require for how you live. To save for retirement, look at how much you’re spending and the source of your retirement funds. Where will the money come from that supports you? The older set wishes they had started saving earlier. It’s a hard pill to swall...
Encore Episode: How to Avoid Burnout During Peak Work Periods
August 07, 2018 05:00 - 10.8 MBLong days at the office? Are you feeling stressed out by work? Perhaps you can change your point of view. The things you think you can’t change can be stressful. There may be ways to enjoy more of the work or improve your ability to get through the work. Not every task in any job is enjoyable. Find a way to make those tough tasks fun. Perhaps a reward system will engage you better. Consider ways to make work fun that don’t disrupt the workplace if your boss is no fun. If you know that a...
Encore Episode: The Value of Wasting Time
July 31, 2018 05:00 - 13.3 MBThe busy modern world makes it seem like you shouldn’t have a chance to get bored. However, there’s no shame in allowing yourself some downtime. Letting your mind roam enables more effective problem solving, creative thinking and productivity. It is imperative to carve out time for personal reflection. Tips for downtime: Take 20 to 30 minutes per day without your cell phone. Encourage your child to take some quiet time if it is unavailable at school. Turn off devices during mealtime....
How to Apply for SSI Disability & Get It Right
July 24, 2018 05:00 - 18.4 MBIn 2017, 68.5 percent of applicants for Social Security disability who applied on their own were denied benefits. The process and paperwork is complicated and overwhelming for many. Eligibility Requirements for Application You must have worked five of the last ten years. During that time, you must have paid FICA taxes on your pay. You are between ages 21 and 65. You have medical evidence of physical or mental illness and confirmation from a physician that shows you can no longer work. ...
Are You Having a Panic Attack?
July 17, 2018 05:00 - 14.1 MBDifficulty breathing, sweating, trembling, heart pounding, fear... sounds like you might be having a panic attack. Panic disorder has a genetic component, but panic attacks can occur for anyone. Stress precipitates panic attacks. Someone who is already stressed is prone to panic attacks. Many people suffer quietly. Panic attacks are short-lived and intense, lasting no more than a couple of hours. Rule out any medical causes right away. Blood work and heart observations will help rule out ...
Encore Episode: What's the Deal with Procrastination?
July 10, 2018 05:00 - 13 MBDo you put things off? Why do you procrastinate? Fear and anxiety get in the way. Worries about failure are prominent. Sometimes there’s a fear of achievement. What projects are you putting off? Why are you putting them off? Looking at these aspects may get you moving more than someone telling you to just do it. Procrastination is so common that we may need to become a little more tolerant of it. We’re all human. You may be able to trick your procrastination by putting out your tool...
Encore Episode: Summer Eye Health
July 03, 2018 05:00 - 9.79 MBThe sun is shining, and you’re ready to hit the beach. Your eyes need to be safe while you have fun in the sun. Just as you wouldn’t forget sunscreen, be sure to grab your sunglasses before stepping outside. You want something that protects you against UVA and UVB rays. Your eye doctor can test your sunglasses. Eye sunburn can cause discomfort, blurry vision and pain. Sunglass lenses are often made of impact-resistant plastic. This should protect your eyes from debris that might otherwise...
Encore Episode: Your Missing Beach Body
June 26, 2018 05:00 - 19.8 MBSpring has sprung. It’s almost time to hit the beach. Maybe you’ve got some winter warming weight padding you out more than you would like when you slip into your swimsuit. Your ideal beach body may be your shape from your twenties. You have to trace back when things changed so you can get closer to the idea. Activity levels change, as do lifestyles and eating habits. Aging can’t be helped, but other factors can. Consider adding extra activity breaks at work. Take the stairs or walk to th...
Encore Episode: Olympic Athlete vs. Average Joe: Fitness & Nutrition
June 19, 2018 05:00 - 17.1 MBOlympic athletes dedicate their lives to their sports. It’s inspiring and may leave you dreaming about becoming an Olympic contender. Can the average Joe become a medalist? The truth is that most people have daily jobs, making training difficult. Olympians have a team of physical therapists, nutritionists and doctors to help them succeed. They also work to the point of overtraining. You need to rest your muscles and sleep in order to get results. Consuming a protein shake after a worko...
Encore Episode: So Long to Crutches & Scooters: A New Way to Get Around
June 12, 2018 05:00 - 18.2 MBAccording to the National Institutes of Health, around six and a half million people in the United States use a cane, walker or crutches to assist with their mobility. Crutches are awful. Scooters make life a bit simpler. But, wouldn't it be amazing if you could keep walking without putting pressure on your knee or your injured lower leg? The iWalk Free is a prosthetic frame that wraps to the upper thigh to enable walking without a crutch or wheels. Your leg moves the same, but the injur...
Encore Episode: Healthy Eats for Movie Goers
June 05, 2018 05:00 - 33.1 MBYou’re headed to the movies or another outing. You need something healthy, tasty and portable. Now you can save money on your life insurance just for being healthy. HealthIQ helps physically active people save up to 33% on their life insurance. Go to HealthIQ.com/lifestooshort to get a free quote. - sponsor Here are some simple suggestions: Small portions of cooked chicken Peanut butter Blueberries Cut fruits and veggies Oatmeal Granola Almonds Stew Smoothies If you do buy snack...
Encore Episode: How to Get the Most out of Your Apartment Gym
May 29, 2018 05:00 - 19.2 MBIf you have access to an on-site gym, do you take advantage of the facility? Do you use the cool gym at the hotel when you travel? It’s time to get the most out of your gym access. This is your opportunity to try something new. Equipment will be limited in comparison to a large gym. Here are some tips to get the most out of your on-site gym. Safety first. Most apartment gyms are remote. If you head to the community center at night, bring a buddy. You’ll feel safer going with a friend o...
The Value of Wasting Time
May 22, 2018 05:00 - 13.3 MBThe busy modern world makes it seem like you shouldn’t have a chance to get bored. However, there’s no shame in allowing yourself some downtime. Letting your mind roam enables more effective problem solving, creative thinking and productivity. It is imperative to carve out time for personal reflection. Tips for downtime: Take 20 to 30 minutes per day without your cell phone. Encourage your child to take some quiet time if it is unavailable at school. Turn off devices during mealtime....