First women lead police & fire
In November, Howard County voters chose Calvin Ball as County Executive, electing the first African American to fill that position. And now, he continues to make history (some might say “herstory”) with the recent appointments of Lisa Myers to be the county’s first female chief of the Howard County Police Department, and Christine Uhlhorn as the first female chief of the Howard... READ MORE
Studying cancer, insomnia and weight loss
According to a study published by the Multinational Association of Supported Care in Cancer, sleep-related complaints are common among breast cancer survivors. Studies have also shown that maintaining a normal weight can result in a reduced risk of cancer-related symptoms, including sleep problems, though data from published studies are not consistent. Additional studies have shown the... READ MORE
When a DNA test surprises you
“I always felt like I didn’t fit in with my family,” said Steve Gordon, who sometimes wondered why he didn’t look like his sister. But after all, not all siblings look alike, so he didn’t dwell on it. But when his sister took a DNA test last year to find out where their ancestors had come from, she was intrigued to find out that it showed only a 50 percent European Jewish... READ MORE
Keep glaucoma from hurting your vision
Q: My friend recently was diagnosed with glaucoma. Is glaucoma treatable? Am I at risk for it? A: Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain to help you see. Glaucoma usually occurs when there is extra fluid in your eye that causes pressure to increase, damaging the optic nerve and affecting vision permanently, ... READ MORE
Northam prioritizes childhood education
The beehive installed on Capitol Square in 2016 to support Virginia’s honeybee production is an apt metaphor for First Lady Pamela Northam’s office, especially between Thanksgiving and the new year when activities crank up a notch. Take the November day I interviewed her, when she joined her husband, Governor Ralph Northam, as Virginia Native Americans from the Mattaponi and Pamunkey ... READ MORE
Love means saying you’re sorry (often)
Dear Solutions: My 8-year-old grandson is living with us for a while. I think I overreacted to something he did, and I punished him in a way that I now think was unfair. My wife is angry at me, and says I should apologize to him because he thinks I don’t love him. I think if I apologize, it will undermine my authority. And besides, he knows I love him, so I don’t have to say it. — ... READ MORE
Some good reasons to eat more oatmeal
Most people conjure up an image in their mind about eating oatmeal. It’s usually the vision of someone over the age of 60, seeking the joys of regularity. But it should not be that cliché. If you’re interested in a good meal that is packed with vitamins and minerals, and even some cancer-fighting phytonutrients, oatmeal should be at the top of your list. Oatmeal can also help... READ MORE
Didn’t get a flu shot yet? Join this study
Last winter, the flu killed 80,000 Americans, the highest death toll in more than 40 years. Many had not been vaccinated, and those that were, particularly older adults, may not have gained enough protection. Now, researches at six locations around the U.S., including Rockville, Md., are looking at a possible new way to boost the flu vaccine’s effectiveness by using stem cells. Stem ... READ MORE
Monkey bread is fun to make with kids
Monkey bread is a knotty-looking loaf of sweet bread made from balls of dough coated with cinnamon, sugar and melted butter. It’s traditionally served warm so that the sticky baked pieces can be pulled apart. The name “monkey’’ refers to how you eat this sweet treat — with your hands. Your grandchildren may also have as much fun making the bread as eating it. Monkey... READ MORE
Why you still need milk (or substitutes)
You probably grew up guzzling milk. It’s a solid source of protein, and it helps you build strong bones. Flash-forward a few decades, though, and it’s no longer front and center in your fridge — if it’s in there at all. More and more people are going vegan or paleo, and ditching dairy. Even if your diet doesn’t prohibit milk, concerns about its link to acne, allergies and... READ MORE
