Alison Crane

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Social Creatures 

A mother and her grown daughters are enjoying a day touring around on e-bikes.  By Alison Crane Researchers gain insight from surveys and polls. For instance, a Gallup-Healthways poll found that people who are alone all day are less happy and more stressed, and the reverse is reported by people who dedicate a large part of their days to social time. On average, American adults do not spend enough time socializing

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Time Gremlins Will Bite 

By Alison Crane Thanks to the 1984 classic movie, Gremlins, most people are aware of the three core rules for caring for a Mogwai/Gremlin. The instructions are simple: keep them away from bright light, never get them wet, and never feed them after midnight. Breaking those guidelines brings chaos. When it comes to productivity, maintaining resolutions, or just about anything else we want or need to do; the time gremlins have

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Avoiding Stress Eating During the Holidays 

Plan ahead to help prevent stress eating over the holidays.  By Alison Crane Stress eating is real, and the holidays can magnify that response. Our brains associate pleasurable activities, like enjoying a piece of cake with friends and family or the types of foods served at holiday gatherings, with happiness. High sugar and high fat foods possess an addictive quality and are known as hyperpalatable or appealing, which can make them

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Caring for the Caregivers 

By Alison Crane The late Rosalynn Carter once summed up caregiving’s universal nature: “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.”  National Family Caregivers Month is celebrated each November to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country.  In the U.S., an estimated 44 million Americans age

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Why Reduce Our Salt Intake? 

Salt: the spice that launched a thousand prescriptions.  By Alison Crane,  Breakfast cereal does not appeal to me. I typically will eat something a little more non-traditional when it comes to eating breakfast. Confession – I really enjoy a small handful of tortilla or corn chips for breakfast. And while I do have a sweet tooth, typically, I will choose something salty over something sweet (unless donuts are offered). So, when

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Stride into Your Older Years Confidently 

Physical activity can push back or speed up the inevitable health issues that arise from genetics and normal aging.   By Alison Crane “You are as old as you feel.” Have you ever been a little shocked when you remember how old you actually are? That is a good thing, because one study found that people who felt younger than their actual age essentially lived longer than those who felt older than

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Prioritizing Wellness 

Getting active together is one of the small changes that can impact your health in positive ways.  By Alison Crane Each month focus is placed on various health issues and topics. This is done to increase awareness and prioritize making good health choices related to specific health concerns. All during August, National Wellness Month focuses on promoting holistic well-being by prioritizing self-care and adopting healthy habits.   Self-care is taking proactive steps

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The Most Delicious Month of the Year 

Try blueberries in yogurt, fruit salad, or any salad; on waffles, pancakes, and cereal; in muffins, cookies, cakes, and pies; in smoothies or beverages; or just rinse and enjoy munching.  By Alison Crane July is here, and along with the celebration of Independence Day, we observe National Blueberry Month. Blueberries are tasty, healthy, and incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them at any time of day, from an early breakfast to a

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Beat Summer’s “Silent Killer” 

High temperatures and heat-related issues make heat the biggest summertime weather hazard.  By Alison Crane As the temperature rises, so does the need to take precautions and prevent heat-related problems. Unlike floods and tornadoes, the deadly damage caused by heat is often unrecognized because of its silent nature. High temperatures and heat-related issues make heat the biggest summertime weather hazard.  The human body has a built-in system for maintaining temperature. Varying

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Garland County EHC Celebrates 95 Years! 

GCEHC members Pat Zeller and Gail McKee work together in the EHC fair kitchen.  GCEHC members, Cindy Rossa and Merylann Black, are checking in quilt entries for the Garland County Fair.  By Alison CraneOriginally known as the Home Demonstration Clubs, the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council (EHC) was initially established in 1912 and focused on practical skills related to home economics and food preservation. The clubs were a practical way to

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Make Your Journey a Healthy One 

A positive perspective on the choices we make for our health takes the drudgery out of it and emphasizes the benefits.  By Alison CraneScientists and researchers are constantly gaining more information on how to extend the length of life. Doctors provide patients with detailed lists of things to do or not do to be able to live longer. The things listed are research-proven, beneficial, and even common-sense things to do,

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Stress: The Good, the Bad, and the Helpful 

When feeling stressed, take breaks to calm yourself and refocus.  By Alison CraneWould your perfect day be stress-free? Do you wish you could get rid of all the stressors in your life? Be careful what you wish for—what you get may be different from what you expect.   In 1936, Hans Selye, who coined the term “stress” as currently used, defined stress as the non-specific response of the body to any

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Bitty Martin’s New Novel Will Be Released in March 

(L to R) Johnette Connelly Taylor, niece of “Killer Wife” first victim, Joe Connelly; Evaline Rowland Connelly (no relation to Johnette), sister of the third victim, Don Rowland; and Bitty Martin, author.  Bitty Martin has completed her second Hot Springs true crime, Killer Wife: The True Story of Bonnie Connelly and the Men

SIGNS: MARCH 2026 – Eclipse & Equinox: The Turning Point of March 2026 

By Chana Prince Greetings Fellow Travelers,   March 2026 carries powerful turning-point energy. The Total Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on March 3 brings emotional insight and practical clarity. Virgo asks for refinement—health, habits, work, and daily devotion come into focus. What feels messy now is ready to be organized with

Master Gardener Plant Sale and Garden Show 

Thousands of plants will be for sale at the Garden Show.  Save the date – Garland County Master Gardeners will be holding their annual Plant Sale and Garden Show one day only on Saturday, April 25, from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Garland County Fairgrounds. Entry is free

Master Gardeners: Springtime is just around the Corner… 

by Susan Koenig  Springs around the corner.Our excitement builds. Our need to dig in the dirt will soon be fulfilled. We’re planning our gardens and shopping seed catalogs. We’re preparing our pots and watching video blogs. We’re dreaming of the garden and buying seeds and plants, And figuring how to get rid of the squash bugs and ants! The sun’s rays