Alison Crane

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Savvy Shopping at the Grocery Store 

Planning meals before you head to the store allows time to consider your family’s schedule for the week and what they need nutritionally to keep going and growing.   By Alison Crane Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Being a savvy shopper can protect your pocketbook and your health.  First, keep in mind that supermarkets are literally marketing machines. Years of research have resulted in a layout designed to keep you spending

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May is National Strawberry Month  

Strawberries, like other berries, are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.   By Alison Crane Did you know that according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, each person consumes five pounds of strawberries annually?   Given that much consumption, it’s good that strawberries are grown in every state in the U.S. and every province in Canada. In Arkansas, strawberry season is from late April through the month of

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Supporting Bees Has a Wide Impact 

Spring is a great time to take an interest in learning more about supporting native bees and honeybees in your area.   By Alison Crane The connection between bees and biodiversity and ecosystem health is a common theme among environmentalists. Bees pollinate about one-third of the world’s food crops. They indirectly aid in absorbing carbon dioxide by supporting the reproduction of plants and trees. Declining bee populations serve as a warning sign of broader

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Rethink that Energy Drink! 

By Alison Crane Energy drinks were first introduced to the United States in 1997. Today, there are over five hundred energy drinks on the market worldwide. The global energy drinks market value in 2024 was estimated at $79.39 billion and is projected to reach over $125 billion by 2030.   Energy drinks are beverages that characteristically contain substantial amounts of caffeine, added sugars, and legal stimulants, plus a variety of herbs, vitamins,

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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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About the Cover . . .  

“Moku Playland”   Photo of Kate Zunick Courtesy of Hot Springs Sister City  Kate Zunick relaxes in one of the most beloved features of the Moku Playland exhibit — a giant wooden “hot springs” tub filled with hundreds of smooth wooden balls inspired by the bubbling thermal waters of Hot Springs.  Hidden somewhere among the

A One-of-a-Kind Wooden Play Experience Arrives in Downtown Hot Springs 

Moku Playland Pop-Up Opens June 1 with Interactive, Screen-Free Fun for Families  Families and visitors to downtown Hot Springs will have the opportunity to experience a unique style of hands-on play this summer as Moku Playland opens June 1 for a special month-long pop-up at 831 Central Avenue.  Open Thursday-Tuesday

World Championship Bathtub Races Set for June 6 

The Hot Springs Fire Department entry nears the finish line in the 2025 Running of the Tubs. — Courtesy Visit Hot Springs  The lineup is complete for the 2026 Stueart Pennington World Championship Running of the Tubs bathtub races through historic downtown Hot Springs. The race starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday,

Yoga: Two Months at The Yoga Place 

Where are we?” Missy Conry and Melissa Stevens  By Missy Conry & Melissa StevensCan you spot where we took this picture? Take a selfie in front of the same mural and text to 501-651-0545 for a free drop-in class! You can also text us for hints if you need a clue.  As we reflect