Alison Crane

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Laughter is the Best Medicine 

By Alison CraneHave you heard the phrase “laughter is the best medicine?” According to the Mayo Clinic, it just may be what the doctor orders when it comes to relieving stress. Researchers found short-term effects of laughter include:  Some possible long-term effects of laughing regularly include:  Here are some tips for refining or developing your sense of humor:  National Stress Awareness Day on the first Wednesday in November each year

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Can a Donut Actually Be Healthy? 

To “do-nut” or to “do-not.” That is the question. Alison Crane offers her considered opinion.  By Alison Crane Is there such a thing as a healthy donut, and would you actually want to eat it? I have to admit that I really enjoy blueberry cake donuts and will indulge in one… occasionally.  One donut every few months or so is not the same as even only one a week. Ultimately, not

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How to Beat the Heat While Enjoying the County Fair 

Stay cool and enjoy the county fair.  By Alison Crane When I was a child, the fair was a magical place that meant spending hours dreaming while hanging out in the horse barn and exploring the Hall of Industry. Even the name, Hall of Industry, made me feel almost as if I must be stepping onto another continent or going somewhere special. Yes, the fair was truly a magical place, and as a

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Focus on Family and Community Wellness 

By Alison Crane Did you know that one of the best ways to encourage healthy choices in children is to model those choices as an adult? Parents, older siblings, teachers, and other role models can help kids and teens make healthy choices by simply engaging in healthy behaviors like eating nutritious foods and being physically active.   In addition to making healthy choices themselves, there are many ways adults can be role

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Socialization and Healthy Aging 

Build new social connections by engaging in local events – like the St. Pat’s Day Zero K, volunteering, or connecting with friends or coworkers.  By Alison Crane Healthy aging and social wellness go hand in hand. Aging is inevitable, but aging well is a balance of our genetics and the choices we make. A full social life could help slow biological aging, according to recent studies. Our sense of connection and belonging, with

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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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About the Cover . . .  

“The Nutcracker”  Courtesy of Edmond Cooper Photo Design by Rhonda Panasenko  There’s something magical about this time of year in Hot Springs! As the holiday season draws near, the Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Company is hard at work preparing for its annual production of “The Nutcracker”—a beloved holiday tradition that brings

Celebrate the Season in Style 

Annie Smith and Melodi Cone of The Velvet Attic Boutique bring a Western Chic touch to fall with horse graphics, flowing maxi skirts, statement belts, and boots. Navy, taupe, and black reflect the season, while turquoise jewelry and fringe add personality.  November brings a shift in fashion as holiday gatherings,

Feast Month – November 1 – 30 

Give Our Advertisers a Taste of Your Support!  Hot Springs celebrates the Spa City’s diverse restaurant scene during Feast Month – November 1- 30, which means three things: it’s time to redeem restaurant deals, dine at your favorite spots, and vote for your favorite restaurants – from best BBQ to best

Fall Provides Perfect Weather for Hiking and Biking Our Trails 

Located just minutes from downtown Hot Springs, the Northwoods District is one of eight exciting districts in the local trail system. It features 31+ miles of trails around Bethel, Dillon, and Sanderson lakes for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running.   The Northwoods District is directly accessible from historic downtown and