Neti pots have been in use for a very long time all around the world. If you have never heard of them it is used to flush the nare-nose of secretion. If you are an allergy sufferer you may use one when the seasonal allergies become unbearable. For some children, it is a method to clear blocked sinus passages with a warm water solution. Kids tell me that it looks like a ‘terrible teapot’ in other words they don’t like BUT do like the fact that they breathe better after…

Random acts of kindness are nice. Regular acts of kindness provided to elderly members of the community are even better.

This past summer was a time of change for my family as we moved to a new home in an unfamiliar neighborhood. I’m often asked how I like living in my new area. I usually respond that I’m thankful for my neighbors.

Our area’s recent winter storm was eye opening for me, once I got past my own annoyance of shoveling snow and leaves out of my driveway in the middle of…

Has spring really sprung? Are April showers going to bring us great May flowers? And will this cold weather ever stop? Maybe, and then again maybe not. As we prepare for another summer, let’s recall last summer. It was hot, and there was a pretty severe drought in certain parts of the country. We also had some very unusual weather patterns that became catastrophic — I mean the hurricanes, tornados, hail storms and other weird weather patterns.

What does it all mean and what do your kids think of it? I…

While the cold weather can be be perilous to our roads and sidewalks, it can also be hard on the skin. Indoor and outdoor air can both cause dryness and skin that is cracked and broken is more prone to picking up bacteria. Healthy skin not only feels good, but because it’s a primary defense against infection, it can help keep you healthy. Itchy and raw skin can also be painful to some, so it’s important to combat and protect against dryness.

Here are some suggestions to avoiding dry skin:

• Limit your time in the shower or bath to…

Most people in the Northeast has had enough of snow. Well, it is winter and a long way until spring. With that said, most children are loving this weather, not only because they can (and have) get time off from school but because it is FUN to play in snow.  I am all for the outdoor part of winter. Our children and we are too sedentary in general and a little snow (OK… feet of snow) is a good thing.  But caution must be followed in snow play. There are…

Years ago, when we moved into the house my mother lives in now, we had oil heat. Since heat rises, the upstairs was always warm, but when I would go downstairs, my body would tense up waiting for the cold air to hit me. I didn’t like to stay downstairs too much, because it was also too chilly, which would make me feel miserable. After one winter, my father said that was enough cold air for us, and the house was converted to gas heat. It took several more winters…

One of the top recommendations I give to my seniors is to stay active outdoors, especially since we know that many NYC homes have limited space. However, as New Yorkers have prepared for another snowstorm, I want to stress how important it is for the elderly to stay indoors until their local streets are safe for walking.

Recently, a few of my seniors fell outdoors after walking on icy pavement. One person required a trip to the emergency room after fracturing her knee and was very fortunate to have returned home without an…

With a chill in the air and the leaves falling, we are all preparing for fall. If you are an asthmatic, these seasonal climate changes may be more of a burden than a joy. Cooler temperatures can be great, of course, but the mold and other allergens in the air may be difficult to manage. Rain does a wonderful job of cleaning the air of impurities, buy the wind can quickly spread irritants in the air.

My recommendation to asthmatics: know what triggers your asthma. With your triggers in mind, you will be better…

Do your streets look like the one in this photo? If so then it may be a good idea to stay indoors even if you’re a winter warrior like my 97 year young member.

Walking outdoors in inclement weather can increase the risk of falls because sidewalk pavement may be uneven or have cracks. Decreased visibility from falling snow or from covered sidewalks will affect your ability to walk safely.

According to the Centers for Disease Control

• Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths. They are also the most…