Author: Sondra Forsyth

Sondra Forsyth is Co-Editor-in-Chief of ThirdAge.com. She is a National Magazine Award winner with scores of major magazine bylines and twelve books to her credit. Her most recent book is “Candida Cleanse: The 21-Day Diet to Beat Yeast and Feel Your Best”. Sondra was Executive Editor at “Ladies’ Home Journal,” Features Editor at “Cosmopolitan,” and Articles Editor at “Bride’s”. A former ballerina, she founded Ballet Ambassadors, an arts-in-education company in New York City, and served as Artistic Director for 16 years.

Protect Your Winter Landscape from Hungry Wildlife

There’s no doubt that managing critters in the landscape can be a challenge especially as food supplies start to dwindle or you change out your garden for the winter season. If you are battling with rabbits, deer, groundhogs or other wildlife, don’t let down your guard as the growing season begins to wind down. Be… Continue reading Protect Your Winter Landscape from Hungry Wildlife

Tips on Five Common Rash-Causing Skin Conditions

None of us remembers our first case of contact dermatitis – diaper rash, that is. But it likely wasn’t our last rash. Life is full of triggers that can cause rashes. Some may be so common and transitory that we don’t consider them medical problems. Others, though, may be very serious. It’s important to be… Continue reading Tips on Five Common Rash-Causing Skin Conditions

Three Steps to Act with Purpose in the Midst of Struggle

We all struggle. It doesn’t matter who you are, how much money you have, or how good you look to the outside world. Life is hard—even painful sometimes. As a clinical psychologist in private practice, much of my work is helping people address internal struggles: anxiety, chronic worrying, depressed moods, and destructive patterns of behavior.… Continue reading Three Steps to Act with Purpose in the Midst of Struggle

Relief for Extremely Dry Skin, Especially in the Winter

In the climes of Africa, the elephant’s dry, cracked skin is a boon, warding off heat and pests. But for humans, especially those subject to cold winters, dry skin can be a serious problem. Once our skin gets really dry we’re faced not only with discomfort, but also with the possibility that serious conditions and… Continue reading Relief for Extremely Dry Skin, Especially in the Winter

Are Your Misaligned Values Causing More Stress?

Do you ever feel like things aren’t right, but you can’t put your finger on it? Often, we play it off as stress or a lack of work-life balance but without looking deeper, you really aren’t fixing the problem. According to a report by the Conference Board, a New York-based nonprofit research group, 53.7% of women are unsatisfied. That’s over half… Continue reading Are Your Misaligned Values Causing More Stress?

Why Consulting “Dr. Google” Can Be Dangerous

The search engine Google is one of the most useful information tools to emerge in modern times. “Google” is a recognized verb. Googling “How to cook gluten-free recipes” is harmless and informative. However, Googling “Is my husband having a heart attack?” can be deadly. Approximately eight out of 10 Americans search for medical information on the internet.… Continue reading Why Consulting “Dr. Google” Can Be Dangerous

Maximizing Botox for Your Face

When a Canadian eye doctor happened upon the furrow-erasing effect of Botox, she never looked back: “I haven’t frowned since 1987,” she remarked years later. This is no surprise: When it comes to Botox, she’s hardly alone in her satisfaction. I’ve been using Botox to help patients resolve their wrinkle woes since the novel ingredient… Continue reading Maximizing Botox for Your Face

Does Losing Weight Mean Having to Go Hungry?

For many people, losing weight is synonymous with restriction and sacrifice. In an effort to acquire the body of their dreams, patients obsess over every calorie and cut too many corners, leaving their bodies starved and tired. Malnourishment is not the key to a healthy lifestyle and could be the gateway into difficult health problems.… Continue reading Does Losing Weight Mean Having to Go Hungry?

Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Landscape

Raking fall leaves can seem like a chore and a never-ending one, at that. Reduce time and effort spent managing fall leaves by putting this valuable resource to work in your landscape.  Use your mower to recycle leaves right where they fall. As you mow the grass, you’ll shred the leaves into smaller pieces. If… Continue reading Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Landscape

Cold Weather Health Myths Busted

There are many winter health myths that we have heard from well-intentioned grandparents and parents. They have become so ingrained in us that we take them as cold, hard facts. Many of these myths have no more basis in reality than Santa Claus. Of course, everyone wants to stay as healthy as possible during the… Continue reading Cold Weather Health Myths Busted

Revive Overcrowded and Struggling Perennials

Fall is the best time to divide spring and summer blooming perennials that are overcrowded, dead in the center, failing to flower or flopping open. Wait until spring to dig and divide fall or summer blooming perennials that were not moved the previous fall. These are guidelines that increase success, but most gardeners have found… Continue reading Revive Overcrowded and Struggling Perennials

Fall/Winter Medicine Cabinet Essentials

Have you ever noticed that when there’s a bug around your office, not everyone gets sick? Somebody is out for 10 days, someone else for a half day and some people don’t even get sidelined at all? Think about it. They’ve all been exposed to the same germ. So, why does this happen? Part of the reason… Continue reading Fall/Winter Medicine Cabinet Essentials

Protecting Seniors from the Flu

Caregivers and seniors themselves need to watch out for “senior” flu symptoms. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found 26% of hospitalized seniors with flu did not exhibit the usual symptoms like fever, body aches or a cough.  FLU SYMPTOMS IN ELDERLY CAN INCLUDE:  Weakness Dizziness Loss of Appetite Delirium… Continue reading Protecting Seniors from the Flu

A Special Needs Teenager’s Transition to Adulthood: 4 Things to Consider

For youth with disabilities, there are many things to consider. An individual’s transition plan must look at many elements of adult living: employment opportunities, vocational and post-secondary education, where to live and with whom, independent living skills, recreation, leisure activities, social relationships, self-advocacy, health and safety, financial benefits and income planning. These key elements can… Continue reading A Special Needs Teenager’s Transition to Adulthood: 4 Things to Consider

Get the Most Out of Your Tomato Harvest

Nothing beats the flavor of fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes and when they’re left on the plant five to eight days after the fruit are fully colored, the flavor only gets better. Check plants regularly and keep harvesting, so the plants continue to produce throughout the fall.  This also reduces problems with insects and disease attacking overripe or… Continue reading Get the Most Out of Your Tomato Harvest

Plant a Few Edible and Decorative Containers for Fall

End the growing season with an extra burst of color and nutrition with a few fall containers. A pot of mums or asters can add color to your front steps and a container filled with kale and greens adds fresh flavor to your fall meals.  But don’t stop there. Create attractive potted gardens by combining… Continue reading Plant a Few Edible and Decorative Containers for Fall