During the month of November, the National Lung, Heart, and Blood Institute recognizes, National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month. Their aim is to focus on increasing awareness of this disease because with early diagnosis and beginning treatment, patients with this disease can find ways to improve their overall quality of life.

With the busy holiday season quickly approaching, it is important that we are all focused (especially now) on our mental and physical health. One way to make sure you are taking care of yourself is to get enough rest. But what if you feel like you don’t normally get very good sleep?

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. It is a degenerative disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. As Alzheimer’s progresses, the individual will lose the ability to care for oneself. The disease presents itself in many different ways that coincide with the common experience, “what did I come in here for…?” which makes it difficult to diagnose early on.

As each year comes to a close, we begin thinking about the possibilities for the new year and what we want to achieve or experience. One fulfilling and helpful practice to start the new year in the best way possible is a mindfulness practice.

Although everyone feels down or sad at different points, time helps and it passes. For those who feel a persistence of sadness or hopelessness for days and weeks at a time are likely experiencing a form of depression. During Depression Awareness Month, we are highlighting some of the facts about depression and promoting understanding and awareness of the difference between typical grief and depression.