Archives for January 2013

Crittenton continues flu combat

In the midst of an epidemic, last week we covered some diagnostic tips when it comes to the flu and how to recognize when you need to head to the emergency room if your symptoms escalate. But this week, a Crittenton Hospital Medical Center expert shares a couple preventive measures to help you avoid the infamous virus this winter. Starting with home base At the beginning of the influenza season in October, Crittenton engaged in anti-flu combat by starting at square one—immunizing their … [Read more...]

Exposed: Is barefoot running on the beach OK when you vacation this winter?

As February approaches and we begin to make plans for our winter steal-away, if you’re anything like me, you’ve been wondering what new outdoor adventure can we tackle on this year’s vacation. When I think of outdoor adventure, I always think of hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking and you know, climbing a mountain or volcano—nothing too rigorous or strenuous, right? —A girl can dream, can’t she? But in doing so, I always seem to envision myself being as close to the earth as possible, trying to … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Should I Hire a Snowplow Guy?

Dear Crabby, I hate shoveling my driveway when it snows. Would you recommend hiring a snowplow guy to do it for me? Will it be worth the money?  Will I be happy with that decision? Sincerely, Lazy Lou Dear Lou, I'm not sure about your happiness Lou, but I can tell you about my experience with this. One winter after I threw my back out for a second time, I broke down and hired this fella to plow my driveway. He left a flyer on my mailbox that said he would plow my driveway for $25 … [Read more...]

Exploring Southern France by Boat

Boarding the Canal Boat Montpellier was a great introduction to the Languedoc-Roussillon region; I enjoyed my overnight stay and first full day in southern France. Now that I am somewhat adjusted to the time change, I depart for Béziers to board the boat that will be my home for three nights as I cruise the Canal du Midi.     I will be sharing the boat with Kent from New York and John and Lisa from England. We are on one of the larger boats available for the canal. This one comes with four … [Read more...]

Dinner to benefit Habitat for Humanity

The seventh annual Birthday Build Dinner and Game Night benefiting Habitat for Humanity will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday February 8 at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 1550 Walton Blvd. Rochester Hills. The event honors  Kurt Ketelsen, who died in 2005 after a lifetime struggle with Juvenile Diabetes.  The event is sponsored each year by Ketelsen’s family to remember him on his birthday.  He was a building contractor in Rochester and often participated in projects in Pontiac to … [Read more...]

Hills awarded grant to rehab Velodrome

The International Velodrome at Bloomer Park  in Rochester Hills is about to get a much-needed facelift, thanks to a $45,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to resurface the aging track surface. The velodrome was funded entirely by donations and built by volunteers in 2001. It was designed by Olympic track designer Dale Hughes, a lifelong Rochester Hills resident. “After 13  years the wood panels began to decompose, causing a rough ride for cyclists,” Hughes … [Read more...]

Take Precautions During Cold Weather

Oakland County Health Division advises residents to take precautions against extreme cold during winter months. As temperatures drop, heat can leave your body faster than normal resulting in hypothermia or frostbite. “While anyone can be affected by extreme cold, infants and elderly are particularly at risk, as are people with diabetes because of impaired circulation,” said Kathy Forzley, Health Division manager/ health officer. “Proper precautions need to be taken to avoid serious health … [Read more...]

Sheila Landis Sings a Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

Sheila Landis, seven-time winner of the Detroit Music Awards “Outstanding Jazz Vocalist”,  will perform at the Rochester Hills Public Library on Sunday, February 10 at 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the library’s Multipurpose Room. Rochester Hills vocalist Sheila Landis has a voice steeped in jazz and will entertain you with her popular “Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald." Leading the Sheila Landis Trio is seven-string guitarist Rick Matle, Oakland University Music Performance Graduate. If you love jazz … [Read more...]

Seven Oakland County “Healthy” Projects Get Brooksie Way Minigrant Funding for 2013

The Michigan Senior Olympics, a healthy eating program for children and wellness expo are among seven Oakland County programs that received nearly $8,000 in funding through The Brooksie Way Minigrant program. The awards were handed out today by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson during a press conference at the Executive Office Building in Waterford. Since the minigrant program began nearly three years ago, 82 grants have been given out totaling more than $97,000. “The Brooksie … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Help me with my pregnant wife!

Dear Crabby, My wife is seven months pregnant with our first child. The other day I decided to surprise her by doing all of the laundry - I washed, dried, folded, and put it all away. The next day when she was getting dressed, she came out of our room and was visibly upset...with me! She accused me of shrinking all of her clothes and ruining her wardrobe. I didn't dare tell her that her growing midriff, not the clothes shrinking, was the problem. How do I handle these crazy … [Read more...]