Raising children has never been easy, but some parents think it’s even harder today. They have always had to deal with providing – food, clothing and shelter as well as a supportive and loving environment where their offspring can grow to their full potential. Today, in addition, mom and dad are faced with handling the stresses of an unstable economy and volatile social situations. And youngsters often feel the worries we feel as well. […]

You probably don’t need proof that the emotional support you get from friends is vital, but here it is. A UCLA study shows that the cascade of brain chemicals released when we’re stressed causes us to seek out other women. This ‘tend and befriend’ notion, developed by social psychologists Drs. Shelley Taylor and Laura Klein, may explain why social ties reduce our risk of disease and help us live longer. Friends also help us live better. Research about coping after the loss of a partner indicates that women who have a close confidante more often survive without permanent loss of vitality. And that’s not all. Both the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study and the MacArthur Foundation Study confirm that friendship is one of the keys to a long and satisfying life. […]

Over two thousand years ago, the ancient Romans began the practice of making New Year’s resolutions when they named the first month after Janus, the god of beginnings. Janus had two faces, one looking back at the old year, the other looking forward to the new one. In order to secure good fortune in the future, January became the time when you ask forgiveness for past deeds and look inward for areas to improve. […]