By Eileen Renders Many of us have lived long enough to see such changes as refrigerators replacing Ice Boxes, Wringer washing machines have been replaced with automatic laundry machines, and cell phones replacing landlines. Food additives and food preservatives extend a processed food’s shelf life, and more. Today, health-conscious individualsContinue Reading
By Dee Griffin Spring signals renewal—gardens, hikes, lighter clothes. But for the roughly 40 percent of Americans carrying extra weight, it’s also a reminder of a heavier burden. Obesity isn’t just about size; it’s a medical domino effect hitting health, wallets, and daily life. Here are the top 10 problemsContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard “I never learned this in school.” “Why don’t they teach this in school?” “I wish they taught this in school.” They do. April is Financial Literacy Month and we recognize the efforts of educators across the state to teach financial literacy / personal finance across the K-12 standards. Continue Reading
By Dee Griffin Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary practice that cycles between fasting for a set period and then eating within a certain amount of time. Intermittent Fasting has surged in popularity with millions embracing IF for the promise of weight loss, sharper focus, and even longer life. TheContinue Reading
By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net I visit cemeteries never knowing what I’ll find. February 10, a cemetery gave me a story that has the elements of a great movie—risk, bravery, tragedy, the largest fire in the country, and a drunken sailor with wobbly feet. The story actually began whenContinue Reading
By Curtis LoftisSouth Carolina State Treasurer South Carolina children are learning that when they gain knowledge and develop skills, they’re making smart investments in themselves. Almost 300 educators across the state are using a new lesson plan to teach their kindergarten, first and second grade students that by investing inContinue Reading
By Dee Griffin Is semaglutide the best weight loss medication? It really depends. Semaglutide has changed the treatment approach since this medication was approved by the FDA to treat obesity in 2021. This GLP-1 medication mimics a gut hormone that suppresses appetite and helps regulate blood sugar. This action resultsContinue Reading
By Eileen Renders Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can present with several intestinal symptoms that can include those associated with the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach pain, bloating, cramping, gas, constipation, diarrhea, or both. Most of the time, symptoms are not considered severe, however, it is a persistent, long-termContinue Reading
The split-rail fence, in harmony with the earth. By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net A fence has become more than a way to mark property — delineate — as a five-dollar word goes. “I put that fence up to delineate precisely where my line runs.” Redundant. To delineate is toContinue Reading
March 27, 2025 By Akil E. Ross, Sr. There are significant opportunities on the horizon for our students, thanks to the passage of the 2024 bond referendum. School District Five will enhance the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program to prepare our students for the future of work. The establishmentContinue Reading
By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Man Will Always Wage War I remember the Vietnam anti-war protests at the University of Georgia. Some group firebombed the Army ROTC building and I recall four protestors walking abreast holding a “Stop War Now” banner. “Stop war now” chanted the throng behind them.Continue Reading
By Dee Griffin Snoring is an issue that affects not only the person snoring but for their bed partner as well. Lack of sleep can cause more issues than just being tired the next day. Snoring happens when air flows past relaxed tissues in the throat causing them to vibrateContinue Reading
By Dee Griffin The flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing, and the allergies are flowing. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and some natural remedies can help reduce the discomfort during this season. The main cause of springtime allergies include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. These plants release pollen intoContinue Reading
By Eileen Renders Most of us over 60 have heard that old rhyme: “The thigh bone is connected to the leg bone, the leg bone is connected to the ankle bone, etc.” A similar analogy can be expressed whenever we voice concern over the ear, nose, or throat, as theyContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard Like democracy, education is a participatory exercise and we all have essential roles to play in support of our local public school system. A well-functioning public education system requires that we communicate with our elected officials to educate them after making sure we are educated on theContinue Reading
By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Mom never darkened the door of a juke joint, but that didn’t stop her from rendering a harsh judgment. “The only people who go to juke joints are drunks and floozies.” I have a hunch where her belief came from. Early in her marriage,Continue Reading