» Doctor Yum's pumpkin pancakes
Pancakes are great for breakfast or dinner, and these feature white whole wheat flour, pumpkin puree and a dash of cinnamon.
» Sweet potato turkey shepherds pie
A Healthy Life Virginia reader recommended skinnytaste.com for healthy casserole ideas. Check out this recipe, featuring mushrooms and fresh herbs.
» Bug scare leads to lessons about 'stuff'
Fear that her "stuff" was infested gave way to thoughts of how much possessions really matter. Read more in Delise Dickard's latest column.
» Dial down stress in a minute or less
Huffingtonpost.com recently posted a short story, with a slideshow, on seven tips for easing stress in less than a minute. Seems a little crazy to think you could de-stress that quickly. But as you scroll through the ideas, you may find, as I did, that these strategies are great and proven ways to lighten your load.
Exercise of the Day
» Strengthen your core
Today's exercise will challenge the middle of your body, especially your abs. It's basically plank but with your upper body inclined and balanced on a stability ball. Once you're in position, see how long you can hold it. To see how to get in the proper position, click the headline for a demonstration from Garrett Green and Chris McAuliff of Green Fitness.
» Help with United Way tax program
The Rappahannock United Way is still seeking volunteers to help with its yearly tax preparation service, which serves area residents making less than $50,000 per year. The agency will provide training for its tax prep volunteers; no experience is necessary. Click the headline for details about volunteer opportunities and a Nov. 15 informational session.
Motivational Words
» Something to aspire to
"Every day one should at least hear one little song, read one good poem, see one fine painting and -- if at all possible -- speak a few sensible words." -- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
What's Happening
» Take part in family support group
Nov. 13: Life coach Marcia Grimsley will facilitate a gathering, at the John F. Fick Conference Center at 7 p.m., for family members of people with a chronic illness or disability.
» Learn about epilepsy
Nov. 13: Two local neurologists, Dr. Sandra Crouse and Dr. Amandeep Sangha, will host an epilepsy awareness event at Mary Washington Hospital from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
» Get help coping with grief
Nov. 13: Hospice of the Rapidan in Culpeper will host a free workshop at 5:30 p.m. on grief and healing during the holidays.
» Learn about essential oils
Nov. 14: Simply Holistic Remedies will hold a free workshop at 6:30 p.m. on essential oils for cold and flu season. Call 540/220-2577 for details.
» Get holistic health advice
Nov. 15: Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center will host a talk, from 3-4 p.m., by Dr. Jason Sneed about the benefits and dangers of "all-natural" products and supplements.
» Get help quitting smoking
Nov. 15: Mary Washington Hospital will host a smoking cessation support group in its cafeteria area at 7 p.m.
» Try the Turkey Trot
Nov. 22: The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Mile will be held at the Fredericksburg Expo Center for kids ages 13 and under.
