Crisis Line Information on Farnam Pier and the Pedestrian Bridge

 Found the crisis line number on the pier and the bridge coming from Discovery Playground to the pier.  Seems they want this information out there where there is a place someone could jump.  There is now a national suicide and crisis number to call.  

Magazine Article Review: Has Science Solved Death?

 Has Science Solved Death? by Meryl Davids Landau, Prevention Magazine, March 2026, pp 63-74.

Of course the answer is no, but this article deals with what things have increased longevity.  Three experts answer the questions: 

Magazine Article Review: Zinc Improves Glucose Control

 Zinc Improves Glucose Control by Ross Howzer, Life Extension Magazine: The Science of a Healthier Life, Collectors Edition 2026, pp 65-68.

This is a concept I had not heard, that zinc could help with glucose control.  I am taking Four pills and a weekly shot to improve my glucose control.  Adding a zinc supplement may help as well.  This article indicates that zinc has many positive qualities.  It can improve and support the immune system.  Studies indicate that low zinc is related to inulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.  For those with diabetes zince supplements have helped improve blood sugar numbers and lower AIC.

This magazine promotes supplements so I was wary, so turned to AI for its answer to the question about zinc.  There is states that zinc can help diabetes and cholesterol.  It states that zinc is helpful in controlling blood sugar but it also warns it is possible to get too much zinc.  It suggests that a low dose of zinc can be helpful but less than 25 mg.  There are 50 mg supplements so I would be wary of those.  My multivitamin has 10 mg zinc so a supplement with 10 or 15 mg may be right for me.  I see my Dr. in a couple weeks and am going to ask him about this.

Magazine Article Review: Sweet Dreams: Follow some simple tips and get the sound sleep you deserve

 Sweet Dreams: Follow some simple tips and get the sound sleep you deserve by Juliana LaBianca, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Summer 2023 pp 22-25

So her are some tips for better sleep, during the day:  Spend time outside in the morning With coffee or hot chocolate, do some strength exercises instead of just cardio (will get you more tired and body will need to recover), eat regular meals and snacks, no beeping noises to wak, music or nature sounds are better.

Before Bedtime: slip into something you love such as comfortable pajamas, eat almonds (they have natural melatonin), bedroom should be cool (under 65), good music for sleep, no screens--read a book instead, no alcohol but chamomile tea with cherry juice is good.

While You Are in Bed:  Be in the dark (eye masks are good), smell lavender (perhaps a spray), red lighting may help, sleep on your left side for better breathing and less issues with acid reflux, if you are ruminating about somethin take a moment to write it down and then go to sleep, if you wake during the night try deep breathing to get back to sleep.  

Magazine Article Review: Vitamin D May Slow Aging by Protecting Telomeres

 Vitamin D May Slow Aging by Protecting Telomeres by Joseph Meyer, Life Extension, The Science of a Healthier Life, collectors edition, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, 2026 pp 23-.

Telomeres are the protecting ends of chromosomes.  The process of aging is connected to the telomeres.  People predict the physical aging of an individual by looking at the telomeres.  

Studies are showing the taking vitamin D protects the telomeres, and thus reduces aging.  A 2025 study shows that individuals who had taken vitamin D-3 2000 IU for four years had significantly reduced telomere shortening.  I have been taking vitamin D-3 for many years at the suggestion of my doctor.  

Avoiding Falls as an Older Adult

 I came across a flyer posted in the bathroom of the Kingman Visitors Center.  It is important to take care of any fall hazards, use the handrail on stairs, and avoid over loading yourself, especially not blocking your vision.

Magazine Article Review: Feel More Connected

Feel More Connected by Sharlene Breakey, Prevention, October 2025, 26-35.

Even with social network friends and family and workmates, many people still feel alone.  This article explores things you can do to build ties.  Recent studies show that true connection is just as important as diet, exercise and not smoking to physical and mental well-being.  Loneliness or lack of connection have become a real threat to health and well-being.  Connection is not just being around friends more often.  It is being connected to the planet and its creatures.  This includes mature, art, shop keepers, neighbors, a higher power, and even random people.

Six ideas for being more connected:

1. Connect through creativity.  Creating just for the fun of it creates positive emotions.  It is not important to be good, but to enjoy.  Dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin are released leading to increased empathy and joy.  But there is more, creativity is a way to connect with yourself.  You have positive inner talk and positive emotions.  

2. Find value in smaller moments.  Small moments would be casual conversations with neighbors or local store clerks.  Frequenting local business and talking with neighbors can create a sense that there are good people in the world, and lead to feelings of security.

3. Take the talk deeper.  People want to be connected as well, and having a sense of curiosity can help.  Every person has their own story to tell. 

4. Deepen your bond to nature.  Being part of something, having an awe experience reminds us we are part of an incredible large and beautiful universe.  The awe experience can happen in nature, or seeing a beautiful painting, or listening to a beautiful symphony.  Awe and wonder strengthen empathy and kindness.

5. Find a sense of Purpose.  Random acts of kindness and serving is the most important thing you can do to create connectedness for the world and yourself.  Acts of kindness have a bounce back effect which furthers belonging.  Volunteering has the same effect.

6. Find spiritual peace within.  Using prayer, mediation or pondering can lead to focus and deep calm.  This can also lead to deep gratitude.  This emotion itself leads to a well spring if interconnectedness.

Being connected effects the health of others as well, and it can be like a ripple in a lake and have a positive effect on many.