Tags

10

Nov

Pet Support for Stressful Times

During this pandemic, many of us have suffered from elevated levels of anxiety. Some of us have struggled with loneliness and depression during quarantine and isolation periods. Pet owners have had a home field advantage, so to speak, in coping...

12

Oct

Making Rainbows

In the early days of the pandemic in Italy, quarantined children hung pictures of rainbows from apartment balconies. These bright banners bore the words “Andrà tutto bene,” which means “Everything will be alright.” Thanks to social media, this colorful message...

09

Sep

From Meltdown to Calm Down

One projected meltdown per week was penciled into my calendar. I knew that either I, one of my children, or both would potentially be overwhelmed each time. Was it a blessing that the trials were spaced out, or would it...

13

Aug

College Student Self-Defense

College Student Self-Defense by Stephen Lage Sensei, 5th Degree Black Belt, Isshinryu Karate I normally give Self-Defense Seminars in the Summer months, as the demand for them is greater with parents preparing to send their kids off to college. They...

10

Aug

Just Add Soap and Water (or “A Serious Scrub”

If we are feeling a little (or a lot) out of control of our lives right now, perhaps a vigorous hand washing can help. Running water, plain old soap, and a serious scrub can kill the germs that cause viruses...

06

Jul

Joining the Bicycle Boom

Since March, bicycles have sold in record numbers. The stars aligned in favor of outdoor cycling when the spring thaw coincided with stay-at-home orders and gym closures. Those of us who had bikes dusted them off and got them repaired;...

23

Jun

YMCA and Venues Parks & Arts form new partnership at O’Brien Center

YMCA and Venues Parks & Arts form new partnership at O’Brien Center SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Venues Parks & Arts and the YMCA of Greater Michiana are entering into a new partnership at the O’Brien Fitness Center on Walter Street...

08

Jun

A Story of Mask Confusion

Before COVID-19, I had worn two types of masks: a bandana for particularly dusty cleaning jobs (like my young teenager’s room), and an N95 when I helped sand our wood floors. The purpose of both of these face coverings was...

22

May

YMCA of Greater Michiana to close South Bend-Mishawaka YMCA branch

5/22/2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kayla Foster, Marketing Director, kfoster@ymcagm.org YMCA of Greater Michiana to close South Bend-Mishawaka YMCA branch SOUTH BEND, Ind . – The YMCA of Greater Michiana is permanently closing the South Bend-Mishawaka YMCA branch effective Tuesday,...

13

May

Navigating the New Normal

When the stay-at-home orders began, I felt disoriented. New information and guidelines seemed to accost us on a daily basis. Stress mounted as we waited for the next decision: would schools close completely? Businesses? If normal life were a rug,...