In August I started my final year of school. As my senior year commenced, I looked around at the incoming freshmen, who were simultaneously excited and terrified, wondering if they have what it takes to succeed or if college will swallow them whole. So when I look back at where I started with my accomplishments, it turns out maybe I was just like them. And I wish I could tell each and every one of them that they will be just fine.

Fall is in the air. The leaves rustle in the tree tops as they hold on just a while longer, then make their descent to the cool autumn ground. Yes, it’s that exhilarating time of year where students, parents, teachers and community members all come together to walk to school.  This year Mesa County will celebrate Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 19th.    

Fall is a great time to get exercise outside or even around town.  Everyone relishes the idea of summer.  The reality is we often hide indoors mid-day hoping for cool mornings and evenings.  

Now fall is upon us, and things are cooling off. We can head outside without risking heat stroke, and we have just enough daylight to get our hearts pumping and see what's ahead. It's awesome! Still, take water, clothes, and essentials just in case.

Ever get picked on as a kid? Chances are you have at least one memory of feeling bullied. But  - SURPRISE -  this is not about children being bullies. It’s about another bully that lurks in the shadows. 

October's big game hunting seasons are just around the corner, but early-season archery and muzzleloader hunters are already in the field trying their best to fill their tag with a variety of species.

The excitement of the hunt can be overwhelming, and most hunters begin preparing by sighting-in their rifle or bow, taking a few scouting trips to the unit they will hunt and purchasing some of the latest gear, including new boots, a new coat and perhaps even a pair of warm socks. But, there are many other things hunters can do now to make sure their hunt is successful. 

“I think about him every single day.” Those were the words my dear friend recently said to me one morning at coffee, two years after her boyfriend had completed suicide. 

I’m always skeptical of people that use “ONLY,” “ALL,” “NEVER,” “NOTHING,” “EVERYONE,” and “ALWAYS,” in their expressions. 

However, over the last 20 years of living in Mesa County, teaching in the school district, working in the field of public health, and now, as a member of the Western Colorado Suicide Prevention Foundation, I’m absolutely in the camp of the Cautiously Optimistic.

I’ve been spending lots of time outdoors, this summer. It has been lovely. I’ve been exploring places I’ve always wanted to see in colorful Colorado.

While it’s impossible not find myself awe-stricken by the state’s natural beauty here and there, it also seems impossible for some people to respect it.

We all know that obesity is a major problem in our country, and most people understand that this leads to chronic health problems.  None of us want this for our kids, but it is sometimes very hard to know how to encourage our kids to adopt healthy habits. Many of us are parents who don’t have time to take their kids on long hikes every day because they have a mountain of laundry to climb, bills to tackle, a house to clean as well as jobs, school schedules, etc.

For anyone considering breastfeeding, chances are you’ve heard some variation of, “for something so natural, breastfeeding is not easy.” I’m here to report that this statement is true. But if I’m honest, the same could be said of parenthood in general. Being a mom is simultaneously the most amazing and amazingly difficult experience I’ve ever had. In fact, I think there are several lessons I’ve learned from breastfeeding that translate to parenthood as a whole.

Tomorrow is the first day of school.  For some parents, tomorrow will be the first of firsts, and for others, it will be the first of lasts. The emotions surrounding the firsts and lasts make it easy to forget the stuff in between. 

Although school may be starting in August in the Grand Valley, the tastes of summer will last at least through September. There is nothing like the flavor of fresh summer fruits and vegetables.  During the summer months, everything just tastes better.  There are farmers markets all over the country, and it is fun to check out the local markets while traveling.  On vacation and while at home, I enjoy cooking and entertaining.  And part of what I enjoy is going to the local farm stands and buying freshly picked food.  

It’s summer.  The season that is between spring and fall, the hottest part of the year, the best season, the worst season.  However you want to describe it, we all have a common thought in mind: STAYING COOL.  

Most tobacco users tell me that stress is the biggest reason they don’t try, and others tell me it’s the biggest reason they fail.

But stress is a fact of life. Stress can be a good thing when it comes in the form of an exciting challenge or change; but not good if it overwhelms and defeats us.

The real challenge is not to be stress-free, but to empower ourselves enough to we believe that we don’t need tobacco to manage it.

At various times in the past month, I’ve described my new status as retired…..or semi-retired.  The one thing that I’ve been very sure of is that I am taking the summer and fall off.  I need time to regroup and decide how I’m going to spend the next 30 years of my life.