Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms – Especially Now!

During the pandemic, one major concern amongst doctors – aside from the obvious – is that people will let small ailments grow and get worse. The irony is that because people are so worried about contracting the coronavirus, they may be letting other serious conditions slip under their notice. 

So what do you need to be aware of?

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Aches and Pains

We all have aches and pains from time to time and most will go away on their own. Often, all you need is to make sure that you are eating well – many mild pains, including cramps, are caused by mineral deficiencies – also try stretching and gentle exercise to loosen up. Walking is really good for you and even in quarantine, you should try to make sure that you don’t spend all your time sitting down. Staying fit and feeling good is possible, even during shelter in place days! 

The problem comes when your pain doesn’t go away or it gets worse. There is no reason that you should have to suffer and even at times like this, it is better for you to talk to a health professional. From lower back pain to unbearable wisdom tooth pain, there is nothing a doctor wouldn’t be happy to help you with. In fact, doctors can diagnose a wide range of problems remotely so you won’t even need to go into their surgery. 

Lumps, Rashes and Discoloration

Just like aches and pains, lumps, rashes and discoloration are really common and, most of the time, they pass on their own. However, lumps, rashes and discoloration can also be a sign of more serious conditions, including cancer. 

If you do find an odd lump on your body, it’s a good idea to monitor it for a few days to see what happens as most lumps will disappear in that time. However, if your symptoms persist or get worse it is always worth calling your doctor as they will be able to prescribe the right course of action. For example, they may wish to take a biopsy of a new lump.

Skin rashes and discoloration can often be diagnosed by a pharmacist. They will also be able to give you a steroid cream or similar to help relieve the symptoms – especially if your skin is itchy or irritable to touch. There are a few home remedies that can help too, such as using a cool compress or coconut oil to relieve itching. 

Again, most rashes and discolorations are nothing to worry about but they are worth treating quickly so don’t delay in getting help. The last thing you need right now is a rash that’s going to spread! 

Fatigue and The Sense Something Isn’t Right

Fatigue can be caused by a wide range of illnesses but it is also a common symptom of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Right now, lots of people are struggling with their mental health as life has radically changed and there is a new threat that the whole of humanity is affected by. 

Fatigue is not the same as tiredness; fatigue doesn’t improve with sleep and can make you feel sluggish and achy. If you are worried about fatigue, seeing your doctor is a really good idea as they will be able to gauge a sense of how you are both physically and mentally. They may wish to do some blood tests just to check for any sign of infection or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. 

For many people, fatigue also follows an illness. If this is true for you then the best thing you can do is allow yourself time to rest and heal. If your fatigue persists beyond a few weeks, it is really important that you return to your doctor for further advice. Many people are showing signs of post-viral fatigue after recovering from the coronavirus and if you think you may be affected, it’s important that you seek further help. 

If you require dental care, consider getting help from the dentist in Medford.

We are all guilty of ignoring smaller symptoms and hoping that they will go away on their own. Luckily, for most of us, most of the time this is true and your body is actually really good at dealing with all kinds of problems by itself. However, just because we are in the middle of a worldwide health crisis doesn’t mean that your relatively small problem doesn’t warrant some attention. So no matter how silly you might feel if you are worried about any of the symptoms above or have any other symptoms concerning you, don’t delay making that appointment.

Summer in Chicago: Here’s Why You Should Visit


I have been receiving many requests for Summer road trip ideas….SOOOOO….The city of Chicago, located on Lake Michigan in Illinois, is known for its skyscrapers, architecture, museums, and a never-ending list of things to do. It was recently put on the list of future megacities in the world, with its growing population to exceed 10 million inhabitants. While you can visit and see the classic spots such as the Bean, seeing a few of the classic sites as well as partaking in some local events is a great way to get to know and explore the city. With great weather and plenty of outdoor activities, summer is a great time to visit Chicago! Since many summer vacations are being canceled now is a great time to take a road trip, whether you are looking at a school or just wanting to get away for a few days. Or, put it on your bucket list to visit next summer!!! Here are a few reasons why you should visit Chicago:

Take a tour of the city and see the public art

The city is full of historic buildings, culinary spots that are worth spending some time at, and viewpoints that you can learn about along with so much more in a tour of the city. Along the way, you’ll find public art all throughout the city, from train station walls, to sidewalks, to lakefront sites. You’ll also see while the city is often referred to as a concrete jungle, there is over 8,000 acres of green spaces throughout Chicago! 

If you want to get city views from the water, take a tour of the city on a ‘dining’ cruise.


The many rooftop bars and restaurants 

Since safe outdoor dining is recommended….Rooftop bars and restaurants in Chicago are a must. With the incredible skyline and summer weather, a drink or meal with a view is a popular thing to do for locals and visitors alike. Many restaurants offer the opportunity to dine al fresco, but there is something special about rooftop dining! A couple of favorites are the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel’s Raised Bar and LH Rooftop.  


The beaches

Chicago has lakefront beaches that you can stop of at for beach days, gorgeous views, and some water sports. A few of the best beaches to visit in Chicago are: North Avenue Beach, Leone Beach Park, Foster Beach, and Belmond Harbor Dog Beach.


Run through sprinklers 

With all there to see and do in the city, you’ll want a place to cool down in that summer heat! You can run through the sprinklers at Crown Fountain in Millennium Park. You can also head to one of the many Chicago Park District water playgrounds, such as the Archer Water Playground or Austin Water Playground if you are traveling with kids.

Have you been to Chicago? What do you recommend seeing while in the city? 

They Made It!!!!! Graduation Gifts for All

I have received many requests for graduation gift ideas!! It got me thinking about all the gifts over the years that I have given and seen my friends give and receive. I love the final round-up that I have below. There are so many gifts in all categories…something for every grad on your list!!!

image Country Living

A personalized notebook is a fabulous gift for a grad about to start a new career. You cannot go wrong with a great pair of gold or silver hoop earrings either a large or small size. After this pandemic, a new pair of pajamas is another perfect gift, as well as the chic leopard sleep set. And a new duffle is always a welcome gift!! Everyone loves Patagonia!

Keepsake games are a great choice as well as a pretty photo frame or a chic speaker. Everyone also loves and can use wireless earphones, especially if they are commuting or like to work out. Palm Beach Sandals are another great option and they come in so many colors and styles.

All the girls are wearing the side initial necklaces, available in both gold and silver. The college beaded bracelets are adorable in person, my daughter has a Georgetown one. And the glitter capsules contain a pair of sparkly crystal “diamond” studs, which I am sure any girl would LOVE to receive….sooo fun!!! Happy Graduation to All!!!!!

Also, be sure to check out Susan Hanover designs for some of her great gift ideas…I am in LOVE with the butterflies!!!!

Celebs Are Just Like Us…Wearing A Mask Edition

Tomorrow Connecticut is opening up a little and we are getting ready for it!!!! Our new normal is to wear a mask out in public. It’s not going to be easy but we will get used to it. And also if all the celebrities can do it….. well then so can we!!!!!! Cheers to our new normal!!!

We Will Party Again…..

Punch by the cupful makes a comeback on the party scene. That’s what I am hoping for. How great would it be to throw a fun dress-up party with actual punch!!! Maybe even Champagne punch. I would be channeling my parents on any Saturday night during the holidays during the 1970’s!!!! My friend Sue Sartor (you know how I LOVE her dresses), recommended this week’s book club choice, Parties Around A Punch Bowl by Kimberly Whitman. Here’s the 411:

Consummate hostess Kimberly Whitman introduces the lively, rich history of the punch bowl, from India to England & Europe to the American South and beyond. She creates a dozen festive party ideas organized around a punch bowl: an Easter Egg Hunt, a classic Blue and White Party, a Bar Cart Party, a Fall Gathering, a Holiday Breakfast Coffee, and more. Recipes for both alcoholic and nonalcoholic punches, plus recipes for what to serve with it are the center of each celebration. Kimberly’s expert hostess tips are scattered throughout. A variety of punch bowls, bases, and glasses featured in the book will send readers out shopping for their own special style.

Kimberly Whitman is a lifestyle and entertaining expert. She has published seven books on entertaining, done countless television appearances, and a daily radio segment on Dallas’s number one morning show. She is an editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine. Kimberly and calligraphy artist Jen O’Neal have created the Halo Home line of monogrammable linens and popular emoji cocktail napkins, which are found in over 85 stores nationwide.– Amazon.com

For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.

Weekend Real Estate Stalking Amanda Lindroth

Today was supposed to be my son’s graduation from Providence College. Like everything else, so much was planned and then canceled. Overall we are so grateful for an amazing school that he loved and had the best 4 year experience. So instead of dressing up and heading to the graduation ceremony, I thought I would do a Weekend Real Estate Staking to lighten the mood around here…I have loved Amanda Lindroth’s Island style (she is based in Lyford Cay) for a while now. Her WEBSITE is nothing short of fabulous. The hurricanes, tabletop items, wicker furniture are so beautiful. I finally caved and treated myself to a gorgeous Pagoda. HERE, Amanda gives us a tour of her beautiful home “Hope Hill” in the Bahamas. I hope you enjoy her gorgeous aesthetic as much as I do!!! Happy Sunday!!!