Advice Corner submitted by Rita M.

Happiness Made Simple Put away your wallet and experience life's many free joys.

  1. Get yourself a hobby. Take a look at your talents and skills, because you tend to be good at things you like. Think about things you liked as a child. And finally, watch what others do with their free time and maybe try the same activity.
  2. Commune with nature on the government's tab. Spend a few weeks or months in a national park. The National Park Service will pay your way, provide lodging and even give you a small salary in exchange for working with tourists or trees. Contact the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. at (202) 208-6843.
  3. Enjoy free vibes. Call your local theater or concert hall to find out if it needs your help (ushering, etc.)
  4. Have a heart-to-heart. Schedule some time for some real conversation about things that matter (hopes, dreams, ...) with family and friends.
  5. Find the flow of whatever you do. By transforming anything you do into a goal-directed, achievement-oriented activity, you can often reap great joy out of it (like ironing for example).

Three Simple Ways to Recognize a Stroke - May Save a Life!

Doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

  1. Ask the individual to smile.
  2. Ask him or her to raise both arms.
  3. Ask the person to speak a simple sentence.
If the person has trouble with any one of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.