Category: Diseases and injuries

Changing How You Think About Life and Death

In this post I explain the days following Halloween that remember saints and other deceased perso. This can be a chance to reflect on and prepare for our own mortality.

Updated November 10, 2025-Originally titled November’s Timely Topic

We observe Halloween as its own holiday, but it is also the “eve” of another observance.

Also known as All Hallows’ Eve, it introduces the onset of Christian religious observances remembering deceased persons.

  • All Saints Day is a Christian holiday honoring Saints who have passed on to the afterlife usually observed on November 1st.
  • All Souls’ Day, in Roman Catholicism, a day for the commemoration of all the faithful departed, usually on November 2.
  • Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death. While the holiday originated in Mexico, it is celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons), also on November 1 and 2.

Whether you observe any of these, death is a topic that has or will touch all of us and our families. I have written these blog posts that help make that life transition smoother.

Dying with Ease- a book review

Dr. Spiess doesn’t suggest that confronted with terminal illness we refuse treatment and give up. He advocates thinking about and planning for the dying process long before we develop an illness that might be fatal.

Keep reading

For personal reflection

Who do you know who is facing death soon? What are you learning from observing their experience?

How are you preparing for your own death, whether imminent or unknown? How does considering this affect the way you are living now?

Exploring the HEART of health, life, and death

I hope you don’t need to read any of these books now, but the reality is many of you do, or will eventually. People I know who have faced death with peace and confidence fare much better, as do their families. Be knowledgeable and prepared for your sake and for theirs.

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stethoscope with a heart

Dr. Aletha

August Timely Topics-school, sports, and sickness

In August we don’t have holidays to be busy with, but the start of the school year keeps families busy. Besides school, sports bring us together, which also brings illness together. I review these in this post.

updated August 1, 2025

August is a strange month. It’s the only month without a major holiday in the United States. Although the temperatures still feel hot and muggy, by the end of the month, students and teachers are back in school and college for the “fall” semester. (Of course, if you are south of the equator, your experience may look quite different.)

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Back to school, back to books

The main goal of school is education and reading is vital; books are the basic building blocks. That’s why Dolly Parton gives books away- read why here.

Inspiring Dreams: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton, inspired by a childhood story and personal struggles, established Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, providing free books to children. Her own experience led to the song “Coat of Many Colors,” conveying the value of love over material possessions. Through this initiative, she aims to nurture children’s dreams through the joy of reading.

Keep reading

How much do you know about medicine?

Speaking of school, there are always tests. Here’s one for you. Find out how much you know about medicine by taking this quiz that I wrote especially for blog readers.

Friday Night Lights

Along with school comes sports. Although some go on year-round, many are tied to the school year, and football starts first in most places.

Even folks who don’t have a tie to a particular school adopt their local school’s team and follow faithfully. Fifty-plus years after my first football game as a college freshman, I still follow my team, the University of Oklahoma Sooners.

“Play like a champion today”

The OU Sooners football program has won 7 national championships and 7 players have received Heisman trophies. More importantly, the team never fails to show their fans exciting, hard-fought games. Even when they lose, they do so with plays that keep us guessing what’s going to happen next and wondering how such talented athletes can end up with the losing…

Keep reading

Sore Throats and Sneezing

Although we think of colds and flu as winter illnesses, doctors start seeing patients with respiratory symptoms soon after school starts.

Places where people spend time together, like classrooms and dormitories, are prime places for people to share the viruses and bacteria that cause strep throat, colds, influenza, and COVID-19.

But there are steps we can take to lower the risk of exposure and illness. Check out the info in this post.

Head into the flu season with these 6 tips

We should all take influenza and COVID-19 seriously; consider my suggestions, talk to your personal doctor, keep up with recommendations from your local public health professionals, and do your part to keep your family and community well.

Keep reading

Exploring the HEART of health

As the season changes, ask yourself these questions about changes you might want or need to make in your life.

  1. What one activity can I start or improve to nurture my wellbeing?
  2. How is social media helping or hindering my growth as a person?
  3. What new or improved skill will make my life easier or more productive?

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

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