Joan Oliver

With the start of another year, no doubt we'll be hearing a lot about resolutions. After all, this is one of those built-in spots to reevaluate our lives to determine what's working and what needs tweaking.

Six years ago this month, Illinois went into lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those were some scary, uncertain times. For our household, they were especially terrifying.

If you're a caregiver for someone with dementia as I am, then chances are good that you weren't prepared for the job. I know I wasn't.

As much as I love spring for the return of greenery and flowers, I hate the storms that come with it.

As a Chicago Sky fan, all I can do these days is shake my head and wonder what is happening to my favorite WNBA team.

No doubt we've all been there: We want to eat healthier, exercise or do something to lower the risk of preventable disease.

This year's "Facts & Figures Report" from the Alzheimer's Association not only looks at the state of the disease in the U.S., but also includes a survey about Americans' feelings about developing dementia and what they're doing about it.

Alzheimer's disease has taken so much away from my dear husband, Tony. However, flashes of his essence remain. Perhaps I'd miss them if I spent all my time focusing on all that's gone.

What is the value of caregiving? That's a question that doesn't often get asked. What most people focus on are the costs of caregiving and the financial strain that it puts on families.

I refer to myself as an “accidental” columnist. Writing a column was never part of my plan. For my first 17 years at the Northwest Herald, I worked nights writing headlines and designing newspaper pages.