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HINTS FROM HELOISE: Make fresh flowers last much longer

DEAR HELOISE: I love getting fresh flowers, but they never seemed to last very long. So, I started putting ice cubes in the vase every day and changing out the water when it got cloudy. They can last for up to two weeks this way, and sometimes I have to take out a few flowers that were in full bloom when I got them. I’ve been doing this for years now, so I hope you pass this on. — Mary M., in The Villages, Florida Mary M., I like your ice cube trick to keep flowers alive for longer periods of time, and as you can see, I’m passing it along to my readers. Thanks for writing ...

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH: Monitor levels of cortisol closely

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’ve been feeling just awful. My doctor put me through the normal tests, and all were good. A neurologist recommended that I get a cortisol test. I did, and it showed a high cortisol level. I’d never heard of this. Would you explain what high cortisol is, how it is treated, and if there are any natural cures or therapies? —S.K. ANSWER: Cortisol is a critical hormone that is needed for the function of many body systems. Without cortisone, the body cannot respond to stress, and a stressful event can literally kill a patient. A medical condition called ...

Voices of hope recognized for their compassion

NILES — Catholic Charities Diocese of Youngstown honored members of the six-county diocese who gave their time, talent and compassion to their community at the annual Voice of Hope fundraiser April 30 at the Eastwood Event Centre. The 2026 event recognized the Rev. William B. Kraynak ...

Religion news

MENS RALLY IN VALLEY: The 2026 Mens Rally in the Valley will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 23 at the Covelli Centre, Youngstown. The free event will include a concert with Christian artist Michael W. Smith. Guest speakers will include Bishop Timothy Clarke, Chris Holm, Billy Hartwig and Dave Kohout. Men's Rally in the Valley exists to reach out to unchurched men to bring them together in Christian unity for prayer, fellowship, worship and teaching. COMMUNITY REVIVAL: Orwell North Presbyterian Church, Orwell United Methodist Church and Resurrection Life Church, all in Orwell, will host ...

Palliative care goals

Medical care often falls into two umbrella categories: curative and illness management. Palliative care belongs to the second category because it focuses on improving the quality of life for those with serious or life-threatening illnesses and is not designed to cure or eradicate an underlying condition. The World Health Organization says an estimated 56.8 million people, including 25.7 million in the last year of life, require palliative care each year. However, worldwide, only about 14% of people who need palliative care currently receive it. What does palliative care ...