Health & Wellness | Southwest Connector

Medicare Annual Update on Oct. 9

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is partnering with MN Senior LinkAge to host a free class to help people learn about Medicare. “Medicare Annual Update” on Wednesday, Oct. … more

9/18/24

Alzheimer Assn offers classes

The Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota chapter is offering a series of classes for The Empowered Caregiver designed to provide dementia caregivers with helpful tools and ways to … more

9/18/24

Birth Justice Collaborative members (left to right): Reverend Dr. Alika Galloway, Dr. Antony Stately, Dr. Nick Metcalf, Laura LaCroix-Dalluhn, Corenia Smith, Ashley Johnson, Diane Tran, Cati Gómez, and Pastor Cyreta Howard. (Photo submitted)

Birth Justice Collaborative applauds passage of birth justice legislation

Two bills aimed at advancing maternal health and improving birth outcomes for Minnesotans were passed this year, and are consider groundbreaking by the Birth Justice Collaborative. "The passage of … more

5/23/24

Michele Rae, RPh, MA, NBC-HWC is the founder of The Center Within, LLC and author of “Living From the Center Within: Co-Creating Who You Are Becoming.” She provides holistic coaching designed to accelerate and support personal, professional, and organizational transformation.

Self-advocacy and your health

When you see your health care provider or have a question about your health, are you a great advocate for yourself and those you support in their well-being? Some of us were taught to believe that we … more

By Michele Rae | 3/20/24

Curl Power stylist Paige Graling trims and styles a young client’s curly hair. Graling was bullied in school growing up because of her natural hair. Now, teaching others about how to care for their natural hair is one of Graling’s passions.

Learning to love their curls

By TALIA MCWRIGHT Rosie Jablonsky brushed out the curly hair of a young girl, as stylists in the Mall of America salon gathered around. “She looks like a lion,” one … more

By Talia McWright | 2/21/24

Hear from Mark Rivard, creator of Do Rad Things, at 'Let's Connect' event in February

Every artist has an interesting origin story. But nothing compares with how Mark Rivard got started. Rivard began illustrating skateboards with Sharpie markers in the early 2000s. That led to an … more

by Eric Ortiz | 1/25/24

Managing pain with minimal medication

My second total knee replacement is now behind me, whew! I am still engaged in a rigorous rehabilitation schedule and glad to be out of the acute recovery phase. I so appreciate living in our … more

By Michele Rae | 12/14/23

Take time for self-care essentials

The cornerstone of wellbeing, for yourself, your family, and your community is self-care. Staying in balance, vibrant, rested, nourished, connected and strong requires daily attending and … more

By Michele Rae | 9/21/23

On Saturday, June 17 the Joyful Riders Club gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol before leaving for the DJ dance party ride at the Frogtown Fair.

Biking with purpose

Patrick Stephenson, a Minneapolis resident, peddled on his electric cargo bike from the Minnesota State Capitol, cheering as music blasted from DJ Eric on Saturday, June 17, 2023. The Joyful Riders … more

By Talia McWright | 8/1/23

Evolving into your healthiest self

One of the many changes we have seen over the past few years in health and wellness is our increased access to online information. There are more podcasts, videos, meet up groups, webinars, and … more

By Michele Rae | 7/6/23

Healthy hearts matter

February is a month that includes Valentine’s Day and is American Heart Month, a time when all you are encouraged to focus on your cardiovascular health. I have been contemplating the many … more

By Michele Rae | 2/17/23

Exploring purpose for health and wellness

Did you know that living with a clear purpose can improve your resilience, health, and relationships? The beginning of 2023 may be a perfect time to reflect on what gives you direction, why you get … more

By Michele Rae | 1/19/23

Something under the hood is not immediately apparent or obvious. This column will uncover stories that span the neighborhoods covered by TMC Publications. | Susan Schaefer is a widely published independent journalist, creative writer, and poet. Her articles appear in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, PBS’ online magazine, Next Avenue, Next Tribe, and beyond. She was columnist and features writer for Minneapolis’ Southwest Journal and Minnesota Good Age magazine.

Warming up for winter

Ever been accused of having a thin skin? When it comes to maintaining proper body temperature, this old adage is no joke. As we age, our metabolic rate decreases and our skin literally thins. Often, … more

By Susan Schaefer | 12/13/22

Suzy Messerole (left) and Tana Hargest of the Subversive Sirens practice at the Phillips Aquatic Center. “We do a lot more than just spread joy,” Messerole stated. “Community is a very big part of our strategy.” The group practices on Saturdays. (Photo by Terry Faust)

Subversive Sirens imagine a better world

The world of queer synchronized swimming is very small. But the Subversive Sirens, a non-binary synchronized swimming team out of Minnesota, is making a big splash. (Forgive the pun.) Advocating … more

Jan Willms | 11/30/22

Jessica and Steven Willman, with (left to right) Adon, Sophie, Jack and Ollie. Two children were adopted after being fostered. (Photos submitted)

FOSTER THE FAMILY

What do you do when a foster child you have raised for several years is suddenly going home to her birth parents? How do you react the first time the school principal calls you in to discuss a … more

By JAN WILLMS | 11/30/22

Most plants should be pruned in the late dormant season, generally around January or February. The exceptions are those that bloom early in the growing season on last year's growth. (Photo submitted)

Best time to prune most plants is late winter

As fall turns to winter, you may be looking at the bare, brown branches in your yard and wondering when to cut them back. Overall, the answer is not yet! But there’s lots to think about before … more

By LAUREN BETHKE, Master Gardener | 11/30/22

Eric Ortiz, the author, resting at home after total ankle replacement surgery.

We don't need to live in suffering anymore

Pain is a terrible thing. Whether it's physical, emotional, or mental — pain hurts. I was in a lot of pain for many years. It was my right ankle. The pain was chronic and had become so bad in … more

Eric Ortiz | 11/17/22

This could be your best holiday season

With the November and December holidays arriving soon, how do you intend to remain balanced and mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy? As a holistic health coach, this topic comes up often in … more

Michele Rae | 11/17/22

Mary Pat Lee stands in the closet of the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery where children visiting are able to pick their own outfits for their stay. “Every kid who comes through our doors has experienced some kind of trauma and we take that into account with their care,” Lee said. “It’s not ‘What’s wrong with this kid?’ but it’s ‘What happened to this kid and what do they need?’”

Overwhelmed? Call crisis nursery for parenting help

A woman came into the Greater Minneapolis Nursery (GMCN) looking for shelter for her children. Her boyfriend had been prostituting her and had taken all of her money. She was terrified for herself … more

Chloe Peter | 11/3/22

We need to have more conversations about eating disorders

With all the trend diets that are popular in the media right now, it can be difficult to know where I stand when it comes to my own body image. I am bombarded by social media posts about if I just … more

Chloe Peter | 11/3/22