It’s always energizing to welcome our students, faculty and staff back for the spring semester – and to see our campus come alive again in the place we’re proud to call home. At Northern Arizona University, the new year begins with a renewed sense of purpose: to ensure that talent is met with opportunity by delivering an exceptional educational experience for all students. While our operating environment is increasingly complex, our student-first commitment is unwavering. NAU’s history is … [Read more...] about Belated Happy New Year, Flagstaff
Columnists
VO2 Max: The Most Honest Measure of How Long and How Well You Will Live
If I met you for the first time and had five minutes to decide how long and how well you were likely to live, I wouldn’t ask for your cholesterol, your blood pressure or your body fat percentage. Instead, I would ask for your VO₂ max. That might surprise you, but VO₂ max is the most honest snapshot of your biological age that we have. It tells us how much oxygen your body can use when you are working hard and reflects how well your heart, lungs, blood and muscles work together to keep you alive … [Read more...] about VO2 Max: The Most Honest Measure of How Long and How Well You Will Live
Regulating Emotions: A Key to Recovery and Healthier Relationships
In the journey of sobriety and long-term recovery, one of the most important skills to develop is emotional regulation. This foundational ability supports not only individual well-being, but also the capacity to build and sustain healthy, meaningful relationships. For many individuals struggling with addiction, emotional regulation has often been replaced by substance use. Drugs and alcohol can temporarily numb uncomfortable feelings or offer escape from stress, grief, or anxiety – creating a … [Read more...] about Regulating Emotions: A Key to Recovery and Healthier Relationships
A New Year, Without the Pressure
The early part of the year often comes with a lot of expectations. We’re told to reset, improve, try harder, do better. For some people, that can feel energizing. For others, especially those living with anxiety, depression, trauma or ongoing stress, it can feel like one more thing we’re already failing at before the year has even started. At The Guidance Center, we see this every year. And we want to offer a different idea: the new year doesn’t have to be about becoming someone new. Sometimes … [Read more...] about A New Year, Without the Pressure
Sharing and Spreading Gratitude and Love
February is a time to focus on love. It is important to find ways to connect with your partner, especially if you have been together for some time and are caught up in a routine. It is easy to get caught up in the “busy-ness” of life and you may not make a conscious effort to connect with the ones you love. Focus on strengthening your connection to bring more love into your life. It is also important to take time for self-care and to spend time with loved ones to really appreciate the moments … [Read more...] about Sharing and Spreading Gratitude and Love
New Year, New Infinio
Patients often ask whether they’ll need to get new hearing aids yearly in order to keep up with technological advancements. The simple answer is no. Hearing aids are extremely durable and manufacturers take a few years to introduce new models. Plus, with Bluetooth, they can now disburse software updates at any time. These updates are typically smaller, but Phonak did come out with a major upgrade to their Infinio platform at the end of October. It is called Ultra, and it is quite the … [Read more...] about New Year, New Infinio
Why Strong State and Federal Partnerships Matter
Funding for city projects is often complex. The City of Flagstaff depends on state and federal grants in addition to local dollars to complete infrastructure projects, highlighting the importance of strong relationships with our state and federal delegations. As I write this, I’m in the Phoenix airport waiting on what was originally a five-hour layover and what is now a nine-hour layover due to winter storms. I’m on my way to Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting, … [Read more...] about Why Strong State and Federal Partnerships Matter
Spring Kitchen Refresh: Big Impact Without a Full Remodel
Spring is just around the corner in Northern Arizona, and many homeowners feel inspired to freshen up their homes, starting with the kitchen. If your kitchen looks dated or worn but a full remodel feels overwhelming or out of reach, Kitchen Tune-Up Flagstaff is here to help. We specialize in smart, affordable updates that deliver big results without the stress of a complete renovation. One of the most impactful upgrades is replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This simple change can … [Read more...] about Spring Kitchen Refresh: Big Impact Without a Full Remodel
Interest Rates and Housing Forecasts
“May you live in interesting times” is a common ironic saying that seems to fit quite nicely for where we’ve been and where we could be headed in Northern Arizona real estate. Whipsawing from 70-year low rates and bidding wars to 30-year low housing sales has certainly been interesting. But the next big question is: “Where do we go from here?” Online searches will give you exactly what you expect when it comes to housing market predictions – clickbait-filled fear mongering and people trying to … [Read more...] about Interest Rates and Housing Forecasts
Mercedes-Benz: Driving Reimagined, Safety Redefined
If you’re ready to purchase a new vehicle and safety features are a top priority, consider a new Mercedes-Benz. This world-class brand blends preventative tech with strong occupant protection suited to high-altitude driving, winter conditions and winding roads. You’ll find adaptive cruise control, precise lane-keeping in canyon corridors and autonomous braking for slick pavement in each Mercedes-Benz model. Cross-traffic alerts boost confidence on Flagstaff streets, while PRESAFE and attention … [Read more...] about Mercedes-Benz: Driving Reimagined, Safety Redefined
