From the moment young men and women first walk into the office for their first day as a working professional until the day they officially retire, the notion of planning for retirement is never far from their minds. But when the day to hang up the briefcase and donate all those business suit…

As the building blocks of life, your body requires protein to function properly. But protein is also an important nutrient for those who wish to stay satisfied and full throughout their busy days.

You don’t need to be an expert on taxes or the new health care law to get it right. The Internal Revenue Service, in partnership with industry-leading companies, is offering free tax software that will do the hard work for you. It’s called Free File, and it’s available only at IRS.gov/freefi…

The time is coming when we begin to make our new years resolutions suffer. Don’t feel like going to the gym? You’re not alone! Here are a few tricks to keep you going to the gym :

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Lavish gifts of chocolate given during the month of February will melt nearly anyone's heart. But, do not forget: chocolate can also be good for the heart, and other organs too.

Homeowners choose renovation projects for a variety of reasons. Although many improvements are made to increase functionality and comfort of a home, several others are seen as worthwhile investments. These investments can add up to a higher resale value when the time comes to sell a home.

Bolivar, Mo. has opened the first general medicine concierge service in the region. Bolivar Medical Center has introduced a new type of service, one that has been tested elsewhere in the country with successful results.

Every year we try a little bit harder and become a little bit wiser. Use 2014 as a launching pad and follow these 5 tricks to make 2015 that much better.

Wellness tips for body, mind and heart

CARTHAGE, Mo. - A new year marks new beginnings for many people who make resolutions to improve in problem areas.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is the foundation for a healthy lifestyle, but many fruits are out of season during the winter months. What a delight it is to find fresh pears available in our food markets this time of year.

Did you know that tomatoes were also once known as love apples? This translation possibly came from the French pomme d'amour (pomme, apple + de of + amour, love). Some translations of the Bible refer to the love apple in Genesis 30:14, or as the nightshade mandrake, known for its aphrodisiac…

Many people know that a combination of a healthy diet and routine exercise is the best way to maintain their physical health. But what about mental well-being? Memory lapses are often assumed to be an accepted side effect of aging, but such an assumption is incorrect, as there are many steps…

Savings account? Check. Retirement account? Check. Debt managed responsibly? Check. Life insurance? Wait a minute ...

“Every man dies – not every man really lives,” said William Ross. Many people have made bucket lists of things to do before they die. The phrase was popularized by the 2007 film, “The Bucket List,” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It may have been first used in 2004 in the context…

New parents can easily become overwhelmed by the number of pediatrician visits their children need. By the time a child celebrates his or her fifth birthday, he or she has seemingly been administered dozens of immunizations. But even though people get the majority of their vaccinations while…

It used to be massages were saved for rich people with lavish lifestyles. That’s a sad expectation to set, as I would consider myself quite normal and have enjoyed massages for years with great benefits!

Stock up on pretty paper, ribbons, boxes and bows — the holiday season is here. This gift guide offers an assortment of unique ideas to help you mark those recipients off your list. Use it, and you’ll have your seasonal shopping duties all wrapped up in no time.

I dislike movies that begin with narration; I lose interest fast. I want to become involved with the story and care about the characters, and I want that to happen right away. The babble of a narrator blocks me from being involved by keeping me at a distance.

This year, Christmas decorations came out the same time as Halloween costumes in some stores. It pushed the holidays upon us before many were ready to cope with it. It has been found that more than 80% of people find the holiday season somewhat or very stressful.

Wreaths are synonymous with the holiday season, and they can range from intricate to simple to flashy to rustic. Creating festive wreaths does not necessarily require a lot of skill, and wreaths can be fashioned from a variety of different materials.

Liven up your holiday décor with lights, a bit of glitz and some colorful blossoms this season.

The year was 1942. David Estes, age 18, graduated high school in June; in November, he joined the Marines to serve his country overseas in World War II.

For seniors, keeping in touch with friends, family and caregivers is important to maintain an active social life and remain independent. The number of seniors — and the need to find creative ways to be mindful of their care — is on the rise. With nearly seven million Americans providing supp…

An estimated 41 million Americans journeyed fifty miles or more over the recent holidays. Many more trips will be taken before the summer is done. Here are some helpful, handy trips you can use while you travel.

2014 has really blown by, hasn’t it? It seems like just yesterday we were tackling our New Years Resolutions head on and now it’s already time to start thinking about Christmas presents!

The holiday home entertaining season is gearing up, which means it’s time to take your entertaining dreams and inspirations and make them a reality. As you begin planning for the next time you play host(ess) with the most(est), don’t let the creativity stop with the food. Create a holiday ta…

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Put on your jeans and boots and come celebrate our agricultural heritage in an historical setting and help honor the Century Farms in Greene County. The first annual “Salute to Century Farms” will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at the Round Barn Event …

Life had pulled Greg Swick in a few different directions until he finally settled into his passion — conservation.

Some local artists are ditching the comfort of their studios to capture the beauty of the Ozarks on location.