Delicious Protein Coffee Recipe (29g of Protein)

How to Build a Nighttime Routine for the Whole Family

Health

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May 31, 2025

How to Build a Nighttime Routine for the Whole Family

I’ve written before about our morning routine and how it keeps our home humming. Now it’s time for me to dish the deets on nighttime routines. I also share my current personal nighttime routine and why I have the habits I do.

Nighttime Routine for Moms (and Everyone Else)

A routine isn’t the same as a minute by minute schedule. One of the biggest breakthroughs for my sanity as a mom was switching to a block schedule. Routines fit perfectly into that and are basically scheduled habits. Once we get into the habit of routines, like brushing our teeth every morning, it quickly becomes second nature.

We can literally rewire the pathways in our brain in positive ways by using routines.

Consistency Plus Flexibility

Kids thrive with consistency, routines, and knowing what comes next. This doesn’t mean our schedules have to be rigid and static, but it gives us a framework. Give yourself grace and wiggle room. Nighttime routines don’t work unless they’re tailored to your individual family’s needs and my health routines aren’t going to be identical to yours.

The Basics of a Nighttime Routine

Before we design our ideal nighttime routine, we have to think about our ideal morning (and next day). Reverse engineer your perfect day. Decide what your priorities and appointments are for the upcoming day and what you need to do to make them as smooth as possible.

If everyone takes a bunch of supplements in the morning, then use presorted pillboxes for easy access. If the baby is going to grandma’s for the afternoon, then make sure the diaper bag is stocked. Making coconut chicken curry in the Instant Pot for supper? Set it out to thaw.

Do it as a Family

This will depend on children’s ages and abilities, but I’ve found kids can often do more than we give them credit for. Years ago, I realized I didn’t have to do everything for my kids. It’s better for them if I don’t! Teaching children responsibility and self-reliance helps them to become strong, independent adults.

I have my own nighttime routine, but the kids have theirs alongside me. Kids can do simple evening chores, layout clothing, and pack their lunches, to name a few. Then there are the staples, like brushing teeth, pajamas, and bedtime stories.

Create Your Perfect Nighttime Routine

Here are different elements or steps to get you where you want to go. Decide what works for you and your family as you build your nighttime routine. It helps to have the family routines printed and displayed in an easy to see place, like the fridge. It could be as simple as a list, or you could include exact times or checkboxes for the kids.

1. Meal Prep

My kids are largely independent now and can handle their own breakfasts and lunches. The older ones can even cook a meal from scratch for the whole family. When they were little though, that was all on my shoulders.

If you have busy mornings then make-ahead breakfasts like banana bread muffins, baked oatmeal, or ham and egg cups can be lifesavers. These can be made the day/night before and reheated in the morning.

Are the kids going to school or co-op the next day? Then lunches need packed. Is bulgogi Korean beef on the meal plan? Make sure the ingredients are thawed and ready to go.

2. Avoiding the Mess Mayhem

I like to do a quick evening cleanup during our nighttime routine so I can start with a clean slate in the morning. A quick cleanup before bed helps ensure everything (most days) is in its place. This is something the kids can help with. Age-appropriate chores like, sweeping the floor after supper or loading the dishwasher helps everyone out.

3. What’s on Tomorrow’s Agenda?

Look at your schedule and see what appointments you have the next day to prep for. Do you need to pack the kid’s lunches/backpacks/sports bags? Once they’re old enough they can be entrusted with this responsibility. Certain items can be loaded in the car that night so there’s no bag left behind in the morning!

The kids can also set out their own weather appropriate clothes for the next day (capsule wardrobes are great for this!).

4. Leave Time to Digest

Our family eats pretty early in the day for several reasons. This fits best into our schedule, and it gives everyone time to really digest their food. The body can’t efficiently focus its resources on sleep when it’s busy trying to digest food.

I try to stop eating by sunset, or at least a few hours before bed. This simple practice helps:

Support melatonin production
Improves blood sugar regulation
Helps us better detox during sleep
Personally, I notice deeper sleep and a calmer heart rate when I do this

Along with that, I stop drinking fluids about an hour before hitting the hay. This helps me avoid getting up all night to go to the bathroom.

5. Nighttime Supplements

I have morning supplements that I take for clearer thoughts and more energy, but I also have a nighttime supplement routine. I regularly take Pectasol (modified citrus pectin) and enzymes, or binders like Carbon Cleanse on an empty stomach. This combination helps me reduce inflammation, support my detox pathways, and sleep better. Here’s a list of all my nighttime supplements.

6. Avoid Blue Light

Blue light has gotten a bad rap, but we actually need it for healthy cortisol during the day. At night though, it can disrupt sleep, leading to a host of health issues. That’s why I started wearing blue-light blocking glasses at night years ago.

I also switched the overhead lightbulbs in the house to daylight mimicking ones. Once sunset hits, the lamps with red light bulbs come on instead. By positioning the nighttime light at or below eye level, this mimics natural light angles, like campfire or sunset.

Our family also switches off screens to avoid blue light at night. And our phones go into the charging drawer in the kitchen before bed. If inspiration strikes and I feel like writing, I use this special bluelight-free Daylight computer. And if I have to use the phone, I use it with a red light filter.

By turning off the blue light this helps signal our body’s circadian rhythms and supports melatonin production. It also improves blood sugar signaling, cortisol levels, and helps us get a better night’s sleep.

7. Avoid EMFs

In the past we used to turn off the WIFI every night. I learned though that this can damage the computer router over time. Now the phones go in the charging drawer and I sleep under a special EMF blocking canopy. Even if I have my phone under the canopy I don’t get a signal!

If you prefer to turn the WIFI off in the house you can put the job on autopilot with this EMF Safe Switch.

8. Optimize Your Sleep Environment

We spend about a third of our lives in bed. By creating a healthy sleep environment we can get the biggest bang for our buck when it comes to health habits. This is why I sleep in linen or silk pajamas and linen sheets. It’s an easy way to avoid microplastics (non-natural fibers) against my skin for at least 8 hours a day.

When the temperature lowers at night it triggers neurons in our brain to release melatonin and help us sleep. One option is to set the thermostat to 60-70 degrees before bed. If you don’t want to add that much to your electric bill, another option is sleeping on a mattress cooling pad. I love my ChiliPad which cools just the mattress and I can pile on the cozy blankets.

Along with sleeping cool, I also make sure the room is dark. Like can’t see my hand in front of my face dark. Blackout curtains can work, but I switched to blackout shades that block 100% of the light. This helps further signal to the brain that it’s time to rest and improves REM sleep.

I also sleep with a sound machine with white noise or gentle background music. With teenagers in the house I find that I’m now going to bed before them and this helps cover any noise! My air filter does double duty and also creates some white noise while it keeps the air clean.

9. Red Light Therapy

Nighttime is usually when I try to get some red light therapy time in. Red light is natural and free during both sunrise and sunset and I take advantage of this whenever possible. I also have a red light panel that does the same thing. Using a red light helps reduce inflammation, supports the mitochondria and signals our hormones it’s time for bed. There’s also a lot of evidence showing it’s skin and other health benefits.

10. Skincare and Lymph Routine

I take a few minutes at night to do a simple skincare routine and support my lymphatic system. Right now this involves a weekly clay mask from Alitura and nightly moisturizing with things like tallow or shea butter. I’m also loving the skincare products from Annmarie Gianni and my Magic Molecule toner. I also do a gentle lymphatic massage to support detox and boost circulation.

11. Winding Down

There’s a lot going on during the day for any family, and moms carry a lot of that mental load. Instead of laying down and drifting off to sleep, it’s too easy to stay up thinking about tomorrow’s to-do list. One way to get rid of the excess mental clutter is to journal or meditate before bed.

I keep a gratitude journal that collects my daily thoughts. You can also write down tomorrow’s priorities if you’re anxious about forgetting something. Getting it all written out on paper helps our brains sort information and release tension.

Meditation is another really helpful way to wind down at night. It’s not about emptying the brain of all thoughts, but it helps us gain focus and deep rest. Even if you don’t have trouble sleeping at night, routine meditation can help make nighttime even better.

Here are some more of my calming evening rituals:

Drink Cacao Calm or herbal tea a few hours before sleep. This helps calm my nervous system and feels cozy. I like that it has adaptogenic herbs that make my brain give a sigh of relief.
Put my legs up the wall for 5-10 minutes and use gentle movement. This easy exercise supports lymphatic flow, helps regulate the vagus nerve, and calms the nervous system. It especially feels great after a long day on my feet!

Sticking to the Nighttime Routine

Kids need time to wind down for the day and so do parents. When possible, it helps to have a firm bedtime, not stay up all night working or watching tv. This helps kids have consistency and ensures they’re getting enough sleep for their brain and body development.

While it doesn’t always happen, especially when there’s a baby involved, it’s good to have goals. Just don’t stress if things don’t always go perfectly!

It’s tempting to stay up late and take in all of the “me” time once the little ones hit the hay. However, late nights don’t make my body happy either and make for hard mornings. A good night’s rest starts with healthy daytime habits!

I find it important to treat my nighttime and morning routines as sacred times for stillness, reconnection, and aligning with my body’s natural rhythms. Over time I’ve noticed better sleep, improved hormones, mood, and metabolism.

Putting it Into Practice

The good news is that most of these healthy habits are cheap or free. My bedroom is one of the few places I’ve prioritized spending money because a lot of it is one and done. Like the EMF canopy, air filter, my Oura ring (to track health variables while I sleep), and mattress cooling pad. But these things aren’t strictly necessary to still have a good nighttime routine.

It can be easy to look at a routine like this and want to (or feel like you need to) do all of it. Tailor your nighttime routine for your own needs and start with baby steps. Try adding in things a little at a time to make the habits stick.

What are your nighttime routines and habits? Are there any you’d like to change?

15 of the Best Dwarf Lilacs for Your Landscape

Gardening

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May 31, 2025

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15 of the Best Dwarf Lilacs for Your Landscape

1. Bloomables Series

The Bloomables® collection features handsome, densely branched lilacs with a compact, tidy habit and fragrant, full-sized flower panicles.

These shrubs have excellent resistance to powdery mildew and are low maintenance. They’ll keep a sharp profile with just a light trim and deadheading after flowering.

Shrubs have a height and spread of four to five feet that’s perfect for seasonal hedges or screens, as an accent in foundations or mixed shrub beds, and in planters for decks and patios. Hardy in Zones 4 to 7.

New Age™ Lavender (S. vulgaris ‘G13099’) has the prettiest shade of soft mauve flowers, with vigorous five-inch inflorescence and a sweet, summery perfume.

A close up square image of the light pink flowers of Bloomables New Age lilacs pictured on a soft focus background.

New Age™ Lavender

Starter shrubs in two-quart nursery pots are available at Nature Hills Nursery.

New Age™ White (S. vulgaris ‘G13103’) is resplendent with masses of old-fashioned blooms of luminous, pure white in late spring to early summer.

A square image of the white flowers of a Bloomables White Dwarf growing in the garden.

New Age™ White

Shrubs in three-gallon pots are available at Nature Hills.

2. Bloomerang Series

The Bloomerang® series of dwarf lilacs grow in a mounding habit, topping out at two to three feet tall and a spread of up to six feet.

Cultivars in this series produce an abundance of blooms in spring and continue to rebloom throughout the summer months. They are hardy in Zones 3 to 7.

Dwarf Pink (S. x ‘SMNJRPI’) has lovely two-tone flowers, with the closed buds a deep rosy magenta, opening to a lighter candy pink.

A vertical image of a Dwarf Pink Bloomerang growing in the garden.

Bloomerang® Dwarf Pink

You can find Dwarf Pink plants available at Burpee.

Dark Purple (S. x ‘SMSJBP7’) has replaced Purple in the Bloomerang® series and has highly fragrant blooms of dark, magenta purple buds that open to a pretty, pale mauve.

Bloomerang® Dark Purple

You can find Dark Purple plants available at Burpee.

You can also find Dark Purple in a tree form, growing up to seven feet tall with a five-foot spread, producing a handsome, naturally rounded canopy.

The tree form makes a beautiful addition to smaller spaces such as city or urban gardens, as an accent or specimen in foundations and islands, or potted into planters for decks and patios.

You can find Dark Purple in tree form available at Fast Growing Trees.

Purpink (S. x pubescens ‘SMNSPTP’) is a new addition to the Bloomerang® series.

A close up of the pink flowers of 'Purpink' lilac growing in the garden.

Bloomerang® Purpink

The compact shrubs are smothered in perfumed mauvy pink or purple flowers in spring.

You can find Purpink starter plants available at Burpee.

3. Declaration

An outstanding compact cultivar, ‘Declaration’ (S. x hyacinthiflora) features wonderfully showy, fragrant panicles of deep magenta that open to pretty lilac pink florets.

These shrubs have a lovely upright shape that works well in city and courtyard gardens, small yards, and grouped into barriers or hedges.

‘Declaration’

Plants also have good disease resistance and grow six to eight feet tall with a spread of five to six feet. Hardy in Zones 5 to 7.

Shrubs in three-gallon containers are available at Nature Hills.

4. Flowerfesta Series

Small but with a big impact, the Flowerfesta® (S. x meyeri) series are compact plants that deserve a place in tight quarters and small gardens.

The airy flowers are a bit larger than other S. meyeri hybrids and they emit a delightful fragrance, first with a vigorous flush of flowers in early summer followed by another, lighter flush later in the season.

Growing three to five feet tall and wide, the fine branches and dense foliage give an elegant appearance and these hardy shrubs have excellent drought resistance when established.

They make an outstanding accent or specimen in beds and containers and are striking when massed into drifts, hedges, or screens. Hardy in Zones 3 to 7.

Flowerfesta® Pink (S. meyeri ‘ANNY2013-18’) has pretty rosy pink flowers.

Flowerfesta® Pink

It’s available as bare root plants and nursery containers from Nature Hills.

Flowerfesta® Purple (S. meyeri ‘Anny200809’) has large panicles of small, open flowers in soft pinky mauve.

Flowerfesta® Purple

You can find bare root or potted plants available at Nature Hills.

The immaculate flower panicles of Flowerfesta® White (S. meyeri ‘Anny200810’) are a pristine pure white, giving these lovely shrubs an air of calm and grace.

Flowerfesta® White

You can find plants available at Nature Hills.

5. Josee

A carefree ornamental, ‘Josee’ (S. x meyeri) is an exceptional dwarf lilac.

Its highly fragrant flowers of pale mauve flower heavily in late spring and give a second, lighter flush of flowers over late summer and into fall.

‘Josee’ has excellent mildew resistance and maintains a tidy, compact growth habit with a height and spread of four to six feet.

‘Josee’

Hardy in Zones 2 to 8, it has excellent cold resistance and good heat tolerance as well, flowering readily in regions with warmer winters.

A reliable choice for flowering borders, hedges, and screens or adorning decks and patios in large planters.

You can find ‘Josee’ plants available at Nature Hills.

6. Little Lady

An outstanding space saver, Little Lady™ (S. x ‘Jeflady’) is covered in large and highly fragrant spring flowers, with the buds starting out a rosy magenta then opening to pale lavender.

It’s a beautiful and floriferous choice for barriers, containers, courtyard, cutting gardens, and foundations.

A square image of 'Jeflady' flowers growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

Little Lady™

Little Lady™ has a height and spread of four to five feet and plants are hardy in Zones 2 to 7.

Bare root and container plants can be found at Nature Hills Nursery.

7. Marie Frances

‘Marie Frances’ (S. vulgaris) is noted for its highly fragrant, rosy magenta to pink flowers that bloom in mid to late spring.

These shrubs grow six to eight feet tall with a similar spread and sucker heavily – an excellent choice for creating dense, flowering drifts, hedges, and screens.

A square image of light apricot 'Marie Francis' lilac flowers growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

‘Marie Frances’

Hardy in Zones 3 to 8, ‘Marie Frances’ is one of the better choices for hot climates.

‘Marie Frances’ bare root and potted plants are available at Nature Hills.

8. Minuet

‘Minuet’ (S. x prestoniae) produces copious amounts of highly fragrant rose to pink flowers that cover the shrub in late spring.

The beautiful, rounded shape overflows with blooms and can be massed into drifts, rows, or screens and throughout the garden.

‘Minuet’

‘Minuet’ grows six to eight feet tall with a spread of four to six feet and is extremely cold hardy, suitable for growing Zones 2 to 7.

You can find bare root and plants in containers available at Nature Hills.

9. Miss Kim

A star in the small garden, ‘Miss Kim’ (S. pubescens subsp. patula) is a compact Korean variety prized for its sweetly scented, showy display of flowers from top to bottom. The plum-red buds open to pale lavender and icy blue.

Korean cultivars flower in late spring and are excellent for extending the lilac season.

‘Miss Kim’

They maintain a dense, rounded form and look super massed as hedgerows flanking a driveway or sidewalk, foundations, or in any small nook that needs color and fragrance.

‘Miss Kim’ grows six to seven feet tall with a spread of five to six feet and is hardy in Zones 3 to 8.

Bare root trees and a variety of container sizes are available at Nature Hills.

10. Palibin

‘Palibin’, aka dwarf Korean lilacs (S. meyeri), are highly popular for their manageable, tidy size and masses of sweetly scented pink flowers.

Blooming heavily in late spring, the flower panicles are slightly smaller than those of standard varieties – but these plants also rebloom lightly from July until frost if left unpruned.

To enjoy their appealing perfume, plant near high traffic areas or in containers placed where the scent can be enjoyed, such as decks, foundations, pathways, patios, porches, and under windows.

A square image of a small Korean lilac growing in a rockery.

‘Palibin’ Dwarf Korean

‘Palibin’ is also one of the few lilacs to show attractive fall colors with the foliage turning deep shades of burgundy and purple.

Shrubs grow four to six feet tall with a spread of five to eight feet and are hardy in Zones 3 to 7.

‘Palibin’ shrubs in three-gallon pots are available at Fast Growing Trees.

You can also find Korean lilacs in tree form. These grow five to seven feet tall.

A beautiful choice as an accent or specimen or massed into a flowering colonnade to flank drives and sidewalks.

You can find Korean lilacs in a tree form available at Fast Growing Trees.

11. Red Pixie

Supernaturally pretty, ‘Red Pixie’ produces a profusion of frothy panicles in late spring, starting out as mulberry buds that transition to pale pink florets as they age.

The upright, rounded habit has a mature height and spread of four to six feet and this lilac often reblooms in late summer.

‘Red Pixie’

‘Red Pixie’ makes an excellent choice for foundations, informal hedges, mixed shrub borders, and patio planters. Hardy in Zones 3 to 7.

Plants in a variety of sizes are available at Fast Growing Trees.

12. Scentara Series

Among lilac species, S. hyacinthiflora is the most fragrant of them all – and cultivars in the Scentara® series have an exceptionally intense, sweet perfume.

Diet Derailed? Bounce Back With These Effective Strategies

Good Diet

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May 31, 2025

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Diet Derailed? Bounce Back With These Effective Strategies

by Caitlin H,

Apr 8, 2024

Diet Derailed? Bounce back!

Many of us set out on a weight loss journey with all the passion, commitment, and dedication we need to succeed.

And for a while, we’re doing it — sticking to our plans and celebrating as we achieve one milestone after another. The days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, and we get comfortable in our new healthy living routine. It becomes second nature.

But then that day comes — and it very likely will come — where we inevitably fall off the wagon and relapse into old poor eating habits, forgo our fitness classes, and just, kind of, give up.

It happens — even to the best of us. Many external life factors can trigger a fall-off, and sometimes, it’s out of our control. Here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to end your healthy new lifestyle and goals completely.

We compiled a list of seven strategies to bounce back from that diet derail and find a renewed sense of purpose as you seek to achieve your goals.

1) Be kind to yourself.

If you take away nothing else from this article, take away this: Practicing self-compassion is critical to dusting yourself off and moving forward. Recognize the feelings of failure and guilt, acknowledge them, and then forgive yourself. You are not a loser. You are not a bad person. You made a choice, and now you can make a different choice — it’s as simple as that.

2) Identify what triggered the relapse.

People who succeed most in their endeavors are always looking for ways to improve. They’re constantly learning and adjusting accordingly. That’s why taking the time to identify what external factors triggered your diet derail is critical to moving forward. Did you have a challenging life event? Did you drink too much at a party, lowering your inhibitions? Perhaps you traveled or met someone new who influenced your decisions. Whatever it was, write it down and think of ways to reapproach it in the future so it doesn’t derail you again.

3) Don’t punish yourself.

Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight. You likely took one small step at a time, changing things along the way, until you got where you wanted to be. Don’t suddenly start exercising extra hard or severely restricting your caloric intake to atone for a few bad decisions. Even if you do lose weight initially doing this,* you’re creating unsustainable behaviors that you are very unlikely to stick with long-term. And it can do way more damage than good in the long run.

4) Commit to picking up where you left off the next day.

Every successful healthy journey takes time to build. Whether your diet derail lasted a day, a week, or even a month, the key is to commit to going back to exactly where you left off the next day — and then doing it. For example, if your healthy lifestyle involves eating a protein-filled breakfast, exercising five days a week, and allowing yourself one binge day, that’s precisely where you should restart.

5) Remember what motivated you to begin in the first place.

If you’ve been working hard to create a healthy lifestyle for quite some time, there’s a chance you may not remember why you even started. Think back to before you began on this journey. Write about it. Meditate on it. Reflect. Regaining sight of the beginning can make it a whole lot easier to kick your butt into gear again following a downfall.

6) Keep it moving.

A lack of motivation can be one of the most challenging things to overcome when it comes to a healthy eating derailment. One way to combat this is to continue exercising each week. Whether you go on a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or are a full-on, six-days-a-week gym person, maintaining your exercise regime is one of the best things you can do to get your diet back on track, too.

7) Look for little tweaks you can make to your routine.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as feeling bored that can cause you to slump. Just like you started off taking one small step at a time to get where you wanted to be, look for ways to make small changes to your healthy living routine to alleviate some of that boredom. Try a few new recipes. Change up your cheat day. Sign up for a new fitness class. There are so many approaches to take — all you need to do is take the steps to do one.

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Author: Caitlin H

Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

Weight Loss Tips

Can this nasal spray slow down Alzheimer’s? One couple is helping scientists find out : Shots

Health

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May 30, 2025

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Can this nasal spray slow down Alzheimer’s? One couple is helping scientists find out : Shots

Joe Walsh, who has Alzheimer’s disease, is accompanied by his wife, Karen Walsh, to an appointment at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Joe is receiving an experimental therapy to treat Alzheimer’s.

Jodi Hilton/for NPR‎

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Jodi Hilton/for NPR‎

Joe Walsh, 79, is waiting to inhale.

He’s perched on a tan recliner at the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. His wife, Karen Walsh, hovers over him, ready to depress the plunger on a nasal spray applicator.

“One, two, three,” a nurse counts. The plunger plunges, Walsh sniffs, and it’s done.

The nasal spray contains an experimental monoclonal antibody meant to reduce the Alzheimer’s-related inflammation in Walsh’s brain.

He is the first person living with Alzheimer’s to get the treatment, which is also being tested in people with diseases including multiple sclerosis, ALS and COVID-19.

And the drug appears to be reducing the inflammation in Walsh’s brain, researchers report in the journal Clinical Nuclear Medicine.

“I think this is something special,” says Dr. Howard Weiner, a neurologist at Mass General Brigham who helped develop the nasal spray, along with its maker, Tiziana Life Sciences.

Whether a decrease in inflammation will bring improvements in Walsh’s thinking and memory, however, remains unclear.

Huntington's spreads like 'fire in the brain.' Scientists say they've found the spark

The experimental treatment is part of a larger effort to find new ways to interrupt the cascade of events in the brain that lead to Alzheimer’s dementia.

Two drugs now on the market clear the brain of sticky amyloid plaques, clumps of toxic protein that accumulate between neurons. Other experimental drugs have targeted the tau tangles, a different protein that builds up inside nerve cells.

But fewer efforts have tried to address inflammation, a sign of Alzheimer’s that becomes more pronounced as the disease progresses.

Joe Walsh, who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease, is tested by Dr. Brahyan J. Galindo-Mendez at Mass General Brigham Hospital in Boston, Mass.

Dr. Brahyan Galindo-Mendez, right, administers an eye-tracking test to Walsh after his treatment.

Jodi Hilton/‎for NPR

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Jodi Hilton/‎for NPR

A diagnosis and a quest for care

Once Joe Walsh has finished inhaling the experimental medication, he gets a cognitive exam from Dr. Brahyan Galindo-Mendez, a neurology fellow.

“Can you tell me your name please,” Mendez asks. “What’s your name?”

After a pause, Walsh answers: “Joe.”

Alzheimer's researchers are looking beyond plaques and tangles for new treatments

“And who is with you today?” Mendez says, glancing toward Walsh’s wife, Karen.

“We’ll do that,” Walsh replies.

“What’s her name?” Mendez persists.

“Her name,” Walsh echoes. “That’s her name. That’s my wife.”

Walsh is unable to put a name to the woman he’s been married to for 36 years.

In 2019, a PET scan confirmed that Joe Walsh had Alzheimer’s. It took Karen Walsh years to get her husband into a research study that would offer him an experimental treatment.

Jodi Hilton/for NPR

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Jodi Hilton/for NPR

Karen Walsh began to notice a change in her husband back in 2017.

“He was struggling to find the right words to complete a thought or a sentence,” she says.

The couple went to a primary care doctor, who said that if Walsh turned out to have Alzheimer’s, he should enter a research study in hopes of getting one of the latest treatments. Then the doctor referred Walsh to a neurologist.

With early Alzheimer's in the family, these sisters decided to test for the gene

In 2019, a PET scan revealed extensive amyloid plaques in Walsh’s brain, confirming the diagnosis.

“As much as I was in shock,” Karen Walsh says, “the words were ringing in my head: ‘ask for the research.'”

So she began looking for a clinical trial. But in 2020, COVID arrived in the U.S., shuttering hundreds of research studies. By the time the pandemic subsided, Walsh’s Alzheimer’s had progressed to the point where he no longer qualified for most studies.

A novel drug for inflammation

In late 2024, Karen brought Joe to Dr. Seth Gale, a neurologist at Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School who promised to look for a research study Walsh could enter.

Before long, Gale received a query from a colleague looking for a patient with moderate Alzheimer’s disease to take part in a trial. He called the Walshes.

The research involved a monoclonal antibody called foralumab that was being tested on people with inflammatory diseases including multiple sclerosis.

Foralumab nasal spray, above, is being tested as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease by researchers at Mass General Brigham.

Jodi Hilton/for NPR

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Jodi Hilton/for NPR

MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering around nerve fibers, causing inflammation. And foralumab was producing promising results in MS patients.

“It induces regulatory cells that go to the brain and shut down inflammation,” Weiner says.

Those regulatory cells reduce the activity of microglia, the cells that serve as the primary immune system in the brain and spinal cord.

Weiner thought foralumab might help with another condition that causes damaging inflammation in the nervous system.

“I’ve always been interested in Alzheimer’s disease,” Weiner says. “I lost my mother to Alzheimer’s disease.”

Most efforts to treat Alzheimer’s involve clearing the brain of the disease’s hallmarks: sticky amyloid plaques and tangled fibers called tau. But increasingly, researchers are seeking ways to tamp down the inflammation that accompanies those brain changes, especially as the disease progresses.

“Once people have Alzheimer’s, the inflammation is driving the disease more,” Weiner says.

Dr. Howard Weiner, wearing a white coat and glasses, sits in front of a computer with his hands folded on the desk.

Dr. Howard Weiner, a neurologist at Mass General Brigham, is studying foralumab for treating diseases including multiple sclerosis, COVID, ALS and Alzheimer’s.

Jodi Hilton/for NPR‎

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Jodi Hilton/for NPR‎

The approach worked in mice that develop a form of Alzheimer’s.

But in order to treat Walsh, Weiner’s team had to get special permission from the Food and Drug Administration through a program called expanded access. The program is for patients who can’t get into a clinical trial and have no other treatment options.

When the FDA approved foralumab for Walsh, he became the first Alzheimer’s patient to get the treatment.

Six months later, the drug has dramatically reduced the inflammation in Walsh’s brain. But no drug can restore brain cells that have already been lost.

It will take a battery of cognitive tests to see if Walsh’s memory and thinking have improved with the treatment. Karen Walsh, though, sees some positive signs.

Although her husband still struggles to find words, she says, he appears to be more engaged in social activities.

“A couple of guys come pick him up once a month, you know, and they take him out for lunch,” she says. “They sent me a text after saying, ‘Wow, Joe is really, really laughing, and very involved.'”

After three months of treatment, a PET scan showed that the inflammation in Walsh’s brain had decreased dramatically.

Jodi Hilton/for NPR‎

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Jodi Hilton/for NPR‎

Walsh himself seems happy to stay on the drug. Between non sequiturs, he manages to put together a complete sentence: “It’s easy enough to take it, so I do it, and it feels good.”

A clinical trial of foralumab for Alzheimer’s disease is scheduled to begin later this year.

Penstemons That Last: Long-Lived Species for a Reliable Garden Show

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May 30, 2025

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Penstemons are among the most beloved and widely known Western wildflowers. With around 280 species of the plants recognized, most mesic and dry landscapes across the West are home to at least one type of penstemon, often several. Despite their impressive geographic and genetic spread, they’re also among those that leave gardeners most disappointed. Many penstemon species bloom briefly and spectacularly in cultivation, produce an incredible number of seeds, and disappear after repeating this act for just a few years. In nature, many of these plants grow slowly because of limited water and nutrition, but in gardens, where resources abound, many species exhaust themselves by over-investing in flowering and making seed.

Read on to find three of the most reliable penstemons for regional gardens. All are known for their adaptable dispositions, extended periods of bloom, and, perhaps most notably among this group of plants, their long lifespans. At the end of this piece, you’ll also find tips and tricks to extend the life and maximize the vigor of most penstemon species, including those you may already grow.

Even during the dreaded midsummer floral slump, where so many perennials look tired or quit blooming, Bridges’ penstemon continues to bloom unperturbed.

Bridges’ penstemon

Penstemon rostriflorus

Zones: 4–8

Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide

The largest and shrubbiest of penstemon species in this piece, Bridges’ penstemon takes a mounded shape, staying a bit shorter than it is wide. Mature plants will fill a healthy 3 feet, blanketing themselves in orange-red, tubular flowers in midsummer. They will bloom moderately until frost in one of the most persistent floral displays of our region, and the plants themselves are incredibly unfussy. A hot site can help plants grow more vigorously, and it’s worth noting that this species tolerates periodic watering well—as long as they are mulched in gravel and planted in unamended soil. Arguably the longest-lived penstemon in Mountain West gardens, these plants routinely last more than a decade before slowing down. And they’re a hummingbird favorite, thanks to their long, reddish, nectar-rich blooms. Growing as a subshrub, these plants form a small woody frame that sprouts lots of herbaceous growth. Cut this growth back in spring, leaving the firmer woody stalks year to year.

Pineleaf penstemon

Penstemon pinifolius

Zones: 5–9

Size: 10 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide

Also a member of the hummingbird-pollinated group of penstemons, pineleaf penstemon is equally easygoing in our gardens. Plants are considerably smaller than Bridges’ penstemon, rarely exceeding 1 foot high and 2 feet wide. This species is among the most distinctive of garden penstemons in form, developing into a mounded subshrub covered in ½-inch long, needle-like leaves that give the plant an herb-like look. Beginning in early summer and continuing lightly through most of the growing season, pineleaf penstemon will top this form in 1-inch, brightly colored, tubular flowers ranging from screaming red to warm orange and bright, cheery yellow. Half Pint^® offers a red-flowering plant around half the size of typical, while ‘Mersea Yellow’ is larger than average and among the most intensely yellow. Several oranges can be found online, including ‘Orange’, SteppeSuns^® Sunset Glow, and ‘Luminous’. The small size and dense growth of this plant make it a superb edger for water-wise beds and a great filler for xeric hellstrips. In the event of winter dieback, cut it back as you would lavender once late-spring growth reveals which stalks are alive and which have died.

Richardson’s penstemon

Penstemon richardsonii

Zones: 5–9

Size: 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide

Of the cool-toned penstemons, typically pollinated by bees, one reigns supreme in terms of longevity in our gardens: Richardson’s penstemon. This species can be harder to find but is a cinch to grow yourself by direct-sowing seed in a sunny spot mid-winter or planted in seedling pots around the same time. It can be mail-ordered if your thumb isn’t quite so green. These plants bear especially attractive, lobed leaves and take a rounded form that reaches about 2 to 3 feet high and half as wide. From summer on, they top their slender stalks in bulbous flowers, usually in pink, though a spectacular true blue form can be found. Richardson’s penstemon is not as dramatic in flower as the above species but has a substantial presence and looks quite handsome out of bloom. Use it in dry beds, hellstrips, and the like; it makes an attractive, long-blooming addition to dry gardens.

Planting and care

Knowing a few tricks to growing penstemon will extend the lifespans of almost all species in addition to selecting longer-lived, more reliable species. Since penstemons tend to “live fast, die young” if given all the resources they desire, keep them resource limited. This is best done by growing them in unamended native soils and by using rock mulch or no mulch at all. Irrigate periodically, especially leading up to bloom and during drought, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. If you have the option, always shop for the starter size at the nursery, not #1s (gallons), or direct sow them yourself. And do not fertilize penstemon. The only exception is transplants that are already visibility nutrient deficient or stressed (witnessed as very limited growth and yellowing lower leaves). A single light fertilization at time of transplant is sufficient.

After bloom, cut off all but a few of the developing seed stalks from the plants. This act will force more energy back into the mother plant, rather than into seed production, and encourages the plant to live another year. Since penstemon seeds are small and numerous, with each stalk producing seed up most of its length, even a couple of stalks will still provide ample seeds for your use and allow plants to self-sow.

By balancing self-seeding opportunities with plant lifespans and selecting species for their longevity, keeping a robust, long-blooming population of vibrant penstemon in your garden can be a breeze instead of a chore.

More about penstemons and other bright blooms for the Mountain West:

Discuss this article or ask gardening questions with a regional gardening expert on the Gardening Answers forum.

And for more Mountain West regional reports, click here.

Bryan Fischer lives and gardens at the intersection of the Great Plains and the Rockies. He is a horticulturist and the curator of plant collections for a local botanic garden.

All photos unless otherwise noted: Bryan Fischer

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Hunter Industries MP-1000-90 Hunter Nozzle

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– Double-pop technology flushes the nozzle during start-up and shutdown to prevent clogging
– Wind-resistant, multi-directional streams provide even coverage

Dramm 17050 50′ ColorStorm 1/2″ Standard Soaker Hose

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– Provides sufficient amounts of water to the garden without the hassle of hand watering
– Conveniently waters garden and beds
– 50 ft. by 1/2 inch diameter made from recycled material; lifetime guarantee
– Made in the USA

Lee Valley Mini Garden Shear Set

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These shears have a distinctive finger rest that not only aids grip but allows greater freedom of movement than a conventional handle design. They have a durable powder-coat finish to resist rust and wear, and a simple clasp that locks the spring-action stainless-steel blades closed. The set includes one pair of round-nose shears measuring 5 1/2″ overall with 1″ blades for cutting stems up to 3/8″ in diameter, and one pair of 6 1/2″ needle-nose shears with 2″ fine-tip blades for precise work.

Delicious Protein Coffee Recipe (29g of Protein)

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DIY Jewelweed Salve For Poison Ivy (and More!)

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DIY Jewelweed Salve For Poison Ivy (and More!)

If you’ve ever tangled with poison ivy or been the unfortunate dinner guest of summer mosquitos, chances are you’ve been desperate for relief. And while I love the outdoors and try to enjoy the sunshine often, sometimes skin irritation happens. Jewelweed salve is a popular folk remedy to help with poison ivy and other skin issues and it’s easy to make!

Jewelweed is a wild-growing plant that’s been trusted for generations to soothe skin irritations, calm eczema, and keep bug bites at bay. While it’s best fresh, you can also preserve some of the benefits in a DIY salve.

What Is Jewelweed?

Jewelweed, (aka Impatiens capensis or touch-me-not) is a flowering plant. You’ll often find it growing in moist, shaded areas across North America. It prefers growing near water sources, like creeks or forested trails, often right alongside its infamous neighbor, poison ivy. It has distinctive orange flowers and seed pods that “explode,” making it a favorite of kids and foragers alike.

This plant isn’t just fun to find, it’s also packed with powerful natural compounds. Jewelweed has lawsone, a molecule researchers believe competes with urushiol (the rash-inducing oil in poison ivy) for binding sites on the skin. Some research shows that if you rub jewelweed on the skin immediately after a run in with poison ivy it can stop the rash before it starts. Lawsone can effectively blocks urushiol, reducing or preventing a rash altogether. Jewelweed also has saponins, which may act like natural soap and help cleanse the skin.

While there aren’t a ton of studies on using jewelweed, it does have a long history of traditional use.

Traditional and Modern Uses of Jewelweed

Indigenous North American tribes traditionally used mashed jewelweed plants as a poultice for poison ivy rashes, burns, cuts, sprains, and insect bites. And modern research back this up. Freshly mashed jewelweed is a go-to for many when it comes to stopping poison ivy in it’s tracks. Studies show jewelweed soap can also help reduce poison ivy severity if used right away. Soap in general though is good at breaking up the oils in poison ivy that causes rash.

Beyond poison plants, jewelweed helps calm irritated skin, easing eczema, and offering gentle anti-inflammatory support. If you’re planning on going outside this summer, it can be helpful to have on hand!

If you get into poison ivy, the best option is to use fresh jewelweed right away. However, it’s not always apparant that you’ve been in poison ivy until after the fact! In these cases a DIY jewelweed salve can be a great way to soothe or help prevent the rash. It also works well on bites and irritated skin. Here’s how to make jewelweed salve!

DIY Jewelweed Salve Recipe

This diy salve calms skin irritations and is perfect for summer bug season or when poison ivy strikes.

Prep Time5 minutes

Active Time15 minutes

Infusion Time3 hours

Total Time3 hours 20 minutes

Yield: 9 ounces

Author: Katie Wells

Oil Infusion

Put the jewelweed into the pint size Mason jar. You want enough plant material so that the jar is about half full.
Cover the jewelweed completely with olive oil or coconut oil.
Fill a pot halfway with water and place a cotton cloth (like a washcloth) at the bottom. Put the jar on top of the cloth (this helps keep the jar from breaking).
Turn the heat to medium low and bring the water to a simmer. Reduce the heat if needed so that the water is very hot, but not boiling. Heat the jar in the water bath on low heat for about 3 hours.
Once the jewelweed infused oil is done, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth. Give it a good squeeze to get the most out of it.

Make the Salve

Add 1 cup of the herb infused oil and the beeswax into the top of a double boiler and gently heat until the wax is melted.
Remove from the heat and stir in the essential oils and vitamin E if using.
Pour into small tins or glass jars and allow to cool completely.

Add some plantain herb leaves into the oil too for extra skin soothing properties.
Store in a cool, dark place. This should last for about 6 months if stored properly, but toss it if it starts to look or smell off.

Since dried jewelweed loses some of its beneficial properties, I use it fresh in this salve. However, oil infused with fresh plants is more prone to growing mold. By doing a heated infusion with the jar lid off this allows some of the extra moisture to evaporate.

How to Use Jewelweed Salve

Jewelweed salve works well on the following:

Poison ivy or poison oak rashes (best used right after exposure)
Mosquito bites and bug bites
Eczema and irritated skin

Where to Find Jewelweed?

You can find jewelweed growing in almost every state in the US (except the dessert). It prefers moist or wet soil so look near streams or damp woodland edges. It usually grows conveniently right next to poison ivy! If you decide to go foraging, be sure to positively identify the plant you’re looking for and only forage from uncontaminated areas. Right next to highways and conventional farm fields are not great places to get plants.

The plants start to grow in the late spring and develop colorful flowers in mid to late summer. You can use just the leaves and stems, but the flowers make it easier to identify for beginners. Here’s more on how to identify it.

Foraging fresh jewelweed is simple if you know where to look:

Look for juicy stems and oval, toothed leaves.
The flowers are trumpet-shaped and usually orange with red speckles.
Try touching a seed pod—they’ll spring open (hence the name “touch-me-not”).

And be sure to leave plenty behind for the pollinators and wildlife!

Final Thoughts on Jewelweed Salve

Jewelweed is a really fun and beautiful plant to work with. Whether you’re battling poison ivy, nursing stubborn eczema, or simply want a diy anti-itch balm that actually works, this humble wildflower is a great option. So next time you’re out hiking or rambling in the woods keep an eye out for these bright orange flowers!

Have you ever used jewelweed before? Share your experience in the comments!

How to Propagate Hibiscus From Cuttings?

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May 29, 2025

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How to Propagate Hibiscus From Cuttings?

Hibiscus plants with their large trumped-shaped liked flowers are easy to grow with the right care and treatment.

This tropical plant grows in full sun but can tolerate some partial shade too. They come in a variety of colours red, pink, and purple, and prefer warm climates to thrive well.

Tropical hibiscus, as their name implies, cannot withstand cold temperatures. They thrive in warmer climates, as anything cooler would be too chilly for them.

However, hardy hibiscus varieties can tolerate colder temperatures and may survive in outdoor conditions. If you reside in a cold climate or lack outdoor space, then you can grow in containers too.

But, Can you propagate hibiscus from cuttings?

Yes, hibiscus can be grown from cuttings. To grow, choose a healthy stem which is free from any pests and diseases for successful growth.

Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in well-draining soil, and keep moist in a warm, bright spot. With care, the cutting will develop roots and grow into a new hibiscus plant.

The cutting should be taken from a non-flowering stem, preferably in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Moreover, you should grow hibiscus cuttings in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing and temperatures are warmer.

What is the Laziest Way to Grow Hibiscus from Cuttings?

You can grow hibiscus from cuttings with water or either with soil method. The choice is yours. Both methods are good but growing hibiscus cuttings in water is the best way, as this plant does well with water propagation if done in the right way.

Water propagation

To propagate the hibiscus through water, take a hibiscus cutting off about 6 inches in length.

Gently remove the lower leaves, ensuring a few leaves are left at the top. Place the cutting in a glass or jar filled with water, making sure that at least two nodes are submerged.
Keep the glass in a warm and bright location, away from direct sunlight. Remember to change the water every few days to prevent stagnation and encourage root growth.
After a few weeks, you’ll start to seeing the roots. Once the roots reach a length of about 2 inches, carefully transplant the cutting into a small pot with well-draining soil.

Maintain consistent moisture and provide indirect sunlight to support the growth of the new hibiscus plant.

Soil method

For the soil propagation method, take a healthy hibiscus cutting and clear the lower leaves but leave the top leaves as it is.

Dip the cut end of the cutting into a rooting hormone to stimulate root development.
Select a pot with drainage holes that are large enough to accommodate the hibiscus cuttings. Choose a well-draining soil mix suitable for hibiscus. A combination of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss is ideal.
Make small holes in the soil mix using your finger or a stick. Insert the prepared hibiscus cuttings into the holes, planting at least 1 inch in the soil. Gently press the soil around the base of the cuttings to provide stability.
Give the newly planted cuttings a thorough watering, ensuring the soil is evenly moist.

Both methods offer a simple and low-maintenance way to propagate hibiscus from cuttings. Select the method that you like the most.

How to Propagate Hibiscus from Cutting?

Propagating hibiscus from cuttings is a fantastic way to create new plants that are exact clones of the parent plant. Growing your hibiscus from a cutting allows you to preserve the unique characteristics of your favourite plants while expanding your garden with more beautiful flowers.

Now, let’s get into growing hibiscus from a cutting. It involves carefully selecting a suitable cutting, providing the right conditions for rooting, and taking care of the newly propagated plant.

1. Choose a healthy cutting

You’ll need a healthy cutting from your existing hibiscus plant. Look for a stem with green growth and plenty of leaves. Trim off the top additional leaves, and cut the bottom end of the stem diagonally. This angle will increase the surface area for root development.

2. Encourage root growth

Next, it’s time to encourage root growth. Dip the cut end of the hibiscus stem into a rooting hormone, which is not necessary but can speed up the process.

Then, carefully place the stem into a cup of water or directly into moist soil. If using water, make sure to change it regularly to prevent stagnation. If using soil, keep it moist but not overly wet.

3. Right environment

Provide the cutting with indirect sunlight and maintain a warm environment. Find a bright spot in your home where the cutting can receive ample light without direct sun exposure. A temperature range of 65-75F is ideal for root development.

4. Transfer to a pot or container

For about four weeks, roots will begin to grow, indicating that your hibiscus cutting has successfully rooted. At this point, you can transfer it to a pot or a container, giving it much space to grow and thrive.

Check this out: Is Epsom Salt Good for Hibiscus Plant?

Can You Grow Hibiscus Cuttings in Water?

Yes, you can grow hibiscus cuttings in water. Water propagation is an easy method to propagate hibiscus plants from cuttings. By following a few simple steps, you can successfully make your own hibiscus plant growing with cuttings in no time.

Selecting the right cuttings

The first step is to select healthy hibiscus cuttings for water propagation that look healthy and clean. Look for stems that are about 6 inches long and have at least three sets of leaves. Choose stems that are free from any damage.

Preparing the cuttings

Once you have selected your cuttings, remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few leaves at the top. This will prevent the leaves from sitting in the water, which can lead to rot. Make a clean, diagonal cut at the bottom of the stem.

Placing cuttings in the water

Take a glass or jar and fill it with room-temperature water. Place the prepared hibiscus cuttings into the water, making sure that the nodes are submerged. Avoid overcrowding the container, as each cutting needs space for root development. If needed, you can use multiple containers.

Providing the Right Environment

Place the glass or jar with the cuttings in a warm and bright location, away from direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight will provide the necessary light for photosynthesis without overheating the cuttings. To prevent the growth of bacteria, change the water in every few days.

Monitoring and Transplanting

Over the next few weeks, roots will start to develop from the nodes of the hibiscus cuttings. Once the roots are about 2 inches long, it’s time to transfer the cuttings into pots filled with well-draining soil. Remove the cuttings from the water, taking care not to damage the roots. Plant them in the soil and lightly press the soil around the base of each cutting.

Check this out: Best Homemade Fertilizer for Hibiscus

How Long Do Hibiscus Cuttings Take to Root?

Rooting hibiscus cuttings is a journey that requires patience and care. Hibiscus cuttings take around eight weeks to develop roots.

Some cuttings may root more quickly, while others may take a bit longer. Several factors such as environmental conditions, cutting preparation and rooting hormones can affect the time it takes for hibiscus cuttings to root.

1. Environmental conditions

Providing the right environment is crucial for successful rooting. The hibiscus cuttings need warmth, indirect sunlight, and a high level of humidity to support root development. Maintaining a temperature range of 65-75°F is ideal for them.

2. Cutting preparation

Properly preparing the hibiscus cuttings before planting can positively impact the rooting time. Make sure to select healthy cuttings and free from any diseases. A clean, diagonal cut just below a node provides the best opportunity for root growth.

3. Rooting Hormones

Using rooting hormones can enhance the rooting process by boosting root growth. These hormones are available in liquid or powder form and can be applied to the cut end of the hibiscus cutting before planting.

(Also Read: How Long Does Hibiscus Flower Last?)

How to Grow Hibiscus from Cuttings?

Growing hibiscus from cuttings is an exciting way to propagate new plants. With the right techniques and a little care, you can easily create vibrant hibiscus plants that are identical to the parent plant. Here are some steps to follow –

Step 1 – Selecting healthy cuttings

Choose healthy hibiscus cuttings for propagation. Look for stems that are approximately 6 inches long. Ensure the stems are healthy and ready to be used.

Step 2 – Preparing the cuttings

Trim the lower leaves from the selected cuttings but leave some leaves at the top. Make a clean and diagonal cut just below a node. Nodes are the area in the stem where roots will grow.

Step 3 – Potting mix preparation

Prepare a well-draining potting mix suitable for hibiscus cuttings. You can create a mix by combining equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. This blend promotes good drainage while retaining moisture for the developing roots.

(Also Read: Are Coffee Grounds Good for Hibiscus?)

Step 4 – Planting the cuttings

Make a small hole in the potting mix. Insert the prepared hibiscus cuttings into the hole. Now press the soil around the base of the cuttings to give it steadiness.

Step 5 – Watering

Give the newly planted cuttings a thorough watering, ensuring the soil is evenly moist. Water the cuttings whenever you see them slightly dry or feel them by touching the soil. Avoid overwatering and maintain a consistent level of moisture.

Step 6 – Provide ideal growing conditions

Place the potted cuttings in a warm and bright location, away from direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight provides the necessary light for photosynthesis.

How to Transplant Hibiscus Cuttings?

After about eight weeks, your hibiscus cuttings should develop roots. Once the roots are approximately 2 inches long, it’s time to transplant them into individual pots filled with well-draining soil.

Carefully remove the rooted cuttings from their original pots. Plant them in the new pots and lightly press the soil around the base of each cutting. Water thoroughly after transplanting and continue regular watering as needed.

Can You Root Hibiscus Cuttings in Water?

Yes, you can root hibiscus cuttings in water. Simply select healthy hibiscus stems, remove the lower leaves, and place the cuttings in a glass of water or a jar. Keep the jar or glass in a warm, bright location, and change the water every few days to maintain freshness.

Over time, roots will begin to develop from the nodes, indicating successful rooting. Once the roots are well established, you can transfer the cuttings into pots filled with soil for further growth.

Check this: Why My Hibiscus Leaves are Turning Yellow?

Best Time to Grow Hibiscus from Cuttings?

The best time to grow hibiscus from cuttings is during the warm months of spring and summer. These seasons provide the ideal conditions for the cuttings to establish roots and grow into healthy plants. Choose a time when temperatures are 65-75°F to promote successful rooting.

Is hibiscus easy to grow from cuttings?

Yes, hibiscus is easy to grow from cuttings. Simply select healthy stems, trim off lower leaves, make a clean cut below a node, and place the cuttings in soil or water. Keep them moist and provide indirect sunlight. In about eight weeks, roots will develop, and you’ll have new hibiscus plants.

What is the best way to grow hibiscus cuttings?

The best way to grow hibiscus cuttings is by using either water or soil. Both methods can be successful in propagating hibiscus plants from cuttings.

In water propagation, the cuttings are placed in a container of water until roots develop.

In soil propagation, the cuttings are planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots form. Both methods have their benefits, so you can choose the one that suits your preferences.

Note: To boost hibiscus plant growth, you can use bone meal powder along with potting soil.

Conclusion

Growing hibiscus from cuttings is an exciting method that allows you to propagate new plants and expand your hibiscus plants.

Whether you choose water or soil as the rooting medium, the key is to select healthy cuttings, provide suitable growing conditions, and be patient as roots develop. Both methods have proven to be successful in producing vibrant hibiscus plants.

Following the best practices and giving proper care, you can enjoy the beauty of hibiscus flowers in your own garden. So, get started with your hibiscus cuttings and turn them into beautiful ones.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting

7 Heart-Pumping YouTube Dance Workouts

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by Caitlin H,

Apr 15, 2024

Heart Pumping Youtube Dance Workouts

If you’re looking for a fun fitness form that engages your entire body — and your mind! — look no further than dancing.

Dancing is one of the best heart-pumping ways to torch calories while simultaneously improving muscle tone, strength, balance, core strength, and joint health. Plus, your mind stays engaged and sharp as it learns choreography and keeps pace with the steps.

What’s more: This well-rounded, full-body workout is actually fun! Time flies as you whirl around and step to the beats, ensuring you’re not staring at the clock and watching the minutes tick by until the workout ends.

Ready to give it a shot? We put together a list of seven of the best 20-minute (or less) dance workouts — exciting forms you can try to torch some calories without even thinking about it!

80s Hits Dance Fitness Workout

The Studio by Jamie Kinkeade

Say what you want about the 80s, but one thing’s certain: they really knew how to get your heart pumping with their music. This fun dance workout plays some of the best songs from that era and leverages light steps and fist pumps to get your heart going (and going strong!) for a 20-minute workout that will fly by.

Taylor Swift Dance Party

MadFit

This one’s for all the Swifties out there. Combine your love of America’s favorite pop star with some beginner-level, full-body cardio dance movements for 15 minutes of smiling and sweating.

2000s Dance Workout

Growwithjo

Jo knows how to host a cardio dance video, and this proves it. You don’t need any equipment and only 15 minutes to get your groove on. Jo also ensures beginners can modify steps until they learn them — all along the beats of stars like Usher, Sean Paul, Missy Elliot, and Rihanna.

80s Dance Party Workout

MadFit

Head back to the 80s by getting your sweat on with this cardio routine featuring music from Madonna, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and more. Reviewers love it, and many have even found themselves adding more minutes of dance because of how much fun it is!

Savage Fun Dance Workout

Megan Thee Stallion and 8 Fitness

This particular YouTube dance video graces many lists rounding up the best dance workout videos — and for good reason! Reviewers love this video because it’s focused on actual choreography and movement and is led by the engaging personality of Megan Thee Stallion. It’s one most people find themselves returning to again and again.

Full-Body Disney HIIT Workout

That Disney Girl

Bring back your childhood with this dance fitness video from creator Emily Thorne that pumps your heart to some of your favorite Disney classics. One reviewer says she “never smiled or had more fun doing a workout.”

Boy Band HH

Emkfit

NSync, The Backstreet Boys, One Direction, and The Jonas Brothers all grace this video’s soundtrack — and boy, is it something. Certified PT Emily is committed to making working out less awful and more fun, and her heart-pumping, calorie-torching boy band workout video here proves it!

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Author: Caitlin H

Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

Exercise Tips

How safe is the food supply after federal cutbacks? Experts are worried : Shots

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May 29, 2025

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How safe is the food supply after federal cutbacks? Experts are worried : Shots

Federal agencies identified listeria contamination in some Boar’s Head deli meats last year. Since Trump’s cuts to federal agencies, experts worry inspectors can’t keep up with demand.

Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

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Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Paula Soldner inspected meat and poultry plants around southern Wisconsin for 38 years: “I’m talking brats, hot dogs, summer sausage, pizza.”

Her Department of Agriculture job required daily check-ups on factories to ensure slicers were cleaned on schedule, for example. Her signoff allowed plants to put red-white-and-blue “USDA inspected” stickers on grocery-store packages.

Last month, Soldner took the Trump administration up on its offer of early retirement, joining an exodus from the Food Safety and Inspection Service that began under President Biden’s reorganization of the agency last year. Soldner, who also chairs the National Joint Council of Food Inspection Locals, says remaining inspectors must now visit eight facilities — double the usual number — each day.

Boar's Head meats are displayed at a Safeway store on July 31, 2024 in San Rafael, Calif. The USDA released a new report on what led to the listeria outbreak.

That’s not possible, she says, so it’s unclear how much food is legitimately earning that stamp of approval.

“Did that plant receive that daily inspection from inspection personnel? In my mind, that’s a huge question mark,” Soldner says.

She says further staff retirements, hostility toward federal workers, and plummeting morale are creating conditions that make consumers more vulnerable to outbreaks of foodborne illness, like the deadly listeria contamination that hit Boar’s Head deli meats last year, killing 10 people and hospitalizing dozens.

“Do I foresee another Boar’s Head situation? Absolutely,” she says. “I worry about the public.”

Experts who study the nation’s food supply say the safety of everything we eat — from milk and macaroni to meat and lettuce — is called into question because of massive cuts by the Trump administration to the three federal agencies charged with monitoring it: the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Agriculture, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Those three agencies coordinate and fund a lot of the complex work that makes up the country’s food safety surveillance system, while state and local regulators and inspectors conduct a lot of work on the ground.

A recall notice citing listeria contamination risks is posted next to a case featuring Boar's Head meats in a Safeway store in San Rafael, Calif.

Most produce is inspected by states, for example, though select samples are sent to one of the FDA’s national labs to test for pathogens like salmonella or E.coli. When a consumer falls ill, it’s often the local health officials who are first to know and then report cases to the CDC, which in turn traces the contamination to its sources and compiles data.

“Our federal food safety system is teetering on the brink of a collapse,” says Sarah Sorscher, a policy expert at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. She’s most concerned about the loss of expertise from recent job cuts.

But she also worries about policy moves like the administration’s rollback of new USDA food-safety rules set last August that would have limited the amount of salmonella in poultry in order for it to be sold. Instead, the agency said it is reevaluating the issue and whether salmonella regulations need updating at all.

In statements emailed to NPR, FDA and USDA said recent streamlining of their operations will not alter their commitment to food safety. USDA announced Tuesday that it boosted funds to reimburse states for food safety inspections by $14.5 million.

In a separate emailed statement, the USDA called its inspectors’ work “critical,” and said therefore inspectors were exempt from its hiring freeze, and its “front-line inspectors and veterinarians were not offered the opportunity to participate” in the agency’s second early retirement offer in April “because of the essential nature of their work.”

However, NPR reviewed emails sent from USDA officials urging inspectors to take the early retirement deal and confirming their eligibility for it, as well as a document listing eligible job categories, including consumer safety inspector and slaughterhouses inspectors.

Last month, the Trump administration also abruptly shuttered two of the FDA’s seven food testing labs in San Francisco and Chicago, according to several FDA staffers who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

The ensuing chaos delayed seafood inspections and routine produce testing, the FDA staffers, including microbiologists working in different labs, told NPR. Samples of lettuce or fruit had to be shipped in ice-packed containers to redirect them to other labs, where a shortage of staff and basic lab supplies such as plastic pipettes and other testing supplies, makes it difficult to triage the workload.

This month, the administration reopened the two labs, but Sorscher, who leads regulatory affairs at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, says damage has been done. “It’s as if you took a chainsaw and started cutting holes out of the walls of a house,” she says. “You can’t really point to the fact that the doors or windows are still there and say, ‘Don’t worry, the house is secure.'”

The CDC said in an emailed statement that its lab, surveillance and data collection work continues and that the agency “remains prepared to respond to, and work with states on those outbreaks.”

But many of the state and local food-safety programs historically funded by the CDC are at risk, says Steven Mandernach, executive director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials. Budgets and staffing have been cut at CDC, which affects how it supports local programs. The CDC, for example, typically funded staff to notify the public in the event of outbreaks, or to help remove dangerous products from shelves, as they did with lead-contaminated apple sauce pouches in 2023.

Mandernach says many states can no longer afford staff dedicated to public communications. So he worries about delayed warnings and less robust local tracking of cases that would affect national data.

“It could artificially make it look like, ‘Hey, food safety is great here,’ when the reality is we’re not looking for it as much,” he says.