Verla Fortier, a retired professor of nursing, manages her lupus erythematosus by living and playing outside in Pine Falls, Manitoba, Canada, on the edge of the boreal forest. For free evidence-based green space health tips visit her website https://treesmendus.com.

Latest Posts By Verla Fortier

3 months ago

Why Nordic Walking Is a Wonderful Activity at 60 and Beyond

Nordic Walking is walking with poles. It was invented in Norway when cross country skiers wanted to train in the off-season. And it took off. Now it is not uncommon, especially in upscale urban areas in Canada to see avid “polers” – solo or in groups…

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3 months ago

Protecting Your Heart on the Road: The Scenic Route Solution

When it comes to staying healthy on a road trip, many people focus on diet and exercise. However, the sudden cardiac death of my healthy best friend during a two-day road trip made me realize that there are other crucial factors to consider…

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4 months ago

It’s Not You, It’s Your Nervous System

Maybe, like me, you sometimes feel that you can be “too emotional” at times. You might be relieved to learn that it is not you – it’s your nervous system. And your nervous system changes with your environment. Solid research…

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6 months ago

Do You Know What an Outside Mindset Is?

In an article for Sixty and Me I talked about how naturally occurring patterns in nature, also called fractals, are perfect for relieving stress. And that is important for you to know because your health care provider usually does not have enough time…

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6 months ago

If Green Space Acts Like Medication, What Is the Dosage?

Your body’s balance is kind of like a kid’s playground see-saw or teeter-totter moving up and down between two sides of the nervous system with ease. One side of the nervous system is speedy and the other is slower. This body balance…

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8 months ago

Heart Rate Variability: Could This Be Your Secret Signal to Keep You in Better Health?

You might have heard about HRV, but you may not be sure what it is. So before I tell you how much tracking my HRV helps me with my lupus, let me cover what heart rate variability (HRV) is. In my previous Sixty and Me article…

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1 year ago

Why Your Resting Heart Rate Should Be Your Best Friend

There is so much your resting heart rate can tell you – it can predict illness, help you manage your stress, and even save your life. Our bodies are complex systems. It is impossible to know what is going on below the surface, below our level of awareness…

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1 year ago

5 Myths People Believe About Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest That Could Cost Them Their Life

When it comes to heart health, we often think that we know the basics. But here are 5 myths that will prove this wrong. You might be surprised to find that most people don’t know they are having a heart attack at the time. We all know the Hollywood…

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2 years ago

Eternally Fractal: The Real Connection Between Tree Branches, Wrinkles, and Geometry

Have you ever looked at your wrinkles in a magnifying mirror? Have you noticed they’re a rather complex network of teeny tiny lines that branch off into even smaller ridges? Have wondered why complex figures fascinate our minds so much?

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2 years ago

Be Nice to Yourself: Go Outside at 60 and Beyond

Do you need to feel better? What can you do about that right now? You don’t have to wait for your next vacation or the weekend. Invite yourself outside to sit on a bench in the park for a few minutes or for a short stroll…

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