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Fika: The Swedish Ritual of Coffee, Connection and Calm

The AHA! Team — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 05:03:54 +0000

Joe Boland via Dr. Axe – In the bustling world we live in, finding moments of solace and connection is increasingly precious. Enter “fika,” the Swedish tradition that’s not just about grabbing a coffee, but a cultural institution centered around relaxation, socializing and indulging in life’s simple pleasures. Forget the ordinary coffee break. Fika (pronounced fee-kah) is a Swedish tradition that elevates the simple act of grabbing a cup of joe into an art form. It’s more than just caffeine — it’s a social ritual, a moment of mindfulness and a cornerstone of Swedish culture. So let’s explore the essence of fika, its distinction from a mere coffee break, its potential benefits and how you can embrace this delightful ritual in your own life. What Is Fika? Fika is more than just a word in Swedish — it’s a way of life. Essentially, it entails taking a break from work or daily routines to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, often accompanied by a sweet treat or light snack. It’s not merely about refueling. It’s a cherished cultural practice deeply ingrained in Swedish society, fostering connections, relaxation and mindfulness. Fika translates to “coffee” in Swedish, but it encompasses so much more. It’s the act of taking a break, often with coffee and a sweet treat, to connect with friends, family or colleagues. It can happen anywhere, from cozy cafes to park benches, and at any time of day. Fika vs. Coffee Break While fika may seem similar to a typical coffee break, the two differ significantly in purpose and ambiance. While a coffee break may be a hurried affair, fika is a deliberate pause, an opportunity to slow down, savor the moment and connect with others. It’s about quality over quantity, emphasizing the social aspect as much as the refreshments themselves. While similar to a coffee break, fika goes deeper. It’s not just about a quick caffeine fix. It prioritizes social interaction, creating a dedicated space for conversation and connection. It’s a chance to slow down, de-stress and build stronger relationships. Potential Benefits Beyond the pleasure of indulging in delectable treats, fika offers a range of potential benefits. It provides a mental breather, allowing individuals to recharge and return to tasks with renewed focus and creativity in similar way that taking a mental health day does. Moreover, the social aspect fosters a sense of community and strengthens interpersonal relationships, contributing to overall well-being and happiness. Here are some more benefits of fika: 1. May Boost Productivity Short breaks like fika can actually improve focus and concentration when you return to work. In fact, research shows that taking breaks — even short ones — may help the brain learn new skills. 2. Helps Strengthen Relationships Fika fosters a sense of community and belonging, leading to stronger bonds with colleagues and loved ones. Not only that, but several studies show that people who feel a sense of belonging tend to have better health outcomes — or at least report feeling better and having stronger overall health. 3. Can Reduce Stress Taking a mindful break allows you to de-stress and recharge, improving overall well-being. This can have huge benefits to health considering stress plays a key role in just about everything aspect of the human body. 4. Promotes Mindfulness Fika encourages you to savor the moment, appreciate simple pleasures and disconnect from the daily grind. Taken to together, it can help teach you how to be happy, such as by hacking brain chemicals to boost happiness, combating loneliness and enhancing friendships. How to Fika Like a Swede Embracing fika in your own life is simpler than you might think. To fika like a Swede: Prioritize quality over speed. Choose high-quality coffee or tea, and pair it with a delicious pastry or sandwich. Set aside dedicated time for fika, ideally in the morning and afternoon, to break up the day and cultivate a sense of routine. Most importantly, invite others to join you, whether it’s colleagues, friends or family, and engage in meaningful conversations while relishing the moment. Ready to embrace the fika lifestyle? Here’s how to do it right: The Food: Coffee is a must, but tea is also acceptable. Pair it with a classic Swedish pastry like a “kanelbulle” (cinnamon bun) or a “havrekaka” (oatmeal cookie). The Time: There’s no set time for fika. Swedes often enjoy it mid-morning, afternoon or even during work hours. The Company: Fika is best enjoyed with others! Invite colleagues, friends or family to share a cup and conversation. The Ambiance: Find a cozy spot – a cafe, park or even your own home kitchen. The key is to create a relaxing atmosphere for conversation and connection, similarly to the way Danish people embrace hygge. Conclusion Fika is more than just a coffee break — it’s a philosophy. It’s a reminder to slow down, connect with others and savor the simple pleasures in life. Next time you crave a coffee break, consider incorporating the spirit of fika. You might just discover a new way to relax, reconnect and find joy in the everyday niceties. In a world that often glorifies business and productivity, fika serves as a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate life’s little joys. It’s a practice that transcends borders, offering a universal prescription for connection, relaxation and mindfulness. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or in need of a pick-me-up, why not take a cue from the Swedes and indulge in a fika? After all, there’s no sweeter way to nourish the body and soul. To read the original article click here.

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The Difference Between Courageous Vulnerability And Wound-Based Oversharing + The #1 Relationship Killer

AHA Publisher — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 07:00:35 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – When it comes to our relationships, we often fall into the trap of behaving like we think we should, rather than getting to the root of why and how we really connect to other people. In this blog and podcast episode (#204), I speak with international speaker and human connection specialist Mark Groves about the nature of human connection, common relationship mistakes we all make, how to improve our relationships, the difference between vulnerability and oversharing, how to embrace our emotions and connections, what women need to know about men, what men need to know about women, and so much more! One of the biggest things we need to realize is that love doesn’t just happen like some Disney movie. It is a skill set that everyone can learn. Indeed, relationships are hard work, and sometimes they end, and that is perfectly okay. We shouldn’t get trapped by society’s expectations or judgements about who or why we love or when we choose to walk away. Don’t stay in a relationship where you can’t be true to yourself. If you feel the need to perform all the time, then you will be unhappy. Mark believes that we need to talk about the nature of love and human connection everywhere, even in the corporate world. Love is not just some “ooy goey” thing. If you get good at one type of human connection, aspects of your other relationships will start to improve. This is why we need to invest in the way we relate to each other, especially in the workplace, which will create safer and more productive workplaces, by helping build “families” at work. To start improving the way we connect to others, especially in our romantic relationships, we need to focus on: 1. Communication issues. As the saying goes, it takes two to tango! Communication is a dance; each action and reaction will cause a response. 2. Thinking that the other person is always the issue or always wrong. What we tend to struggle with in any area of our lives will be magnified in our relationships, especially romantic ones. Don’t just assume it’s always the other person. What baggage are you perhaps bringing into the relationship? How can you deal with this and reconceptualize your own story? As I discussed on Mark’s podcast, what is happening in the brain with relation to our memories, relationships, and past experiences will affect how we function in any relationship. Thankfully, we can use mind-directed techniques to help relieve the intrusive thoughts that are affecting our relationships. For more on how to do this, listen to the interview! You can also check out my app SWITCH, which may be helpful during this process. It is a great tool for helping you learn how to manage your mind, deal with the roots of your mental chaos, and overcome negative thought patterns and behaviors that impact your mental health and relationships by using the mental process of reconceptualization. 3. A low tolerance for uncertainty. Make room for change in a relationship, and learn to trust that change. Don’t just say things like “you usually attack me, but not this time… so, what’s the catch?” or “why are you not shouting? I am suspicious….”. Have tolerance for not knowing how conversation will go all the time. 4. Being reactive when someone doesn’t agree with you. Remember, you can hold two different truths in your mind at the same time, even when you agree to disagree. This will not kill you, and it is possible to listen and hear what other people are saying even if they hold different viewpoints. Don’t give in to the current antagonistic climate, especially in your close relationships. Learn how to sit and be curious about someone else’s experience of the world without being threatened; observe and control your reactions instead of just letting loose all the time. You don’t have to make someone think like you if you are in a relationship. It is possible to co-exist with different perspectives. 5. Talking about the hard stuff. One of the most important things you can do in a relationship is to talk about the hard things in the relationship to the people who are in the relationship, not just friends or family. Make space for adult tantrums and difficult emotions; do not suppress or avoid these feelings, or they can destroy your relationship. If you partner is battling to express how they feel, be patient. Speaking about how you feel takes a lot of courage, and the person may get it wrong, so be understanding. It is also important to recognize that if someone doesn’t know how to hold space for their feelings, they won’t be able to have space for other people’s feelings, which often happens with men. Society has conditioned them to fix, provide or solve, not express what they feel. Not sure where to start? One relationship technique Mark loves is the imago dialogue: Only one person talks at a time. You request, “can you talk?”, then you agree to listen to that person without responding or adding in what you think or feel. You mirror back what they are saying, asking “did I get that right?”. This way of communicating will teach you to listen and hear what your partner is trying to communicate, rather than just arguing your side. When it comes to the way we connect and communicate with others, it is equally important that we know the difference between courageous vulnerability and wound-based oversharing. The first comes from place of self-worth (knowing that your story is validated by yourself, not others) and the second comes from a place of trying to justify or validate our own feelings and pain (which is based on feelings of insecurity). Always remember, how you tell your story matters, not what happened. Can you look at the pain and find the wisdom? Can you see what this experience is asking of you? How will you integrate this pain into your life and give it purpose? How will you learn and grow? We are held hostage by our pain when we haven’t learned from it. But what happens when your story changes? How do you deal with a major break up? Don’t say you shouldn’t feel the way you feel—this won’t make it go away. See the break up as a path to find and heal yourself. Stay sober & avoid new relationships. Stay away from anything that pulls you away from “you”. See the break up as an opportunity to learn about yourself and dive deep internally; take your anger and pain and channel it into a learning experience. Learn from the experience and ask yourself questions like, “Did I put my best self forward in the relationship?” or “Where did I maybe go wrong?” This article has been modified. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Leaf click here.

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Cooking Therapy Benefits for Stress + Mental Health

AHA Publisher — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 07:00:45 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – You probably already know that cooking the majority of your meals at home, rather than relying on takeout and restaurants, offers a number of health advantages, including keeping your calorie intake in check and saving you money. That’s not all, however, as cooking therapy — how does cooking make you feel? — is also beneficial for mental health. Cooking therapy, also referred to as culinary therapy or kitchen therapy, is one way to simultaneously “nourish your mind and feed your soul,” as described by a Psychology Today article. What are some of the best things about cooking therapy as a form of self-care? Not only can it help relieve anxiety, but it’s also accessible to just about everybody, actually saves you money (unlike most hobbies!), and produces a finished product that can be shared or just enjoyed on your own. Ready to get cooking? Find out more below about how cooking and baking can support both your physical and mental health in a number of unique ways. What Is Cooking Therapy? Cooking therapy/culinary therapy has been defined by some experts as “the therapeutic technique that uses arts, cooking, gastronomy, and an individual’s personal, cultural, and familial relationship with food to address emotional and psychological problems.” Preparing food is activity is one that you can do at home, and that can be incorporated into treatment plans at mental health clinics and therapist offices. Cooking and baking as a form of a stress relief is now recommended for people dealing with a wide range of health conditions, including depression, anxiety, chronic stress, eating disorders, ADHD and addiction. How can cooking relieve stress? According to a 2018 review, some of the many ways in which cooking (and baking therapy too) can help to reduce anxiety symptoms and perk up your mood include by giving you a sense of control, accomplishment and providing (for yourself and for whomever else you cook), while having a positive influence on socialization, self-esteem and overall quality of life. Cooking and Mental Health Why is cooking good for mental health? According to recent research focused on culinary therapy, here are some of the ways that cooking therapy can improve your mood and general well-being: Requires concentration, so can act a healthy distraction that allows you to slow down and “get out of your head.” Can serve as a form of mindfulness. As one author put it, “Cooking is meditation with the promise of a good meal afterward.” Awakens your senses, requiring you to pay attention to the present moment. Can help you get into a “flow state,” since it’s both challenging and enjoyable at the same time. Encourages you to learn new skills and expand your knowledge base. Provides an “escape” and breaks up the monotony of your daily routine, since there are always new recipes to try. Can improve quality of life among people coping with addictions and serious illnesses, such as cancer. May help you feel less anxious, depressed or overwhelmed, since cooking gives you a feeling of accomplishment and can also provide pleasure. Additionally, it’s a way to practice gratitude for the food available to you and can give you a boost in self-esteem if you take the time to appreciate and enjoy what you’ve made. Is cooking creative? Definitely, which is why some researchers also refer to cooking as “culinary art.” Both baking and cooking give you outlets to express yourself and produce something tangible of substance. It’s an added bonus that you can eat and share your work of art! Other Benefits of Cooking What are other advantages of cooking? If you need a nudge to spend more time in your kitchen, here are some other benefits of cooking: Physical benefits of cooking — Compared to sedentary hobbies like reading, watching TV or working on the computer, cooking and baking require you to be up on your feet, fetching ingredients, mixing, chopping and cleaning up afterward. It might not be an intense workout, but a cooking session is one way to do something that’s both fun and relatively active at the same time. It’s even been shown to decrease the risk of disability, loss of independence and malnutrition among elderly adults, since it requires multiple physical and mental skills to be utilized simultaneously. Benefits of cooking together as a family/couple — You might normally think of meal planning, cooking and cleaning up the mess as a hassle, but research suggests that exploring recipes together with your family/partner, planning and then cooking the meals as a team can actually be a fun way to gather, bond and enjoy time together. Saving money — If you typically rely on takeout and convenience foods, cooking more meals at home is a great way to eat healthy on a budget and start saving money. Cooking with seasonal, local produce is another money-saving solution, since not only are the ingredients fresh and taste great, but they may be cheaper too. Another way to keep costs down is to take inventory of ingredients you already have and then come up with creative new ways to use them. Eating healthier — Many studies have found that when people cook for themselves at home they tend to consume less calories overall and eat better-quality foods. If you take the time to carefully prepare a meal, you’re also less likely to zone out while eating and more inclined to to practice mindful eating, take your time and pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Supporting overall cognitive health — Studies have shown that when adults focus on eating simple, anti-inflammatory foods like greens, berries, nuts, seeds and fish, they tend to experience benefits related to their general well-being, including: Reduced oxidative stress/free radical damage Lower inflammation Protection against dementia, cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, weight gain, and metabolic syndrome Improved blood sugar Lowered risk for obesity Improved mobility and quality of life Healthy Recipes for the Mind One way to take the benefits of kitchen therapy to the next level is by preparing healthy, nourishing recipes that you can feel good about eating and sharing. Nutrient-dense foods are also supportive of cognitive/mental health and can even lower your risk for issues like depression and dementia. What types of foods should you focus on in order to take care of your mind? Those that are emphasized on the MIND diet, a healthy eating plan that has the goal of lowering your risk for cognitive disorders, include: Vegetables, especially leafy greens like spinach, kale, etc. All other fresh vegetables are also included, such as cruciferous veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms, green beans, etc. Fresh fruit, especially all types of berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, cranberries, etc. Nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, chia seeds and flaxseeds Beans and legumes, such as chickpeas, black beans, lentils, etc. Whole grains, such as oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, barley, farro, 100 percent whole-wheat breads, etc. Fish, particularly wild-caught, fatty fish like like salmon, sardines, halibut, trout, tuna and mackerel, which are the best sources of omega-3 fats Lean meats like poultry, ideally that are pasture-raised and not breaded or fried Olive oil, which is used as the “main cooking oil” and can also be drizzled over salad, veggies, etc. Need some more inspiration? If learning about new ingredients and exploring novel recipes make cooking more fun for you, try stocking your kitchen with some of these interesting, healthy ingredients: Bone broth (numerous ways to use this, including in soups, stews, marinades, omelets and even baked goods) Beetroot powder (great in smoothies, sauces, salad dressings and gravy) Cassava, tiger nut, banana and chickpea flours (try these gluten-free flours in baked goods, flat breads and more) Freekeh (an ancient grain that can sub in for buckwheat, quinoa or farro) Kombu (a type of seaweed used in soups, stews and salads) Natto (similar to miso, used in mostly Japanese dishes) Medicinal mushrooms (can be used to brew tea or make broths) Risks and Side Effects Are there any downsides to partaking in culinary therapy? Not really, as long as you don’t take it too seriously and put pressure on yourself. View it as a fun and creative activity, rather another chore or complicated task. Try easy recipes that you naturally feel drawn to, and don’t be hard on yourself if you improvise a recipe and wind up messing things up. Conclusion Cooking therapy, also called culinary or kitchen therapy, is a therapeutic technique that uses the art of cooking (or baking or gastronomy) to address emotional and psychological problems and improve mental health. What are the mental health benefits of cooking at home? Cooking can be relaxing, serves as a way of practicing mindfulness, improves concentration, can get you into a “flow state,” is a creative outlet and more. Other benefits of cooking include fostering connection with others, eating healthier overall, saving money, and supporting cognitive health in ways such as lowering inflammation and oxidative stress. A high-quality diet plays a major role in keeping your brain healthy. Therefore to get the most from cooking therapy, emphasize whole foods like greens, berries, nuts, seeds, whole grains and fish. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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How to Keep the Elderly Safe and Happy in a Pandemic

AHA Publisher — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 07:00:41 +0000

Nicky Blackburn via Israel21c – Should the elderly stay home during the Covid crisis, how do we know if they are depressed, what can we do to raise their spirits? We asked four experts for their advice. It’s a tough time everywhere in the world right now, as the numbers suffering from Covid-19 continue to rise. And hardest hit of all are the elderly. Asked to shelter in place for months already, some are now being told they must continue to stay put indefinitely, while others are being told it’s fine to go out, even while pandemic numbers rise. As part of a new series, Ask the Experts, we invited readers to send in questions they might have about how to keep elderly friends and relatives healthy and safe during corona, and asked four professionals in the gerontology field to answer them. The experts are Prof. Efraim Jaul, the Director of Geriatrics at Herzog Medical Center; Yonit Zabari, Director of the Department of Social Work at Herzog Medical Center; Dr. Amnon Raviv, a professional medical clown and college instructor; and Dvora Corn, a Jerusalem-based family and marital therapist specializing in aging, illness and end-of-life issues. She is cofounder of Gisha L’chaim – Life’s Door, helping people cope with death and loss. Find out what they said below. Question: In many places around the world we seem to be going into a second wave of corona, but some governments are keeping everything open. What should elderly people do in this case? Is it better for old people to just stay at home until this crisis is finally over? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “It is important for older people to go out. Loneliness and staying indoors can be more problematic than corona, causing depression and other issues. One should be careful when outdoors — wear a mask, do not stay in closed areas, keep two meters (6 feet) apart, and meet with friends in open areas.” Dr. Amnon Raviv “This is an open question. It is clear now that old people are at risk. Staying at home for long periods of time can be depressing, so if you decide to do this, I recommend you meet your loved ones not only through virtual platforms but also for real. Keep 10 meters’ (approx. 30 feet) distance (from your balcony, for example) and you can meet safely and share your feelings with the family. This is extremely important for your mental wellbeing.” Dvora Corn “The question of how elderly people, or any individual in what has been identified as high risk groups, ought to behave during this health pandemic is complex and highly personal. As with many choices, decision making may be based on a risk-benefit equation which takes into consideration not only physical health but other factors which influence quality of life. “In this corona time, which is fraught with so many unknowns, the capacity to plan is further challenged by the reality that we have no clear end-point and as such one may be challenged to sustain plans or may want to reconsider choices as time progresses. “As a guideline to assist in these challenging times, it is often helpful to begin with an examination of values that one senses are core elements of that person’s meaningful existence. For instance, in asking oneself the question ‘What makes my life worthwhile?’ or even ‘What makes a day a good one for me?’ we begin to understand those unique activities without which one’s life becomes less satisfying or even, tragically, unbearable. “As such, one may opt to run the risk of serious illness and even death, if they deem that a life without these elements (e.g. family connection, or other social interactions, time in nature) is not a ‘life worth living.’ While this may seem harsh or even irresponsible behavior, as a society we owe this right to every human being– to choose how he or she wants to live. “The question, if at all possible, should be posed to the individual elderly person to engage in an honest reflection. It is never too early to engage in ‘The Conversation,’ examining core values and sharing choices on how to live, especially in the face of potential illness. Many tools to assist in this process exist and some can be found on www.lifesdoor.org.” Question: Is there anything old people can do to improve their chances of survival if they do catch corona? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “Eating properly is very important. Drink a lot of liquids; eat fresh fruit and vegetables; meals should be light but ensure to include protein, for example eggs.” Dr. Amnon Raviv “Like any other life-threatening disease you would be able to fight the disease better if your spirit is high. Using lots of humor, lifting the spirit with playing and singing good music, dancing (even in your bed if you don’t have much energy), meeting with your beloved ones to share good memories or singing together.” Question: I’ve heard that vitamin D helps you fight corona. What level of vitamin D should we be taking every day? Are there other vitamins or food supplements that might help? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “Assuming one is eating healthy as outlined above, Vitamin D 4000 units is recommended on a daily basis. Vitamin D is known to keep bones healthy and reduces depression. If one is not eating a healthy and balanced diet, Vitamin B and B complex vitamin are recommended as well.” Dr. Amnon Raviv “Your physician probably would be able to answer this question, but I can add to the list other very important vitamins you should have: vitamins L, E & H (love, empathy & humor). It would be great if you could have a big quantity of those, as they would strengthen your immune system as well.” Question: How can my family and I lift the spirits of an elderly family member, who is isolated in a nursing home? He can only see his family through a window, which makes him happy, but at the same time frustrated and sad that he cannot physically be in the same room as us. With the lockdown continuing on in California, it is very challenging for him (and us too). Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “Meeting with the elderly in an outdoor area (e.g. garden) is very important and should be implemented where possible and as much as possible. Communication must be more than just through a window. We encourage use of tablets, as well as frequent phone calls during the day.” Dr. Amnon Raviv “It is very important to do something together. After sharing how you feel and finding out how everyone is, it is highly recommended to do something enjoyable together. For example, if you have good memories from a vacation that you had in the past, try together to remember every funny detail. You can sing songs that you like together or you can tell jokes to each other. The emphasis is on doing enjoyable things and less on discussing negative feelings.” Dvora Corn “We know that the frustration of social distancing may be hard on both the elderly as well as their family members. Further, many older people with cognitive impairment find the technological alternatives such as Zoom to be anxiety producing and overstimulating. Living with these restrictions challenges us to find new and creative solutions. “We have found that setting goals and engaging in activities that are meaningful to both parties– even if they are not done in the same space — provides a sense of connection. This may include doing a ‘book club’ and setting times to share thoughts about the books, or doing creative arts and showing one another how each is progressing in such projects. “The benefit of these sorts of activities, beyond being engaged in a pleasurable task, is that they carry us forward and allow us to plan for interactions with family members which are content based (‘Show me the scarf you are knitting’ or ‘How is your orchid plant doing?’). “These corona times have actually opened up new or dormant vistas for engagement and sharing. While none of us chose to live through a pandemic, we can find deeper meaning and connection, despite the physical space between us.” Question: I’m worried that my parent/grandparent is suffering from loneliness, but they put on a brave face when I ask them about it. How can we tell if an elder may need professional counseling or other forms of help, and what can I say to help? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “Try to determine if they are following a daily routine, i.e. sleeping well, eating healthy and balanced meals, and if they have an appetite. These are all indicators for depression. Frequent phone calls and use of video calls are important. Encourage them to go out for a short walk outdoors.” Dr. Amnon Raviv “You can say how much you love them and show them how much you care for them. Everybody will feel less lonely if they feel loved. The virus makes everybody feel lonely, especially elderly people, and it is our privilege, but also obligation, to take care of them. If you feel that they need professional counseling ask them first what would help them, and then see how, and in what way, you can assist with professional counseling.” Dvora Corn “Loneliness has been a growing problem in the Western world over the past decade. The challenges of corona have exacerbated the demographic trends in the increased number of elderly (what has been termed the ‘Gray Tsunami’), with social isolation being the cause of many serious health problems ranging from depression to malnutrition and cognitive decline. “While we want to support an older person’s need to feel a sense of dignity and autonomy, as concerned family members we want to monitor and take action if we see early signs of these sequelae. In such situations, an assessment by a professional who understands the needs of the elderly would be advised.” Question: My family of three in NY has been home since March 2 and is scrupulous about social distancing. My husband and I work from home, my son attended school on Zoom, and we only have grocery deliveries. We have mostly avoided being in public, except for occasional walks. My father is age 86 and lives an hour from my house. Come the fall, when my son restarts high school in person, I am afraid for our family to be around his grandfather. Is there any safe way to see him? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “We are always faced with risks and have to make decisions. Your father should not be alone. We would encourage you to visit but keep in mind the following: Do not stay in a closed area, the visit must be outdoors, everyone should wear a mask. Everyone should maintain social distancing, especially your teenaged son. If outdoors is not available, ensure that the indoor area is well ventilated and windows are kept open.” Dr. Amnon Raviv “It is hard not to celebrate the Jewish [holidays] together. What we should keep in mind is that hundreds of laboratories around the world are working to produce a vaccine to the pandemic. The estimated time for having the vaccine is around a year from now, so we should encourage ourselves and our family to be patient. Soon enough we would be able to celebrate the Jewish chagim together again. In the meantime, try to stay safe and celebrate together on Zoom.” Question: I live in a different country from my parents, who are in their 80s. Flights now seem to be resuming, even though corona isn’t over. Is it safe for me to fly there and stay with them in their home or should I stay in a hotel? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “Currently it would be preferable to travel by car only. We are concerned about traveling by...

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