Whether it's seeing the northern lights over Mount Washington or peering down into the Grand Canyon, we have all experienced the universal emotion of awe. Amazingly, it's a state of mind that has been largely neglected by scientists until recently. Now, researchers are beginning to understand that the feeling of being truly awestruck is one that can enhance our overall health and well-being.

Psychological scientists at Stanford University and the University of Minnesota devised a way to study this feeling of awe in the laboratory. Across three different experiments, their research found that jaw-dropping moments changed perceptions of time for participants, which made them feel like they had more time available.

The researchers defined awe as something which is "vast in size, scope, number, ability, or importance and also capable of altering our worldview." Interestingly, one often-cited physical response that may best distinguish awe from other emotions is the presence of "goose bumps."

The effects that awe has on decision-making and well-being can best be explained by its ability to actually change our subjective experience of time by slowing it down. Experiences of awe help to bring us into the present moment which, in turn, adjusts our perception of time, influences our decisions, and makes life feel more satisfying than it would otherwise.

Other scientists have confirmed that keeping awe alive in our life helps reduce the risk for mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, often present in those facing the challenges of chronic health issues. Research also has demonstrated that a sense of awe can promote more efficient brain function and an improved cardiovascular system. It also seems to make us more patient, less materialistic and more willing to spend time helping others.

We don't have to take expensive vacations or learn to skydive to experience awe. Reading, volunteering, and reminiscing with family and friends can play a part in changing how we view our place in the world. Interacting with like-minded, positive people, practicing random acts of kindness, and engaging in stimulating conversations make us more likely to adopt a positive attitude.

That's a prescription worth heeding as an antidote to the physical and mental effects of aging. Older people can share their life experience and knowledge with younger generations through mentoring or volunteering. In return, young people share their energy and an exciting new view of the world. Consider stepping outside your comfort zone by taking a class or starting a new hobby. Live every moment to the fullest and strive to keep your mind engaged, positive and hopeful.

Being in the presence of awe-inspiring sights and sounds can expand our perceptions of time and thus enhance our quality of life. The take-away here seems to be that we all need to seek out more of those humbling, truly wondrous experiences that can make us appreciate the moment and leave us with a lingering sense of the beauty of life.

Now that's awesome.

•••

Visiting Nurse, Home Care & Hospice is proud to be one of the presenters of the Be Kind Festival in Schouler Park during the upcoming weekend of May 17 through 19. For more information on all the planned activities, visit the festival website at BeKindFest.com or call (603) 356-7006 or 1-800-499-4171.

•••

"Home Care Matters" is a bi-weekly column sharing information on today's important home health issues. The articles are written by Sandra Ruka, RN MSN and Sharon Malenfant, MS APR for Visiting Nurse, Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County.

CONWAY — Cynthia Holloran, MS, APRN, has joined the Saco River Medical Group Primary Care practice in its new Glen clinic located in Grant's Plaza on Route 302.

She comes to Saco River from an internal medicine practice in northern New Hampshire where she has been practicing for the past nine years. She is currently accepting new patients 16 years of age and older.

Holloran received her nursing diploma from New England Deaconess Hospital (now Beth Israel Deaconess) in Boston. She received her bachelor of science in nursing from University of New Hampshire before returning to Boston where she earned her master of science in nursing from Northeastern University. She is currently certified as both an acute care and adult primary care nurse practitioner.

Holloran has lived in the valley for more than 30 years, living first in Conway for several years before moving to Jackson with her husband Bob. Before becoming a nurse practitioner she worked for several years at the Memorial Hospital in the operating room and intensive care unit. She was instrumental in starting the cardiac rehabilitation program Heart Helpers at the hospital. She continues to be involved in teaching cardiac care and providing care for cardiac patients.

Holloran believes that being a primary care provider gives her the privilege to develop long-term relationships with her patients and their families. This fosters the openness and trust that is essential to providing good care. She feels partnering with patients is vital in successfully treating chronic medical problems. She also says that having a primary care provider is so important now that patients are seeing so many specialists. The PCP is the only one that sees the patient as a whole and can coordinate care.

The primary care practice at the new Glen clinic is now open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Holloran is joined in Glen by Gretchen Lockhard MD, Ross Emery MD and Sohaib Siddiqui, MD. Patients that have been seen at the Conway facility can now be seen at the Glen facility without transferring their records. To make an appointment you can call either 383-3005 or 447-3500.

A free Celiac disease information session will be given 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at Rafferty's Restaurant, located on Kearsarge Street in North Conway Village.

The guest speaker, Dona Forke, is a Hannaford dietician. Forke will be speaking on nutrition, reading gluten-free and all labels, and improving food choices.

Celiacs, Diabetics & Everyone can benefit from this forum. All are welcome. As always, there will be gluten-free samples and giveaways. To RSVP and for more information call 356-6460.

CONWAY — The Red Cross will hold a blood drive Thursday, May 23, at the North Conway Grand Hotel in North Conway between  2 and 7 p.m., sponsored by TD Bank. All presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free quart of Stonyfield Organic Yogurt.

Call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment.