Candles are simple tools that can encourage us to become present in the moment. They are often used to facilitate meditation and prayer. By focusing on a single flame, some people achieve a meditative state more easily. Meditation candles—often grouped in sets of three—can help people focus on the cleansing and illumination of body, mind and spirit as each wick is lit. “Candles create an atmosphere: they add instant ambience to any room. Even just a single candle softens everything immediately,” says Massage Manager April Amstutz of Canyon Ranch in Tucson. “And they can be primal, since you’re dealing with fire. I don’t know anyone who is not mesmerized by a flickering flame. It creates a less-sterile environment that is alive and in the moment.”

Recent news reports have focused on the topic of adjusting cholesterol levels for good heart health. Some research suggests people should reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) to levels significantly below what was considered acceptable in the past. But how low should your cholesterol really be to promote heart health? The research published over the last two years seems to support the idea that the target for LDL cholesterol should be below 80. The previous guidelines recommended 130 for prevention of heart disease and 100 for treatment of people with established disease.