Pencil Thin

Over the last few months we have been making a concerted effort to become a more active family. This is not to say we are lazy and sit around watching television all the time. In fact we chose years ago to fore go cable altogether. In spite of this we have each picked up a few vices that sometimes get in the way of being as active as we could be. To correct this we began seeking out fun ways as a family to inject more activity into our lives. Our oldest son has become quite taken with our new routine. I have found that if we make a game out of exercise it projects a positive image and really makes him look forward to it. Some nights we all take turns on the treadmills trying to out pace one another. Other day’s we grab our ninja gear, pirate hats, or super hero costumes for a game of ultra fast paced hide and seek in the backyard. It seems the more creativity we put into our family workouts the less like working out for all of us.

With the epidemic of obesity in our country and the sheer number of children who are overweight I feel we owe it to our children to role model healthy living. One thing I do believe is important is to simply make healthy choices an underlying part of how you live your life. Children can be encouraged into active lifestyles without every being made aware that “it is good for them”. Gently guiding our children to make healthy choices by our own good behavior is one of the best lessons we as parents can offer them. I would be interested to know your thoughts on family fitness and what you do to promote your children’s good health?

When I was expecting my second son I experience heartburn unlike anything I have ever had before. While this was a temporary situation it gave me significant appreciation for those who have ongoing issues with this problem. These are a few tips for avoiding with heartburn:

Heartburn can often be eliminated by avoiding:

* Smoking
* Fatty food in the diet
* Caffeine
* Chocolate
* Peppermint
* Overeating
* Bed-time snacks
* Tight-fitting clothes that constrict the abdomen
* Certain medications
* Heavy lifting, straining

All the things I love ~ Caffeine, chocolate, snacks, and fatty food LOL!

You have heard it all your life that leading a healthy life is related to proper diet and nutrition. Nutrition is also a vital component to aging well. These are just a few tips to consider regarding nutrition as we age:

1. Nutrition plays a role in cardiovascular disease, some malignancies, adult-onset diabetes, osteoporosis, alcoholism, and recovery from major injury.
2. Malnutrition can weaken the immune system, impair healing following surgery or injury, lessen mobility, and reduce mental capabilities and function. It is common in older adults.
3. To maintain good health, total fat intake should be reduced to 30% or less of calories. Saturated fat intake should only account for 10% (one third of fat calories). Salt and alcohol intake also should be limited.
4. Dietary fat content composed primarily of monounsaturated fat (eg, olive oil) and polyunsaturated fat (eg, canola, corn and fish oils) may be associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.
5. Foods to be avoided include whole milk and dairy products (ice cream, cheese, butter); commercially baked goods (cookies and crackers); hot dogs, ham, and cold cuts; and oils, gravies, and salad dressing.

More and more studies are showing links between various health problems and poor sleep habits. It really behooves each of us to do everything possible to ensure a good night’s rest to possibly prevent resulting health problems. One simple thing each of can do to encourage good sleep is make sure we are sleeping on comfortable bedding. It is nearly impossible to fall deeply asleep when you bed or pillow are lumpy and worn out. One of the most comfortable sleeping materials available is down. A good down pillow, feather bed, or comforter can go a long way towards creating a great sleep environment. DownDeals offer some of the best down bedding available anywhere at incredible values. These are the exact same products you might find at high end department stores for hundreds of dollars more. Down bedding is an investment that will last for years to come and one that your mind and body will thank you for.

We have been trying to encourage our children to lead a healthy lifestyle. As a part of this we support them in trying new sports to see if they enjoy them. So far our oldest shows little interest what so ever in sports. This led me to investigate if possibly this is just his nature or maybe we have been trying sports that aren’t age appropriate. After reviewing these guidelines it seems very likely he just simply isn’t interested in sports at this time.

These are suggested activities base on age. You still have to consider skill and developmental level.

Ages 2 to 3
Very young kids are beginning to master many basic movements — running, catching, jumping — and they’re too young for most types of structured exercise. Try:

* Running and walking, in a yard or playground
* Swinging on a yard or playground set
* Supervised water play
* Toddler gymnastics classes led by professionals
* Tumbling

Ages 4 to 6

* Dancing
* Games such as hopscotch or tag
* Jumping rope
* Playing catch with a lightweight ball
* Riding a tricycle or a bike with training wheels

After age 6, children’s motor skills and sense of safety improve. Your child may also be ready for team sports.

Ages 7 to 10

* Baseball
* Gymnastics
* Soccer
* Swimming
* Tennis
* Biking

Age 10 and up

* Carefully supervised weight training
* Organized team sports
* Rowing
* Running and track and field events
* Softball

When it comes to organized sports, make sure your child really wants to play. Never force a child to participate or join a team. Also consider your child’s schedule. Children who are already signed up for music lessons and the school play may feel overwhelmed if athletics are added to the mix.

It is amazing the number of car seats that are either not installed properly or used inappropriately. Just the other day I followed a car down the road where 5 children clearly under 5 were piled in the back seat and not a car seat in sight. All I could envision was the nightly news detailing children being hurt in an accident. I know this is the exception but it has placed car seat safety on my mind:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

* Always put your child in a car seat, starting with the baby’s first ride home from the hospital.
* Install the car seat in the automobile’s back seat, never in the front where there’s an airbag.
* Always read the seat’s instructions, including how to install it, and how to attach and detach the seat and base.
* Keep the instructions and owner’s manual as long as you have the car seat.

I have noticed that on days when I don’t eat a good breakfast I usually end up blowing my nutritional goals. When I don’t eat breakfast I often just grab anything and shove it in my mouth. This then starts a vicious downward spiral because I figure I already consumed some garbage so what is a bit more going to hurt. Eating a good breakfast set the pace for my day. These are few quick and easy healthy breakfast ideas:

Breakfast Fruit Cup

Ingredients
2 oranges, peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 banana, peeled and sliced
1 Tbsp. golden raisins
1/2 cup plain lowfat yogurt
1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Directions
* In a small bowl, combine fruit.
* Divide fruit equally into 4 bowls.
* Put a rounded tablespoon of yogurt over fruit in each bowl and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon.
* Makes 4 servings.

This is an official 5 A Day recipe.
Recipe provided by Carol Withers.
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving: Calories, 84; Fat, 1g; Fiber, 2g; Cholesterol, 2mg; Sodium, 23mg; percent calories from fat, 8%.

Microwave Breakfast Cobbler

Ingredients
1 can (16 oz.) drained sliced peaches
1 can (16 oz.) drained pear halves
(can substitute 2 16oz. cans fruit cocktail for peaches & pears)
1 cup (6 oz.) pitted prunes, halved
1 tsp. grated orange peel
1-1/2 cups lowfat granola cereal

Directions
* In 6-cup shallow microwave bowl toss peaches, pears, prunes, orange peel and orange juice.
* Top with granola. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes.
* Let stand for 2 minutes. Spoon into bowls.
* Serve with plain yogurt if desired.
* Makes 4 to 6 servings.

This is an official 5 A Day recipe.
Recipe provided by the California Prune Board.
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving: Calories, 274; Fat, 3g; Fiber, 7g; Cholesterol, 0mg; Sodium, 3g; percent calories from fat, 9%.

Golden Apple Oatmeal

Ingredients
1/2 cup (about 1/2 medium) diced Golden Delicious apple
1/3 cup each apple juice and water
1/8 tsp. salt (optional)
Dash each ground cinnamon and nutmeg
1/3 cup quick-cooking rolled oats, uncooked

Directions
* Combine apples, juice, water and seasonings; bring to boil.
* Stir in rolled oats; cook 1 minute.
* Cover and let stand several minutes before serving.
* Makes 1 cup serving.

This is an official 5 A Day recipe.
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving; Calories, 180; Fiber, 4g; Cholesterol, 0; Sodium, 25mg; Percent calories from: Protein, 10%; Carbohydrate, 80%; Fat, 10%.

These are some recipes for different flavors of protein shakes. I like to take the basic idea and use my own variations. Add or subtract to suit your taste. Protein shakes are great for a quick breakfast, snack, or meal on the run.

* Vanilla Nut
* Basic Vanilla Protein
* Add: 1/2 -1 chopped green apple
* 1 tablespoon Greenergy
* 1/4 cup raw almonds
* Ice

* Tropical Dream
* Basic Chocolate Protein
* Add: 1/2-1 cup of frozen pineapple

* Almond Peach Delight
* Vanilla Protein
* Add: 1/2-1 cup frozen peaches
* 1/2 tsp almond extract
* 1/2 tsp cinnamon

* Blueberry Vanilla Pear
* Vanilla Protein
* Add: 1/4-1/2 cup frozen blueberries
* 1/4-1/2 cup chopped pear
* Ice

* Blue Mango Heaven
* Vanilla Protein
* Add: 1/4-1/2 cup frozen mango
* 1/3-1/2 cup blueberries

* Melon madness
* Vanilla Protein
* Add: 1/4-1/2 cup frozen watermelon

One of my goals lately has been to try to include more fruit in my diet. I love fruit but it just never seems to be my top choice or rather it is too easy to grab something else instead. If you are only going to eat a little fruit each day it is important to make sure it packs a nutritional punch. These are some of the top choices you can make when it comes to fruit:

1. Avocado
2. Papaya
3. Guava
4. Cantaloupe
5. Orange
6. Apricots (dried, unsulfured)
7. Mango
8. Strawberries (organic)
9. Kiwi
10. Grapefruit (pink or red)

This is based on nutrients: vitamin C, fiber, carotenoids, calcium, and folic acid.

We are dealing with a powerful winter storm here in the NorthEast that is dumping snow at an amazing rate. Most of us who live in colder climates are used to have some sort of cold weather precautions that we follow. Surprisingly a few do not. I was speaking with a good friend this morning who saw no problem with sending her children out to play in -28 below wind chills. Not given to common sense she also mentioned one of the children was recuperating from mild pneumonia. In honor of my common senseless friend I am posting some cold weather precautions we should all consider:

Taken from the St. Louis County Health Department:

The elderly and very young should stay indoors as much as possible.

Wear layered clothing outdoors for better protection from the cold. Wear a cap to prevent rapid heat loss from an uncovered head.

While indoors, try to keep at least one room heated to 70 degrees. This is especially important for the elderly and small children to prevent hypothermia.

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.

Eat high energy foods along with warm beverages and soup.

Sleep warm with extra blankets, a warm cap, socks and layered clothing.

Avoid fatigue and exhaustion during cold weather.

Carry extra clothing, blankets and high energy snacks, such as cereal or candy bars in your car for protection if car stalls. Keep the gas tank near full to prevent icing. Don’t travel alone.

Be careful when using fireplaces, stoves or space heaters to stay warm. Carbon monoxide poisoning and home fires are very real winter hazards.

My school years are a blur that I would just as soon forget. From kindergarten through high school I was one of those people that never quite fit in anywhere. This is not to say I didn’t have friends but in hindsight they were more people who accepted me because I made myself fit into a mold set by them. What you can never seem to predict is who is going to bully you and as one of those semi-outsiders I experience a childhood fraught with bullying. This is something that can make you feel completely alone in a sea of people who seem to sail by untouched by the cruelty of bullies.

I was amazed to read that a recent study found 90% of us have been bullied. If this is indeed true that would indicate that bullying also begets bullying. In other words those who dish it out are somewhere reaping what they sow. It makes me wonder what happened to the “Charlotte’s” and “Maryann’s” and “Tammy’s” of the world who pointed out my apparent flaws, took my lunch, and taunted me on a daily basis for over 12 years of my life?

Bullying is cruel and I for one never dished out what was given to me. I can however see that as an adult I choose those whom I become “true” friends carefully. I tend to keep my distance from those people who try to manipulate others or encourage “group thought”. Even in adult social circles I have observed underlying bullying that takes place where an entire group is controlled by the thoughts and beliefs of a single person. As much as I want to be included in groups I refuse to change my belief system, parenting style, or whatnot to be accepted.

I guess in reality I know what happened to the “Charlotte’s”, “Tammy’s”, and “Maryann’s”PTA’s, sports groups, coffee club’s, and gatherings of the world who point out the flaws in my children, decide where and when the group meets, work underhandedly to out members’ that don’t meet her standards or threaten them, and destroy friendships and on and on…

To the “Charlotte’s”, “Tammy’s”, and “Maryann’s” or the world I say “Nanny nanny booboo” and walk the other way with my head held high and my dignity in tact because I need more out of this world than you have to offer. I am too cool for that

One of the biggest challenges I have in sticking to a diet is when I am dining out. It is so easy to get caught up in the experience and make poor food choices that can throw your entire day off. One thing I have been trying to do more often is to research a restaurant before I go out to eat. For example if I am going away and will be dining at several different. I look them up online before leaving for my trip. By familiarizing myself with the menu and options available I am in a better position to make good food choices in advance of dining out and when I actually get the restaurant. This way I don’t feel under the gun to choose a meal but instead enter the restaurant with something healthy already in mind. Quite often I never feel compelled to look at the menu and can resist the temptation of less healthy meal choices.

We are just nearing the time of year when the buzz of lawn mowers will start filling the air. Each year needless accidents occur because people fail to adhere to lawn mower safety guidelines. Why put yourself or your children in harms way? Current advice about lawn mower safety suggests:

* Children younger than age 6 should be kept indoors while a power mower is being used.
* No child younger than age 12 should use a walk-behind mower.
* Children under age 16 should not be on riding mowers, even if they’re with an adult.
* If you’re mowing and see a child running toward you, turn off the mower immediately. Children can fall and slip into the blade, especially if the grass is wet.
* Wear protective goggles and closed-toe shoes when operating a mower or when near one.
* Before mowing, clear the lawn of debris such as sticks and stones, which may get caught in the mower blades and be propelled out.
* If someone suffers a mower-related injury, call 911 immediately and apply pressure to the wound to stop bleeding while you wait for an ambulance.
* Buy mowers with a no-reverse safety feature that requires the operator to turn around and look behind before shifting the mower into reverse.

While not the excuse I was looking for research has discovered another difference in the make-up of overweight people!

Researchers have isolated a gene variant that is found in people who weigh more than others. The gene is called FTO and at this point it is unknown exactly what the gene does… (big help that is LOL)… but the gene is showing up consistently in those with weight problems.

Scientists found that those who had one copy of the gene variation had a 30 percent increased risk of obesity, and carriers of two copies had almost a 70 percent increased risk.

It would be nice to hope that one day a cure for obesity will be found but until that happens information like this just stirs false hope in my opinion. To beat obesity we have to face the undeniable facts that it is our poor diets and lack of exercise that make us live as we are.

Whenever anyone asks me what I would like for a gift they always seem surprised by my response. Without hesitation I ask to be sent to any of the Toronto hotels in the area for a night or two by myself. This is not a statement in any way about my love for my husband or family. Quite simply it is really about enabling me to be a better wife and mother. A night in a hotel by myself gives me the opportunity to just be alone with my thought, a good book, and remember what makes me tick. As a wife and mother I think we often forget to take time for ourselves and become lost in caring for everyone else. Just a single night away allows me to come back rested, rejuvenated, and ready to excel at the life I love with my family. What wife or mother couldn’t use a night in a nice hotel taking an endless bubble bath while reading a great book and ordering room service?

If you are feeling depressed then consider a little dirt therapy. No, I am talking about a dirt nap!

Researchers have found soil friendly bacteria that seem to boost the immune system as well as antidepressant medications!

…the microbes are affecting the brain indirectly by causing immune cells to release chemicals called cytokines. The stimulated nerves cause certain neurons in the brain to release a chemical called serotonin into the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain known to be involved in mood regulation, among other things.

“Only a very small number of neurons in the brain make serotonin, but they have massive branching projections to every part of the brain,” Lowry said.

Scientists think the lack of serotonin in the brain is thought to cause depression in people.

As someone who enjoys gardening this makes me think twice about wearing gardening gloves. Despite my aversion for the feel of soil on my hands maybe my brain will thank me?

You have heard it a dozen times but I am telling you again. After having worked for ENT physicians for over a decade I have seen every possible devastating effect of smoking in adult. Loss of the tongue, cheek, lips, larynx, lungs, and many other structures is common with cancer from smoking.

Smoking not only effects children over time by possibly shortening life and causing increased risk of cancer it has short term health risks as well. The American Lung Association reports :

Secondhand smoke is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under 18 months of age, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year, and causes 1,900 to 2,700 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) deaths in the United States annually.11

Secondhand smoke exposure may cause buildup of fluid in the middle ear, resulting in 700,000 to 1.6 million physician office visits per year.12 Secondhand smoke can also aggravate symptoms in 400,000 to 1,000,000 children with asthma.13

In my quest to learn everything that I can about developing websites and effectively using the internet I frequently come across new and confusing terminology. Just this week in my reading I stumbled upon the word web proxy and had absolutely no clue what this was or why anyone would need one. So I set off to find answers and determined that a web proxy is a site such as that allows internet surfers 100% complete privacy while browsing their favorite websites. This means that no matter where a web user is searching from: home, school, or office the sites and information conveyed in the process of conducint internet searches and browsing remain confidential. Web based proxies like Xoxy hide even the searches IP address by conducting searches through the services website browser. When the situation requires anonymity this is a tremendous option to consider. I can think of many times over the years when this sort of service would have come in handy. I actually know someone who was fired from their job for checking out a head hunter’s website from her office. She inadvertently made this query on a shared computer and all of her search was shown in the history as well as her personal data!

There a few basic components you should look for when choosing a multivitamin. Remember that more ingredients is not necessarily better. Many vitamins contain numerous extras you just don’t need.

make sure the MVI offers at least 100 percent of the Daily Value (DV-indicated on the label) for all of the following vitamins:

• B-1 (thiamin),
• B-2 (riboflavin),
• B-3 (niacin),
• B-12,
• B-6 (at least 100 mg),
• Vitamins C, D, E ( < 100 mg of vitamin E)
• 18 mg of iron, and
• At least 100 mg of magnesium

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Today I decided to investigate how much fat intake is considered acceptable for an average diet. This formula does not consider if you are trying to loose weight but rather a goal of maintaining. Obviously anything below this calculation along with exercise should equate to weight loss.

To determine the number of calories and fat grams you need to consume each day in order to lose or gain weight, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian.

1. Write your body weight in the equation that fits your activity level and gender. Then, multiply.

1. Moderately active male:
_____ pounds x 15 calories = _____ total calories per day.

2. Moderately active female:
____ pounds x 12 calories = _____ total calories per day.

3. Relatively inactive male:
____ pounds x 13 calories = _____ total calories per day.

4. Relatively inactive female:
____ pounds x 10 calories = _____ total calories per day.

2. Take total calories and multiply by 30 percent.
____ calories per day x .30 = ____ calories from fat per day.

3. Take calories from fat per day and divide by 9 (there are 9 calories per gram of fat):
____ calories from fat per day divided by 9 =____ fat grams per day.

Remember, saturated fats should account for only 10 percent of the total fat grams consumed.

The other day I wasn’t watching what I was doing stood up quickly and whacked my head extremely hard on the railing in our basement. It was hard enough not only to cut me but also hurt for quite some time. This has me thinking about caring for head injuries at home. Obviously the best person to treat and evaluate injuries is a doctor but in the meantime consider:
Minor head injuries may be cared for at home.

* Bleeding under the scalp, but outside the skull, creates “goose eggs” or large bruises at the site of a head injury. They are common and will go away on their own with time. Using ice immediately after the trauma may help decrease their size.

o Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Ice should be applied for 20-30 minutes at a time and can be repeated about every 2-4 hours as needed. There is little benefit after 24 hours.

o Use a light washcloth as a barrier and wrap the ice in it. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in cloth. This conforms nicely to the shape of the head.

o Make your own ice pack by adding 1/3 cup of 70% isopropyl alcohol (the green-colored kind is best to help identify it later) to 2/3 cup of water in a zip-lock-style bag (double bag it to prevent leaking). The mixture turns into “slush.” Freeze this homemade ice pack for use when needed. Caution: If you have small children in your home, watch them carefully when using the ice pack. Drinking the mixture can be poisonous.

o Commercially available ice packs use chemicals to create cold. They are designed to be kept in a first-aid kit and need not be kept frozen. These can be applied directly to the skin, although a barrier can also be used if bleeding is present. They must be disposed of after a single use but can be handy in case of emergencies.

* When a minor head injury results from a fall onto carpet or other soft surface and the height of the fall is less than the height of the person who fell and there is no loss of consciousness (in other words, the person was not “knocked out”), a doctor’s visit is not usually needed. Apply ice to lessen swelling.

The subject of bicycle helmets came up yesterday while I was having coffee with the girls. I realized that I really had never considered having a helmet fitted but simply just took my kidlet to the local retail store and found one that seemed to fit his noggin. Feeling like a terrible mom I decided to investigate what makes for a good fitting helmet. These are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

Snug:
You want the helmet to be comfortably touching the head all the way around, level and stable enough to resist even violent shakes or hard blows and stay in place. It should be as low on the head as possible to maximize side coverage, and held level on the head with the strap comfortably snug.

1. Adjust the fit pads or ring
Helmets that fit with pads come with at least one set of foam fitting pads, and if you got a second set of thicker pads it can be used to customize the shape. For starters, you can often remove the top pad entirely or use the thinnest ones. This lowers the helmet on the head, bringing its protection down further on the sides. It may reduce the flow of cooling air slightly, but probably not enough to notice.

Adjust the side fit pads by using thicker pads if your head is narrow and there is a space, or add thicker pads in the back for shorter heads. You may also move pads around, particularly on the “corners” in the front and rear. Leaving some gaps will improve air flow. The pads should touch your head evenly all the way around, without making the fit too tight. The pads may compress slightly over time, but not much, so do not count on that to loosen the fit. The helmet should sit level on the head, with the front just above the eyebrows, or if the rider uses glasses, just above the frame of the glasses. If you walk into a wall, the helmet should hit before your nose does!

There are also helmets on the market that use a fitting ring rather than side pads for adjustment. With these one-size-fits-all models you begin by adjusting the size of the ring. Some of them may require the ring so tight for real stability on your head that they feel binding, but loosening the ring can produce a sloppy fit, indicating that the helmet is not for you.

2. Adjust the straps
Now put the helmet on and fasten the buckle. Be sure the front is in front! You want to adjust it to the “Eye-Ear-Mouth” test developed by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine:

* When you look upward the front rim should be barely visible to your eye

* The Y of the side straps should meet just below your ear

* The chin strap should be snug against the chin so that when you open your mouth very wide you feel the helmet pull down a little bit.

With the helmet in position on your head, adjust the length of the rear straps, then the length of the front straps, to locate the Y fitting where the straps come together just under your ear. That may involve sliding the straps across the top of the helmet to get the length even on both sides. Then adjust the length of the chin strap so it is comfortably snug. If it cuts into the chin and is not comfortable, it is too tight. Now pay attention to the rear stabilizer if the helmet has one. It can keep the helmet from jiggling in normal use and make it feel more stable, but only a well-adjusted strap can keep it on in a crash.

When you think the straps are about right, shake your head around violently. Then put your palm under the front edge and push up and back. Can you move the helmet more than an inch or so from level, exposing your bare forehead? Then you need to tighten the strap in front of your ear, and perhaps loosen the rear strap behind your ear. Again, the two straps should meet just below your ear. Now reach back and grab the back edge. Pull up. Can you move the helmet more than an inch? If so, tighten the rear strap.

For a final check, look in a mirror or look at the wearer whose helmet you are fitting. Move the helmet side to side and front to back, watching the skin around the eyebrows. It should move slightly with the helmet.

When you are done, your helmet should be level, feel solid on your head and be comfortable. It should not bump on your glasses (if it does, tighten the nape strap). It should pass the eye-ear-mouth test. You should forget you are wearing it most of the time, just like a seat belt or a good pair of shoes. If it still does not fit that way, keep working with the straps and pads, or try another helmet.

I have recently gotten back into walking on my treadmill. This is the one activity I can do at home that for some reason I never get bored with. I pop of my headphones (louder than I know I should) and get in a brisk walk 2 or 3 times a day. Even if it is only 15 minutes at a time it adds up to a good amount of daily exercise.

Want to know what makes walking a great exercise? Well I am going to tell you!

A regular walking program can help:

• Reduce blood cholesterol
• Lower blood pressure
• Increase cardiovascular endurance
• Boost bone strength
• Burn calories and keep weight down

There was a time in my life when I was naive enough to believe that the celebrities on television had some special power to grow beautiful hair. As a teenager night after night I would faithfully brush my hair 100 strokes because I had read this would make it grow long and luxurious. It wasn’t until much later than I care to admit that my eyes were opened to the reality of the situation. My favorite celebrities were in fact wearing these incredible wigs and weaves that enabled them to change looks so dramatically. This caused me to retire my stiff bristled hair brush for goo!

Did you know that really great wigs are made from Remy Indian human hair? They can even be died to match your own hair. No one would need to even know it wasn’t your own hair. I have always wanted to have really long beautiful hair and now I can!

As a result of the recent issues with food safety I decide today would be a good day to discuss what exactly Salmonella is. So many times various terms are used by the general public for vastly different illnesses. Let’s clear up a bit of the confusion over Salmonella right now!

Taken from the CDC:

Salmonellosis is an infection with a bacteria called Salmonella. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

How is Salmonella diagnosed?

Determining that Salmonella is the cause of the illness depends on laboratory tests that identify Salmonella in the stools of an infected person.

How can I catch it?

Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, including birds. Salmonella are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. Contaminated foods usually look and smell normal. Contaminated foods are often of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk, or eggs, but all foods, including vegetables may become contaminated.

How is it treated?

Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5-7 days and often do not require treatment unless the patient becomes severely dehydrated or the infection spreads from the intestines.

How can it be avoided?

Cook poultry, ground beef, and eggs thoroughly before eating. Do not eat or drink foods containing raw eggs, or raw unpasteurized milk.

Wash hands, kitchen work surfaces, and utensils with soap and water immediately after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry.

Be particularly careful with foods prepared for infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.

Wash hands with soap after handling reptiles or birds, or after contact with pet feces.

Don’t work with raw poultry or meat, and an infant (e.g., feed, change diaper) at the same time.

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One of our favorite family activities is camping and every year we make several trips to different sites around the country. While we really enjoy tent camping it simply has been too difficult for us since our infant son joined us last year. Not wanting to deprive our older son of the camping experience we now opt to rent cabins. This enables him to still put up a tent and enjoy traditional camping while the baby has the benefit of a more comfortable environment. This year we are looking into North Georgia cabin rentals. My husband grew up in Georgia and it has been some time since we were back to the area. I am looking forward to soaking up the beauty of the Blue Ridge and all the mountain view has to offer. Honestly, I must admit to secretly thinking how nice it will be to enjoy a vacation experience that is packed with the comforts of home rather than night after night on the cold hard ground. Don’t tell my husband and son’s I said that though!

There are times when antibiotics are completely appropriate and should be taken. The problem is that a number of people simply don’t follow the instructions. In order to be used effectively there are some simple steps you should follow:

Taking Antibiotics Safely

So what should you do when your child gets sick? To minimize the risk of bacterial resistance, keep the following tips in mind.

* Treat only bacterial infections. Seek advice and ask questions. Ask your doctor about ways to treat symptoms.
* Use antibiotics as prescribed.
* Don’t save antibiotics for next time.
* Never use another person’s prescription.

Every so often I need a chocolate fix. Well, let’s be honest it is more like every day or maybe every hour This is a great low fat brownie recipe that is sure to cure your chocolate craving without killing you waistline.

3/4 c. flour
1/2 c. less 1 tbsp. sugar
1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. unsalted reduced calorie butter, melted
3 lg. egg whites
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 oz. chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray; set aside. In large bowl, with fork, stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, and baking powder. Stir in butter, egg whites, and vanilla; mix well. Stir in walnuts. Spoon batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool.

Just a few ideas to keep in mind when choosing snacks. The healthier the better!

Whole grains. Whole-grain snacks are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which give you energy that has some staying power.

Fruits and vegetables. Eating fruits and vegetables provides a feeling of fullness with no fat and only a small number of calories. They also provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients.

Nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds provide protein, which helps keep you feeling fuller longer. Nuts and seeds contain mostly monounsaturated fat, a healthy kind of fat. Nuts and seeds are high in calories, however, so don’t eat them in large quantities.

One state that we would like to travel to as a family is Florida. Our son keeps asking when we are going to take a family vacation there. Now that he can read he is frequently running across information and advertisements about all the wonderful attractions in Florida. Just the other day he asked whether we could go ahead a research Orlando hotels to start planning our trip. I indulged him and was amazed at the number of hotel options there are in the Orlando area and just how close they are to everything we would like to visit. At least that part of planning the trip will be a breeze!

I love green tea and started drinking it as a child. My Aunt drank green tea years before it was a trend and well before the benefits were recognized. She lived to almost a hundred with very few health problems. I can’t say it was all due to the green tea but I would like to think it was.

These are a few known conditions that may benefit from an intake of green tea:

* cancer
* rheumatoid arthritis
* high cholesterol levels
* cariovascular disease
* infection

impaired immune function

When I gave up my morning 22 oz of high octane coffee in lieu of the decaf version I experienced withdrawal in a huge way. The effects of caffeine withdrawal can be obvious but there are also subtle effects as well. For me weening myself by slowly lowering the amount of regular coffee in each cup helped. There still is no substitute in my book for a headache like a big cup of regular coffee.

Caffeine withdrawal may feel like this:

Headache, well known among coffee drinkers, usually lasts from one to five days.

Feeling irritable, unable to work, nervous, restless, and feeling sleepy, as well as having a headache. In extreme cases, nausea and vomiting has also been reported.