Wellness Tips

Squash Squash is a water-laden vegetable. We suggest baking or roasting squash to evaporate some of the water and to concentrate the vegetable's flavors. For ribbed squash, cut in half or in large wedges. Place the pieces cut side down on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. To roast peeled chunks of squash, scatter on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.

Plastic bags Plastic bags are bad and for the most part unnecessary. Many of us older folks remember a time, only a few decades ago, when we didn’t have them. Sure, they’re convenient, but is that an excuse to damage the environment and the life it supports?

Staying Hydrated There is nothing better then water! It's important to stay hydrated. Some signs of dehydration include headache, dizziness, dry mouth, dry skin. Look for Clear or light-colored urine as this means you're well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration.

A NIGHT LIGHT THAT USES NO POWER Do you have solar lights outside, along a path or border? You can bring them into the house for the night, set each into a vase or drink bottle, and spread them out to give you free lights all night. They aren’t bright enough for reading, but are bright enough for you to get around. The next day, you just take your solar lights back outside and they will recharge and be ready for you to use the next night or any time the power is out. Submitted by Sally Scales

Kayaking for Fun and Fitness Going camping this summer? Consider renting a kayak at the lake or beach for family fun and fitness. Whether you're rowing solo or tandem, you can burn over 300 calories per hour while enjoying a beautiful summer day. Don't forget the life jacket.

Motivating Yourself to Exercise A good way for many people to maintain or increase exercise is through finding an upbeat workout partner. Almost everyone does better with encouragement than with negativity, and many people do better if they have another person working with them. Encouraging each other can positively affect your attitude and increase your desire to come back for more.

Interval Training Interval training mimics the behavior of our hunting-gathering ancestors better than continuous exercise that maintains a constant pace for 20-40 minutes. Interval training can be defined as short, high-intensity exercise periods alternated with periods of rest. Periods of high and low intensity are repeated several times to form a complete workout.

Fiber There are two main types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber has been associated with lowering blood cholesterol. It is found in oat bran, beans and other legumes, psyllium, prunes, apples and pears. Insoluble fiber, found in fruits, vegetables, dried beans, wheat bran, seeds, popcorn, brown rice, and whole grain products, is typical of the course material we think of as roughage. It helps keep the bowels regular and may also help prevent certain types of cancers. Both types of fiber, when taken with plenty of water, aid in weight control and the regulation of blood pressure.

Strength Training The health benefits of strength (resistance) training include increased bone mass, increased muscle strength, and improved quality of daily living. Carrying groceries and lifting children become easier. Injury is less likely. The risks of developing obesity, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure are reduced. Strength training isn't about becoming muscle bound. Women, senior citizens and even men can receive the benefits without bulking up.

Monounsaturated Fat Monounsaturated fats are the type of fats that tend to lower blood cholesterol, especially LDL or the 'bad' cholesterol. Good sources of monounsaturated fats include olives and olive oil, canola oil, nuts and peanut butter.

Healthy Schools School-based programs can significantly impact the health of young children. If you are a parent, consider becoming a PTA member. PTAs can encourage schools to include healthy lifestyle curriculums, promote physical activity, and offer more nutritious food choices.

Fat Content Can Be Misleading When you see a product in the grocery store labeled 98% fat free, don't be fooled. According to the Food & Drug Administration, that percentage refers to the percentage of fat by weight, not by calories. For example, a slice of 89% fat free deli meat means that only 11% of the weight of the product is fat. Although this sounds low, over 50% of the calories may come from fat -- making it a high-fat choice as far as your body is concerned! When selecting low fat foods, ignore the advertising hype; look for grams of fat or the percent Daily Value for fat on the nutrition label.

Foot health Many foot problems result from poorly fitted shoes. A few buying tips: Try shopping for shoes in the middle of the day, as feet tend to swell most at this time. Strive for about a 1/2 inch of space between the end of the foot and the tip of the shoe. Wear the type of socks or stockings that will be worn with the shoes. And finally, consider having both feet measured. Feet can vary in size.

The Bread Test The loaf should feel heavy and look dense. Black is beautiful. Put your fingers and thumb around the top of the loaf. If you can squeeze the loaf from the outside more than an inch towards the centre with very little pressure, it fails the test. Read the label. If the bread contains white flour, sugar, hydrogenated fat or salt, it fails the test.

Help for aging bones It's never too late to begin! Recent studies involving mature men and women found that regular weight training improved hip-bone density. Weight bearing exercises significantly improved bone strength, reducing the risk for falls and fractures in later life.

Sleeping Position Did you know that sleeping on your stomach can aggravate back pain? The best sleep position is on your side with your knees bent. In addition, check to be sure that your pillow allows your neck to remain straight. A strained neck can cause poor posture, aggravating back pain during the day.

Home Safety The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that U.S. hospital emergency rooms treat 8,000 to 10,000 people each year for injuries related to furniture that tips over. Children receive the majority of these injuries. Keep your family safe. Make sure that heavy televisions are close to the floor or set far back into the furniture on which they sit. Use braces or anchors to secure furniture to walls. Keep watch for climbing children.

Running Shoes Research indicates that all running shoes lose about 30% - 50% of their shock absorbency after 250 to 500 miles of use. Type of shoe, brand or price doesn't seem to make much difference. Remember, the real investment you make is in your health. The shoes are a means to your ends. Protect feet, knees and back by periodically replacing older shoes based on your mileage and overall use.

Alzheimer's Disease Do you know the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease? They include: MILD SYMPTOMS - Confusion and memory loss; disorientation; getting lost in familiar surroundings; problems with routine tasks; changes in personality and judgment. MODERATE SYMPTOMS - Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as eating and bathing; anxiety; suspiciousness; agitation; sleep disturbances; wandering; pacing; difficulty recognizing family and friends. SEVERE SYMPTOMS - Loss of speech; loss of appetite; weight loss; loss of bladder and bowel control; total dependence on caregiver.

Exercising for a Better Mood If you're feeling down, consider adding exercise to your to-do list. Research shows that exercise has the ability to improve mood and reduce depression. Even if you are seriously depressed, exercise can still be one of several interventions recommended by your physician or mental health professional. Exercise is not a cure all, but it releases endorphins, often creates a sense of accomplishment, and thus improves well-being.

Pasta Sauce Did you know that some jars of pasta sauces contain up to 32 grams of fat per serving! Use the Nutrition Label to compare brands. Consider choosing tomato-based sauces vs. cheese-based sauces, opting for one with 3 grams of fat per serving or less.

Blueberries Blueberries are an excellent source of plant nutrients thought to play a role in fighting cancers and chronic disease. One cup of fresh blueberries contains only 87 calories, no fat and 1/3 of the vitamin C you need per day. They are also a good source of fiber. Use a handful as a snack, or add to your whole grain cereal, waffles or yogurt for a delicious breakfast.

Do Not Workout in the Smog Exercising outdoors when air quality is poor can be hard on your lungs and heart. Watch the air quality reports and avoid outdoor exercise when it's hazy. Instead, opt for indoor gyms, fitness centers or malls that properly maintain air temperature and air quality.

Music Improves Exercise Does music motivate you to move your body? Those who listen to enjoyable music while working out perceive less exertion and often find exercise easier to do. Consider adding some kind of music to your routine - pop, rock, classical, jazz, country, or whatever you enjoy.

Symptoms of a stroke Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions: Ask the individual to SMILE. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (ie. It is sunny out today) If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Don't forget to... ALWAYS carefully rinse off the tops of canned sodas or foods to wipe off pasta packaging, cereal boxes, and so on. Almost everything you buy in a supermarket was stored in a warehouse at one time or another, your country or another and some have rodents and may carry the Hanta virus and other bacterias. Most of us remember to wash vegetables and fruits but never think of boxes and cans. Whenever you buy any canned soft drink, please make sure that you wash the top with running hot water and soap or, if that is not available, drink with a straw.

Energy at Any Age The benefits of exercise occur at any age! A Stanford University study of mature adults found that those who engaged in regular exercise had better moods, improved sleep, and more energy. For many people, these positive results help them continue to exercise.

Sense of Smell and Food Choices Did you know that your sense of smell can affect the health of your diet? Smell accounts for 90% of your ability to detect the flavor of food. Those with a decline in the ability to smell often eat foods containing higher amounts of fat and sugar.

Fluids Are you drinking enough fluids? A good indicator is the color of your urine. Light, pale urine usually indicates good hydration whereas dark urine indicates poor hydration. Consider making a habit of drinking 8 -10 glasses (8 fluid oz) of water each day. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as these substances promote fluid loss. If you eat a lot of water-rich foods such as soup or fresh produce, you may be okay with a cup or two less water.

Are you are buying Organic or GMO Fruit? How to use Fruit Labels to know when you are buying Organic or GMO Fruit. As much as we may dislike them, the stickers or labels attached to fruit speed up the scanning process at checkout. Cashiers no longer need to distinguish a Fuji apple from a Gala apple, a prickly pear from a horned melon, or a grapefruit from an ugli fruit. They simply key in the PLU code - the price lookup number printed on the sticker - and the market's computerized cash register identifies the fruit by its PLU. The numbers also enable retailers to track how well individual varieties are selling. For conventionally grown fruit, the PLU code on the sticker consists of four numbers. Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9. Genetically engineered fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8. So, a conventionally grown banana would be 4011, an organic banana would be 94011, and a genetically engineered banana would be 84011.

Finding an Exercise Buddy Looking for someone who shares your fitness enthusiasm? Check out the notice boards at your athletic club or classified postings at work. Post a message on the OIHIC message board. Alternately, volunteer for or participate in a fun run or charity walk. These are great ways to meet others with the same or similar fitness goals.

Stress Management A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, how heavy is this glass of water? The lecturer replied, The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it!

Greens Have you heard of arugula? It is a green, leafy vegetable that contains about 20 times more beta-carotene and vitamin C, and 8 times more calcium than iceberg lettuce. When making green salads at home, consider opting for dark green leaves, such as arugula, romaine, chicory and thinly sliced kale. Substituting these greens in salads and on sandwiches creates a more nutrient dense meal.

Health in the News Have you ever read or heard about new and amazing health research findings? Be careful. Don't immediately accept them as proven facts. A single research study does not always provide reliable evidence. Continue to look for more studies. Are most of them for or against the early report?

How to Graduate from Walking to Running Are you bored with walking but intimidated by running? Slowly add some running to your workout. For example, walk 4 or 5 minutes, and then run for 1 minute. Repeat the pattern several times. Once you feel more comfortable, try to increase from 1 minute of running to 2, and then from 2 to 3. Eventually you will be running much or all of the time.

Vary your workouts The average person stops making good progress after repeating the same workout for 4 to 6 weeks. Consider making monthly or bimonthly changes to your routine. This can challenge your muscles and make improvement more likely.

Dining Out When dining out, remember the budget rule. If you spend a lot of your fat budget on French fries, consider saving on other parts of the meal. You might choose low-fat complements such as a grilled chicken sandwich (hold the greasy sauces and cheese), and vegetables. Spending too much of your fat budget on one meal can lead to a high daily or weekly fat intake.

Incline Walking Did you know that you could significantly increase the number of calories you burn on the treadmill by increasing the incline? If you walk at about 3.5 miles per hour at no incline, a 150-pound person will burn about 275 calories per hour. The same speed at a 7.5%incline burns roughly twice as much.

Cruciferous Vegetables Please pass the cruciferous vegetables. This vegetable family includes kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and brussels sprouts. They seem to be linked to reducing cancers, preventing cataracts, fighting heart disease and regulating blood pressure. Try to include this group of vegetables in your diet at least 2-3 times per week. They are best when raw or lightly cooked.

Fish and Intelligence A recent study indicates that women who eat more fish during pregnancy raise their child's intelligence. However, this finding balances against the fact that some fish contain mercury. Mercury can reduce infant intelligence. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, don't let mercury scare you into avoiding all seafood. Be sure to discuss safe fish consumption guidelines with your doctor or Naturopath Doctor

Storing Olive Oil According to our registered dietitian, you can keep an open bottle of olive oil for several months. Store it away from light and heat, in a tightly sealed container. If you store olive oil in the refrigerator it will turn cloudy, but this will not affect its flavor or quality. Substituting olive oil for other fats can be a heart healthy cooking strategy!

Olive Oils Is 'extra virgin' olive oil better than regular? The terms 'virgin' and 'extra virgin' refer to the acid content of the oil. 'Extra virgin' has less acid than 'pure' or 'virgin' oil, but otherwise has no nutritional significance.

Getting Into an Exercise Routine When starting an exercise program, many professionals recommend trying to schedule your workout at the same time each day. This helps build the habit of making exercise a regular part of your life.

Irish Tradition Soak pine cones in your favourite herb oil appropriate to the season. Place on radiators or over heat sources in home/workplaces. The aroma will gently and delicately waft through rooms, bringing well-being and pleasant fragrances to all. From Patrisha, from Dublin, Ireland.

Smoking & Body Weight Many women cite potential weight gain as a reason to avoid quitting smoking. Although smokers tend to weigh less than non-smokers, smoking appears to cause fat to move to the abdominal area. This further increases the risk of heart disease. You can avoid potential weight gain and help your heart by increasing physical activity as you quit smoking.

Fad diets Did you know that an English undertaker published the first diet book in 1864? Since then, hundreds of fad diets, most promising quick fixes, have come and gone. For long-term weight loss, our registered dietitian recommends forgoing fad diets. Step by step lifestyle changes will benefit your weight, your health, and your quality of life!

Maintain Long-Term Weight Loss A recent article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (July 2005) reports that once you've lost weight, keeping it off actually gets easier with time. The article identified 6 important behaviors: 1. Get active and stay active; 2. Eat a diet low in calories and fat; 3. Don't skip breakfast; 4. Hit the scales at least once per week; 5. Maintain a steady eating pattern; and 6. Catch 'slips' before they turn into bigger problems.

Soda Did you know that most sodas contain about 6 teaspoons of sugar per 8 oz. of drink? Instead of soda, try tea without sugar or plain water with a slice of lemon.

Juice Serving Did you know that a serving of juice is just 4-6 ounces? This amount of 100% fruit juice is generally equivalent to a piece of fresh fruit. While juices are high in vitamins and minerals, large portions contribute a lot of calories to your diet. Most people need 2-5 servings of fruit and/or 100% juice per day. Drink water, not juice, to quench your thirst. Eating whole pieces of fruit adds additional fiber to your diet.

Pilates for One Pilates is a new and popular way to get a total workout. Taking an introductory class with a certified instructor is a great way to get started. Later, "how to" videos and specialized equipment for home use may prove useful.

Label Reading Nutrition labels often claim that a product is a 'good' or 'excellent' source of a nutrient. What do these terms mean? 'Good' means that one serving provides between 10% and 19% of the Daily Value (or daily need) for that nutrient. 'Excellent' means that one serving provides 20% or more of the Daily Value. If you are concerned about getting enough of a particular nutrient, look for these terms on the nutrition label.

Breakfast Skipping breakfast can lead to decreased concentration, increased fatigue, and intense hunger. It can also trigger overeating at lunch. If you leave the house in a hurry each morning, try bringing portable snacks to enjoy on the way to work. Items like a banana, a bagel or even dry cereal in a small baggie can supply needed energy.

Exercise injuries A strain involves a tear or rupture in the muscle fibers. A sprain involves the stretching or tearing of connective tissue, such as the ligaments surrounding a joint. If you injure yourself while exercising, stop and seek treatment. Far too often people ignore initial pain, swelling, or discoloration. This can lead to worse problems and longer recovery times. To reduce exercise related injuries, warm up and cool down properly, and above all, listen to your body!

Dried fruit Looking for a convenient way to eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day? Consider keeping dried fruit on hand for a quick and healthy snack. Our registered dietitian recommends dried figs, apricots, raisins, plums, blueberries, peaches, pears, or dates along with plenty of water. Dried fruit contains more nutrients and calories than an equal amount of whole fruit. A golf ball sized portion counts as 1 fruit serving. No washing, peeling, or slicing required!

Pizza Skinnier pizza? The next time you order a pizza, hold the sausage and pepperoni. Opting for veggie pizza over supreme can save you about 70 calories and 5 grams of fat per slice!

Kale Did you know that kale is low in calories, and high in the antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin C? According to our registered dietitian, it's also very low in sodium. Kale can be consumed in soups, salads, with other greens, or by itself as a side dish or garnish. If kale doesn't interest you, consider trying other dark leafy greens, such as spinach or romaine.

Frosting Alternatives for Baking Here's a tip from our registered dietitian: If you are eating frosted cakes, brownies, or cupcakes, skip the icing and try topping them with pureed fruit just before serving. Pureed pears or peaches are great options. Sprinkle with powdered sugar to complete the pretty picture. Alternatively, try pureed dried fruits with a bit of apple juice added. Figs or prunes work well.

Mold - What to do? If you notice a spot of mold on a brick of hard cheese, such as cheddar, what should you do? To be on the safe side, trim off one inch of cheese under all moldy surfaces. The rest of the brick of cheese is usually okay to eat. If you see mold on a soft cheese, like cream cheese or cottage cheese, don't remove the mold and eat the rest. Throw the soft cheese away.

Low Fat Brownies Bake sale coming up? Consider modifying your traditional brownie mix recipe a bit. You can omit the oil, double the water, use 2 egg whites in place of each egg, and add 1 tsp vanilla extract. Your brownies will remain moist and chewy; you'll save about 15 grams of fat per tablespoon of oil omitted, and reduce the cholesterol by removing the egg yolks. But don't forget, reduced fat doesn't mean calorie free; portion size still matters.

Vitamin C Vitamin C is critical to good health. It helps keep your teeth and gums healthy, aids in absorbing iron, supports wound healing, and plays a role in immune system health. Registered dietitian recommends consuming at least one vitamin C rich food each day. Good choices include green peppers, strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and broccoli. A serving or two of 100% orange, grapefruit or tomato juice is also a quick, easy way to boost vitamin C intake.

Never Too Late to Start Exercising A 2001 study in the journal, Circulation, found that six months of endurance exercise largely reversed the negative effects of 30 years of inactivity! If you are a long-time non-exerciser, start now. Work towards 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise on 5-7 days per week. If you already do moderate or more intense exercise on a regular basis, keep up the good work!

Sport drinks? You just finished an hour-long aerobic workout. You are sweaty, tired, and need an energy lift. Should you grab a sports drink to replace the nutrients lost during your workout? Often the answer is no. For workouts lasting less than 60-90 minutes, simple fluid replacement is usually your goal. However, it's important to drink moderate amounts of water before, during, and after exercise. Then choose nutrient-rich, post-workout meals to keep your body in balance.

Iron and Calcium Supplements Do you take both iron and calcium supplements? If so, it is best to take them at different times. Iron and calcium can interfere with each other's absorption. For more information, talk to your local health store staff, naturopath, or doctor. Maria Carr

Making a Splash Water aerobics classes can provide great low-impact workouts. They are easy on the joints of those who are overweight, suffer from arthritis, or have other joint problems. For those with asthma, the more temperate conditions of a heated indoor pool can be easier on the lungs. Contact facilities in your area to inquire about classes that may be right for you.

Vegetarianism A plant-centered dietary style that excludes meat. This may include a number of variations. For many people this becomes a way of life that extends beyond dietary practices. Strict vegans often avoid using any product, for example leather or silk, that has animal origins. Some of these dietary styles may be combined. For example, a lacto-ovo-vegetarian includes dairy products and eggs as part of his or her plant-centered diet. For many people, a well-balanced vegetarian diet, high in micronutrients and fiber and generally low in saturated fats, is quite healthy. Although a plant-centered diet is recommended for nearly everyone, some people do not respond well to a diet in which there is no animal protein.

Eating before Exercise According to nutrition experts, eating before exercise improves performance. Use these guidelines to design your meal or snack: enough fluid to keep you hydrated, low in fat and fiber, high in carbohydrate, and moderate in protein. Select foods familiar to you. The rule of thumb for eating before exercise is to allow 4 hours for a big meal (about 1,200 calories), 2 hours for a light meal (about 600 calories), and an hour or less for a snack (about 300 calories).

Sponges and Kitchen Germs Keep your kitchen sanitary. Our registered dietitian recommends washing sponges carefully and replacing them regularly. Sponges can harbor bacteria. These may recontaminate your dishes and countertops. Wash sponges in the hot cycle of your dishwasher, or disinfect them in a chlorine bleach solution.

Smoking Did you know that compared to a nonsmoker, a pack a day smoker has twice the risk of heart attack, three times the risk of stroke, four times the risk of peripheral vascular disease and six times the risk of aortic aneurysm? If you don't smoke - don't start! If you do smoke - seriously consider quitting. Help is available via the Canadian Heart Association, the Canadian Cancer Society and many local providers.

Go Veggie... Many nutrition experts recommend eating some vegetarian meals to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol. A great way to 'go veggie' now and then is to try a variety of ethnic options. For Chinese, try vegetable & tofu stir-fry. Greek - vegetable stuffed eggplant. Middle East - falafel, hummus or tabouli. Indian - dhokla or vegetable curry& lentil dishes. Mexican - vegetarian bean burritos.

Recognizing a Stroke - 3 FAST Questions F = Face -- Ask the person to SMILE; A = Arm and Leg -- Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS; S = Speech -- Ask them to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE; T = Time -- Call 911. If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911 immediately. Describe their symptoms to the dispatcher. Mention the possibility of stroke. FAST is a good test for stroke, but it cannot catch them all. If there is any doubt, don't wait; CALL 911.

Walking to Improve your Risk Profile According to the American Heart Association, women who walk briskly for at least three hours per week or exercise vigorously for 1.5 hours per week, cut their risk of heart disease by 30%-40%. And men, exercise reduces your risks too. If it's hard finding time to walk, try waking up a little earlier. Walk before your day takes over, or during part of your lunch break.

A Golfing Workout By walking and carrying your clubs, you can make golf into a decent calorie burning activity. Here's a rough example for a 190 pound man and a 135 pound woman. They carry clubs and play for 4 hours per week. The man burns an extra 170 calories per hour and would eventually weigh about 8 pounds less! Numbers for the woman are roughly 120 calories extra per hour and 5-6 pounds less.

Vitamin C for Smokers Did you know that people who smoke need more vitamin C? Otherwise they maintain lower blood levels than those who don't smoke. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits and juices, broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, and tomatoes. Everyone knows that smoking is unhealthy. But if you do smoke, make it your business to consume several vitamin C rich foods every day.

Keeping a Fitness Journal Do you want to focus on fitness? fitness experts recommend keeping a fitness journal. Journaling helps you set and record fitness goals, track your progress, enjoy your successes, and stay motivated. A fitness journal also helps you to reassess how well your fitness routines are working for you.

Vegetarian Diets and Iron Are you a vegetarian or mostly a vegetarian? Dieticians recommends consuming plenty of iron rich plant foods such as lentils, kidney beans and black beans, and whole grains. Iron-enriched products such as cereals and breads are also good sources. To enhance iron absorption, consume vitamin C rich foods too. These include orange juice, green peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and broccoli. By following these simple guidelines, most non-meat eaters will get enough iron.

Restless Leg Syndrome Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that has been making big headlines lately. At rest, the sufferer's legs often feel uncomfortable, and he/she may have a very strong urge to move. If you think you may have RLS, see a health care provider; don't diagnose yourself. Once they have ruled out other conditions and diagnosed you with RLS, it can be managed. Techniques include taking a warm bath before bedtime, sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees, and avoiding both alcohol and caffeine, especially before going to bed.

Benefits of Water Exercise It is reported that older, overweight, and/or mildly disabled people can benefit from water exercise. It places less stress on joints and can improve strength and flexibility while burning calories.

Pets and Your Health Do you own a dog or a cat? Some studies show that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels and lower cholesterol readings than those without pets, regardless of other factors like smoking and diet. If you don't have a pet, but think you might just want one, consider "borrowing" one by volunteering to walk a neighbour's dog or by pet-sitting. These may be good ways to see if owning a pet is right for you and for your health.

Hand Weights Should you swing hand weights while walking? Experts disagree, but in the interests of safety, it is probably better not to use them. Gripping the weights while walking can increase blood pressure. They can also increase the strain on arm and shoulder muscles, and ligaments. If you decide to use weights anyway, swing smoothly, keep the weights under good control and limit the weights to no more than 3 pounds.

Exercise Cool Down Fitness experts recommend cooling down after a moderate to high intensity exercise session. This prevents sudden pooling of blood in the muscles. Slowly cooling down also prevents sudden drops in blood pressure that can lead to dizziness and falls. During the last 3-5 minutes of your workout, gradually decrease the exercise intensity. Gently approach your resting state before coming to a complete stop.

PAIN Devils Claw cream (especially for arthritis, gout, lupus) Arnica cream (if you get hurt, especially athletic people in team sports such as baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, etc. and tennis, golf, takes the swelling and pain instant away) MSM cream (seems also to work on arthritis pain) Wild Yam cream (sciatic nerve and joint pain) Massage lotion (sore muscles, muscle strain, massage) ST. John's Wort oil (muscle strains & sprains, muscle fatigue, tendonitis) Rain Forest cream.

INSECT BITES Calendula spray (also perfect for hot spots for dogs and cats) takes the itching and swelling away. Neem Tree cream, Camomile cream

SUNBURNS To prevent sunburn from UV rays use the following products: Neem Tree cream, Rosa Mosqueta oil (should be also used first after you got a sunburn) Rosa Mosqueta cream, Aloe Vera cream

Five Blocks to Better Health There are 336 30-minute blocks of time in one week. The American Heart Association recommends that you commit five or more "blocks" to exercise. In the time it takes you to watch five sit-coms you could be on your way to better health!

Breakfast Dieticians recommends eating something for breakfast each day. If you normally skip this meal, consider trying to eat breakfast at least 3 days next week. Quick and healthy choices include dry whole grain cereal, dried or fresh fruit, whole wheat toast lightly spread with peanut butter, low fat yogurt, soy milk, a small piece of cheese, or oatmeal. It is not necessary to eat a lot of volume or a lot of fat, but eating something for breakfast can help maintain better energy during the morning hours.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome To help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, check the following tips for some that you might be able to use. Wear fingerless gloves to help keep hands warm and flexible; pick up objects with both hands instead of just one (reduce wrist strain); type softly instead of forcefully striking the key board; take frequent, brief breaks during periods of prolonged typing; and wear splints to keep your wrists straight instead of flexed.

Danger! Over-hydration Exercise-related over-hydration may occur during prolonged exercise or sports when fluid intake, including water and soda, exceeds fluid loss. If too much water dilutes the body's salts, it can cause brain cells to swell and push against the skull. For this reason, sports drinks often contain salt to balance the fluids. Over-hydrating can cause nausea, severe fatigue, disorientation, and vomiting. In the most severe cases it can also cause seizures, coma and even death. All endurance athletes who drink too much fluid, to quickly are at risk for over-hydration. Seek medical assistance if symptoms occur.

Definition of Light on a Food Label According to the FDA, the term "light" or "lite" on a food label means that the food contains 1/3 fewer calories or 50% less fat or 50% less sodium than its original version. However, don't forget to check the serving size. A reduction in calories, fat, or sodium will be undone if we take a larger portion.

Appendicitis Do you know the symptoms of appendicitis? Here is what the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse has to say. Symptoms include pain to the right of the navel (beginning near the navel and moving down to the right), or worsening pain in the same area associated with moving, deep breathing, coughing or sneezing. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting or abdominal swelling. Anyone with symptoms of appendicitis needs to quickly see a doctor.

Celery Think further than a Waldorf salad, with virtually no calories, celery is an excellent snack, and is an essential ingredient of many dishes such as soups and casseroles. A 100g of celery contains only 7 calories. Oriental medicine has long used celery to lower blood pressure.

Playground safety The National Safety Council reports that playground injuries send more than 200,000 children to hospital emergency rooms each year. Keep your children and loved ones safe. Check your backyard and neighborhood playgrounds for safety. Key safety needs include smooth edged equipment, guardrails, and soft, yielding ground surfaces, such as mulch or pea gravel.

Climbing According to our fitness experts, a 150-pound person walking on a flat surface at 4 miles per hour burns roughly 4.7 calories/minute. Stair climbing burns more, from 8-12 calories per minute. Next time, try an experiment; take the stairs instead of the elevator! Every stair counts - only 5 stairs to the calorie. Not interested? Continue to walk; it's good for you too!

How do protein shakes help me keep healthy? Stabilize blood sugar, Promote cell growth and repair, Hormone production, Enzyme production (digestive and metabolic), neurotransmitter production, Cell metabolism, Body fluid balancing, & maintain your immune system.

What are the benefits of adding Essential Fats (Flax, Hemp or Fish oils) to my shake? Balance blood sugar, Provide raw materials for hormones, create fuel for long-term energy, & Strengthen cell walls and mucus membranes.

Healthy Tips From Brad King Ensure that your last meal of the day is at least two hours prior to bedtime and try your best to make that meal no later than 8PM.

Healthy Tips From Brad King Strive to include 40% complex carbohydrates, 30% lean proteins and 30% healthy fats at each meal. We understand that this is not always possible, however, this macronutrient balance is designed to work to your metabolic advantage (for most individuals)

Healthy Tips From Brad King You should never leave more than 3 ½ hours between meals.

Healthy Tips From Brad King These meals will consist of between 200 and 500 calories each-depending on your lean body mass and your activity level (athletes may need a higher caloric intake).

Healthy Tips From Brad King Three of your daily meals are to be in solid form and two are to consist of liquid nutrition (i.e. complete-containing all three macronutrients-protein shakes).

Healthy Tips From Brad King Eat five to six metabolically balanced nutrient-dense meals per day-ensuring that you eat every 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Nutrient-dense foods are those that are high in vitamins, minerals, essential fats, protein and fiber.

Exercises are Mood Altering Proper exercises can even elicit powerful mood-lifting changes. In fact, a major study performed at Duke University Medical Center in England showed that certain exercises can be just as effective as some of the most prescribed medications when it comes to alleviating major depression. The study looked at 156 elderly patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder over a 16-week period. The participants were assigned to three separate groups: group 1 exercised but had no antidepressants; group 2 took anti-depressant medication with no exercise; and group 3 took antidepressant medication and combined this with exercise. To the amazement of the researchers, all three groups showed remarkably similar improvements in their depressive states following the 16-week trial. This study, as well as numerous others, has proven that exercise should be considered a viable alternative to medication when it comes to one of our most treated disorders of aging.

Walking stairs Walking stairs is a great way to burn calories, increase heart rate and build strength. When climbing stairs, either on a stair-climbing machine or at the office, try not to lean forward. Staying upright will force your legs to lift the weight of your entire body. This provides more resistance and thus a more intense workout.

Dressing for Outdoor Winter Exercise Dress appropriately and comfortably for cold weather exercise. Multiple layers will initially keep you warm and you can easily remove them, one at a time, as your body heats up. Likewise, a hat prevents substantial heat loss through the head and can also be easily removed.

Easy Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bill this Month Add weather-stripping or caulking around windows, wear a warm sweater and turn the heat down a little, install door sweeps to help keep drafts from getting in, and clean or replace furnace filters to improve efficiency.

Cross-Training to Avoid Stress Fractures A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone's outer layer. It can develop when exercise stresses the same bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles over and over again. A good example is your foot striking the ground during jogging. Cross-training (two or more types of exercise during one workout, or two different exercises on different days) can often prevent stress fractures or give them a better chance to heal.

Flu Prevention The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following to help prevent the flu. Avoid close contact when someone is sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Help protect yourself from germs, wash your hands often. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. This reduces your chance of picking-up unwanted germs.

Plants & Alzheimer's Phytochemicals (compounds from plants) may play some role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's as well as cancers and heart disease. To increase your intake, include a wide variety of plant based foods like olives, green and black tea, soy, flaxseed, blueberries, cherries, pears, grapes, spinach, strawberries and lentils in your diet.

Golfers & back pain Did you know that about 25% - 30% of all golfers suffer from low back problems? If you're a golfer, consider this back safety tip: bend your knees and keep your back straight when retrieving the ball from the green or when teeing off.

Binge Eating Disorder Binge eating disorder or BED has recently been named the most common eating disorder in this country. Symptoms include out of control eating, eating when not hungry, being embarrassed about the amount of food consumed, and feeling depressed after eating. Many who suffer with BED feel extremely uncomfortable approaching others about it. However, BED can lead to serious health problems when left untreated. A growing number of health professionals are able to help or appropriately refer those with BED.

Breakfast Fast Food Fast food breakfasts can be killers. According to our dietitian, some egg and sausage biscuit meals contain as many as 600 calories and 40 grams of fat! An English muffin with egg and Canadian bacon, although not "lite", is clearly a better option. It has about 385 calories and 20 grams of fat. In either case, try for balance in the rest of your day and week. Include plenty of fruit, vegetables and physical activity.

Healthy Bagel Spread Are you a bagel lover? Modest portions of whole grain bagels can be a healthy breakfast option. Traditional cream cheese spreads, however, deliver a big hit of saturated fat and calories. Consider this alternative - a blend of silken tofu, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and minced dried fruit. This spread provides dietary fiber, protein, several vitamins and minerals, contains only healthy fat, and has no cholesterol. If you really, really love your cream cheese use it but less, or consider trying a lower fat version such as Neufchatel cheese. Your heart will thank you!

Five minute de-stressors People often say they are "stressed" when their normal coping mechanisms have been overwhelmed. If you need to decrease stress and improve coping, consider taking at least one 5 minute, de-stress break each day, preferably more. You can try different 5 minute activities throughout the week. These include stretching, daydreaming, deep breathing, reading a few pages of a novel, doodling, listening to your favorite song, or going for a quick walk. These mini "me" times provide a quick break and allow you a chance to regain emotional and mental control in difficult situations.

Exercise After Illness How can you know if you are too sick to exercise? If you have a hacking cough, pressure on your chest, a fever, an upset stomach, or fatigue and aching muscles, give your body a rest. It is usually okay to do mild to moderate activity if you have a cold without these symptoms.

Stretch Your Back Begin on your hands and knees. Slide your hands and arms out in front of you so that your torso forms one long sloping line from your fingertips to your tailbone. Breathe smoothly; reach forward with your fingertips while you keep your hips in line with your knees. Hold for about 30 seconds. Relax and then repeat. If you have back problems, first consult the professional who treats you before performing this stretch.

Cream Alternate for Coffee Try soy milk in place of cream, Half & Half or whole milk in your coffee this week. It has less total fat and saturated fat, is rich in nutrients, and adds a pleasantly nutty taste.

Cool Snack Looking for a healthy snack idea? Try banana crunch pops. Place a small banana on a popsicle stick, coat with non fat or low fat vanilla yogurt, roll in crisped rice cereal and set on waxed paper. Freeze overnight. Enjoy a low fat, nutritious and cool snack tomorrow.

Nut Nutrition Nuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and beneficial fats. Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and peanut butter are rich sources of heart healthy monounsaturated fats which lower LDL (bad) cholesterol when substituted for saturated fat. Walnuts also contain omega 3 fatty acids which help prevent inflammation, reduce blood clot formation, lower triglycerides. Nuts are a calorie dense food so keep portion size is mind. Consider sprinkling nuts on salads, adding them to whole grain side dishes, or using as a topping for a yogurt/fruit parfait.

Adequate Water Intake Adequate water intake prevents your body from overheating. It is also required for normal metabolism. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already have lost 2% or more of your body weight in fluid. At 4%, loss of both strength and endurance can occur. A recent Institute of Medicine report stated that women on average would need just over 11, eight ounce cups of water per day (from both liquids and watery foods), men just under 16 cups. If you are very active or live in a hot or dry climate, you likely need more.

Children and Dietary Fiber Are you responsible for the care and feeding of young children? The American Heart Association recommends a fiber guideline of "age plus 5" for young children. This means that a 6-year-old should consume 6+5=11 grams of fiber per day. Older children who eat 1500 or more calories per day should do well with 25 total grams of fiber.

Vitamin D Vitamin D aids in the absorption of dietary calcium which is essential for bone health. Recent research even finds that it can help fight infections. The body also makes it after exposure to sunlight. If you feel you might not be getting enough vitamin D, or if you are thinking of taking a supplement, consult your physician, naturopath, local health store, or a dietitian.

Scheduling Exercise into Your Day Getting enough exercise isn't always easy. It can be difficult to budget enough time into busy schedules. Some people make time by rising earlier in the morning, but that doesn't work for everyone. Others fit in a walk during a scheduled break in the day, for example, during a portion of the lunch hour. Stopping at a club, park or mall on the way home is another option that works for some people. Keep searching until you find one or more that work for you.

Smart Shoppers According to the Food Marketing Institute, only 50% of shoppers are concerned with the nutritional content of the foods they eat. Don't be typical! When shopping, use food labels to compare similar food items. In general look for more fiber, vitamins, and minerals and less saturated and trans fat, sugar, and salt (sodium).

Fiber There are two main types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber strongly attracts water during digestion. It appears to help lower blood cholesterol. Oat, beans and other legumes, Flax, prunes, apples and pears are rich in soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber mixes less easily with water. It is found in many fruits, vegetables, dried beans, wheat bran, seeds, popcorn, and whole grain products. Insoluble fiber helps keep the bowels regular and may help prevent certain types of cancers. Both types, when taken with plenty of water, aid in weight control and the regulation of blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol.

Protein for Vegetarians You may have heard concerns that vegetarian diets are inadequate in protein. According to dietitian, there are many excellent vegetarian protein sources such as beans and legumes, soy products, and nuts which can easily supply an individual's protein needs.

Correct breathing during lifting Correct breathing during exercise helps keep blood pressure down and avoids unnecessary stress on the arteries. The National Institute on Aging recommends exhaling while you lift and inhaling as the weights return to their starting position. You should never hold your breath during while lifting weights.

Television Years Did you know that by age 65, the average adult has spent the equivalent of 9 full years watching television? Make your TV time work for you. Combine it with physical activity or stretching. Ideas include floor exercises (push-ups, sit-ups, etc.), stationary cycling or treadmill walking, working with hand weights, resistance bands or balls, or performing a series of upper and lower body stretches.

Your refrigerator - How long is food safe? Food safety experts recommend that you eventually discard opened containers of food, even if stored in the refrigerator. For example: discard juice in 7-10 days, olives in 2 weeks, salsa in 1 month, mayo in 2 months, and ketchup, jam and jelly after 6 months. Even in the refrigerator, bacteria can grow and multiply. Play it safe. Regularly clean out your refrigerator. Keep the thermostat set at 40 degrees or below.

Five minute de-stressors People often say they are "stressed" when their normal coping mechanisms have been overwhelmed. If you need to decrease stress and improve coping, consider taking at least one 5 minute, de-stress break each day, preferably more. You can try different 5 minute activities throughout the week. These include stretching, daydreaming, deep breathing, reading a few pages of a novel, doodling, listening to your favorite song, or going for a quick walk. These mini "me" times provide a quick break and allow you a chance to regain emotional and mental control in difficult situations.

Reducing Fat Looking for a good way to reduce the saturated fat content of soups and stews? Try refrigerating them overnight. Much of the fat will rise to the top of the cooled mixture and become solid. Then you can easily remove it with a slotted spoon. Improve your chances of achieving your new year's health goals. Be specific. Instead of promising to lose 15 pounds, state how you will do it. For example, say that you will add 40 minute walks along the lake front or workouts at the health club, 4 times a week. Use a simple tracking system, perhaps check marks on a calendar, to help you keep your focus.

Television and Obesity Do you have children or grandchildren? Did you know that hours of television viewing have often been linked to childhood obesity? Consider replacing some daily TV watching with exercise time with your children. Play catch, Frisbee, or hopscotch. Kick the soccer ball around or walk the family dog. Try making physical activity a fun and routine part of your evenings together.

Salad Dressing Calorie Control Many people are eating more salads to boost vegetable consumption. However, drowning greens in high fat salad dressings can put a dent in your fat budget. If you regularly enjoy adding salads to your lunch or dinner, consider trying this way of applying the dressing. Place just 1-2 tablespoons of salad dressing in a large zip-lock bag or airtight container. Fill with salad, seal, and shake away! A small amount of dressing will lightly coat your greens and vegetables.

Simple Back Stretch Are you looking for a simple and relaxing low back stretch? If so, try this tip: Lie flat on the floor, on your back, with your legs extended. Pull your right knee up to your chest while pressing your lower back against the ground. Hold the position for about 30 seconds to a minute. Repeat with your left knee. Low back stretches can help relieve tension, improve flexibility and reduce stress. If you have preexisting back disease or injuries, check with your physician or therapist first.

Granola Bars Many granola bars might not be as healthy as they seem. According to registered dietitians, some contain large amounts of sugar, saturated fats and calories. Look for bars that have no added sugars and are high in fiber. For a quick and easy alternative, fill a small sandwich baggie with whole grain cereal, mixed with nuts and dried fruit. While you still have to watch calories, the fiber and nutrient content of this snack is a sure bet.

Food Sources of B Vitamins B vitamins are required for energy metabolism. Good sources for most B vitamins include whole grain products such as whole wheat pasta, and whole grain breads and cereals. These foods also provide plenty of fiber and other essential nutrients. An exception is vitamin B12. It is not found in whole grains, vegetables or fruits. It is found in meat, eggs and dairy products. Thus vegetarians, as well as adults over age 50 (who may not absorb vitamin B 12 well), may benefit from foods fortified with B12.

More Reasons to Eat Breakfast When you skip breakfast it results in higher, less healthy cholesterol levels. Skipping breakfast also makes the body less sensitive to insulin. These effects could lead to increased health risks and weight gain. So be good to yourself, eat breakfast. Try to include low/no fat dairy, whole grain cereals or breads, and seasonal fruits as often as you can.

Cookies Did you know that the average American consumes about 11 pounds of cookies per year? One way to cut back may be to keep cookies in the freezer. Some people are less likely to overindulge in this treat if they are out of sight rather than in your pantry.

Addressing Dehydration Dehydration does not only happen to athletes. Anyone can lose too many fluids. This can happen even while doing everyday tasks such as mowing the lawn or even playing on the beach. Signs of severe dehydration include nausea, inability to speak clearly, confusion and high body temperature. Keep your body fluids at a proper level. Drink enough fluids to make up what you lose before, during and after any activity where you sweat heavily.

Greens Have you heard of arugula? It is a green, leafy vegetable that contains about 20 times more beta-carotene and vitamin C than iceberg lettuce. It also has 8 times more calcium. When making green salads at home, consider choosing dark green leaves, such as arugula, romaine, and chicory. Using these greens in salads and on sandwiches creates a more nutritious meal.

Finding fitness away from home Everyone knows that business travel can make it harder to get a workout. One way to stay active is to carefully choose your accommodations. Many hotels have a swimming pool and fitness center. Or consider those near hiking trails, beach resorts or fitness clubs. There are many chances to exercise while you are on the road.

Fads Don't Fight Fat Most health experts agree that people who lose weight with fad diets are rarely able to keep it off. You may also put yourself at risk for not getting enough nutrients. To help achieve a healthy weight loss, eat a well-balanced diet and participate in regular exercise. Limit your loss to between 1/2 and 2 pounds per week.

Keep gardening safe and pain free Do you like to garden? Take steps to keep it safe and enjoyable. Lift heavy sacks carefully, alternate hands when carrying heavy objects, and take a rest if you feel tired. It is also recommended that you stretch after gardening, use sun protection, and drink plenty of fluids while in the heat.

A More Comfortable Biking Option If the seat on a stationary bike is uncomfortable, try a recumbent bike. The seat on a recumbent bike is more like a regular chair that is shaped to fit your back. Even if you are new to biking, recumbent cycling can be a desirable option.

Kids in Cars Children die every year as a result of being left alone in or around a motor vehicle. With the warmer months upon us, use special caution to ensure that children are not left alone in a vehicle. A car is not a babysitter! Protect your precious cargo.

Improving your Golf Game Want to improve your golf game? Limit alcohol and caffeine. These substances can negatively affect your play. Alcohol reduces coordination. Caffeine can over-stimulate you when you need calm. For example, can you picture sinking a tricky putt when you have the caffeine jitters? Drink plenty of water instead. Stay well hydrated and delay premature fatigue.

Diabetes Are you age 45 or over? If so, consider having your fasting blood sugar checked at least once every 3 years. Diabetes affects over 20 million Americans. Many do not know they have this condition. Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of diabetes. These changes include increasing physical activity and decreasing body weight. Eating a high fiber and low fat diet can also reduce your risk.

Bean Power Beans, also called legumes, are inexpensive and quite filling. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommends eating them several times each week. Red, black, pinto, or kidney beans all pack a nutritional punch. One-third cup of cooked beans has only 80 calories, no cholesterol, lots of complex carbohydrates, and little fat. They are also a great source of protein, full of B vitamins, potassium, and fiber. Experts believe that eating beans may reduce blood cholesterol, a leading cause of heart disease.

Dry Skin If chapped lips or dry skin are a problem, find natural relief with calendula, an herbal remedy made from the petals of the ornamental "pot marigold" flower.

Clean Hands Keep the Doctor Away Did you know that washing your hands is the most effective way to stop the spread of illness? Washing hands properly and thoroughly is very important. An effective hand washing technique is to wet your hands with warm water; soap and scrub for 20 seconds-it helps to sing Happy Birthday (under your breath) twice; rinse under clean running water; and dry completely using a clean paper towel or cloth.

The Ideal Amount of Weight to Lift To be effective, weight lifting should become difficult as you reach the last few repetitions of each set. According to fitness experts, to build strength, lift a weight that tires your muscles after 8-12 repetitions. This is normally an ideal amount of weight for you to work with.

Seasonal Depression Affecting You? The shorter daylight hours of autumn and winter can affect sleep, productivity and state of mind. Light therapy (also known as phototherapy) may help. It uses specially designed boxes that emit full-spectrum light to simulate sunlight. While still a relatively unknown treatment, light therapy has been shown to have positive benefits in addressing many health issues, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), severe premenstrual syndrome, bulimia, and as a non-drug treatment for depression. If you have been suffering from SAD or just feel a little blue this time of year, contact your physician or healthcare provider - depression is a treatable condition; light therapy may be an option he or she recommends for you

Boost Your Immune System Throughout our lives, our immune systems are under assault from environmental toxins. Living in crowded cities, traveling frequently in airplanes, and spending time in day care centers and schools all expose us to many more germs than people had to deal with in the past. We can protect and strengthen our immunity by eating right, getting enough activity and rest, practicing stress reduction, and cultivating healthy emotional states. There are also several herbs, such as astragalus, that can help enhance immune function. Obtained from the root of Astragalus membranaceous in the pea family, astragalus has a long history in Chinese medicine, where it is used to ward off colds and flu.

Slow Down When Eating Do you find yourself eating on the run or grabbing something quick to eat while you are driving or working at your desk? Experts believe that eating slowly may be better for your health. You actually improve what and how much you eat when you take the time to enjoy your food, including the smell, taste, and colors on your plate.

Sweet potatoes Traditionally sweet potatoes are a winter vegetable; nowadays they're around all year on the shelves. Packed with antioxidants such as beta-carotene, they provide plenty of lasting energy being lower GI than regular potatoes. Add sweet potatoes to soups, curries or simply serve them mashed. Sweet potatoes go well with flavours like garlic and herbs.

Pine nuts Pine nuts are small edible seeds of pine trees and are high in protein, calcium and magnesium. Use pine nuts to make your own pesto. Roasted pine nuts add nutritional value and zest to any salad.

Acai - (pronounced ah-sah-ee) These purple super healthy berries are the new super-food. Acai berries are native to Brazil and are low in calories and contain fibre, vitamins and twice the antioxidants of blueberries. They are available as a frozen pulp at some supermarkets.

Dried Fruit Dried fruit is a convenient option and alternative to fresh fruit. Dried fruit provides fibre and several vitamins and mineral. It is easy to carry with you as a quick and easy snack. Add dried fruit to salad, pancake batter, home baked bread and cereal to count towards your five a day.

Cauliflower By being encouraged to eat brightly coloured vegetables you could be forgiven for dismissing the humble cauliflower as nutritionally pointless. But a serving, about 3 florets, has 25mg vitamin C (more than half an adults daily requirement) and is packed with anti-cancer compounds like glucosinolates.

Bananas Bananas are easy to eat fruit! The average banana contains 95 calories which makes them a good snack choice, it will fill the hunger gap until the next meal. For a pudding, make your own banana split with a scoop of ice cream and sprinkle of home made granola.

Cranberry Juice Compounds in cranberry juice are said to help prevent and relieve attacks of cystitis (bladder infections) by preventing bacteria attaching to cell in bladder walls and in the urinary tract. Look out for cranberry juice that has no added sugar and avoid the cranberry juice drinks, which are sweetened with sugar. A small glass of cranberry juice counts as one portion of the recommended 5 a day.

The Link Between Smell and Food Choice If you hold your nose while eating chocolate, you might have trouble identifying the chocolate flavor. This is because taste and smell are closely linked. Smell can account for up to 90% of your ability to detect the flavor of some foods. Those with a decline in the ability to smell due to allergies, medications or aging often eat foods containing higher amounts of salt or sugar. Consider using more spices like basil, cumin or chili powder to increase flavor and offset a decreased sense of smell.

Correct Breathing While Lifting Correct breathing during exercise helps keep blood pressure down and avoid unnecessary stress on the arteries. The National Institute on Aging recommends exhaling while you lift and inhaling as the weights return to their starting position. You should never hold your breath while lifting weights.

Think Small for Pasta Portions Did you know that one serving of pasta is a 1/2 cup cooked, or a portion about the size of half a baseball? Depending on gender, age and level of physical activity, most people need between 6 and 11 servings of grains each day. Heaping plates of pasta may end up providing more calorie-dense carbohydrates than you need. For a well-balanced meal, try limiting portions of pasta to ½ - ¾ cup; consider whole wheat, if available; and include plenty of vegetables and lean meat, fish, chicken or tofu.

Keep It Spicy! Seasonings can add loads of flavor to reduced-fat recipes. Try basil to spruce up poultry, cilantro or salsa with fish, and dill in low-fat cottage cheese. Use cracked black or red pepper for more exciting pasta, and add turmeric to rice dishes. A little spice goes a long way toward making fat-modified dishes taste great.

Eating Before Exercise Your body clearly needs food, but too much just before exercise can impair your performance and make you feel sluggish. Try to strike a reasonable balance. Eat your larger meals 3-4 hours before exercise. Eat small meals if you eat during the last hour or two before starting to exercise.

Don't Sweat It Exercisers of all ages are at increased risk for dehydration during these hot summer months. Dehydration can diminish energy, impair performance, and have serious health consequences. Even a 2% loss of body weight through sweat--3 pounds for a 150-pound exerciser--can mean trouble. Maintaining proper hydration is important for all fitness enthusiasts. Weighing yourself, without clothing, just before and after you exercise is one way to measure fluid losses. Each pound lost is equivalent to about 15 ounces of dehydration.

Summer Festivals & Fun Food From peach cobbler topped with ice cream to fried everything you can imagine, summer festivals and all of their interesting foods can be a fun and memorable part of summer. But, how do you have a great time at summer outdoor events and still eat healthfully? Here are a few tips for enjoying without overindulging: Look at all food options before choosing your favorites; share with a friend; choose smaller portions when possible; put it all on one plate rather than munching as you go; and sit down, eat slowly and enjoy!

Potato Power The potatoe's reputation as a high-carb, white starch has removed it from the meals of many who are trying to lose weight. Did you know that potatoes are actually very healthful and can fit into even the most calorie-conscious eating plan? They are not only fat and cholesterol free but are also rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamin C and potassium. The key is to choose toppings carefully. Top with low-fat, low-calorie options such as salsa, chopped veggies, herbs, beans, nonfat sour cream or low-fat shredded cheese.

Restless Leg Syndrome Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a disruptive neurological disorder characterized by the irresistible urge to move the legs when at rest. It is often followed by unpleasant sensations described as creeping, tugging or pulling. If you think you may have RLS, see a health care provider; don't diagnose yourself. Once other conditions have been ruled out and you have been diagnosed with RLS, it can be managed.

Sponges and Hidden Kitchen Germs Did you know that sponges are great places for bacteria to grow even after they dry? Keep your kitchen sanitary. Wash sponges carefully and replace them regularly. The bacteria found in dirty sponges can recontaminate your dishes and countertops. Wash sponges in the hot cycle of your dishwasher, or disinfect them in a chlorine bleach solution.

Storing Olive Oil Olive oil is not like a good wine; it does not improve with age. According to our registered dietitian, once opened, you should use the oil within three months for optimum flavor. Store it away from light and heat, in a tightly sealed container. If you store olive oil in the refrigerator this is OK too. Some believe that this might affect its flavor a little bit but it also improves the shelf life of your oil. Substituting olive oil for other fats can be a heart-healthy cooking strategy!

Wash Those Hands! Cleaning our hands is the single most important thing we can all do to reduce the spread of various infections, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a recent study, the American Society for Microbiology found that only 77% of people actually wash their hands after using a public restroom. For better health, always wash your hands after using the restroom and before handling food

Tips to Lower Sodium Intake Have you been advised to limit your sodium intake? If so, try to eat a variety of raw, dried and frozen vegetables. Most of them are naturally low in sodium. Canned vegetables generally contain a significant amount of added salt unless the label states that it is low in sodium. Look for descriptions such as "no salt added" and "reduced sodium" on the Nutrition Facts labels when buying canned vegetables.

Travelling Abroad? If you are headed to an international location this year consider taking the following precautions: Pack a health kit that contains your daily medicines in their original containers along with your written prescriptions; pain relievers; diarrhea medicine; first aid items; hand gel (at least 60 percent alcohol); insect repellent; and malaria prevention medicine if needed. Don't forget to register with the U.S. Department of State in case of an emergency and check your health insurance plan to see if it will cover your health needs abroad.

Turmeric, More than a Spice Turmeric is a spice commonly used in foods such as curry powders, mustards and cheeses. New evidence suggests that its active ingredient, curcumin, might prevent or treat some diseases. The National Institutes of Health is recruiting patients for clinical trials to test curcumin against pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma (a form of cancer), Alzheimer's and colorectal cancer. Curcumin is not thought to be toxic but high doses or long-term use may cause indigestion. Stay tuned for future updates.

Turn Down the Heat with Spicy Foods Do you ever find your mouth on heat overload when eating spicy food? When this happens, don't reach for a glass of water to cool down. Water actually spreads the hot sensation inside the mouth. Your best bet is to drink skim or low-fat milk, which contains a protein that calms down the heat from peppers. Nibbling on a piece of dry bread, chips or plain rice can also help. All will help ease the pain and burning from too many hot spices.

VEGETARIAN DIETS AND IRON Are you a vegetarian or mostly a vegetarian? Our registered dietitian recommends consuming plenty of iron-rich plant foods such as lentils, kidney beans, black beans, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruit and whole grains. Iron-enriched products such as cereals and breads are also good sources. To enhance iron absorption, consume vitamin C-rich foods at the same time you eat iron-containing foods. These include strawberries, green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and citrus fruits. By following these simple guidelines, most non-meat eaters will get enough iron.

VITAMIN D--BEST SOURCES Vitamin D aids in the absorption of dietary calcium, which is essential for bone health. Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. The major dietary sources of vitamin D in the U.S. are fortified products such as milk, some brands of orange juice and ready-to-eat cereals. The body also makes it after exposure to sunlight. If you feel you might not be getting enough vitamin D, or if you are thinking of taking a supplement, consult your physician or a dietitian.

Weight Lifting for Strength Assuming that you have warmed-up properly, the key to weight training for increased strength is to work muscles beyond their present capacity. Consider choosing a weight for each exercise that causes you to work harder during the last few repetitions than during the first few. But never sacrifice your form. Proper form and technique help reduce the risk of injury.

What Affects Iron Absorption? Iron supplementation can be beneficial for some people who are at risk of deficiency such as pregnant women, female athletes or women with heavy menstrual cycles. To get the most out of iron supplements, avoid taking them with coffee, tea or milk. These beverages contain substances that can inhibit the absorption of iron. Wait 90 minutes or more to drink coffee, tea or milk, after taking iron. Vitamin C and meat proteins can improve iron absorption. Check with your physician before adding an iron supplement to your diet.

Lower Fat Baking Looking for a way to lower the fat in baked goods while maintaining moisture? Try pureed fruit. Experiment with pureed prunes, pears, figs, peaches and applesauce. All will provide flavour and moisture with fewer calories and no fat.

Icing for injuries Icing many types of injuries aids the healing process. But, using ice improperly can actually do more harm than good. Use these precautions when treating injuries: Do not leave the ice pack on an injury after the skin becomes numb. Never fall asleep with ice on your skin. Don't use ice on open blisters or wounds. If an injury does not respond to self-treatment within 24 hours, see a doctor

Spaghetti Squash A 1/2 cup of baked spaghetti squash contains only 25 calories and is a good source of nutrients. Try topping cooked spaghetti squash with warmed tomato sauce or salsa, and enjoy as a healthy side dish or snack.

Persistence is an amazing thing You don't have to be the best or the smartest, but if you keep working at something and don't give up, it's incredible what you can accomplish."- Cory Holly

Gaining Weight As hard as this is to believe, some people have trouble gaining weight. If you are trying to build muscle, add calorie dense snacks between meals. Examples include dried fruit, nuts, protein powders between meals,peanut butter and bananas. An extra 400-500 calories per day is usually all most people need. Get plenty of rest each night. Avoid smoking.

Stay Safe on the Basketball Court Do you know anyone who plays basketball? Avoid injuries on the court by wearing the proper shoes. Good basketball shoes increase shock absorption and supply appropriate traction. They help reduce the amount of stress normally transmitted to the knees.

Addressing Muscle Soreness The smartest way to address muscle soreness is to avoid it. When starting a new training program, or upgrading an existing one, go into it gradually. Take several weeks, even longer if necessary. Should you experience soreness along the way, give your muscles a day or two of rest to recover.

Weight management Weight management is about managing a healthy body composition, staying at your ideal body weight, balancing stress and adding life to your years and years to your life. Long-term health should be the ultimate goal of any exercise or weight management program."- Tracy Holly

Interval training Interval training mimics the behavior of our hunting-gathering ancestors better than continuous exercise that maintains a constant pace for 20-40 minutes. Interval training can be defined as short, high-intensity exercise periods alternated with periods of rest. Periods of high and low intensity are repeated several times to form a complete workout.

Fast Food Did you know that a plain fast food hamburger may be a better nutritional bet than a chicken sandwich? One plain patty, with bun but no cheese, provides about 260 calories and 9 grams of fat. A fried chicken sandwich has almost 500 calories and 23 grams of fat! When dining out, consider opting for plain items, such as burgers. Hold the cheese and sauces, or opt for grilled (not fried) chicken sandwiches with mustard instead of a rich sauce or mayo.

Fructose Fructose occurs naturally in fruit, along with many other healthy nutrients including vitamins, minerals and fiber. Current nutrition guidelines indicate most people should be eating more fruit. However, when used as an additive in candy, drinks and baked goods, fructose isn't any better for us than its chemical cousin, sucrose (regular sugar). Fructose provides just as many calories and can have a laxative effect if consumed in large amounts. So, eat your fruits, but try to avoid added fructose.

Lots of Diets Did you know that 65 million Americans go on a weight loss diet each year? And that as many as 48 million Americans are on a diet on any given day? Try on this idea: Dieting is not the solution for being overweight or obese. At best, diets are only a very temporary fix. Adopting gradual, but sustainable improvements to your eating and exercise habits are what can last you a lifetime.

Eye Protection During Sports Do you participate in sports that involve a moving ball, swinging stick, or physical contact? These include sports like hockey, tennis, racquetball or baseball. According to the International Federation of Sports Medicine, the use of protective gear significantly reduces eye injuries in sports. Be safe, not sorry. Buy and use sport appropriate goggles or a facemask. Make eye protection a priority while you play.

Garlic Since 1986, responsible medical journals published 31 studies on how garlic affects blood pressure and cholesterol. Many suggest that garlic lowers both. Experts recommend roughly 1-4 cloves per day for heart-healthy benefits. The final word on garlic awaits even more research, but eating modest amounts seems safe and probably good for us. Try adding garlic to salads, pastas, rice dishes, soups, potatoes, and even sandwiches.

Motivating Yourself to Exercise A good way for many people to maintain or increase exercise is through finding an upbeat workout partner. Almost everyone does better with encouragement than with negativity, and many people do better if they have another person working with them. Encouraging each other can positively affect your attitude and increase your desire to come back for more.

Exercising in Cold Weather Dressing in layers helps your body hold its heat and prevents the retention of perspiration on your skin. Try these tips to get the most out of the layering: 1. Wear a thin layer of synthetic microfibers such as polypropylene closest to your skin. Synthetics tend to wick sweat away; 2. The next layer is for insulation. A front zipper will allow easy release of extra heat and perspiration; and 3. The top layer should be windproof and waterproof. In extremely cold weather, an extra layer of microfibers or goose down inside the shell traps even more heat.

Dressing for Outdoor Winter Exercise Dress appropriately and comfortably for cold weather exercise. Multiple layers will initially keep you warm and you can easily remove them, one at a time, as your body heats up. Likewise, a hat prevents substantial heat loss through the head and can also be easily removed.

Easy Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bill this Month Add weather-stripping or caulking around windows, wear a warm sweater and turn the heat down a little, install door sweeps to help keep drafts from getting in, and clean or replace furnace filters to improve efficiency.

Potassium Potassium is essential for many reasons. These include blood pressure regulation and normal heart function. However, too much as well as too little can cause problems. Thus the National Institutes of Health recommend getting potassium from food, avoiding supplements except at your doctor's direction. Good food-based sources include bananas, yogurt, spinach, lentils, raisins, and acorn squash.

Soy sauce Did you know that low sodium soy sauce might still contain 600 mg of sodium per tablespoon? That's about 25% of the -recommended daily intake. Remember - a reduced sodium food, while often better than the original, is not always a low sodium food.

Size matters! Don't forget about portion size when dining out. A 3.5 oz. hamburger made with extra lean ground beef, cooked to medium, contains about 250 calories, 16 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat and 82 mg of cholesterol. Upgrade that to a half-pound of meat and you are looking at almost 600 calories, 36 grams of fat, 13 grams of saturated fat and 185 mg of cholesterol. What a whopping difference! Stick with smaller portions of meat. Three ounces is about the size of a deck of cards.

Give Barley a Try Looking for a whole grain to add variety to your dinner plate? Willing to try a new flavor? Consider barley. According to our registered dietitian, one half cup (cooked) provides significant amounts of several nutrients, including folate, iron, zinc, protein, and fiber. You can also use barley in soups, stuffed peppers, pilaf, and hot or cold salads. It is readily available at most supermarkets.

Salt Substitutes Use salt substitutes sparingly, if at all, unless you consult with your doctor. Some salt substitutes contain very high levels of potassium. This may be unhealthy for those with certain medical conditions. Instead of relying on a salt substitute, try seasoning foods with pepper, flavorful herbs and spices.

Secondhand Smoke The heart and blood vessels are extremely sensitive to toxic chemicals in secondhand smoke. According to some studies, secondhand smoke can increase the risk of heart disease by 30% or more. Play it safe; avoid secondhand smoke as much as you can.

Bean Power Beans, also called legumes, are inexpensive and quite filling. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommends eating them several times each week. Red, black, pinto, or kidney beans all pack a nutritional punch. One-third cup of cooked beans has only 80 calories, no cholesterol, lots of complex carbohydrates, and little fat. They are also a great source of protein, full of B vitamins, potassium, and fiber. Experts believe that eating beans may reduce blood cholesterol, a leading cause of heart disease.

Tips to Lower Sodium Intake Have you been advised to limit your sodium intake? If so, try to eat a variety of raw, dried and frozen vegetables. Most of them are naturally low in sodium. Canned vegetables generally contain a significant amount of added salt unless the label states that it is low in sodium. Look for descriptions such as "no salt added" and "reduced sodium" on the Nutrition Facts labels when buying canned vegetables.

Step 1 in a 3 week, home treat for the inner & outer You Twice weekly: Lymphatic Cleansing Treatment. Fill the bath with very warm water and sprinkle in two mug-fulls of EPSOM SALTS, available in a large container at your local health store. 20 to 30 minutes is all it takes to unblock your lymph nodes, clearing your body of unwanted toxins.

Step 2 in a 3 week, home treat for the inner & outer You Once weekly: Total skin Treatment. Massage a high quality absorbent oil, such as almond etc., into your skin from head to toe. Soak yourself in a warm bath for 20 to 30 minutes. You may like to add some lavender, favorite music and soft lighting to complete this nourishing treat.

Step 3 in a 3 week, home treat for the inner & outer You Once in three weeks: Hair & scalp Treatment. Take some time to work plenty of good quality absorbent oil into and over your scalp, massaging well. Wrap and leave to soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Shampoo and condition.

Strength Training Women need to incorporate strength training as much as possible. The ability to stay strong for sport and daily tasks helps with injury prevention and ease of life as we age! Females need to avoid thinking that they will get big and bulky! It will not happen! Do not be afraid to train for strength & power! Also, the more lean muscle tissue you have, the more fat you will lose! To lean out, increase your strength! With proper instruction, moves like deadlifts, squats, lunges, pullups should be your best friends!

Pumpkin Seed Oil A great source of Omega-6 and Omega-9 EFAs and favorable plant sterols, pumpkin seed oil offers many health benefits including cholesterol regulation, prostate maintenance, bladder control, hormone balance and reproductive health.

Coconut Oil Nature's richest source of medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs, coconut oil can help improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, protect against infectious illnesses and degenerative conditions and provide an immediate source of energy.

Flax seed oil One of the richest sources of Omega-3 EFAs in the plant kingdom, more than half the fat in flax seeds is alphalinolenic fatty acid (ALA), the essential Omega-3 fatty acid. Scientific studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for proper infant growth and development, reduction of cholesterol, brain and skin health, and protection against coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, auto-immune and inflammatory and disorders and cancer.

Benefits of Melatonin Melatonin promotes positive sleep/wake cycles. Effective in relieving jet lag. May improve SAD (seasonal affect disorder). Helps shift workers adjust to new sleep patterns. Quickly absorbed and utilized by the body.

Black cumin seed oil The subject of numerous scientific studies and clinical trials, including its beneficial impact on the immune system, black cumin seed oil's antioxidant levels are among the very highest of all plant oils.

No equipment needed...just you Higher intensity workouts that include bodyweight movements, skipping, jumping, crawling are a phenomenal way to increase cardiovascular conditioning, reduce fat and get rid of the boredom. You do not need any equipment to get an amazing workout! Your body can be your greatest tool! A mix like pushups, squats, bear crawls, lunges, burpees will rev up the heart rate without taking up much space. No space, no equipment needed...just you!

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Wellness Tip

Greens Have you heard of arugula? It is a green, leafy vegetable that contains about 20 times more beta-carotene and vitamin C, and 8 times more calcium than iceberg lettuce. When making green salads at home, consider opting for dark green leaves, such as arugula, romaine, chicory and thinly sliced kale. Substituting these greens in salads and on sandwiches creates a more nutrient dense meal.

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Guide to the Irish Megaliths Stone Circles There are over 250 stone circles scattered across Ireland, often located in spectacularly beautiful locations. There are indications that stone circles have their origin in the Neolithic (c. 4000-2400 BC) though they are primarily a Bronze Age ritual monument (c. 2400-500 BC). Most Irish circles are believed to have been Full Article

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Lighter Bran Muffins Category: Desserts Description: Compared to the buttery, icing-piped white scones and tartlets in the pastry case, the bran muffin always seems like the obvious choice for the hungry healthy-breakfast browser. The bran adds a good bit of fiber and a little protein, too. But most bakery batters are made fluffy with white flour and sweetened with enough sugar to cover four glazed donuts—a 400-plus-calorie breakfast with more than 70g of carbs, most from refined sources like white flour and brown sugar. And the portion size? These muffins are enormous. Our mission: Bring the bran muffin back into balanced territory with 100% whole grains and no refined sugar—but still keep it moist and packed with flavour. Full Recipe