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FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR JUNE, 2008:
Did you know that there are billions of dollars in gift card sales that are never used? If you or a loved one has gift cards that you never redeemed, you can sell them online and get a 60-80% return of the face value. Or, for a $2 or $3 fee, you can swap for another card of equal value. To sell or swap, check out , www.Cardavenue.com, www.giftcardbuyback.com, www.giftcardsagain.com, or www. swapagift.com
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR MAY, 2008:
Did you know that the estimated new cases for colon cancer in 2008 are 108,070, and that this cancer is highly preventable when patients are regularly checked and screened via colonoscopy? For years, there was only one drug to treat this cancer, but now there are five. Five year survival rates have increased to 65 percent, but when localized cancer is detected early and treated surgically, the survival rate is 95 percent. I'm wiring this for myself, since I haven't had a colonoscopy yet. So write to me and badger me about this!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR APRIL, 2008:
The U.S. government will soon offer Social Security recipients a new way to receive benefits; debit cards. These cards will debut this spring in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, and they are expected to be available nationwide by the end of the summer. If you choose to use them, you will receive a Master Card debit card, which will be reloaded each month with benefit payments and secured with a personal i.d. number. The card can be used at AtM's and at retailers for purchases and to get cash back.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR MARCH, 2008:
Did you know that figs are packed with potassium, calcium, and so many antioxidants that they practically cancel out the effects of less nutritious foods in your diet? Well, they do. Of course, you don't want to take this too far and load up on naughty treats and then follow them with a fig chaser. That's a fast path to fat because figs are high in calories.
So, be smart, eat right and then eat figs, too. Use common sense and you'll be uncommonly healthy!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR FEBRUARY, 2008:
I hate to sound dreary today, but the funeral home business is a business like any other, and often, there are problems. Here are some tips to make your negotiations with them work better:
1. Think it over: Avoid pre-need contracts and instead deposit money in a separate interest-bearing account at your local bank. On your death, the person you name as the beneficiary of this "pay on death" account has immediate access to the money.
2. Check the fine print carefully so that you can determine what's covered.
3. Ask about refunds. Be sure that your contract can be fully transferred to another funeral home or the funds refunded to you if you change your mind.
4. Follow the money. Know where your pre-need payments are being invested.
5. Plan for change: Ask what happens if your circumstances change. What if you can't get the casket you requested? What if your family decides on a simpler funeral?
6. Review your finances: If you are close to being eligible for Medicaid, you can put some of your money into an "irrevocable" pre-need funeral plan.
7. Talk to a lawyer. Have an attorney review any contract before you sign.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 2008:
1. Your belly's more important than your body mass index. A healthy waist is less than 35 inches.
2. Less than a third of women know what their cholesterol is. It needs to be check every 5 years.
3. Antioxidant supplements aren't worth it. The American Heart Assoc. recommends against taking vitamins A, C, and E because there's insufficient evidence to show they help.
4. Losing weight will make your blood pressure drop. This fact holds true for as many as 50% of all people who slim down.
5. A mole doesn't have to be large or raised to be dangerous. Problematic ones can be bigger than a pencil eraser but most are the size of a pinprick, says dermatologist Debra Jaliman, M.D.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK OF DEC. 17:
Here are three reasons to eat more squash:
1. Better blood pressure. Squash is rich in potassium, a mineral known for helping keep BP under control.
2. Healthier knees. Winter squash is rich in beta cryptoxanthin and vitamin C, two nutrients credited with helping to save joints.
3. Better appetite control. Squash is low in calories, as long as you don't douse it in butter and brown sugar, and high in fiber. It can aid in bowel control and keep you feeling full longer.
WEEK OF NOV. 12TH:
When it comes to cholesterol, it's good cop (HDL) vs. bad cop (LDL), and only a good cop has the power to charm your arteries into coming clean. One of the best snacks to improve your HDL is two to three handfuls of pistachios every day. Adding this to your diet could bump up your HDL by two to three points in just 4 weeks. Along with heart-healthy fats, pistachios contain cardioprotective nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, and copper. For an easy, healthy snack, too together some shelled pistachios and dried cherries in a ziploc bag, and you'll feel great wherever you go.
WEEK OF OCT. 22nd:
Beat the blood pressure blues. Here are some tips:
Drop some pounds. Shedding even 5-10 pounds can help. Carrying extra weight increases your heart's workload.
Get moving. Thirty minutes of moderate aerobic exercise on most days will do the trick.
Toss the salt. Cutting down to no more than 2,300 mg/day can help you stay in control. Check the labels since processed foods are a big culprit.
Do the DASH. This is an eating plan based on Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and it includes lowering saturated fat, cholesterol and salt. It features plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is rich in protein, potassium and magnesium.
Try a natural solution. A milk protein called casein contains an ingredient that helps maintain healthier blood pressure naturally. It may be difficult to get enough in the diet, but there are supplements that contain this protein.
WEEK OF OCT. 1ST:
Here's a little quiz for you: Which would be better to grab for a blood sugar-balancing snack...a fresh apple or a slice of rye toast?
I answered the apple, and I was wrong. You should go for the toast, as long as it's whole grain Getting 17 grams of grain fiber a day could slash type 2 diabetes risk by a third, research shows. And rye bread seems to be the best.
WELL, AFTER A SUMMER OFF AND SOME COMPUTER SNAGS, I'M BACK!!
For the week of September 6th, 2007, let's look at an easy little tip to help you lose weight. This tip comes from the "Real Age" newsletter, www.RealAge.com
Upping your water intake by 33 ounces, which is 4 additional cups, could help you melt away an additional 2.5 pounds over the course of a yearlong diet. Remember, it has to be water. Switching to diet drinks didn't have the same effect. Also consider the fact that just drinking extra water won't make you lose if you're not already on a reduced calorie eating plan. Well, wouldn't you know there would be a catch?
WEEK OF JULY 30: Heart disease is the number one killer of women. Let's take a look at the warning signs of a heart attack:
1. Chest discomfort, mild or severe that last more than a few minutes and may come and go. It occurs in the center of the chest and feels like pressure, fullness or pain.
2. Discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
3. Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.
4. Nausea, lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat.
5. Extreme fatigue.
This report was taken from the July/August issue of AARP Bulletin. Take care of your hearts, ladies!
Here are 10 fun ways to live longer:
1. Drink red wine
2. Eat dark chocolate
3. Smile
4. Have more sex
5. Relax
6. Make exercise play
7. Sleep
8. Spend time with loved ones
9. Solve puzzles and play brain games
10. Be positive
WEEK OF MAY 28:
If your mind drifts during the day, lighten up. Bright lights increase both alertness and perception. Any kind of light will have a direct impact on areas of the brain that are involved in alertness. Research shows that bright light therapy can also perk you up if you are experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness. It works by getting the brain's internal clock and sleep-wake cycle in sync.
I need to try this myself since I need a nap every day.
WEEK OF MAY 14:
From the website "RealAge" comes this Tip of the Day: "When it comes to onions,
think stinky. Bitter, strong, pungent onions tend to have more cancer fighting
compounds than milder, sweeter bulbs." Here are the onions that they recommend:
shallots, western yellow, New York bold and Northern Red. You'll be glad to know
that onions are also artery protectors, so they are good for your heart.
So, eat your onions and dare your friends to come close!
WEEK OF APRIL 30:
It appears that I'm having allergies these days. I've had two cortisone shots in the past two weeks, and I'm still sick. So, this topic about allergies was of interest to me and hopefully it will be to you.
From About.com comes this report on allergy shots:
Unlike allergy medicines, which act only to "cover up" allergic symptoms or prevent them temporarily, allergy shots fix the underlying problem of allergies. This occurs because the body treats the injection much like a vaccine, resulting in the production of infection-fighting antibodies against the pollen, dust mold or pet dander. The body the stops producing as much allergic antibodies against the triggers, and therefore won't have as much, or any, allergic response when exposed to the allergens. These shots start as small doses, initially given twice a week, until a maintenance dose is achieved. This usually takes 3-6 months. After this, the injections are given every two to four weeks.
Therapy is continued for 3-5 years total, after which the patient continues to get benefit for another 5-10 years or longer, even after the shots are stopped.
You might consider the shots if you have tried many medications and they haven't worked for you. Or, if you have side effects from the regular medications, this might be a reason to change treatment. Also, the shots may save money in the long run if the patient is continually on treatment.
WEEK OF APRIL 15TH:
As it turns out, you don't have to pour red wine on your Cheerios to get the heart
healthy effects you desire. According to a study in "Real Age", dated April 13,
2007, you can put blueberries on the breakfast table instead. They are rich in the
same potent anticancer heart-protective compound found in red wine. Blueberries
have also been found to give you better brain function, lower cancer risk and possibly
improve stroke outcome. So eat those blueberries and be healthy!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 26:
A daytime snooze is a stress buster and heart protector. If you take a
30 minute nap midday, three times a week, it can lower the heart attack rate
by a whopping 37 percent! So, take that siesta every day. You'll feel better
and so will your heart!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 12:
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
This condition is the result of several factors that increase pressure on the median
nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself.
It is most likely due to a congenital predisposition, since the carpal tunnel is smaller
in some people than in others. While bursitis and tendonitis can occur with repeated
and forceful movements of the hands, there is little clinical data to prove whether this
causes carpal tunnel.
Other contributing factors include:
trauma or injury to the wrist
overactivity of the pituitary gland
rheumatoid arthritis
mechanical problems in the wrist joint
work stress (that's me!)
repeated use of vibrating hand tools
fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause
the development of a cyst or tumor in the canal
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK OF FEB. 26:
Eating peanut butter can help you control your weight!
Research has shown that snacking on peanut butter is an effective way to control hunger without weight gain. How does this happen? Because peanut butter gives us a feeling of fullness. A Purdue University study published in the International Journal of Obesity showed that subjects who snacked on peanut butter were shown to self-adjust their caloric intake and didn't add extra calories to their daily diet!!
WEEK OF FEB. 12:
Well, I love, love my little dog Coco, so this thought is right down my
alley.
Health studies have found that having a well-loved pet can lower a
person's blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, what can
they do for long-term patients?
1. The touch of an animal brings comfort.
2. Animals are non-judgmental and offer unconditional love that a person
may not.
3. A patiORent in pain or one that cannot speak won't feel pressured to
interact with an animal.
4. Animals won't stare or ask awkward questions regarding any
disabilities.
5. Pets can help people to relax and lower their blood pressure.
SO...GO OUT AND GET YOURSELF A PET. BUT BUY SOME CARPET
CLEANER WHILE YOU'RE AT IT. YOU'RE GOING TO NEED IT!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 29:
Here is a list of 5 foods to help your mood:
1. Walnuts: Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty
acids, a type of fat that's needed for brain cells and mood-
lifting neurotransmitters to function properly.
2. Tea: It has been shown that tea with caffeine can lead to a more
positive mood and improved performance. However, too much
can make you nervous, irritable and bring on headaches. Herbal,
green or chai tea are good choices.
3. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber, which helps to smooth out
blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar into
the blood. Other foods high in soluble fiber are beans, peas,
barley, citrus fruits, strawberries and apples.
4. Salmon: Research has suggested that vitamin D may increase the
levels of serotonin, one of the key neurotransmitters that
influence mood. We get Vitamin D through sun exposure,
but in the winter months we need more from the food we eat.
Milk is another great supplier of Vitamin D.
5. Lentils: Lentils are an excellent source of folate, a B vitamin that is
necessary for mood and nerve function in the brain. In a
Harvard study, 38 percent of depressed women were low in
folate.
So, during these cold winter months when many people get more depressed,
try adding these foods to your diet and see if you don't feel better.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 22:
Did you know that waltzing is as beneficial to your heart health as working out
on treadmills and stationary bikes? Researcher Romualdo Belardinelli, M.D.
of Lancisi Heart Institute in Ancona, Italy reported at a meeting of the
American Heart Association in November that waltzers had better oxygen
uptake and less muscle fatigue than a group doing more traditional exercises.
They also had a better quality of life. (Jan. 2007, AARP Bulletin)
So...get out there and get moving with your sweetie, for your heart's sake!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 15:
From the Jan. 2007 issue of the AARP bulletin, comes this interesting and
hopeful information:
The fields of daffodils that bloom every spring in the Black Mountains of Wales
are not only beautiful--they may help fight Alzheimer's disease, too. A compound,
known as galantamine, that is extracted from daffodils and other plants is used
in high-end prescription drugs to slow the development of dementia. Scientists
found that Welsh daffodils appear to be especially prolific producers of
galantamine. Trevor Walker, a biochemist with the research firm Alzeim
in Powys, Wales, told the BBC that he hopes to produce a less costly generic
version of the compound. So, as the title of this article said...Daffodils may not be so "daffy" after all!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 8:
This is a month of colds, flu and other germ born illness. So, an article that appeared in the latest issue of AARP Magazine was timely. The title of the article is "Dirty Hospitals" and here are some of the facts stated in the article by author Katharine Greider:
1. Two million patients are infected in hospitals each year.
2. More than 90,000 of these patients die.
3. Nationwide, hospital infections are the 8th leading cause of death.
4. The leading cause of these infections is a nasty antibiotic-resistant germ
known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP PREVENT THIS PROBLEM?
1. Wash your hands frequently, and don't be shy about asking doctors, nurses
and aides to wash theirs.
2. People who smoke or are overweight are more susceptible to infection, so try
to get this under control.
3. Wash with 4% chlorhexidine soap for several days before surgery.
4. Ask your doctor for a nasal swab test for MRSA.
5. Be sure the doctor prescribes an antibiotic for you before surgery.
6. Don't allow the doctor to shave the surgical site. Tiny razor cuts can get
infected. Use hair clippers.
7. Ask friends and family to stay away if they are ill. Also, request that the
number of aides and medical personnel be limited in your room.
8. Call a nurse promptly if an IV or catheters become loose or damaged.
These sites should be kept clean and dry.
9. Finally, if you can't speak for yourself, have someone advocate for you.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK OF JAN 1:
Hopefully, most of us have experienced a great and joyful holiday season. However, many people who suffer from depressive disorders have more trouble during this time than at any other time of the year. So, it seems fitting that our food for thought for this week should be a closer look at depression.
Major depression is a major cause of disability in the U.S. and worldwide. Unipolar major depression is second only to coronary heart disease as the major illness contributing to disability in major market economies, and unipolar major depression accounts for 7% of disability adjusted life years, an international standard measure of disability.
Unipolar depression differs from bipolar depression, which includes both manic and depressive cycles. Both illness should be treated by competent psychiatric specialists, and both normally require medication. While an anti-depressant will most likely suffice for unipolar cases, bipolar patients must have something for both the manic and depressed conditions.
This year, 12% of American women and 7% of American men will experience depression. Over their lifetimes, approximately 20% of women and 10% of men will experience major depression. Women between the ages of 18 and 45 compose the largest proportion of people with major depression.
If you or a loved one has experienced long-term feelings of sadness or the inability to cope with normal daily functions; has trouble sleeping; eating disorders or lack of interest in life, please see a doctor immediately. When a mental illness is prescribed, remember that it is no different from a physical illness. The proper medication and regular care from a qualified physician can have people returning to a normal, happy life once more.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK OF DEC. 18:
From the AARP Bulletin, Vol. 47. No. 11: For everyone over the age of 50 (That's Me!), here is a list of exams that you should have: Hearing test every ten years Eye exam every 2-4 years, but 1-2 years for 65 and older Dental exam 1-2 times a year Skin exam every year Diabetes screen every 3 years but 1-2 years for 65 and older Blood pressure check every 2 years at least Cholesterol check every 5 years Colorectal cancer screening every 5-10 years; fecal occult blood test every year; colonoscopy every ten years For Women Only: mammogram every 1-2 years; pelvic exam 1-3 years (less frequently for women 65 and older); pap test 1-3 years; bone mineral density at least once by age 65. For Men Only: Prostate cancer check. Guidelines vary, so you need to discuss with your doctor.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK OF DEC. 11: This week, we are going to talk about food allergies. Any food can cause an allergic reaction, but did you know that 90% of all food allergies are caused by one of the following: wheat, eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish and shell fish. The FDA estimates that 2 percent of adults and up to 8 percent of young children suffer from food allergies. Each year, about 30,000 people require emergency room treatment for food allergies and an estimated 150 die. Food allergy symptoms may include: hives itching swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or eyes diarrhea vomiting cramps itching and tightness of throat difficulty breathing wheezing in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that often includes swelling of the face, lips, mouth and throat and it can lead to a drop in blood pressure, shock and unconsciousness. If not treated immediately with epinephrine, it can be fatal. The good news is that some children may outgrow their food allergy.
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