This is the time of the year when it is very easy to become depressed or to get the "wintertime blues". If you find yourself lacking in energy or just do not feel like doing things that you normally enjoy, you may have a mild case of the blues. If you are finding that the cold temperatures and the gray skies are affecting your outlook on the day, you will be glad to hear that there are some very simple things you can do to help you.
1. Diet - It is very easy for us to grab sweets and high carbohydrates when feeling down. These foods only add to the symptoms. Instead, we need to have a well rounded diet of proteins, vegetables, and fruit.
2. Supplements - Make sure that you are getting enough Vitamin D. With the cloudy skies and shorter days during the winter months, we are not getting exposure to the sun. A good supplement can help give you the needed Vitamin D.
3. Light - Make your surroundings as bright as possible. Leave you blinds and drapes open to allow any winter sunlight in to your home. Turn on more table lights if you need to.
4. Exercise - Be sure to get plenty of exercise during the winter months. It will lower stress and anxiety and at the same time lift your mood. If possible, exercise outside in the fresh air.
5. Rest - Make sure to get your recommended 8 hours of sleep each night. When you are tired from lack of sleep, your mood is going to be effected.
6. Social Activity - Be sure to have contact with others. If you live alone, make plans with others to get out of your home environment. Spending time with friends and family outside the home settings will lift your moods.
7. Aromatherapy - Having pleasing scents can boost your mood. Think about burning candles, filling your home with fresh baked smells, or just purchase a new lotion to use.
Don't let the colder days of winter bring you down. Remember, spring will be here before you know it. If you cannot wait for spring, purchase some fresh flowers to brighten your home.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Which Foods to Buy Organic?
We are now hearing daily about organic foods and why we should purchasing and eating them. For years, our food has been sprayed and fertilized with syntheic chemicals. According to the USDA, Organic farming has become one of the fastest growing areas over the past decade. Betwenn 1990 and 2002, certified organic farms doubled in acreage and doubled again between 2002 and 2005.
Even with this many acres in organic farm production, organic foods are sometimes hard to find at your local grocers. There a few ways to find what you want by shopping at local farmer's markets. This is a great way to find out first hand how your food is being grown and what pesticide practices are being used. According to the Environmental Working Group, the following list are the fruits and vegetable with the least amount of pesticide. These are relatively safe to eat when not grown organically.
1.Avocado
2.Sweet Corn
3,Pineapple
4.Mango
5.Asparagus
6.Sweet Peas
7.Kiwi
8.Cabbage
9.Eggplant
10.Papaya
11.Watermelon
12.Broccoli
13.Tomato
14. Sweet Potato
Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, these 12 fruits and vegetables had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy or grow organic:
Even with this many acres in organic farm production, organic foods are sometimes hard to find at your local grocers. There a few ways to find what you want by shopping at local farmer's markets. This is a great way to find out first hand how your food is being grown and what pesticide practices are being used. According to the Environmental Working Group, the following list are the fruits and vegetable with the least amount of pesticide. These are relatively safe to eat when not grown organically.
1.Avocado
2.Sweet Corn
3,Pineapple
4.Mango
5.Asparagus
6.Sweet Peas
7.Kiwi
8.Cabbage
9.Eggplant
10.Papaya
11.Watermelon
12.Broccoli
13.Tomato
14. Sweet Potato
Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, these 12 fruits and vegetables had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy or grow organic:
- Peaches
- Apples
- Sweet bell peppers
- Celery
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Lettuce
- Grapes (imported)
- Pears
- Spinach
- Potatoes
Monday, October 19, 2009
October Breast Cancer Awarness Month
This month is the perfect time to think about scheduling a breast mammogram. If you or someone you know is at risk for breast cancer, do not put this very simple test off. It very well could be the one thing that could save a life. Throughout October, there are numerous way you can show your support. You can either walk or support another in the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure. There are events being held globally. You can find additional information at Susan G. Komen for The Cure You can click daily at The Breast Cancer Site to help make mammograms available for those who cannot afford them. If you know of someone fighting breast cancer, you can help by sending a card, making meal, or offering to run errands for them. The smallest gesture can go a long way in letting them know that you care.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Women's Health Week - May 10th - May 16th
As a mom and wife, staying healthy is very important to me. Let's face it, the fact is that most often it is the mom who is the primary caregiver in the home. We are there when someone is sick, needs a ride to band practice, or when your little ones are hungry. So it is up to the mom to look after everyone else before herself. Sad to say, but very true.
Moms, it is time to put your health first. Check out the web site Women's Health Week Here you will find articles on diet and nutrition, physical activity, preventative screening, and mental health. Yes, all of these work to together to make you a healthy, happy woman. Celebrate being a woman and taking charge of your health during May 10th - May 16th. Make needed changes that you will continue with in the weeks and months to come. Do if for yourself. You will notice the changes and will feel better as a result.
Moms, it is time to put your health first. Check out the web site Women's Health Week Here you will find articles on diet and nutrition, physical activity, preventative screening, and mental health. Yes, all of these work to together to make you a healthy, happy woman. Celebrate being a woman and taking charge of your health during May 10th - May 16th. Make needed changes that you will continue with in the weeks and months to come. Do if for yourself. You will notice the changes and will feel better as a result.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Time to Set Goals for the Year
The new year has started and it is time to set goals. Every year many of us make our New Year's Resolutions. These can range from weight loss, to getting fit, to reading more, to spending more with family and friends, to finding a new job. Whatever we decide on, we are setting goals. Some goals are easier to reach than others. I have found that if I want to accomplish something, writing it down makes the goal come to life. To make reaching my goals more attainable, I will place my long term goal at the top of the page. Below this goal, I will write in my "baby step" to reach the goal. When I complete or reach each baby step, I am able to feel good about it. Often, one of the baby steps may change, but my long term goal is still there. To reach any of my goals, I know that I must dream about my goals and imagine myself at the finish line. The only way to reach this finish line is to work. So it is time to get to work on my goals for 2009.
Simple Truth Video 212 degrees makes a difference. Set your goals and put in the effort to reach them.
Simple Truth Video 212 degrees makes a difference. Set your goals and put in the effort to reach them.
Monday, December 29, 2008
5 Ways to Improve Your Memory
Do you often forget where you keys or glasses are? Do you often walk into a room and can’t remember why you entered? We all have days when we may think that we are losing our memories. Is this because we have too much going on in our life or are we not challenging our brain as we should be. There are some very simple and easy things we can do to insure that our brain and memory stay as healthy as possible.
1. Play a game - Anytime we can put our memory into action, we need to take advantage of the time. Games which engage our brain to work, such as memory games, math games, jig saw puzzles, and word puzzles are going to increase our memory. (Puzzle books are great to have in the car when waiting to pick up a child from a sporting or other event.)
2. Read a book – Picking up a good book will challenge our mind to think about what is happening in the story. This is especially true in mystery novels and trying to figure out “who did it” Reading material to increase our knowledge on a particular subject is great memory challenge.
3. Take a Class - Anytime you can add education to your daily routine, you are going to increase your memory. You may want to take a class in something you know nothing about, such as learning to speak a new language or how to build a web site. Often it is nice just to take a class to be with others with the same interest as yours. If you have always wanted to learn how to knit or paint, group classes are great for this. You are challenged and encouraged by those around you. Socializing with others helps to keep your brain active.
4. Eat brain food – Eating a healthy diet is like feeding you brain. Your brain, just like the rest of your body, needs nutrition. Without proper nutrition, your brain will become sluggish or will tire easily. A tired brain will not remember those items you need. One of the best brain foods is omega-3. These are found in cold water fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines. Foods rich in anti-oxidants are also great for your memory. Great sources include blueberries, blackberries, red grapes, plums, bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, etc. Any fruit or vegetable which is dark in color fits into the anti-oxidant group. Studies have also shown that drinking green tea daily helps with cognitive health. There have been some connections made between high saturated fats diets and an increase risk of memory loss.
5. Exercise – Not only is getting 30 minutes of daily physical exercise good for you waist line and your bone health, it goes a long ways in helping with your memory level. Every time you increase your heart rate, your are increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain. Studies have show that this can increase your memory level.
By working with your memory now, you will have a reduced chance of memory loss for later in your life. Anytime you can exercise your brain, your brain is going to thank you. Work your brain now to insure good memory for your future.
1. Play a game - Anytime we can put our memory into action, we need to take advantage of the time. Games which engage our brain to work, such as memory games, math games, jig saw puzzles, and word puzzles are going to increase our memory. (Puzzle books are great to have in the car when waiting to pick up a child from a sporting or other event.)
2. Read a book – Picking up a good book will challenge our mind to think about what is happening in the story. This is especially true in mystery novels and trying to figure out “who did it” Reading material to increase our knowledge on a particular subject is great memory challenge.
3. Take a Class - Anytime you can add education to your daily routine, you are going to increase your memory. You may want to take a class in something you know nothing about, such as learning to speak a new language or how to build a web site. Often it is nice just to take a class to be with others with the same interest as yours. If you have always wanted to learn how to knit or paint, group classes are great for this. You are challenged and encouraged by those around you. Socializing with others helps to keep your brain active.
4. Eat brain food – Eating a healthy diet is like feeding you brain. Your brain, just like the rest of your body, needs nutrition. Without proper nutrition, your brain will become sluggish or will tire easily. A tired brain will not remember those items you need. One of the best brain foods is omega-3. These are found in cold water fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines. Foods rich in anti-oxidants are also great for your memory. Great sources include blueberries, blackberries, red grapes, plums, bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, etc. Any fruit or vegetable which is dark in color fits into the anti-oxidant group. Studies have also shown that drinking green tea daily helps with cognitive health. There have been some connections made between high saturated fats diets and an increase risk of memory loss.
5. Exercise – Not only is getting 30 minutes of daily physical exercise good for you waist line and your bone health, it goes a long ways in helping with your memory level. Every time you increase your heart rate, your are increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain. Studies have show that this can increase your memory level.
By working with your memory now, you will have a reduced chance of memory loss for later in your life. Anytime you can exercise your brain, your brain is going to thank you. Work your brain now to insure good memory for your future.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Electronic Waste - Where Does Yours Go?
I was visiting my dad a few weeks ago and he had just received in the mail coupons for his television digital converter box. Living outside the reach of the local cable company, he has had a dish satellite for years. He knows he will need the converter boxes in order to get the local station and this means having one more remote to keep up with. Wow, what happen to the days when there were no remotes. It seems like now we have remotes for everything.
My dad does have another choice, buy a new TV which will not require the converter box. If he decides to do this, like many homes will, what will happen to the old set. Anyone getting an additional set for their home will not want one which will require the purchase of a converter. This means that the landfills are going to be filling up with tv cathode-ray tubes containing lead, mercury, and plastics. Sure a few sets may be recycled, but at some point a huge amount of sets will find their way to the community landfills to leach toxins into our earth.
If you find yourself left with an electronic device, consider a recycle drop-ff location in your area. Visit ComputerTakeBack.com to find a convenient location for your electronic drop off.
My dad does have another choice, buy a new TV which will not require the converter box. If he decides to do this, like many homes will, what will happen to the old set. Anyone getting an additional set for their home will not want one which will require the purchase of a converter. This means that the landfills are going to be filling up with tv cathode-ray tubes containing lead, mercury, and plastics. Sure a few sets may be recycled, but at some point a huge amount of sets will find their way to the community landfills to leach toxins into our earth.
If you find yourself left with an electronic device, consider a recycle drop-ff location in your area. Visit ComputerTakeBack.com to find a convenient location for your electronic drop off.
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