Archive for the ‘Pathways to Health’ Category

Quickie Unique Healthy Snacks

Monday, March 14th, 2011

CRACKER JACK/CHEX MIX
Toss 1 package Cracker Jacks with 1 package Chex Mix and serve. Both Adults and Children will enjoy!

GRANOLA FRUIT TORTE
Pour 1 can of your favorite pie filling into an oven safe pie dish. Cover with layer of granola and bake according to pie filling directions. (May be served hot or chilled and can be served with dollops of plain or vanilla yogurt)

SUPER FRUIT SALAD
1 cup berries or grapes 1 sliced banana 1 chopped apple 1 cup plain yogurt Toss all fruit and yogurt together. Sprinkle sunflower seeds and/or chopped nuts over all and serve.

VINEGAR–A MAGIC PILL?

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Raw, unfiltered Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar has been available world wide since 1912. In fact, since ancient times (Even B.C.) physicians and healers have recommended it as an anti-aging remedy and also for all kinds of ailments. When mixed with raw honey it has been found to alleviate migraines, arthritis, osteoporosis, joint pains, aching muscles, bladder and kidney conditions, chronic fatigue, low energy, and aids digestion. It seems that organic raw vinegar creates an alkalizing condition in the stomach and has often been used as a weight loss tool. Many dilute bottled salad dressings to cut calories and add it to mayonnaise for extra zip. It can now be found in most grocery stores as well as health food shops. (Reminder: Only raw, unfiltered vinegar and organic, raw, unpasteurized honey seems to be most effective.)

Are Losers Really Winners?

Saturday, August 14th, 2010

Recent reports have indicated that people with excess weight who have lost pounds and inches have really gained self confidence, self respect, more energy, increased libido, renewed vitality, and even greater success in other areas……personal and professional!

Helpful hints to achieve your ideal weight:
*Change your lifestyle. Increase activity. Take a quick walk in the morning and evening and add distance each week. Use chants or affirmations when walking, like “I am becoming slender and attractive” and imagine your new slender body. Instead of meeting someone for lunch or dinner, invite them to join you for a walk or a hike.
*Eat smaller amounts when you are hungry(use smaller dishes). Do not skip breakfast or lunch, but keep it healthy. Snacking between meals is permissable, but select fresh vegetables or fruit.
*Adopt a new exercise routine. If affordable and you can fit it into your schedule, join a dance or health club.
*Realize that if your goal is to lose only 1 or 2 pounds per week, it will be a total of over 52 to 104 pounds within a year. Ask your doctor what your real goal weight should be.
*Drink larger amounts of water, being aware that you will be releasing and flushing out toxins and fat cells.

You will have won the right to be proud of your accomplishments. You will truly be a winner!!!!

HEALTHY TIPS

Sunday, July 4th, 2010

Check with your doctor in regard to the following suggestions in order to avoid aggravating any other condition you might have.
Obtain more bone density by walking, running and other weight-bearing exercises, including climbing stairs. The trick is to do it quickly instead of slowly which actually stimulates cells within bones of the pelvis, leg and spine. Magnesium is helpful in keeping bones flexible. Spinach, light beer, mushrooms and unskinned potatoes are recommended, also.
Blood pressure is often reduced by snuggling with a loved one or even a loved pet. It has been found that enjoying nature for just 20 minutes daily is often effective, especially if you are breathing deeply and truly enjoying the fresh air and scenery.
Did you know that adding lemon to your green tea doubles the health benefits? Eating oranges, grapefruit or any foods rich in Vitamin C, while sipping tea helps your body to absorb polyphenols and aid digestion.
Brain power can be improved by eating blueberries, brown rice, peanuts, cantaloupe, spinach, olive oil, tofu and curry.
Ginger will help with sore knees and cinnamon can improve blood sugar levels. A daily handful of pistachios has been found to lower blood pressure. Salsa added to any cheesy dish or scrambled eggs will aid digestion.

SECRETS OF STAYING YOUNG AT ANY AGE!

Sunday, July 4th, 2010

Never think you are too old to play. Playing is one of the best therapies for retaining and restoring youth at any age. Yes, dance and sing and play as long as you can and you will find you can continue these activities far longer than you may have thought possible. Even if you are wheelchair bound, you can still play card games and do puzzles.
Laugh and find humor daily, even laugh at yourself, and continue to dream and inspire others to dream as well. Spending time with children will not only remind you of your childhood with hopes and dreams, but you will find renewed energy and new interests which will stimulate and enrich values in yourself as well as others.
Growing older gracefully really requires growing up. Anybody can grow older–that doesn’t take talent or ability. Growing up requires finding opportunity within every change. Meet change with enthusiasm and look for the silver lining.
Conclusion: Growing older is a fact, but growing up is a choice. We make a life by what we give. God does not promise you a garden of roses, but he does promise to help you gain strength and wisdom that you can share with others

Stay Young

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Did you know how very important it is to have “extra-curricular” hobbies and activities? Not only does this keep your brain active, but will often attract new friends and good conversation. Joining a group with similar interests or taking a class will certainly eliminate boredom and you can feel useful in helping to achieve a cause or helping each other, which has its own special reward.
A recent study has shown that being active, practicing yoga, hugging your honey or a child or even a furry animal are all effective in relieving stress. As most of us are aware, stress can wreak havoc on your body, increasing risk of heart disease, depression and scientists say it can also shave years off your life and weaken immunity.
A few other hints to aid in your pursuit of youth: Three cups, daily, of Green or black tea is a natural antioxidant, which could increase longevity. Yogurt and dairy foods provide Vitamin D which can reduce inflammation that a study recently revealed might very well give you an added 4 or 5 years. Tomato or V-8 juice has lycopene–another antioxidant that seems to prevent your heart’s arteries from getting stiff. A cup of white tea, daily is said to reduce inflamation, which triggers fine lines and wrinkles and prevent loss of elastin and collagen which is essential for youthful skin.

The Importance of Exercise

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Average Americans watch three and a half hours of television daily. That amounts to 56 days of television every year. When the average American turns sixy-five, we will have spent nine years in front of the TV. Whether you prefer walking, jogging, or lifting weights, the proper amount of exercise is important for staying healthy, regardless of your age.

Since P.E. is not a required part of the school day in almost all schools, kids often choose to not participate in it. In addition, almost one-third of children ages 4 to 19 eat fast food as a regular part of their diet, and more than 15 % in that age group are overweight. In order to lose weight, many U.S. teens become bulimic or anorexic, or go through gastric bypass surgery. Also called ‘obesity surgery’, this surgery involves getting the stomach stapled in order to reduce food intake. The outcome usually results in eating less and losing weight, but other problems often develop as well. One of these problems involves the deterioration of the stomach lining. Also, the staples can sometimes come out which may cause tears and leaks. And, because of the stomach’s low amount of absorption, nutrient deficiencies can take place. There is good news however, because there is a better way to lose weight and that way is through exercise and eating a healthy diet consisting mostly of fresh fruits and vegetables and becoming more knowledgeable about what we are really needing for proper nutrition, including vitamins,and herbs.
There are a lot of things in our society that promote poor health in young people today, which we can counteract by encouraging aerobic activity like playing baseball, tennis, dancing (tap,ballet,clog, Irish, etc.), swimming, hiking/hill climbing.

Release Stress

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Did you know that one of the most simple ways of releasing tension is to reach both arms up, take a deep slow breath, spread your arms outward and release breath as you bend down to touch your toes. Repeat three times and as you release your breath slowly, say the word “relax” slowly.
Another method that takes more time is to exercise daily, which is also helpful in reducing blood pressure. It has been found beneficial and quite effective to exercise two times daily for at least 15 minutes, rather than 30 minutes daily. If you have more time, by all means increase the time according to your schedule. It is often helpful to vary your exercise program rather than stick to one routine. A fast 15 minute to a half-hour walk, preferably outdoors, will also suffice and give you the added benefit of fresh air and sunshine, but don’t forget to swing your arms.
Let us not underestimate the power of music to relax and restore our mental and emotional outlook, but forget the hard rock! Cutting edge research reveals that sound exerts more influence over our bodies than previously realized. Doctors, therapists and psychologists are using music frequently to help patients relax and be more receptive to healing. Singing has been found to increase levels of immunoglobulin-A protein, an antibody associated with lower risks of rheumatoid arthritis to cancer. Many stores and businesses use background music to relax customers, hopefully, to help clients and customers to make better decisions. Are you also aware that humming can actually lower your risk of sinus infections, allergies, colds and more! It seems that humming produces nitric oxide, a chemical compound that kills bacteria in the nose, lungs and sinus increases oxygen. Drumming rhythnically relieves stress and releases mood-elevating brain chemicals, which can also power up your immune system and even boost your creativity. Joining a drum circle is great, but drumming, even on a toy will not only stimulate the brain. If your child seems to be hyperactive, drum lessons will certainly be of benefit.

The Importance of Fresh Air

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

resh air is important for the health of people of all ages. Neither an infant, child, nor adult can get the complete benefit from food without plenty of fresh air. Actually, our food cannot be burned for energy without oxygen. In the early stages of a baby’s life, the air it breathes has to be warm, fresh air. A baby needs fresh air as much as it needs nutritious food.

A child who is sick or has health problems needs fresh air more than a normal baby since fresh air can improve their appetite and sleep. In addition, fresh air makes a baby’s digestion better, the cheeks get pinker, and all the signals of good health will be present in a baby who gets plenty of fresh air. After the third week of a baby’s life, they should get wrapped up with a blanket and hood and put safely in a basinet or carriage close to an open window so they can breathe in fresh, clean, outside air. Even when the weather is cold the windows can still be raised a little for a few minutes every day. These airings can last for ten minutes in the beginning, but as the baby gets older, they may be slowly increased to four or five hours a day. The carriage or bassinette should be placed close to the window, but out of the direct air flow.