Glucose Monitoring » Health Food

Humana Foundation awards $32K to Desert Mission Food Bank

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:48:32 +0000

For 54 years Lawrence and Naomi Patton of Sunnyslope have relied on one another. They owned a lawn service company and raised two children. About five years ago, they realized that Social Security checks weren’t going to provide for all they needed. They turned to the Desert Mission Food Bank to put food in the cupboard and a kind man at their church to help prepare their meals.”We take what we can get, whatever they can give us,” said Lawrence Patton, 78. “Every time we come into that establishment there, they ask if there’s anything we can do for us. You don’t meet friends just every day. They’ve just been real friends.”The Pattons and other seniors in the community will benefit from a $32,000 grant awarded to Desert Mission Food Bank. Desert Mission, a program of the John C. Lincoln Health Network, is one of eight entities that have been awarded grants from the Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of health-benefits company Humana Inc. Cindy Hallman, executive director of Desert Mission, said the grant will provide $20,000 to buy food for seniors in need. The remaining $12,000 is earmarked for the Desert Mission Community Health Center.”We’re seeing more and more seniors needing help with emergency food,” Hallman said. “The food bank is providing a day’s worth of food to a hungry person equivalent to every 2 1/2 minutes around the clock.”Earlier this week, Ed Mead was one of several seniors shopping at the 4th Street Market, a part of Desert Mission Food Bank. Eligible individuals can choose their own groceries from a wide selection of items, such as fresh produce, meat and staples like toilet paper and dishwasher detergent. He has been coming to Desert Mission Food Bank for six months.”Social Security doesn’t carry it all the way,” Mead said of his living expenses. “I live in a group home setting with another woman. We help each other out.”

The Yoga Way to Health and Well Being

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:29:48 +0000

Yoga is not a recent practice. It is a practice which through time, has developed and increased in significance and appeal worldwide. The rationale behind the appeal is greatly to do with the physical and psychological benefits experienced when integrating yoga into one’s daily schedule. Yoga can be viewed as a breath of fresh air in this fast paced lifestyle that we live in. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit language and means “to integrate”. Yoga promotes a harmonious working together of the body’s components leading to both physical and mental training. Despite the fact that there are numerous forms of yoga; Hatha Yoga is still presently seen as one of the more commonly practiced yoga styles. Hatha Yoga consists of non strenuous physical exercise which aids in strengthening, stretching and balancing the body’s joints. Regular breathing is performed at the same time which aids in providing oxygen to the muscles, and in turn positively affects bodily structures and organs. The awareness required during yoga practice, ensures that mind and body have to work together to create a mind-body harmony which in turn promotes healing.Yoga will not be a quick fix for all your aches, worries and pains. However, with regular yoga practice your body will rebalance slowly and steadily, leaving you discovering the results for yourself. Physical benefits which you can anticipate are improved efficiency of the lungs, better use of your respiratory muscles, improved flexibility of the joints, improved coordination and muscle tone, maintenance of bone density, reduced risk of injury as well as the prevention of weight gain. Psychological benefits can also include an increase in self-confidence, decreased cravings for tobacco and food, better sleep, an increased ability to relax, improved concentration as well as a reduced likelihood of depression. Yoga differentiates itself from other exercises as it draws on the entire person as a whole.Half an hour of yoga a day, or 15 minutes of yoga twice a day, can easily be incorporated into any daily schedule. Some breathing techniques can even be practiced while working or driving home after a long day. A short routine for those of you spending hours staring at a computer screen is to take a few moments every day to glance at a distant object. This allows your eyes a moments rest from glare and a change of focus. Look left and right, up and down at least 5 times, blink at least 8 times to moisten your eyes and if it is at all possible, rest your elbows on a comfortable surface and close your eyes whilst covering them with the palm of your hands. If you can incorporate this with or without some breathing exercises, you will already be on the way to a healthier and possibly more focused lifestyle. Baby steps everyone…no one expects you to transform overnight.

Find spas and more wellness related information at: http://healthspaguru.com

Broccoli Is Not A Health Food At My House

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:36:05 +0000

Broccoli is said to be one of those super foods that are very healthy and good food you. It is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, iron, and potassium which are four very good reasons to eat it often. And we do like broccoli at my house. Some of our favorite foods contain broccoli: broccoli covered with cheese sauce, cream of broccoli soup, broccoli and cheese dip, broccoli cheese soup, and deep fried broccoli cheddar bites. Yes, at my house we only like broccoli if it’s swimming in cheese or cream, or has been battered and deep fried. Even when I steam broccoli in an effort to eat it more healthfully my entire family puts butter on it to make it taste better.
While I think it’s good that we are eating broccoli, I think the high fat foods we are eating with are so bad for us that we are better off skipping the broccoli and batter, cream, and cheese sauce that goes with it.
I have even tried cutting raw broccoli in small pieces and hiding it in a tossed salad. Those small pieces of broccoli stuck out like neon signs and my family picked out every last piece before eating their salad. I at least tried one bite before picking the broccoli out my salad.
What can a person do when they know there are food that are really healthy and good for them, but cannot seem to find a way to enjoy them in healthy way or at least a semi-healthy way?
After years of struggling to find a way to way to consume broccoli in a way that’s at least semi healthy I found two ways that my family loves it and that no longer leaves it swimming in a complete sea of fat.
The first way; we have it in a stir fry! The strong yet delicious flavor of stir fry sauce cut the strong taste of broccoli and makes it rather tasty. I’ve found that beef or chicken with broccoli is pretty good; but my favorite is chicken with broccoli, sugar snap peas, and water chestnuts.
The second way is a broccoli and cauliflower salad that does contain some salad dressing but it’s not an overwhelming amount. To make it you’ll need: 1 large bunch broccoli with the florets cut into bite sized pieces; one large head of cauliflower with the florets cut into bite sized pieces; 1/3 cup chopped red onion; 1 cup Miracle Whip light; 1/3 cup sugar or sugar substitute; 2 tablespoons vinegar; 2 hard boiled eggs. Optional: 4 strips bacon cooked and crumbled and 1/3 cup shredded low fat cheddar cheese.
In a large bowl combine the broccoli, cauliflower and onion (add bacon and cheese at this time if using). Set aside. In a separate small bowl, mix together the Miracle Whip light, sugar or sugar substitute, and vinegar. Pour over vegetable mixture and chill. Slice the hard boiled eggs and garnish the salad with them before serving.
Even though I listed the cheese as optional I do admit that I usually put it in the salad. I haven’t totally avoided having cheese with my broccoli but it’s a much healthier cheese than the processed cheese sauce I used to have my broccoli go swimming in.
If you aren’t a fan of broccoli yet but want to try and eat more of it because it is so healthy and good for you, try it in the salad recipe above or in a stir fry. While it may not become one of your favorite foods, it may become a food you enjoy having.

Broccoli Is Not A Health Food In My House

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:30:21 +0000

Broccoli is said to be one of those super foods that are very healthy and good food you. It is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, iron, and potassium which are four very good reasons to eat it often. And we do like broccoli at my house. Some of our favorite foods contain broccoli: broccoli covered with cheese sauce, cream of broccoli soup, broccoli and cheese dip, broccoli cheese soup, and deep fried broccoli cheddar bites. Yes, at my house we only like broccoli if it’s swimming in cheese or cream, or has been battered and deep fried. Even when I steam broccoli in an effort to eat it more healthfully my entire family puts butter on it to make it taste better.

While I think it’s good that we are eating broccoli, I think the high fat foods we are eating with are so bad for us that we are better off skipping the broccoli and batter, cream, and cheese sauce that goes with it.

I have even tried cutting raw broccoli in small pieces and hiding it in a tossed salad. Those small pieces of broccoli stuck out like neon signs and my family picked out every last piece before eating their salad. I at least tried one bite before picking the broccoli out my salad.

What can a person do when they know there are food that are really healthy and good for them, but cannot seem to find a way to enjoy them in healthy way or at least a semi-healthy way?

After years of struggling to find a way to way to consume broccoli in a way that’s at least semi healthy I found two ways that my family loves it and that no longer leaves it swimming in a complete sea of fat.

The first way; we have it in a stir fry! The strong yet delicious flavor of stir fry sauce cut the strong taste of broccoli and makes it rather tasty. I’ve found that beef or chicken with broccoli is pretty good; but my favorite is chicken with broccoli, sugar snap peas, and water chestnuts.

The second way is a broccoli and cauliflower salad that does contain some salad dressing but it’s not an overwhelming amount. To make it you’ll need: 1 large bunch broccoli with the florets cut into bite sized pieces; one large head of cauliflower with the florets cut into bite sized pieces; 1/3 cup chopped red onion; 1 cup Miracle Whip light; 1/3 cup sugar or sugar substitute; 2 tablespoons vinegar; 2 hard boiled eggs. Optional: 4 strips bacon cooked and crumbled and 1/3 cup shredded low fat cheddar cheese.

In a large bowl combine the broccoli, cauliflower and onion (add bacon and cheese at this time if using). Set aside. In a separate small bowl, mix together the Miracle Whip light, sugar or sugar substitute, and vinegar. Pour over vegetable mixture and chill. Slice the hard boiled eggs and garnish the salad with them before serving.

Even though I listed the cheese as optional I do admit that I usually put it in the salad. I haven’t totally avoided having cheese with my broccoli but it’s a much healthier cheese than the processed cheese sauce I used to have my broccoli go swimming in.

If you aren’t a fan of broccoli yet but want to try and eat more of it because it is so healthy and good for you, try it in the salad recipe above or in a stir fry. While it may not become one of your favorite foods, it may become a food you enjoy having.

Nutrimeal Health Food Drinks

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:34:49 +0000

keyword:

Chocolate

Vanilla

Wild Strawberry

Nutritional Facts and Ingredients:

- Dutch Chocolate

- French Vanilla

- Wild Strawberry SOY PROTEIN

Reformulated Nutrimeal is a great-tasting, low-glycaemic nutritional drink mix that contains high-quality soy protein. Soy protein is a complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids in optimal ratios and in a highly digestible form. Each serving of Nutrimeal provides 12 grams of soy protein. SOY ISOFLAVONES

Soy isoflavones help retain calcium. Nutrimeal has guaranteed levels of naturally occurring isoflavones. NUTRIMEAL is a balanced mix of carbohydrates and proteins that can be used as a convenient, healthy snack. Nutrimeal provides 8 grams of dietary fibre per serving. Increasing your fibre intake can help maintain a healthy digestive system.BENEFITS OF SOY PHYTONUTRIENTS

Soy protein in Nutrimeal also contains numerous phytonutrients. Other important nutrients in soy include phytosterols, phenolic acids, and lecithin. LOW-GLYCAEMIC FORMULA

Avoid the frequent c

USANA Health Sciences was founded in 1992 and has successfully navigated through those critical first five years. A consistently solid financial performer, the company has shown a profit in each year of its existence. Since its inception, the USANA customer base has steadily grown to over 160,000 health-conscious, entrepreneurial-minded individuals. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ (USNA), and currently operates in the U. S. Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands.

Nutritional Facts and Ingredients:

- Dutch Chocolate

- French Vanilla

- Wild Strawberry SOY PROTEIN

Reformulated Nutrimeal is a great-tasting, low-glycaemic nutritional drink mix that contains high-quality soy protein. Soy protein is a complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids in optimal ratios and in a highly digestible form. Each serving of Nutrimeal provides 12 grams of soy protein. SOY ISOFLAVONES

Soy isoflavones help retain calcium. Nutrimeal has guaranteed levels of naturally occurring isoflavones. NUTRIMEAL is a balanced mix of carbohydrates and proteins that can be used as a convenient, healthy snack. Nutrimeal provides 8 grams of dietary fibre per serving. Increasing your fibre intake can help maintain a healthy digestive system.BENEFITS OF SOY PHYTONUTRIENTS

Soy protein in Nutrimeal also contains numerous phytonutrients. Other important nutrients in soy include phytosterols, phenolic acids, and lecithin. LOW-GLYCAEMIC FORMULA

Avoid the frequent c

USANA Health Sciences was founded in 1992 and has successfully navigated through those critical first five years. A consistently solid financial performer, the company has shown a profit in each year of its existence. Since its inception, the USANA customer base has steadily grown to over 160,000 health-conscious, entrepreneurial-minded individuals. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ (USNA), and currently operates in the U. S. Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands.

Health Spas in South Africa – What Makes Them Unique?

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:02:57 +0000

Imagine a smoked ginger and crimson skyline towering down over a diverse natural landscape of wild flowers, untamed wildlife and restless waters. Imagine lying gazing at this distinct setting whilst enjoying the pampering and revitalization that goes along with South African traditional customs and massage techniques. A spa experience in South Africa has often been viewed as being one of the most unique and beautiful experiences that one can wish for. So what makes it so unique and what can one expect at a South African spa?Spas in South Africa can be simple, uncomplicated and traditional as well as both sophisticated and chic. There is a little bit of everything for everyone. Spas are either set in safari or remote country settings or in classy city or beach hotels. However, it is not only the diverse settings which capture the attention of travelers worldwide, but the fusion of customs and traditions into the spa techniques and treatments. A number of South African spas utilize traditional oils and plant extracts in their treatment products and a great emphasis is placed on age old remedies and secrets.A truly unique and not to be missed experience can also be found within the beautiful wine lands of South Africa. It is here where you can experience Vinotherapy, an innovative treatment originating in France that utilizes grapes and wine to assist in preventing or assisting in the effects of anti-ageing. The antioxidants as well as other properties of the grape are highly beneficial for the skin and for this reason the ingredients has been utilized in massages, full-body exfoliations and hydrotherapy treatments. With South Africa, boasting some of the best wines in the world, a day of wine tasting and Vinotherapy may just be the treat you have been waiting for.A number of spas also provide you with a complete African experience. You can expect African dances, food and celebrations incorporated into your day or stay at some of the spa destinations in South Africa. The spa experience becomes one of the elements of your experience and allows you to experience both the African culture and the African therapist’s skilled techniques and products. If you are staying over at the spa, you may even be able rest in a traditional yet elegant African hut. This is a wonderful option if you are looking for both serenity and for a place to reflect in an uninterrupted natural setting.Those of you seeking more sophistication and modern elegance will also find yourself spoilt for choice at some of the many exclusive spa destinations and resorts. Gaze down at the city nightlife from your treatment suite or relax for a day in spas boasting top of the line facilities and therapists. These classy spas can be found both in the city and in the more remote areas of South Africa, so your selection would be based purely on personal choice.Nonetheless, South Africa is a spa crazy country which promises to offer an array of spa destinations as well as unique experiences. If you wanting to truly experience African culture at its best, booking into a South African destination spa or resort and choosing between the many traditional and natural spa products could set you on the right path.

Find spas and more wellness related information at: http://healthspaguru.com

Insomnia: How Lack of Sleep Can Damage Your Health

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:24:57 +0000

What is Insomnia? The average person spends approximately 1/3 of his or her life sleeping. Although we do not yet fully understand either the purpose or the mechanics of sleep, we do know that an insufficient amount can have far-reaching consequences: our work performance, our personal relationships, and our physical and mental health all depend on getting an appropriate amount of rest. The inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep throughout the night is a condition known as insomnia, and it is among the most common of all medical complaints; approximately 1/3 of all people experience a period of insomnia at least once during their lifetime. Individuals with insomnia typically experience at least one of the following symptoms: – Difficulties falling asleep; – Inability to stay asleep, or waking up too early; – Sleepiness during the day; – Fatigue or lack of energy; – Irritability; – Headache; – Decreased ability to concentrate; – Increased errors or accidents; – Depression and/or anxiety; – Continual worry about sleep. Health Risks of Insomnia If you are not getting the sleep that you need, your insomnia may eventually lead to serious consequences for your health. In the short term, your alertness and focus are impaired, which can have a negative effect on your school or work performance. Relationship problems may result from irritability due to lack of sleep, while fatigue may prevent you from participating in your normal activities. In the long-term, the complications of insomnia can be even more severe. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mood disorders are all associated with chronic insomnia; these conditions can be life-threatening, and they will certainly reduce the quality of your life. What Causes Insomnia? Insomnia is symptomatic of a large number of physiological disorders; if you are having difficulty sleeping, chances are that an underlying health problem is to blame. Illness, infection, mental health disorders, and medications can all keep you from getting the proper amount of rest. Hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances can affect your body’s ability to fall asleep, and dietary deficiencies can cause insomnia, as well. Exposure to toxic elements such as heavy metals, molds, and other environmental pollutants have also been shown to impair sleep. Finding the Cause of Insomnia By determining what is causing your insomnia, your health care provider will be better able to help you design a plan for managing your sleep problem. To find out what is keeping you up at night, your doctor may ask you a series of questions about your lifestyle, your sleeping environment, and even the sleep habits of your partner. A variety of lab tests can also be useful in pinpointing the cause of your insomnia in the event that a health problem is involved. Managing Insomnia The first step to getting back to sleep is to treat the underlying cause. Establishing good sleep habits may include nutritional support, exercise, detoxification, and incorporating a relaxation technique into your daily routine. Good sleep hygiene is important for getting the rest you need. By following the guidelines listed here, you will find yourself drifting off easily, without the constant worry about getting enough sleep every night. – Stick to a constant sleep schedule, with a consistent bed time and wake-up time; – Avoid bright lights (including the television and computer) for at least two hours before bedtime; – Do not exercise within three hours of bedtime; – Make sure your bedroom is for sleeping – keep the TV, computer, and any other distractions in another room; – Make sure your sleeping environment is cool, dark and quiet; – Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol, especially before bed; – Don’t eat right before you go to bed; – Try a relaxation exercise such as deep breathing before you turn in. Over-the-counter and prescription sleep medications are best avoided; they may help you fall asleep, but they can be habit-forming, and they have a variety of negative side effects. By identifying the cause of your insomnia and making some adjustments to your lifestyle, you should be able to overcome your sleep difficulties naturally.

Extending health care to more kids

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:25:31 +0000

OneWorld Community Health Center is looking for 6,000 kids.The agency that generally provides health care to the underserved has received $706,264 from the federal government to create a program to enroll thousands of children in either of two government insurance programs for low-income children.Many metro-area children are eligible but aren’t enrolled because their families don’t know the programs exist or don’t know their kids could qualify, said Andrea Skolkin, chief executive officer of OneWorld. That means some of those children are going without health care or are getting far less than they could.OneWorld’s goal is to enroll at least 6,000 children. The agency’s outreach effort has just begun.OneWorld will place staff members in day care centers, schools, after-school programs, churches, food pantries, organizations and other places.“We want to be where people are versus making people come to us,” Skolkin said.They will contact families at those sites and determine whether they have children who qualify but aren’t enrolled in Medicaid or the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program.The staff members will have laptops to take down information and scanners to scan in citizenship documents and proof of Nebraska residency. Children must be citizens to receive the health care benefits.The agency also will take referrals. For information, call 502-8888.OneWorld, based in the Livestock Exchange Building, 4920 S. 30th St., has hired a director and will employ five full-time staffers for the program. OneWorld also has a clinic in Plattsmouth.President Barack Obama this year allocated $40 million to agencies in 42 states and Washington, D.C., for programs to conduct enrollment efforts over the next two years.Through a competitive process, OneWorld was one of 69 entities to receive money. Iowa doesn’t have a program among the 69. An additional $40 million will be distributed in 2012.Enrollment among children in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program has gradually risen in Iowa and Nebraska. The economy has worsened and awareness of the programs has broadened, spokesmen in Iowa and Nebraska say.A child qualifies for Medicaid if his family’s annual income is at or somewhat above the federal poverty level, which is $18,310 for a family of three.Qualifying for CHIP isn’t as stringent. In Iowa, the state raised the CHIP ceiling this year to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or $54,930 for a family of three. Nebraska raised its income ceiling for CHIP from 185 percent this year to 200 percent, or $36,620 for a family of three.The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has estimated there may be close to 15,000 eligible children who aren’t enrolled. The Iowa Department of Public Health estimated there could be as many as 38,000 children who aren’t covered.

Health Benefits Of Spirulina

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:39:34 +0000

Spirulina is a variety of blue-green algae that has remained virtually unchanged since it first appeared on the earth more than 3.5 billion years ago. So named because of its helix or “spiral” shape, Spirulina has gained prominence as nature’s green “superfood” because of its rich concentration of perfectly balanced amino acids (protein), fiber, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.Spirulina is also naturally “pumped” with vitamins, especially the carotenoids like beta-carotene, essential fatty acids (EFA’s), the important fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), digestive enzymes, minerals and the richest plant source of vitamin B12. Spirulina is the “must have” green food- a complete protein with all eight essential amino acids present. Its 60% protein content is four times greater than beef (18%)! In our society, where the concept of complete protein is meat and dairy, it is very reassuring to know that greens like Spirulina can provide all the high quality protein and other nutrients needed.A single serving of Spirulina contains 45% of your daily value of vitamin B12. That’s good news and reassuring for vegetarians, many of who are incorrectly led to believe that eating animal food is critical to getting this essential blood building vitamin.Spirulina also helps with a variety of other ailments. DNA repair, cholesterol, and communication between cells are all helped with just a little bit of this supplement.One of the main benefits stands to gain is the improvement of immune system. There have been many studies conducted that have shown that spirulina greatly helps to increase not only red blood cell production, but also the activity of the cells of bone marrow. Even T cells and macrophages have been increased.Other studies conducted by Japanese scientists have shown that the growth of herpes virus, measles, and influenza have all been stunted by spirulina. Polysaccharides, phycocyanin and beta carotene are the active components of spirulina, which work to improve the immune system.Spirulina also manages to fight bacteria such as E.coli and encourages the growth of good bateria in order to ensure that our bodies function well.Another great attribute of spirulina is that it detoxifies one’s system well. A study revealed that spirulina actually helps decrease the toxicity of certain other drugs on one’s kidneys.It also works to increase good cholesterol and reduce bad cholesterol for those who have ingested just a few grams of it a day. Of course as with any other sort of supplement or drug, one should always consult their physician before taking taking it in order to avoid a possible allergic reaction.Give spirulina a try. I believe you will find that it will improve your health and support your efforts at healthy living.

Healthy Weight Loss at Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Thailand

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:29:24 +0000

Many of us would like to lose some weight. We would look and feel better, and it’s well documented that being the optimum weight has significant health benefits. The problem is, it’s not easy, either to lose the weight or to maintain the loss. But there are measures that can help. The key is organisation and understanding the processes involved.

Chiva-Som’s approach to weight management involves a multi-faceted programme designed to achieve positive changes to body shape with lasting results.

You can only lose weight by eating fewer calories, burning more calories, or, best of all, through a combination of the two. Because each person is different, the first step is a personal consultation with our naturopaths, who assess your individual dietary profile. They will determine your optimum calorie intake and can recommend appropriate supplements or complementary herbal formulas.

We then establish your body composition and degree of flexibility, strength, and cardio-endurance. This comprehensive physical analysis and fitness assessment ascertains which exercises will benefit you most as an individual.

Healthy, long term weight loss is achieved by losing body fat and gaining muscle tissue through exercise. Because muscle is very metabolically active, it burns calories throughout the day. This combination means your total weight drops considerably and you’re also protected from regaining it in the future.

Additional issues such as stress, food craving and emotional eating can also be a barrier to long term weight management. Chiva-Som’s custom-made programmes can help you overcome these through annexed treatments like EFT, acupuncture or hypnotherapy.

It sounds easy. And it can be, if you have the right weight management structure in place to help you. It’s certainly worth the effort: your body will re-shape, becoming toned and tight, and your health will improve – two things that significantly increase levels of happiness and self-esteem.

For more information please visit Chiva-Som’s weight management site.