Daily Health Bits

With Labor Day Weekend upon us and with the possibility of pool parties and picnics and lots of other outdoor activities, I thought I would touch on this subject, just in case...

According to www.ehow.com, the first thing to do, if stung by a bee, is remove the stinger as soon as possible either with your fingers or tweezers.  Clean the wound with soap and water or alcohol.  Cool down the area to prevent inflammation and swelling by using ice cubes or an ice pack.  And lastly, apply an aloe vera gel or lotion or calamine lotion to the infected area. 

My husband got stung by a bee while we were hiking last week, and it made me think that if he were allergic to bees, we would have been in a world of hurt, being an hour from our car.  So, if you are allergic to bees, remember to keep your necessary bee kit with you and take precautions to keep yourself safe.

To lessen your chances of attracting bees, do not wear flowery perfumes or colognes when outdoors, or wear brightly colored clothing which can attract the critter.  If a bee comes near you, don't swat at it, because you'll just tick it off! 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:45 AM | Permalink

I work as a server at night and I can tell you firsthand that it is tough on the ole body!  First of all, it is weird to do other things all day and then have to get ready for work when most people are getting ready to sit down for dinner.  It is hard to get yourself mentally "up" when you've already lived a full day.  Secondly, when you get home from work, you are so wired that you stay up for hours on end and cannot go to sleep at a regular bedtime.  It is not unusual for me to stay up until 1 or 2 in the morning.  I don't feel like I ever get really good sleep; I toss and turn, or sleep extra hard and then feel groggy the next day.  Then, I sleep until 10:00 because I am so tuckered out from staying up late!  I don't want to, because I have to get up and get things done, but I'm too tired!  It's a vicious cycle. 

I came across an article in Science Daily that says that people who work rotating shifts like me probably have significantly lower levels of serotonin.  Serotonin plays an important role in the regulation of sleep, and low levels have been linked to sleep problems, anger, depression and anxiety.  In a study of 683 men who worked hours that the body typically expects to be sleeping (shifts starting at 6pm) they had notable lower levels of serotonin than those working day shifts.  Shift work sleep disorder is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that is caused by a work schedule that takes place during the normal sleep period, thereby confusing your body's internal clock.    The disorder can result in trouble sleeping, severe fatigue, poor sleep quality and not feeling refreshed upon waking.  Rotating shift workers typically sleep one to four hours less on average than day workers.

There are things you can do to try to increase your serotonin levels including eating foods with simple carbohydrates or taking supplements like 5-HTP.  And you can try to retrain your internal clock by establishing a consistent bedtime and wake time and perhaps taking naps to get the extra sleep you are lacking.

Source:  Science Daily August 5, 2007

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:31 AM | Permalink

We are always in admiration of other companies who are taking their corporate social responsibility seriously.  Most everyone has heard of Anheuser-Busch, but not many of us are aware of the numerous social programs they are involved in, including fighting drunk driving and underage drinking.  They have passed the billion dollar mark in those efforts alone! 

They are launching two organic beers, Wild Hop Lager and Stone Mill Pale Ale, both of which are made from certified organic barley malt and labeled with recycled paper. 

Anheuser-Busch's long-standing environmental commitment started in 1899 when grain from brewing was reused to feed cattle.  Today, they recycle 97% of their solid waste and 15% of their fuel comes from renewable energy sources. 

For more information on their social consciousness, visit their website at http://www.anheuser-busch.com/in_the_community/index.html. 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:45 AM | Permalink

Today is my grandma's 82nd birthday and she spent the day yesterday celebrating at the casino with my mom and aunt and had a wonderful time.  So, this morning, after blessing her with my rendition of "Happy Birthday", I paused to ask her what her secret is to staying young.  She said that she "didn't think she WAS young, but if you're 82 and walking around, she guessed she was".  She said that her secret is the fact that she "loves music".  It sounds strange, but thinking back to my life around her, it's true.  My grandparents always have the radio on, from the time they wake up to the time they go to bed.  They listen to the likes of Roger Miller, Patsy Cline and so forth, and surprisingly I can sing all of those songs, having been around it growing up.  My grandma is always singing and humming and if she's not, you know something is wrong.  I think music brings her back to good memories, and puts a song in her heart.  It's a means for the family to sing together, which we do, and it is a common bond.  So, let the music play on, because we want that heart filled with music for many years to come. 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:37 AM | Permalink

I came across a study by the Pew Research Center about "what makes a happy marriage" that was rather astounding to me.  I have only been married for about a year and a half, but it still seemed shocking to read the priorities of today's married couples.  According to a new Pew Research Center survey of American adults, "sharing household chores" now ranks third in importance on a list of nine items often associated with successful marriages – well ahead of such staples as adequate income, good housing, common interests and shared religious beliefs. Well ahead, even, of children, and communication was not even listed on there!   

I want to share my opinion of why my husband and I not only have a happy marriage, but a happy relationship going on eight years together.  I think most importantly, Derek and I have excellent communication skills.  We do not fight (I know that is odd) because we talk.  Most couples try to tiptoe around important issues and concerns for fear that they may anger the other person, but what good does that do?  Then there is resentment and no solution to possible problems.  If we disagree about something, we talk about it and value what the other person has to say.  We approach issues as they arise and deal with it promptly so that it is over and done with.  Another important aspect in our relationship that we've maintained is the sense of passion.  Remembering what drew you to love your partner in the first place, I think is very important and unique to your relationship.  If you have lost touch with that, then take the time to sit back and remember the good times, the good qualities in your mate, and the good qualities that drew them to you, and how you can foster those things and recognize them.  (Chances are, they ARE still there).  Respect is another thing lacking in a lot of relationships today.  I can say with certainty that my husband would never disrespect me behind my back in words or actions, and neither would I.  A lot of couples forget this key element and it is a shame, because if you don't respect your mate, or yourself enough for that matter to BE with someone you respect, then how can you expect those around you to do the same?  Lastly, in order to be in a healthy relationship, you must be a healthy individual.  You have to be happy with yourself, before you can be happy with someone else!

Source:Pew Research Center- http://pewresearch.org/pubs/542/modern-marriage

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 12:30 PM | Permalink

"Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one"- Ancient Chinese Proverb 

One of my favorite supplements is green tea.  I started taking it about eight months ago, when I was working at a nutrition store.  A customer came in telling my friend and I all about a product that we carried, that he used and loved.  He told us the story of this growth he had on his neck.  It had been diagnosed as non-cancerous, but it continued to grow and get more suspicious.  Well, he tried all sorts of topical remedies and internal remedies as well and nothing seemed to work.  So, he tried green tea and the bump went away very quickly.  My friend and I were mesmerized by his story and immediately bought a bottle to share.  Though skeptical, we took our green tea religiously and believe it or not, we started to see great results!  My friend had suffered from severe acne, and her face began to clear up within a week.  This was the only thing she changed in her routine.  I started to feel better and also see changes in my own skin.  We were amazed!  So, I would like to share with you the benefits of green tea and the one that I use, with a link that you can use to purchase it if you desire.  The one I use is a liquid form that you drop into water, but you can also get it in capsule form and tea bags.

The secret of green tea is that it contains polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant, twice as powerful as resveratrol, the antioxidant touted in red wine. Another health benefit of green tea is it's potential to act as a protective agent against premature death from heart disease and cancer. Drinking this tea is said to lower the levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, thereby reducing platelet aggregation, and helping keep blood pressure in check.

Other health benefits of drinking green tea may include the following:
• fights against cancer
• helps stabilize diabetes
• prevents cardiovascular disease
• it keeps your skin acne-free, making it healthier and prettier
• assists in weight loss regimen
• slows the aging process
• aids your digestion
• encourages bowel regularity
• provides you with a mild stimulating effect without causing sleepless nights or nervousness especially during pregnancy

To date, the only known harmful effect of green tea is insomnia, due to it's caffeine content.  BUT the product I use, comes in decaffeinated!  Aha!  It also gives you 15 times more antioxidant fighting power than brewed green tea.  Consult your doctor to see if green tea is a good option for you and then check it out:

http://www.herbasway.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=39

Source: www.greenteaonline.com

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:18 AM | Permalink

I have to celebrate today, because our bulldog, Daisy, is our "firstborn" and brings an insurmountable amount of joy to our lives.  We were fortunate enough to get Daisy from the Southern California Bulldog Rescue, an organization that we are proud to be a part of and support personally and professionally.  Our experience with the rescue was phenomenal.  They accepted our application for adoption, and did a homecheck to make sure we were suitable "parents".  We waited in anticipation and then got the call that we could pick up our little girl.   We were coached every step of the way, from her medication needs to physical needs to checking in on us to see how the transition was going.  We encourage everyone we know to adopt dogs from a rescue, as they save abandoned dogs and dogs that are in danger of euthanizing at shelters and pounds.  The volunteers who work at the rescues give so much of their time and their hearts, and without them, these little dogs wouldn't stand a chance. 

I would like to pass on some information I read in Body + Soul Magazine in the promotional section titled Natural Pet Care.  They recommend watching out for the following four ingredients that are in many of the dog and cat foods on the market today, which could make your pet sick. 

1. Rendered meats- Commonly listed as "meat meal" or "chicken meal", these ingredients are the results of a process that uses extremely high temperatures to cook the meat industry's waste products and leftovers.
2. Growth Hormones- Synthetic hormones often end up in pet food after being administered to livestock and poultry.  Little is known about the hormones' effects on pet health, but several studies have linked growth hormones to serious consequences in humans.
3. Antibiotics- Can interfere with your pet's immune system and may make your pet resistant to antibiotics should they be needed to treat illness.
4. Artificial colors- Allergies, asthma, and even cancerous growths may be triggered by consumption of artificial colors which are sometimes derived from toxic substances.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 06:35 AM | Permalink

Yes, I'm afraid it IS an official day of observance, and one we should all celebrate!  National Second-hand Wardrobe Day was started with the idea to encourage thrift store donations, and to remove the stigma of buying previously used clothing and accessories by noting their economic and ecological benefits.  Across the US there are nearly 92,000 stores selling used merchandise with annual sales totaling over $10 billion.

As a little girl, I remember getting hand-me-downs, and although I really wanted the latest and greatest new fashions, these clothes were still new to me.  It saved my single mom money and it kept clothes on my back.  My sister and cousins in turn, got my clothes handed down.  Thankfully for them, I was cool!  I've bought things at thrift stores in an effort to save money, find cool vintage items, or unique things for Halloween. 

It seems that the only time people really give to thrift stores is when they're moving and want to get rid of "junk", they are cleaning out their closets, or there is a catastrophe where supplies and clothing are needed.  But, my task on this "holiday" is for each of us to pull ten items from our closet that we are not currently using, that someone else can enjoy.  Head directly to your local thrift store and donate the items and feel good knowing you did a good thing for someone else, and for the earth. 

Statistics found at: U.S. Census Bureau, 2002 Economic Census, NAICS 453310
http://www.census.gov/econ/census02/data/industry/E453310.HTM

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 01:19 AM | Permalink

We've all been out to lunch with a friend who says, "I'm on a diet, I'll just have a salad".  Or maybe you've been that person, trying to watch what you're eating.  Well, salads are not always the best choice when dining out.  There are some hidden dangers to your diet, that you may not have considered.  Caesar dressing, one of my favorites, is one such culprit.  The one in my own refrigerator contains 16 grams of fat!  Many dressings in restaurants contain hydrogenated oils, high fat contents, and you certainly get more than one serving size atop your greens.  Bacon bits are another addition that adds not only fat, but nitrates and sodium.  Many salads come with cheese on top and 1/4 cup can add an additional 100 calories.  Cheese is ok in moderation, but go for natural cheeses like feta, blue cheese and Parmesan rather than processed cheeses.  Croutons are yet another no-no in that they add empty calories and are usually made from processed white bread.  They are high in calories and high in bad fats.  Added meats can add additional calories and sodium and chicken labeled as "crispy" in your salad, is just a nice word for fried, and adds fat and calories. 

So, what can you do to make your salad healthier?  Oil and vinegar or bringing your own healthy dressing is a good option for substituting the dressings that may ordinarily come with your salad.  Opt for natural cheeses and mixed greens rather than iceberg lettuce which offers few nutrients, or taste for that matter.  Ask for baked or grilled chicken instead of fried or crispy which is a good way to get protein in your diet.  Overall, just make wiser choices and stay informed of what is being put in front of you.  It's the best way to ensure you are encouraging your healthy lifestyle.

Source:  AOL Unhealthy Restaurant Salads

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:05 AM | Permalink

My husband and I always seek to live in balance between work and play.  And we seek the same with our diets and exercise programs.  With summer coming to an end, we thought it was time to do a little detox on our bodies to clean up from our summer fun.  So, we agreed that for three days, we would eat only organic fruits and vegetables, natural fruit juices and tons of water with squeezed lemon to enhance the diuretic affect.  The only other things we would have was our protein powder, our vitamins and one luxury, coffee. (Don't forget, balance!) Here is our story of what happened:

Day 1- To prepare for the detox, we spent Sunday afternoon buying a whole bunch of organic fruits and vegetables from the health food store.   We started day one with a protein shake made with Naked Juice, protein powder and fresh strawberries.  We started our water intake and within minutes saw the diuretic effects.  We woke up late so this served as our lunch.  We snacked on celery and carrots and green apples, which if you've never had an organic Granny Smith, you don't know what you're missing!  In the afternoon, we went for a walk to get some exercise. Later that night, we were starving, and decided to have a cheese quesadilla, to ease into the detox, with low carb tortillas.  By the end of the day, we already felt better; like our livers were definitely being cleansed.  I had also prepared a drink containing apple juice, psyllium husk and slippery elm to gently cleanse the colon and we started to see some of the affects of that. 

Day 2-  We woke up and had a protein shake first thing before hitting the mountain for our favorite four mile hike.  Maybe it was the fact that it was 100 degrees out, or I wasn't eating normally, but I was really lagging.  I had no energy and stopped a lot of times on the way up to catch my breath.  But, I made it.  We came home and had the BEST cantaloupe ever for a mid-morning snack. For lunch, I made a wonderful, veggie-full salad with homemade salad dressing (you can find the recipe at http://biosintos.com/blog/healthy_recipes/).  We snacked on more fruits and vegetables throughout the day and felt really, really good.  For dinner, we broke the detox pact again and had a cheese quesadilla.  We drank two helpings of the colon cleanse drink and drank tons of water.

Day 3- Today started out as a TERRIFIC day!  We both felt better than ever!  I felt so "clean" that I was a little dizzy.  The last two nights we had some of the deepest and best sleep ever, and we woke up ready to tackle the world!  But then, I made an herbal tea containing the laxative herb buckthorn bark.  I guess I made it too strong, because IMMEDIATELY I felt dizzy and sweaty and I began vomiting and Derek started feeling queasy too.  He never got sick, but it was bad news.  If you decide to make a drink with buckthorn bark, make sure you heed my warning: start slow!  It can have some pretty drastic affects on the ole' body.  The rest of the day we continued detoxing and drinking our water and everything and then we ate a good dinner last night to conclude the detox. 

The amazing thing after doing this was how much better we felt with not having any sugar, soda, alcohol, fat, meat, etc.  You don't realize the effects these things have on you until you don't have them in your diet.  Detoxing is not only good for your body, but it's also a great first step to starting a new program or phase of fitness.  We feel GREAT today and are motivated to continue on our path to great health! 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:41 AM | Permalink

It may seem like an inconsequential question, but makeup does indeed have a shelf life and if not thrown out in a timely manner, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria.  I know makeup is costly, but if you buy smaller sizes that can be used up more quickly, in the long run you'll be saving money and saving face...(sorry) 

A study by the College of Optometrists has revealed that one in four women continues to use bacteria-ridden products that are over four years old.  Yikes...

 So, here are the guidelines for throwing cosmetics away:

• Foundation- 12 months
• Concealer- 9 to 12 months
• Mascara- 3 months (throw away immediately if you used it when you had a cold, as germs can come through tear ducts and get deposited in lashes.
• Lipstick- 2 years
• Lip or eyeliner pencil- 2 years (sharpen often to get rid of bacteria)
• Powder eye shadow- 2 years
• Cream eye shadow- 12 months
• Face powder- 2 years

 Source: Body Beautiful Magazine

Sharing makeup increases the risk to exposure or sharing of bacteria.  Brushes should be cleaned regularly to keep them as clean as possible and limit bacteria growth.  Keep makeup out of the sun and heat and do not add water to makeup unless it tells you to do so.  Keep storage containers closed tightly.  And most importantly, don't apply while driving!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 07:04 AM | Permalink

So, Tony Soprano and all of the other Italians may be on to something.  It has been shown that the "habitual" intake of tomato products has been found to decrease the risk of cancer of the digestive tract among Italians.  Tomatoes are good for you!  Tomatoes contain an antioxidant called lycopene which gives tomatoes their lovely red color.  The human body does not produce lycopene alone and therefore it relies on a consumption of tomatoes and tomato based products for this antioxidant.  Several studies have shown that a diet rich in tomatoes and tomato products is strongly linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers.  A study published in the International Journal of Cancer said that lycopene appears to protect against cancer of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum.  Tomatoes also contain large amounts of Vitamin C, providing 40 percent of the daily value (DV). They also contain 15 percent DV of Vitamin A, 8 percent DV of potassium, and 7 percent of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of iron for women and 10 percent RDA for men. New research is beginning to indicate that tomatoes may be used to help prevent lung cancer. Two powerful compounds found in tomatoes-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid-are thought to block the effects of nitrosamines. These are compounds that not only are formed naturally in the body, but also are the strongest carcinogen in tobacco smoke. By blocking the effects of these nitrosamines, the chances of lung cancer are reduced significantly.  Even the Heinz Company is doing research on the health benefits of tomatoes.  So, break out the ketchup!

Source: Associated Content

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 07:53 AM | Permalink

This is a very light and tasty dressing that is low in fat. 

Lemon Dressing:

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1/3 cup lemon juice

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1/3 cup olive oil

 Mix all ingredients together in a jar or other covered container.  Refrigerate for freshest taste!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:49 AM | Permalink

With the school year about to start, one area of concern for some kids may be the school bully.  Though many people may think the idea absurd, having been the victim of bullying in high school, I can relate to what your child is feeling.  In high school, there was a girl who tormented me and I HATED going to school.  Looking back, I still remember the fear that I had and I truly thought she might hurt me.  I pleaded with my mom to let me stay home, which may seem silly, but as a child, trying to fit in, and trying to be "popular", getting beaten up didn't quite help my efforts.  I was a cheerleader and she would even go so far as to attend football games with handmade signs that she would hold up letting me know what she planned to do to me after the game.  One time, in the counselor's office (yes, I tattled on her) she threatened to "stab me with the flagpole".  Hello?  This is not normal behavior and very hard to decipher as a teenager.  She chased me down the street one day and I ran into my friend's car, crying, and locked the door.  It was pathetic!  Did she ever do anything to me?  No.  However, even 10 years later, at my high school reunion, I was sure she was going to come with a gun or something and take care of business.  I am not kidding!  I even told my husband, who, without my knowing, found her and brought her over to me!!!  Imagine how petrified I was!  Well, she apologized and admitted that she had a rough time growing up, and for no real reason, targetted me as her outlet for her emotions.  Of course, I felt relieved, but I still look back and can't believe the deep-rooted affects it had on me as a kid.

I was prompted to write about this topic after recieving an article from The Mayo Clinic and I will provide a link at the bottom of this post because I think it is important to understand.  Many adults downplay the seriousness of bullying to both the child's tender psyche and the bully's possible cries for help, but up to half of all school-aged kids are bullied at some point according to the federal government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. If your child is being bullied, the article provides some insight as to their feelings and possible solutions for putting an end to it.  Take it seriously, because trust me, it is a scary place to be.

MayoClinic.com Bullying Information

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bullying/MH00126

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:34 AM | Permalink

Many of us spend a lot of time looking for a good hair conditioner, but nowadays most of the products on the market contain ingredients that are actually BAD for your hair.  If you look at the ingredient list on the shampoo and conditioner you are using right now, chances are alcohol will be among the first things listed.  Well, alcohol is actually DRYING for your hair!  So, that's defeating the whole purpose.  I've always liked using natural ingredients to make my own conditioners and they work pretty darned well. 

I had a friend who had beautiful really long hair and her secret was conditioning with extra virgin olive oil.  I've tried it several times, and it does make your hair shinier and it seems to tame some of the flyaways.  The best way to use it is on dry hair.  I pour a little in my hands and sort of apply it from the roots and pull it to the ends.  Use a brush or comb that you don't mind getting goopey and brush it all the way through.  You will either need to throw that brush away or wash it thoroughly.  I usually sleep with the olive oil on my hair, but be sure to wear a shower cap or put a towel over your pillow because it makes a greasy mess!  When you wash it out, you may have to shampoo twice in order to get it out, and keep your hair from looking oily.  Pay close attention to the scalp area.

Another concoction I've used is mayonnaise and avocado conditioner which is a good deep conditioner.  Put a small jar of real mayonnaise (not dressing) and a pitted avocado in a bowl.  Using a fork or spoon, smash the ingredients together, until creamy.  Apply the cream mixture to dry hair in the same way as mentioned before.  Again, I like leaving my conditioner on overnight, but with this one, even 20 minutes will do the trick.  Put a shower cap on and go about your business while it "brews".  After 20 minutes, shampoo out and you should see a difference in the softness of your mane. 

Good luck and if you know of any other great homemade conditioners, let me know!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:01 AM | Permalink

My whole life, my Grandma has touted the importance of friendships.  She has innumerable amounts of friends; friends from grade school (and she is over 80 years old!), friends from work, friends from neighborhoods growing up, and friends from where she lives now.  She always told me, "You can never have too many friends".  And I read an article in "Better Homes and Gardens" today that substantiates that claim.

It says that a study, conducted at Mercy Medical Center in Maryland, revealed that men and women who had at least 10 friends were half as likely to have health challenges and disabilities that interfered with their daily lives as those with only two friends.  Another study of nearly 7,000 residents in Alameda Country, CA found that women who spent time with friends five or more times a month were far less likely to die over the nine-year-followup period of the study. 

They are still trying to figure out why friendships are so important to our health, but for me, I can tell you why.  Being around my friends and family offers me an atmosphere of positivity and support and love.  I surround myself with those I admire and love and respect, and who I would like to emulate.  Being alone seems to me, to be a sad existence and friendships offer you the chance to do new things, share new experiences, talk about opinions, or do absolutely nothing at all.  I cherish my friends, and Grandma is right, I can never have too many!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:47 AM | Permalink

I LOVE beef, and I have a lot of different recipes for it.  This is one of my favorites because it is quick and tasty.

Ingredients:

• 1 large piece of sirloin steak (look for a lean cut)
• 1 large onion
• 1 large green pepper
• Sliced fresh mushrooms
• Fresh garlic (I use about 2 cloves)
• 1 8 oz can of tomato sauce
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sugar

Slice steak into thin strips and saute in olive oil with minced garlic.  When browned, add the mushrooms, onion, and green pepper and saute for another 10 minutes or so.  Add tomato sauce, 3 drops of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of sugar.  Salt and pepper to taste and simmer, covered, on low for about 20 minutes.  Serve over rice or on it's own if you choose.  Enjoy!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 02:48 PM | Permalink

I am not a big fan of the banana; never have been.  When my mom would "make" me eat them when I was little, I cringed at the black spots and the mushy insides.  As an adult, I realize why Mom wanted me to consume the monkey food. 

Bananas have no fat, sodium or cholesterol.  Unlike a lot of fruits, bananas are available year round.  Bananas, as most people know are a great source of potassium.  That is the go-to food for many people when they experiencing any sort of cramping due to dehydration. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate blood chemisty and improves carboyhydrate metabolism by helping the muscles act efficiently.  Without potassium (and sodium) your muscles stop firing correctly.   A medium sized banana provides 400mg of potassium, 11% of the RDA.  Bananas are also a great source of Vitamin B6, fiber, Vitamin C and magnesium.  Bananas give you 17% of your RDA of Vitamin C.  So, now, I try to eat bananas (though I like them green) or I put them in banana bread.  Here are some interesting banana facts:

Banana Facts:

• There are more than 300 varieties of bananas bred for cultivation
  
• The annual global banana output is 86 million tons
  
• Bananas are the fourth most important staple food in the developing world
  
• The average American eats 25 lbs. of bananas a year
  
• Bananas originated in Malaysia
  
• Bananas are available all year-round.  They are harvested every day of the year!

Source: www.eatmorebananas.com

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:45 AM | Permalink

This is pretty interesting.  I take a lot of vitamins, and never even thought about recycling the bottles until I found out this information.  Most vitamins come in what is called HDPE bottles.  They can be recycled along with all of your other household products, and should be, if you read the statistics:

If every American household recycled just ONE out of every ten HDPE bottles they used, we'd keep 200 million pounds of the plastic out of landfills EVERY YEAR!

In 2006, about 138 billion aluminum cans, and glass and plastic bottles that could have been recycled, instead ended up as litter or in a landfill.

In 1988 we used 2 billion pounds of HDPE just to make bottles for household products.  That's about the weight of 90,000 Honda Civics.

Currently in the United States, plastics recycling rates lag far behind those of other items, such as newspaper and cardboard.

So, remember to recycle your vitamin and household product bottles.  You can make a difference!

Source: Container Recycling Institute

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:50 AM | Permalink

You've worked hard for your swimsuit body, and what would a vacation or BBQ be without a tropical drink complete with umbrella?  Well, drinking too many of these libations could negate everything you've done to achieve your six pack and toned legs.  The average serving of one ounce of 80-proof alcohol contains about 90 calories BEFORE adding mixers!  Obviously, there are far worse results of alcohol abuse, but most people don't realize or acknowledge the danger drinking poses to their waistline as well. 

I found a list of the most fattening cocktails on Forbes.com and to my surprise, two of my favorites were listed among the worst.  I thought perhaps this list would enlighten you as well.  The top five most fattening cocktails based on calories and carbohydrates are as follows:

1. Long Island Iced Tea  780 calories  44 carbs
2. Margarita  740 calories 56 carbs
3. Pina Colada (to my dismay) 644 calories 90 carbs (and when using premix, this number is even more because it is mostly pure sugar!)
4. White Russian  425 calories 26 carbs
5. Mai Tai  350 calories  30 carbs

I hope this list is interesting to you, and if you decide to drink, no matter what it is, drink responsibly. 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:30 AM | Permalink

Only 25% of us are meeting the national Food Guide Pyramid goal of eating 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Researchers continue to show a strong positive connection between eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and decreasing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Also, eating fruits and vegetables may play a preventive role in cataract formation, hypertension, birth defects, diverticulosis, obesity, and diabetes. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of fiber, vitamin A (Beta-carotene), vitamin C, phytochemicals, and antioxidants.

Getting that amount of fruits and vegetables into your diet every day may seem overwhelming, so here are some tips to do so:

Incorporate fruits at breakfast by eating them on the side of your meal or putting them on top of cereal or oatmeal or drink 100% natural fruit juices.  For lunch, eat salads, veggies or fruit on the side of your meal, or fruit in yogurt, or sandwiches with vegetables included.  The same holds true for dinner.  Start thinking about fruits and vegetables as snack choices instead of other things that don't have the same nutritional benefits.  If you still find it difficult to meet the RDA intake, you can supplement your diet with a Phytofood Blend that contains fruits and vegetables and is easy and convenient to consume.  Seeing the benefits of your actions will encourage you to continue these habits.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 07:51 AM | Permalink

I took spin class several years ago, and I was addicted.  I thought maybe it was because it was during the time that I was WAY into working out and was doing fitness competitions.  Well, I just started spin class twelve weeks ago, and once again, I am HOOKED!  I think spin class can be a little intimidating at first, so I thought I'd offer some information about it, so it is not so overwhelming.

Spin class is hard, no doubt.  BUT, it is totally individualized, which is what I like.  The rate at which you ride and the tension of your ride is totally up to you.  Each bike is equipped with a tension knob that you control.  If the instructor says to turn it up, and you don't feel that you are able to, you don't!   If you can't stand on the bike, when told to, or sprint, or whatever the case may be, you can stay in the saddle.  Most of the classrooms are dark (lights turned low or off) so no one is "watching" you like you may feel they do in a conventional aerobics class.  Spinning puts you in your own world with great music, adrenalin pumping, sweat dripping and the reward of feeling like you did a great job.  Spinning burns between 500-1000 calories in an hour, and I find it to be the quickest way to tone my legs and lose excess body weight.  I have to admit, it hurts certain body parts upon first starting out, as you are not used to that sort of thing.  But you can get padded seat covers and padded shorts to alleviate that problem.  You definitely want to bring more water than you think you need, and a towel.  You can do spin class in regular tennis shoes if your class offers bikes with cages for your feet, otherwise you will need to invest in spin shoes which you can get at any cycling shop.  I feel that doing the class with clip-in shoes gives me more control and I don't feel like I'm going to fly out of the pedals. 

No matter what, you will work your butt off (quite literally), have a great time, and burn calories!  I am even considering becoming an instructor!  Here is the official spinning website, if you want more information.  Is anyone else addicted to this class?  Tell me about where you take spin...

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:41 AM | Permalink

Today's blog entry is a reproduction of an email that my mom sent me that really hit home and I had to share it.  It reminds us how important it is to cherish the important things in life and not worry about the "little things".  As I've said before, I believe that one's mental state helps dictate their physical being, and this is a reminder of that:

 The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee


When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours
in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of
coffee.


A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in
front of him.  When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very
large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full.  They agreed that it
was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
jar.
He shook the jar lightly.  The pebbles rolled into the open areas
between the golf balls.  He then asked the students again if the jar was
full.
They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.  He asked once more if
the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and
poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty
space between the sand.  The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to
recognize that this jar represents your life.  The golf balls are the
important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends
and your favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only
they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house
and your car.

The sand is everything else--the small stuff.  "If you put the sand into
the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the
golf balls.  The same goes for life.  If you spend all your time and
energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that
are important to you.

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.  Play
with your children.  Take time to get medical checkups.  Take your
spouse out to dinner.  Play another 18.  There will always be time to
clean the house and fix the disposal.  Take care of the golf balls
first--the things that really matter.  Set your priorities.  The rest is
just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee
represented.  The professor smiled.  "I'm glad you asked.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:00 AM | Permalink

So, today is my birthday, and it's always a good time to reflect on the previous year and what you've done to better your health and what things you can incorporate in the year to come.  Looking back, I have bettered my vitamin regime, becoming more informed about the newest available supplements and including the ones that will benefit me into my routine.  I've increased my cardiovascular exercise and included spin classes and hiking.  I've started taking better care of my skin and become more aware of the sun and it's damage and how to protect myself.  And most importantly, I am healthier mentally than I've ever been in my life.  I have the most incredible husband in the world, and the greatest family, and I've surrounded myself with great friends and good times.  We have an awesome dog and two cats and we have carved out a wonderful life for ourselves.  I think happiness goes furthest with regard to one's health, as your mental state often dictates your physical being. 

Today, I will write down my health goals for the following year and start implementing them.  One thing I like to do about every six months, is go to REALAGE (which I found on Oprah about five years ago) and take their "real age test".  It is a test that questions your different areas of health and gives you a determination as to your real age based on your habits, rather than your chronological age.  It offers tips on changing your lifestyle in ways that will benefit you, and tells you which things in your life you are doing well.  According to the test, I am seven years younger than my chronological age.  And I know what things I need to start doing to keep that number going down.

So, happy birthday to me, and if I could wish anything, it would be continued health to you, my family, and my friends!!!! 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:31 AM | Permalink

Antioxidants are a well-known word these days, and with good reason.  Antioxidants are extremely important in your supplementation regime.  Though we've heard the word, we may not know exactly what antioxidants do.  According to wikipedia.org antioxidants are defined as follows:

Antioxidants are molecules that slow or prevent the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions by being oxidized themselves. As a result, antioxidants are often reducing agents such as thiols or polyphenols.

The most popular example of how antioxidants work is the example of the oxidation of metals.  When metal is exposed to aging, moisture, light, etc. it becomes rusty.  The same sort of thing is happening in your body and antioxidants help to protect human cells from oxidative damage.  Antioxidants are naturally occuring phytochemicals or phytonutrients that are in certain fruits and vegetables.  The highest ranking fruits and vegetables for antioxidant content are broccoli, spinach, greens, Brussel sprouts, beets, red peppers, carrots, tomatoes, berries, oranges, pink grapefruit, apricots, plums, peaches, red grapes and papaya. 

So, consuming more fruits and vegetables on a daily basis or supplementing with a phytofood blend could be one of the best additions to your health routine!  I for one, believe in the power of antioxidants and have seen good results with their use.  I wish you the same!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 12:02 PM | Permalink

It's astounding to me how prevelant pot smoking is where I live.  I have never been a fan, but I know a lot of people who partake in the habit.  Well, ironically, the other day I was telling one of my friends who justified pot-smoking by saying that "it's better than cigarette smoking", that it is just as dangerous as cigarette smoking, to which she scoffed.  So, imagine my surprise this morning when an article came out stating that smoking a single joint could damage the lungs as much as smoking up to five tobacco cigarettes one after another.  That is scary!

A study was done in New Zealand on 339 volunteers and here were some of the findings of the cannabis smokers:

• One joint reduced the numbers of small fine airways that transport oxygen and waste products to and from blood vessels in the lungs.
• Symptoms were reported including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and excessive phlegm production.
• Damage to the function of the large airways of the lungs, obstructing air flow and forcing lungs to work harder, contributing to symptoms such as coughing, and the development of bronchitis.

The team determined that the impact of cannibis is possibly due to the way in which cannabis joints are smoked, as they do not usually have filters and they reach higher temperatures with users inhaling more deeply and holding their breath longer than cigarette smokers.

Another recent study linked cannabis to a 40% higher risk of psychotic illnesses.

SOURCE: research published in the journal Thorax

I don't want to be a dope nerd, but I think this information is important.  I want to offer the following website for your consideration, if you think you may have a problem with this drug:http://www.marijuanaaddiction.com.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 12:14 PM | Permalink

Every 45 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke.  Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States today, trailing only heart disease and cancer. 

Knowing the warning signs of a stroke may one day save your life or the life of someone you know.  The faster you recognize the symptoms, the sooner you can get medical help which is key to shielding the brain from a stroke's damage and sparing serious disabilities such as paralysis, speech impairment and dementia.

How to tell if someone is having a stroke: (as seen in Harvard Health Publications)

1. Crooked smile- have the person smile or show their teeth.  If one side doesn't move as well as the other or seems to droop, that could be a sign of a stroke.
2. Arm drift- Have the person close their eyes and hold their arms straight out in front of the body for about 10 seconds.  If one arm does not move, or one arm winds up drifting down more than the other, they may be having a stroke.
3. Slurred speech- Have the person say "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" or another familiar saying.  If the person slurs the words, gets some words wrong, or is unable to speak, that could be the sign of a stroke.

If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, call emergency services immediately and let them know.  It could make a huge difference.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:19 AM | Permalink