Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

7 Best Healthy Foods To Eat In 2018




If you want to improve your well-being in 2018, then begin to buy healthy foods at the supermarket. Many people want to lose weight and prevent illness, and by consuming a nutritious diet, it is possible to do both of these things. Make sure to shop for these healthy foods this year. 

Food 1: Quinoa

Quinoa is a protein-rich seed that is boiled in the same way as brown rice. Not only does this seed provide a lot of protein and fiber, but also, it is gluten free, making it a safe food choice for many individuals. Today, you can find this food in the rice section of a store. 

Food 2: Fermented Vegetables and Fruits

Several types of fermented vegetables are high in probiotics. If you want to improve the condition of your digestive tract, then it is essential to consume more good bacteria. In addition to eating pickles, you can consume sauerkraut, watermelon rinds or cauliflower. 

Food 3: Kale

Instead of eating spinach in 2018, you will want to have kale. This dark leafy green vegetable is high in several vitamins, including A, B6 and C. By consuming kale, you are ingesting calcium and iron. You can use raw kale in salads and on sandwiches, but it is also possible to boil kale, or you can make baked kale chips. 

Food 4: Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is becoming more popular because it has a denser and richer texture. You can find plain Greek yogurt that is lower in calories so that you can add your own fresh fruit to avoid consuming too much sugar. 

Food 5: Artichokes

Artichokes are an edible thistle that has a dark green color, and you must snip the edges of this vegetable’s leaves before steaming it in a pan with a small amount of water. The traditional way to eat an artichoke is by peeling off its leaves to dip into melted butter, and you must pull a leaf through your teeth to remove the tender flesh. 

Food 6: Edible Flowers

Some varieties of flowers are edible, and these foods can provide several nutrients. You can decorate baked goods with edible flowers, or you can add these foods to salads. Some of the most popular edible flowers are daisies, lilacs and tulips. 

Food 7: Mushrooms

You can find packaged or loose mushrooms at your local grocery store, but make sure to choose different varieties to use in casseroles, soups or as pizza toppings. There are also recipes for fried or stuffed mushrooms that use cheese, seasonings or batter. 

6 Habits To Help Relieve Stress in the New Year



The right kind of stress can be motivating in small doses but overwhelming when it gets out of control. The suggestions below are all ways you can work to relieve stress in the new year. 

Exercise

You don't have to train for a marathon in order to get benefits from exercise. An after-dinner walk, gardening or taking a class in something ranging from tai chi to swing dancing to water aerobics and more are all ways to increase the physical movement in your life. 

Sleep

Most people do not get enough sleep. If you have not been prioritizing sleep, you should start to do so. If you struggle to get enough sleep, the new year might be the time to see a physician about your sleeping habits and maybe even schedule a sleep study. 

Journal

Some studies have found that journaling can be as beneficial as talk therapy for some people. Some people like to write in the morning and discard what they've written as a way to work out stressful emotions and thoughts without having to hold onto them. 

Eat Wisely

Unfortunately, trying to eat healthily can be source of stress itself for many people. The key here is to allow yourself to be moderate and indulge from time to time. You don't have to eat perfectly based on the latest scientific information. Regularly eating a variety of foods and increasing the amount of fruit, vegetables and whole grains can all be beneficial and can help relieve stress. 

Reduce Bad Habits

As with eating better, this does not have to be all-or-nothing. If giving up smoking feels too overwhelming right now, trying cutting back. You can reduce the amount of sugar you eat without removing it from your life entirely.

Enjoy Yourself

Beware of too many "shoulds," including stress reduction itself being a thing you have to do. Whatever it is you love to do most, whether it is reading in a hot bath, meeting up with friends, playing with your pets or something else, you should build time into your life for it. 

The new year is a great time to introduce strategies for stress reduction. You can gradually add the above items to your life to relieve stress in the year ahead. 

Uterine Fibroids: What You Need To Know



What Are Fibroids Of the Uterus? 

Uterine fibroids are a common health issue for women, but you may wonder if these benign growths are dangerous. Fibroids tend to develop during a female’s childbearing years, but the growths will remain in your body after you enter menopause. The risk factors for these growths inside the uterus include having early puberty, being overweight or having relatives who have fibroids. You might begin to notice problems from fibroids during your early teenage years, but the symptoms from these growths can persist in senior citizens. 

What the Symptoms Associated With Fibroids? 

Some women have no symptoms from fibroids of the uterus, or they may think that the problems associated with the growths are caused by other factors such as premenstrual pain or the beginning of perimenopause. However, most women have one or more of these symptoms from uterine fibroids. Here are the signs of having fibroids in your uterus:

• Anemia 
• Abdominal pain
• Abnormal bleeding during menstruation
• Problems during pregnancy
• Backaches
• Inability to get pregnant
• Difficult labor 
• Pain the rectum
• Pressure against other organs in the abdomen
• Frequent urination 
• Constipation 

A fibroid in the uterus is composed of smooth muscle tissue, but the growths are rarely cancerous. 

How Many Women Have Fibroids? 

If you believe that you have fibroids in your uterus, then a physician can find the growths with a pelvic examination and medical images. Over 170 million women in the world have fibroids, and in most cases, a physician will not recommend a medical procedure to remove the growths. However, if a woman has numerous fibroids or if she has multiple symptoms that last for several years, then she may require a hysterectomy. 

Can Your Diet Affect the Fibroids In the Uterus? 

Losing weight can help to relieve the symptoms from fibroids in the uterus, and experts recommend a diet that contains a lot of vegetables or fruits that are rich in vitamin C. Some researchers believe that consuming red meat will increase your chances of having fibroids, but if you are anemic from having fibroids, then consuming red meat is recommended by physicians. Most fibroids are round growths that vary in size, and in some cases, the items are the size of a grapefruit. Fibroids are classified by shape, size and location.

How Are Fibroids Treated? 

If you have uterine fibroids, then there are multiple ways of treating the condition, including: 

• Pain relievers 
• Medication designed to shrink the growths
• Ultrasound fibroid destruction
• Radio-frequency ablation 
• Uterine artery embolization
• Myomectomy

If a fibroid or the entire uterus is removed, then the growths are analyzed to determine if there are any cancerous cells. When you have cancerous cells in the fibroids or uterus, additional medical treatment is required, including radiation or chemotherapy. 

3 Tips for Dealing with a Fever During the Holidays



Cooler weather around the holidays means that your house is probably closed up for the winter. Every door and window is shut. Heaters are working their magic on your household, but this cozy scenario can lead to illness. Germs brought in from the outside have nowhere to go but into your body. If you develop a fever during the holidays, consider these tips to move past it.

Take Advantage of Restful Periods

Around the holidays, you probably have a lot of time off. Your entire family may be on vacation. Take advantage of any restful periods during this time. The nights are long so sleep for as much as possible. Fevers can be fought off when your body heals during rest. Heading out to shop or cooking in the kitchen creates too much stress on the body. Sleep and relaxation are the best weapons against high temperatures so that germs don't overwhelm you.

Pull Out Mom's Old Recipes

It's been proven among scientific circles that chicken soup is a useful tool against rising temperatures. Slow boil some chicken with onion, garlic and spices. The cooked meat and broth create a soothing meal for your body. Scientists believe that the nutrients founds in chicken broth can boost your immune system while calming the body with a warm meal. Sip on the broth when you aren't necessarily hungry to continually benefit from the nutrients.

Let It Run Its Course

Your high temperature is a tool used by the human body in order to fight off a germ or infection. Taking heavy doses of painkillers will only prolong your ailment. If the temperature is below 100 or 101 degrees Fahrenheit, allow it to run its course. Keep track of the temperature until it breaks. A temperature running higher than 101 degrees F. is cause for concern, however. An infection may be complicating the situation. This temperature must be dealt with by a professional. It can actually be hazardous if a temperature rises too high.

Dealing with a fever in children is slightly different than when you treat yourself. If you're taking care of the grandchildren, keep their doctor's number handy. Fevers in young children should be checked by a professional to ensure that their health isn't severely compromised. Fevers are useful when they're carefully monitored and controlled.

4 Holiday Meals Using Fresh Produce



Traditional, holiday meals typically involve meat and carbohydrates. They're almost entirely missing the vegetable-and-fruit additions. It's time to mix up your cooking habits by adding some produce to those meals. Explore these top holiday meals that incorporate vegetables into the delicious ingredients.

Squash, Spinach and Bacon Salad Entree

Butternut squash is easy to find around the holidays. Chop it into small pieces, or use a peeler to create those curlicue shapes. Roast the squash until it has a golden appearance. Toss the squash with some fresh spinach and chopped bacon. You may want to drizzle some balsamic vinegar and oil on this dish, but it might not be necessary. The natural tastes from each food component makes this salad an entree for any holiday table.

Turkey Green Beans 

Saute green beans with some onions until everything is crispy. Pull out that leftover turkey, and add it to the vegetables. This quick-serve meal resembles a stir-fry creation, but it simply takes traditional green beans and modernizes them for future holidays.

Au Gratin Brussels Sprouts and Chicken

Get a nutritional blast from Brussels sprouts by serving them au-gratin style. Mix the vegetables with melted cheese, such as Gruyere or cream cheese, along with spices, heavy cream and bread crumbs. Make it a meal by adding cooked, chicken breast to the mixture. Bake it until everything is melted together with a golden color. No one will miss the steamed, Brussels sprouts at the corner of the table.

Cheesy Squash

Slice several, spaghetti squashes in half. Roast them with some olive oil for almost an hour. While this fresh produce is warming, create a roux with up to four cheeses. Pull the squash from the oven, remove half of the pulp from the boat and add this part to the warming roux. Use the roux and squash mixture to fill the boats. You're left with a cheesy delight that thrills everyone at the table. To complete this meal, add a meat of your choice to the roux. Chicken and turkey are popular choices.

Ask your loved ones if anyone is either vegetarian or vegan. Many of these holiday meals can be altered in order to accommodate a particular diet. Fresh produce is good for any age group, especially when you want to control some of those holiday calories before New Year's Day.

Some Semi Obvious Tips For Fighting the Cold This Winter




If you want to remain in good health, then fighting cold weather dangers is essential. A drop in temperatures can lead to serious health problems, including hypothermia or frostbite. Here are some ways to remain safe in the winter while at home or when you are using a vehicle. 

Cold Weather Tip 1: Maintain Heating Systems

Make sure that your home’s furnace is operating optimally in the winter by having it inspected by a technician who can replace worn mechanisms or change an air filter. If you don’t know how to replace the air filter in your home’s furnace, then learn how to do this once a month. You should also verify that your vehicle’s heating system is working before winter begins. 

Cold Weather Tip 2: Layer Your Garments

Layer your garments while you are outside or inside your home to avoid problems from feeling too cold. Fighting cold dangers is easier when you protect your body from the problems of poor blood circulation that can cause frostbite. If you live in a cold region, then have long undergarments to wear underneath heavy jeans, corduroy pants or thick sweaters. 

Cold Weather Tip 3: Keep Enough Food In Your Home

When the weather is inclement, it is impossible to drive anywhere, so make sure to keep enough food in your home for emergencies. In addition to having an assortment of food that is frozen or refrigerated, you should make sure to stock up on nonperishable foods such as canned meats, fruits and vegetables. 

Cold Weather Tip 4: Use Caution While Shoveling Snow

If you are not in excellent physical condition, then shoveling snow is a strenuous activity. Make sure to wear slip-resistant footwear while shoveling snow, and also, wear a hat and gloves. You may want to wear a back brace while you are shoveling snow to prevent an injury to your back. 

Cold Weather Tip 5: Remain Hydrated In the Winter

To avoid dehydration in the winter, drink a lot of water. The cold temperatures in the winter can lead to changes inside your body as moisture travels to your core to maintain your vital organs. Not only can you become dehydrated outside while trying to shovel snow or clean your vehicle, but also, you can become thirstier while you are inside a building. 

Cold Weather Tip 6: Have an Indoor Exercise Routine

Instead of having an outdoor exercise routine, plan an indoor physical activity such as riding a stationary bicycle or performing yoga poses. Fighting cold weather is easier when your muscles, bones or tendons are strong and flexible. Schedule your exercise routine earlier in the day to warm your body so that you can withstand the cold temperatures outside. 

Cold Weather Tip 7: Have Emergency Supplies In Your Vehicle

Before winter begins, make sure to store some emergency supplies in your vehicle. Keep a heavy blanket nearby to use if your vehicle won’t start, and also, carry ice scrapers along with spray deicer. Bring along a snow shovel to remove any snow that collects near your vehicle’s tires. 

How Manuka Honey Might Be an Antibiotic Superhero



Recently, scientists identified yet another natural substance as a powerful agent for healing deadly infections. According to respected researchers, manuka honey helps make bacterial infections less resistant to antibiotics. Because microbes with strong resistance are now seen frequently, manuka honey (MH) could well become a major tool for fighting infection and disease worldwide. Bee honey has been used as a traditional disinfectant the thousands of years. When pressed against an open wound, bee honey undergoes a chemical reaction that produces disinfectant hydrogen peroxide. This chemical reaction is one of the marvels of nature.

When scientists learned to mass-produce hydrogen peroxide and antibiotics, treating wounds with honey became far less common. Though derived from tree nectar, MH was long thought to use the same medicinal mechanism as bee honey. New Zealand Professor P. Molan dispelled this long-held notion. Back in the 1980s, Molan discovered that even after its hydrogen peroxide content was removed, MH continued to kill infections with ease. Despite the sensational nature of Molan's discovery, mainstream manuka research essentially stood still until 2008. That year, two independent laboratories found that MH contains methylglyoxal (MGO), a naturally occurring chemical that has powerful antimicrobial capabilities.

Further testing has shown that MH can destroy so-called "superbugs,"' which are defined as bacteria resistant to multiple types of antibiotics. Specifically, MH has great potential to treat the microbial causes of strep throat and staph infection. There couldn't be a better time for humanity to discover new ways to combat antibiotic resistance. For a variety of reasons, this is a grim time for those who specialize in fighting infectious diseases. Due to people relying too heavily on antibiotics, superbugs are becoming shockingly common. Crucially, scientists have never seen a single case where microbes have developed resistance to MH. Even after much effort in the laboratory, researchers have never been able to artificially induce such a resistance. 

There are dozens of types of manuka trees with differing characteristics. Found in Australia and New Zealand, different manuka species have different concentrations of life-saving MGO. Above and beyond its powerful disinfectant properties, MH can reduce inflammation, reduce scarring and remove dead tissues from healing wounds. Though scientists are continuing to research MH, completed research has already vindicated the medicinal qualities of this substance. Considering the fact that MH is relatively affordable, more people should use MH to treat infections, ulcers and minor burns. When using MH medicinally, make sure to use sterile product.

It is strange and unfortunate that it took so many years for mainstream scientists to confirm the potency of MH. One has to wonder how many other natural remedies have been dismissed out of hand for far too long. Some commentators believe that medical researchers simply do not have the right incentives to investigate organic remedies. Because it grows freely in nature, natural medicine is less amenable to corporate control then chemical synthesized in a sophisticated laboratory. Perhaps it is only natural that most pharmaceutical companies would prefer to ignore natural compounds in their quest for profits. Nevertheless, it is clear that the natural world has a lot to offer humanity in terms of new medicines.

How Much Exercise Do We Need?



For many Americans, trying to find the time to exercise is a constant challenge. The stresses of everyday life often lead many people to fall short of their workout goals. It is no secret that living an active lifestyle leads to better health, which is why you should you learn how to increase the efficiency of your workouts. The best place to start is by identifying your fitness goals, which might include cutting body fat, strength training or increasing your body size. 

Maintaining Your Health
If your workout goals are to maintain your overall health, there are some very simple guidelines you can follow from the Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association. The AHA provides workout guidelines for cardiovascular health and lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure. The guidelines are as follows:

• Cardiovascular Health- At least 150 minutes per week of moderately intense aerobic workouts and a minimum of two days per week of intense strength training. The AHA recommends you break up your aerobic workouts into 30 minute cycles five days per week.

• Lowering Cholesterol and Blood Pressure- A minimum of 40 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity three or four times per week.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that you do strength training at least two time per week and to target all your major muscle groups. The recommendation also includes performing a single set of 12 to 15 repetitions for each of your muscle groups. The Mayo Clinic's recommendation for cardiovascular health is the same as the recommendation from the American Heart Association.

Moderate aerobic workouts include taking a brisk walk, swimming or working in your yard. Vigorous aerobic activity includes running, dancing, interval training and cardio sessions on workout equipment such as elliptical trainers and treadmills.

Cutting Body Fat
If your workout goals are to get your body looking lean and trim by cutting fat, then you will need to increase the intensity of your exercises. You should concentrate on training your whole body at a minimum of three to four times a week. Your workouts need to include large movements that expend a lot of energy. You need to allow adequate time for your body to recover so it can restore all that lost energy. Give your body a full day of recovery or include some light aerobic activity in between your intense workout sessions.

Training for Size and Strength
If you want to bulk up and increase your body strength, you need to exercise at least four times per week using the three most common strength training workouts, deadlifting, bench pressing and squatting. You will need to include heavy sets in your training regimen, so do not forget to give your body adequate recovery time. Make sure that you do not go overboard when you train for size and strength. If you work out too much, it could have an adverse effect on your body and keep you from your fitness goals. Some signs of overtraining include lack of sleep, lowered strength, an increase in body fat and water retention.

The amount of exercise you need all depends on your workout goals. If you just want to live a healthier lifestyle, the workout recommendations from the Mayo Clinic and the AHA combined with a proper diet should be more than enough to reach your goals.

Motivating Yourself To Get Up When It's Cold



Motivating yourself on a cold morning isn’t always easy because you may want to hibernate underneath your bed’s warm blankets for the entire day. There are several reasons why your mind and body react negatively to cold temperatures. In the past, it wasn’t safe for someone to venture out on a cold winter day because humans didn’t have climate-control equipment. Your body and mind will slow down naturally in cold weather in order to conserve your energy. However, there are ways to make it easier to get out of bed when it is cold. 

Motivation Tip 1: Have a Specialized Light Box

If your circadian rhythms are disrupted by the lack of sunlight along with the changes in daylight saving time, then buy a specialized light box to use at home or in your office. By turning on a bright light box early in the morning, you can regulate your brain’s circadian rhythms to create additional physical energy in the morning.

Motivation Tip 2: Schedule a Fun Activity Early In the Day

When getting out of bed on cold winter mornings seems impossible, make sure to schedule a fun activity earlier in the day. If you know that there is something enjoyable to do, then it is easier to wake earlier in the morning. You might want to enroll in a class at a local community college, or you can get involved in a group that enjoys the same type of hobbies that you enjoy.

Motivation Tip 3: Have a Timed Furnace Thermostat

If your bedroom is warmer in the morning, then it is easier to get moving earlier. Install a timed thermostat on your furnace so that the climate-control equipment turns on before your alarm clock wakes you up. Instead of waking up to a cold bedroom, your home is going to be cozy, encouraging you to get outside first thing in the morning.

Motivation Tip 4: Consume a Nutritious Diet

Continue to eat a nutritious diet in the winter to have more energy. Motivating yourself with a healthy diet will also help to prevent infections from colds and influenza that can deplete your energy levels. Make sure to consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible in the winter while avoiding poor-quality foods such as pastries.

Motivation Tip 5: Have an Exercise Routine

It is important to have an exercise routine in the winter when it is cold. If you can’t go outside to ride a bicycle, then enjoy a walk at a shopping mall. Alternatively, you can buy a gym membership. In addition, have exercise equipment at home so that you can engage in physical activity when the weather is inclement.

Motivation Tip 6: Maintain a Regular Schedule

Motivating yourself on cold days in the winter is easier when you maintain a regular schedule each day. Go to bed at the same time so that you feel rested enough in the morning to wake up despite the cold temperatures. Also, make sure to consume your meals and snacks at the same time to maintain your energy levels.

The Excellence of Butternut Squash and Why it Should be in Your Diet

 

Though butternut squash is native to North America, this versatile, healthy food has achieved acceptance throughout the world. Because butternut squash (BSQ) is loaded with vitamins and minerals, this food benefits human health in quite a few ways. Here are some of the proven benefits of eating BSQ:

1. Better Eye Health
If you are determined to keep your vision strong throughout your life, you'd be well-advised to eat plenty of BSQ. This food contains four separate chemicals in the carotenoid family. Besides protecting your eyes from macular degeneration, carotenoids get converted into vitamin A within your body. 

2. Better Digestion
Keeping your digestive system working well is important if you hope to maintain your quality of life over the decades. Because it contains plenty of fiber, BSQ ensures that your digestion will remain regular and reliable. Furthermore, a diet high in fiber can help reduce your chances for having a painfully inflamed colon. 

3. Reduced Birth Defect Risk
Dietary experts advise pregnant women to eat BSQ and reduce their chances of experiencing birth defects. Because it contains plenty of folic acid and vitamin B, BSQ can reduce the occurrence of neural tube problems and spina bifida. 

4. Circulation Benefits
As medical science has clearly demonstrated, good circulation promotes a healthier body in several ways. BSQ contains a lot of iron, a mineral that helps your body produce more red blood cells. In modern society, too many people have undiagnosed cases of anemia. Caused by an iron deficiency, anemia is a potentially dangerous condition. Symptoms of anemia include physical weakness, feelings of fatigue and confused thinking. If you eat plenty of BSQ, you can keep your blood healthy and circulating properly. 

5. Denser, Healthier Bones
BSQ contains a variety of minerals that encourage healthier, stronger bones. These important minerals include potassium, manganese and all-important calcium. Though healthy foods like BSQ are helpful in all stages of your life, strong bones are particularly important for people who are 50 or older. For older people, osteoporosis and bone breakage are two things that can dramatically reduce quality of life. Far too many retired individuals break bones in the course of routine activities. These injuries can take incredibly long to heal in the later stages of your life. In fact, breaking a bone is a major predictor of mortality in senior citizens. Along with other types of gourds, BSQ is a mineral-rich food that can help you stay strong and mobile. 

6. A Stronger Immune System
As most people know, having a strong immune system (IS) is critical for living a long and successful life. Although many different factors go into maintaining your IS, it is difficult to overemphasize the IS benefits of vitamin-rich gourds. The plentiful vitamin C in BSQ stimulates your system to produce white blood cells, which are the heavy hitters of the human IS. If you keep a strong IS, your body can routinely eliminate infections that might otherwise cause serious disability or death. 

7. Smoother, Healthier Skin 
With its high levels of beta-carotene, BSQ affects your skin in a way that is ideal for your self-esteem and your health. If you consume plenty of beta-carotene, you will maintain a more youthful appearance as you age. Even more critically, healthier skin is less vulnerable to the dangerous side effects of UV ray exposure. If you enjoy spending time at the tanning salon or recreating outdoors, BSQ can help you maintain your routine without undue risk of skin cancer.

Who is The New Shingles Vaccine Recommended For



Shingles is a painful condition that affects over one-third of the population over the age of 50, sometimes more than once. A shingles vaccine called Zostavax has been available for a long time, but now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued new vaccination guidelines around a new shingles vaccine. Shingrix, which was just approved by the Food and Drug Administration in October 2017, will take the place of Zostavax, and this has implications for a wider group of people, some of whom have already been vaccinated.

What Is Shingrix? Who Needs It?

Shingrix is made by GlaxoSmithKline. It is meant for anyone age 50 and older, and it is a much better vaccine than Zostavax, which was only about 51 percent effective and lost effectiveness in much older patients. Zostavax was meant for people ages 60 and older, so Shingrix offers protection to a wider segment of the population. Another big change is that Shingrix is not based on a live virus like Zostavax was. This means that Shingrix may be more appropriate for patients who could not get Zostavax due to allergies. 

It's crucial to note that at this point, Shingrix has been approved only for people with normal immune systems who are not allergic to any component of the Shingrix vaccine. The company is working on testing the vaccine in immune-compromised patients, however, and the fact that the vaccine does not contain a live virus is a positive step in helping that trial succeed.

As mentioned, anyone 50 and older should get Shingrix, which comes in a series of two shots. There is no proof that getting only the first shot offers protection, so patients need to complete the second shot without fail. 

People Who Already Got the Zostavax Shot

Anyone who has already had the Zostavax shot should get Shingrix because of the increased effectiveness. If someone has just gotten Zostavax, waiting at least a couple of months before getting the first Shingrix shot is prudent. 

It is not a good idea for patients to rely solely on Zostavax unless they have allergies to components in Shingrix. The lower effectiveness of Zostavax has been a real problem, and patients should take advantage of the better protection now available. 

Dealing With Immune System Conditions

Shingrix may be a great development for those with allergies, but those with compromised immune systems should hang tight. In immune system conditions, the mechanism that should protect the body from major adverse reactions is not functioning as it should. These patients and their doctors should monitor vaccine trial news to determine when or if it's safe to start the shots.

No one is really thrilled about getting one shot, much less two. But the shots are a small inconvenience compared with suffering through a bout of shingles. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible about starting the Shingrix series.

3 Delicious Salad Recipes That Are Anything But Traditional



Lettuce, croutons and a bit of vinaigrette are the components of a standard salad. Although they're certainly attractive ingredients, the combination can get boring at times. You still want a healthy salad at dinnertime so think outside of the box. There are some delicious salad recipes that aren't full of the standard items. Get excited about your next meal by trying these top three recipes that sparkle with flavor. 

1. A Cool Trio

Forgo the lettuce by sticking to the cooler vegetables in the produce aisle. Collect ripe tomatoes, avocados and cucumbers. Chop these items into uniform chunks. Ideally, make them small enough for easy chewing during your meal. Toss the ingredients together until there's a little bit of each item in every bite.

Your choice of salad dressing is up to you at this point. Some people like to drizzle a chipotle ranch onto the salad for a Hispanic twist on the ingredients. You're welcome to maintain the ingredients' integrity by using only oil and vinegar across them as well.

A simpler choice of dressing is a squirt of lime and salt. The lime's acidity brings out a liveliness in the vegetables and fruits. It also reduces the chances of the avocado turning brown between your meal preparation and enjoying the dish. Don't salt the ingredients too heavily either. You still want to taste the subtle flavors found only in nature. 

2. Make it a Sandwich

If you're a fan of the BLT or bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich, you're in for a thrilling meal when you turn it into a salad. Chop up romaine lettuce into bite-size chunks. Pull out some canned corn. Drain it, and sprinkle the kernels onto the lettuce. Add chopped tomatoes and avocados to the mix as well. In essence, picture the ingredients on your sandwich but just in chopped form.

Instead of bread holding your sandwich together, toss a few croutons onto that salad. The best part is adding the bacon to the mixture. Cook your bacon until it's thoroughly warmed and browned. Break apart the pieces, and add them to your salad.

Mustard and mayonnaise are normal accompaniments to a BLT sandwich, but not for these salad recipes. Consider a lime vinaigrette or ranch sauce. You might choose a honey Dijon as a unique alternative. Experiment with the dressings so that you're always thrilled with a BLT salad whenever you're in the mood. 

3. Berries to the Rescue

Salads don't have to be savory by nature. Think of the sweet side of life. Berries come in many shapes and sizes. Try a mixture of three or more types. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are interesting choices for a salad. Chop up any large berries so that they match the size of your smallest ingredient, such as the blueberries. 

Chop up some mint, and mix it into the berries. Drizzle lemon juice and honey onto the berries. Serve this dish immediately for the best flavor. The antioxidants and vitamins within the berries are perfect accompaniments to a healthy lifestyle. Eat this salad at any meal, including breakfast. The natural sugars give you some energy for the day ahead.

As you grow into retirement, you have more time than ever to devote to healthy living. Experiment with your own salad recipes because an imaginative mind can create a superb meal. Enjoy your salad on the side or as an entree. Regardless of your arrangement, healthy eating only supports a long retirement for you and the entire family.

Why Matcha-Coconut Refrigerator Cookies are Going to be Your New Holiday Favorite



Serving up chocolate-chip cookies during the holidays may be a staple, but there are many other concoctions that will please the family. One of the newest trends today is matcha-coconut refrigerator treats. These unique desserts are much different than the standard cookie. You won't notice the differences, however, because the taste sensation will take over the experience. Try a new, holiday favorite with matcha-coconut refrigerator treats. There are more benefits than you realize.

All-Natural Ingredients

Your new, favorite treat is full of natural ingredients. Aside from the everyday components, such as baking soda and powder, discover matcha powder, bee pollen and shredded coconut. Rolled oats and flour make up the bulk of the cookie with butter, eggs and vanilla extract bringing everything together. Go further with your all-natural ingredients by using organic or gluten-free products too. By eliminating fatty or synthetic ingredients, your holiday treats become healthy with hidden vitamins and minerals.

Feel-Good Properties

Matcha tea is a popular drink in Japan. High-quality leaves with bright-green hues offer a relaxed and happy feeling after drinking the brew. Within holiday treats, the matcha is in a powder form. By heating it up and consuming the matcha, you're releasing its feel-good powers. These sensations are due in part to the phytochemicals found in matcha leaves. The original plant photosynthesizes with the sun so that these chemicals naturally arise. 

Hidden Antioxidants

Matcha leaves also have antioxidants that include microbe- and bacteria-fighting organisms. Be aware that the powder version of matcha has some degraded antioxidants, but they're still present for your health benefits. To boost your antioxidant levels, the rolled oats offer their natural benefits. Fighting off oral ailments and everyday germs may be possible as you eat these treats around the holidays. Free radicals within your body can quickly damage tissue without strong antioxidants neutralizing their activity.

Fiber Perks 

The coconut and rolled oats have fiber within their structures. Fiber is a critical substance for healthy digestion. Without soluble fiber, your digestive system slows down and possibly impacts your health. Eat your holiday cookies and still receive a healthy dose of fiber. Don't forget to add in your raw fruits and vegetables to continue with a fiber-based diet. You'll feel better as you indulge in other holiday treats.

Bee Pollen Components

Bee pollen is an unusual ingredient because it's not a regular part of standard cookies. It acts along with the egg to bind the ingredients. Along with its functional aspect, benefit from its healthy components. Fatty acids, enzymes, minerals and vitamins are part of bee pollen because it's a core component of a complex ecosystem. Add it to your treats so that the entire family benefits from the anti-inflammatory properties. Any boost to your immune system during the holidays is a plus.

Recipes Call For Logs

Matcha-coconut refrigerator treats aren't just a pile of ingredients spooned into a cookie shape. Most recipes call for a refrigeration period. During that time, you're asked to roll the mixture into a log shape for easier cookie cutting before the baking. Nothing is more holiday-oriented than the log. The kids will love to see a log in the refrigerator, and they're welcome to help you cut it too.

Don't forget to employ your food processor for the rolled oats. By breaking down the ingredients, they'll adhere better to the bee pollen and various powders. The cookie's texture should be grainy, but with a smooth flow as you chew it. Matcha-coconut refrigerator treats may become a staple around your home for every holiday.

3 Unconventional Therapies for Anxiety and Depression



Anxiety and depression are serious mental health issues that should be addressed with a health care professional as early as possible. Educating yourself about treatment options can lead to a more productive conversation with your doctor about ways to deal with anxiety and depression so that you can lead a full and productive life. These therapies are on the more innovative side of treating mental health issues and may surprise you with their effectiveness and ease of implementation. 


1. Walking and talking therapy



Time outdoors can do wonders for your overall mental state and relaxation. You may be able to find a therapist who holds therapy sessions outdoors while walking. This relaxed environment can help to clear your mind and talk more freely about the issues that you are facing. Sitting in a sterile therapist's office can seem daunting and unappealing to many people. Embracing Mother Nature is a great way to avoid that stigma and allow yourself to open up in new and engaging ways. 

Finding a therapist who employs this method could be as easy as asking for a recommendation from your doctor. It may involve trying out different therapists until you find the right fit for you to feel the most comfortable. 


2. Hypnotherapy


This therapy often gets confused with hypnosis, which involves someone else controlling your thoughts and actions. On the other hand, hypnotherapy is about reorienting your focus and channeling your energy toward a positive outcome. This is typically used along side other therapies for anxiety and depression to increase their effectiveness. The best thing about this therapy is that it allows you to take control of your own healing process and harness your own focus.


3. Laughing



Laughter has been shown to reduce your blood pressure and help you to process stressful situations. While mediation is often praised as one of the most effective therapies for relaxation, laughing has been shown to have many of the same benefits. It also does not require the same level of focus and concentration as meditation does. 

One of the great things about laughter therapy is that it does not necessarily have to be done in a formal setting. While many hospitals and exercise studies may attempt to incorporate laughter and humor into their regular sessions, laughter therapy is different for everyone. Spending time watching a funny movie or television show can be just the remedy you need to get that laughter going. 

5 Stress Relief Techniques To Implement Today



When you feel anxious the majority of the time, it is important to find ways to relieve your stress. The feelings from stress can become overwhelming, leading to additional health problems such as high blood pressure or insomnia. When you don’t try to relieve your stress in the earliest stages, you risk having serious complications such as a stroke or heart attack. There are new medical studies that reveal that constant stress can damage your brain’s synapses, leading to Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, you can begin using these five stress relief tips today to reduce your anxious feelings. 

Stress Relieving Tip 1: Get Enough Sleep

If you aren’t getting enough sleep on a nightly basis, then it can lead to more stress. While you are sleeping, your body releases hormones that heal your body and soothe your brain. When you aren’t sleeping because you feel too anxious at night, then you can visit a physician to learn if there are medications that you can use for a few weeks to help you sleep better. After you develop a normal sleeping pattern, your brain can cope better with stressful events. 

Stress Relieving Tip 2: Engage In Physical Activity 

By exercising as much as possible, you can reduce your stress levels. Experts recommend exercising three times a week for at least 30 minutes, but if you can exercise more than that, then you will feel better. When you engage in physical activity, it increases the blood flow throughout your body and brain. With additional blood circulation, your entire body is getting more oxygen that will help to lift your mood while eliminating stressful thoughts. 

Stress Relieving Tip 3: Learn How To Meditate

It is important to learn how to meditate because this practice will help to reduce your stress. By meditating for only a few minutes each day, you can clear the troubling thoughts from your mind. While you are meditating, your breathing also becomes more relaxed, helping to eliminate your anxious thoughts. If you don’t understand how to meditate, then look for a training CD or book on the subject at your local library. 

Stress Relieving Tip 4: Find a Support Team

In addition to asking for occasional help from relatives, create a support team of friends who you can turn to during a time of crisis. For many individuals without nearby extended family, joining a religious institution is an important way to have a support team. By having a support team, you can call to ask for help when an emergency occurs, or you can talk to a friend each week to overcome your anxious thoughts. 

Stress Relieving Tip 5: Take a Break 

If you are working all of the time, then it can lead to stress. To protect your mental well-being, you should take frequent breaks to enjoy activities such as watching sports or participating in hobbies. For additional stress relief, you should also socialize occasionally by going to a movie with a friend or attending a dance. Schedule a fun activity several times a week to relieve your stress. 

How Your Height Affects Your Health



Your diet, exercise habits and genetics are common factors that impact your health. For most seniors, you may not think much about your height playing into these scenarios. However, researchers are discovering that height effects health in a variety of different ways. Learn what you should look out for as the golden years continue.

Living Longer

Many experiments have been performed for various reasons when it comes to height and longevity. Short rats, for example, tend to live longer than tall rats. Although humans are certainly different from rats, our species mimics the same longevity factor. Shorter people typically live longer than taller people, but researchers don't have a clear reason to explain this relationship. For the most part, short people have had the advantage for hundreds of years. Primitive people with short statures became the elders of a society when taller associates died off at younger ages.

Slow Reaction Times

Height effects health in tall people with slower reaction times than their shorter counterparts. Injuries and accidents often plague tall people, which is often excused by saying the person is clumsy. There seems to be a scientific reason behind these poor reaction times, however. Tall people require longer nerve-signal times between the brain and limbs. Because of long arms and legs, the signals take extra time to move around the body so the person may have more mishaps as a result. If you're a tall person, taking your time with most movements is beneficial to your health.

Organ-Transplant Considerations

If you have an average or slightly taller stature, your chances of receiving an organ transplant are much higher than shorter people. Organs come in various sizes, depending on the donor's size. The majority of organs come from average-size people. Shorter people cannot use these large tissues so they're forced to wait. As you enter your golden years, organ transplants are more of a concern because of declining health or certain ailments. Placing your name on the waiting list is just the start. Your height effects health in a critical way during these situations.

Cancer Chances

Cancer has been linked to genetics, environment and lifestyle choices. It was rarely connected to height until recently. Researchers have seen links between tall people and cancer because of basic math. Tall people have more tissue to support the stature, from long bones to extra muscle mass. Because of the extra tissue, there are higher chances for cancer mutations. Be aware that other factors, including lifestyle, must also play a role. You can't change your height, but you can avoid cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle and visiting the doctor on a regular basis.

Mental Decline

Alzheimer's Disease is an ailment that preys on your mind. Forgetfulness and outright memory loss are part of this diagnosis. Researchers have found, however, that taller people tend to resist Alzheimer's Disease more so than their shorter counterparts. Shorter people are more likely to suffer from this disease, especially if there's a family history involved. Researchers are still trying to determine the link between memory and height so that some answers can be found for ailing patients.

It's important to remember that many factors contribute to your overall health. Control the things in life that are within your reach, such as grabbing fruit for a snack or taking a brisk walk. With a healthy lifestyle, you ward off certain ailments that might otherwise plague your golden years.

6 Exercises to Tone Up Your Lower Body



You may walk to many places as the retirement years settle in, but that fact doesn't mean that your lower body is any stronger. In fact, you might have extra weight or a bony structure to your legs. A balanced mixture of muscles, strong bones and fat should make up your legs so that balance and longevity are possible into your mature years. Tone up with these lower body exercises that are sure to improve your health.

1. Ballet Dips

Stand with your feet slightly hip-width apart with the toes facing outward at a 45-degree angle. Make sure a chair or wall is close enough to touch with your hands for stability. Carefully squat down until you feel a comfortable strain in your thighs or quadriceps. Lift back up and rest. Repeat this exercise several times for stronger legs.

2. Fire Hydrants

Lay a mat on the floor. Get down on your hands and knees. Tone up your legs and buttocks by lifting one leg for 10 to 12 repetitions. Repeat this motion with the other leg. The lifting action resembles a dog visiting a fire hydrant, which is where the name originates from.

3. Swim Kicks

Hop in the pool, and grab a kickboard. Your legs can be the star of the show when you isolate all of the swimming action to your lower section. Try several strokes, such as freestyle and breaststroke, by only using your legs for propulsion. The resistance of the water gives you an extraordinary workout.

4. The Lunge

The lunge may not be your favorite exercise from the past, but it's highly effective. Begin with one leg out in front of you and bend at a 90-degree angle. Hold the opposite leg behind you for support. Be careful to keep your front leg's knee over the ankle at all times. Drop downward so that your weight transfers to the front leg. Lift back up and rest.

5. Stamina Squats

Holding an exercise in place is difficult, and it challenges the muscle to work harder than ever before. Perform a squat, but hold the motion at the bottom of the effort. Continue to hold this position for 10 to 20 seconds. Release it and rest. With time and practice, you should be able to hold it for longer each time.

6. Walking Uphill

If floor exercises aren't exciting you one day, take your workout to the outdoors. Look for a moderate hill to walk up for at least 10 minutes. The uphill effort creates resistance as you strengthen your legs with each walk.

Staying active in any capacity is the key to warding off extra weight and certain ailments into retirement. Tone up with a friend so that you're always encouraging each other. Buddy systems during your lower body exercises will only get you to your goal much faster than as an individual.

4 Food Safety Tips Everyone Should Know




If you take driving safety seriously, you should take food safety just as seriously. Unless you are a professional driver, you probably spend less time driving than eating on your average day.

In a typical year, roughly one out of every six Americans gets food poisoning. That's about 48 million people. 

In most cases, it will be minor and they will recover on their own. But, more than 100,000 Americans end up needing medical care every year due to food borne illnesses. Some of them will have permanent adverse health effects and about 3000 people die every year. About 88 percent of such deaths are caused by just five organisms.

1. Keep It Clean
Food safety begins with cleanliness. The culprit here is bacteria that can grow on your hands, kitchen surfaces and on the things you consume. You want to wash your hands both before and after handling items. You need to also wash cutting boards, knives and other utensils. Kitchen counters, sinks, pots and pots and pans also need to be kept clean. 

Anything that can come in contact with the things you eat needs to be kept as germ-free as possible. Otherwise, those germs will get consumed when you eat and you can get sick from them, potentially very sick. You should wash produce, in other words fruits and vegetables. You should not wash poultry, meat or eggs.

2. Handle With Care
Meat, poultry, seafood and eggs are the primary source of dangerous bacteria. They need be kept separate from produce and other items from the start. This means you need to keep them separate while shopping at the grocery store. It means you need to keep them separate in the refrigerator. It also means you should have separate cutting boards for meats and produce. 

Produce or ready-to-eat items, like bread or snacks, tend to not grow the bacteria in question, but they can become contaminated due to exposure at the store or at home. It is important that poultry, seafood, meat and eggs be kept separate from other edibles at all times.

3. Cook It Properly
The Danger Zone is above 40 degrees and below 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the range in which bacteria thrive and multiply. In cool weather, you can only keep items for up to two hours in this temperature range. In hot weather, above 90 degrees, you window of safety is a mere hour. In order to be safe to eat, things need to be cooked thoroughly and kept above 140 degrees until served. A thermometer is the best way to make sure items have been properly cooked. 

4. Keep It Chill
If you aren't cooking it or eating it, you should be keeping it cold. This means it needs to be refrigerated or frozen. There are no exceptions. It isn't okay to marinate meats on the kitchen counter at room temperature, nor to defrost them this way.

If you are marinating meat, keep it in the refrigerator while doing so. Thaw items over night in the refrigerator or quick thaw in the microwave or in a Ziploc bag left in a bowl or sink of water. Warm water can thaw items rapidly for prompt cooking.

When you get home from grocery shopping, cold items need to be put away promptly. After a meal is done, leftovers also need to be put in the refrigerator within one to two hours, depending upon the ambient temperature. In hot summer months, you have less wiggle room on this.

You are what you eat, and if it contains high levels of infectious bacteria, what you can be is seriously ill. Make sure to keep it safe by keeping everything in the kitchen clean, keeping meat, fish, poultry and eggs separate from other produce and other items, cooking everything properly and chilling everything both properly and promptly.

3 Best Vegetarian Lasagna Recipes




Most of us know that receiving the proper nutrients on a daily basis will ensure overall great health. However, consuming the right foods isn't always easy. These three simple vegetarian lasagna recipes feature creative ways to incorporate key nutrients into your diet. 

Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe #1

Ingredients 

1 diced onion 
About 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
2 cups cottage cheese
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 red or green bell pepper 
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 1/2 cups marinara pasta sauce
1 egg
1 sliced zucchini or squash
2 tablespoon parsley 
2 tablespoon basil
1/2 Parmesan cheese 
2 sliced mushrooms 

Instructions 

After preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, completely cover a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. 

Use the oil to sauté the mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and zucchini in a large skillet over medium heat. Gradually stir in the marinara sauce when the veggies are finished cooking. This process should take about five minutes. 

Combine the egg, cottage cheese, parsley, basil, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, and 1 1/4 cup mozzarella in a medium bowl. 

Grab the prepared baking dish and spread about a quarter of the veggie-marinara sauce at the bottom. The next layer should be 3 no-boil lasagna noodles followed by a third of the cottage cheese mixture. Lastly, add another layer of veggie-marinara sauce. Repeat these four layers about three more times. 

Top the lasagna off with the remaining Parmesan cheese and mozzarella and then cover the baking dish with foil that is coated with cooking spray. 

The veggie lasagna should be baked for 40 minutes with the foil. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and then bake for another 10 minutes. 

Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe #2 


Ingredients 

2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese 

1 pound mashed tofu

3 cups steamed vegetables 

1 jar pasta sauce 

8 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles 


Instructions 

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

The layers of this vegetarian lasagna dish are as follows: 

1. A thin layer pasta sauce
2. no-boil noodles
3. A third of soft tofu
4. A third of pasta sauce
5. A third of steamed vegetables 
6. A third of mozzarella 

Repeat these layers twice starting with the no-boil noodles and ending with the mozzarella. Place for over the baking dish and bake for 40 minutes. This delicious entree serves six to eight people. 

Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe #3


Ingredients 
Two minced garlic cloves 
1 chopped yellow onion
1 egg
5 cups marinara sauce
1 package no-boil lasagna noodles 
1/2 teaspoon salt
Vegetable cooking spray 
1 chopped yellow bell pepper 
1 1/2 cup Riscotta cheese 
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 
1 red bell pepper chopped 
4 sliced zucchini 
5 sliced mushrooms 

Instructions 

First, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the zucchini, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic in a pan coated with cooking spray for about 14 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit after the vegetables have browned.

Combine the egg, ricotta, 1 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. 

Begin the layering process by spreading 1 cup of marinara sauce in the pan. Next, add the no-boil noodles, marinara sauce, 1/3 ricotta mixture, and 1/3 of the vegetables mixture. Repeat this layering process twice. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top. 

These three vegetable lasagna recipes are great for people who may have trouble receiving the proper intake of veggies on a daily basis. The benefit of these recipes is that you can customize the ingredients to your liking.