Weekly Wellness
Issue 196
Featured Article
Fitness Tip
Virtual Trainer
An innovative new "game" promises to turn the Xbox console into a fitness machine. Called, "Yourself! Fitness", the program can help you analyze your fitness levels, set goals, plan meals and create a fitness calendar. Unlike video taped workouts, this interactive title lets you select your music and choose your virtual workout environment. Your virtual personal trainer will then create a workout that focuses on your goals and relies on equipment you already own. During workouts, the trainer can show you how to perform more than 500 exercises using everything from yoga and cardio-fitness routines to strength training and flexibility. The 35-dollar title was created by responDESIGN, a company that strives to create "games that are good for you." A version for the PC is due out in November, followed by one for PlayStation 2 in January.
Nutrition Tip
Miracle Tea
Tea lovers may be surprised to learn their beverage of choice touts yet another health benefit: blood pressure control.
Drinking a half-cup of green tea or oolong tea per day reduced a person's risk of high blood pressure by almost 50 percent in a new study. People who drank at least two and a half cups per day reduced their risk even more. Their risk was reduced even if they had risk factors for high blood pressure, such as high sodium intake.
Nutrient of the Week
European Elder Berry
European Elder Berry has been used in European folk medicine since antiquity for a host of maladies, ranging from joint discomfort and constipation to respiratory problems. Elder berries are high in anthocyanidins, powerful purple pigment compounds that act as potent antioxidants, and includes vitamin C. The berries anthocyanidins help ease the joints by its antioxidant activity. It also detoxifies tissues and promotes better digestion. Elderberry eases respiratory symptoms from excess mucous, cough, throat strain or discomfort to muscle strain.
Quick Recipe
Wonder Dogs
Lightlife Foods or another brand of meatless low-fat hot dogs is quick, easy and children love them, too! For the kids, serve them in a bun with mustard or ketchup. Adults might want to liven them up with sauerkraut and canned vegetarian chili. Tater Tots are for everyone as are kiwifruit bowls (halve kiwis and eat with a spoon).
Tidbit(s)
Fit After Fifty
Do not be surprised if you see more seniors at the gym than catching the early bird special. In fact, many grandparents are more active than their grandkids. According to a recent survey, 26-percent of people over 55 exercised at least 100 times in the past year, compared with only 18-percent of youngsters 12 to 17. Another survey showed that athletic physical activity is more popular than card games and sewing with the 55 plus crowd.
Food Fixes
One way to preserve the flavor of fresh herbs is to make herb butter. Let the butter soften, then add finely chopped herbs in any combination, abbout 2 to 4 tablespoons per stick of butter. The butter freezes well, and you can serve it spread on French bread or with seafood or chicken.
Whenever possible, warm your dinner plates slightly in the oven before serving so the meal stays a little bit hotter.
Cookie dough can be frozen up to three months in an airtight container or refrigerated three to four days.
Marinate red meats in wine to tenderize.