Weekly Wellness
Issue 198
Featured Article
The Physical Dangers of Stress
Fitness Tip
Exercise and Stress Management
Exercise is an excellent stress management technique. It can help clear the mind so that we can think more clearly. We are much less likely to get irritated over the many unexpected surprises that can occur during the holidays. Exercise can also improve our chances of getting a good night's sleep, as long as the exercise is not performed too late at night. Furthermore, we tend to get very tense in our shoulders, neck, back and other parts of the body when we are under stress. Right now, there may be more tension in your body than you realize! By stretching before exercising, and then working out tense muscles for just half an hour, your whole body can feel more relaxed and refreshed.
Nutrition Tip
Don't Forget the Cranberries!
Load up on the cranberries this Thanksgiving, because they rank second-highest of all fruits in disease-fighting antioxidants (blueberries being number one). Chemicals in cranberries can also ward off urinary tract infections by keeping bacteria from sticking to bladder cells. A recent University of Washington study showed that drinking 8 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail appeared twice as protective as 4 ounces. Note: Cranberries have not been shown to cure infections; they're preventative only.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Nutrient of the Week
Feverfew Leaf
Feverfew Leaf is sometimes called "the aspirin of the eighteenth century". Traditionally used in European herbalism for all types of pain, such as menstrual cramps, and joint discomfort, this remedy has gotten serious attention recently as a head pain preventive. Taken daily, it significantly reduces the incidence of painful and debilitating attacks. Some herbalists are now reviving the historical use and are recommending feverfew for mild acute pain.
Quick Recipe
Salsa Turkey Sandwich
For each sandwich, coat one slice whole-wheat bread with vegetable oil spray and place coated side down in non-stick skillet. Top with deli turkey breast meat slices, second slice of bread coated with vegetable cooking oil spray; cook over medium two or three minutes per side or until cheese melts and bread is browned.
Tidbit(s)
Safe Storage of Thanksgiving Leftovers in Refrigerator
Cooked Turkey........3 to 4 days
Stuffing and Gravy.........1 to 2 days
Other Cooked Dishes......3 to 4 days
Storage of Leftovers in Freezer:
Turkey slices/pieces, plain......4 mos.
Turkey covered with broth or gravy......6 mos.
Cooked poultry dishes......4 to 6 mos.
Stuffing and gravy.......1 mo.
Food Fixes
To help clean raw meats and poultry, rinse them with lemon before preparing and cooking.
Thaw frozen meat and poultry in the refrigerator and not on the kitchen counter where bacteria can grow.
To make lighter and fluffier mashed potatoes, add a pinch or two of baking powder to the potatoes before whipping.
Use margarine instead of butter to pan fry or saute. Butter burns quickly.