Weekly Wellness
Issue 201
Featured Article
Fitness Tip
Know Your Family Tree, Save Your Life
Some of the biggest health advances are in genetics -- and finding the best ways to help patients may lie in knowing their family health histories. Top killers like stroke, diabetes and cancer are produced by genetic and nongenetic factors, so having family with those diseases can heighten your risk. The Surgeon General wants Americans to compile a family health history and is even offering a free computer program to help guide you along.
Nutrition Tip
Eat Better
Before modern medicine, a sound diet was the best defense against disease. As more and more medications were developed in the 20th century, we lost our focus on nutrition. More recently, a significant amount of research has been redirected toward the important effects of the six primary classes of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and water) on the body. It is extraordinarily important to follow a good nutritional program. Among exercisers, particularly those trying to lose weight, it is common to take in too few calories. The combination of overworking and under-eating can place stress on your body and its immune system.
Tip: Most people require about ten calories per pound of body weight per day. If you go over that amount, you will probably gain weight. If you fall too far short, you set yourself up for immune-system problems.
Nutrient of the Week
Ginger Root
Ginger Root is known as the universal medicine in Ayurveda. It aids digestion and, and is one of the best herbs for nausea. It relieves spasms and menstrual cramps, and promotes menstruation. Ginger helps to regulate blood sugar both by stimulating pancreas cells and by lowering lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides) in the blood. Historically, it was one of the most respected herbs for joint health, especially for aging joints. It has relatively high calcium and iron content. Ginger increases peripheral circulation, so is used clinically for cold hands and feet. Being diaphoretic, it treats some symptoms by promoting sweating.
Quick Recipe
Ham and Cheese Tortilla
Place a 6-inch tortilla in a small, dry, nonstick skillet. Sprinkle with 1-1/2 ounce low-fat Swiss cheese. Top with 2-ounces lean deli ham. Cook over medium-high heat until the cheese starts to melt and tortilla is lightly toasted on the bottom. Gently fold tortilla.
Tidbit(s)
Cut calories with this new cookie dough!
Just in time for the holidays, Pillsbury introduces the first sugar-free refrigerated cookie dough. The chocolate chip cookies, sweetened with Splenda, have 25 percent fewer calories and 25 percent less fat than their regular counterparts.
Vegetable Guidance
For those who lack vegetable knowledge, Birds Eye Foods now offers a new Vegetable Helpline. Call (877) 483-4443 for tips to "transform holiday vegetable recipes from ordinary to extraordinary". The line is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST daily through January 1st and is staffed by live advisors. Callers will also receive a free set of special-edition recipe cards.
Food Fixes
Add a pinch of baking powder to your sugar icing to keep it creamy and prevent hardening or cracking.
Always check your cookies at minimum baking time.
Don't just keep dental floss in your medicine cabinet. Keep some in the kitchen. It's a great tool. Unflavored dental floss is often better than a knife to cleanly cut all kinds of soft foods, soft cheese, rolled dough, layered cake and cheesecake.
Make your stainless steel sink sparkle by rubbing it gently with lemon and salt.