Germiest Places

According to AARP these are some of the germiest places to watch out for. I hate to alarm anybody, but these are good tips to remember.  The lemons OH MY, I love lemons in my water! I guess I will have to bring my own. Make sure you have wipes and sanitizer in the car with you or in your purse. Better safe than sorry or sick!

Restaurant Menus

 

Have you ever seen anyone wash a menu? Probably not. A study in the Journal of Medical Virology reported that cold and flu viruses can survive for 18 hours on hard surfaces. If it's a popular restaurant, hundreds of people could be handling the menus — and passing their germs on to you. Never let a menu touch your plate or silverware, and be sure to wash your hands after you place your order.

Lemon Wedges

 

According to a 2007 study in the Journal of Environmental Health, nearly 70 percent of the lemon wedges perched on the rims of restaurant glasses contain disease-causing microbes. When the researchers ordered drinks at 21 different restaurants, they found 25 different microorganisms lingering on the 76 lemons they secured, including E. coli and other fecal bacteria. Tell your server that you'd prefer your beverage sans fruit. Why risk it?

Condiment Dispensers

 

It's the rare eatery that regularly cleans its condiment containers. And the reality is that many people don't wash their hands before eating, says Kelly Reynolds, Ph.D., a germs specialist and public health professor at the University of Arizona. So while you may be diligent, the guy who poured the ketchup before you may not have been, which means his germs are now on your fingers — and your fries. Squirt hand sanitizer on the outside of the condiment bottle or use a disinfectant wipe before you grab it.

Restroom Door Handles

 

Don't think you can escape the restroom without touching the door handle? Palm a spare paper towel after you wash up and use it to grasp the handle. Yes, other patrons may think you're a germ-phobe — but you'll never see them again, and you're the one who won't get sick.

Soap Dispensers

 

About 25 percent of public restroom dispensers are contaminated with fecal bacteria. Soap that harbors bacteria may seem ironic, but that's exactly what a University of Arizona study found. "Most of these containers are never cleaned, so bacteria grow as the soap scum builds up," says microbiologist Charles Gerba, Ph.D., who directed the study. "And the bottoms are touched by dirty hands, so there's a continuous culture feeding millions of bacteria." Be sure to scrub your hands thoroughly with plenty of hot water for 15 to 20 seconds — and if you happen to have an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, use that, too.

Grocery Carts

The handles of almost two-thirds of the shopping carts tested in a 2007 study at the University of Arizona were contaminated with fecal bacteria. In fact, the bacterial counts of the carts exceeded those of the average public restroom. To protect yourself: Swab the handle with a disinfectant wipe before grabbing hold (stores are starting to provide them, so look around for a dispenser). And while you're wheeling around the supermarket, skip the free food samples, which are nothing more than communal hand-to-germ-to-mouth zones.

Airplane Bathrooms

 

When microbiologist Charles Gerba, Ph.D., tested for microbes in the bathrooms of commercial jets, he found surfaces from faucets to doorknobs to be contaminated with E. coli. It's not surprising, then, that people often get sick after traveling by plane. Clean your hands thoroughly with a sanitizer and try not to directly touch the surfaces.

Doctors' Offices

 

A doctor's office is not the place to be if you're trying to avoid germs. To limit your exposure: Bring your own books and magazines (and toys, if you have your children or grandchildren with you) and pack your own tissues and hand sanitizers, which should have an alcohol content of at least 60 percent. If possible, in the waiting room, leave at least two chairs between you and the other patients to reduce your chances of picking up their bugs. Germ droplets from coughing and sneezing can travel about 3 feet before falling to the floor.

Healthy Tidbits

Shelf life of foods in  your refrigerator... I guess the question is how many of us keep foods way too long!

Table of Condiments

Its pretty obvious when your tomatoes have turned, but how can you tell if your ketchup's gone bad? Take a tour of the refrigerator to find out just how long your mustard and mayo can stay on the shelf. Click on this link to find out more information; http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/healthtool-condiments-table?ecd=wnl_dia_032311

• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Vegetable Oil
• Olives
• Half and Half
• Chili Sauce
• Sour Cream
• Salad Dressing

• Fresh Eggs
• Juice
• Butter
• Jelly and Jams
• Baby Food
• Peanut Butter
• Tomato Paste
• Pickles
• Broth

Ketchup:

Unopened: 1 year
Opened: 1 month in the pantry, longer in the fridge.

Sea Buckthorn Berry

The Tiny Tibetan Berry That Will Keep You Smiling

By Gerald P. Curatola, D.D.S.

Throughout my search for nature’s power nutritionals, my personal discovery of the intense biodynamic power of the tiny berry fruit of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), a multipurpose wonder plant, harvested high in the Tibetan Himalayas, ranks among the best. The incredibly high antioxidant properties of the sea buckthorn berry, along with its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and its ability to be immune-supportive, make this an outstanding superfood to improve oral health and total body wellness.


Largely unknown to many in the Western medical community, the use of sea buckthorn for medical application has been widely known and revered by Tibetan doctors dating back to the Tang Dynasty (617-907). Its beneficial properties are also acknowledged in ayurvedic medicine as far back as 5000 BC. The subject of intensive research by Chinese, Russian and Indian scientists, sea buckthorn oil has even been used to reduce the risk of radiation burns for Russian astronauts working in space.

Quite possibly the most fully-balanced fruit on the planet, the sea buckthorn berry can be considered a “multivitamin” all by itself, containing 190 biologically active nutrients. These include vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, E (tocopherols), K, P, carotenoids, flavonoids, amino acids, phenols, folic acid, organic acids, and 20 mineral elements. A rich source of essential fatty acids (or EFAs), sea buckthorn oil is the only known plant in the world to contain omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 together.

The benefits of this über-fruit have been documented in over 130 scientific studies, including its vitamin C content, which is 10 times greater than oranges; sea buckthorn has nearly as much vitamin E as wheat germ, 3 times more vitamin A than carrots, and 4 times more superoxide dismutase (SOD), the most important enzyme to prevent free radical damage to cells, than ginseng.

In 1939, renowned dentist and nutrition pioneer of the early 20^th century, Dr. Weston Price, published a famous text entitled, Nutrition and Physical Degeneration: A Comparison of Modern Diets and Their Effects. In his research, Price theorized that as non-Western cultures and peoples abandoned indigenous diets and adopted Western patterns of living, they also increased typically Western diseases, especially oral disease.

He reasoned that Western diets were deficient of key vitamins and minerals, especially EFAs (essential fatty acids), which were necessary to prevent those diseases. He even declared a “dietary shortage of fat-soluble vitamins” a “great national problem.” Dr. Price’s observations ring surprisingly true today. Study after study has shown the origins of oral disease – both gum disease and tooth decay remain in epidemic incidence – due to nutritional deficiency, especially of key antioxidants necessary for proper cellular function.

And, the problems of oral disease are not confined to the mouth, but have been shown to have ravaging effects on many of the body’s organ systems and total body wellness. Dr. Price would be relieved to have known of the Western emergence of sea buckthorn oil – venerated by Tibetans as “the Holy Fruit of the Himalayas.” It’s no wonder the Dalai Lama is smiling!

Rueben Sandwich

I used left over corned beef and my changes are in parenthesis. These came out very yummy! The onion marmalade is much better than sauerkraut.

	Photo: Annabelle Breakey

Grilled Pastrami, Swiss, and Sweet Onion Marmalade on Rye

Make the marmalade ahead so you can whip these babies out in just a few minutes. Leftover marmalade is terrific on pork chops and roast beef.

Other Time: 1 hour
Yield:  Makes 2 sandwiches


Onion Marmalade
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup red-wine vinegar
1/2 cup dry but fruity red wine, such as Zinfandel or Grenache(or Port)
Sandwiches
4 slices extra-sour rye or caraway rye bread
2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter (I left out the butter)
4 thin slices pastrami, uncured if available(Corned beef)
4 ounces coarsely shredded Swiss cheese(or Gruyere cheese)
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard(Grey Poupon)

1. Make marmalade: Melt butter with oil in a large heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions have softened and browned, about 20 minutes. Add vinegar and wine. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed and onions are soft and sticky, about 10 minutes. Let marmalade cool slightly.
2. Make sandwiches:(I toasted the bread first) Evenly spread one side of each bread slice with 1/2 tbsp. butter. Spread unbuttered side of 2 slices with 1 1/2 tbsp. marmalade each, then top with pastrami and cheese. Spread mustard on unbuttered side of remaining 2 bread slices and place each, buttered side up, on pastrami- and cheese-topped slices.
3. Heat a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat.(If you have a panini maker use that) Add sandwiches and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes total.
Make ahead: Marmalade keeps up to 2 weeks, covered and chilled.
Note: Nutritional analysis is per sandwich.

CALORIES 660 (46% from fat); FAT 34g (sat 19g); CHOLESTEROL 112mg; CARBOHYDRATE 51g; SODIUM 1623mg; PROTEIN 33g; FIBER 4.4g

Sunset, JULY 2009

Healthy Tidbits

 As always check with your Doctor when trying anything new. I use an over the counter sleep aid with L-theanine, melatonin, chamomile flower, passion flower, and lemon balm leaf. This actually works to calm and aid in sleep.

These five herbs may boost your brain health, alleviate aches, even help you sleep — and they're easy to grow.

by: Holly St. Lifer | from: AARP The Magazine | July/August 2010 issue

 

Wild herbs were used as healing remedies long before records were kept—Otzi, the 5,300-year-old Iceman found in the Alps in 1991, had medicinal mushrooms among his personal effects—and they’ve been an integral part of  Eastern medicine for centuries. Today modern medicine is beginning to realize that herbs may ease the symptoms of many ailments, from the common cold to arthritis, because they contain important health-promoting compounds such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.
Growing your own herbs is easy and fun, and the fresh leaves are more potent than dried ones. All you need are some pots, soil, and a sunny spot (see “How to Get Started,” below). We’ve collected five gentle but effective herbs that are ideal for amateur gardeners—they’re simple to grow and will thrive in just about any environment. Better yet, they have few side effects when consumed in small amounts, and you can take them with most pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drugs. If you’re on blood thinners or have a serious condition, consult your doctor first.

How To Get Started

Plant your herbs in a sunny spot. During the growing season, cut them back frequently to encourage growth. Keep them moist. If your local nursery doesn’t have these herbs, find them at horizonherbs.com or richters.com.

Peppermint

First cultivated near London in 1750, peppermint has been shown to be an effective remedy for indigestion. “It calms the muscles of the digestive tract to alleviate intestinal gas and cramping,” says Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine in Tucson. A cup of warm peppermint tea may also thin mucus, loosen phlegm, and soothe sore throats. Apply it topically to take the itch out of bug bites or to ease muscle cramps, arthritis, and headaches.
Growing tip:  “Snipping can begin two to three weeks after a plant is established,” says Tess Delia, a garden and flower designer in Piermont, New York. “Be sure not to strip the stem bare or you’ll compromise the plant.”
Health Benefits: Settles upset stomach; eases muscle cramps

Lemon balm

Arab doctors in the 9th and 10th centuries called lemon balm the gladdening herb and prescribed it to dispel anxiety and heart palpitations. More recently, a panel of physicians, pharmacologists, and scientists appointed by the German Ministry of Health endorsed the herb for relieving tension, anxiety, and restlessness. There’s also evidence of cognitive benefits. In a small study published in Neuropsychopharmacology, 20 healthy young adults reported increased memory and improved mood after ingesting lemon balm. Another study found similar results among Alzheimer’s patients.
Growing tip:  Like peppermint, lemon balm is fast growing. If you plant it in your garden rather than in a pot, be sure to give it a lot of space.
Health Benefits: Dispels anxiety; improves mood

Recipe: Jim Duke's Creme D'Mentia

• Mix 1/2 pint of 80-proof vodka with 1/2 pint water.
• Add 1/4 fresh lemon, 4 T. rosemary leaves, 6 T. lemon balm leaves, 4 T. peppermint leaves, and 2 T. sage leaves.
• Add sugar to taste.
• Steep for 3 days. Enjoy!

Rosemary 

The use of rosemary as a memory enhancer dates back at least to early Western civilization. Greek students wore garlands of rosemary around their heads, and students in Rome massaged their temples and foreheads with the herb prior to exams. According to Jim Duke, the herb can also reduce joint pain. To make a topical ointment, soak rosemary needles in almond oil for two weeks, filter, then rub the oil onto sore joints as needed.

Growing tip:  Rosemary is best grown from a plant and performs well in a container.
Health Benefits: Increases memory; reduces joint pain

Valerian

Used throughout history as a sedative and sleep aid, valerian gets its name from the Latin valere, which means “to be in good health.” “Just the smell alone of the sweetly scented plant is enough to put some people out,” says fourth-generation herbalist Christopher Hobbs, author of Herbal Remedies for Dummies. Research conducted on 16 insomniacs at Humboldt University of Berlin, in Germany, found valerian extract helped them nod off faster and improved the quality of their sleep.
Growing tip:  When valerian is used for medicinal purposes, cut the flowers as soon as they appear (otherwise, they take energy from the leaves). Opt for the Valeriana officinalis variety, which can be used medicinally.
Health Benefits: Acts as sleep aid; has sedative effects

Sage

Research conducted at the Allergy Clinic in Landquart, Switzerland, last year found that sage combined with echinacea was as effective as the painkiller lidocaine in relieving sore throat pain. Plus, studies show that the herb’s bacteria-fighting heft makes it a potent breath freshener. To make sage mouthwash, steep 1 tablespoon sage leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Strain and gargle.
Growing tip:  Sage is best started from a plant, because it can take up to a year to establish itself. The best medicinal variety is Salvia officinalis.
Health Benefits: Eases sore throats; freshens breath

To Make a Tea With These Herbs

Pour one cup boiling water over six leaves (for valerian, use 2 T. chopped root). Steep for five minutes, strain and sip.

Coconut Water

I was wondering about coconut water, here is Dr. Weil's thoughts about it. I did make some coconut bread using lite coconut milk and fresh coconut and it came out light and delicious.

Is It Worth It? (Dr. Weil)
Coconut water seems to be everywhere these days, promoted as a sports drink, a hangover remedy, an immune system booster and a natural means of lowering cancer risk. While coconut water is cholesterol-free, low in calories and rich in potassium, many of its health claims are dubious at best.
As is often the case with beverages that make these claims, I've seen no convincing research to support coconut water. Real coconut water - the clear juice stored inside young, green coconuts - has long been a popular drink in the tropics simply because it tastes delicious. The packaged stuff sold in stores does not taste nearly as fresh or tasty, and its only real advantage is that it is natural (although sugar is added to some brands) and doesn't have the additives found in some sports drinks.
Instead of spending money on coconut water, I recommend drinking lots of pure, filtered water when you exercise strenuously - more than you think you need - and keeping a glass of it nearby throughout the day to sip on when you aren't exercising.

Fish Oil Supplements

 My Naturopathic Doctor recommended I take fish oil as a daily supplement. One of my Father's quotes "take care of your body and your body will take care of you". Words to live by...

(Berkeley Wellness)

Fish Oil Supplements—For Your Heart’s Sake

Many studies link fish and their omega-3 fats with a variety of health benefits, primarily for the heart. If you don't eat a lot of fish, taking a fish oil supplement may be a good idea--but not all supplements are created equal.

If you have heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends 1 gram (1,000 milligrams) a day of EPA and DHA (the two main omega-3 fats in fish) from a combination of fatty fish and fish oil supplements. And it advises 2 to 4 grams of EPA and DHA a day from supplements for people with high triglycerides.
If you are healthy, the advice is to eat fatty fish once or twice a week. But if you don’t eat this much fish, you can consider taking a fish oil supplement—500 to 1,000 milligrams a day EPA/DHA, on average. If you have heart disease or high triglycerides, talk to your doctor first before starting fish oil supplements.
Fish oil buying tips
• Look for the total amount of EPA and DHA on the label. It may say 1,000 milligrams of fish oil concentrate per capsule, but the small print may show only 300 milligrams of EPA and DHA (or simply “omega-3 fatty acids”), which is the key number. That would mean you need to take three capsules to get about 1 gram a day. Some fish oil capsules are more concentrated than others.
• There is no evidence that expensive over-the-counter fish oil brands are better than store brands—or that special marine oils such as krill, or widely promoted Norwegian or Icelandic brands, are better. Claims about “molecular distillation” and other special purification processes are unverified. “Pharmaceutical grade” is meaningless on OTC capsules.
• Like all over-the-counter supplements, fish oil capsules are unregulated, so you don’t really know what you are getting. Still, recent tests of dozens of brands found that nearly all supplements contained the amount of omega-3 fats listed on the labels—with no significant contamination. The only regulated product is the prescription supplement, Lovaza, approved by the FDA for treating high triglycerides.
• To reduce gastrointestinal problems such as belching, take fish oil capsules with food, divide the doses among your meals, and start at a low dose and gradually increase it. Discard fish oil supplements that have a rancid smell or taste.
• Don’t take cod liver oil, unless the label shows that its vitamin A content has been reduced. The oil usually contains very high levels of A, which may weaken bones and cause birth defects. Since it is made from livers, which filter out toxins, there is also greater concern about contaminants, even though the oil is supposed to be purified.
Keep in mind, fish is still best. Fish oil supplements supply omega-3s. But fish also contains vitamins, minerals, other fats, and other substances that may work with the omega-3s to protect the heart and overall health. Moreover, fish, which is rich in protein and low in saturated fat, can replace less-healthful foods such as red meat. The benefits of fish far outweigh potential the risks from contaminants, especially if you eat it in moderation (two servings a week, about 8 to 12 ounces total) and vary the types of fish. Small fish lower in the food chain, such as sardines and mackerel, accumulate less toxins.