Natural Spa Treatment

Xmas Events

 

Carols in the Park

Xmas Luncheon

Unity Cruise 2013

 Dominican Republic

 Curasao

 Aruba

 Spanish Buffet

 Towel Bed Puppet

Weekends

 

 

 

My Weekends

Prayer Breakfast

Health Walk

Birthday

                              

Sweet Potatoes

Stressed? Eat sweet potatoes! Sweet potatoes have proven themselves to be great stress reducers. With their sweetness and high concentration of carbohydrates, sweet potatoes satisfy common stress-related cravings for sugar. They are also high in fiber, which means you'll feel satisfied longer. What is your "go-to" food to relieve stress?

Papaya

 

Papaya tree bears many spherical or pear-shaped fruits that can have about 6-20 inches in length and 4-12 inches in diameter. The average-sized papaya weighs about a pound. The fruit is said to ripen when it feels soft to thumb pressure, and its skin has attained an amber to orange hue.

Inside, the fruit features numerous black seeds, encased in a mucin coat, in the hollow central cavity. The flesh is orange in color with either yellow or pink hues, soft in consistency and has a deliciously sweet, musky taste with rich flavor.

Babaco fruit is closely related to papaya, has similar appearance and flavor as papaya.

Papaya fruit health benefits

• The papaya fruit is very low in calories (just 39 calories/100 g) and contains no cholesterol; however, is a rich source of phyto-nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
• Papayas contain soft, easily digestible flesh with a good amount of soluble dietary fiber that helps to have normal bowel movements; thereby reducing constipation.
• Fresh, ripe fruit is one of the fruits with the highest vitamin-C content (provides 61.8 mg or about 103% of DRI, more than that of in oranges, or lemons). Research studies have shown that vitamin C has many important functions like free radicals scavenging, immune booster, and anti-inflammatory actions.
• It is also an excellent source of Vitamin-A (provides 1094 IU/100 g) and flavonoids like �-carotene, lutein, zea-xanthin and cryptoxanthin. Vitamin A is required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is essential for visual sight. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties; help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes. Consumption of natural fruits rich in carotenes has known to protect the body from lung and oral cavity cancers.
• Papaya fruit is also rich in many essential B-complex vitamins such as Folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), riboflavin, and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish and play a vital role in metabolism.
• Fresh papaya also contains a good amount of potassium (257 mg per 100 g) and calcium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids and helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure countering effects of sodium.
• Papaya seeds have been the proven natural remedy for many ailments in the traditional medicines. The seeds are found application as anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, and analgesic, and used to treat stomachache and ringworm infections.

Selection and storage

Papaya is usually harvested when it shows signs of maturity; evident as skin slightly turning to yellow. Organic papayas generally left to ripen on the tree; however, care should be taken since over-ripen fruits actually fall off themselves and spoiled.

In the store, papayas come in various sizes and maturity; therefore, select the one based on the serving size and timing. Choose the one with intact skin without any bruises or cuts. Unripe fruits can be kept at room temperature for few days but ripen ones should be stored in the refrigerator. Bring back the fruit to normal temperature when it is to be eaten to get their natural taste and flavor.

Unripe green papaya is cooked as a vegetable in many Asian and Pacific regions. However, the fruit should not be eaten raw as it contains toxic alkaloids in its milky latex.

Preparation and serving method

Wash papaya fruit thoroughly in cold running water to remove dust and any pesticide residues. Skin is bitter in taste and inedible. Remove skin with "peeling knife," cut the fruit longitudinally into two equal halves. Gently remove seeds and thin slimy layer loosely adhering to the flesh. Cut the fruit longitudinally like melon or cut into small cubes.

Here are some serving tips

• Ripe papaya fruit is usually eaten raw with a twist of lemondrops.
• Fresh papaya cubes are a great addition to fruit salads.
• Papaya juice with ice cubes is a popular drink.
• Its cubes are used in ice creams, shakes, sorbets, salsa, etc.
• Ripe fruit also goes well with chicken and seafood savory dishes.
• Unripe green papaya can be used as a vegetable, either cooked, usually in stews, stir-fry, curries, and soups.

Safety profile

Papayas contain white milk like latex substance, which can cause irritation to skin and provoke allergic reaction in some sensitized persons.

Ripe papaya fruit can be safely used by pregnant women. Unripe, green papaya should be avoided in them since it contains a lot of papain, a proteolytic enzyme that used commercially to tenderize meat. In addition, nripe-papaya fruit, seeds, latex, and leaves also contain carpaine, an alkaloid which could be dangerous when eaten in high doses. Unripe papaya, however, used safely as a cooked vegetable.(Medical disclaimer).

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/papaya-fruit.html

Cherry

Eating cherries may help you sleep better, lose weight and help prevent some diseases.

Sweet or sour, cherries are bursting with nutrition. Find out how these petite stone fruits can help improve your health, from a better night’s rest to a trimmer tummy to managing gout.
Get a better night’s sleep.
Tart cherries are one of nature’s few sources of melatonin, a hormone that lowers body temperature, making us sleepy. When study volunteers drank an ounce of tart cherry juice concentrate in the morning and again at night, they slept more soundly. Even better: sipping the tart concentrate may provide an alternative to a melatonin supplement. “The melatonin in tart cherry juice is very well absorbed and is utilized by the body to provide an effect that could rival melatonin supplements,” says study author Glyn Howatson, Ph.D.

Balance your blood pressure.Sweet cherries are loaded with potassium, a natural blood-pressure reducer. Potassium balances fluids in our bodies, essentially offsetting the blood-pressure-raising effects of sodium. So it’s no wonder studies have found that people who eat more potassium-rich foods, like sweet cherries, tend to have less hypertension. One cup of these ruby gems packs roughly the same amount of potassium as a small banana and also boasts some quercetin, an antioxidant that may help keep blood vessels relaxed and supple.

Ease muscle soreness.Tart cherry juice may quell post-workout pain, says a 2010 Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition study. Runners who downed 24 ounces of tart cherry juice daily (about 480 calories) for seven days before a long-distance race, and again on race day, reported fewer aches afterward than runners who drank a placebo. Researchers believe that tart cherries’ antioxidants protect against attacks by exercise-induced free radicals, which can lead to painful inflammation.

Whittle your waistline.When scientists at the University of Michigan Health System put rats on a high-fat diet supplemented with either a tart-cherry powder (equal to 1% of the weight of their total diet) or the same number of calories from carbohydrate, those that got the cherry powder gained less weight and body fat. Why? The anthocyanins in tart cherries activate a molecule that helps rev up fat burning and decrease fat storage
Get a grip on gout.This form of arthritis is caused by too much uric acid in the blood, which causes swelling, inflammation and tenderness. A growing body of research reveals that cherries—both sweet and tart—can help. In a USDA study, eating about 2 cups fresh sweet Bing cherries daily lowered uric acid levels by 15% and also reduced C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation. Another study showed that drinking 8 ounces of tart cherry juice a day reduces uric acid

http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/cherry_nutrition_benefits

Diabetes Diagnosed

How is diabetes diagnosed?

There are several ways to diagnose diabetes. Each way usually needs to be repeated on a second day to diagnose diabetes. Testing should be carried out in a health care setting (such as your doctor’s office or a lab). If your doctor determines that your blood glucose level is very high, or if you have classic symptoms of high blood glucose in addition to one positive test, your doctor may not require a second test to diagnose diabetes.
A1C. The A1C test measures your average blood glucose for the past 2 to 3 months. The advantages of being diagnosed this way are that you don’t have to fast or drink anything.

• Diabetes is diagnosed at:
  A1C ≥ 6.5%

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG). This test is usually done first thing in the morning, before breakfast and checks your fasting blood glucose levels. Fasting means after not having anything to eat or drink (except water) for at least 8 hours before the test.

• Diabetes is diagnosed at:
  Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (also called the OGTT). The OGTT is a two-hour test that checks your blood glucose levels before and 2 hours after you drink a special sweet drink. It tells the doctor how your body processes glucose.

• Diabetes is diagnosed at:
  2-h blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dl

Random (also called Casual) Plasma Glucose Test. This test is a blood check at any time of the day when you have severe diabetes symptoms.

• Diabetes is diagnosed at:
  Blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dl

What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition when you have blood glucose is higher than normal but not high enough to be diabetes. This condition puts you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

• Results indicating prediabetes are:
  An A1C of 5.7% – 6.4%
  Fasting blood glucose of 100 – 125 mg/dl
  2-h blood glucose of 140 mg/dl – 199 mg/dl

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3812696368981778379#editor/target=post;postID=6864543475828839605

Diabetes Symptoms

Type 1 Diabetes

• Frequent urination
• Unusual thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue and Irritability

Type 2 Diabetes

• Any of the type 1 symptoms
• Frequent infections
• Blurred vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
• Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

If you have one or more of these diabetes symptoms, see your doctor right away.

No Symptoms? You May Still Have Diabetes

Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms. That is why it is important to take our Online Diabetes Risk Test to find out if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Also, women with gestational diabetes often have no symptoms which is why it's important for at-risk women to be tested at the proper time during pregnancy.
Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:

• Being overweight prior to pregnancy
• Having had gestational diabetes in a prior pregnancy
• Having a family history of diabetes

Learn more about gestational diabetes.

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/symptoms/

Healthy Hints for the Days

Grapeseed Oil comes from the seeds of the grapes used in producing wine. It contains no cholesterol, is high in unsaturated fat, and is an excellent source of vitamin E! Its light, clean flavor and high smoke point make it exceptionally versatile for any and all types of cooking.

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Watermelon

Strawberries

 

 

What Are They?

Strawberries

1 cup (whole berries): 46 calories, 0.5g fat, 1mg sodium, 11g carbs, 3g fiber, 7g sugars, 1g protein -- PointsPlus® value 0*

"Fragaria × ananassa, commonly known as strawberry or garden strawberry, is a hybrid species that is cultivated worldwide for its fruit. The fruit (which is not a botanical berry, but an aggregate accessory fruit) is widely appreciated for its characteristic aroma, bright red color, juicy texture, and sweetness. It is consumed in large quantities, either fresh or in prepared foods such as preserves, fruit juice, pies, ice creams, milkshakes, and chocolates."

 

Why Do we Love Them

Full of vitamin c- citrus, take a seat. A cup of Strawberries has well over 100 percent of the daily value

of vitamin c, a.k.a. a super antioxidant

Crazy Versatile-,desserts, salads, and more! What Cant strawberries do?

 Heart Healthy - Strawberries contain lots of phytonutrients. This makes them serious powerhouses

when it comes to cardiovascular well being.



Bananas



Banana for Breakfast anyone???

This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

DEPRESSION:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

ANEMIA:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER:
200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HANGOVERS:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chroniclercases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL:
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!'

 Peter A Gould's photo.

 

Mediterranean Diet Month

Pompeian

May is National Mediterranean Diet Month! This diet was found to reduce the risk of heart disease, like stroke and heart attacks, by 30% and is much more effective than a low-fat diet in improving heart health for people at risk of cardiovascular disease. Help us celebrate by incorporating lots of fruits, veggies, fish and a moderate amount of olive oil into the food you eat every day.

Healty Tip Of The Day

Vinegar

Did you know that vinegar is sodium free, fat free and has less than 5 calories per tablespoon? And, because of its acidity and tangy flavor, vinegar is also a fantastic substitute for salt. Use some of your Pompeian Vinegars when you cook up our Balsamic Marinated Turkey Cutlets with Tomato Salsa Salad—here's the recipe: http://ow.ly/iwtuZ

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High Blood Pressure

    

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions -- even children and teens. WebMD's High Blood Pressure Guide has all the information you need to understand and manage your blood pressure. Learn all about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Even discover natural ways to manage your blood pressure and stay well. Let's get started!

http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/hypertension-overview-facts

High Blood Pressure Basics

Slideshow: A Visual Guide to High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that will catch up with most people who live into older age.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Learn all about the basics of blood pressure and high blood pressure: an overview of risk factors, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Systolic and Diastolic

Find out what the top and the bottom blood pressure numbers mean and make sure your numbers are on target.

High Blood Pressure in African-Americans

If you are African-American, what can you do to avoid developing high blood pressure? Find out how you can protect yourself from this serious health condition.

High Blood Pressure in Children

Why is high blood pressure in children a growing problem? What can you do to protect your child from this threat?

Causes

High Blood Pressure Causes

Discover what causes high blood pressure. Start today to change the risk factors you can control.

Renal Artery Stenosis

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of renal artery stenosis.

Medications That May Increase Blood Pressure

Find out if your medications are making your blood pressure rise.

Are You at Risk?

Prehypertension

Prehypertension is a warning sign that you may get high blood pressure in the future. Are you at risk?

High Blood Pressure Risk Factors

The exact cause of hypertension is unknown, but there are several factors and conditions that may contribute to its occurrence. Learn about high blood pressure risk factors here.

Health Check: Assess Your Hypertension Risk

Evaluate your personal health and your risks for big health problems.

Prevention

High Blood Pressure Prevention

About one in every four American adults has high blood pressure -- also know as hypertension. Learn the simple steps you can take, from maintaining a healthy weight to the dietary supplements that may help.

 

Beauty Tip

Dr. Oz

Dark circle under eyes

Parsley Presto Eye mask
 do it yourself-under $5

3 tbsp. fresh parsley
3 tbsp. plain/unflavor yogurt

Pulse ingredients together in food processor.
Put under eyes for 15/20 mins. When it began to harden, wash off with warm water.

Pompeian Olive Oils/wines

Pompeian cooking wines

 

Q: What's the difference between Pompeian cooking wines and table wines?
A: Cooking wines are table wines with salt added for shelf life, stability and to enhance recipes. While adding aroma, Pompeian Cooking Wines can be used to accent or balance the natural flavors of foods and add moisture.

 

 

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Healthy Tip Of Today

Christian Fitness TV is a unique exercise program that features nutrition tips, fitness facts and scripture.

http://www.christianfitnesstv.com/

Acid Reflux 1-5

10 Tips to Alleviate Acid Reflux
JoyBauer.com

Follow these eating and lifestyle tips to avoid  or alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with GERD, acid reflux, and heartburn.

 

Do you frequently suffer from heartburn? These guidelines can help to prevent or relieve the uncomfortable — and even downright dangerous — symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The danger from GERD lies in the repeated exposure of the esophagus to acid; this can result in respiratory symptoms as well as changes in the lining's cells that may lead to cancer. In addition to following these strategies, check with your physician to see whether you're a candidate for medication.

 

Relax and eat your food slowly.Instead of eating a lot at one sitting, which can make acid-reflux symptoms worse, eat only until you're comfortably full (versus overly stuffed). Be sure to sit down and take your time during a meal; strive to truly taste and enjoy each mouthful. One tried-and-true trick to eating more slowly is to put down your fork on the table between every few bites.

 

Limit beverages during meals.If you suffer from GERD, limit your fluid intake with meals. Liquids add to the volume of food in your stomach and increases stomach distension. A full belly puts more pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that normally prevents food from moving back up into your esophagus, and thus adds to your risk of reflux. To minimize stomach volume, take small sips of water while you eat, and try to drink mostly between rather than during meals.

 

Shed extra pounds.Being overweight is a major contributor to heartburn. Overweight individuals are twice as likely to suffer from symptoms of GERD as are people of a healthy weight. Extra weight may increase pressure on the stomach, causing the LES muscle to relax, which allows stomach backflow. Body fat may also release chemicals that interfere with normal digestive functioning. The good news is that research shows losing even a small amount of weight can help relieve symptoms and control heartburn. If you need help getting started, check out my four-step online weight-loss program, which provides daily meal plans, healthy recipes, access to a personal nutrition coach, and handy trackers to help you succeed.

 

Incorporate moderate exercise.The key word here is moderate. Vigorous exercises like running can agitate your digestive tract and provoke reflux, but incorporating moderate, low-impact exercises such as walking is actually beneficial (and it keeps you upright, allowing gravity to aid digestion). Exercise can also help you lose weight, which can dramatically reduce the severity of heartburn. To minimize the risk of symptoms, wait at least two hours after eating to work out; also avoid sports drinks, which may aggravate reflux due to their acidity. If you're a beginner, start slow and build up to at least 30 minutes of walking most days of the week.

 

 

Acid Reflux 6-11

10 Tips to Alleviate Acid Reflux
JoyBauer.com

Follow these eating and lifestyle tips to avoid  or alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with GERD, acid reflux, and heartburn.

 

Cut the fat.Lay off the chicken wings, fried foods, deep-dish pizza, and fatty steak. High-fat meals like these relax the LES and delay stomach emptying, making it more likely that you'll experience reflux. Instead, make lean proteins (like skinless poultry, seafood, beans, and lean cuts of red meat) and fiber-rich produce and whole grains your diet staples.

 

Watch out for potential trigger foods.When it comes to your diet, eating smaller meals is by far the most important step you can take to prevent reflux, more so than changing the foods you eat. That said, there are specific foods that can aggravate symptoms in certain individuals. The most common culprits are fried or fatty foods, alcohol, caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea, chocolate, mints and mint-flavored items, citrus juices and fruits, tomatoes and tomato sauce, spicy foods, onions, garlic, and carbonated beverages. Everyone has different triggers, though, so if you find that these foods don't cause you any discomfort, you can continue to enjoy them.

 

Don't lie down after eating.If you're prone to acid reflux, it's important that you don't lie flat for a minimum of two hours after you've eaten a meal or snack. In fact, stand up and walk around to help encourage the gastric juices to flow in the right direction. For the same reason, while sleeping, keep your upper body elevated by placing a few books or a foam wedge underneath the mattress or propping up the legs at the head of the bed with blocks or books.

 

Wear loose fitting clothing.Avoid anything tight around your middle, which can put pressure on your stomach and worsen the discomfort and pain of GERD. Until your symptoms are under control, think stretchy and comfortable

 

Chew cinnamon gum after meals.Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps to neutralize stomach acid. Gum chewing also encourages frequent swallowing, which clears irritating acid from the esophagus more quickly. Just make sure to choose non-mint flavors, since peppermint and spearmint can relax the LES and exacerbate symptoms. Pick up cinnamon or fruit flavors instead.

 

Quit smoking.Need another reason to give up cigarettes? Smoking increases your risk for GERD! Smoking slows digestion and increases stomach acid, while it also limits salvia production — your body's natural defense against stomach acid! Besides harming your esophagus, cigarette smoke also damages the digestive system and weakens your stomach's LES muscle, which directly causes acid reflux.

Tip of the Day

MyFoxTampaBay

Preserving your Food

• Wrap your meats in an extra layer of of Saran Wrap and the meat will not freezer burn as fast.
• Wrap the stem of bananas in Saran Wrap and it will not ripen as fast.

Diabetes, Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure

The three main condition that pleage society today

Healthy Tip of Today

Dr. Oz

Eating a cup of fresh/frozen berries at least 3 times a week. It can  help you prevent memory loss and fight weight gain.

Did You Know?

Valentines's Day

 

 



 

 

Valentine's Day is celebrated February in the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged beween loved one, all in the name of St.Valentine.

Who is this mysterious saint and where did these traditions come from?

Find out about the history with me in the upcoming weeks.