Lifestyles Newsletter

 

 

LifeStyle Newsletter

November 2008

 

 

Dancing is good for you!

 

Slow, slow, quick, quick – if you love the rise and fall, turn and sway of the Fox Trot, then you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Dancing – any type of dancing, from ballroom to swing to salsa to square dancing – has significant health benefits. Dancing is good for your mind. It’s good for your body. It’s even good for your social life. The potential benefits of dancing are so great that you really ought to give dancing a go.

 

It’s good for the mind

According to USA Today, about 18% of the 79 million baby boomers in America are at risk for developing Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia during their lifetimes. If that makes you want to climb on your exercise bike and circulate some blood through your brain, you’re not alone. But, biking may not help with the dementia. The New England Journal of Medicine published a study that found several activities are correlated with a reduced risk of developing dementia: reading, playing board games, playing musical instruments, and dancing.

 

Dancing was the only physical activity in the study (11 were included) that was associated with lower risk of dementia. One of the study’s authors, Dr. Joe Verghese, suggests that complexity of dance – remembering the steps, following the music, and improvising when you forget – may be the reason that it helps reduce the risk of these diseases. In other words, dancing makes you use your noodle.

 

It’s good for the body

Dancing is a great way to get the physical activity you need to stay healthy. You may discover that dancing gives you more energy, relieves stress, improves your posture, and tones your muscles. It also can help you:

 

Improve heart and lung condition and lower blood pressure by participating in aerobic exercise.

Strengthen your bones by engaging in weight-bearing activities, like traveling dance steps.

Control your weight by burning 200 to 400 calories an hour as you boogie, hip hop, or sashay across the floor.

 

It’s good for your social life

Working out often is a solitary pursuit; dancing rarely is done alone. According to a Mayo Clinic Health Letter, dancing provides an opportunity to develop strong social ties. That’s important in preserving self-esteem and optimism as we age. It’s also a great way to stave off or recover from depression. So, let your spirit soar on the dance floor!

 


So boogie, boogie, boogie!

It’s easy to get started. If you’re a novice, sign up for a dance class that offers a variety of dances. You never know what you’ll enjoy. If you’re an old hand at dancing, visit your local club or ballroom on a Saturday night. If you prefer to do your dancing out of the public eye, turn up the music, grab your favorite partner, and cut a rug in the living room!

 

 

Grill a Turkey!

 

Did you know that Ben Franklin wasn’t convinced the bald eagle was the best choice for our national symbol? In public, he built a strong argument for the rattlesnake, “… [The rattlesnake] may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance. She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage…”  In private, he mused that the turkey also might have been a better choice, “… [The turkey is] a bird of courage, and would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British guards, who should presume to invade his farmyard with a red coat on.”  This Thanksgiving, try turkey the way the Colonials enjoyed it, roasted over an open fire. Grilling is a great way to cook the Thanksgiving bird, especially if you have limited oven space.

 

Grilled Turkey

 

Charcoal or gas grill                                     Salt

1 turkey                                                           Pepper

Olive oil                                                          Seasonings

Butter

 

Prepare for grilling: Make sure you have plenty of fuel. The turkey’s weight isn’t an issue unless your bird is too big to fit in the grill with the lid closed (with one inch of clearance all around). You are going to cook your turkey indirectly. That means you should arrange your hot coals evenly on either side of the charcoal grate. Put a drip pan in the center of the grate between the coals to collect drippings for gravy. For longer cooking times, add water to the pan to keep drippings from burning.

 

Prepare your turkey: Defrost the bird. Take everything out of the turkey’s cavity and wash the bird. Rub the turkey with olive oil, Season to taste. Place the turkey (you do not need to truss it), breast side up, on the cooking grate, centered above the drip pan. Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible. Baste the bird with drippings or butter when you add coals. Try to maintain the temperature at 325°F.

 

Your turkey will take about 15 minutes per pound on a charcoal fire and about 20 minutes per pound on a gas grill. The bird is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thick part of the thigh reads 180ºF (or 170ºF when inserted into the breast). Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

 


What Do You Know About Turkeys?

 

1.      What is the Turkey Trot?

a.      A herd of turkeys being walked to market in England

b.      A 1900’s dance in which couples circled each other while bobbing their heads and strutting like turkeys

c.      A cute name for the way turkeys move

d.      All of the above

 

2.      How fast can wild turkeys fly?

a.      They cannot fly

b.      30 mph

c.      40 mph

d.      55 mph

 

3.      What is the pouch-like area at the front of a turkey’s throat called?

a.      A dewbill

b.      A snood

c.      A wattle

d.      A beak

 

4.      Which of the following is the name for a young male turkey?

a.      A hen

b.      A tom

c.      A jake

d.      An eyas

 

 

Travel on the Cheap

 

It always feels great to find a deal – especially when the deal means you can afford to take a vacation. Here are a few websites that can help you afford to go somewhere and relax:

 

BudgetTravel.com: This is the online version of Arthur Fodor’s Budget Travel magazine. It offers expert insights and attractive travel deals. Check out Real Deals.

 

Yapta.com: Your Amazing Personal Travel Assistant (yapta) finds flights, tracks fares, and lets you know when the new fare is lower than the one you paid so you can get refund travel credits from the airlines. They take a percentage.

 

Liftopia.com: If you love skiing then you’ll appreciate this site. It offers discounted, non-refundable lift tickets at more than 60 resorts across North America. The prices vary, depending on snow conditions and other factors, but prices are about one-third of what you would pay at the hill.

 

Have safe and happy travels!

 

Answers:

 

What is the Turkey Trot?  

A 1900’s dance in which couples circled each other while bobbing their heads and strutting like turkeys.

 

How fast can wild turkeys fly?  

55 mph, but for very short distances.

 

What is the pouch like area at the front of a turkey’s throat called?  

A wattle.

 

Which of the following is the name for a young male turkey? 

A young male is a jake. A tom is an adult male.

 

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LifeStyle Newsletter

October 2008

 

America: Land of the Resilient

If you find yourself feeling pessimistic about the short-term outlook for America, consider the words of Alexis de Tocqueville. During the 1800s, the author of Democracy in America said: “Born often under another sky…the American…grows accustomed only to change, and ends by regarding it as the natural state of man. He feels the need of it, more he loves it; for the instability; instead of meaning disaster to him, seems to give birth only to miracles all about him.”

 

Imagine the consternation and worry felt by the Puritans when they landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts, at the end of December, 1620. They needed to build shelter and find food—in mid-winter—just to survive. In that context, the challenges we face today seem less daunting. Changing circumstances can bring difficult challenges; embracing these challenges can produce surprising, and often rewarding, results. For example, during the first six months of 2008, Americans faced the challenge of higher fuel prices. And, we responded by:

 

·        Choosing alternative modes of transportation. The high price of gasoline has inspired many Americans to think twice before hopping into our cars. Instead of driving, we’re walking, biking, carpooling, and taking advantage of mass transit options. According to the Energy Information Administration, our choices have helped reduce gas consumption in the United States.

 

·        Changing our thinking about cars—dramatically. We are trading in our big cars for smaller, more fuel-efficient options at an unprecedented rate, according to Edmunds AutoObserver. During April and May, trade-ins of small SUVs were up 37% and trade-ins of midsized SUVs were up 45%. What are people buying? You guessed it: the Toyota Prius.

 

·        Moving closer to work or mass transit. There is an upsurge of interest in urban properties, which are holding their values better than suburban properties, according to a Coldwell Banker online poll. In particular, younger buyers and empty nesters are moving into urban centers to help lower fuel costs, reduce commute time, improve access to public transportation, and save on energy costs.

 

Our belt-tightening measures reduced our country’s oil consumption by about 800,000 barrels in just the first six months of 2008. (Last year, U.S. demand for oil grew at a pace of about 119,000 barrels each day.) In fact, the International Energy Agency cut its estimate for global oil demand in 2008 and 2009, because consumers in the United States are changing their lifestyles. Lower demand has helped drive down the price of oil. Oil was at $147 per barrel in July. By September, it was in the $90 per barrel range. What is the miraculous outcome of this change? Heating our homes this winter may be more affordable.

 

Americans are resilient.

 

Quick and Easy Couscous

Couscous has been around for centuries. It is popular in Northern Africa and the Middle East. Some food historians believe couscous was the traditional food of poor nomadic Berbers. It cost little, required few utensils to prepare, and left hungry travelers satisfied. Traditional couscous takes several hours to prepare: the grains are steamed over and over again. Fortunately, instant couscous is available in most Western countries and that makes preparation a snap!

 

Curried Couscous Salad

 


1 box couscous

¾ cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar

½ orange, juiced
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped fine

½ cup red pepper, chopped

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

½ cup carrots, finely chopped

½ lemon, juiced

¾ cup chopped almonds, toasted
Ground pepper
to taste


 

Place the couscous, cranberries, curry powder, sea salt and brown sugar in a bowl. Give it a stir. Melt the butter in boiling water (amount of water will be indicated on the couscous box) and pour over the couscous mixture. Add the orange juice. Cover the bowl tightly and allow the couscous to soak for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

 

Add the olive oil, red onion, red peppers, carrots, parsley, lemon juice, and almonds. Stir thoroughly. The couscous can be made ahead of time and served when you’re ready.

 

What Do You Know About Food Labels?

Separating facts from fiction can be tricky, especially when it comes to food labels. Do you know the difference between light and low fat? How about low calorie and reduced fat?

 

Test your knowledge by matching the labels and definitions below.

 


Food Labels

Definitions

Low fat

50% less fat or 33% fewer calories than the regular product

 

Light/Lite

40 calories or fewer per serving

 

Reduced fat

Less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving

 

Low calorie

3g or less fat per serving or 30% or less total calories from fat for a meal

 

Fat free

25% less fat than the regular product

 

 


Foil is Not Just for Wrapping Food!

Aluminum foil arrived in American households in 1913. It was wrapped around sticks of gum and candy bars. Since then, foil has been used to package foods and medicines, as well as leftovers, because it blocks moisture, light, oxygen, odors, bacteria, and other elements that could cause trouble. But, foil can do a lot more! Here are some other useful ways to employ foil:

 

·        Sharpen your dull scissors. Fold a sheet of aluminum foil several times and then cut it with scissors. This will sharpen the blades!

 

·        Make a room warmer. If you have radiators, wrap a piece of plywood that is slightly larger than your radiator with foil, and place it behind your radiator. The foil will reflect heat into your room, making it warmer.

 

·        Ironing delicate fabrics. For clothing items that can't take direct heat, such as rayon, silk, and wool, you can get the wrinkles out by placing a piece of foil on your ironing board. Put the garment over the foil and pass 3 inches above the garment several times with the iron, holding down the steam button the entire time. The wet heat from the foil with rid the garment of wrinkles.

 

·        Gift wrapping paper. Makes great gift wrapping paper in a pinch and can be decorated as you wish.

 

These are just a few of the many ideas for using foil. If you would like to find more ways to use foil, visit the Internet. There are a multitude of ideas online.

 

 

Answers:


 

Low fat:

3g or less fat per serving or 30% or less of total calories from fat for a meal

 

Light/Lite:

50% less fat or 33% fewer calories than the regular product

 

Reduced fat:

25% less fat than the regular product

 

Low calorie:

 

40 calories or fewer per serving

Fat free:

Less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving

 

 

 

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LifeStyle Newsletter

September 2008

 

Keep Your Feet On The Ground!

The average person walks about 3,000 to 4,000 steps each day. If you increase that to 10,000, as recommended by the U.S. government, the health benefits are terrific and, depending on the length of your stride, you can really cover some ground. For example, if you like walking the beach, you could cover the entire coastline of the United States in about eight years! All that walking can really take a toll, however, on the 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments that make up your foot!

 

Exercise isn’t the only thing that has an impact on your feet. As you age, your feet will change. If you want to keep them healthy, pay attention to the ways in which your feet are changing and take steps to care for them. Some of the changes you should expect, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, include:

 

·        A new foot size: No, your feet won’t be getting smaller, but they might get wider and longer as you grow older. That means it’s a good idea to have your foot size measured each time you buy new shoes, rather than assuming your feet are the same size they were when you were in college.

 

·        A flatter arch: Your arches are likely to settle as you get older. If they get too flat, you may experience some problems. Flat feet can stretch or weaken the muscles and tendons in your feet and that can cause tendinitis and arthritis. If your arches are heading south, slip a pair of orthotics into your favorite shoes. Also, when you’re buying new shoes, make sure they provide adequate support for all parts of your foot.

 

·        Less padding: As you age, your natural shock absorbers—the fat pads under your feet—may thin out. This can make walking a lot less comfortable. Fortunately, the solution is relatively simple and it can help with your arches, too! Use supportive, well-shaped insoles to provide supplemental shock absorption. You can find them at shoe stores or ask your foot doctor for a recommendation.

 

·        Greater stiffness: Your foot and ankle may lose some range of motion as you age. Fortunately, if you spend a few minutes on flexibility and strength exercises each day, you can maximize motion. Toe raises and curls are a good way to start. You can also try picking up quarters with your toes.

 

Increase Your Shoe IQ

Many foot problems are completely preventable. They’re caused by poorly fitting shoes. If you have shoes that are too narrow, too short, too large, or too high-heeled, don’t wear them when you’re walking your 10,000 steps. Instead get a pair of walking shoes that offer the support you need. When you try on new shoes in the store, keep these tips in mind:

 

ü      If you plan to use the shoe for walking, buy a walking shoe.

ü      Buy new shoes after a walk so your feet are at their largest.

ü      Wear the type of sock that you will wear when you walk.

ü      You should be able to wiggle all of your toes inside the shoe.

ü      Re-lace the shoes you to ensure the best possible fit.

ü      Your heel should not slide up and down when you walk.

 

You can learn more about foot care and improve your shoe IQ on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society’s website at www.aofas.org. Keep your feet happy and you’ll be able to walk for health and pleasure for a long, long time!

 

Artichoke and Grapefruit Salad (Courtesy of Jamie Oliver)

You may not realize it, but artichokes are a type of thistle and belong in the sunflower family. In fact when they bloom, artichokes look a bit like purple sunflowers. This delicacy is one of the oldest foods known to mankind with origins dating back to the time of Greek philosopher and naturalist, Theophrastus (371-287 B.C.), who wrote that artichokes were grown in Italy and Sicily. Wealthy Romans enjoyed artichokes prepared in honey and vinegar, and then seasoned with cumin. You won’t find any cumin in this salad, but it’s still quite tasty.

 

Salad

Dressing

8 artichokes hearts

6 tablespoons virgin olive oil

2 grapefruits

3 tablespoons lemon juice

¼ cup toasted almonds

1 tablespoon honey

1 bunch frisée (curly endive)

Sea salt

Pecorino cheese

Freshly ground pepper

 

Cut the artichoke hearts in half. Cut the peel off the grapefruits and then segment them by cutting the flesh away from the protective white layers. Keep any juice. Mix artichokes, grapefruit segments, frisée, and almonds together in a bowl. Blend the dressing ingredients together and drizzle it over the salad. Serves 4 people.

 

What Do You Know About School?

Throughout history, people have perceived school in very different ways. See if you can figure out who said these things about school:

 

1.      The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.

a.      Tom Bodett

b.      Ellen Degeneres

c.      Groucho Marks

 

2.      I've never let my school interfere with my education.

a.      Abraham Lincoln

b.      Mark Twain

c.      Oscar Wilde

 

3.      True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.

a.      Kurt Vonnegut

b.      Ursula K. Le Guin

c.      Stephen King

 

4.      America's future will be determined by the home and the school. The child becomes largely what he is taught; hence, we must watch what we teach and how we live.

a.      Jane Addams

b.      John Adams

c.      Helen Keller

 

Lowering the Risk of Breast Cancer

If you live in an area that has bright lights at night you may be at a higher risk for breast cancer, according to recent research described in O Magazine. Researchers used satellite photos to gauge the level of light in various regions of Israel and then compared the photos to maps showing breast cancer cases. Women living in brightly lit areas were 73% more likely to suffer from breast cancer.

 

They believe that too much light at night may cause the body to release inadequate amounts of melatonin—a cancer fighting hormone. The pineal gland normally releases melatonin during the middle of the night; after the body has been exposed to a period of darkness. If the body is not in the dark for a long enough time, the body may release too little melatonin.

 

Experts at the University of Connecticut Health Center also believe that electric light—particularly at night—may explain why developed countries have a significantly higher rate of breast cancer than developing countries. It could also explain why women who work the night shift seem more susceptible to the disease.

 

 

Answers: School

1.      Tom Bodett

 

2.      Mark Twain

 

3.      Kurt Vonnegut

 

4.      Jane Addams

 

 

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Monthly Lifestyle Newsletter

 

August 2008

 

 

 

Create A Great Memoir!

 

Do you ever wonder what people will remember about you when you’re gone? Would you like to share some of the adventures you’ve enjoyed during your life with future generations? Have you had experiences that you think other members of your family could learn from? One of the most effective ways to pass information from generation to generation is through a memoir. If the thought of putting pen to paper makes you cringe, don’t worry. A memoir does not have to be written. In fact, Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines a memoir as:

 

A narrative composed from personal experience; an account of something noteworthy; or the record of the proceedings of a learned society.

 

You can write, tape an oral history, or use visual media to create your memoir. Choose the method that best suits your style.

 

Writing

Sometimes the hardest part of writing is getting started! Don’t worry about putting events in chronological order or about including every detail – it’s just not possible if you want your memoir to be readable. How should you start? Here are some ideas:

 

·        Look through the artifacts of your life. Gather old photos, letters, children’s artwork and homework, and other memorabilia. Look through them and see what memories emerge. Write your memories down without editing yourself.

 

·        Summarize your life in six words. For inspiration visit Smith (www.smithmag.net), an online storytelling magazine. In one exercise, readers submit six-word memoirs. For example, “Habitual mind changer... wait, scratch that,” or “Fourteen addresses. Eleven schools. Result: ADD.”  Creating a six-word memoir will force you to think hard about themes in your life.

 

·        Put 10 years on two pages. This is a great way to learn to eliminate unnecessary information. If you’re having trouble condensing a decade onto one page, front and back, try using only three-word sentences.

 

Audiotape

Studs Terkel was well known for his oral histories of everything from the Great Depression to working. Follow his example and create an oral history of your life. All you need is a digital recorder. Start by describing your first home, siblings, parents, and pets. Don’t censor yourself. Just talk. If you get stuck, have someone close to you ask questions about your life, likes, and dislikes. If no one is around to help, tell your favorite ghost story and describe where you were when you first heard it.

 

Visual media

You can either create your own script or have interested members of your family interview you using open-ended questions that require longer responses than ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Gather photos and memorabilia that help tell your story. Once you have the recording, you can create your own movie using computer software.

 

No matter how you do it, creating a record for future generations can have great value. After all, how many people under the age of 30 know what it was like to live at the end of the Great Depression, during World War II, or through the Vietnam Era? You can help history come alive for them.

 

 

Grilled Peaches

 

Peaches are thought to have originated in China and gradually migrated west. In Chinese mythology, peaches were powerful. Xi-Wang-Mu, the Chinese goddess of immortality and the personification of the feminine element yin (as in yin and yang), was responsible for cultivating the peach tree of immortality. Its fruit, which ripened every several thousand years, was said to confer immortality upon the Chinese Gods. In China, mortals also realized benefits from peaches, which are usually associated with springtime, fertility, and longevity.

 

Peaches, 1 per person

1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar

1/4 cup Brown sugar

Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 teaspoon fresh Ground Black Pepper

 

Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Pour lemon juice over peach halves and set aside. Combine vinegar, brown sugar, 1½ tablespoons of lemon juice, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Boil until liquid is reduced by one-half. Lightly oil the peaches and briefly grill (flat side down). Flip the halves over and baste with vinegar and sugar mixture. Grill for about three minutes until soft.

 

 

What Do You Know About Calendars and Months?

 

1.      Which two months were named after Roman rulers?

 

2.      Which month was named after the Pagan Roman god of beginnings and endings?

 

3.      In which month have the most American Presidents been born?

 

 

4.      What is the earliest known date?

 

That Cloud Looks Just Like …An Advertisement

 

If you think that paying for a movie and then being subjected to five minutes of commercials is annoying, wait until you’re spending a lazy afternoon cloud-gazing and encounter a flogo! Flogos are artificial cloud advertisements that bob along about 300 to 500 feet up in the sky.

 

Flogos are made of soap-based foam and lighter-than-air gas. A designer creates a stencil of an object (a company logo, a team symbol, or another shape) and puts the stencil into a re-purposed snow-making machine that creates a flogo in exactly the right shape. The machines can make a two foot by one foot flogo every 15 seconds, although the inventor is working on making the ads larger.

 

While the makers say that flogos are environmentally friendly – they last for about one hour and then evaporate – if they become really popular, it make start raining soap and water!

 

 

 

Answers: Calendars and Months

 

1.      Julius Caesar and his grand nephew, Augustus, had months named after them – July and August. Other emperors tried, but the names didn’t stick. For example, May was once called Claudius and April briefly was called ‘Neronius’ for Nero.

 

2.      January was named after Janus, the god of beginnings and endings and of gates and doors.

 

3.      October. John Adams, Rutherford Hayes, Charles Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, and Jimmy Carter were all born in October.

 

4.      4236 B.C.E. is the date on which the Egyptian calendar began.

 

 

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Monthly Lifestyle Newsletter

 

 

July 2008

 

 

Tips for Managing Pain

 

Oh, how our perceptions of pain have changed! When you were young, you might have been told to grin and bear it. Being stoic and learning to tolerate pain was just another difficult life lesson. Today, with about 75 million Americans experiencing chronic or acute pain, that long-suffering approach is discouraged by the medical community. The new school of thought is that pain should be addressed quickly and managed well so that it doesn’t trigger a variety of unwanted side effects. Researchers say that untreated pain can disrupt concentration, sleep patterns, relationships, emotions, motor skills, and more.

 

Here are a few tips that may prove useful if you suffer from chronic or acute pain.

 

1.      Know your limits. Pain is a stop sign. It’s a signal that you have pushed your body to its limit. Whether you are playing tennis, stressing over a work project, or trying to complete your to-do list for the day, pain is a sign that you need to stop for a while. If you balance activities with rest you’ll be healthier and may experience less pain.

 

2.      Get some exercise. Did you know that working out actually can reduce pain? It also can help increase your energy level, control weight gain, improve sleep patterns, reduce depression, and improve self-esteem.[1] According to Science News, people who exercise regularly experience 25% less muscle and joint pain as they age than peers who are not as active. Just don’t overdo it!