7 HEALTHY FOODS FOR LESS THAN $1

No one likes spending a lot of money at the grocery store. All too often, however, healthy good-for-you items are traded in for preservative-packed, high calorie ridden foods, just ot save a buck or two. Well, here is some good news for you! Even budget babes can make healthy choices! Next time you are shopping for groceries, try adding these cheap and healthy options to your cart:

1. BEANS: 52 CENTS OR LESS PER 1/2 CUP SERVING. Beans, beans, they are good for your heart! Did you know that just one serving of beans has 7 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein? These fiber rich, protein packed beans are a great choice for lasting energy.

2. EGGS: 23 CENTS PER LARGE EGG. Not only are eggs a source of high-quality protein(yes, even the yolk), they also contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which help keep your eyes healthy and functional. For a delicious and nutritious breakfast, eat a two-egg omelet mixed with fresh salsa and spinach.

3. BANANAS: 40 CENTS PER BANANA. Bananas are an awesome on-the-go snack. Keep a few bananas handy for when you are running late and need a quick bite to eat. A large banana fulfills one of your daily fruit servings. Also, it is a great source of potassium, fiber, vitamin C and vitamin B6.

4. POTATOES: APPROXIMATELY 44 CENTS A PIECE. Although potatoes are high in starch and shouldn't be part of your everyday diet, there is no arguing that potatoes are one of the cheapest grocery staples. They are loaded with a great percentage of fiber, potassium and vitamin C. One great way to eat potatoes is to mix carrots in with thick slices of potato, then roast them in the oven with a little bit of olive oil and black pepper.

5. YOGURT: 49 CENTS PER 8-OUNCE SERVING. Not only is yogurt an excellent source of calcium and protein, it tastes great as well! Add fresh strawberries and blueberries to plain yogurt for a naturally sweet taste. Save money on your favorite yogurt by purchasing it in bulk - you'll pay lots more if you buy single-serving containers.

6. LEAN GROUND BEEF: $1.02 PER 3-OUNCE SERVING OF 93% LEAN GROUND BEEF. Red meat may get a bad rap among healthy eating circles, but lean beef is actually a great low-fat source of protein and iron. It's easy to cook and versatile too!

7. FROZEN VEGETABLES: 30 CENTS FOR A HALF-CUP SERVING OF FROZEN PEAS. Frozen veggies are an incredibly smart buy when you are trying to save money. Frozen veggies are picked at the peak of ripeness and frozen to seal in maximum nutrients. They don't have the added sugar and sodium content like canned veggies do - making them a healthier food option.

source: http://www.bangstyle.com/

TELEPHONE TIPS FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS


Who hasn't been frustrated when calling a doctor's office, government agency or an insurance company? We all have stories about encountering rude people, getting the runaround and sifting through multiple menu options before finally speaking with a live person. While the Web is a valuable resource, sometimes you just have to break down and use the phone to resolve an issue or attain information. Below are some telephone tips to help make this nagging task less burdensome.

1. Make the phone call when you have adequate time - not when you're rushed.

2. Prepare yourself. Review any written material first, write the questions you want to ask beforehand, and keep paper and pen handy to take notes during the call.

3. Psych yourself up to calm your jitters. Think positively. Plan what you're going to initally say.

4. Be modest. Tell the person on the other end of the line that you're an amateur, and that you hope they can give you some guidance. Enlist sympathy and, thereby, help.

5. State the issue or what you want clearly. Practice saying it before you pick up the phone.

6. Begin questions with "where" or "how" so people will be open to suggest possibilities.

7. Be persistent and patient, and don't get intimidated. You have the right to information and respectful service.

8. Be polite, but don't get brushed off. If you're constantly meeting roadblocks, ask to speak to a supervisor.

Obtaining information and breaking through red tape can be daunting. When one approach doesn't work, try another. There is more than one way to get information or resolve a problem, so remain optimistic.





source: http://www.rightathome.net/

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

The name conjures up images of golden-skinned Greek gods and goddesses, sapphire blue sea shores, and exotic Italian vacations. But really, the Mediterranean Diet isn't about richness at all. Instead, it's about finding depth and range in simple, fresh foods, while staying healthy and fit in the most natural way possible. It's based on the traditional eating habits of the poor coastal regions of Southern Italy, Crete, and Greece and was initally promoted by Dr. Ancel Keys, who studied the eating habits of a small Italian fishing village for more than a quarter century. In the 1990's, Dr. Wlater Willet of Harvard University modified the diet in the form that is recognizable today. The essential elements of the diet are:

1. Lots of vegetables and legumes.

2. Fresh fruit every day.

3. Olive oil as the principal source of fat.

4. Dairy products, mostly as yogurt and cheese.

5. Fish and poultry in moderate amounts.

6. Very little red meat.

7. 0-4 eggs a week.

8. Red wine in moderate amounts.

Typically, the Mediterranean diet includes primarily whole-grain and unprocessed carbohydrates that have very few unhealthy trans-fats. Nuts are a big part of a typical Mediterranean diet, and while nuts are high in fat and calories, they are very low in unhealthy saturated fats and high in healthy, polyunsaturated fats. Besides being a pretty successful weight loss diet, the Mediterranean diet has also been shown to lower the risk of:

1. Dying from heart disease.

2. Dying from cancer

3. Developing Type 2 diabetes

4. Hypertension

5. Raised cholesterol levels

6. Becoming obese

7. Developing Alzheimer's disease

8. Developing Parkinson's disease

The Mediterranean diet is well balanced, functional, and oftentimes delicious. There are really no health-related drawbacks to it. It's a diet you can maintain for the rest of your life with no resulting negative health issues, and it teaches you how to recognize healthy foods on your own.


source: http://www.healthline.com/

SAVE WINTER SKIN WITH THESE FOODS

We normally have a natural layer of oil that helps keep our skin soft and protect it from the environment, but harsh winter weather can suck the moisture right out of it. When your skin gets dry, it's generally a sign that you're doing something that's stripping its natural oils. The good news is that you can keep your skin glowing all winter with a few changes to your diet.

1. Drink more water. The body loses more fluid with each breath when it's cold and dry, so it's fairly easy to get dehydrated in the winter. Try to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.

2. Eat a balanced diet. Several nutrients, such as protein, vitamin A, zinc, and essential fatty acids, are important for keeping your skin healthy. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish and poultry, and healthy oils are the foundation of a diet that's good for your skin.

3. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and skip the sugary desserts. In a study that looked at the diets of U.S. women, those who had the most vitamin C in their diets had the healthiest skin. Too much sugary food has been shown to have the opposite effect. Get more vitamin C by eating at least five servings a day of fruits and veggies.

4. Focus on healthy fats. Although research is still ongoin, preliminary evidence suggests that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help keep your skin hydrated. Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and avocados are good sources of omega-6s, and fish, walnuts, and flax seed sontain omega-3s. If you are taking an omega-3 supplement, be sure it provides DHA and EPA.

5. Enjoy lean protein. The amino acids in lean protein(poultry, seafood, lean meats) are essential for radiant skin. Try to add a little to every meal and you'll look more youthful(and have more energy!) in no time.

6. Ramp up your skin-care-routine. There's a lot you can do on the surface, as well, such as applying a heavy moisturizer while your skin is damp, turning down the thermostat, and protecting your skin with hats and gloves.


source: http://www.eating.health.com/

STROKE HEALTH CENTER - SYMPTOMS

If you have symptoms of a stroke, call 911 or other emergency services right away. General symptoms of a stroke include:

1. Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.

2. Sudden vision changes.

3. Sudden trouble speaking.

4. Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.

5. Sudden problems with walking or balance.

6. A sudden, sever headache that is different from past headaches.

Symptoms can vary depending on whether the stroke is caused by a blood clot(ischemic stroke) or bleeding(hemorrhagic stroke), where the stroke occurs in the brain, and how bad it is.

A stroke usually happens suddenly but may occur over hours. For example, you may have mild weakness at first. Over time, you may not be able to move the arm and leg on one side of your body.

If several smaller strokes occur over time, you may have a more gradual change in walking, balance, thinking, or behavior.

It is not always easy for people to recognize symptoms of a small stroke. They may mistakenly think the symptoms can be attributed to aging, or the symptoms may be confused with those of other conditions that cause similar symptoms.

source: http://www.webmd.com/

JANUARY IS THYROID AWARENESS MONTH


The thyroid may be only a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, but the hormones it produces are essential; they deliver oxygen and energy to every cell in the body.


The most common thyroid problem is insufficient thyroid hormone, known as hypothyroidism, low thyroid or an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism causes metabolism to slow down, and can result in fatigue, depression, weight gain, hair loss, infertility, low sex drive, memory and concentration problems, and a host of other symptoms.


Sometimes, the thyroid can go into overdrive, and produce too much thyroid hormone, a conditin known as hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid. When too much thyroid hormone floods the body, it's common for heart rate and blood pressure to go up, and an overactive thyroid can cause anxiety, tremors, panic attacks, diarrhea, muscle weakness, eye problems, insomnia, and rapid, debilitating weight loss.


The thyroid can also get enlarged(known as a goiter), develop lumps(known as nodules), and in rare cases, those lumps can be cancerous. Thyroid cancer is, unfortunately, one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States.


source: http://www.thyroidawarenessmonth.com/

GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease.

Glaucoma is called "the sneak thief of sight" since there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it's permanent. As much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person noticing.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Moreover, among African American and Latino populations, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness, and it is more prevalent. Glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.

Over 4 million Americans, and nearly 70 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them don't know they have it. Combined with our aging population, we can see and epidemic of blindness looming if we don't raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision.

source: http://www.glaucoma.org/