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• Cicadas
• Cicadas general information

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

It has been over 200 years since the last time that two groups of periodical cicadas have emerged at the same time… and it’s about to happen again.

While there are over 3,000 species of cicadas in the world, there are 7 different species in North America that emerge either every 13 years or every 17 years. But this May and June, Cicada Brood XIX (13-year cycle) and Brood XIII (17-year cycle) will surface at the same time. These two species have some of the largest populations, and together, will cover most of the eastern United States.

This article will focus on all things cicadas and will hopefully enlighten you on these interesting creatures.

Where can you find cicadas?

You are likely to find cicadas in places that are heavily populated with trees and shrubs that have been there for at least 13-17 years.

Are cicadas loud? 

That likely depends on how active they are. Some reports say that they can omit a noise that sounds like a siren, whine and/or a roar. You may hear the more in rural areas, than suburban areas. Cicadas are daytime insects, so you likely won’t hear them at night. 

Can cicadas bite or spread disease? 

Cicadas only feed on plants and trees. They do not bite or sting and don’t spread any diseases to humans, plants or animals. In the off chance that a cicada lands on you, it’s likely not on purpose as they aren’t interested in hanging out on people and won’t stick around long. 

Can you eat cicadas? 

Surprisingly, you can eat cicadas and there are lots of recipes online. 

(Continued in Part II…)

• Healthy kidneys
• Bad foods for kidney
• Foods to avoid for bad kidneys

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

Everyone knows that your kidneys are two vital organs in your body. Located in your lower back, your kidneys work as blood filtration, keep a balance between minerals, eliminate waste from blood and water, excrete waste materials from the body through the urinary tract, produce hormones, and more. 

These organs are very important and without both kidneys, humans would not survive much longer. While they are vital organs, they are very prone to many diseases caused by food items, hereditary diseases, blood pressure, diabetes, and more. If food is not damaging your kidneys directly, it will damage them indirectly. 

That’s why is it super important to maintain a kidney-healthy diet

This includes eating all kinds of healthy, fresh, herbal, homemade, and farm-fresh foods.

The following foods should be avoided for the health of your kidneys:

• Processed food
• Salt or sodium food items
• Beets
• Tomatoes and tomato seeds
• Fast food
• Sugary foods
• Alcohol
• Lentils and beans
• Junk food
• Frozen food, ready to cook food
• Artificially flavored juices
• Potatoes

• Tricep workout
• Triceps exercises
• Tricep challenge

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

With 30 days in the month of June, it is the perfect time to take on this next challenge- the Jiggly June Triceps Challenge. This “jiggle” that we referring to is that jiggly area underneath your arms – the triceps.

Triceps dips can easily be done at home with these easy steps:

1. Sit on a chair. Keep your hands wide and your elbows slightly bent.
2. Stretch out your legs with your knees slightly bent.
3. Using your arms, lower your body to the floor.
4. Raise your body to the starting position, making one full rep.

Here’s how to complete the challenge. Perform the following reps each day and say goodbye to that jiggle. 

Day 1: 5 dips

Day 2: 10 dips

Day 3: 15 dips

Day 4: 20 dips

Day 5: REST

Day 6: 20 dips

Day 7: 25 dips

Day 8: 30 dips

Day 9: 35 dips

Day 10: REST

Day 11: 35 dips

Day 12: 40 dips

Day 13: 45 dips

Day 14: 50 dips

Day 15: REST

Day 16: 50 dips

Day 17: 55 dips

Day 18: 60 dips

Day 19: 65 dips

Day 20: REST

Day 21: 65 dips

Day 22: 70 dips

Day 23: 75 dips

Day 24: 80 dips

Day 25: REST

Day 26: 80 dips

Day 27: 85 dips

Day 28: 90 dips

Day 29: 95 dips

Day 30: 100 dips

• benefits of watermelon
• Watermelon benefit
• health benefits of watermelon
• watermelon recipes

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

• Besides being made up of nearly 90% water, watermelons are also a great source of significant vitamins and minerals.
• It is chock full of a considerable amount of vitamins A and C. It contains thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate and niacin in small amounts. 
• It is a great source of potassium, and
• contains magnesium, calcium, phosphorous and iron in trace amounts.
• Watermelon is also very low in calories, free of fats and cholesterol and is rich in carotenoids.

Recipe: Grilled Scallop and Watermelon Kebabs

• 12 sea scallops
• 4 cups boiling vegetable or chicken broth
• 24- 1”x1” watermelon cubes
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger 

Cut the scallops into halves across the diameter to create half-moon shapes.  Place them in a heatproof casserole dish in a single layer.  Pour the boiling clear broth over the scallops and let them poach for 5 minutes.  Drain and cool the scallops.  On each skewer alternate one half-moon scallop, then two watermelon cubes, then one half-moon scallop.  Mix together the remaining ingredients and brush the kebabs as they are grilled over a medium-hot grill for 90 seconds per side, turning only once.  Serve warm.

Recipe:  Cajun Chicken with Watermelon Mint Salsa

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
• 2 tablespoons mild chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets 

Mix together the spices.  Coat the chicken cutlets with the spice mixture.  Heat a non-stick skillet over medium high heat and place chicken in pan.  Blacken on both sides and sauté just until cooked through.  Top with Watermelon Mint Salsa and serve immediately.

Watermelon Mint Salsa

• 2 cups chopped seedless watermelon
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 cup diced seeded tomato
• Minced seeded jalapeno to taste
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
• ½ cup chopped fresh scallion 

Toss ingredients together, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

• better sleep
• Healthy Sleep
• Healthy sleep diet

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

According to Men’s Health Magazine, good old mom may have had it all wrong when she offered us a glass of warm milk to help aide our sleeping.  The protein in milk could actually boost alertness rather than calm it.

Instead the magazine’s experts offer the following snacks to induce “feel-good relaxation chemicals” thereby calming your nerves and slowing your brain down towards relaxation: nonfat popcorn, oatmeal with sliced bananas, one cup of plain yogurt with two tablespoons mixed nuts, sesame seeds, pretzels, 4-oz. glass of unsweetened cherry juice, and red bell peppers. 

So, pass on the glass of warm milk tonight and opt for any of the above snacks for that peaceful night’s sleep.   Good night!