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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Everyone has heard about how “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and how your mom always suggests chicken noodle soup when you are sick, but how much does the food you eat really affect your immune system? According to experts, a lot!
Experts say that “Our immune system works most efficiently when lifestyle factors are in balance, and first and foremost is having the foundation of a healthy diet.”
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help your body better prepare to fight off anything that may come its way. To build that proper foundation, here are a few great superfoods that you should be eating or adding to your diet.
- Yogurt
- Garlic
- Blueberries
- Kiwi
- Mushrooms
- Salmon
- Beans and Lentils
- Tea
Experts also say that “Our immune response declines as we age, so it is important to consider every meal as an opportunity to nourish your body and support a healthy immune system.” Start small by adding a superfood each day into your diet and soon enough you start noticing some big changes to your health.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
During the month of May, we remember those who have fought for our country and lost their lives doing so. This Memorial Day, in addition to remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, why not try this flag-inspired workout challenge?
Based on the 50 stars and 13 stripes featured on the American Flag, this workout challenge will have anyone feeling patriotic (and potentially sore) this Memorial Day weekend.
Starting with the 50 stars, shoot for a least one rep of each of these and if you can feel free to do more than one rep.
Stars:
- 50 push-ups
- 50 sit-ups
- 50 lunges
- 50 mountain climbers
- 50 bridges
- 50 tricep dips
- 50 scissor kicks
And now onto the stripes. Again, shoot for at least one rep of each of these and do more if you can.
Stripes
- 13 pull-ups
- 13 squat jumps
- 13 side plank hip dips
- 13 burpees
- 13 single leg deadlifts
- 13 pike push-ups
If you are still feeling like you want to push yourself even harder, try Googling the “Murph” HERO Workout and give that one a try. Inspired by Lt. Michael Murphy, a Navy SEAL who earned a posthumous Medal of Honor for his courageous acts in Afghanistan.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone!
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
- Plums, and their dried version known as prunes, are very high in phytonutrients, which function as an antioxidant and provide much benefit to the body.
- Eating plums helps in the production and absorption of iron in the body, thereby leading to better blood circulation leading further to the growth of healthy tissues.
- Consuming plums on a regular basis will help prevent macular degeneration and other eye infections.
Recipe: Chicken Breasts with Plum Salsa and Basmati Rice
- 1 ½ cups of water
- 1 cup uncooked basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- ¾ pound plums, pitted and chopped
- ½ medium red onion, minced
- 3 habanero peppers, seeded and minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh minced cilantro
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Place water in medium saucepan and stir in rice. Bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, cool and fluff with fork. In a bowl, mix the plums, peppers, onions, cilantro and sugar. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Season chicken with rosemary, salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in skillet over medium-heat. Place chicken in oil and brown 1 minute per side. Reduce heat to medium, and cook for 5 additional minutes per side. Serve over rice with plum salsa.
Recipe: Fresh Summer Fruit Salad
- ½ cup water
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 3 cups thinly sliced rhubarb
- 15 seedless grapes, halved
- ½ orange, sectioned
- 10 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- 1 peach, sliced
- 1 plum, pitted and sliced
- 15 pitted Bing cherries
- ¼ cup fresh blueberries
Bring water and sugar to boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the rhubarb, turn heat to low, cover and simmer until rhubarb is soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Mash and chill in the refrigerator about one hour. To serve, mix the grapes, orange, strawberries, apple, peach, plum, cherries, and blueberries with 2/3 cup of the rhubarb sauce. Stir gently, but thoroughly to coat. Refrigerate for at least two hours for all the flavors to blend well.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
It’s getting warmer and it’s almost time for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor parties! But just because you aren’t choosing all your meals, that doesn’t mean that you have to pack on the pounds this summer. Keep these tips in mind at your next picnic:
- Choose lean ground meat when making burgers. You should also try low-fat hot dogs, sausages and bratwurst and other grilled favorites.
- Seafood and chicken are great grilled foods and are both still healthy picnic options.
- Don’t forget your greens and mix in a salad to your picnic or party menu.
- Remember your veggies as they are also great on the grill and as side dishes, especially summertime veggies like squash and zucchini.
- Instead of chocolate desserts, think fruity desserts instead, and take advantage of a season when fruits are plenty.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
(Continued from Part I…)
Autism can affect anyone at any span in their life, but research has shown that early diagnosis can lead to a better quality of life. Things to watch for in young children include:
- Prefers solitary play rather than playing with other children/peers.
- Prefers predictable, structured play over spontaneous or make-believe play.
- May not respond to name being called.
- Struggles to make eye contact to communicate interests and/or needs.
Therapies take up the large bulk of treatment and support of those living with Autism.
Occupational therapy teaches skills that help the person live as independently as possible.
Sensory integration therapy helps the person deal with sensory issues.
Behavior and communication therapies address the range of social, language and behavior difficulties associated with ASD.
Speech therapy helps to improve the person’s communication skills.
Education therapy are highly structured educational programs that children with ASD often respond well to.
The prognosis for a child with autism depends on the severity of their initial symptoms but can be influenced by early intervention and treatment. For years autism was thought to be irreversible. While autism is a lifelong condition, there are now evidence-based treatments that can help and support people with autism.