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Cutting Grocery Costs without Cutting Nutrition
Simple, healthy, and affordable ways to weather the rising price of food
by Karen Collins, R.D., American Institute of Cancer Research
Grocery prices are projected to increase again in 2008 – that’s following 2007’s highest annual increase in 17 years. But surviving these tough economic times doesn’t have to mean sacrificing good nutrition. Some simple strategies can help you cut food costs and eat more healthfully, too.
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Wellness Workbook
How to Achieve Enduring Health and Vitality
by John W. Travis, M.D., Regina Sara R
For more than 30 years, John W. Travis, M.D., and Regina Sara Ryan have introduced thousands to the concept of wellness, a practical whole-self approach to healthy living. From how you breathe to how you view the world, the 12 interconnected elements of the Wellness Energy System affect all aspects of your life: your disposition toward injury and illness, your relationships, your general level of happiness, and beyond. In an optimal state of wellness, you are less prone to disease, stress, and other life-depleting factors. Thoroughly revised, THE NEW WELLNESS WORKBOOK presents a comprehensive self-assessment and hundreds of exercises and ideas to help you take control of your health and happiness.
Top 10 Food Mistakes
Food Mistake #1: You reach for multigrain bread or cereal
Foods labeled 7-grain or multigrain may seem like the healthiest choices—especially with new findings showing that a diet rich in whole grains protects against heart disease, cancer, and other ills.
The famed Nurses' Health Study documented lower rates of heart disease and stroke among whole grain eaters. Experts don't know all the reasons behind the benefits, but they do know that intact grains are rich in fiber and nutrients—including vitamin E, B vitamins, and magnesium—that are stripped away when grains are refined into flour.
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My wellness center – a free and personalized weight-loss and fitness tool
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Where the Bugs Are
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Is there a more potent symbol of purity than the fluffy white snowflake, wafting from heaven and landing--ping!--on the tip of your tongue? Well, along comes the journal Science to spoil the fun, noting that bacteria called Pseudomonas syringe are lurking at the dark heart of many an earthbound crystal of frozen water. And if Frosty the Snowman is a target, what chance do the rest of us have?
A pretty good one, actually-- if you make note of the places where the bugs lie and swat them before they can do harm. Here's an updated to-disinfect list for all the surprising places (and people) contagion clings to.
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Listing of Top Online Schools
Click here to receive a free trial of TrioThin.
More Than a Fridge Filler: Clever Uses for Baking Soda
By Olivia Kuhn-Lloyd of Intent
As elements of spring start to peak through, I’m inspired to freshen up my
beauty routine, which has always been minimal. Winter has taken its toll on my
skin and hair and enough is enough! It’s time to peal back the curtain.
Influenced by these ten beauty essentials totaling seventy-five dollars, I
started to think about glow- and shine-inducing products that I already have
on-hand and, my favorite of the bunch, baking soda.
How can my favorite multi-purpose (beauty) product enhance your grooming
routines? Read on. (More than a dusted off Redbook list, these applications for
baking soda are a compilation of research, polls, and personal use.)
Where to buy? For how much?
Baking Soda is ubiquitous. It does not vary by brand nor fall into different price brackets. It’s reliable and will always come to the siren call of your beauty needs.
It’s available. You can purchase it at supermarkets, bodegas, drug stores, and gas station mini-marts.
The price is right. The average drugstore sells baking soda for less than three dollars.
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Could fat babies mean fat toddlers?
A new study from Harvard Medical School found that babies who gained weight quickly had a sharply higher risk of obesity. The study followed close to 600 babies and found those in the top quarter of weight for their length at 6 months had a 40 percent higher risk of obesity by age 3 than smaller babies.
Question: Should I be alarmed if my baby is very large?
The best course of action is to speak with your child's pediatrician. Your child may be large for her age, but not overweight when taken in the context of her height. Also, some babies may grow rapidly at first, and their growth starts to slow as they get older. What does that mean? Your child may be overweight at 6 months, and be at a perfectly healthy weight by age 3. A pediatrician can put your individual questions in the context of your toddler's specific measurements.
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Americans who have health insurance are more likely to receive preventative healthcare, which is an important part of making sure your future is happy and healthy. Request a free health insurance quote now to get coverage.
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Sleep Expert and 2006 Better Sleep Month Spokesperson
source by Amanda Bach
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Americans seem to be willing to do almost anything to cope with sleep-deprivation and emotional stress, but when push comes to shove, they are turning to quick fixes in lieu of obvious solutions. According to the findings of the 2006 Better Sleep Month survey, Americans are ignoring the fundamental steps to improve quality sleep and mood.
It is well-known that sleep problems can be a key sign of depression. What people may not realize is that the reverse is also true - sleep disorders can actually trigger mood disorders and depression. As researchers learn more about the underlying cyclical connection between sleep and our mental health, the important balance is becoming even more apparent.
According to the 2006 Better Sleep Month survey, better sleep did result in better mood among respondents. When asked to rate their sleep quality, quantity, and overall mood over the course of one week, people who obtained seven or more hours per night were more likely to rate their general mood as excellent (57%), as opposed to those receiving an average of six hours of sleep or less (45%). Only 25% of respondents rated the quality and quantity of their sleep as excellent. That means that 75% need to take action to improve their sleep.
If experiencing trouble sleeping over a period of time, Americans report that they are most likely to change their sleeping schedule (51%) and build in time for more sleep (56%) to improve their sleep. However, this may not be a viable first-step solution, according to many experts.
More sleep doesn't necessarily mean better, especially if underlying factors that contribute to poor sleep, such as an inadequate sleep environment or sleep-depriving behaviors, are not properly addressed. It may just mean that you end up tossing and turning in your bed for a longer time.
"The survey results show that people overlook some of the most obvious components of quality sleep," said Nancy Shark, executive director of the Better Sleep Council. "Take for example the reluctance, even if needed, to replace an old mattress (66% say they are not likely). The mattress is literally the foundation of our sleep. Comfort and support aside, we spend an average of four entire months every year entirely on our bed. Given that kind of usage, your sleep surface cannot be an afterthought."
Accordingly, additional consumer data from 2005 indicates that nearly half of Americans (47%) keep mattresses longer than many experts recommend. "As a rule of thumb, after five-to seven years of use, it's a good time to evaluate your sleep set," adds Shark. "You can get used to a bed long after it stops providing you with the optimal comfort and support you need."
We have an interview (Q&A) with sleep expert and 2006 Better Sleep Month Spokesperson, Dr. Amy Wolfson. Dr. Wolfson is a sleep researcher, Professor of Psychology at the College of Holy Cross and authored the book "The Woman's Book of Sleep: A Complete Resource Guide."
Interview with Dr. Amy Wolfson
Q: Is it a myth that we can "catch up" on sleep? Does "sleep debt" really exist?
A: We can't really catch up on sleep as we continue to accumulate a sleep debt over our lifetime. However, just as the effects of sleeping longer for several nights can improve alertness, the negative effects of getting too little sleep accumulate over time. Getting an inadequate amount of sleep each night for a week can make you vulnerable to a number of problems: excessive sleepiness, irritability, reduced motivation, impaired performance, limited ability to think creatively, and so forth.
Q: What happens when your body doesn't get the amount of sleep it needs? What are the implications?
A: The timing and quantity of sleep and the onset of illness may be associated. New research suggests that if you are coming down with some sort of bug, sleep will probably have a preventive effect. Lack of sleep can impair an individual's physical health and emotional well-being. Inadequate and irregular sleep/wake schedules influence the body's defenses by weakening the immune system, straining the organs, and, therefore, making people more susceptible to illness.
Q: Do women need more sleep than men, and if so, why?
A: No, both adult men and women need about 7.5 to 8.5 hours/sleep each night.
Q: Are women more like to be affected emotionally from sleep deprivation than men?
A: Women certainly are more likely to report that they feel depressed when they are unable to obtain an adequate or quality night of sleep. It is unclear; however, if this is a reporting bias or that a woman's mood is more affected by insufficient sleep. Overall, about 2 times more women report depression than men.
Q: What times in life are most important for a good night's sleep
A: A good, sufficient night of sleep is always important. Sleep is as important as nutrition and exercise. It is most important to pay attention to getting a sufficient night of sleep, however, when one is responsible for driving, operating machinery and/or responsible for taking care children.
Q: Is it true that sleep can have an effect on our emotional "performance" during the day? Is it just psychosomatic because you know you didn't get enough sleep or is there really a neurological impact and explanation?
A: Sleep definitely has an effect on our emotional well-being. It is not merely psychosomatic; sleep results from changes in the balance of major neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, melatonin and others. Many of these neurotransmitter systems are also responsible for multiple brain functions, including those related to mood and other cognitive/emotional behaviors. It is not surprising that significant interactions occur between sleep and depression and/or depressed mood.
Q: If sleep deprivation is impacting your mood one day, can you fix it immediately by just getting a good night's sleep or are there residual or more long-term effects?
A: One will find that as they begin to obtain a consistent sleep schedule and get an adequate amount of sleep, close to 8 hours per night, they will experience a better daily mood. However, individuals diagnosed with clinical depression may require other interventions in addition to getting an adequate amount of sleep.
Q: Does your sleep surface really make a difference in how well you sleep
A: Absolutely. It is important to evaluate your sleep surface on a regular basis. If you walk every day or every other day for exercise, you probably check to make sure that your walking shoes are in good shape and are not worn out. Similarly, if you are having difficulty getting a quality night of sleep, it is important to evaluate your bed and sleep environment.
Q: When considering sleep disorders and depression, are sleep problems a result of depression, or is the depression a result of the sleep problems.
A: Sleep problems and depression are associated with each other. It can be difficult to tease the two apart. Individuals who regularly get an insufficient amount of sleep for a variety of reasons may be more susceptible to feeling depressed. On the other hand, individuals who are diagnosed with depression may have coexisting sleeping problems such as insomnia and/or chronic sleepiness. Undoubtedly, if you are depressed and/or concerned about a sleeping problem, it is important that you seek attention from a health care provider who has expertise in both depression and sleep disorders.
Sleep Expert and 2006 Better Sleep Month Spokesperson Dr. Amy Wolfson answers common questions about sleep and emotional well-being. Dr. Wolfson is a sleep researcher, Professor of Psychology at the College of Holy Cross, and authored the authored the book "The Woman's Book of Sleep: A Complete Resource Guide."
More information
For more information about the Better Sleep Council and Better Sleep Month, please visit: www.BetterSleep.org.
SOURCES: Fleishman-Hillard - Washington, D.C., BetterSleep.org, "The Woman's Book of Sleep: A Complete Resource Guide."
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Contributor:
Amanda Bach was raised by a single mom and so she learned it first hand how difficult it was to watch her mom struggled everyday life. And that is the main reason she co-founded SingleMom.com™ to create this wonderful Website/organization. Her energy, natural creative ability and superior business intuition make her contributions to this website immeasurable. Her hobbies include volunteer, Internet, reading, ballet, traveling, snowboarding, and especially wine & food.
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9 Cash-Saving Tips That Pay Big Bucks
complaintsboard.com
The expression "a penny saved is a penny earned" doesn't cut it these days. But saving a few dollars here and there can add up...
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more...
Try out these Thanksgiving recipes from tasteofhome
You May Have Too Much Debt But You Also Have Options
How Life Works
If you feel like you're in over your head with personal debt, you're not alone. Millions of Americans have become overextended, many as a result of easy credit and the recessions. Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans and raising interest rates do not make a good financial mix.
read more...
Suze Orman's Recession Rescue Plan - helps you survive in times of financial crisis
OPRAH.com
Do you know what your family would do if you lost your job - or worse, your home? Financial expert Suze Orman is ready to help you
devise a recession rescue plan to survive - and possibly thrive - during this deepening financial crisis...
read more...
Could fat babies mean fat toddlers?
A new study from Harvard Medical School found that babies who gained weight quickly had a sharply higher risk of obesity. The study
followed close to 600 babies and found those in the top quarter of weight for their length at 6 months had a 40 percent higher risk of
obesity by age 3 than smaller babies.
read
more...
The 10-Ingredient Shopping Trip
By Tara Parker-Pope and Mark Bittman
... In his latest “How to Cook Everything” segment on the Today Show, New York Times food writer Mark Bittman makes it
surprisingly easy to cook a week’s worth of dinners with just a 10-ingredient shopping trip.
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more...
Finding last-minute tuition money
There's still time to find funds for this semester's college tuition. But you'll have to move quickly.
By Gerri Willis
It's only a couple of weeks or even days until school begins. And if you don't think you'll be able to get a handle on your college
tuition bill, here with your guide to last minute money.
read more...
Short-term Payday Loans
econ4u.org
...Which are more expensive, late fees or short-term loans?...
A short-term payday loan can be a better option than overdraft fees, reconnect fees, late payment fees or a damaged credit rating when
the loan is repaid promptly. However, these loans are not suited for longer repayment periods...
Being realistic about budgeting can help avoid the need for short-term borrowing.
read more...
Your Just-in-Case Emergency Plan
by RealSimple
Who do you call if you can't make it home in time to meet the kids' bus? Who do
you trust to take in your mail when you're on vacation? Who do you trust with
the extra set of keys to your house?
read
more...
How to save $10,000 in 2009
By Liz Pulliam Weston
If you were hoping for a list of small tweaks you could make in your spending to save $10,000 a year, sorry. The reality is that
$10,000 is a lot of money. And saving big money usually means making big changes in the areas where we spend the most, such as:
Housing, Transportation, Food.
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more...
The Super, Sexy, Single Mom on a Budget
by Renee Rayles
A quick reference guide designed for the busy, single mom who has
little time to read while running the mom taxi, cooking dinner, helping with homework, and trying to fit in a date night every now and
then.
32 and Counting? Finding Your Happily Ever After Today
by Gi Gi
The author talks about the struggles a single mom goes through and the discovery that you can have HEAT (Happily Ever After Today) just
as you are, being single, taking care of your kids...
read more...
Single Mothers &
Male Role-Models / Mentors
Single mothers carry an enormous load of responsibility, especially those having sole and/or primary custody of minor children. They
nourish, they nurture, they teach, they discipline, they shelter, they protect, and they provide… all without the assistance of another
equally-invested adult.
read more...
Your 5-minute guide to protecting your identity
20 steps to protect yourself from identity theft, and seven ways to clean up things if you become a victim.
read more...
TheOnlineMom.com offers parents and consumers a guide to the top-rated, age-appropriate, kid-tested and parent-approved tech toys and gifts.
read more...
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw
by Jeff Kinney
For those wondering why tween boys don’t read very much, the answer is that more books aren’t like this...
read more...
10 Superfoods That Should Be in Your Daily Diet
Supercharge your diet with these doctor-approved upgrades
As Told to Max Alexander, Best Life
My interest in what is now known as integrative medicine began many years ago when I was a teenager and witnessed my grandmother battle a breast-cancer recurrence. In those days, it was typical for patients receiving chemotherapy to be confined to a hospital bed. Nothing was done to stop her decline—not nutritionally, not physically, not really medically—and she eventually wasted away and died in her bed.
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The Twenty Healthiest Foods for Under $1
By: Brie Cadman
Food prices are climbing, and some might be looking to fast foods and packaged foods for their cheap bites.
But low cost doesn’t have to mean low quality. In fact, some of the most inexpensive things you can buy are the best things for you. At the grocery store, getting the most nutrition for the least amount of money means hanging out on the peripheries—near the fruits and veggies, the meat and dairy, and the bulk grains—while avoiding the expensive packaged interior. By doing so, not only will your kitchen be stocked with excellent foods, your wallet won’t be empty.
Read more about the great nutritional value of these twenty healthiest foods under $1: Oats, Eggs, Kale, Potatoes, Apples, Nuts, Bananas, Garbanzo Beans, Brocolli, Watermelon, Wild Rice, Beets, Butternut Squash, Whole Grain Pasta, Sardines, Spinach, Tofu, Lowfat Milk, Pumpkin Seeks, Coffee...
How to eat healthy on the cheap
TODAY diet and nutrition editor Madelyn Fernstrom talks with TODAY host Meredith Vieira about some ways to cut down your grocery bill, while still buying nutritious foods.
read more...
10 Reasons You're Not Losing That Weight
If losing weight were simple, Spanx would be just a screen name in an S&M chat room. But dieting is complicated: There are even ways to screw up without realizing it. For instance, who would ever think that working out in the a.m. or cranking the AC might be the reason you're not slimming down? Luckily, once you've ID'd these flubs, fixing them is nowhere near as hard as pulling on a pair of control-top hose.
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Take Your Licks
Icy treats for 160 calories or less — how cool is that?
by Loren Chidoni, Women's Health
When you're squeezing into last year's tankini, the dessert end of the freezer aisle seems taboo. But what would summer be without popsicles and fro-yo? Sucky, that's what. To find frosty goodies that won't test the limits of Lycra, we sampled 27 kinds. The result: these eight amazing, guilt-free indulgences — and one mother of an ice-cream headache.
read more...
How to Be a Budget Organic
What's worth the extra cost, what's not, and how to save in other ways
by Cynthia Sass, RD, Prevention
With all the news about rising food costs, you may be wondering if the organic milk you've been putting in your cart is worth the extra cash. It is. Organic food is more expensive, but when it comes to the staples of your diet, organics are a worthwhile investment, with payoffs that might surprise you. The benefits influence your health today—and long-term.
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Eat your way to less stress
Whether you're anxious, irritable, angry or suffering from insomnia, Dr. David Simon discusses which foods can help.
read more...
10 things your hospital won't tell you
by SmartMoney
"Oops, wrong kidney."
Treatment errors are common, finding someone in charge can seem impossible, and patients sometimes wind up sicker than when they arrived. And here's a tip: Try to avoid hospitals late at night and in July.
In recent years, errors in treatment have become a serious problem for hospitals, ranging from operations on wrong body parts to medication mix-ups.
At least 1.5 million patients are harmed every year from being given the wrong drugs, according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. That's an average of one person per U.S. hospital per day.
One reason these mistakes persist: Only 10% of hospitals are fully computerized and have a central database to track allergies and diagnoses, says Robert Wachter, the chief of medical service at UC San Francisco Medical Center.
But signs of change are emerging. More than 3,000 U.S. hospitals, or 75% of the country's beds, have signed on for a campaign by the not-for-profit Institute for Healthcare Improvement to implement prevention measures such as multiple checks on drugs.
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