Photo by Shirley Hirst, courtesy of http://www.photoxpress.com/
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
New defense against frightening "superbugs" offers hope
A research team led by Monina Klevens at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that MRSA causes 19,000 deaths every year in the U.S. - that's more than HIV/AIDS.
Super bugs are hard to treat in part because they can spread quickly once gaining access to the bloodstream; and because superbugs are resistant to a major class of antibiotics (beta-lactams,) limiting your physician to use just a small set of antibiotics, each of which has serious side effects.
Because MRSA is a bacteria, it can be contracted easily. The bacteria is usually spread by someone that is carrying the disease, and when they get any of their bodily fluids (sweat, spit or blood) on any surface other people can come into contact with. The bacteria must have a place to enter into the body and go into the blood stream, so it can enter through cuts, scrapes, wounds or even areas of the skin that are weak or broken. The elderly are especially susceptible to MRSA due to their thinner skin, and people with psoriasis and eczema are also at a higher risk of contracting the bacteria.
They are fairly easy to catch as they are carried by bodily fluids (sweat, spit or blood) on any surface other people can come into contact with. The bacteria enters through cuts, scrapes, wounds or even areas of the skin that are weak or broken. "The elderly are especially susceptible to MRSA due to their thinner skin, and people with psoriasis and eczema are also at a higher risk of contracting the bacteria."
Common sites of infection: school gyms, fitness centers, health care centers, basically anywhere people are likely to leave behind their blood or sweat.
Since some strains of MRSA have already become resistant to the most effective of these, treatment takes longer and is more costly. "Even for those who survive, the price of MRSA is high: a patient who contracts it while hospitalized stays an average 10 days longer and costs an additional $30,000." says Walsh and Fischbach of Scientific American.
Without an effective pharmaceutical treatment, many people are turning more to preventative measures to protect themselves against superbugs. Doctors, professional athletes, and scientists, alike are touting the benefits of the patented immune-boosting supplement MonaVie (M)m?n.
MonaVie (M)m?n (pronounced "em-mune") is a beneficial blend of 19 fruits and the proprietary, patent-protected ingredient Wellmune®, and is scientifically formulated to optimize the body's natural defenses with powerful antioxidants (help protect against free radicals) and support the immune system on a daily basis.
What exactly does Wellmune® do? Basically it preps your immune system to identify and neutralize potentially harmful microbes. The ingredient is a natural beta-glucan polysaccharide (a complex carbohydrate) isolated from the cell walls of a proprietary strain of baker's yeast.
Jeff Graham, VP of Product Management says "MonaVie brings innovation in the healthy lifestyle product category with the introduction of (M)m?n. We have exclusive rights to market Wellmune® in our industry, delivering a daily immune defense solution to the health-conscious consumer who is on the go."
The best part is that it only takes 2 ounces of MonaVie (M)m?n, twice a day, to deliver a whopping 250 mg of Wellmune®, which has been shown in clinical research to help strengthen your body's natural immune defenses and promote overall well being.
In fact, in a four week study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2009) 8, 509-515, marathon athletes who took Wellmune® reported "During the course of the 4-week study, subjects in the treatment groups (250 mg and 500 mg BETA-GLUCAN per day) reported significantly fewer upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, better overall health and decreased confusion, fatigue, tension, and anger, and increased vigor based on the POMS survey compared to placebo."
Minnesota Local source of MonaVie (M)mun
Outside of Minnesota you can also find MonaVie.
View original article
Photo by Sergii Shalimov, courtesy of http://www.photoxpress.com/
Friday, September 24, 2010
Abdallah Candies' Caramel Apples
But, really, what can you expect from a store-bought caramel apple? More often than not, the apple is bruised, if not downright mushy, not to mention partially cooked from it's long ago drowning in overheated caramel.
Speaking of that brown, stiff glob of sugary rubber, it rarely meanders past the mid-point of said apple. Not particularly appetizing.
However, and you knew this was coming, hope springs eternal.
This very day in Coborn's Grocery in Little Falls, Minnesota a sale was to be had on caramel apples. Little eyes turned to saucers and tiny lips pursed into pink hearts full of desire for the golden orbs cased in clear plastic, complete with a happy, green label which said, "homemade." The kids were pretty excited, too.
Into the cart went three Abdallah Homemade Caramel Apples and into the car went three giddy children. About thirty seconds later, four of us were smacking sticky lips with silly, sugar-laden grins.
Abdallah Candies Who knew?
If you're in Minneapolis, Minnesota - pretty much everyone.
Since 1909, the fourth-generation business remains family owned, still using the old recipes, and even some of the original equipment. Only the good stuff, like copper kettles.
Abdallah creates traditional chocolates, caramels, and toffees as well as trendy flavors like licorice and chocolate mint, and a customer favorite "Cashew Grizzlies, in a 60,000 sq. ft. facility complete with viewing area. You can buy piece by piece in the store, or order online, even wholesale.
If Abdallah's can be judged by their caramel apples, dig in, you won't be sorry.
Read original article here.
Photo by Alexey Stiop, courtesy of http://www.photoxpress.cpm/
Want to lose weight or lose fat? Second of the top ten fat-burning foods to start eating now
According to Bruce Fife, ND, over the past 30 years fat consumption has decreased by 11%, and total calorie consumption has decreased by 4%, yet two-thirds of the people who lose weight on low-fat diets gain it all back within one year.
The fact is that eating enough of the right fats is essential for long term weight loss. Fat slows down the emptying of the stomach so that you feel full longer. As a result, you consume fewer calories.
While all fats suppress the appetite, those with Medium Chain Triglycerides are better for weight loss.
A recent study in The Journal of Nutrition shows that replacing your usual fats with MCT fats, like coconut oil, will help you burn more energy, eat less, and that "both animal and human trials suggest a greater satiating effect of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) compared with long-chain triglycerides (LCT)." In essence, you are satisfied with less food, and burn fat more quickly and easily.
Dr. Andrew Weil notes "that coconut oil is high in lauric acid and contains trace amounts of caprylic acid, both of which appear to have antiviral and antifungal properties, and support immune function," although he reminds us that coconut oil is still a saturated fat, and should be used in moderation. Other studies support the antiviral effect, in that coconut oil has been found to delay, and reduce the spread of viruses, including HIV.
Back to the first of the top ten fat-burning foods.
Photo by Suat Eman, courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Snap Fitness ‘Stretches Out’ Free Trial Pass to Facebook Fans
Snap Fitness ‘Stretches Out’ Free Trial Pass to Facebook Fans -
Chanhassen, MN – As cooler temperatures approach and many people are looking to bring their fitness routines indoors, they are not looking to scale back on their budgets. Snap Fitness, the world’s fastest growing fitness franchise, has a quick, simple and cost effective solution to get you into shape at one of their many fitness centers by simply becoming a “Fan” of their Snap Fitness page on Facebook.
Snap Fitness has extended its one week free trial coupon to a 14-day free trial pass for their loyal Facebook fans which can be found on their Snap Fitness page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SnapFitness247).
IMPORTANT Those interested in receiving the free trial offer must “Like” the Snap Fitness page on Facebook, and print the pass to use at any of the nationwide locations. All of the Snap Fitness locations provide 24/7 access, top-quality equipment and a clean, safe environment.
“We are making it easier than ever for people seeking convenient and affordable ways to look and feel better by giving them the opportunity to try out our fitness centers at no cost by simply ‘liking’ our page on Facebook,” said Peter Taunton, Founder and CEO of Snap Fitness. “With this offer, we hope to expose more consumers to Snap Fitness and show them all of the benefits of being a Snap Fitness member, without having to pay a penny for the first two weeks.”
Snap Fitness, founded in 2003, has redefined the fitness club industry by providing high-end equipment with convenient 24/7 access. While Snap Fitness offers the same quality equipment as traditional health clubs, the booming brand is setting industry standards by focusing on complete member wellness and providing a host of products and services designed to give members better results and more value for their money.
About Snap Fitness, Inc.:
Named the 16th fastest-growing private company in Inc. Magazine's prestigious 2009 Inc. 500 ranking, Snap Fitness is experiencing phenomenal growth with more than 2,000 locations sold worldwide and some 30-40 new stores added monthly. Founded in 2003 by CEO Peter Taunton, the Minnesota-based franchisor offers compact, state-of-the-art, 24/7 express fitness clubs that emphasize fast, convenient and affordable workouts in neighborhoods across America and worldwide. For more information or to learn how to open a Snap Fitness Franchise, please visit http://www.snapfitness.com/.
After your workout, don't forget to increase your effectiveness by drinking MonaVie Active premium health juice!
Chanhassen, MN – As cooler temperatures approach and many people are looking to bring their fitness routines indoors, they are not looking to scale back on their budgets. Snap Fitness, the world’s fastest growing fitness franchise, has a quick, simple and cost effective solution to get you into shape at one of their many fitness centers by simply becoming a “Fan” of their Snap Fitness page on Facebook.
Snap Fitness has extended its one week free trial coupon to a 14-day free trial pass for their loyal Facebook fans which can be found on their Snap Fitness page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SnapFitness247).
IMPORTANT Those interested in receiving the free trial offer must “Like” the Snap Fitness page on Facebook, and print the pass to use at any of the nationwide locations. All of the Snap Fitness locations provide 24/7 access, top-quality equipment and a clean, safe environment.
“We are making it easier than ever for people seeking convenient and affordable ways to look and feel better by giving them the opportunity to try out our fitness centers at no cost by simply ‘liking’ our page on Facebook,” said Peter Taunton, Founder and CEO of Snap Fitness. “With this offer, we hope to expose more consumers to Snap Fitness and show them all of the benefits of being a Snap Fitness member, without having to pay a penny for the first two weeks.”
Snap Fitness, founded in 2003, has redefined the fitness club industry by providing high-end equipment with convenient 24/7 access. While Snap Fitness offers the same quality equipment as traditional health clubs, the booming brand is setting industry standards by focusing on complete member wellness and providing a host of products and services designed to give members better results and more value for their money.
About Snap Fitness, Inc.:
Named the 16th fastest-growing private company in Inc. Magazine's prestigious 2009 Inc. 500 ranking, Snap Fitness is experiencing phenomenal growth with more than 2,000 locations sold worldwide and some 30-40 new stores added monthly. Founded in 2003 by CEO Peter Taunton, the Minnesota-based franchisor offers compact, state-of-the-art, 24/7 express fitness clubs that emphasize fast, convenient and affordable workouts in neighborhoods across America and worldwide. For more information or to learn how to open a Snap Fitness Franchise, please visit http://www.snapfitness.com/.
After your workout, don't forget to increase your effectiveness by drinking MonaVie Active premium health juice!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Review of The Asian House Lao-Thai Restaurant in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota
There is no buffet, no deep fried sweet and sour chicken, and your meal won't be out in a jiffy because it is made to order by real chefs, expertly trained in Thailand and Laos. The meal is worth the wait, delicious and mild enough for any palate, unless you request it spicy.
The menu has a good selection of soups, noodles, and rice entrees as well as beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and curries. The beef and seafood Pho, pronounced "fuh" (soup made with rice noodles and meat in broth, accompanied by fresh bean sprouts and if you ask, fried garlic) were aromatic, tasty, and filling.
The house specialties include Lob (ground chicken or beef seasoned and served with sticky rice), Lot Na (meat and Chinese broccoli in a creamy egg-drop broth), Mieng Lao (a healthy platter of fresh lettuce, cilantro, scallions, beef, noodles and egg rolls), Kowh Poonh (vermicelli noodles with cabbage, bean sprouts, cilantro and mint), and Pad Se Ew - you've got to know what this is, right? It's a yummy noodle dish stirred with eggs, Chinese broccoli, meat, and vegetables.
Appetizers like fresh spring rolls (fresh rice noodle wrapper around crunchy raw vegetables, warm chicken, and loads of cilantro) with chili garlic oil dip - amazing, try it - or egg rolls, cream cheese won tons, or fried tofu with black bean sauce will run you from $2.95 - $5.95. Entrees average $8 or $9 and portions are generous.
Original article on Examiner.comhttp://www.examiner.com/healthy-foods-in-minneapolis/review-of-the-asian-house-lao-thai-restaurant-sauk-rapids-minnesota
Photo by David Smith, courtesy of http://www.photoxpress.com/
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Review of Ciatti's Ristorante in St. Cloud, Minnesota
The parking area of Ciatti's Ristorante was full, but a single space beckoned from the far end of the lot. Nearly running to beat the occupants of just-parked vehicles to what surely would be standing room only in the new restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised to be seated immediately by a friendly greeter. Even better, a table no where near the kitchen, which for some reason seems to be the first choice that comes to mind in our case, for greeters in fine restaurants everywhere.
Ciatti's motto includes genuine smiles; a casual, comfortable atmosphere; and made-from-scratch Italian-inspired dishes, and on this night, the eatery lived up to it's word. Service was prompt, and the wait staff knew the menu - and, er, correct pronunciation - intimately. All your Italian favorites were available, with prices very reasonable all things considered.
The most expensive entrées were the Filet of Beef with Marsala mushrooms, seasonal forest mushrooms, Marsala wine, and veal glace for $23.99 and the New York Strip with roasted tomato demi glace, veal glace, red wine, and marinated fire roasted tomatoes for $23.99, but the Chicken Parmigiana, Marsala, and Saltimbocca were all around $15.
An incredible variety of pasta dishes were priced from $11.99 - $16.99. There were also fish options (pesce) and, believe it or not, a couple of Italian-inspired burgers. You'll want to start your meal with a Little Red Dress Martini - delicious - and a bargain at $4.99 on special, as well as an appetizer like antipasto, flatbreads, pizza, or zuppe (soup.)
The food was very good, and portions were ample especially for the Mostaccioli (pasta baked with Italian sausage, mushroom, onion and marinara sauce and topped with a huge, melted, golden cap of cheese, for $13.99.) The sausage in this dish was note-worthy, just a hint of spiciness and richly flavored.
The Fettuccine Alfredo was the most affordable dish at only $11.99, not as costly as that of near-by Mi Famiglia Ristorante nor as creamy or delightful, but certainly full of Parmesan flavor. The texture of the sauce was a bit grainy, although not unpleasant.
All entrées came with a dressed salad, and warm, Italian herbed bread, and soft breadsticks. Accompanying the bread was a plate filled with aromatic olive oil, grated Parmesan, and freshly cracked pepper, for dipping.
The menu included an ample wine list, sure to satisfy any palate and budget. The house Chianti (Bella Sera - Italy) was smooth, full-bodied, and decidedly not dry - perfect. A good swirl around the glass revealed healthy legs and lovely aroma of berries. Food wine pairing suggestions were noted on the menu, and available from the well-versed server.
All in all, Ciatti's Ristorante is worth the trip. The menu is varied, includes gluten-free and kid-friendly options, and if it's your birthday the meal is free - up to $15. The service at Ciatti's is excellent, as is the bar,the ambiance, and lest we forget, the dessert. Try the Drunken Chocolate Cake with Frangelico cream for $7.99 and try not to gasp at the ridiculous size of this triple layer chocolate masterpiece.
From the chocolate cake to the chocolate mouse-like filling, to the solid chocolate layer encapsulating the Frangelico-infused layers, it's a chocolate dream; or coma - don't even think about trying to finish it all, even with a buddy.
If you like the food, sign up for Ciatti's cooking classes. $40 gets you a four-course cooking class presented by Ciatti's own Executive Chef Mark Marthaler in their intimate kitchen setting.
Read Examiner article.
Photo by Suat Eman, courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Dr. Lou Niles tells us how we can reverse the aging process
Most of us think there is nothing we can do about aging; it's like death and taxes: inevitable. That may be true, but there is nothing that says we have to sit around and let our brains pickle and our skin prune with no recourse.
Here is a video by Dr. Lou Niles explaining how anti-oxidants enable the body to heal itself. Short and very good!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Effortless Weightloss: Seven anti-cancer miracle foods
Effortless Weightloss: Seven anti-cancer miracle foods: "Are six specific foods an exciting new treatment for cancer? Experts at the Angiogenesis Foundation say yes. At any time, many of us have ..."
If you liked this, you might also like:My blog http://eatingforhealthandhappiness.blogspot.com/Healthy Foods articles http://www.examiner.com/x-52001-Minneapolis-Healthy-Foods-Examiner~topic861571-Health?selstate=topcatThe tools I personally use to build my business can be found at the following affiliate links:To easily start a successful Family Online Business: http://winkinc7.businessba.hop.clickbank.net/Info on learning how to make a six figure income as a speaker in either the College Market, https://mach1.infusionsoft.com/go/cssbcregistration/winkinc7 or using Millionare Speaker's Secrets, https://mach1.infusionsoft.com/go/mss/winkinc7I only promote resources I believe to be worth your time.Interested in my speaking topics? KarenRWinkelman.com
If you liked this, you might also like:My blog http://eatingforhealthandhappiness.blogspot.com/Healthy Foods articles http://www.examiner.com/x-52001-Minneapolis-Healthy-Foods-Examiner~topic861571-Health?selstate=topcatThe tools I personally use to build my business can be found at the following affiliate links:To easily start a successful Family Online Business: http://winkinc7.businessba.hop.clickbank.net/Info on learning how to make a six figure income as a speaker in either the College Market, https://mach1.infusionsoft.com/go/cssbcregistration/winkinc7 or using Millionare Speaker's Secrets, https://mach1.infusionsoft.com/go/mss/winkinc7I only promote resources I believe to be worth your time.Interested in my speaking topics? KarenRWinkelman.com
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Why is acai Dr. Perricone's number one Super Food?
Dr. Perricone, author of many books including:
The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet: A Simple 3-Part Plan to Lose the Fat, the Wrinkles, and the Years
Young: The Science of Nutrigenomics for Glowing, Wrinkle-Free Skin and Radiant Health at Every Age;
and
Dr. Perricone's 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity: The Miracle of Cellular Rejuvenation
has identified acai has the number one "super food" on the planet.
Young: The Science of Nutrigenomics for Glowing, Wrinkle-Free Skin and Radiant Health at Every Age;
and
Dr. Perricone's 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity: The Miracle of Cellular Rejuvenationhas identified acai has the number one "super food" on the planet.
What's so special about this little berry? In this Oprah.com article, it is reported that Açaí pulp contains:
- "A remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help combat premature aging, with 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine.
- A synergy of monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols to help promote cardiovascular and digestive health.
- An almost perfect essential amino acid complex in conjunction with valuable trace minerals, vital to proper muscle contraction and regeneration."
So, it's no secret that the açai berry has been prized for centuries as a source of health, energy, and longevity, long known as one of nature’s top superfoods. What's my recommended source? Without a doubt it's MonaVie.
MonaVie freeze-dried açai is unparalleled in its antioxidant strength. MonaVie’s freeze dried açai boasts more than 15 times the antioxidant capacity of whole blueberries and more than 20 times the antioxidant capacity of whole raspberries!
The science is overwhelming. In a nutshell, pre-clinical research on the freeze-dried açai used in MonaVie products shows it to have:
a. A high antioxidant capacity, especially against superoxide free radicals.
i. Freeze-dried açai in a SOD assay (SORAC) had one of the highest tested antioxidant capacities of
any fruit or vegetable to fight superoxide free radicals.
b.A high antioxidant capacity, especially against peroxyl free radicals.
c. A nutritional analysis of the freeze-dried açai used in MonaVie products found it to have anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and other flavonoids.
How does this help you and me? Well, in comparing ORAC scores, four ounces of MonaVie has the equivalent antioxidant capacity of approximately 13 servings of fruits and vegetables.
So, consuming MonaVie helps you to maintain the healthy and active lifestyle you desire. People, like you and me, who regularly consume MonaVie have reported better health and an overall sense of well being.
If it's acai you want, then MonaVie products offer a simple and convenient solution to help meet some of your body’s nutritional needs. MonaVie’s premier açai blend delivers antioxidants and phytonutrients to help maintain and promote good health.
Click here for FREE access to my wholesale cost page as a Preferred Customer.
Information included in MonaVie's Approved Claims List for USA
Monday, September 6, 2010
Number two of the top ten places to eat and shop in Stonington, Maine: Dockside Books and Gifts
Number five of the top ten places to eat and shop in Stonington, Maine: Island Approaches
Photo by Salvatore Vuono, courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
Number seven of the top ten places to eat and shop in Stonington, Maine: Seasons of Stonington Shop
Number eight of the top ten places to eat and shop in Stonington, Maine: Nervous Nellie's Jams/Jellies
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