If you are suffering from High Blood Pressure the culprit could be sodium.
Have you been reading the labels lately?
I had stopped reading the labels for a couple of years knowing I had read the labels for the items I had chosen. I was shocked to see the changes. Today it seems all products contain some sort of sodium. If you are reading your labels as you shop you will notice SODIUM even when it says “NO ADDED SALT, LOW SALT and LOW SODIUM”.
For optimal heart-health, the American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium daily. Too much salt, says Dr. Pollak from MAYO Clinic, can increase your blood pressure, in turn, increasing your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
As you can see in the chart below the changes are constant. Today one slice of white bread has 130mg of sodium. Bottled Water has Calcium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate which equals to 5mg per 1 cup. More and more products are hiking up the sodium count so watch your labels.
What shocked me the most was milk and water!!!
I didn’t realize no matter what type of organic, fancy expensive or regular cheap cow milk the sodium levels were no less than 120mg of sodium in a one cup serving. WOW, I searched every label in the dairy section just to find that some milks went even higher.
Water, really!!! Adding sodium to every bottled water. Not only sodium, flavoring and natural minerals. Natural minerals, already known to be in water. Minerals are removed when reverse osmosis takes place to filter out the harmful additives. This is no joke. Next time you buy water check it out.
I always shy away from processed meats, processed cheeses and spreads, canned soups and frozen food as much as possible. These are products that can contain thousands of milligrams of sodium. The manufactures use sodium as a natural preservative. It is widely used in all foods.
ideal blood pressure chart 70
You can no longer trust the same brand to continue to have the same ingredients as weeks and months go by. It had only been 1 year since I had last read the labels on some of the staple products I buy each week. Big changes in those foods happened and I wasn’t paying attention. I was intaking so much sodium I had 6 heart attacks in 4 days thinking it was heart burn. Yeah it was heart burn alright. I thought I was doing my healthy life style eating habits but I slipped up and stopped paying attention.
The ketogenic diet is all about eating the right foods in the right proportions. When you get it right, it’ll trigger your body to start burning stored fat.
Is it a Diet or is it a Lifestyle change? That’s the question… Are you seeking to medically repair an illness or weight loss permantely.
In the 1920’s it was medically introduced to treat epilepsy in children. Today it helps diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels. It’s also being introduced to cancer patients for weight control.
Yes, you can use it as a diet method and loose the weight you need and go back to the same old lifestyle. But, by returning to sugar and yeast you are creating a YO-YO diet lifestyle. It’s better to try and balance a nutrious diet.
What foods can you eat?
Ewoldt says:
nuts
seeds
full-fat cheese and other dairy products
plain Greek yogurt
non-starchy and fibrous vegetables
oils
along with smaller amounts of meats, eggs and fish, become keto diet mainstays.
You’ll need to sharply limit carbohydrates
bread and baked goods
sweets
pasta
breakfast cereals
starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes
corn and peas
beans
fruit
beer
Does it really work for weight loss?
Yes — but that answer comes with a qualifier. It takes two to three weeks on the diet to start fat burning (ketosis) in the body. So, don’t expect instant results. Some studies have shown that adhering to low- or very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets helps people lose weight. However, long term there is little difference between a ketogenic diet and a higher carbohydrate diet.
Ketogenic diet for Epilepsy
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that in medicine is used primarily to treat difficult-to-control epilepsy in children and now for adults.
The diet forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates. Normally, the carbohydrates contained in food are converted into glucose, which is then transported around the body and is particularly important in fueling brain function.
However, if little carbohydrate remains in the diet, the liver converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies. The ketone bodies pass into the brain and replace glucose as an energy source.
An elevated level of ketone bodies in the blood, a state known as ketosis, leads to a reduction in the frequency of epileptic seizures.
Around half of children and young people with epilepsy who have tried some form of this diet saw the number of seizures drop by at least half, and the effect persists even after discontinuing the diet.
Some evidence indicates that adults with epilepsy may benefit from the diet, and that a less strict regimen, such as a modified Atkins diet, is similarly effective.
Check the website for complete recipe and pictures.
At one time I had the good fortune to live near a remarkable Jewish Bakery. They created the most eye catching flavorful desserts I had ever seen or tasted. When I moved out of the area and realized I no longer had access to some of my favorites; I decided it was time to start creating my own. One of these fabulous treats was Prune Danish. Now many people just are not into prunes always seeing them as simply a source of fiber for regularity. However, their flavor complements the flaky pastry crust that surrounds them. Prunes are NOT just for fiber any more! And so let me entice you to try making what you see above and enjoying the aroma and flavor of your own freshly baked Prune Danish! Below are two versions you may follow. The Puff Pastry and Lekvar Prune Butter are what yielded the photo above. BUT you can also create your own prune filling and use a softer pastry as will be detailed in what follows. Mix, match and try what you will as they will still taste great. Let us begin with the Puff pastry: 2 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter 1/2 cup cold tap (or bottled) water 1 tsp salt 2 cups all purpose flour 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/8 tsp Cardamom (ground)
Measure the water, add the salt and vanilla, stir to dissolve and set aside. Cut up butter into small size chunks ( I cut 1/2 inch pats then split those into four) Place flour and cardamom into bowl of food processor with METAL blade (not dough blade) Add about 1/2 stick’s worth of the cut up butter and pulse 12 times for one second each Add remaining butter and long pulse twice to incorporate (5 seconds each) Add water and pulse three or four times until dough forms a rough ball. Flour your work surface (I use a large wooden pastry board) and scrape dough out of processor onto the floured surface. Shape dough into a rough rectangle and place between two LARGE sheets of plastic wrap (OR you could use waxed paper). Roll dough into a 12X18 inch rectangle Peel away top plastic then invert dough onto floured work surface Peel away second plastic then fold dough in thirds on the width so as to end up with a 6X18 inch rectangle. Fold one side in then the other overlapping. Roll up dough from a six inch side making sure the end is on the bottom. Press dough into a a square, wrap in plastic and refrigerate one hour.
Pastry number two is a softer one:
1 8oz. brick of cream cheese 3 sticks of butter (salted) 3 cups all purpose flour 1/8 tsp cardamom 1 tsp vanilla
Place 3 cups flour and 1/8 tsp cardamom into food processor with metal blade Cut up butter into smaller chunks (cut 1/2 inch pats then cut each into 4) Cut up Cream cheese into rough chunks as well Add butter to processor and pulse until four and butter combine roughly Add cream cheese and vanilla and pulse until the dough comes together CAREFULLY remove from processor and work with your hands into a ball Place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap then into the fridge for one hour.
Those are the two dough options. Both taste good.
As to the prune filling – well I really like the Simon Fischer Lekvar Prune Butter in the18oz jar. I have bought it on Amazon. It is Natural and tastes really good. I have even spread it on English muffins for breakfast. They sell the jars as a pack of 6 which is okay as they will last you a while. They also sell 17oz in a pack of 3 but you pay shipping so the six pack is a better value. Try this stuff it is REALLY good. I used to use the Solo Prune Filling in the can until my grocery store stopped carrying it. Now I realize they did me a favor as that one was nowhere near as good as Simon Fischer.
IF you feel REALLY ambitious and would rather make your own prune filling then here goes MY version.
2 cups pitted prunes 1/2 cup dark raisins 1 cup Brandy (or if you do not like using alcohol use boiling water) 3/4 cup mild honey 1/8 tsp salt 1 tsp grated Orange Peel (fresh grated or from the jar) (I use a Microplane to get very fine fresh orange and lemon peels. If you do not have one GET one – they are wonderful.)
Put prunes and raisins into a container or bowl and pour on brandy (or boiling water). Stir well and cover with container lid or plastic wrap. (Brandy gives a great flavor and the alcohol will cook out anyway). Allow fruit to soak overnight Place softened fruit into food processor with metal blade Add peel and salt and pulse three or four times Add honey and run processor until well mixed and smooth Do not worry if mixture seems thin as you are going to refrigerate this overnight and it will firm up at that time.
Notice I do NOT cook the prunes as do many recipes. I do not like the taste or texture. The alcohol in the Brandy really plumps and tenderizes the fruit. Boiling water will do okay but not as good as Brandy!
NOW whichever dough you have made you will cut into four equal parts. That is if you like your Danish LARGE with lots of filling – as I DO! If you want smaller ones then by all means divide further. The techniques are the same regardless so YOU decide.
For the Puff Pastry roll each part of dough on Floured surface until you have a 6″X6″ square. (That is for the four LARGE size as shown above) For the soft pastry instead of flour you will coat your work surface with a mixture of 1 cup confectioners sugar and 1 cu granulated sugar. Mix them up together and use like flour on work surface to roll out dough.
Puff Pastry:
For the two front danish in the photo which are the standard looking type, look at the 6X6 square from one point so you see what is like a diamond shape. I use a Tablespoon and a teaspoon to load the filling down the center of the diamond leaving an inch at either “tip”. I use quite a bit of prune in each because I like it that way and the bakery I once frequented did the same. NOW you will fold the two SIDE tips inwards so they overlap over the prune filling (just like you see in the photo above.) Also curl up the other two end points making a sort of ridge which will help keep any filling from running out. This is for the standard look. Use a large flat spatula to lift the danish from the work surface on to your baking sheet. I use a standard cookie sheet which is lined with a Silpat. You can buy Silpat (or silicone) liners on Amazon OR when they have them Costco sells a set for a LOT cheaper. I always have TWO silpat lined cookie sheets for when I make cookies.
The other fancier danish starts out the same with the square but now you look at it AS a square and load the filling down the center leaving an inch at either end. Next you will use a sharp knife to slice the dough into strips coming no closer to the filling than a half inch. Like a lattice you will fold first one “flap” then its opposing over the filling so they overlap. Just look at the picture above and you can see what I am trying to describe. I like the look of these for some reason.
Use the “square/diamond” instructions above only coat your surface with the mix of confectioners and granulated sugars. I would NOT try the overlapping strips with this softer dough. You might end up with a mess. In both cases place cookie sheet with pastries into the fridge while the oven preheats to 350. Before placing in oven either spray top surface of pastries LIGHTLY with PAM (and please use the original as it has the best taste) OR separate out an egg white and whip it up with a whisk until it is more liquid. Brush this on the tops of the pastries if you wish. I prefer the PAM as I do not like the added egg taste. Start out setting your timer at fifteen minutes and then check every five minutes after that until pastry is golden brown as above. DO NOT leave and do NOT forget to check. Every oven is different and there is no way to be exact with timing. Just go by smell and sight to judge when these are done.
Remove from oven leave ten minutes then transfer to cooling racks. Enjoy!
So there it is, another great recipe for the use of healthy prunes.
HIV type 1 & type 2 antibody/antigen (4th gen), herpes type 1 & type 2, hepatitis A, hepatitis B & hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis
If you are wondering what an STD is:
An STD is a sexually transmitted disease; an infection that is transmitted through oral, vaginal or anal sex, intravenous drug use or through nonsexual contact such as childbirth or breastfeeding. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, there are 19 million reported STD cases each year in the United States. STDs are common and it is possible to be infected without being aware because many STDs do not display obvious signs or symptoms. STD testing once or twice every year is recommended. Regular STD testing is a great way to protect your sexual health as well as the health of your partner.
Why Should I get tested for STDs?
Everyone that is sexually active should be tested regularly. Take charge of your sexual health. Some STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, may not display any symptoms at all, but are still just as contagious. Especially get tested if you experience any of these common STD symptoms: Genital sores, itching, unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, or a burning sensation during urination. Some people assume that they are tested for STDs when they have a Pap test or physical, but often this is not the case. There is no comprehensive test for all STDs because each test is specific to an infection. If you have STD symptoms, or have had unprotected sex, it is crucial that you and your partner get tested. By getting an STD test, you can officially put your mind at ease– After all, the most common STD symptoms is to have no symptoms at all.
How do I know if I have an STD?
You can have an STD and not know it due to a lack of symptoms. For instance, you can contract chlamydia or gonorrhea and not have the infection treated due to lack of bumps, rashes or itching. The “silent” nature of STDs helps explain why these infections are so widespread as so many individuals are simply unaware that they have one or more and they spread them unknowingly. Help put an end to the spread of STDs and help protect yourself by learning your status.
Where can I get STD testing?
Contact your doctor or Health Department for testing.
Is oral sex safe sex?
Simply put, no. You are just as vulnerable to STDs from unprotected oral sex, whether you are the giver or the recipient, as you are with any other unprotected sexual activity. Oral sex may be comparatively less risky than vaginal or anal sex, but it is still advisable to use a latex or polyurethane condom, or dental dam in order to be safer. STDs can be transmitted through mouth sores and/or cuts, and some infections, such as herpes, can be spread via skin-to-skin contact. While condoms are not 100% effective in preventing all STDs, they greatly decrease the risk of transmitting an STD during oral sex.
How does your lab perform STD testing?
STD lab tests rely on either a small urine sample (for detecting chlamydia and/or gonorrhea) or a small blood sample (for detecting herpes, syphilis, hepatitis and/or HIV). You will be subjected to any uncomfortable physical exams and vaginal/penile swabbing is required.
Most sexually transmitted diseases do not show symptoms, making it possible to be infected with an STD and not know it. Did you know that if you have one STD, you may have multiple STDs? You should have a 10 Test STD Panel that tests for all the most common bacterial and viral STDs—including HIV type 1 & type 2 antibody/antigen (4th gen), herpes type 1 & type 2, hepatitis A, hepatitis B & hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Comprehensive testing gives you peace of mind.
HIV RNA Early Detection test is the only FDA-approved test that detects the virus directly by screening for its RNA genetic material in your bloodstream, as such this HIV test is able to deliver conclusive results as soon as 9 to 11 days after potential HIV exposure.
GET TESTED TODAY
State Health testing centers Nationwide
Know Your Status. Get Tested.
Take charge of your sex life today. Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status.
Don’t let your weight hold you back from doing the things you want to do. It’s Time to Take Control Of Your Weight.
I have to admit I eat Healthy and that consists of No real junk food. I make all my own food. Going for Junk food is a treat that ends up making me feel sick afterwards.
If you eat as clean as possible and what I mean by that is keeping as many processed foods out of the equation. Low Sugar consumption, use honey or cane syrup for as much as possible, No Soda, No Energy Drinks, unless they are made fresh at home with all natural healthy ingredients. Or Like I said I pay the price. There is just too much sugar, added extra yeast and preservatives in so many products. It only adds to the demise of all goals.
You might find It hard and time consuming at first. But once you get the routine down there’s no problem. Get a crock pot or slow cooker if you work long hours. So it’s ready when you get home. Or you can cook most of your food on your days off. Bake your own bread and cookies from scratch. Make ice tea instead of soda. Or get fresh fruit and add fruit to the blender with water and keep in refrigerator.
If I want chocolate pudding I just make it from scratch. That way I know exactly what I am consuming and it’s healthy for me. There is real sugar, no aspartame or any other odd ingredient that causes illness. Just make your stuff from scratch not from a box. Or you will end up with too much of something that is not good for you.
Don’t get me wrong you can still go out to eat just choose wisely for your meals out and have protein instead of carbs. So more Steak, then deep fried mozzarella cheese sticks. Try and stay away from deep fried foods when you eat out. Going out to breakfast and having eggs, potatoes and meat. No Fast Food through a window. STAY AWAY!!! Go to a sit down restaurant and eat. Mexican food is great. Especially Soft Tacos with all the salsa and veggies. Salsa and Chips are excellent snack in-between meals.
I also consume 2 teaspoons of Bragg apple cider vinegar twice a day. That gives me energy and detox’s the body.
I have 3 dogs and I walk them 3 times a day, 7 days a week around my property. That keeps my legs in shape. I have strength bands that I use for my arms, back and belly. Very “Low” impact exercise.
Just remember to stop and think before you eat. That is the main trick. Have a pound of bacon or steak. Just leave the toast and pancakes out. Protein Diet Only.. Low Carbs. That does not mean you can’t snack or have a cookie or slice of fruit pie. Just make sure you made it from scratch…
Your Body’s Circulation and what it means for your health.
If you are like me and have to sit and work all day your body is being deprived of full circulation.
You see them everywhere, the Lunch walkers. Do you walk for your lunch? Do you ever wonder if they eat first and then walk or is walking their lunch? Well we will be answering those questions today.
The 10 health benefits of a Walking Lunch
We all know that exercise does us good – but did you know that walking has huge health benefits even in small quantities.
Moderate intensity walking has just as effective benefits as jogging like lowering the risk of high blood pressure – and you don’t even need to wear lycra!
The physical benefits of walking are clear:
You can reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes by walking regularly. It’s great cardio exercise, lowering levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. The Stroke Association says that a 30-minute walk every day helps to prevent and control the high blood pressure that causes strokes, reducing the risk by up to 27 percent.
A walk helps to boost your circulation and increase oxygen supply to all your cells, giving you great benefits such as more energy and even healthier looking skin.
Walking even boosts your immune system for 24 hours – who knew?
Physically active employees also take 27% less sick days than non-active employees, leaving them healthier the whole year round.
Walking is also great for getting some more Vitamin D. Many people are vitamin D deficient which is essential for important things such as bone health.
Walking has plenty of mental health benefits as well:
Being active promotes mental health and well being. It improves self-perception and self-esteem, mood and sleep quality, and it reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue.
Physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed.
Physical activity stimulates the release of body chemicals called endorphins, which act as natural painkillers, reduce stress and produce feelings of well being.
Walking improves cerebral blood flow and lowers the risk of vascular disease, which may be linked to helping you stave off dementia.
Our well being is boosted significantly with as little as 5 minutes of outdoor exercise.
So, there are 10 really good reasons you should bring your walking shoes to work.
The Real Reason We Don’t Hear About Susan Boyle Anymore
So many adults are diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome later in life.
Once Diagnosed, the pieces all fall together and understanding takes place. It can be a very lonely and dark place for some not knowing. Not understanding why they react to certain things the way they do or even have no reaction when there should be.
We are posting a series on ASD and all the symptoms and facts associated with Autism. I hope it helps.
Understanding PTSD’s Effects on Brain, Body, and Emotions
By Janet Seahorn, Ph.D Published on Mar 14, 2016
PTSD disrupts the lives of average individuals as well as combat veterans who have served their country. The person experiencing the trauma often then impacts the lives of his/her family, friends, and workplaces. PTSD does not distinguish between race, age or gender and often goes un-diagnosed. Even with proper diagnosis, many individuals do not know where to turn to get help. Society needs to understand the aftermath of trauma especially combat trauma and how to prepare for warriors when they return home.
Janet Seahorn, Ph.D has been a teacher, administrator, and consultant for over thirty years. She currently teaches a variety of classes on neuroscience and literacy as an adjunct professor for Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. Jan has a Ph.D in Human Development and Organizational Systems. Her background includes an in-depth understanding of human development and neuroscience research as well as effective practices in organizational systems and change. She conducts workshops on the neuroscience of learning and memory, the effects of “at-risk” environments (i.e., poverty), brain development, and researched-based instructional practices. Jan has worked with many organizations in the business and educational communities in creating and sustaining healthy, dynamic environments. Dr. Seahorn has researched and studied the effects of trauma on the brain and how excessive or extreme trauma can impact changes in the brain’s neuro network and how that change impacts behaviors.
Get an insight into the daily life of PTSD… Read her Book today
I found this to be profound as far as the education aspect.
NEA REPORTS: Across the country, the number of children diagnosed as having autism has increased substantially and many of these students are in general education classrooms. How can general education teachers and other education professionals address their complex communication, social and learning needs?
Teaching Students with Autism provides a brief summary of how K-12 educators might think differently about students with autism, capitalize on their strengths, provide supports to address their challenges, and facilitate positive social relationships among students with and without autism.
PDF, 1.18 MB, 96 pg).
Orgnat Life Products 