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PATRICIAANN46's Recent Blog Entries
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Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Three sisters ages 92, 94, and 96 live in a house together.
One night the 96 year old draws a bath. She puts her foot in and pauses.....
She yells to the other sisters, "Was I getting in or out of the bath?"
The 94 year old yells back, "I don't know. I'll come up and see."
She starts up the stairs and pauses "Was I going up the stairs or down?"
The 92 year old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea listening to her sisters.
She shakes her head and says, "I sure hope I never get that forgetful." she knocked on wood.
She then yells, "I'll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who's at the door."
Monday, January 30, 2012
Natural and over-the-counter sleep remedies can be surprisingly effective, but like prescription drugs, they carry risks, including dependency. Consult your doctor before taking any sleep medications.
Diphenhydramine (for example, Benadryl and Sominex) and doxytamine (for example, Unisom) are common OTC antihistamines that are also marketed as sleep aids. Scientists believe that these drugs cause sedation by blocking the brain's histamine activity, which is normally involved in arousal and alertness.
Melatonin is a sleep-promoting hormone that's naturally produced by the body at night. Available as a supplement, it can help you fall asleep if taken two to three hours before bedtime. Keep in mind that the commonly listed dosage (five milligrams) is more than what most people require; instead, start with one milligram and work up to 2.5 milligrams if necessary.
Research suggests that Valerian Root may have a sedative-like effect, helping you drift off more quickly and prolonging total sleep time. Try preparing it in a tea and drinking a cup before bed.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Can you believe anything big corporations tell you these days.....especially if it has to do with healthy, natural food? Recent media attention is shining a harsh light on the use of "Pure" to describe beverages such as mass-produced, big-brand orange juices.
It is probably not news to you that the processing part of these manufactured drinks removes most of the essential, healthy elements of the juice; however, did you know that the companies add artificial flavoring back into juice that has been de-oxygenated and stored for up to a year?
Year-old juice with artificial flavor is not my idea of pure. If you really want orange juice, consider making it yourself-----it isn't that hard, takes about a minute, and ultimately it is cheaper than buying cartons of low-quality orange drink. You can use an inexpensive manual juicer or splurge for an automated version. If you have a high-powered blender that will pulverize the seeds, you can peel and blend whole oranges for a whole juice experience.
Alternatively, you can get your orange fix, complete with fiber, by tearing into a whole juicy orange and benefit from the truly pure health properties it provides.
 
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Pity the prune
That misunderstood fruit
A prune is a plum
In an unpressed suit.
---Louis Phillips---
Sweet, sticky, chewy and very very good for you: that's the magic of a prune. Make this wonder fruit your plum choice for great health.
Prune Primer
Prunes are basically fully ripened and dried plums.
Both plums and prunes were well known to the ancient Egyptians. They were found in the tombs at Thebes, and a Sumerian clay tablet (2150 BC) describes the use of prunes in some poultices. However it wasn't until the 12th century, when Crusaders brought damson trees over to Europe from Syria, that prunes began to make their mark in the west.
By the early 16th century, plum orchards were flourishing throughout southwestern France and a while after the port of Agen gave its name to the dried fruit of the Ente plum---the famous D'Agen prune.
Today, California is the leading producer of prunes in the world.
Keep prunes in an airtight container in a cool place. To extend their shelf-life, put them in the fridge.
The prune's list of health benefits is long and impressive:
* Loads of antioxidants that prevent free radical damage and protect you from aging.
* Endowed with vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which has a well-documented role in combating all kinds of disease.
* They've got potassium, which heals the heart and keeps the blood pressure normal.
* Good for weight-watchers! The soluble fiber in prunes keeps you feeling fuller longer.
* The insoluble fiber in prunes nurtures the friendly bacteria in your intestines, thus getting the better of the "bad guys," i.e., germs and other agents of disease.
* A great boon for the constipated: the bulk in prunes helps maintain bowel regularity, which cuts your risk of colon cancer and hemorrhoids.
* Blessed with vitamin C, prunes help you absorb iron better.
8 Ways to Enjoy Prunes
Soak prunes in hot water to refresh and tenderize them.
Sprinkle chopped prunes into your oatmeal.
Pop them into your juicer to add flavor and nourishment to fresh juice.
Crumble them atop ice cream or fruit pies for a creative touch and a lovely sweetness.
Serve prunes over pancakes and waffles: delicious!
Prune Chutney: Grind a few prunes and whisk them with vinegar, salt and sugar to taste. You can stir in some white wine to add interest to the proceedings.
Stew prunes in red wine and serve with mascarpone.
Slit prunes and stuff with cottage cheese. Toss into your salads.
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