Humor and Stress

Make me laugh!

The main reason I decided to start writing articles for Healthtips 101 and Doraz Says was to help me control my stress. I really like to express myself through humor. I believe that humor is the way to go when all else fails! Sometimes, granted, things just are not funny….but, if you can get past the aggravation and disgust over what just happened to stress you out, just take a few deep breaths, and smile.
According to an article I just read in the September 2008 issue of Shape magazine, just thinking about maybe laughing helps. Researchers at Loma Linda University Schools of Applied Health Profession and Medicine have found that the anticipation does wonders for your health. “Just the act of imagining a positive experience brings us hope and decreases the level of the stress hormone cortisol and epinephrine, says lead study author Lee S Berk,Dr.P.H. ” And because it also triggers the release of other hormones that optimize the immune system ,it could even help fend off illnesses.”
So, like I have been trying to get you to do…LAUGH. Who would not want to lower their stress? Think of some ways you can just have fun. I love to put on some crazy music and just “let it go!” I also get together with my friends and family and talk to them about stuff that really does not make any sense…they just give me that look! Hey, why not start a site like I did, Doraz Says is a “Spin Off” of Healthtips 101.
So stick with Jennifer and I. We’re having lots of fun. Hope you are too!

Believe in yourself,

Luisa

Watching the Olympics Brings Back Memories

So, I’m watching the Olympics and China’s talented athletes, and I begin thinking back on my many experiences with my Chinese-American friends. I lived 10 years in Brooklyn, New York and I’m well aware of the impact of the Chinese culture on America; from food to medicine it is no secret that China’s dynasty is mighty.

Growing up in Brooklyn, eating Chinese takeout was as much a part of the American experience as hot dog and apple pie. Restaurants were open late nights to satisfy the demand for its exotic and flavorful foods. But there is more to the Chinese experience than food. Education and culture were equally important, and those values were instilled at an early age.

I became friends with a Chinese boy in high school and learned the importance of simplicity and friendship. The time spent with my friend was an eye opener. I discovered that the desire for financial success and family were just as strong as any other American with one exception, they were willing to go the extra mile to achieve their dreams. They saved more, spend less, and study more. All the things we do positively and more! I appreciate our cultural differences and wouldn’t want it any other way.

Some Americans appear to be offended when their culture is defined by the foods they eat, because they feel as though they are different from any other culture. But the truth is that we are a melting pot of many cultures, and maybe that is our difference.

I remember staying up late nights with my sister, Barbara and eating the leftovers or dishes she brought home from the local Chinese restaurant in Manhattan. We all had our favorites and would swear that they made the best chow mein or the best dumplings, and we couldn’t imagine life without the Chinese experience.

One of my favorite dishes is beef with broccoli and lots of bell peppers, onions, ginger and soy sauce. You could make variations of this recipe for a low fat diet. Substitute low sodium beef broth for soy sauce.

Despite our differences, it’s good to see the Olympics hosted in Beijing, China and enjoy the spectacular display and hard work that goes into hosting this event. I hope that we will find a way to continue to showcase the many faces of China, and to show how much we appreciate her talented and devoted citizens, and the positive impact she has had on us all.

Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless beef top round steak — trimmed of fat, cut into cubes
1 4.5 ounce jar sliced mushrooms – drained
1 medium onion — cut into wedges
1/2 cup condensed beef broth
3 tablespoons purchased teriyaki baste and glaze
1 tablespoon sesame seed
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil — if desired
2/3 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
1 1/3 cups water
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups frozen broccoli florets or fresh broccoli

Directions:
In 3 1/2 to 4-quart slow cooker, combine beef, mushrooms, onion, broth, teriyaki baste and glaze, sesame seed and sesame oil; mix well. Cover; cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours. About 35 minutes before serving, cook rice in 1 1/3 cups water as directed on package. Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons water and cornstarch; blend well. Stir cornstarch mixture and broccoli into beef mixture. Cover; cook on low setting for an additional 30 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender. Serve over rice.

Makes 4 (1 1/4-cup) servings.

Calories 350
Fat 6 g
Carbohydrates 37 g
Protein 30 g
Sodium 600 mg
Fiber 3 g

Weight Watchers Points value = 7 (WW Points)
http://www.laaloosh.com/2008/04/14/crockpot-beef-broccoli-recipe/

To your health!
~Jennifer

What’d you say to me?

I always base my responses to people I speak to on a daily basis with facts. I look into my heart before I actually blurt out a response. I am fortunate to admit that I do not have any hesitations with confrontations with individuals, who in my opinion are NOT making the accurate conclusions in a situation that just occurred.
Here is what I mean. Have you ever been grocery shopping and you are on your way to the cash register to check out and someone comes flying out the blue and cuts right in front of you. Now, I know what you are thinking. You figure what is the big deal. Just let them go. No problem, right? Well, in my opinion, there is a problem. I believe we should all be courteous to one another, but not abusive. I feel if I do nothing in this situation, someone one day will be very upset if it happened to them. You know that person will do it again. They do not think they are doing anything wrong. Right?
So, what I would do is this. I would acknowledge what just occurred to the other person involved. I would state the facts of what just happened. I would let them know that I am not going to let the situation go by un-noticed. Then I would tell them that if they were in such a hurry that they had to be rude about it, go right ahead.
Usually the other person will either ignore you or they will say they are sorry. Hopefully you will feel better about yourself by being about to speak to someone with sincerity and see that they actually care!
IF IN ANY WAY YOU FEEL THREATENED BY ANYONE, JUST FOLLOW THIS RULE….SAY NOTHING!!!!!!!

–
Take Care,

Luisa

Cinnamon Lowers Blood Pressure, cholesterol and Regulates Diabetes

Research studies have shown that cinnamon will lower type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure by 25% when taken regularly over a two month period. Cinnamon healing powers are due in part to it’s antioxidant properties, and has been know to help people with high risk factors such as excessive abdominal fat, high blood sugar and elevated blood pressure combinations.

Growing up I was taught that herbs and spices have wonderful medicinal qualities and should be explored to their fullest potential. It’s difficult to explain to most Americans who have access to health care. But, so many countries around the world depend on spices and herbs for their healing properties; from stomach aches to headaches and much more.

One such culture that has been using spices and herbs are the Chinese. For centuries the Chinese have celebrated the healing benefits of spices and herbs in cooking, baking and medicine. These herbs claim to heal from rheumatoid arthritis to PMS, and today the world has rediscovered the many benefits of Chinese herbs. Just like the Chinese, Americans can begin to understand the importants that herbs and spices play in the quality of our lives and take the steps towards educating ourselves for better health.

The healing power of cinnamon also reduces bad cholesterol levels as much as 27% according to leading researchers. I was ecstatic to learn that cinnamon is not just used in cooking, but that it can stabilize normal blood pressure, cholesterol and blood levels of glucose and triglycerides.

Conventional medicine combine with homeopathic remedies are on the rise and I suspect will continue during the baby-boom retirement years. I believe that people are hungry for a more natural alternative. So, whether it’s cinnamon or green tea the demand for natural remedies with no side effects will continue to increase.

Recommended dosage:
I put about one half to one teaspoon of powdered cinnamon in my oatmeal or cereal. Some people take the capsules twice daily and others add twenty to forty drops of tincture (liquid extract). Choose your method and stick with it for the best results.

The capsules and tincture can be purchased at your local health food store. While there, checkout nutmeg (power or extract) also good for treating high blood pressure.

To your health!
~Jennifer

Get A Grip on Commitment Already!!!!!!

Some of you may not like what I am going to say, so please leave the room.
Are we ready? I am real big on making a commitment and staying with it all the way to the end. I may not always enjoy the way down the road I chose to take, but I stay with it! Making a true commitment sends messages to others, as well as to yourself (if you are listening) ,about who you are as a person at that point in your life. It develops a trust factor in your personality and it shows others your true dedication to seeing things through. If you chose to voluntarily place yourself emotionally, physically, or intellectually to a course of action, you are making a commitment and need to see it done! It shows that you are sincere and focused in what you have chosen to undertake.

So, review your commitments. They can be those found in relationships, goals, jobs, family, friends, your physical health, and your emotional health. If you have made the sincere effort in those areas of your life, great! I applaud you. If you feel any hesitation, time to sit yourself down and review some things, right?
So, please do not make a promise or an agreement to do something in the future, unless you will give it your all! You can do anything in life, as long as you are alive and well. Once you’re gone, oh well.

–
Take Care,

Luisa

What’s Wrong With American Health Care System?

Health care in America is at an all time high. Did you know that more than 47 million Americans don’t have health care? The rising cost of health care has caused many Americans to put off needed medical care. Most are struggling to pay higher premiums and co-payments and many employers are simply not covering medical for new hires.

So many people complain about health care, but when given the opportunity to do something about it they often opt for government to make the first move.

Health care cost is increasing at an alarming rate-five times that of inflation. At the rate we are going socialized health care could become the norm. For those that can’t stand the though of a government-run healthcare system this could be a hard pill to swallow. Don’t turn your nose up to the idea; it might be our only hope to control the health care crisis in this country.

A number of companies have rolled out supplementary health care plans as a way to cover people who are under insured or uninsured. One such company that is making the difference is Ameriplan® USA. For over 12 years Ameriplan has been offering real savings on medical and dental services up to 80% on some procedures.

Arm yourself with the facts about supplemental health care. Don’t wait until it’s too late. For those who are under insured or uninsured, Ameriplan® supplemental benefit is an affordable solution.

To your health!

~Jennifer

Let The Sunshine

I recently read an article in the July/August 2008 Weight Watchers magazine. I agreed with a lot of the statements they made. I would like to share some with you. In a recent New York University study, a fellow at the nonprofit Environmental Leadership Program by the name of Patricia Zaradic, Ph.D. said, ” Nature acts as a buffer against life’s stressful events.” I agree 100%.

The article goes on to say that just by working in your garden for 45 minutes , you can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Nature relaxes you and helps you breathe more calmly and slowly. It also  goes on to say that your brain produces serotonin which helps in boosting your mood.

It mentions that you can help guard against osteoporosis by getting 5 to 30 minutes of vitamin D-rich sunlight as least twice a week. They claim that by exercising outdoors, you will feel less bored and be more likely to stick with your program goals.

So, the next time you get up in the morning and see that sun shining into your bedroom window, get yourself out of bed, smile, and take on whatever the day throws at you with a little more sunshine and a lot less stress!

–

Take Care,

Luisa

Gardening Links

Corn - Bodacious - Yellow Scientific Name: Zea mays var rugosa (Hybrid) Zone: Sun: “The Corn Sweet Bodacious, ‘Zea mays var rugosa (Hybrid)’, is a gourmet sweet corn with exceptional flavor. It was developed for the home garden and t… more

Cosmos - Bright Lights Blend Scientific Name: Cosmos sulphureus Zone: Sun: “The Cosmos Bright Lights Blend, ‘Cosmos sulphureus’, displays an absolutely magnificent blend of yellow, gold, and scarlet flowers. The Bright Lights… more

What Chapter Are You On?

I believe there is a room, somewhere other then here on earth that has millions and millions of books! I believe we are all the main characters in them. See, you did not know you were famous, did you? Let me explain my crazy statements, ok?

Think about a handful of people you know that are either family members, friends, coworkers, etc. Take a moment to figure out when you last said, “What’s their problem?”

Well, I believe we are all playing out what is in our book and that we are doing our best to co-exist with “the others” who are obviously on a different chapter! It has nothing to do with anything going on with you personally, it just is.

If you can follow this, it will help you stay a lot calmer in your dealings with other individuals on a daily basis. Each of us is unique. Each of us is weird. Each of us are just trying to stay alive. We need to focus on ourselves, and not get so involved in the lives of others so that we can expand our own personal growth. I am not saying we should not be empathetic to others. We should always do our best in guiding those that ask for help. We just can not get too involved or we will lose sight of our goals and our plans. Professional help is always available.

So, teach yourself ways to learn to tolerate stressful situations in your life. Take them on a daily basis. When you feel like you are about to have an explosion, just relax, take some deep breaths, and remember we are all on different chapters in our books of life. If you are lucky, maybe a few times a year you might actually be on the same page!!!!!
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Take Care,

Luisa

Chocolate Peppermint

Chocolate mint gone wild!

Today, I decided I will take a picture of our once thriving garden reduced to chocolate peppermint and weeds. About four years ago my husband planted squash, collard greens, cherry tomatoes, peppers, kale, and chocolate peppermint, and we ate many meals from that garden. But, unfortunately his work schedule kept him from caring for his vegetable garden, so the weeds and insects took over.

Wait a minute, is that a cherry tomato plant I see? I though I removed them all. One thing I learned about growing vegetables is that you have to try really hard to kill them. The biggest challenge you will face with a vegetable garden is keeping it BUG FREE and WEED FREE.

Chocolate peppermint does not smell like chocolate but it does smell like mint and makes a nice salad and hot tea. It’s refreshing and it taste great. As you can see I have too much, and I cannot with certainty distinguish the real herb from the weed (imposter). So, to be on the safe side, I decided to remove all of the chocolate peppermint and start over.

The next step will be to clear the area, turn the soil and fertilize. Then, it’s time to plant. I will keep you posted on my progress each step of the way.

Please share your stories!

To your health!

~Jennifer