Good morning everyone,
What a beautiful sunrise! However, the weatherman says it will become nasty. If you have errands, you may want to get out this morning.
Great news, our friend John is home and recovering from his broken hip. I spoke with Suzanne yesterday and she is so happy to have him home.
Techie friends, I found an app yesterday which would allow individuals to leave a voice mail on the blog. I think that would be a great way to get input and involve everyone. However, I must confess, I can't figure out how to embed it into the blog permanently. Anyone have an idea? I will keep trying for my weekend mission.
Have a great day and do a good deed!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Yummy stir fry
Chicken & Asparagus Stir Fry
This stellar recipe is so simple, easy and quick to make and would make an excellent dinner meal for a sit down served dinner party or for a romantic dinner for two
The tender moist pieces of Chicken, paired with the al dente crunch of the fresh Asparagus will delight your taste buds to the MAX!! Asian inspired Cuisine is always a sure fire hit!!
Chicken & Asparagus Stir Fry
Ingredients
4 Tbsp. soy sauce
4 Tbsp. honey
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 bunch asparagus, cut into bite-sized pieces
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tsp. pepper
2 scallions, chopped
2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
(optional) 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds
Directions
In a small bowl or in a ziplock bag, combine soy sauce and honey. Add chicken, and stir to coat. Set in the refrigerator until ready.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus, and saute until cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove the asparagus with a slotted spoon, and set aside.
Remove chicken from marinade, and add to skillet. Saute until nearly cooked through (with the insides still slightly pink), about 5 minutes. Then add garlic, pepper, scallions, and the reserved marinade to the pan. Saute for an additional 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil. Serve immediately with rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
This stellar recipe is so simple, easy and quick to make and would make an excellent dinner meal for a sit down served dinner party or for a romantic dinner for two
The tender moist pieces of Chicken, paired with the al dente crunch of the fresh Asparagus will delight your taste buds to the MAX!! Asian inspired Cuisine is always a sure fire hit!!
Chicken & Asparagus Stir Fry
Ingredients
4 Tbsp. soy sauce
4 Tbsp. honey
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 bunch asparagus, cut into bite-sized pieces
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tsp. pepper
2 scallions, chopped
2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
(optional) 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds
Directions
In a small bowl or in a ziplock bag, combine soy sauce and honey. Add chicken, and stir to coat. Set in the refrigerator until ready.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus, and saute until cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove the asparagus with a slotted spoon, and set aside.
Remove chicken from marinade, and add to skillet. Saute until nearly cooked through (with the insides still slightly pink), about 5 minutes. Then add garlic, pepper, scallions, and the reserved marinade to the pan. Saute for an additional 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil. Serve immediately with rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Thursday, February 27
Good morning everyone,
Yesterday was such a beautiful day, until you stepped out! The warm weekend gave me spring fever...I was ready to work in the yard.
It has been a busy week with clients. If I haven't returned your call or email, I apologize. I seem to run out of hours in my day.
I just read about an amazing app for the blog. I will try to download it today and see if it works. If the ads are any indication, you may be able to leave me a voice mail on the blog! How cool is that! It is called Speakpipe. Look for it later today if it really works.
Do a good deed and put a smile on your face.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Yesterday was such a beautiful day, until you stepped out! The warm weekend gave me spring fever...I was ready to work in the yard.
It has been a busy week with clients. If I haven't returned your call or email, I apologize. I seem to run out of hours in my day.
I just read about an amazing app for the blog. I will try to download it today and see if it works. If the ads are any indication, you may be able to leave me a voice mail on the blog! How cool is that! It is called Speakpipe. Look for it later today if it really works.
Do a good deed and put a smile on your face.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Calcium update (post #2)
Women are told to take a calcium supplement following menopause to stave off rapid bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis. Men lose bone as they age too, but most don't need to take a calcium supplement because their bone loss is much less rapid. A number of studies suggest that too much calcium intake by men can increase their risk of prostate cancer. On the flip side a calcium deficiency can elevate the risk of colon cancer, so it's still important to get the right balance. According to guidelines published by the National Academy of Sciences, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium for men 19 - 70 years old is 1,000 mg a day and 1,200 mg for men 71 years and older. Rather than popping a supplement most men can meet their daily requirement for calcium through a diet rich in dairy products. Tips for boosting calcium intake: Use milk instead of water when cooking hot cereal Add low-fat shredded cheese to salads, egg white omelets and pasta dishes or add a slice of low-fat cheese to your sandwiches Substitute plain yogurt for sour cream on your baked potato For a snack, try a piece of string cheese with some nuts Opt for low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt or pudding for dessert instead of cake or cookies Foods high in calcium Calcium (mg) Yogurt, plain, low fat (1 'cup') 400 Milk, skim (1 'cup') 305 Figs, dried (10) 269 Pudding, (1 'cup') 266 Tofu, raw, firm (1/2 'cup') 258 Salmon (3 oz.) 181 Mozzarella - part skim (1 oz.) 183 Ice cream, low fat (1'cup') 176 Edamame (1 'cup') 175 Calcium fortified orange juice (1/2 'cup') 166 Navy Beans (1 'cup') 128 Broccoli (1/2 'cup') 89 Almonds (1 oz.) 80 For delicious high fiber meal plans, recipes and tips on healthy eating, drinking and losing weight, check out my latest book, The Miracle Carb Diet: Make Calories and Fat Disappear - with Fiber! Tanya Zuckerbrot MS, RD , is a registered dietitian in New York City and the bestselling author of The Miracle Carb Diet: Make Calories and Fat Disappear - with fiber as well as the F-Factor Diet.
Wednesday midweek wrap
Hello everyone,
Hard to believe it is the middle of the work week already. The phone has been busy with folks in need. I am proud to report that doctors at the VA are sending folks our way. The need is so great.....
I would like to target what you need in the blog. Please drop me an email to tell me what you like or dislike about the blog. Based on emails, I will prepare a survey and we will all have input on how to move forward. When I started this one year ago, I had no idea that 14,000 visits in one year were possible. I am delighted we generate so much interest but that creates a responsibility to provide useful information. Please help me out on ways to improve the blog.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Hard to believe it is the middle of the work week already. The phone has been busy with folks in need. I am proud to report that doctors at the VA are sending folks our way. The need is so great.....
I would like to target what you need in the blog. Please drop me an email to tell me what you like or dislike about the blog. Based on emails, I will prepare a survey and we will all have input on how to move forward. When I started this one year ago, I had no idea that 14,000 visits in one year were possible. I am delighted we generate so much interest but that creates a responsibility to provide useful information. Please help me out on ways to improve the blog.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Ms. Helen's favorite cabbage recipe
This sounds great! I keep telling her to experiment with my tummy.....
Cajun Cabbage
1 lb. of lean ground beef or turkey
1 head of cabbage chopped
1 package if taco seasoning
1 can of Rotel
1 can of beans - black or your choice
Cook the meat adding onions if you like the taste. Drain the meat, add cabbage, beans, taco seasoning, Rotel and 1 can of water. Mix well and cook until done. This also works well in the crockpot.
Cajun Cabbage
1 lb. of lean ground beef or turkey
1 head of cabbage chopped
1 package if taco seasoning
1 can of Rotel
1 can of beans - black or your choice
Cook the meat adding onions if you like the taste. Drain the meat, add cabbage, beans, taco seasoning, Rotel and 1 can of water. Mix well and cook until done. This also works well in the crockpot.
Tuesday, February 25
Good morning,
It seems cool to me this morning. Think I will grab a jacket on my way out the door. We visited our friends at Woodland Heights yesterday. They are doing great. They have mastered zoom and email!
Johnye found a couple of good articles in Readers digest for our enjoyment. Here is one:
It seems cool to me this morning. Think I will grab a jacket on my way out the door. We visited our friends at Woodland Heights yesterday. They are doing great. They have mastered zoom and email!
Johnye found a couple of good articles in Readers digest for our enjoyment. Here is one:
Health: 21-Day Tummy Checkup
One of the most important recent medical breakthroughs has been the impact of gut flora on overall health. This dynamic mix of bacteria in the digestive tract may affect everything from obesity to asthma. It's a topic that Reader's Digest has been closely covering, including in my recent book 21-Day Tummy, a plan to shrink and soothe your stomach by reducing inflammation and balancing gut bacteria. I'm also intrigued by this latest pioneering research: Gut microbes, new studies show, may even influence how happy or anxious we feel. THE GUT-MOOD LINK Anyone who's ever experienced "butterflies" in his or her stomach knows that the gut and the brain are connected. But until recently, scientists hadn't realized that the trillions of bacteria in our digestive tract may be driving the relationship. One recent experiment suggests that you can colonize calm. Canadian researchers gave healthy mice a cocktail of antibiotics, which alter the makeup of GI-tract bugs. Over two weeks, some animals became more anxious and some less, depending on which drugs they received. In another study, when gut bacteria from calm mice were transferred to anxious mice, the jittery critters seemed less nervous. Everyday foods may also affect the composition of gut bacteria, and in turn, brain chemistry. UCLA gastroenterologist Kirsten Tillisch, MD, recently had healthy women eat a yogurt rich in certain strains of "good" probiotic bacteria. Two control groups ate yogurt without such bacteria or ate nothing. Brain scans of the probiotic-yogurt eaters indicated changes in regions that could be associated with a less-anxious response in fearful or stressful situations compared with the control groups. Scientists are even exploring whether gut microbes might treat some brain disorders. A new study in Cell found that mice with features of autism given a type of bacteria in healthy human GI tracts exhibited less autism-like behavior. In a recent case report, a Boston psychiatrist says a course of certain probiotics and antibiotics helped relieve a patient's obsessive-compulsive disorder and ADHD. "We tend to focus on how your mood affects your body from the top down, not the bottom up," says Dr. Tillisch. "Now we know that the gut affects how your brain responds to the environment-it's a remarkable change in thinking. HOW BACTERIA TALK TO THE BRAIN Scientists aren't sure how gut flora affect brain chemistry. One theory is that the bacteria access pathways along the vagus nerve, the main highway in the nervous system that links the brain to the gut. Another is that the bacteria influence the immune system, releasing chemicals that affect conditions like depression. Finally, researchers believe that bacteria produce or affect the metabolism of chemicals like serotonin or dopamine, which alter brain function. CULTIVATE A HAPPIER GUT Dr. Tillisch told me that patients always ask which probiotics will lift their mood. Her answer: "We don't know yet, but we hope to one day. In the future, patients might receive probiotics or fecal transplant-in which bacteria from the gut of a healthy person are transferred to the gut of a sick one-to prevent or treat mental health issues. But these approaches are years away from prime time. Until then, a diet rich in fruit and veggies (whose fiber nourishes certain bacterial strains) helps cultivate better- balanced microbes than a typical Western diet high in animal and processed products. Avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, particularly in early childhood, may also establish healthier gut bacteria. 21-Day Tummy is available wherever books are sold. The plan helps balance gut bacteria for improved digestion and weight loss.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Super easy breakfast bake
Biscuit Breakfast Bake
10 eggs
1/2 cup milk
16 oz refrigerated breakfast biscuits (I used the Pillsbury flakey kind) ***DO NOT COOK FIRST***
4 scallions (green onions, spring onions, whatever you prefer to call them)
1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
If you’re into the meats – cooked center cut bacon or cooked sausage
11×17 pan, sprayed with cooking spray (Note: I think a 9×13 works better, but it might need to bake a little longer)
1. Mix your eggs and milk in a large bowl. Cut each biscuit (I’m all about scissors in the kitchen) into fours and add it to the bowl. I like to do this before I cook the bacon or cut up the scallions – give the biscuits some time to really soak in the eggs.
2. Cut up your scallions, shred your cheese, cook and break up your bacon (or sausage). Add everything to the bowl.
3. Mix it all up and pour into your pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes .. closer to 30 so it isn't runny
YUMMY!! Serve with Fresh Fruit Salad and lotsa coffee/tea and assorted juices
make this the night before leave it in the mixing bowl in the fridge covered with saran. In the morning, give it a good stir then pour into prepared baking dish and proceed to bake as directed!!!
Biscuit Breakfast Bake
10 eggs
1/2 cup milk
16 oz refrigerated breakfast biscuits (I used the Pillsbury flakey kind) ***DO NOT COOK FIRST***
4 scallions (green onions, spring onions, whatever you prefer to call them)
1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
If you’re into the meats – cooked center cut bacon or cooked sausage
11×17 pan, sprayed with cooking spray (Note: I think a 9×13 works better, but it might need to bake a little longer)
1. Mix your eggs and milk in a large bowl. Cut each biscuit (I’m all about scissors in the kitchen) into fours and add it to the bowl. I like to do this before I cook the bacon or cut up the scallions – give the biscuits some time to really soak in the eggs.
2. Cut up your scallions, shred your cheese, cook and break up your bacon (or sausage). Add everything to the bowl.
3. Mix it all up and pour into your pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes .. closer to 30 so it isn't runny
YUMMY!! Serve with Fresh Fruit Salad and lotsa coffee/tea and assorted juices
make this the night before leave it in the mixing bowl in the fridge covered with saran. In the morning, give it a good stir then pour into prepared baking dish and proceed to bake as directed!!!
Potatoes dish in foil
Bacon n Onion Foil Packet Potatoes
2 to 3 sheets of heavy-duty foil
1 packet dry onion soup mix
15 baby red or white potatoes, thinly sliced, skin on
12 slices of cooked and sliced/crumbled bacon - save drippings
Salt and pepper to taste
3 - 4 tablespoons bacon drippings
Spray each sheet of foil with cooking spray. Top each piece with equal portions of potatoes- ( low carb use cauliflower), bacon, 1 packet onion soup mix. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to each serving. Wrap securely.
Bake it in the oven, at 350 for about 35 minutes or till done. Let stand a few minutes before serving. Serve in foil, topped with sour cream if desired.
Serves 3-4
To make Cheesy Bacon n Onion Potatoes, add 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar or your fav cheese to the foil packet and open foil packet and broil on low with 5 min remaining so the cheese can get bubbly and golden on top.
*Tip 2 - Add some vegs like mushrooms and/or peppers to the foil packet and then drizzle bacon drippings over top of all ingredients before sealing packet.
*Tip 3 - To bbq/grill place wrapped foil packet/s on grill and close lid and grill for 15-20 min on medium/high
Monday, February 24
Good morning everyone,
We have another busy week ahead. Today Mr. Helen and I will be at Woodland Heights. We have a great group there and they are becoming zoom proficient! They have three finger swipe down to an art.
I have several great recipes this week. I will post a couple after this post.
Have a great day and help each other,
Until tomorrow
Dr. Janet
We have another busy week ahead. Today Mr. Helen and I will be at Woodland Heights. We have a great group there and they are becoming zoom proficient! They have three finger swipe down to an art.
I have several great recipes this week. I will post a couple after this post.
Have a great day and help each other,
Until tomorrow
Dr. Janet
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Sunday supper
FRIED CABBAGE WITH SAUSAGE (great for low carbers)
This is a quick and easy dish.
1 stick butter or margarine
1 small head of cabbage, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into round pieces (I use turkey)
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes or rotel tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Melt butter in large skillet. Add cabbage, onion, and cook on medium high for about 5 minutes stirring to keep from sticking to pan. Add remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for 20 – 25 minutes.
Makes about 8 servings. Only 4 g net carbs per serving.
This is a quick and easy dish.
1 stick butter or margarine
1 small head of cabbage, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into round pieces (I use turkey)
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes or rotel tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Melt butter in large skillet. Add cabbage, onion, and cook on medium high for about 5 minutes stirring to keep from sticking to pan. Add remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for 20 – 25 minutes.
Makes about 8 servings. Only 4 g net carbs per serving.
Overdrive lesson without the graphics. (Low vision users scroll down to next post)
Welcome to the Next Generation of your library’s digital collection
We’ve made it faster and more intuitive to connect you to the books you love. The steps below are designed to answer your questions and help you get acquainted with the new experience.
How to find a title to borrow
From the homepage, there are several ways for you to find a title to enjoy.
Select a cover image from any of the lists.
Click a link from the Menu.
Search for something you want.
You can quickly tell which titles are available and which ones you can place on hold by the format icon in the top-right corner of a cover image. If a title isn’t available, the icon will be greyed out.
How borrowing works
Borrowing and reading titles is much easier. It takes only a few seconds to find a title and start reading. Accessing any borrowed title from your Bookshelf only requires a few clicks or taps.
eBooks: Click Borrow to check out a title (if you’re not signed in, you’ll be prompted to do so). You’ll be taken to your Bookshelf on your Account page, where you can begin reading the title in your browser or choose a download format.
Additional formats (your library may offer audiobooks, video, or music): Select the title you want, click (or tap) Borrow, then download it from your Bookshelf.
Note: To download additional formats, you'll need to install OverDrive Media Console or Adobe Digital Editions.
Getting started with OverDrive Read (browser-based eBook reader)
OverDrive Read is a new in-browser eBook reader. It works just like any eBook reading app, except you don’t need to activate or install extra software.
What do I need to begin? All you need is a computer, tablet, or mobile device with a modern web browser. If you’d like to learn more about compatibility, please check out the OverDrive Read website.
For the best user experience, we recommend using Google Chrome for OverDrive Read.
If you’re using Internet Explorer, you may need to install the Google Chrome Frame plugin. It’s free software that installs in moments. If you need the Chrome plugin, you will be prompted when you try to open an eBook. If you cannot install the plugin, you can opt to use OverDrive Read Basic instead, a reduced-feature version of OverDrive Read.
How does OverDrive Read work? Once you’ve borrowed a title, click the Read button next to a supported eBook on your bookshelf to open it in a new tab or window. For more on how to use OverDrive Read, check out our help site for a more detailed guide.
Other Notes
From your Account page, you can view your Holds, Lists (Wish List, Rated titles, and Recommendations for you), and change your lending period(s) from the Settings page.
Click the ribbon below a title to add or remove it from your Wish List.
The Menu bar is available from any page—just click the icon to expand or collapse it.
You can drill down search results by subject, rating, language, and more.
Note: If you’re using Internet Explorer, you may need to download the Google Chrome Frame Plug-in. It’s free and only takes moments to install. If you cannot install the plug-in, you can opt to use OverDrive Read Basic instead, a reduced-feature version of OverDrive Read.
Overdrive lesson for low vision users
Welcome to the Next Generation of your library’s digital collection
We’ve made it faster and more intuitive to connect you to the books you love. The steps below are designed to answer your questions and help you get acquainted with the new experience.
How to find a title to borrow
From the homepage, there are several ways for you to find a title to enjoy.- Select a cover image from any of the lists.
- Click a link from the Menu.
- Search for something you want.
You can quickly tell which titles are available and which ones you can place on hold by the format icon in the top-right corner of a cover image. If a title isn’t available, the icon will be greyed out.
How borrowing works
Borrowing and reading titles is much easier. It takes only a few seconds to find a title and start reading. Accessing any borrowed title from your Bookshelf only requires a few clicks or taps.- eBooks: Click Borrow to check out a title (if you’re not signed in, you’ll be prompted to do so). You’ll be taken to your Bookshelf on your Account page, where you can begin reading the title in your browser or choose a download format.
- Additional formats (your library may offer audiobooks, video, or music): Select the title you want, click (or tap) Borrow, then download it from your Bookshelf.
Note: To download additional formats, you'll need to install OverDrive Media Console or Adobe Digital Editions.
Getting started with OverDrive Read (browser-based eBook reader)
OverDrive Read is a new in-browser eBook reader. It works just like any eBook reading app, except you don’t need to activate or install extra software.
What do I need to begin? All you need is a computer, tablet, or mobile device with a modern web browser. If you’d like to learn more about compatibility, please check out the OverDrive Read website.
For the best user experience, we recommend using Google Chrome for OverDrive Read.
If you’re using Internet Explorer, you may need to install the Google Chrome Frame plugin. It’s free software that installs in moments. If you need the Chrome plugin, you will be prompted when you try to open an eBook. If you cannot install the plugin, you can opt to use OverDrive Read Basic instead, a reduced-feature version of OverDrive Read.
How does OverDrive Read work? Once you’ve borrowed a title, click the Read button next to a supported eBook on your bookshelf to open it in a new tab or window. For more on how to use OverDrive Read, check out our help site for a more detailed guide.
Other Notes
- From your Account page, you can view your Holds, Lists (Wish List, Rated titles, and Recommendations for you), and change your lending period(s) from the Settings page.
- Click the ribbon below a title to add or remove it from your Wish List.
- The Menu bar is available from any page—just click the icon to expand or collapse it.
- You can drill down search results by subject, rating, language, and more.
Note: If you’re using Internet Explorer, you may need to download the Google Chrome Frame Plug-in. It’s free and only takes moments to install. If you cannot install the plug-in, you can opt to use OverDrive Read Basic instead, a reduced-feature version of OverDrive Read.
Sunday, February 23
Good morning everyone,
The weatherman has promised another beautiful day. I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy it. Yesterday afternoon was a perfect day for a walk. Hubby and I enjoyed a stroll through our neighborhood. I developed a work in the yard bug! Now just to find a Gardner to take care of that!
There are a couple of great posts below this one from late yesterday. Enjoy!
Have a great day and do a good deed,
Dr. Janet
The weatherman has promised another beautiful day. I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy it. Yesterday afternoon was a perfect day for a walk. Hubby and I enjoyed a stroll through our neighborhood. I developed a work in the yard bug! Now just to find a Gardner to take care of that!
There are a couple of great posts below this one from late yesterday. Enjoy!
Have a great day and do a good deed,
Dr. Janet
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Yummy recipe
**Crescent Sausage Bites**
Ingredients:
1 lb. sausage (pork or turkey)
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
2 packages crescent rolls
Dash salt & ground black pepper
Directions:
In a saute pan, brown sausage; drain. Add a dash of salt and pepper. Blend in cream cheese until the cream cheese is melted.
Unroll one package of crescent rolls and place on a baking sheet. With your fingers, gently press the seams together to seal them. Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border along the edges.
Unroll the remaining package of crescent rolls and place on top of the sausage mixture. Press the edges together to seal. Gently press the seams together.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until crescent roll dough is golden brown.
Cut into small squares and serve. (A pizza cutter makes really quick and easy work of the cutting.).
Ingredients:
1 lb. sausage (pork or turkey)
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
2 packages crescent rolls
Dash salt & ground black pepper
Directions:
In a saute pan, brown sausage; drain. Add a dash of salt and pepper. Blend in cream cheese until the cream cheese is melted.
Unroll one package of crescent rolls and place on a baking sheet. With your fingers, gently press the seams together to seal them. Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border along the edges.
Unroll the remaining package of crescent rolls and place on top of the sausage mixture. Press the edges together to seal. Gently press the seams together.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until crescent roll dough is golden brown.
Cut into small squares and serve. (A pizza cutter makes really quick and easy work of the cutting.).
Who knew.....
THINGS YOUR MOTHER SHOULD HAVE TOLD YOU!!
1. Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.
2. Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!
3. Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.
4. Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.
5. To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.
6. For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.
7. Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.
8. Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!
9. Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.
10. Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.
11. Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.
12. Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.
13. Newspaper weeds away
Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go. Cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.
14. Broken Glass
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.
15. No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.
16. Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.
17. Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.
18. Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ... guess what! ... static is gone.
19. Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out. (Or spray the measuring cup or spoon with Pam before using)
20. Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!
21. Re-opening envelopes
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.
22. Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.
23. Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!
24. Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!
25. Dryer Filter
Even if you are very diligent about cleaning the lint filter in your dryer it still may be causing you a problem. If you use dryer sheets a waxy build up could be accumulating on the filter causing your dryer to over heat. The solution to this is to clean your filter with with a toothbrush and hot soapy water every 6 months.
1. Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.
2. Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!
3. Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.
4. Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.
5. To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.
6. For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.
7. Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.
8. Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!
9. Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.
10. Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.
11. Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.
12. Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.
13. Newspaper weeds away
Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go. Cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.
14. Broken Glass
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.
15. No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.
16. Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.
17. Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.
18. Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ... guess what! ... static is gone.
19. Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out. (Or spray the measuring cup or spoon with Pam before using)
20. Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!
21. Re-opening envelopes
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.
22. Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.
23. Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!
24. Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!
25. Dryer Filter
Even if you are very diligent about cleaning the lint filter in your dryer it still may be causing you a problem. If you use dryer sheets a waxy build up could be accumulating on the filter causing your dryer to over heat. The solution to this is to clean your filter with with a toothbrush and hot soapy water every 6 months.
Hot Springs Village
Hi everyone,
We are back from a fun day in the village. It was a beautiful day for the drive and always great to see old friends and make new ones. We met at a local library which had a nice facility but our new friends Charles and Jim believe they can secure a church for our next event on April 5!
The next time everyone rides with Mr. Earl please ask him about his Mexican lunch. He ordered a platter called the chihuahua. We teased him so bad about eating a dog he couldn't eat for laughing. We always have a great time!
Now to spend a little time with the hubby...
Dr. Janet
We are back from a fun day in the village. It was a beautiful day for the drive and always great to see old friends and make new ones. We met at a local library which had a nice facility but our new friends Charles and Jim believe they can secure a church for our next event on April 5!
The next time everyone rides with Mr. Earl please ask him about his Mexican lunch. He ordered a platter called the chihuahua. We teased him so bad about eating a dog he couldn't eat for laughing. We always have a great time!
Now to spend a little time with the hubby...
Dr. Janet
Friday, February 21, 2014
Good USA Today article
Flu hit working-age adults hardest this year By Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY Very young children and the elderly usually suffer the most from seasonal flu, but this year, all those in between are being hit hardest. Working-age adults accounted for 61% of influenza hospitalizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday. Last flu season, about 35% of flu hospitalizations were people ages 18 to 64, the CDC said. People in that age range accounted for about 60% of flu deaths. That compared with 18%, 30% and 47% for the three previous seasons, the CDC reported. "One of the reasons flu is hitting young adults hard is such a low proportion get the flu shot," CDC Director Tom Frieden said. "Only one-third were vaccinated. That's in contrast to a 60% vaccination rate for seniors and more than 50% for children. Vaccination rates make a difference. "We're seeing more of our cases in working-age adults," said Edward Belongia, an expert on flu vaccine effectiveness at the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation in Marshfield, Wis. People with underlying illness -- especially obesity, diabetes and lung problems -- were at highest risk. Only about 15% of adults hospitalized for the flu didn't have an underlying complication, said Anne Schuchat at the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. This year's flu season isn't finished, the CDC said. It will probably go on for several more weeks, especially in regions where activity started later, such as the Northeast and West Coast.
Great article from Readers Digest
Health How the Weather Forecast Predicts Your Health BY LAUREN GELMAN ILLUSTRATION BY MARK MILLER On cold days, watch for: Heart attack: One 2012 U.S. study found an 18 percent increase in heart attack deaths in winter and a 10 to 12 percent decrease in summer. Cold weather may constrict blood vessels or lead to more blood clots. Psoriasis flares: Cold, dry air sucks moisture out of the skin, which makes it more vulnerable to the disease's trademark red, scaly patches. A good, greasy, penetrating moisturizer can help. On hot days, watch for: Gout: Dehydration from sweltering temps can cause uric acid, a trigger of gout pain, to accumulate. Multiple sclerosis: Steamy weather and even slight rises in core body temperature-caused by a fever or taking a hot bath-can exacerbate symptoms. When lightning strikes, watch for: Migraines: A study found that these headaches were 28 percent more likely to occur when lightning struck, perhaps due to electromagnetic changes. On rainy days, watch for: Arthritis: As atmospheric pressure drops, tissues near joints expand and put pressure on nerves. (However, some studies that tracked symptoms with weather didn't find a strong link.)
Friday, February 21
Happy Friday,
The early morning forecast is for a nice day. I hope you can run your errands and get out while it is nice. Remember, Arkansas weather changes constantly and it sounds like cooler weather will be back next week.
We will be in Hot Springs village at the Coronado Center tomorrow 10-12. Hope to see all our village friends there.
Have a great day and make it count!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
The early morning forecast is for a nice day. I hope you can run your errands and get out while it is nice. Remember, Arkansas weather changes constantly and it sounds like cooler weather will be back next week.
We will be in Hot Springs village at the Coronado Center tomorrow 10-12. Hope to see all our village friends there.
Have a great day and make it count!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Great article about skin (article 2)
Skin-care misconceptions, fallacies, and flat-out wishful thinking are as plentiful as cleansers in a drugstore. Some are long-held beliefs passed down for generations, such as the notion that squeaky-clean is a virtue. Others are convincing for their grounding in "modern technology. But with help from doctors (and years of research), the truth has at last been separated from the...eh, not so much. Rumor: Squeaky-Clean Skin Is, Well, Squeaky-Clean Reality: Overzealous face washing, whether more than twice a day or with products that leave your skin as tight as a drum, can actually cause damage, said Dr. Cheryl Karcher, a dermatologist in New York City. "The water-cleanser combo can strip skin of its natural oils and compromise its barrier, which can set you up for irritation and dehydration," she said. Related: The Best Products for Combination Skin Therefore you should avoid cleansers that contain harsh surfactants, which rid skin of too much oil and leave it so dry that it feels taut-and might just squeak if you dragged a finger across it. Some common surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS). Instead of these, look for gentler cleaning agents, which may be glucose-based or derived from coconut oil. They can take off makeup but still maintain skin's suppleness. These include coco betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, coco glucoside, decyl glucoside, and sucrose laurate. And if you use cleanser at night, a quick splash of cool water alone will suffice in the morning. (However, if you're a morning gym-goer, you'll need to cleanse again, since sweat can clog pores.) For midday greasiness, try oil-blotting papers or waterless cleansing wipes. Rumor: Botox Can Prevent Wrinkles Reality: Theoretically, yes. But no long-term studies support this claim. "If you relax the muscles that continually contract, you'll be less apt to see creases over time," said Dr. Fredric Brandt, a cosmetic dermatologist with practices in New York City and Coral Gables, Florida. "But other strategies, like using sunscreen and keeping up proper skin care, are more reliable and certainly less expensive options for fending off wrinkles. Related: 6 Oil Treatments for Winter-Dry Hair If you still feel compelled to go under the needle, Los Angeles and New York City dermatologist Karyn Grossman advises beginning Botox treatments no earlier than when fine lines first appear, generally in your 30s. Rumor: Oily Skin Doesn't Wrinkle as Much as Dry Skin Reality: The research isn't definitive, but this supposition seems to make sense. "Oily skin may fend off wrinkles more easily because it tends to be thicker, which affords more natural protection against sun damage," Brandt said. Dr. Ruthie Harper, an internist in Austin, Texas, ties the phenomenon to hormones. "Women with oily skin may have higher testosterone levels," she said, "which can help protect against diminished collagen levels and, in turn, wrinkles. Related: Buy the Right Products for Your Skin Type But this is not to say that oil-prone skin doesn't ever look old. And factors such as sun exposure and smoking speed up the aging process and cause wrinkles, regardless of skin type. Rumor: Junk Food Causes Acne Reality: "So far, no studies have shown a direct correlation between junk food and breakouts or acne," said David Bank, a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, New York. And most of the other dermatologists interviewed for this story agree with Bank. However, associations have recently been made between the consumption of high-glycemic foods (typically foods that contain refined carbohydrates) and breakouts among people who are acne-prone. Why? Inflammation is known to aggravate acne, and high-glycemic foods (such as white rice, sweets, and sugary drinks) can raise blood sugar and insulin levels quickly, leading to inflammation. And though dark chocolate may in fact offer multiple health benefits, milk chocolate is being called into question as a possible cause of acne. In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatolog y, Italian researchers found that drinking more than three glasses of full-fat or skim milk a week could increase the risk of moderate to severe acne in those who are predisposed to flare-ups. The key, says Harper, is to limit these possible triggers and balance them out with foods and beverages that contain anti-inflammatory benefits, such as green tea, broccoli, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked with a 32 percent decreased risk of acne when eaten at least once a week. Rumor: For Best Results, Use Skin-Care Products From the Same Line Reality: You don't need to, said Bank: "Generally this is just clever marketing. There are, however, certain ingredients that companies pepper throughout a certain line that are especially efficacious when used together. For example, you may find a blemish kit that contains an anti-acne cleanser with salicylic acid to help unclog pores and a gel treatment with glycolic acid to prevent future pimples. "If you're trying to address a specific problem, like acne-prone skin or dark spots, this prepackaged approach may make it easier," Grossman said. Rumor: You Can Get Rid of Cellulite Reality: "No cellulite fix is permanent," Dr. Howard Sobel, a dermatologist in New York City, said. Some treatments might minimize the look of cellulite, such as creams that contain aminophylline (which helps break down fat cells) and massaging devices that iron out fat cells somewhat so that they don't appear as pronounced. But these remedies last, at best, a few months. "Even liposuction, which removes excess deep-fat deposits, doesn't necessarily improve the surface of the skin to the degree where the dimpled effect is invisible," Sobel said. There is, however, a ray of hope: Cellulaze, a laser treatment that cuts the little vertical bands under the skin that are attributed to the dimpling effect and smooths them out. The treatment recently received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating cellulite long-term, says Barry DiBernardo, a plastic surgeon in Montclair, New Jersey, and the lead clinical investigator of the FDA trials of Cellulaze. But it doesn't come cheap. The cost can run from $3,000 to $8,000 for the one session that you'll need. Rumor: The Higher the SPF, the Longer You Can Stay in the Sun Reality: No, no, no. SPF isn't an indication of how long a product protects you from the sun's blistering, cancer-causing UVB rays but how well it does so. What's more, SPF doesn't refer to the product's ability to shield you from UVA rays, which, in addition to causing skin cancer, have been linked to causing wrinkles. Your best bet: sunscreen labeled "broad-spectrum" (which means it covers both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30. Why? While an SPF of 15 screens out only about 93 percent of UVB light, an SPF of 30 filters out 97 percent-and those any higher don't offer much more benefit. Remember: Any sunscreen will be effective only if it's reapplied at least every two hours; use at least a teaspoon of it on your face and a shot-glass-size amount on your body.
Thursday, February 20
Good morning all,
Where does the time go? I can't believe February is almost over. Our trip to Hot Springs village is shaping up to be a great day. We have about 15 pre registered! If you or friends live in the village, please call Krystal or I.
I didn't win the powerball or the mega millions last night so I best get started on another busy day.
Make it a great day,
Dr. Janet
Where does the time go? I can't believe February is almost over. Our trip to Hot Springs village is shaping up to be a great day. We have about 15 pre registered! If you or friends live in the village, please call Krystal or I.
I didn't win the powerball or the mega millions last night so I best get started on another busy day.
Make it a great day,
Dr. Janet
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Medical treatment goes back to basics
Medical offices might have gone high-tech, but some of the advice you'll hear there these days rings more nostalgic: Complain of constipation or congestion and you may get an Rx for dried plums (née prunes) or a saltwater gargle. "The more that old remedies pan out in studies, the more likely physicians are to suggest them," said Dr. Philip Hagen, vice chair of the division of preventive medicine at Mayo Clinic. "Part of the drive is the cost of health care-trying these at home could save you a trip to the doctor. Consider these golden oldies the next time you're feeling under the weather. Ginger For thousands of years, this spice was used to knock out nausea. But unless you went to an Eastern medicine doctor, you weren't going to hear about it from your MD. Then, along with the 21st century came a string of studies pointing to ginger's potential to combat nausea related to motion sickness, chemotherapy and pregnancy. "Once the science was there, more doctors were willing to 'prescribe' it," said Dr. Patricia Raymond, assistant professor of clinical internal medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Va. Try candied ginger, ginger tea or even ginger cookies the next time that you're feeling queasy. Health.com: Scary Symptoms You Can Relax About BenGay This pain-easing ointment was always a favorite with athletes but not so much with the average exerciser, mostly because of the medicinal scent. "When I smell menthol, I'm like, 'Ugh,'" said Renee Acosta, clinical associate professor of health outcomes and pharmacy practice at the University of Texas, Austin. "You don't want to smell like that at work. Today, though, medical pros are touting BenGay even to weekend warriors, especially now that it comes in scentless and patch versions. "People are trying to stay active longer, and we want to give them all their options," Acosta said. Prunes Back in the day, the answer to irregularity was prunes, possibly administered from your grandmother's stash and definitely embarrassing. That changed when, in 2000, the decidedly unsexy-sounding fruit was rebranded as "dried plums. "They became an easier sell," Dr. Raymond said, partly due to a growing interest in digestive health and food cures. Recent science has confirmed prunes' benefits: A 2011 study found that eating 12 a day relieves constipation better than the trendier psyllium supplements. Health.com: 14 Best and Worst Foods for Digestion Pepto-Bismol Pepto was originally invented to treat infants before it became the ultimate upset-stomach cure for adults. In recent years, however, studies have shown that it works particularly well to treat traveler's diarrhea-and even to prevent it if taken before a trip. Salt-water gargle The best remedy for a sore throat is in your kitchen cabinet. While its popularity waned as antibiotics came on the scene, "now if a patient has a sore throat but doesn't have a fever or real difficulty with swallowing, I suggest gargling with salt and H2O" to clear out mucus and reduce swelling, Hagen said. Excedrin This headache pill out was elbowed out by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil. Then the Food and Drug Administration approved Excedrin as the first over-the-counter medicine for migraine symptoms, and it was newly marketed as Excedrin Migraine. "That swayed doctors and pharmacists to look at it again," Acosta said. Petroleum jelly Back in the 1800s, Vaseline was a popular remedy for skin complaints. Though it fell out of vogue in favor of newfangled creams, doctors have a surprising modern-day use for it: applying it to wounds after surgery. "Some patients have allergic reactions to antibiotic ointments, and petroleum jelly works just as well in the absence of infection," said Dr. Stephen Stone, professor of dermatology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Ill. You can use it on minor cuts, too. Health.com: Winter Skin Annoyances, Solved Adhesive bandages Speaking of cuts, the pretty recent common wisdom was that they'd heal better if you exposed them to air. "Turns out, we were right decades ago when we said to use adhesive bandages," Dr. Stone said. They help maintain a moist environment for faster healing. Ice Ice packs are a classic headache-killer. Newer pain relievers may be more effective, but a recent study shows that migraine sufferers get great relief from ice packs-especially when placed for 15 minutes on the front of their neck, over the carotid arteries, rather than on their head. (For best results, try a bag of ice mixed with salt water.) Cool, indeed.
Happy Hump Day
Happy Wednesday!
I can't believe 60 of you are up before me! When I looked at the statistics bar on the blog this morning, it says 60 of you have already logged in. WOW! I thought I was an early riser.
I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather. I was actually outside a few minutes yesterday. What a difference a few days make in our Arkansas weather.
Johnye has found several great articles this week. I will try to post them later this morning so grab a cup of coffee and checks I soon. Always be sure to scroll down for all the articles.
Have a great day and make a difference,
Dr. Janet
I can't believe 60 of you are up before me! When I looked at the statistics bar on the blog this morning, it says 60 of you have already logged in. WOW! I thought I was an early riser.
I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather. I was actually outside a few minutes yesterday. What a difference a few days make in our Arkansas weather.
Johnye has found several great articles this week. I will try to post them later this morning so grab a cup of coffee and checks I soon. Always be sure to scroll down for all the articles.
Have a great day and make a difference,
Dr. Janet
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Tuesday update
Having a great week with our friends! First, Monday at woodland where we had 10 clients enjoying their new iPads! That group is incredible.
Tonight, I had dinner with two of my favorite friends, Barbara and Roy! We had a great meal, glorious dessert and sinful cappuccino. Cajun music just topped the evening! Roy and his new cane were fast friends when I left!
I have a such good time doing this job it really isn't work...
Do a good deed, check on your friends and until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Tonight, I had dinner with two of my favorite friends, Barbara and Roy! We had a great meal, glorious dessert and sinful cappuccino. Cajun music just topped the evening! Roy and his new cane were fast friends when I left!
I have a such good time doing this job it really isn't work...
Do a good deed, check on your friends and until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Tuesday, February 18
Apple's interest in the health and fitness market may seem like a new niche, but a related patent goes back almost six years. Filed in 2008 and awarded by the US Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday, a patent called " Sports monitoring system for headphones, earbuds and/or headsets " describes how such products could track your health and fitness and perform certain tasks based on how you move your head. Key to the invention would be sensors embedded into one or more areas of the headsets or earbuds. By coming into contact with your skin, these sensors would be able to detect your heart rate, temperature, perspiration, and other physical stats. Wearing such a hands-free device would be an ideal way to monitor and record your vitals as you exercise or play sports. As a bonus, the sensors could also respond to the motion of your head to perform certain tasks. For example, let's say you're listening to music. Tilting your head one way would pause the current song, tiling it another would skip to the next track, and tilting it a third way would raise or lower the volume. The system might even be smart enough to perform certain tasks automatically based on your condition or location. For example, if the device detects that you're getting tired, it could say something to try to motivate you to finish your workout. Or if it senses that you're jogging uphill, it might play your favorite song as a way to inspire you to make it to the top. Recent reports say Apple has its eye on the health and fitness market, an area that could be targeted by the company's much-rumored iWatch. But smart, sensor-embedded headphones would provide some of the same information without need for a separate device, assuming this patented invention ever joins you on a real workout. ( Via AppleInsider ) .
Monday, February 17, 2014
Monday, February 17. president's day
Happy Monday morning,
Today is President's Day so don't run out to the bank. It is a holiday for some folks. Unfortunately, I am not one! This afternoon I will be joining my friends at Woodland Heights for technology training. We have a great group who meets there. I really appreciate management letting us use their space. It is much more convenient for some folks than the center and there are no stairs or steps!
Did you know that medical experts say loneliness contributes to health decline? It is very important to stay connected and in touch with others. I always encourage you to check on each other, reach out and be a friend. You don't know how much that simple phone call means! We add to our group each week. Please welcome and support our new members.
I have home visits this week and technology training in Hot Springs Village on Saturday.
Hope everyone has a great day! The center is closed today so if you need me just call or email!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Today is President's Day so don't run out to the bank. It is a holiday for some folks. Unfortunately, I am not one! This afternoon I will be joining my friends at Woodland Heights for technology training. We have a great group who meets there. I really appreciate management letting us use their space. It is much more convenient for some folks than the center and there are no stairs or steps!
Did you know that medical experts say loneliness contributes to health decline? It is very important to stay connected and in touch with others. I always encourage you to check on each other, reach out and be a friend. You don't know how much that simple phone call means! We add to our group each week. Please welcome and support our new members.
I have home visits this week and technology training in Hot Springs Village on Saturday.
Hope everyone has a great day! The center is closed today so if you need me just call or email!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sunday, February 16
Good Sunday morning,
The weather is beautiful and the sun is shining! I think I may save the paperwork for late this evening and enjoy my yard today. Hope you can get out for a little while. Everyone needs a little sunshine and movement.
Remember, I will be at woodland Heights tomorrow afternoon for iPad training.
Have a great days and count all your blessings!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
The weather is beautiful and the sun is shining! I think I may save the paperwork for late this evening and enjoy my yard today. Hope you can get out for a little while. Everyone needs a little sunshine and movement.
Remember, I will be at woodland Heights tomorrow afternoon for iPad training.
Have a great days and count all your blessings!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Taco soup recipe
Hi everyone,
We had a great day at the center and the library! Ms. Helen out did herself with the taco soup. Forty folks smacking their gums can't be wrong! Here is her recipe:
Taco Soup
1 lb ground turkey or ground round
1 large onion chopped
1 package of taco seasoning mix (dry)
1 package Original Ranch Dressing mix (dry)
1 15 oz can of black beans or pinto beans
1 15 oz can of cannellini beans or chili hot beans
8 oz frozen corn or 1 can of corn
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can mexican flavored stewed tomatoes
1 cup water
Brown the meat, add the other ingredients without draining and simmer about 15 minutes or until the desired consistency.
210 calories per cup
1.2 grams fat
6 grams fiber
Ms. Helen adds 1/2 lb of italian sausage
We had a great day at the center and the library! Ms. Helen out did herself with the taco soup. Forty folks smacking their gums can't be wrong! Here is her recipe:
Taco Soup
1 lb ground turkey or ground round
1 large onion chopped
1 package of taco seasoning mix (dry)
1 package Original Ranch Dressing mix (dry)
1 15 oz can of black beans or pinto beans
1 15 oz can of cannellini beans or chili hot beans
8 oz frozen corn or 1 can of corn
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can mexican flavored stewed tomatoes
1 cup water
Brown the meat, add the other ingredients without draining and simmer about 15 minutes or until the desired consistency.
210 calories per cup
1.2 grams fat
6 grams fiber
Ms. Helen adds 1/2 lb of italian sausage
Great recipe for crockpot pork chops
This one is dedicated to my dear friend Sarah
Crockpot Pork Chops
brown chops, put in crockpot or bakeware. Cover with one box stove top stuffing dry mix--cover with one can apple pie mix. cook in crockpot or bake in oven (covered with foil) at 350 for 1 hour.
Crockpot Pork Chops
brown chops, put in crockpot or bakeware. Cover with one box stove top stuffing dry mix--cover with one can apple pie mix. cook in crockpot or bake in oven (covered with foil) at 350 for 1 hour.
Saturday, February 15
Good morning friends,
We are gearing up for our full day of activities in Little Rock. Hope to see all Pulaski County clients there!
Laugh for the day and this one is on me!
As you know, yesterday was valentine's day.
A few days ago, I commented that I really liked the BODY BUTTER my daughter in law gave as a Christmas gift. It is a great smelling concoction similar to lard! The brand she gave me came from Victoria's Secret. (can you tell where this is going?) We trotted off to Park Plaza Mall on our way to dinner. My husband proudly strolls in to Victoria's Secret and asks for BUTT BUTTER! Imagine the scene.....I can't return to Park Plaza Mall......
Have a great day.
Dr. Janet
We are gearing up for our full day of activities in Little Rock. Hope to see all Pulaski County clients there!
Laugh for the day and this one is on me!
As you know, yesterday was valentine's day.
A few days ago, I commented that I really liked the BODY BUTTER my daughter in law gave as a Christmas gift. It is a great smelling concoction similar to lard! The brand she gave me came from Victoria's Secret. (can you tell where this is going?) We trotted off to Park Plaza Mall on our way to dinner. My husband proudly strolls in to Victoria's Secret and asks for BUTT BUTTER! Imagine the scene.....I can't return to Park Plaza Mall......
Have a great day.
Dr. Janet
Friday, February 14, 2014
St, Valentine
The origins of Valentine's Day are not exactly clear, but one of the more loving tales involves a courageous Roman priest and devoted young lovers. The story goes that the Roman Emperor Claudius II had outlawed marriage between young couples. He believed that unwed young men made better soldiers because they wouldn't be tied to a wife and children. According to legend, Valentine, the priest, defied the government's ban and married couples in secret, believing that marriage was a covenant gift from God. Behold the first elopements. Claudius II and Valentine recognized the extraordinary commitment, devotion and life-changing loyalty marriage made on men and women, family and nations. Today, Valentine's Day should still represent that same devotion and loyalty. But somewhere along the way, our reflection of St. Valentine's tremendous efforts to preserve marriage lost its way. Sadly (and some might add, nauseatingly), Valentine's Day has become a sea of pink and red marketing, lacking sincerity or sentimentality. Instead of advocating true love and commitment, modern society takes every opportunity to promote sexual promiscuity. What woman doesn't like a new romance and excitement? But let's take a moment to appreciate the role commitment plays in our lives. I tell our young employees that it's the hard times that make love real. A friend's husband recently underwent surgery and, as a result, she spent weeks caring for him in ways she never expected. Some of it was truly unromantic, but it was raw and real and kind and loving. I am always struck by older Concerned women for America (CWA) members who have marriages of 60-plus years. They have withstood days of trial and hardship. They will admit to times of difficulty to the point where they were frankly sick of each other. But guess what. Those times passed, and on the other side they have solid, loving marriages that are an example and encouragement to all of us. My husband works for a company that cares for the elderly. It is heart-wrenching to watch as one spouse slips into dementia or illness and can no longer live with the other. One has often cared for the other for years, and they will fight to be together to the very end. Then the living spouse often quickly follows the other into eternity. That's real love. Those ancient Roman couples sacrificed everything to be together, and Valentine clearly believed in the power of sacrifice as well. This Valentine's Day, let's look for ways to show love through sacrifice, not selfishness. For the future of the holiday, may it forever be about those we love and sacrifice.
Happy Valentine's Day
I hope each and every one of you have a great day! Y'all put the smile on my face each day. Can't wait to see everyone tomorrow.
Dr. Janet
Dr. Janet
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Food shopping with cash to spare
- Plan ahead. Create a weekly menu plan and then build your shopping list. Sign up online to receive coupons and email sale alerts from your favorite grocers. Use money-saving coupons. Don’t go food shopping hungry!
- Make healthy choices — avoid prepackaged items. Eating healthier keeps you away from processed and prepared foods that are typically more expensive. The cost of sodas, bakery items and chips can quickly add up and they are foods that add calories but little nutritional value.
- Buy produce in season, if available. Food in season is typically plentiful and less expensive. Shop local farmers’ markets for local produce and the prices won’t include shipping costs. If fresh local produce is not available, consider plain (not buttered or seasoned) frozen fruits and veggies because they’re picked when fresh and flash-frozen.
- Go generic. Many large grocery companies put their own label on national brand products made to their specifications. They are typically less expensive than their name-brand counterparts. Always read the ingredient label. Keep in mind that ingredients are listed in order by weight so be sure what you are buying, e.g., canned tomatoes, is listed first.
- Buy and cook in bulk. If you have the storage and freezer space, buying and cooking in bulk may save you both time and money.
- Save on protein foods. When possible, and if your palate permits, try to substitute inexpensive vegetarian sources such as beans, eggs, tofu, and legumes for more expensive meat, fish, or poultry. When you do buy meat, choose smaller portions of lean cuts such as loin or round and marinate for tenderness. Buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself instead of paying the butcher to do it. Save even more — buy the cheaper “family pack” portion and freeze.
- Plant a garden. Summer-fresh tomatoes can be yours with minimal effort. If you lack space, start small with a few herbs in containers. Tomatoes grow well in containers too. Consider freezing some of your harvest to use during the winter months.
Grocery shopping doesn’t have to leave you broke. With a little forethought and planning, you can learn how to save money on food and you can walk out of the grocery store with cash to stash.
This is depressing! No more fine dining for me!
What is it about fattening foods that lures us in like moths to a flame? Fat is flavor, after all, so the more fat a food has the tastier it will be. Add in copious amounts of salt or sugar, and you've got a prescription for addictive tastiness. From ice cream to chicken fried steak, we've rounded up the most fattening foods on the planet. There's no question what the single most fattening food on the planet is: that would, obviously, be pure fat, which comes in a few forms. There's animal fat (lard, or cured pork fat, is probably the food product that contains the most of it); there's dairy fat, which is butter in its most concentrated form; and there are nut and vegetable fats, which are pure oil (like olive, peanut, or soybean oil) in their most concentrated forms. So whichever foods contain the most of these fats are, quite obviously, the most fattening foods around. If there's one way to demonstrate the genius of man, it's through his ability to cram as much fat as possible into food. Steak is fatty on its own, but why not batter and deep-fry it? Then, just for kicks, let's top it with cream gravy! Seriously, It's a little ridiculous. A burger patty can contain upwards of 20 percent fat, so let's fry a half-pound patty on a griddle and top it with cheese and bacon! Why? Because it's freakin' delicious, that's why. So while it's pretty obvious that the foods on our list are full of fat, what might surprise you is exactly how much fat these foods actually contain. For example, if an 8-ounce (224 gram) beef patty contains 20 percent fat, that means that 20 percent of those 224 grams are pure fat - about 45 grams. And that's before the cheese. So while there are good fats and there are bad fats, most of the fats we consume are undeniably bad. And these foods contain more of it than just about any other food on earth. 1 Chicken-Fried Steak with Cream Gravy iStock Fat on fat on fat. A pounded steak is battered and fried, then topped with a cream-based gravy that very well might have sausage mixed in for good measure. The chicken-fried steak with sausage gravy served at IHOP, for example, contains 81 grams of fat, and if you decide to add eggs to it and call it breakfast, the fat content is boosted to a whopping 115 grams, making it the single most fattening menu item there. And the smaller, frozen version sold by Marie Callender's clocks in at 31 grams of fat. 2 Pecan Pie iStock To make pecan pie, you basically take a load of butter, mix in some corn syrup and pecans, and bake it until it sets. It's delicious but it's also insanely fattening. The pecan pie sold by Texas-based Goode Co., for example, contains 23 grams of fat in one slice. 3 Steak iStock Beef, like all other types of meat, involves some fatty cuts and some lean cuts. But even the leanest cuts contain a lot of fat. For example at Longhorn Steakhouse their leanest cut, the flatiron steak, contains 16 grams of fat in a 7 ounce portion. The 8 ounce filet mignon contains 25 grams of fat, and the 29 ounce porterhouse tops the charts at 79 grams of fat. Some steakhouses drench their steaks in butter or beef fat before sending them out to the table, adding in even more artery-clogging goodness. 4 Fondue iStock Cheese is basically concentrated milk, and contains a very high amount of fat. So needless to say, if you take a bunch of it, melt it in a little pot, and serve it with little cubes of bread, it's going to be one of the most fattening foods around. At The Melting Pot, a fondue-based chain, one order of their traditional Swiss fondue contains 50 grams of fat. 5 Ribs FogStock Ribmeat contains a ton of fat, and people tend to eat more of it because there isn't a whole lot of meat on the bones. So should you decide to head to your local Tony Roma's and order a full 1.5 pound rack of St. Louis ribs, which are meatier and fattier than Baby Backs, that'll set you back a whopping 94 grams of fat. The Baby Backs, at a still-excessive 38 grams of fat, seem light in comparison. And we wouldn't advise eating a full 6-piece slab of the beef ribs; those contain a completely absurd 189 grams of fat, not to mention 2,289 calories, making it the most fattening item on the menu. Might want to schedule a visit to the cardiologist on the way home. 6 Poutine iStock Oh, poutine. This delicacy from Montreal has found its way into the U.S. in recent years, because on the outside it looks like a pretty all-American food: fries topped with fresh cheese curds and rich brown gravy. This heart attack on a plate is sold by the Canadian chain Harvey's, and they've listed the nutrition info online: one order contains 64 grams of fat. The gravy that they use only contains 1 gram of fat, however, so if you were to use a more traditional gravy made with a fat-based roux, you could add about 10 more grams of fat to that final count. Fat + fat + fat = a whole lot of fat.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Thanks Johnye for the great article
7 different paths to take By Nanci Hellmich, @nancihellmich, USA TODAY When Carolee Duckworth, 67, of Sherrills Ford, N.C., retired as a Web design professor, she took a close look at her personality, passions and interests and decided to write non-fiction books, including travel books. When Marie Langworthy, 65, of Columbia, Conn., retired as a school administrator, she also did a self-analysis and decided to supervise student teachers during the day, teach technology skills to adults at night and work as a writer on the side. People who are retiring sometimes just think about getting another job doing the same thing they've done all their lives, Langworthy says. "But they really need to step back and go through a self-discovery and self-assessment process and ask: 'What do I really want to do? What do I enjoy doing? What am I good at?' Langworthy and Duckworth have written Shifting Gears to Your Life and Work After Retirement to help people take a look at themselves in a totally different way. "We want people to open themselves up to possibilities they never knew existed," Langworthy says. Duckworth agrees. She worked for years as a career-change counselor helping displaced workers, homemakers and 55-plus career changers. And she and Langworthy interviewed hundreds of retirees. People need to put careful thought into what they're going to do in retirement, Duckworth says. The authors suggest asking yourself a series of questions: Do you have a creative side that has gone unfulfilled? An interest you have never been able to explore? Do you have an entrepreneurial urge? Humanitarian interests? An adventurous streak? "Our goal is to help you come up with a mission statement for the rest of your life," Duckworth says. The authors have identified seven different paths that retirees might take. Most pursue a combination of several of these: Life of leisure. Many retirees cultivate at least a partial life of leisure, pursuing hobbies, sports, passions or interests, such as fishing, golfing and gardening, Langworthy says. This is one of the traditional views of retirement, and a lot of people stop there when they could combine this with other things, Duckworth says. For example, she says, "I met a man who retired as a corporate executive, and his dream was to move to the mountains and have time to read. That was as far as his dream went. Before the first year was out, he had read 232 books, and then he closed the last book and said, 'Now what? He needed a longer dream, so he became a real estate agent. Life of the volunteer. Volunteerism can provide structure, meaning and purpose to retirees' lives, can offer opportunities to establish social contacts and can lead to paid employment. Life of a traveler. Some people enter retirement with a bucket list of places they want to visit and experiences they want to have. Rather than just travel as a visitor to places, "I suggest staying in places for a week or more so you get to know the people, not just see the museums," Duckworth says. Life of engaging new work. This is work that's something completely different from what you did most of your lifetime. "I know a retired accountant who got a job doing landscaping at a golf course, and he loved it," Langworthy says. Life as an entrepreneur. This involves identifying a need that could be fulfilled and going after it, Duckworth says. Life as a creative. These are people who create art, music, services and solutions to complex problems. "Coming back to your creative self is one of the glories of retirement," Duckworth adds. Life of a student. Some study for the pleasure of learning or to train in a new area of work. If you don't like the first few paths you pursue, try something else, Langworthy says. She told her grandson the other day that what she really wanted to be was a film editor or cartographer, and he said, "Well, why don't you?
Wednesday, February 12
Good morning everyone,
I hope the weather is improving where you are. Here, the final traces of snow are disappearing and none to fast for me. The weatherman promises warmer weather and a perfect weekend for our activities.
In our local news, the forestry commission pilot and plane have been found. Unfortunately the pilot lost his life. This young man and his family attended First assembly in North Little Rock with several of our group. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and our group as they struggle with this loss.
We have several clients who are under the weather so please take time to check on each other and keep me informed of significant health events.
Ms. Helen is promising a fantastic menu for Saturday so take advantage of the good weather and join us at 11 for lunch. Pre-register with Krystal or I. Mr. Earl will be providing transportation.
Take care and count your blessings!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
P.S. Yes Roy, it really is 3 a.m.! I am half way thru my pot of coffee....
I hope the weather is improving where you are. Here, the final traces of snow are disappearing and none to fast for me. The weatherman promises warmer weather and a perfect weekend for our activities.
In our local news, the forestry commission pilot and plane have been found. Unfortunately the pilot lost his life. This young man and his family attended First assembly in North Little Rock with several of our group. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and our group as they struggle with this loss.
We have several clients who are under the weather so please take time to check on each other and keep me informed of significant health events.
Ms. Helen is promising a fantastic menu for Saturday so take advantage of the good weather and join us at 11 for lunch. Pre-register with Krystal or I. Mr. Earl will be providing transportation.
Take care and count your blessings!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
P.S. Yes Roy, it really is 3 a.m.! I am half way thru my pot of coffee....
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Tuesday update
Good evening friends,
Sorry for the late update but I had a very busy day which started early.
Important information:
Last call for attending this weeks session. Call Krystal at 664-7100 or email me at jford@wsblind.org
To be placed on the list. Ms. Helen will begin shopping on Thursday and she wants to be sure she has enough food!
The weekend is shaping up to be a busy fun filled adventure.
iPad 2 folks will go to the main library on Saturday after the event at the center
Paragould folks: we are confirmed at the library for March 25 10-12 p.m.
Please keep John and Suzanne in your prayers. He is in Baptist with a broken hip.
I will be speaking at the Civitan luncheon tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Sorry for the late update but I had a very busy day which started early.
Important information:
Last call for attending this weeks session. Call Krystal at 664-7100 or email me at jford@wsblind.org
To be placed on the list. Ms. Helen will begin shopping on Thursday and she wants to be sure she has enough food!
The weekend is shaping up to be a busy fun filled adventure.
iPad 2 folks will go to the main library on Saturday after the event at the center
Paragould folks: we are confirmed at the library for March 25 10-12 p.m.
Please keep John and Suzanne in your prayers. He is in Baptist with a broken hip.
I will be speaking at the Civitan luncheon tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Knee pain
subject: Article from Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Active Style Section 2014 02 10
Halting knee pain centers on source By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS THE NEW YORK TIMES Q: How do I prevent my knees from hurting when I descend stairs? A: If it's any comfort, you have company. But before you can correct a problem, you must find out what's behind it. There are various possible causes. A doctor can help you sort through them. Pain when one walks down stairs is common among people with arthritis, but it does not necessarily mean someone has arthritis. Knee pain also can be caused by chronically weak or temporarily very tired thigh muscles that fail to keep the kneecap moving in the track it is designed to follow. Strengthen the muscles and such pain goes away. Knee pain can also be caused by irritation or stiffness in the illiotibial band, a tough band of fibrous tissue that runs from muscles at the top of the outer thigh to the side of the knee. Most people with knee arthritis - meaning some degeneration of the cushioning cartilage in the joint - experience pain when they go down stairs, even if their arthritis is mild, says Dr. Kevin J. Bozic, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of California at San Francisco. More so than climbing stairs, descending places great force on the knee and, in particular, the patello-femoral joint, the portion of the knee beneath the kneecap, he said. This discomfort is magnified if you have weak quadriceps or thigh muscles, he said, since the force that might otherwise be absorbed by those large muscles moves through the knee instead. To strengthen your quadriceps, try straight leg raises, Bozic said. Lie on your back with one leg bent. Lift the other leg, straightened, at least six inches off the ground; tighten the thigh muscles and hold for a few seconds. Lower and repeat several times. Then do the same exercise with the other leg. Your physician or an athletic trainer can suggest other safe exercises that target those muscles. Avoid prolonged sitting, too, said Dr. Freddie H. Fu, a professor and chairman of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, since uninterrupted sitting leads to stiffness that aggravates the pain of going down stairs. And if all else fails, turn around, Bozic said. Descending stairs backwards reduces loads across the knee joint, he said. According to a 2010 motion-capture study, the forces generated when descending backward migrated toward the hip rather than the knee. Just don't fall down, Bozic said.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Monday, February 10
Good morning everyone,
If we say our prayers and keep our fingers crossed we may miss the next round of winter. It appears most of the models have reduced the chance of accumulation. The National Weather Service has reduced it to an advisory status which doesn't hurt my feelings!
This afternoon, I will be at Woodland Heights for technology training. A great group of folks live there and I am sure it will be great time. After that, I will be swinging by Presbyterian village to check on Ms, Mildred.
For those who were planning to participate in the library trip on Saturday, I will check with the library and see if we can reschedule for Saturday, February 15 after social skills class. Check back for the decision.
Stay warm and be prepared for bad weather, just in case!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
If we say our prayers and keep our fingers crossed we may miss the next round of winter. It appears most of the models have reduced the chance of accumulation. The National Weather Service has reduced it to an advisory status which doesn't hurt my feelings!
This afternoon, I will be at Woodland Heights for technology training. A great group of folks live there and I am sure it will be great time. After that, I will be swinging by Presbyterian village to check on Ms, Mildred.
For those who were planning to participate in the library trip on Saturday, I will check with the library and see if we can reschedule for Saturday, February 15 after social skills class. Check back for the decision.
Stay warm and be prepared for bad weather, just in case!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Guess I should give up the sweet tea!
Americans eat too much sugar, and our collective sweet tooth is killing us.
So says a study published last week by the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. It finds that 71.4 percent of U.S. adults get more than the recommended 10 percent of their daily calories from added sugars in foods and drinks - and that higher levels of sugar consumption are linked to greater risk of death from heart disease.
"Too much sugar does not just make us fat; it can also make us sick," professor Laura A. Schmidt of the University of California, San Francisco said in a commentary.
Researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Added sugars were defined as all sugars in processed or prepared foods, such as sugared drinks and grain-based desserts and candy, but not naturally occurring sugars, as in fruits and juices.
The study's 11,733 participants were divided into five groups based on consumption. The lowest group got 9.6 percent of calories from added sugars, compared to 21.3 percent in the highest group.So says a study published last week by the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. It finds that 71.4 percent of U.S. adults get more than the recommended 10 percent of their daily calories from added sugars in foods and drinks - and that higher levels of sugar consumption are linked to greater risk of death from heart disease.
"Too much sugar does not just make us fat; it can also make us sick," professor Laura A. Schmidt of the University of California, San Francisco said in a commentary.
Researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Added sugars were defined as all sugars in processed or prepared foods, such as sugared drinks and grain-based desserts and candy, but not naturally occurring sugars, as in fruits and juices.
Those in the highest group were more than twice as likely to die during the follow-up period as those in the lowest group.
The new study shows that "added sugar is not as benign as once promised," Schmidt wrote. - L.A. Times
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/health/20140209_Americans_eat_too_much_sugar__and_it_s_killing_us.html#6PYxPHqDSA3zWDQi.99
Sunday, Febraury 9
Good morning everyone,
Where is spring? If I catch that groundhog in my yard, I may boop him in the head and send him back to Pennsylvania! I did not have much snow yesterday morning but it must have just been dumb luck. Bob sent a picture offering to share his snow and they obviously had at least twice what I had. Later in the day Sam called and he had 3-4 inches. I ventured out to Wal Mart along with everyone else in saline county. Roads were wet but fine, this morning everything has a slight glaze. Probably slicker than yesterday. The forecast is for more snow, so if you need the proverbial bread, milk and toilet paper best go to the store today.
I spoke to almost everyone who was scheduled to attend the library outing. I know how disappointed you were. Me, too! I will call the library and see when we can make it up. It is possible we could go next Ssturday following our social skills class. Shoot me an email if you are willing to do this. Otherwise, it will be a while before I have a free Saturday.
Have a great day!
Dr. Janet
Where is spring? If I catch that groundhog in my yard, I may boop him in the head and send him back to Pennsylvania! I did not have much snow yesterday morning but it must have just been dumb luck. Bob sent a picture offering to share his snow and they obviously had at least twice what I had. Later in the day Sam called and he had 3-4 inches. I ventured out to Wal Mart along with everyone else in saline county. Roads were wet but fine, this morning everything has a slight glaze. Probably slicker than yesterday. The forecast is for more snow, so if you need the proverbial bread, milk and toilet paper best go to the store today.
I spoke to almost everyone who was scheduled to attend the library outing. I know how disappointed you were. Me, too! I will call the library and see when we can make it up. It is possible we could go next Ssturday following our social skills class. Shoot me an email if you are willing to do this. Otherwise, it will be a while before I have a free Saturday.
Have a great day!
Dr. Janet
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Nut butters
subject: Article from Fox News Health Section 2014 02 08
Ah, the glorious world of nut butters. Doesn't it feel like you are cheating on healthy eating when you load a fresh slice of gluten-free bread with chocolate almond butter, or mash a banana with cacao nibs, cinnamon and cashew butter? It's true, I'm a little nut butter obsessed. I'm known to dash a sprinkle of cardamom onto a spoonful of the stuff and eat it as is, right out of the jar. I may or may not keep a single serving packet of Jason's Nut Butter in my purse-all you need is an apple or a gluten-free graham cracker and you've got a balanced snack! Nothing is quite as satisfying as my favorite nuts blended into perfection. And yet, I know that when I incorporate nut butter into my meal I'm also adding good fats, protein and vitamins into my diet. The more nutrients we get from our daily food intake - as opposed to from supplements - the better. When it comes to nut butter with its high nutrition to calorie ratio, it's really a win-win situation. Plus, with my food processor I can make any combination I want-I'm only limited by my ability to dream up a new mélange. Once you've got your favorite nut butter it's time to get cooking. Breakfast, lunch, dessert, snacks-you can really incorporate this flavorful protein into any meal. Start by trying these delicious nut butter treats. 1. Layer nut butter with yogurt and fresh fruit for a sweet parfait. 2. Pull out the hand mixer and stir in nut butter, powdered sugar, a little butter and a dash of vanilla and you have a healthier yet just-as-sweet take on frosting. 3. Bake your own protein "cookies" with nut butter and your favorite granola-little ones love grabbing these healthy treats on their way to the bus (they'll think you've gone crazy offering them sweets before lunch, but you'll know they are starting their day off on the right foot). 4. Remember ants on a log? Spread nut butter on celery and top with raisins for this childhood classic. 5. Add it to Asian-inspired dishes like curry and satay for a savory take on nut butter, or whisk into apple cider vinegar and honey for a sweet and tangy dressing. 6. If you're really feeling fancy, smother fresh fish like trout with nut butter for a gluten-free, protein-packed bread crumb alternative. Clearly, the options are endless. So go on, grab some nut butter and get cracking. It's delicious and nutritious. How could you say no? Amie Valpone is a celebrity chef based in New York City and editor-in-chief ofTheHealthyApple.com .
Saturday Library outing cancelled
Good morning friends,
I am canceling our planned outing for today. As much as I enjoy spending time with you, I could not live with myself if someone fell. So we will regroup and try this again! If you know of someone planning to attend, please give them a call.
Stay in, stay safe, stay warm and check on a friend.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
I am canceling our planned outing for today. As much as I enjoy spending time with you, I could not live with myself if someone fell. So we will regroup and try this again! If you know of someone planning to attend, please give them a call.
Stay in, stay safe, stay warm and check on a friend.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Friday, February 7, 2014
Friday night wrap up
I spent the afternoon with Roy and Barbara. I had such a great time, I can't believe it was supposed to be work! I haven't laughed that much in a long time. Thanks!
Our Saturday plans are still on. Of course, Mother Nature may change that but the forecast doesn't sound like travel will be a problem. I am looking forward to a great time at the library, lunch and shopping!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Our Saturday plans are still on. Of course, Mother Nature may change that but the forecast doesn't sound like travel will be a problem. I am looking forward to a great time at the library, lunch and shopping!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet
Cool app for movie enjoyment
Disability Need Not Be Barrier for Moviegoers
by MAURIE HILL on JANUARY 21, 2014
On a recent rainy afternoon, I ventured to our local movie theater to watch “Philomena”. I had the best movie experience since losing my 20/20 vision roughly 30 years ago. Stargardt Disease (similar to macular degeneration) has gradually robbed my ability to read text on the big screen, identify characters’ faces or expressions at times, and pick up important details or actions, no matter how close I sit. So what was different this time around? As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I was anxious to try the MovieReading App on my iPhone as soon as “Philomena” came to town. The app allowed me to hear details I would normally miss, and it more than confirmed the idea that this app is the easiest solution for those who are sight-impaired and still want to enjoy movies and television.
Though I used an iPhone 5, the MovieReading app also works on an iPod Touch or iPad (as long as it can run iOS 6 or later); plus, an Android app is in the works. But forget the details for now, and let’s look at the bigger picture: I didn’t have to take a bus to a larger theater that provides specialty equipment for the blind (or hearing impaired). I didn’t have to worry that an untrained person would be the one attempting to show me how to use such equipment. I didn’t bother anyone sitting around me. I didn’t have to ask for any assistance to get it started. I used a device and headphones that I always carry with me anyways.
The movie “Philomena” was phenomenal and most of all, I knew what everyone was laughing or crying about because a pleasant voice in my ear told me what my eyes are not able to.
The MovieReading app was extremely easy to use. It uses the microphone on your device to determine where the playback is at, and then automatically syncs with the movie’s soundtrack within seconds. Though I arrived to the movie early, getting to the movie theater a little late is not a problem because it will sync. You just hear the audio description and reading of any text on the screen (such as subtitles and credits) through your headphones; the rest of the movie you listen just like everyone else through the theater’s speakers. I tried big padded headphones first, and then switched to ear buds. In both cases, I could still clearly hear the movie playing at the same time. I had never tried using audio description in my life, but after the first few minutes, it was neither confusing nor distracting. I chose to just use one ear bud for the descriptions; though I could have popped it out at any time, I never felt the need to.
Determining how to describe a movie through audio is definitely an art; I’m happy to report it was artfully done for this movie. There was no disruption while characters were having a conversation, so it would sometimes go a long time before describing again. Some examples of what and how things were described in different parts of the movie (if I remember correctly) – “Sister Hildegard peers coldly through the window at Philomena”; or “in a quaint village where a BMW pulls off to the side”; or “Anthony’s cherubic face can be seen in the rear window as the car starts down the country road”. The app did not annoy you with every facial expression, but described ones taking place at crucial moments, giving me a complete sense of the mood.
The app works with VoiceOver, so I was able to start the audio description by myself. A message from the app reminded me to put the device in airplane mode and lower the screen brightness so I wouldn’t disturb fellow moviegoers. The description will continue even when the screen is locked. Using wired headphones, the iPhone’s battery life went from 94% to 80% for this 90-minute movie. My fears of having a dead phone at the end (or in the middle of!) the movie were eliminated. I probably could have used my Bluetooth headphones and still had juice by the end of the movie as well.
Philomena is the only content currently available through the MovieReading app. If this movie is no longer playing in your local theaters but you are curious about audio description created by Hollywood Access Services, there are mp3 tracks available for purchase (these do not play within the MovieReading app) for the “Breaking Bad” TV series on DVD, the “Hunger Games” DVD, and more. You won’t have to unearth a buried audio description menu that some DVDs provide or worry about disturbing other family members while you listen to the description on your own device. Due to the fact that distributors haven’t yet made this content available for access through the MovieReading app, you’ll need to follow simple instructions at the beginning to manually sync the mp3 audio description with the DVD playback.
I strongly believe that the MovieReading app and its Solo-Dx technology for automatically syncing the content can hugely broaden access to more blind, sight impaired, and hearing impaired individuals. We’ve come a long way this year in increasing the ways and means of reading books. In terms of accessing visual content, the ease and consistency of enjoying movie and television content through one app is within reach.
In order to get first-run movies available on the MovieReading app, as well as television and after-theater movie content, the distributors must make their content available to Hollywood Access Services. This is necessary in order to create the appropriate audio description for the sight impaired as well as captioning files for the hearing impaired.
With regards to getting distributors to provide access, Anna Capezzera, co-founder and Vice President of Hollywood Access Services states that “there is a small fee to cover all technical aspects of hosting audio description on the app. For distributors that don’t use our company to provide audio description services, we can still upload their description if they give us access to the files. It’s a very simple process.”
She continues, “I think partially because this app is so new, distributors don’t have a full understanding of how enthusiastic people are about this technology and how much easier it makes going to the movies. If they had a better idea, one hopes they’d see that it’s worth their effort and the small fee to put their content on the app. The best thing the blind and visually impaired community can do is make their voices heard. Contacting distributors – movie studios, TV networks, streaming sites such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon – en masse would bring better awareness, plus contacting the National Association of Theater Owners could help because they in turn could influence the studios to make their movies available on the app. This is especially the case with smaller cinemas that can’t afford the currently available audio description equipment.”
So, if you want to help break down barriers to enjoying entertainment the easiest way I can imagine, then it looks like we have a job to do. At the very minimum, share your thoughts with all of us here.
For more information, check out these FAQ’s about the Solo-Dx technology used in the MovieReading app, listen to an interview about the app on Serotalk podcast 179 (one hour and 3 minutes into the podcast).
Tagged as: ai squared, app, audio description, iOS, Maurie Hill, MovieReading, movies, theater, zoomtext
by MAURIE HILL on JANUARY 21, 2014
On a recent rainy afternoon, I ventured to our local movie theater to watch “Philomena”. I had the best movie experience since losing my 20/20 vision roughly 30 years ago. Stargardt Disease (similar to macular degeneration) has gradually robbed my ability to read text on the big screen, identify characters’ faces or expressions at times, and pick up important details or actions, no matter how close I sit. So what was different this time around? As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I was anxious to try the MovieReading App on my iPhone as soon as “Philomena” came to town. The app allowed me to hear details I would normally miss, and it more than confirmed the idea that this app is the easiest solution for those who are sight-impaired and still want to enjoy movies and television.
Though I used an iPhone 5, the MovieReading app also works on an iPod Touch or iPad (as long as it can run iOS 6 or later); plus, an Android app is in the works. But forget the details for now, and let’s look at the bigger picture: I didn’t have to take a bus to a larger theater that provides specialty equipment for the blind (or hearing impaired). I didn’t have to worry that an untrained person would be the one attempting to show me how to use such equipment. I didn’t bother anyone sitting around me. I didn’t have to ask for any assistance to get it started. I used a device and headphones that I always carry with me anyways.
The movie “Philomena” was phenomenal and most of all, I knew what everyone was laughing or crying about because a pleasant voice in my ear told me what my eyes are not able to.
The MovieReading app was extremely easy to use. It uses the microphone on your device to determine where the playback is at, and then automatically syncs with the movie’s soundtrack within seconds. Though I arrived to the movie early, getting to the movie theater a little late is not a problem because it will sync. You just hear the audio description and reading of any text on the screen (such as subtitles and credits) through your headphones; the rest of the movie you listen just like everyone else through the theater’s speakers. I tried big padded headphones first, and then switched to ear buds. In both cases, I could still clearly hear the movie playing at the same time. I had never tried using audio description in my life, but after the first few minutes, it was neither confusing nor distracting. I chose to just use one ear bud for the descriptions; though I could have popped it out at any time, I never felt the need to.
Determining how to describe a movie through audio is definitely an art; I’m happy to report it was artfully done for this movie. There was no disruption while characters were having a conversation, so it would sometimes go a long time before describing again. Some examples of what and how things were described in different parts of the movie (if I remember correctly) – “Sister Hildegard peers coldly through the window at Philomena”; or “in a quaint village where a BMW pulls off to the side”; or “Anthony’s cherubic face can be seen in the rear window as the car starts down the country road”. The app did not annoy you with every facial expression, but described ones taking place at crucial moments, giving me a complete sense of the mood.
The app works with VoiceOver, so I was able to start the audio description by myself. A message from the app reminded me to put the device in airplane mode and lower the screen brightness so I wouldn’t disturb fellow moviegoers. The description will continue even when the screen is locked. Using wired headphones, the iPhone’s battery life went from 94% to 80% for this 90-minute movie. My fears of having a dead phone at the end (or in the middle of!) the movie were eliminated. I probably could have used my Bluetooth headphones and still had juice by the end of the movie as well.
Philomena is the only content currently available through the MovieReading app. If this movie is no longer playing in your local theaters but you are curious about audio description created by Hollywood Access Services, there are mp3 tracks available for purchase (these do not play within the MovieReading app) for the “Breaking Bad” TV series on DVD, the “Hunger Games” DVD, and more. You won’t have to unearth a buried audio description menu that some DVDs provide or worry about disturbing other family members while you listen to the description on your own device. Due to the fact that distributors haven’t yet made this content available for access through the MovieReading app, you’ll need to follow simple instructions at the beginning to manually sync the mp3 audio description with the DVD playback.
I strongly believe that the MovieReading app and its Solo-Dx technology for automatically syncing the content can hugely broaden access to more blind, sight impaired, and hearing impaired individuals. We’ve come a long way this year in increasing the ways and means of reading books. In terms of accessing visual content, the ease and consistency of enjoying movie and television content through one app is within reach.
In order to get first-run movies available on the MovieReading app, as well as television and after-theater movie content, the distributors must make their content available to Hollywood Access Services. This is necessary in order to create the appropriate audio description for the sight impaired as well as captioning files for the hearing impaired.
With regards to getting distributors to provide access, Anna Capezzera, co-founder and Vice President of Hollywood Access Services states that “there is a small fee to cover all technical aspects of hosting audio description on the app. For distributors that don’t use our company to provide audio description services, we can still upload their description if they give us access to the files. It’s a very simple process.”
She continues, “I think partially because this app is so new, distributors don’t have a full understanding of how enthusiastic people are about this technology and how much easier it makes going to the movies. If they had a better idea, one hopes they’d see that it’s worth their effort and the small fee to put their content on the app. The best thing the blind and visually impaired community can do is make their voices heard. Contacting distributors – movie studios, TV networks, streaming sites such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon – en masse would bring better awareness, plus contacting the National Association of Theater Owners could help because they in turn could influence the studios to make their movies available on the app. This is especially the case with smaller cinemas that can’t afford the currently available audio description equipment.”
So, if you want to help break down barriers to enjoying entertainment the easiest way I can imagine, then it looks like we have a job to do. At the very minimum, share your thoughts with all of us here.
For more information, check out these FAQ’s about the Solo-Dx technology used in the MovieReading app, listen to an interview about the app on Serotalk podcast 179 (one hour and 3 minutes into the podcast).
Tagged as: ai squared, app, audio description, iOS, Maurie Hill, MovieReading, movies, theater, zoomtext
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