Monday, March 31, 2014

This sounds yummy!

Crockpot Angel Chicken

Ingredients:

6 frozen or fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup of butter
1 Italian dressing mix packet
1 can of cream of chicken
8 oz of chive and onion cream cheese
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 box of angel hair pasta
Directions:

Place chicken breasts in the crock pot. In a medium sauce pan melt butter and then stir in the italian dressing mix. Add cream of chicken, cream cheese and white wine stirring until combined. Pour the mixture over the chicken and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours. When you are ready to eat prepare the angel hair pasta according to the directions. Before draining the pasta add 1/4 cup of the water to the chicken mixture if you would like it more creamy. Drain the pasta and toss together.

Monday, March 31

Good morning!
Last day of the month. The months sure pick up speed as we age.

Please keep Les and Sarah in your prayers. I understand Les is critical at Baptist in North Little rock.

Keep smiling and do a good deed,
Dr. Janet

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Vegetarian lasagna

Ingredients:
1/2-3/4 box of lasagna noodles
1 cup chopped zucchini
1 cup chopped yellow squash
1 10oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
1 cup skim ricotta cheese
2-3 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese

Sauce:

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 15oz. can tomato sauce
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
I used my 7 Quart Crock Pot Slow Cooker for this, but the first time I made lasagna in my slow cooker, I used a 3 Quart.

One sentence financial advice from USA Today

There are 56,956 personal finance books on Amazon.com. In aggregate, they contain more than 3 billion words. This seems absurd, because 99% of personal finance can be summarized in nine words: Work a lot, spend a little, invest the difference. Master that, and the other 2.999 billion words are filler.
The most important finance topics don't require details. Most can be, and should be, summarized in a sentence or two.
Here are some I've learned.
1. Dollar-cost average for your entire life and you'll beat almost everyone who doesn't.
2. Only invest in products and companies you can explain to a six-year old.
3. Every five to seven years, people forget that recessions occur every five to seven years.
4. You're twice as biased as you think you are (four times if you disagree with that statement).
5. Read more books and fewer articles.
6. Read more history and fewer forecasts.
7. It's strange that you go to the doctor once a year, but check your investments once a day.
8. Be careful when reading about how stupid investors can be and not realize you're reading about yourself.
9. Your circle of competence is probably 90% smaller than you think it is.
10. You're only diversified when some of your investments perform worse than others.
11. Big risks will always be disregarded; small risks always blown out of proportion.
12. Check your brokerage account as infrequently as it takes to prevent rash decisions.
13. When in doubt, choose the investment with the lowest fee.
14. Emotional intelligence is more important than book intelligence.
15. The more you learn about the economy, the more you realize you have no idea what's going on.
16. Start saving for college before your kid is born, and start saving for your retirement before you graduate college. You'll feel silly when you start and like a genius when you finish.
17. The most powerful way to grow your money is learning to live with less, since you have complete control over it.
18. Singer Rihanna nearly went broke and fired her financial advisor, who described her situation well: "Was it really necessary to tell her that if you spend money on things, you will end up with the things and not the money?"
19. You have no obligation to have an opinion about anything.
20. You have a strict obligation to not have an opinion about things you don't understand.
21. No one attending private school should be on student loans. Most should utilize community and state schools, which provide just as good an education for a fraction of the price.
22. You shouldn't feel strongly about any investment you haven't spent at least a week thinking about.
23. Holding 60% of your assets in stocks and 40% in bonds isn't perfect for everyone; but I can think of a thousand worse strategies.
24. Respect the role luck has played on some of your role models.
25. Don't take out $100,000 in student loans for anything other than medical school (if that).
26. Change your mind as often as the facts change.
27. Ignore people who refuse to change theirs when the facts change.
28. Read last year's market predictions and you'll never again take this year's predictions seriously.
29. Warren Buffett's folksy talk misleads people into thinking that what he's accomplished is easy. It's not.
30. Sleep on every investment decision for a week, then run it by a trusted friend before acting.
31. Two things you can do to make yourself a better investor are increase the amount of time you're investing for and the humility you put into your ideas.
32. Just as you should dress appropriately for your age, you should spend appropriately for your income, and not a penny more.
33. Warren Buffett has the best explanation of dumb risk-taking: "To make money they didn't have and didn't need, they risked what they did have and did need. And that's foolish. It is just plain foolish."
34. You can probably afford not to be a great investor -- you probably can't afford to be a bad one.
35. You're twice as gullible as you think you are.
36. Learn more from your bad investments than your good ones.
37. Judge investors by the quality of their arguments, not the performance of their last trade.
38. You can realistically afford probably half the home the mortgage broker approves you for.
39. Teach your kids about money before they're old enough to earn their own.
40. Admit when you are wrong.
41. Imagine how much stuff you'd have to make up if you were forced to talk 24/7. Remember this when watching financial news on TV.
42. There is, and always will be, more money to be made providing investment advice than receiving it.
43. Assume the worst, hope for the best, accept reality.
44. Save for your own retirement; assume Social Security and private pensions won't be around (even though they probably will).
45. Annuities: A product mixing the complexity of high finance with the sales tactics of used-car salesman has an entirely predictable outcome.
46. The correlation between confidence and future regret is incredibly high.
47. During the last 100 years, there have been more 10% market pullbacks than Christmases. Everyone knows Christmas will come; think of volatility the same way.
48. Don't attempt to keep up with the Joneses without realizing the Joneses aren't any happier than you are.
49. Predictions, opinions, and forecasts should be discounted by the number of times the person making them is on TV each week.
50. Not taking advantage of an employer match on your 401(k) is no different than declining a raise.
51. Don't let Washington sway your investment decisions. Congress has been a dysfunctional swamp of disappointment since 1789, and stocks have done well ever since.
52. To quote Larry Summers: "A good rule of thumb for many things in life holds that things take longer to happen than you think they will, and then happen faster than you thought they could."
53. Another Larry Summers gem: "THERE ARE IDIOTS. Look around."
54. "Invest in what you know" is dangerously simplified.
55. Quit day trading, and donate your money to charity instead. Same financial result for you, and a better outcome for society.
56. Most people's biggest expense is interest, which comes from living beyond your means, and buying things they think will impress others, which comes from insecurity. Avoid these two and you'll grow richer than most of your peers.
57. Reaching for yield to increase your income is often like sticking your hands in a fire to warm them up -- good in theory, disastrous in practice.
58. Your devotion to a political party or economic philosophy is directly proportional to your tendency to think irrationally about how politics affects your investments.
59. Most people need a financial advisor, but everyone needs a financial counselor, or someone to talk them off the ledge before making a dumb decision.
60. There's a strong negative correlation between flaunting money and being rich.
61. Investors were probably better informed 20 years ago when there was 90% less financial news.
The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

Option for those needing heart surgery

Fewer patients with diseased aortic valves might have to face open-heart surgery.
A new study, published online yesterday in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that the risk of death among severe aortic-stenosis patients one year after treatment was lower in those who received a prosthetic valve inserted through a catheter than in those who had the valve replaced during surgery.
The catheter is inserted through an incision in the groin and threaded through an artery to the aorta. A stent and the prosthetic valve open when the catheter is unsheathed.
“This will be available for more patients to have a less-invasive option to replace the aortic valve,” said Dr. Steven Yakubov, a co-author of the study and system chief of structural heart disease at OhioHealth.
“It will absolutely change the way patients are treated.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the device for extreme-risk patients — those who are too sick for open-heart surgery — in January. The study Yakubov helped to lead could pave the way for FDA approval for patients who are eligible for surgery but are at high risk of dying.
FDA approval could come in the next six months, he said.
Each year, aortic stenosis is diagnosed in about 100,000 people. It’s a narrowing of a valve that chokes off the heart’s ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. About one-third of patients are high-risk.
Patients either must live with shortness of breath and chest pain or undergo surgery to correct the problem. Stenosis can lead to heart failure.
A total of 795 people were enrolled in the study at 45 centers nationwide. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to surgical aortic-valve replacement or the catheter-valve procedure.
According to the study, 14.2 percent of patients who received the valve through a catheter died after one year, compared with 19.1 percent of those who had surgery.
Complications, including stroke and death, are inherent in both the transcatheter treatment and open-heart surgery, but the risk appears to be lower with the less-
invasive treatment, Yakubov said.
Surgery candidates tend to be older, and in many cases have other health problems, such as kidney or lung disease, that put them at high risk, said Dr. Daniel Simon, director of the Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland. “This (new procedure) really meets an unmet need,” Simon said.
The catheter-inserted replacement valve is made of cow tissue and represents the second generation of transcatheter aortic-valve replacements. The original technology required a balloon to open the valve. The new replacement expands on its own.
Medtronic CoreValue makes the valve and sponsored the study.
Simon said trials are underway to use the treatment for intermediate-risk patients, and he expects it to be used in one-third to half of all aortic-valve replacements within five years.
Older patients who undergo open-heart surgery to receive a replacement valve typically are hospitalized for about a week and spend months recovering, he said. Patients who undergo the new procedure can be conscious, which reduces risks associated with anesthesia, and they can leave the hospital in about three days.

Sunday, March 30

Good morning everyone,
Hopefully spring is on the way! Jonquils are in bloom, crocus are beautiful, birds are singing and allergies are evident everywhere! If you are plagued by spring time allergies, don't forget to change your heat/air filters.  Over the counter medication for allergies has improved over the years and most come in a non drowsy format now.

It looks like it will be a beautiful day!  Get some fresh air and have a great day.
Do a good deed today!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole




Cowboy Casserole
adapted from a recipe at Taste of Home
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (I used 80/20)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can (15.25oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons sour cream
1 bag (30 oz) frozen tater tots (I used Ore-Ida Crispy Crowns)

Before I got ready to make this casserole, I let the Crispy Crowns sit on the counter to defrost for an hour or so. The original recipe used still frozen tater tots, but I felt they wouldn't cook as well if they were still frozen solid.

In a large skillet cook the onion until tender and translucent. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the beef and cook over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the mixture and place into a large bowl and set aside.

In a small bowl combine the soup, milk and sour cream. Whisk until smooth. Add to hamburger mixture and stir to combine. Add corn and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Gently mix to combine.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the Crispy Crowns on the bottom, pour the hamburger mixture over the top and then layer with the other half of the Crispy Crowns. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and bake at 350 for 25 - 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crunchy.

*Note - The second time I made this I prepared it the night before and stuck it in the fridge overnight. I took it out about an hour before I wanted to bake it, just so it could come to room temperature a bit. I think it was even better than the first one!

Saturday,March 28

Good evening everyone,
I am running very late today. I have been traveling and seeing clients. It is always fun to see old friends and make new ones.

I understand Les is back in the hospital. Please keep both he and Sarah in your prayers. I saw him this week and he was very weak.

Here is my thought for the day:
It doesn't matter how big our house is, how many cars are in the garage or the size of the bank account---all our graves will be the same size!

Make your life count!
Until tomorrow
Dr. Janet

Friday, March 28, 2014

Microsoft for IPad - will you use it?

Computerworld - Microsoft's new Office for iPad apps vaulted to the top of the free application chart on Apple's App Store shortly after their Thursday debut.

The long-awaited, highly anticipated apps -- Word, Excel and PowerPoint -- were ranked No. 1, 2 and 3 early today on the App Store's free iPad app list.

OneNote, which had already been in the App Store -- it was also refreshed yesterday -- held down the No. 4 spot, giving Microsoft four of the top five for the iPad.

Office for iPad also put out impressive coattails, dragging Office Mobile on the iPhone along with it. According to App Annie, a mobile app analytics vendor, Office Mobile jumped to No. 9 yesterday on the U.S. list from a dismal No. 569 the day before. Apple's own free iPhone chart put Office Mobile at No. 7 early today.


Microsoft's Word, Excel and PowerPoint jumped to the top of Apple's iPad App Store chart within hours of their Thursday debut.
Microsoft helped juice Office Mobile's downloads by changing the rules for the app, allowing free full functionality for home users. Business customers, however, must still subscribe to an Office 365 plan.

Frank Shaw, Microsoft's top corporate communications executive, trumpeted the quick climb of the Office for iPad apps today in a Twitter message that referenced a post by TechCrunch.

Apple also highlighted the Office for iPad apps on the home page of its App Store, one of six touts by the Cupertino, Calif., company that also included Major League Baseball's At Bat, games like Beach Boom and Star Wars: Assault Team, and the Get Stuff Done productivity app.

Microsoft went with a "freemium" monetization model with the Office for iPad apps. iPad owners can download Word, Excel and PowerPoint and use them to view documents, spreadsheets and presentations free of charge.

To activate advanced features -- including document creation and editing -- users must have a valid subscription to one of the many Office 365 rent-not-buy plans Microsoft offers.

For consumers, the Office 365 Home Premium plan costs $100 annually. Businesses have a variety of programs to choose from that start at $150 per user per year and climb to $264 per user per year.

Some analysts had said it was possible that Office for iPad would launch to an anemic reaction -- in part because in the years since Apple launched its first tablet, users had gravitated to other apps for their productivity needs. However, the initial response to the Word-Excel-PowerPoint trio has been robust.

Apple's own iWork productivity apps, which the company began giving away last fall to all new iPad owners, ranked No. 36 (Pages), No. 50 (Keynote) and No. 51 (Numbers) today.

This article, Microsoft's freemium Office apps jump to top of iPad chart, was originally published at Computerworld.com.

Gregg Keizer covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld. Follow Gregg on Twitter at  @gkeizer, on Google+ or subscribe to Gregg's RSS feed . His email address is gkeizer@computerworld.com.


Peanut Butter Brownie Pizza

Peanut Butter Brownie Pizza

Ingredients
1 package Krusteaz Fudge Brownie Mix

Peanut Butter Topping:
1 cup peanut butter
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup milk chocolate chips
½ cup candy coated chocolate pieces.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare brownie mix as directed. Spoon batter into lightly greased, 12-inch pizza pan. Bake 23-27 minutes. For Peanut Butter Topping: Place peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk in medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until mixture is smooth. Spread over prepared brownie pizza. Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over peanut butter topping layer. Top with candy coated chocolate
pieces.

The First Aid app by the American Red Cross

These days, any burn, cut or scrape sends people right to their smartphones. Many people search for first aid information on the Internet before they do anything else - but did you know there's now an app for that? The First Aid app by the American Red Cross is free and gives step-by-step instructions for users. It covers issues like allergies, asthma, bleeding, stings, sprains - and even more serious conditions like stroke, poisonings and heart attack. There are also instructional videos and quizzes to test your knowledge. The app also provides checklists for handling emergencies like an earthquake, fire, flood or hurricane. You can even connect with local EMS or 911 if needed. Remember, it's important to use common sense when dealing with an injury or ailment. Take your health seriously: If you think you need to go to the emergency room, do it. 

Friday, March 28

Good morning everyone,
I hear lots of birds this morning and saw a weather forecast for a perfect weekend! Hopefully, everyone will be able to get out and enjoy the nice weather.

I am traveling again today and tomorrow. I have a long list of folks to see! So if you need me, please leave a message.

Have a great day!
Dr. Janet

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Microwave Rocky Road

This sounds yummy, but not healthy!


Microwave Rocky Road Candy

Ingredients

2 cups dry roasted peanuts
7 cups mini marshmallows (10 ounce bag)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
1 can (14 ounce) sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Line a 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper.
Place peanuts and marshmallows in a large mixing bowl, toss to mix them up. Set aside.
In a 4 cup microwaveable measuring cup or bowl, add chocolate chips, butter and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on high for 90 seconds, remove and stir then microwave again for another 90 seconds. remove form microwave and stir until chocolate chips are completely melted. Let cool for 5 minutes then stir into marshmallows/peanuts until all are coated.
Spread into prepared pan and chill for 2 hours in refrigerator. Cut into squares.

Thursday, March 27

Good morning everyone,
I have another busy day of home visits scheduled. Let's hope the weather cooperates. It looks cloudy and gloomy in my corner if the world. Be sure you know where your batteries are as we head into spring storm season.

Have a great day and spread a little sunshine!
Dr. Janet

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Hypertension article



Subject: Article from Fox News Health Section 2014 03 25

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a prevalent condition among American adults. Hypertension occurs when blood pressure remains elevated, changing the structure and function of the blood vessels. It is estimated that about 67 million Americans have elevated blood pressure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hypertension wreaks havoc on the vital organs of the body and can cause a variety of side effects, from blindness to kidney disease. Since it can also damage the arteries in the brain, hypertension also happens to one of the most common causes of stroke in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, there is no one identifiable cause of hypertension - it is usually caused by a combination of factors. These include, among others: excess weight, low activity levels, tobacco use, stress, hormonal disorders or family history. Since hypertension is a disease primarily caused by lifestyle choices, positive changes can help bring those high numbers under control. Certain foods have been shown to reduce hypertension and adding them to your daily diet can reap enormous benefits over time. A study by the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Australia found that blood pressure was significantly reduced in otherwise healthy individuals by drinking 16 ounces of fresh beet juice a day. This may be because beets contain natural nitrates, which can improve vasodilation, decreasing blood pressure. Celery contains phytochemicals called phthalides, which clinical studies have shown relax muscle tissue in the artery walls, leading to increased blood flow and reduced blood pressure. And taking a daily dose of at least 10 milligrams of allicin, a compound found in garlic, decreased blood pressure over a three month period in one double-blind study. To get enough allicin naturally, include one to four cloves of fresh, uncooked, garlic in your daily diet. It is estimated that over 80 percent of doctor's visits are directly or indirectly related to the effects of stress, according to the American Institute of Stress. Chronic stress plays a role in hypertension and taking steps to deliberately calm the nervous system can have a positive effect on mind, body and overall wellbeing. Book some time on your weekly calendar for activities that help you relax to ensure you make it a priority. Throughout the day, if you feel yourself becoming stressed or anxious, try taking deep, calming breaths with your eyes closed, focusing on nothing but your breath. Repeating positive affirmations or mantras throughout the day sends a signal to your body to slow down and relax, so think happy thoughts, especially during times of stress. Drinking tea regularly may also help reduce blood pressure. While some caffeinated teas may raise blood pressure in the short term there are several that have been found to be effective in reducing hypertension over time. Some herbal teas can have a negative interaction with prescription medication so always check with your doctor if you are currently being treated with any medication. Hibiscus tea is rich in flavonoids, minerals and other nutrients, and several studies have shown the beverage may help reduce blood pressure in pre-and-mildly hypertensive adults. Another study showed that drinking one-half to two 'cup's of oolong or green tea daily could cut a persons risk of hypertension by up to 46 percent. Three 'cup's of black tea daily for six months lead to a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by two to three mm Hg, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine . Along with a regular strength training routine and a diet low in refined carbohydrates, sugars and processed foods, these simple strategies can easily help reduce hypertension. The most important part of implementing these lifestyle changes is to be consistent and patient since it may take up to three months of daily implementation to notice changes. Monitor blood pressure regularly with your primary care doctor so any changes can be quickly addressed. Jacqueline Banks is a certified holistic health counselor and busy mother. Her focus is on helping other busy moms in all stages of motherhood keep themselves and their little ones healthy and happy. She uses natural and organic solutions to solve individual health problems and promote clean living. Check out her website at www.jbholistic.com .

Jello dessert. - do you remember this?

This is an oldie found in almost all church cookbooks



Jello Salad - Any Flavor
Ingredients

8 oz cottage cheese (low fat is fine)
3 oz Jell-O mix, any flavor (the sugar free mix works fine too)
8 oz Cool Whip (lite or sugar free is fine)
1 cup pecan pieces
8 oz pineapple tidbits, juice drained
Instructions

In a large bowl, stir the cottage cheese with the Jell-O until mixed really well.
Fold in the Cool Whip.
Mix in the pineapple tidbits and pecans.
Can be served immediately, but it's very best when it's had time to chill, so the Jell-O can completely dissolve.
Serves 4
Notes

Don't do the steps out of order! The cottage cheese and the Jell-O need to be mixed together before the Cool Whip is added. Otherwise you'll likely have Jell-O mix lumps in the salad!

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Wednesday, March 26

Good morning world!
Looks like a beautiful but cool day in my corner. I am ready for consistently warm days! Hard to  relieve it is Wednesday already. This week is flying by.

I have a classic jello recipe for you and a great health article. Please take time to read the health article.

I am off to see clients send enjoy the jonquils!
Have a great day and make a difference in someone's life!
Until tomorrow
Dr. Janet

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Tuesday, March 25 - Paragould trip update

Good evening!
We are back from a long but fun day with our Paragould friends! We met at the Greene County Library where we downloaded Overdrive. Everyone left reading! What a great day!! Our next meeting in Paragould will be back at Bonnie's church. She will confirm in the next few days and I will post details.

Clients obtained library cards, downloaded necessary apps and left reading. Remember when you download Overdrive you also have to have the adobe reader. It will appear automatically for most libraries.

Have a great evening. I will be making home visits tomorrow
Dr. Janet

Monday, March 24, 2014

Great article--encourages chocolate consumption!



8 Seriously easy ways to improve your memory and stay sharp for the rest of your life
by Julie Bain. Reprinted from Ladies Home Journal

You can't remember where you put your glasses, the remote or your keys and you've already forgotten the name of the person you met two minutes ago. But don't freak out. The human brain tends to shrink with age and a smaller brain just doesn't work as well, so this is normal. The good news is that you can do something about it, says neurologist Majid T. Fotuhi, M.D., author of Boost Your Brain: The New Art and Science Behind Enhanced Brain Performance . Turns out that your brain has the remarkable ability to keep growing at any age, if you have the right health habits. Dr. Fotuhi has put together a program, based on 25 years of research and teaching at Johns Hopkins and Harvard Medical School, that can significantly improve the performance of your hippocampus, the part of your brain that's responsible for short-term memory. Follow these eight steps and in just a few weeks you'll be able to learn new things, memorize your grocery list and rattle off people's names with confidence. 1 Move it or lose it This may be the best motivation ever to get off the couch. When you're working out to the point of breaking a sweat, you're actually growing new brain cells in your hippocampus, says Dr. Fotuhi. It seems mind-boggling but there is solid science behind it. How does it work? More blood flow to the brain and an increase in a crucial protein called BDNF spur the growth. Dr. Fotuhi says patients he has worked with at his NeurExpand Brain Center, in Baltimore, have increased the size of their hippocampus anywhere from 1 percent to an astonishing 8.6 percent after three months of aerobic exercise, enough to be visible on an MRI scan. And people who have a bigger hippocampus are less likely to get Alzheimer's disease. So how much exercise do you really need? Here's what's optimal: 30 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity like jogging and 15 minutes of strength training, such as lifting hand weights or doing squats and pushups, four times a week. If you do this, you can expect to have significant brain benefits, says Dr. Fotuhi. Exercise is the most important recommendation on his list, but he says that all of the tips here can help reduce harmful inflammation, increase blood flow and raise that brain-growing BDNF. 2 Change your expectations Stress and frustration stimulate chemical changes that can shrink your hippocampus and lead to memory problems. To reverse some of the damage, try to chill out and put things in perspective. Say you're stuck in traffic. If you always expect traffic to flow smoothly with no delays, the consequence is that you get stressed and angry. But you can cut your anxiety by telling yourself that traffic jams happen and you can't control them. And when traffic is better than you expect, you'll feel great. Many of your little daily aggravations occur because you don't manage your expectations, says Dr. Fotuhi. Believe me, those frustrations affect your memory in the short term and your brain health in the long run. 3 Feed your brain Getting a certain amount of DHA a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, fish oil and algae can increase the size of your hippocampus in about six months, research shows. But it's almost impossible to get enough from your diet. Buy supplements that come from algae rather than fish, as they're less likely to have impurities such as mercury. I really believe DHA is a super brain food, says Dr. Fotuhi. I take 1 gram a day, and so does my wife. 4 Eat flavonoids Foods containing flavonoids, such as deeply colored berries and grapes, beets, dark chocolate and cocoa, can also boost your brain. A recent Harvard study showed increased blood flow and better memory performance after participants drank two 'cup's of hot cocoa a day for a month. What's not to love about that? 5 Reduce these three numbers Focus on lowering your blood sugar, blood pressure and belly fat. We've known for a long time that people who have diabetes are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, says Dr. Fotuhi. But a study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that if you have elevated blood sugar (even if you don't have diabetes), you're at increased risk for Alzheimer's. Many women have high blood sugar and don't know it, so ask your doctor to test you (fasting blood glucose over 100 is considered pre-diabetes; over 125 is diabetes). Even borderline high blood pressure can put you at risk for stroke and make your brain sluggish. And having a belly size bigger than half your height increases your risk of stroke and sleep apnea, which can lead to brain shrinkage. So if you're 5-foot-4, your waist should measure less than 32 inches. 6 Protect your head Do not get on a bike or go skiing or skating without wearing a helmet at any age. Even a minor fall can cause a microscopic tear in your brain, says Dr. Fotuhi, and the scar tissue may cause memory problems. And make sure your kids wear head protection while playing concussion-prone sports. 7 Take on new challenges Keep learning and memorizing new things throughout your life, says Dr. Fotuhi. Crossword puzzles don't qualify because you're tapping into information you already have in your head. To challenge your brain, set a goal to memorize three names a day. People say, 'I'm terrible with names,' but they don't even try. When you practice memorizing names by associating wacky images with the person, you get better at it. Study a new language, especially if you do it intensively for a few months. Take violin or piano lessons. Memorize poems or songs you love. Encourage yourself to do more problem-solving, like seeing if you can fix the toilet yourself instead of calling a plumber. If you're working out your monthly budget, put away the calculator, grab a pencil and do the math yourself. Or take ballroom dancing, as Dr. Fotuhi and his wife did, which makes your brain memorize new steps. 8 See friends in 3-d Get out for lunch or go for a walk with your pals instead of spending time on Facebook or Instagram. Interacting with people in the real world actually requires a good deal of mental maneuvering, like when you're keeping track of several conversations at a party. Social interaction also brings you pleasure, which releases endorphins and other feel-good chemicals, and reduces excess cortisol, a chemical that's a major brain shrinker. In addition, a recent study showed that people who say they find meaning in their lives and pursue their passions, such as religion, time with family and creative expression, have healthier brains as they age. So whenever you can, get out into the world and connect with others in ways that make you feel happy and fulfilled, say by volunteering, playing tennis or singing in the choir. 

Monday, March 24

Good morning world!
Mondays sure do come quickly! I have a busy day and week. Today I will see my friends at Woodland Heights for iPad training. They are doing great!

There will not be a post early tomorrow morning as I leave for Paragould at 4! I just can't type before that first cup of coffee.

Have a great days nod do a good deed,
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Chicken recipe

Budget-Friendly Cilantro Lime Roasted Chicken

Yield: 6 servings | Serving Size: ½ breast, 1 thigh or 1 drumstick + 1 wing | Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients
Cooking spray
2½ pound whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 lime, zested and juiced
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Cost
This recipe is $9.89 for the entire recipe.
That's just $1.65 per serving.

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Remove the skin from the chicken and arrange in a single layer in the baking pan.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, honey, garlic, ground black pepper and salt (optional). Pour the
   mixture evenly over the chicken and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature of the largest piece of chicken is 165
   degrees.
Side Suggestion: Frozen tri-color pepper mixture, steamed.

Sunday, March 23

Good morning everyone,
It is another beautiful spring morning in Central Arkansas. My yard is full of beautiful birds looking for nest building material. I love to watch the birds but hate to clean up after them!
Another reminder that this will be a busy week. Tuesday at 10 in Paragould. We will meet at the Green county Library for Overdrive training. On Thursday, Pope county Library at 1 for Technology tryouts!
Hope to see everyone at one of our stops.
Have a great day!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Healthy habits update

It was a great day! Good food, fellowship, lots of laughter, learning, sharing and caring among friends! It can't get any better. Thanks to Ms. Helen for all the hard work....she makes my job easy!
A special shout out to Dr. John for his words of wisdom. I think we all owe him for an office visit! If we could only abide by his advice.

Remember, April 12 for iPad training at the Center!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Crock pot Lasagna

SLOW COOKER LASAGNA



PREP TIME
25 mins
COOK TIME
360 mins
TOTAL TIME
6 hours 25 mins


Recipe type: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Dinner
Serves: 8
INGREDIENTS
1 pound ground turkey or beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 package (8 ounces) no-cook lasagna noodles
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) 4% cottage cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
In a skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, salt and oregano.
Spread a fourth of the meat sauce in an ungreased 5-qt. slow cooker. Arrange a third of the noodles over sauce (break the noodles if necessary). Combine the cheeses; spoon a third of the mixture over noodles. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining meat sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until noodles are tender.

Great article - thanks, Johnye



Sent from my iPad


Article from Fox News Health Section 2014 03 21

Most Americans spend at least a portion of every day trying to prevent body odor - showering, applying deodorant and even sniffing their armpits to detect any trace of an off-putting smell. For most people, body odor is completely normal; it's the simple result of the interaction between sweat and bacteria on a person's skin. "Body odor doesn't necessarily signify anything, and you know a lot of our perceptions of body odor have to do with society norms," Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, told FoxNews.com. But while the average person can easily control his or her body odor with proper hygiene, for others it isn't so simple. Do some diseases make body odor worse? Certain rare diseases can alter the way a person's body odor smells, according to George Preti, an organic chemist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center, who focuses on the nature and origin of human odors. One such condition is trimethylaminuria (TMAU), which affects just 1 in 200,000 people. "Metabolic diseases like trimethylaminuria will lend a very different odor to the individual," Preti said. "It's out of the ordinary. In the bad cases, the individual will produce a rotting fish or garbage-y smell perceptible at social distances. This rare condition is characterized by the body's inability to properly metabolize trimethylamine, a byproduct of gut metabolism. As a result, individuals with TMAU develop an excess of trimethylamine within their body, causing them to give off a strange odor. TMAU is typically diagnosed in young people, and unusual body odor is the primary outward symptom of the disease. Other metabolic conditions, like advanced kidney and liver disorders or diabetes, can also produce strange body odors - usually in the form of bad breath. However, this typically only occurs at very advanced stages of disease. While bad smells or bad breath are not used to diagnose any of these conditions, some organizations are considering training dogs to detect these diseases by their smell. "There are groups looking to fund research with dogs as detectors because dogs can pick up the odor in people, particularly children who are not properly regulating themselves, type 1 diabetic children," Preti said. "They can be trained to pick up this peculiar odor on the breath at an early stage and warn people that they are having a low or going into a high of blood sugar. Does stress make you smell worse? If you're worried about B.O., consider taking action to reduce your stress levels. "Stress-related odor will be normal odor on steroids," Preti said. When people are stressed, they produce more apocrine secretions from the apocrine glands in their armpits, causing an elevation of body odor that may be perceptible to others. "Without apocrine sweat or secretion you cannot produce underarm odor. It's not just bacteria and moisture; it's that plus this apocrine secretion," Preti said. "Under stressful conditions you produce more apocrine secretions. Luckily, most body odor can be controlled with the help of over-the-counter antiperspirants and deodorants. "Antiperspirant decreases the amount of sweat that reaches the skin. A lot of them contain aluminum salts, and what those do is form a plug, and it prevents the sweat from reaching the surface of the skin, and that helps keep you dry," Zeichner said. "Now, totally separate from that are deodorants, and those are basically products that have masking fragrances. When you go to the store to purchase a product, most are antiperspirants and deodorants. If you are concerned about excess sweating, a doctor may be able to recommend prescription-strength antiperspirants, oral medications that can reduce sweat, or even Botox injections in the armpit. Can the food I eat affect my body odor? It's a popular rumor that spicy foods or curry-flavored dishes can produce strange body odors. However, this theory is still being debated. "There has been no good study demonstrating that diet affects body odor," Preti said. "Though I believe it can, because components in a lot of aromatic spicing are very fat soluble. So they'll get stored in your body fat and get into your sweat and saliva and they'll influence body odor over time. Another reason people may think their diet is affecting their smell is that it is often difficult to distinguish between breath odor and body odor. "For example, if you eat a meal with a lot of garlic, it will emanate from the breath for 48 hours, and a lot of people don't distinguish between underarm odors and breathe odor," Preti said. For people who feel self-conscious about their scent, Zeichner often recommends peppermint oil as a natural solution. "This is anecdotal data, just based on the experience I and some of my colleagues have had, but peppermint oil gets absorbed and excreted and can change the smell," Zeichner said. "Two drops on the tongue three times a day.

Saturday, March 22

Good morning,
Big plans at the center today! Hope to see everyone there. I will post a report this evening.
Dr. Janet

Friday, March 21, 2014

New allergy medicine



If you have seasonal allergies, you probably assume that you've heard all the advice out there-and despite your best efforts, you still find yourself sneezing, wheezing and tearing. But don't fear those blooming trees and piles of freshly mown grass. "More and more, new technology is giving us a clearer picture of what causes people's allergies, allowing us to personalize treatment," says Dr. Linda Cox, president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. So we got experts to share the latest info on testing advances, medication breakthroughs and natural remedies that really work. Health.com: 15 Hypoallergenic Dogs and Cats Secret No. 1: Seasonal symptoms don't mean you have seasonal allergies When you get that telltale itch in your nose come April or May, do you figure it's your tree pollen allergy acting up again? Here's a shocker: Pollen, or another spring trigger, might not be the problem. "It could be a mold allergy, which can run in summer and fall, or a year-round dust mite allergy," Cox points out. That means that making lifestyle changes, such as keeping your house drier and washing your bedding more often, might yield surprising relief. You may not even have allergies at all, says Dr. Inderpal Randhawa, assistant professor of medicine at the UCLA School of Medicine. "Sixty percent of people who respond well to taking antihistamines don't have allergies," he notes. "The antihistamine just dried out their nose, so they feel better. They may actually have a cold or asthma instead. That's why it's always worth going in for testing if you suffer from regular allergy-like symptoms, even if you've been tested before. New allergies can develop throughout your life, and the testing technology has improved since the mid-1990s, leading to sharper diagnoses. Request ImmunoCAP blood testing and/or skin testing. Health.com: Home Remedies for Allergies: What Works? Secret No. 2: It's good to stop taking your meds Finding an allergy medicine that performs well for you feels great. Sadly, "using the same drug over and over can result in it not working anymore," says Dr. Daniel Akin, an otolaryngologist in Albany, Ind. With regular use, your body can develop a tolerance to an antihistamine after two to three months. And popping a decongestant pill (like those that include the active ingredient pseudoephedrine) for longer than 10 days can harm the lining of the sinuses and throat, causing mucus to thicken. The antidote: Switch to a different drug for two weeks. "Your old favorite might be more effective when you start using it again," says Dr. Shilpi Agarwal, an integrative medicine family physician in Los Angeles. If that doesn't work, take a total pill vacation for a couple of weeks. You don't have to go cold turkey, though. Rely instead on antihistamine eyedrops, such as Zyrtec Itchy Eye Drops or Zaditor, Agarwal says. Saline nasal sprays (available at drugstores) and prescription antihistamine nasal sprays can also help. For more severe cases, your doc can prescribe steroid nasal sprays, like Flonase or Nasonex. Health.com: 20 Ways to Stop Allergies Secret No. 3: Natural cures actually help Your doctor might not be writing you a prescription for salmon anytime soon, but eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids-including fatty fish and walnuts-can decrease risk of seasonal allergy symptoms, according to research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. "Anything you can do to reduce bodily inflammation really helps with allergies," Agarwal explains. As for supplements, consider butterbur extract. Studies have shown that it can be as effective as over-the-counter antihistamines. The recommended dosage is 50 to 75 milligrams twice a day. Drinking nettle-root tea or taking it in supplement form (up to 300mg twice a day) may also reduce symptoms, Agarwal says. And don't discount the good old neti pot, Akin adds: "Use it twice a day while you're having symptoms to wash allergens out of your nose. Health.com: Your 12 Worst Allergy Mistakes Secret No. 4: Some foods can make things worse Do your allergies seem more severe around mealtime? You're probably not imagining it: Certain fruits, vegetables and nuts have proteins similar to those in pollen, so they can cause symptoms like an itchy mouth and throat in people with seasonal allergies when they eat those foods. Classic examples of irritating pollen-and-food pairs include ragweed and melons, and tree pollen and apples. So watch what you eat, or cook symptom-causing foods to break down their allergenic proteins, which should enable you to tolerate them. Health.com: 14 Foods That Fight Inflammation Secret No. 5: Better treatments lie ahead For years, the only way to truly get rid of allergies has been to undergo immunotherapy, aka allergy shots. But that's about to change. Coming soon: immunotherapy pills, which allergy sufferers can take instead of going to the doctor for shots. "Two years after stopping the pills, you're still in clinical remission," Cox says. "This is a game changer. An FDA advisory committee recently voted in favor of the safety and efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy tablets for grass pollen and ragweed. They're anticipated to be FDA-approved by midsummer and available to patients soon after. In the meantime, the FDA just approved Nasacort Allergy 24HR, a prescription corticosteroid nasal spray, as an OTC med, so now this highly effective treatment will be available without a doctor's say-so. As with the Rx version, the spray is a great option when less potent meds aren't offering relief. But if it doesn't work, see your doc. With all the options in the allergy world now, she should be able to devise a plan that will squash your symptoms for good. This article originally appeared on Health.com.

Happy Friday

Good morning everyone,
Another week has passed. I still live for Fridays! It probably goes back to my mis-spent youth and school days but I still look forward to Fridays and our weekly treat of restaurant dining. I hope hubby springs for Mexican this evening. It is my favorite!

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow.  Remember 11-1 at the center.

See you there!
Dr. Janet

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Sweet devotion from an American Hero



Devotion………………


      For half a century, the world has applauded John Glenn as a heart-stirring American hero.  He lifted the nation's spirits when, as one of the original Mercury 7  astronauts, he was blasted alone into orbit  around the Earth; the enduring  affection for him is so powerful that even  now people find themselves misting  up at the sight of his face or the sound  of his voice.
   
         But for all these years, Glenn has had a hero of his own, someone who he has seen display endless courage of a different kind:

      Annie Glenn.

      They have been married for 70 years.  (since April 6, 1943)

      He is 92; (b 18 July 1921) she turned 94; (b 17 February, 1920) on Friday, 17 FE 2013.

      This weekend there has been news coverage of the 50th anniversary of Glenn's flight into orbit.  ( Project Mercury, 3 orbits of earth, 20 FE 1962) We are being reminded that, half a century down the line, he remains America's unforgettable hero.

      He has never really bought that.

       Because the heroism he most cherishes is of a sort that is seldom cheered.  It belongs to the person he has known longer than he has known anyone else in the world.

      John Glenn and Annie Castor first knew each other when -- literally -- they shared a playpen.

      In New Concord, Ohio, his parents and hers were friends.  When the families got together, their children played.

      John -- the future Marine fighter pilot, the future test-pilot ace, the future astronaut -- was pure gold from the start.  He would end up having what it took to rise to the absolute pinnacle of American regard during the space race; imagine what it meant to be the young John Glenn in the small confines of New Concord.

       Three-sport varsity athlete, most admired boy in town, Mr. Everything.

      Annie Castor was bright, was caring, was talented, and was generous of spirit.  But she could talk only with the most excruciating of difficulty.  It haunted her.

      Her stuttering was so severe that it was categorized as an "85%" disability -- 85% of the time, she could not manage to make words come out.

      When she tried to recite a poem in elementary school, she was laughed at.  She was not able to speak on the telephone.  She could not have a regular conversation with a friend.

      And John Glenn loved her.

      Even as a boy he was wise enough to understand that people who could not see past her stutter were  missing out on knowing a rare and  wonderful girl.

      They married on April 6, 1943.  As a military wife, she found that life as she and John moved around the country could be quite hurtful.  She has written: "I can remember some very painful experiences -- especially the ridicule."

      In department stores, she would wander unfamiliar aisles trying to find the right section, embarrassed to attempt to ask the sales clerks for help.  In taxis, she would have to write requests to the driver, because   she couldn't speak the destination out loud.  In restaurants, she would point to the items on the menu.

      A fine musician, Annie, in every community where she and John moved, would play the organ in church as a way to make new friends.  She and John had two children; she has  written: "Can you imagine living in the  modern world and being afraid to use  the telephone? 'Hello' used to be so hard for me to say.  I worried that my children would be injured and need a doctor.  Could I somehow find the words to get the information across on the phone?"

      John, as a Marine aviator, flew 59 combat missions in World War II and 90 during the Korean War.  Every time he was deployed, he and Annie said goodbye the same way.  His last words to her before leaving were:

      "I'm just going down to the corner store to get a pack of gum."

      And, with just the two of them there, she was able to always reply:

       "Don't be long."

      On that February day in 1962 when the world held its breath and the Atlas rocket was about to propel him toward space, those were their words, once again.  And in 1998, when, at 77, he went back to space aboard the shuttle Discovery, it was an understandably tense time for them.  What if something happened to end their life together?

      She knew what he would say to her before boarding the shuttle.  He did -- and this time he gave her a present to hold onto:

      A pack of gum.

      She carried it in a pocket next to her heart until he was safely home.

      Many times in her life she attempted various treatments to cure her stutter.  None worked.

      But in 1973, she found a doctor in Virginia who ran an intensive program she and John hoped would help her.  She traveled there to enroll and to give it her best effort.  The miracle she and John had always waited for at last, as miracles will do, arrived.  At age 53, she was able to talk fluidly, and not in brief, anxiety-ridden, agonizing bursts.

      John has said that on the first day he heard her speak to him with confidence and clarity, he dropped to his knees to offer a prayer of gratitude.

      He has written: "I saw Annie's perseverance and strength through the years and it just made me admire her and love her even more. “  He has heard roaring ovations in countries around the globe for his own valor, but his awe is reserved for Annie, and what she accomplished: "I don't know if I would have had the courage."

      Her voice is so clear and steady now that she regularly gives public talks.  If you are lucky enough to know the Glenn’s, the sight and sound of them bantering and joking with each other and playfully finishing each other’s sentences is something that warms you and makes you thankful just to be in the same  room.

       Monday will be the anniversary of the Mercury space shot, and once again people will remember, and will speak of the heroism of Glenn the astronaut.

      But if you ever find yourself at an event where the Glenn’s are appearing, and you want to see someone so brimming with pride and love  that you may feel your own tears  start to well up, wait until the moment  that Annie stands to say a few words to the audience.

      And as she begins, take a look at her husband's eyes


The American flag does not fly because the wind moves past it, the American flag flies from the last breath of each, military member who has died protecting it.

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check Made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in This country who no longer understand it.









Health article



Subject: Article from Fox News Health Section 2014 03 15

Due to variations in genes, anatomy, and hormone levels, some diseases attack women more often than men, and vice-versa. However, thinking of diseases that women are more prone to as "women's diseases" can leave men vulnerable to serious health problems. Here are seven so-called "women's diseases" that can also strike men. If you experience symptoms, don't let your gender stop you from getting treatment. 1. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis reduces the density of bone, making it more vulnerable to fractures. One in three women are at risk, but so are one in five men. Women experience rapid bone loss following menopause, but by 65 to 70 years old, men lose bone mass at about the same rate. Kidney and thyroid problems, vitamin D deficiency, and prolonged exposure to steroids, cancer therapies, and anti-convulsants put you more at risk. You may not have symptoms, so ask your doctor for a bone density test. 2. Breast Cancer Women get breast cancer more often than men because they have more breast tissue. Although only about one percent of all breast cancers affect men, research shows that incidence is on the rise. Men rarely heed the warning signs, so the cancer is allowed to develop. Therefore, men typically don't survive as long as women once a diagnosis is finally made. If you're over 50, of African-American descent, or obese, you're more at risk. Watch for any unusual lumps or skin abnormalities in the chest. 3. Thyroid Problems The thyroid is a small gland that rests in the middle of the lower neck, where it produces hormones to control metabolism. If it produces too much, hyperthyroidism results. Symptoms include: fatigue weight gain forgetfulness dry, coarse skin and hair If the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, hypothyroidism results. Symptoms include: irritability muscle weakness sleep disturbances Women are five to eight times more likely to have some form of thyroid disease than men, but men can still be affected. 4. Eating Disorders As more men feel the pressure to be thin and look good, more are falling victim to eating disorders. Only 10 to 15 percent of people with anorexia or bulimia are male, but the effects can be equally devastating. Men also are less likely to seek treatment, leaving them more at risk for complications such as: heart problems bone loss organ failure death Athletes, obese boys, men with gender issues, and those who are anxious or have perfectionist personalities are more at risk. 5. Bladder Infections Bladder infections are much more common in women, but men can get them, too- particularly men with an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or an abnormal narrowing of the urethra. Treatment involves antibiotics and is typically very effective, but men need to be aware of the symptoms. They include: frequent urination cloudy urine or bloody urine a strong urge to urinate a burning or tingling sensation during urination low-grade fever 6. Depression Women are two times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression, but that may be because their symptoms are different. Women may feel sad and cry more often, whereas men are more likely to show anger, irritation, frustration, and discouragement. Men may turn to drugs or alcohol, or engage in risky behavior. They are also more likely to complete suicide if they try it. Because of these differences, many men go undiagnosed. Without treatment, depression is likely to worsen. 7. Lupus About 90 percent of those diagnosed with lupus are women, but this autoimmune disorder can also strike men. Symptoms include: joint swelling and pain muscle weakness extreme fatigue unexplained fever hair loss leg swelling eye puffiness mouth sores swollen glands butterfly-shaped red rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks The disease is treated similarly in both genders. Your doctor may overlook it because it is rare in men. If you have symptoms, ask for testing. Always Check with Your Doctor Studies show that men are less likely than women to look after their health. They're 25 percent less likely to have visited their doctor in the past year, and almost 40 percent more likely to have skipped recommended health screenings. They're also 1.5 times more likely to die from heart disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases, and they die an average of five years earlier than women. If you're not feeling right, check with your doctor. By getting the treatments you need, you can beat the odds.

Cracker Barrel Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Cracker Barrel Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli

4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups frozen or fresh broccoli florets
2 tsp seasoned salt
1 1/2 cups Ritz cracker crumbs (about 1 sleeve)
3 tbs butter, melted
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
Sauce:
1 cup evaporated milk
1 tbs butter
1 1/2 cups cubed Velveeta

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Lightly spray or grease the bottom of a 11 x 7-inch baking pan.

Place chicken breasts in prepared pan.  Sprinkle seasoned salt over the chicken breasts.  Set aside while making sauce and buttered crumbs.

Place sauce ingredients in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HI in 30 second intervals stirring after each 30 seconds, until Velveeta is melted and sauce is smooth.

Prepare buttered crumbs by processing the crackers either in a food processor or placing them in a bag and using a rolling pin.  Be careful not to overprocess the crumbs!!  You want some larger pieces in there for the crunch factor!! Drizzle with the melted butter and stir until all the crumbs are coated.

Pour half the sauce over the chicken breasts.  Add broccoli evenly across the top of chicken.  Pour remaining cheese sauce over broccoli and chicken.  Top with the buttered cracker crumbs.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes, or until chicken test done (180 degrees F) in the thickest part.

Remove from oven and top with the shredded cheddar.

Read more: http://www.bakeatmidnite.com/2013/12/cracker-barrel-cheesy-chicken-and.html#ixzz2w22IoVTJ

March 20

Good morning all,
I just noticed I was wishing my life away again yesterday....today is the 20th. Guess I am really ready for Spring Break! It has been a busy couple of days putting Saturday's event together. Glad to hear so many of you can come on such short notice! Remember to call Krystal at 501-664-7100 so we have an accurate count and Mr. Earl has his pick up list correct. Let's remember to thank Mr. Earl for the hard work getting everyone to our events.

See you Saturday. Look for additional posts today.
Dr. Janet

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Wednesday, March 20

Good morning all,
The trees are budding  and the jonquils are beautiful. The flip side is most people are sneezing! Remember the over the counter antihistamine works just as well.

I posted a revised schedule yesterday. Here is another copy:
Saturday, March 22. Healthy Habits at the center 11-1
Monday, March 24. Technology training at Woodland Heights at 2:30
Tuesday, March 25. Overdrive training at the Paragould Library 10 a.m.
Wednesday,March 26. Home visits
Thursday, March 27. Russellville library 1-3
Friday, March 28. Washington and Benton county home visits
Saturday, March 29 Boone and Newton County home visits

Call Krystal if you plan on attending Saturday or if you need a ride.  501-664-7100

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Saturday, March 22 Party time at the Center

Our travel plans for Saturday have changed, so.....party time at the Center! Ms. Helen has an incredible meal planned to go with my heart healthy, diabetic support lesson! Call Krystal for a head count. Help spread the word on such short notice!

See you Saturday at 11....
Dr. Janet

Yawns

It can be tough not to yawn when the guy next to you does-but apparently, it gets a little easier to avoid doing so as we get older. The finding comes from a study of contagious yawning among 328 subjects who were shown a three-minute clip of others yawning. Each time a participant yawned, he or she had to click a button, the BBC reports. Some 68% of subjects yawned, but the rate varied among different age groups: 82% of under-25s yawned, while 60% of 25- to 49-year-olds did. Just 41% of those older than 50 yawned. Yawning contagiousness wasn't strongly linked to empathy or intelligence, the Independent reports-a finding that appears to run counter to earlier research, the BBC points out. Still, age accounted for just 8% of the variation in the phenomenon, per the head of the study, and "the vast majority of variation in the contagious yawning response was just not explained," she says. Researchers note that those with autism and schizophrenia are thought to be less likely to "catch" a yawn; genetic research on yawning could help in finding treatments for the conditions. (In other yawning news, it turns out your dogs can catch your yawns .)

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Hash Browns

   

Cracker Barrel's creamy, gooey hash browns feature a unique touch... a baked cornflake crust. Requiring no prep time, they make a quick and satisfying meal. With this beyond easy copycat restaurant recipe, now you can make your own homemade version of the dish whenever the craving strikes. Hash browns are one of those comfort foods that always make you feel good no matter what, so save this Cracker Barrel copycat recipe for a rainy day because it's sure to make you feel good and fill you up at the same time!
Cooking Time: 1 hr
Ingredients
1 2 pound bag, frozen hash browns, thawed
1 medium-sized onion, chopped finely
6 tablespoons margarine, melted
1 pound sour cream
8 ounces Cheddar or Colby cheese, shredded
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
cornflakes, crushed
4 tablespoons margarine, melted


Instructions
1. In a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, make single layers of the following: Potatoes, onions, 6 tablespoons melted margarine, sour cream, Cheddar cheese and soup. Sprinkle top with cornflakes.

2. Drizzle 4 tablespoons margarine over top. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until bubbly and piping hot.


Read more at http://www.recipelion.com/Restaurant-Recipes/Cracker-Barrel-Old-Country-Store-Hash-Browns#45jDEjxEeoc03oEv.99

Tuesday, March 18

Good morning,
Thankfully the snow is gone. Yesterday was downright treacherous! I was on the I440 elevated bridge and it was very slick. Also, the most alarming thing I have seen in a long time was the huge pot hole on the elevated span. My little car is not much larger than the hole! Driving next to the pot hole, seeing the rebar and water below was frightening! I have never been a fan of bridges but I will avoid all potholes from now on!

Thanks to Johnye for some great articles. Otherwise, it would be a boring day!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Monday, March 17, 2014

Panera Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Copycat Recipe
Makes about 4 servings

1/2 stick of butter (1/4 cup)
1/2 of a medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups half and half (or 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream)
3 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup corn starch
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 bay leaves
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped small
4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 head)
2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Bread Bowls (Recipe Here!)

Cook the butter, onion, and garlic on about medium heat until tender.
Slowly add the half and half and chicken stock. Mix the corn starch with a little bit of water until there are no clumps and add it to the rest. Add the nutmeg and bay leaves and cook on medium low until thickened.
Add the carrot and broccoli and simmer until tender. Discard the bay leaves. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper and serve in bread bowls.

Read more at http://www.yammiesnoshery.com/2013/12/panera-bread-broccoli-cheddar-soup.html#7olhBpJ1QlIlybgV.99

Monday, March 17. St. Patricks Day

Happy green!
My world has SNOW! When will this end? The jonquils were beautiful. Hope this doesn't dampen their beauty. Old timer's use today's date along with moon signs to begin gardening. My grandparents and parents always planted potatoes on March 17 and harvested on July 4. If you are in the garden today, you will need to bundle up!

Anyone have Irish roots and celebrate St. Patrick's? I was in Chicago once for the holiday and they dye the river!

I am looking forward to Thursday and hopefully some warmer weather!
Take care,
Dr. Janet

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Assistance please

Have any of you folks kept all the recipes in a file? We are getting many requests to create a cookbook or food specific link. If you have the recipes, if you will email your file to Krystal, she will get it to the proper folks to start this process.

Krystal is at: kkinsey@wsblind.org


This study makes great sense!



Belly size beats BMI for assessing full health picture, Mayo Clinic study shows

It’s time to take out the measuring tape.

A new study is adding to the growing evidence that waist circumference – not just body mass index (BMI) – is a key predictor for heart disease, cancer, respiratory problems and premature death.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic and published in this month’s Mayo Clinic Proceedings, found that people who have large waist circumferences are more likely to die younger and suffer a host of health-related problems than their peers with smaller waists.


Never mind your BMI. To measure your health, it’s all about the waist

The results are consistent in all people, including those that have “normal” BMIs, the study found.

The findings are significant because they reflect a shift away from the fixation solely on BMI as a predictor of future health. (BMI uses a person’s weight and height to come up with a number that can be used to indicate how much fat he or she is carrying.)

“Carrying a large belly even in the normal weight range has health implications,” said Dr. James Cerhan, lead author of the study and professor of epidemiology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Instead, many researchers are drawing attention to abdominal fat as the issue more people should be focusing on, rather than their total weight alone. Abdominal fat is considered dangerous because it gets stored near internal organs, where it can cause major disruptions and lead to a marked increase in disease risk. Cerhan described it as “metabolically active” fat that can interfere with a number of important processes, such as glucose control.

A person’s BMI may still be able to give them important information about their body weight. But many health experts say it can also be a flawed model that doesn’t give people the full picture of their health.

What that basically means is a person may look relatively slim and could have a normal BMI. But if they are carrying extra weight in their abdomen, they are also at an increased risk for premature death, heart disease, stroke and other conditions.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation provides an online tool that people can use to measure their waist circumference and determine if they are at risk. The foundation says that for people of Caucasian, sub-Saharan African, Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descent, a healthy circumference is below 102 centimetres (40 inches) for men and 88 cm (35 inches) for women. For South Asian, Malaysian, Asian, Chinese, Japanese and ethnic South and Central Americans, the cutoff is 90 cm (35 inches) for men and 80 cm (32 inches) for women.

In the new study, researchers looked at data from 11 different studies that included more than 600,000 people around the world. They found that men who had waists that were 109 cm (43 inches) or larger had twice the mortality risk than men with waists smaller than 89 cm (35 inches).

For men with larger waists, this translated to a life expectancy that was three years shorter than their peers after age 40.

Women with a waist circumference of 94 cm (37 inches) had an 80 per cent higher mortality risk than those with waists that were 69 cm (27 inches) or less. For women with larger waists, that translates to a life expectancy five years shorter after age 40.

Cerhan noted that sit-ups won’t help people lose abdominal fat. The key is to increase the amount of physical activity to shed those pounds.

Do you remember this jello based salad?

Pretzel Salad

     
This dessert may have an unusual name, but it's still delicious. The pretzel crust and sweet raspberry filling creates a fantastic sweet and salty flavor profile that everyone will love.
Cooking Time: 10 min
Ingredients
2 cups crushed pretzels
1 1/2 cups butter
8 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups Cool whip
2 4-ounce packages raspberry Jell-O
2 8-ounce packages frozen raspberries, thawed
2 cups boiling water


Instructions
Melt butter and pour over crushed pretzels and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix well. Press into the bottom of a buttered 9X13 inch pan. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees F. Cool for 10-20 minutes.

Cream together cream cheese and 1 cup sugar. Fold in Cool whip. Spread over the pretzel crust.

Mix together boiling water and raspberry jello. Add thawed raspberries. Let stand for 20 minutes. Spoon over cream cheese mixture. Let stand for several hours or overnight. Best when prepared the day before serving. Cut into squares for easiest serving.

Read more at http://www.recipelion.com/Dessert/Pretzel-Salad#zPmzhD7LQAzOmBrc.99

Sunday, March 16

Good morning,
I just heard this is officially the last Sunday of winter. This is one season I will be glad to bid adieu! Have I mentioned I am ready for spring?

Tomorrow is iPad training at Woodland Heights. This will be their fourth session and they are doing great!

Thanks Johnye for the great articles this week. Look for today's additional posts.

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Sam update

Our favorite teddy bear, Sam is home. He did have a heart attack and significant damage. However, thanks to prayer and luck, he is home and should be resting. Knowing Sam, he is calling everyone to thank them for the prayers and give them the low down!

Let's all encourage him to follow doctors orders, eat right, lose weight, exercise and get the blood sugar under control!

Sam, you are loved! Take care friend...

Listen to your house!




Be alert …
Listen to your house

Just as your throat may get scratchy when you are brewing a cold and your car may sputter when something is amiss under the hood, your house may send out warnings when things are wrong. Don’t blow off the signals — small problems can become big, expensive disasters. Listen to your house — pay attention to these red flags:1

Your water bill suddenly increases. If you didn’t leave the hose running, you may have a water leak and it may be underground where you can’t see it. Turn off all water valves in the house and check the water meter reading several times for one hour. If the flow continues, you have a leak.
Slow flushing toilets and sluggish drains. Toilets quickly release a great deal of water down waste lines so they are generally the first to exhibit signs of clogging. Don’t ignore the signs — untreated they can become an unpleasant mess.
Mysterious cracks that keep getting larger. Small expansion cracks in concrete or plaster may be nothing to worry about but if they are getting larger your home may be unevenly settling. It may be time to call a structural engineer.
Flu- and allergy-like symptoms when you’re at home. Dirty air filters and ducts in your heating/cooling system can be the culprit, filling your home with sickening mold and bacteria. Change your filters regularly and have your system checked by a professional. Open the windows and let some fresh air circulate.
Hot switches and plugs, sizzling electric boxes, dimming lights and tripping breakers. These are signs that you may need to upgrade your electrical service. Don’t ignore these red flags — an overburdened electrical system could be a serious fire hazard.
Small holes in wood surfaces, mud tunnels along foundations, piles of sawdust. This is typically a sign of termites doing their damage inside wood where they can’t be easily seen. Have your home inspected if you suspect these pests are present.
Small piles of sand around roof drains and gutters. When a tar paper (asphalt composite) roof starts to deteriorate, the little grains of sand begin to separate from the tar paper. When you see bare patches or piles of sand on the ground, it may be time for a new roof.
Protect your investment and your security — learn about and pay attention to some of the warning signs. Know when to seek professional help. Get smarter about listening to your house.

1http://www.realtor.com/home-garden/home-maintenance/spring-maintenance/avert-disaster.aspx?source=web

Bubbling bath salts

These Bubbling Bath Salts are a fantastic gift to give your friends for holidays or birthdays. Scent them with any essential oil and complimenting body wash. Change the color to match the season or occasion. Make a few jars at a time to have Homemade Gifts on hand.

Ingredients:
6 Cups Kosher or Epsom Salt
¾ Cup Lavender Scented Body Wash (I used Ivory Lavender Body Wash)
1 tbsp Olive, Coconut, or Sweet Almond Oil
2-3 Drops Lavender Essential Oil (Optional)
Purple Food Coloring (Optional)
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine salt and body wash, and mix until well combined.
 Add in your oil, essential oil and food coloring and mix well.
 On a lined baking sheet, spread the salt mixture out into a thin layer. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
Once dry, break up any large clumps, and spoon into a sealable jar.
To Use:
Add ¼ Cup of Bubbly Bath Salts under running water.

Saturday, March 15

Good morning everyone,
I hope everyone had a great week. Yesterday I attended the Older blind Advisory Committee meeting at DSB. Dr. Pat Smith, our chairperson, forwarded the interesting article about the samsung cover. Thanks, Dr.  Smith! I failed to credit her on the great article.

It is always fun to visit with colleagues and catch up on their activities. I have a busy day planned so I am posting a couple of things early this morning. One, is a variation of the bath salt recipe but notice this one supposedly will bubble. All girls love bubble bath! Funny, as we age, some things are still just childish fun. But personally, I love a good warm bubble bath. I plan to try this recipe. Remember, these salts make great and inexpensive gifts!

The other article is a home awareness article from Farmers Insurance.   It is just good information!

Take care, stay dry and check on a friend!
Dr. Janet

Friday, March 14, 2014

Samsung cover

It may seem counterintuitive but the smartphone revolution has proved to be a boon for the visually impaired.

Although these gadgets don’t offer physical buttons or distinctive textures, the use of assistive software that gives audio and vibration feedback (as well as various sensors) has transformed smartphones into smart seeing eyes.
A bog-standard GPS-enabled travel app can help someone navigate public transport when equipped with voice controls, while an app that uses the smartphone camera to recognise different denominations can help individuals sort money at the tills.
Now, a trio of new accessories from Samsung is promising to help smartphones provide even more assistance to disabled and visually impaired users.
An Ultrasonic Cover will help users navigate cluttered streets; an Optical Scan Stand reads text placed in front of it aloud, and a Voice Label system lets users ‘tag’ objects with NFC stickers that load audio notes recorded by the user.
The Ultrasonic Cover is perhaps the most exciting of the three. Simply slip it around the Galaxy Core Advance (a low-range handset with a 4.7-inch screen) and Samsung says it will use ultrasound (sound waves with a frequency beyond human hearing) to detect objects in front of the user, bouncing them off the phone's surroundings and vibrating when something might be about to block the user's path.
Although Samsung is known for churning out smartphones and accessories of various specifications it’s not always that they do so with such altruistic purpose.
With an estimated 285 million people visually impaired people living across the globe and with smartphones becoming cheaper and cheaper, technology like this could help change the lives of many – as well as offer some good business for the companies that sell them.