Gum chewing as weight lose???

Scientist explains how you can lose weight without 'dieting' 

By Matt Cantor 

Published September 29, 201

Dieting requires willpower; these tips are aimed at making weight loss easier.Diets require serious willpower, and that makes them hard to stick with-but a Cornell psychologist says you can lose weight without having to work so hard. His plan sounds a lot like one of those online ads: Lose weight with this one trick. The idea, as the Los Angeles Times reports, is to make some manageable changes to your surroundings rather than to yourself. "What we've found over and over is that making one small change, like eating off a smaller plate, leads to a small weight loss, and then that triggers making more changes. Within a year, a person's lost 35 pounds without ever 'dieting,'

Dr. Brian Wansink tells Quartz . Choosing a smaller plate is just one of several options he puts forward in a new book, Slim by Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life

You might also try getting rid of that bag of chips or box of cereal on your counter and replacing it with a fruit bowl, Quartz reports. In Wansink's research, women who kept cereal on the counter weighed 21 pounds more than those who avoided doing so. 

Some other tips: Don't enter your home through the kitchen, and don't eat at your desk while at work. And try chewing gum while food shopping; gum chewers bought 7% less junk food than others, another study suggested. 

Medicare update

Medicare’s open enrollment period, which comes only once a year, is right around the corner.  October 15 through December 7, 2014 is the time for people age 65 and older to make changes to your Medicare health plan coverage.

With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day in the U.S., Medicare provides health insurance for millions of seniors.  Boomers age 65 and older cannot enroll in the new health insurance plans offered through the state or federal exchange programs under the Affordable Care Act.

Robert Quinlan. owner of Quinlan Care LLC (www.QuinlanCare.com) selling  medicare, life and health insurance since 1986 offered the following tips for Medicare’s upcoming open enrollment.  Here is what he had to say:

Boomer: Can you give us a quick overview of Medicare for folks that are turning age 65 soon?  

Quinlan: Seniors must choose one of two paths. The first path is the original Medicare Part A that covers many of the costs related to your hospital stays but not all costs are covered.   There is no monthly premium. Your costs are also covered for a short-term stay in a nursing home (no coverage after 100 days).  Some home care and hospice care is also covered in Part A.  The original Medicare Part B (a monthly premium is required based on your income) will pay for 80% of the costs for your doctors outside a hospital.  Many seniors today will purchase a Medicare supplement policy (also called Medigap plans and offered by private carriers) to pay the costs that Medicare will not pay.  You can see any doctor in the US that accepts Medicare payments.

The second path is called Medicare C (called Medicare Advantage plans) that is offered by private insurance plans.  They are managed health care networked plans like HMO or PPO.  These widely popular plans (some also offer drug, vision and dental coverage) have low or no monthly premiums due to subsidy payments by the Federal government to the private carriers. These plans do require that you are also enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B.  No need to purchase a Medigap policy (not even permitted by law). Finally, there is Medicare Part D (also offered by private insurers) to cover your prescription drugs.  Again, Part D plans do not cover all costs of your drugs.

Boomer: What changes can be made during the Open Enrollment Period that starts next month?

Quinlan:  During this open enrollment, you can switch to either a Medicare Advantage plan or to the original Medicare Parts A and B.  You can also switch Medicare Part D carriers during this time.   Medicare Advantage participants can also switch back to the original Medicare Parts A and B from January 1 to Feb, 15, 2015.

Boomer: The Patient Protection Affordable Care Act of 2010 (often shorten to ACA) called for significant cuts to the Medicare Advantage plans.  What is the status of these legislated cuts on Medicare Advantage premiums and benefits for these plans?

Quinlan:  ACA called for sharp cuts (over $160 billions by 2022) in the Federal subsidized amounts to the Medicare Advantage carriers.  Some carriers have trimmed back their networks of doctors and hospitals, increased maximum annual out of pocket expenses or increased premiums modestly for 2015.

Boomer: What should people be looking at during this Open Enrollment Period?

Quinlan: Are your doctors and hospitals still accepting patients under the original Medicare Parts A and B?  If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, similar question: are your doc’s and hospitals still in the carrier’s network of providers?  With Medicare Plan D coverage, are your medications still covered by your current plan?   Do you have to upgrade your current Part D plan to cover new medications?

Boomer:  What sources of information are available to learn more about Medicare and the annual open enrollment period?

Quinlan:  Check Medicare’s  web site (www.medicare.gov) and click on the “Plan Finder” section.  You will find the premiums and out of pocket expenses for the Medicare Advantage plans in your area.  Also you can call or visit your state health insurance assistance programs (SHIP) for free counseling.  You can also locate an insurance agent/broker that is up to speed on Medicare insurance matters.  Finally, Medicare’s comprehensive “Medicare & You 2015” publication is now available to e-readers on devices like Kindle and Nook.  Invest the time now.  It will pay you dividends and aid you to access better health care in 2015.

Healthy Habits update

Another great event in the books! We had a great turn out, Ms. Helen outdid her own usual great job!
Thanks to all of you who help make these events such a success. Y'all make mine and Barbara's job easy and fun.

Thanks again for a great day and new friends!
Janet

Happy Friday!

good morning everyone,
I hope the fall weather and low humidity is pleasant in your corner of the world. Reminders:
Healthy habits at the Center tomorrow at 11

Also, if you have an iPad older than the AIR, please do not attempt to download IOS8

Wait until I give the go ahead. There are some bugs and issues.
Have a great weekend!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Inexpensive healthy foods

6 inexpensive superfoods to add to your grocery list

Published September 24, 2014 NerdWallet

 You've probably heard the term "superfood" tossed around without much reference to what it actually means. To put it simply, a superfood is any nutrient-rich food item considered extremely beneficial for health and well-being, going above and beyond regular health foods. While some notable superfoods like acai or pomegranate are too expensive to eat all the time, others are very affordable. Here are six superfoods you can easily work into your diet without breaking the bank.


 Beans
Most people don't get enough fiber in their diets. If you're looking to remedy that, beans are hard to beat for the price. Beans are also high in protein and in a variety of vitamins and minerals. Since you can buy them for about a buck a pound, they easily make the list of cheapest superfoods. Since the high fiber and protein content of beans helps you feel fuller longer, they are a great staple for those looking to lose weight. And canning doesn't destroy or alter the nutritional content of beans-unlike with some foods-so there's no harm in choosing convenient canned varieties over those you have to soak and cook.

Blueberries
These small berries are a great source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and polyphenols, which may help prevent heart disease. Blueberries are also a great source of vitamin K and manganese, both of which are important for healthy bones. Though blueberries are a seasonal food and prices are higher during the winter and spring, the frozen versions are just as healthy and prices are usually stable. For a healthy snack, thaw some frozen blueberries in a bowl for 5 to 10 minutes, then mash them up and eat with a spoon.

 Russet Potatoes
Potatoes tend to get a bad rap these days, but it's undeserved. It's not that potatoes that are unhealthy-it's the toppings we pile on, or, alternatively, the way we cook them in oil that makes them unhealthy. Even if you're worried about the carbs in a plain baked potato, you can still have a small spud every so often. That's because russet potatoes are just about the cheapest source of potassium you'll find, and potassium is absolutely essential for proper bodily function. Potassium deficiency is among the most common nutrient deficiencies, so if your carb count is a little high one day, it's still a good tradeoff.

 Fatty Fish
Fish is expensive, and for some families prohibitively so. While fresh fish is always preferable, frozen and canned varieties are better than no fish at all, especially when it comes to fatty types, like salmon. That's because the healthy fats found in fish, omega-3 fatty acids, are so beneficial that you should strive to consume them as often as you can afford. If that means bulk frozen or canned salmon, so be it. Those healthy fats are great for your heart and brain, and studies have shown they help slow memory loss and skin aging. Omega-3s may also help prevent stroke and reduce the damage done by autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. If you don't like fish, that's OK-fish oil supplements work too. For vegetarians, there are also fish-friendly supplements on the market.

Soy Nuts
For your money, soy nuts are probably the cheapest source of edible protein available. When bought in bulk, they're about $4-$7 per pound, and offer 11 grams of protein per 1-oz. serving-that's about 20 percent of your daily requirement. They're also high in manganese and B vitamins. You can eat soy nuts by the handful or sub them in for any nut in your existing recipes to add protein value to a meal.

 Fortified Cereal
You didn't think a superfood could come in a box, did you? Well, some cereals are making the list for being the absolute cheapest way to get your iron and calcium. These two nutrients, which are especially important for women, are essential for healthy bones, muscles and blood. Check labels when browsing the cereal aisle for options that have 100 percent of your recommended daily intake of these minerals and others, but most have "100" right in the name on the box.

 Lacie Glover writes for NerdWallet Health , a website that helps people reduce their medical bills.

Hump day.....

Yippee!! It is hump day everyone! We are getting close to our Healthy Habits date on Saturday. If you wish to participate, call Krystal at 664-7100.

Have a great day and enjoy the fall like weather.
Dr. Janet

Heartwarming story

Second Chance: Fla. town saves hobbled hound
By Rick Neale, USA TODAY

Things didn't look good for Chance in the spring. The cute, brindle-and-white puppy had suffered life-threatening injuries -- broken right front leg, broken right rear leg and broken left front ankle -- when somebody apparently threw him from a moving vehicle onto an asphalt road April 4. Thanks to the community response, healthier, happier days lie ahead for Chance. Volunteers, aided by a social media-powered rehab campaign at www.gofund- me.com/6t1n84, raised money, so the spunky American Staffordshire terrier could undergo five surgeries and receive sophisticated medical treatments over a five-month span. The campaign is still up at that link, including photos and video. Though the hobbled little hound still wobbles when he walks, Chance has found a permanent home in the Central Florida countryside with a woman named Jennie Brady in Apopka. Chance has quickly bonded with Blue, Brady's 85-pound brown Labrador mix, and both dogs love to play tug of war and romp across her half-acre yard. "Those two are something else when you watch them play together," said Brady, 66, a retired business manager who raised a variety of animals on a 60-acre Alabama farm. "They share bones and everything else. There's no fighting over food or anything else. The only thing they fight over is my attention. Chance was found lying in the road by a motorist who contacted Purrs and Whiskers Shelter, a Melbourne animal rescue group. Volunteers took the puppy and organized the online fundraising drive, featuring videos of the limping little dog romping about with casts on his legs, tail wagging. The campaign generated $5,925 from 145 donors to defray Chance's medical expenses, which hit about $6,500. Mona Motz, a Purrs and Whiskers Shelter foster mother who picked up the rest of the costs, labeled the energetic puppy's plight "an extreme rescue. After Chance was evaluated by a Tampa veterinary specialist at an Orlando clinic, he underwent a series of surgeries at Animal Medical Clinic in Melbourne -- keeping his human handlers' hands full by constantly gnawing off splints and bandages. "He handled every surgery well. Yeah, he chewed on his casts, but he's a puppy," said Theresa Clifton, executive director of the Cocoa-based Central Brevard Humane Society. "He had the fortitude and the attitude, and he's just one of God's little blessings. "With many dogs, when they've been abused or hurt like that, they don't handle it well. And they get attitudes, or they just hate living, and they get depressed and they refuse to eat. Or they're in pain, so they nip at you. Chance, he just never had any of that," Clifton said. "Whatever was going on -- the casts and the shots and the surgeries -- he just went with it. And he trusted everybody that put a hand on him. And I think that just really pulled on people's heartstrings," she said. Advanced medical treatments included laser therapy for overstretched tendons in his ailing ankle and chiropractic massage on his lower back. "Think about when you have a sprained ankle: You're limping for a week, your other side is really tired of carrying the weight. Well, Chance had three legs that were goofy. And so his whole back was just locked," Motz said. The identity of those who abandoned the dog remains a mystery. Based on Chance's initial X-rays, veterinarians came to the conclusion that he was thrown from a vehicle and landed on both of his right legs. After re'cup'erating from a fifth surgery to remove a pesky bone fragment from his right rear leg, Chance was adopted by Brady. "I can't understand anybody that wouldn't feed an animal right, that kicks an animal or throws them around like that," Brady said. "They are God's creatures. They didn't ask to be here. They depend on us. They are our responsibility. And they deserve our love and care. Clifton said Chance's recovery illustrates why "it takes a village to raise an animal. "He's probably that one in 1,000 that gets lucky. Because he was at death's door. And most shelters, they'd just put him down," Clifton said. "He had his own little guardian angel," she said. Neale reports for Florida Today in Melbourne.

Calcium

14 non-dairy foods that are high in calcium
Published September 20, 2014


Calcium builds healthy bones and teeth and ensures your muscles, cells, and nerves work properly. Adults need about 1,000 milligrams a day-that's a little more than three 8-ounce glasses of milk-but what if you're vegan, lactose intolerant, or just don't like the taste of dairy products?

Here's a little-known fact: there are lots of non-dairy foods with calcium. Here are 14 of them. Collard greens Calcium content: 268 milligrams per 1 'cup' cooked Plus: In addition to serving up more than a quarter of your daily calcium needs, this Southern favorite is also loaded with nearly three days worth of vitamin A, a nutrient that helps keep your eyes sharp as you age. Though collard greens are traditionally cooked with butter and fattening meats like bacon, they also taste great sauteed with olive oil and garlic.


Broccoli Calcium content: 86 milligrams in 2 'cup's raw Plus: Believe it or not, in addition to calcium this cruciferous veggie contains nearly twice the vitamin C of an orange. Research also shows that diets high in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may be linked to a lower risk of certain types of cancer, including colon and bladder cancer. Broccoli rabe Calcium content: 100 milligrams in one 2/3-'cup' serving Plus: Broccoli rabe (pronounced "rob") is the slightly more bitter cousin to broccoli. It provides more than half your daily value of immune-boosting vitamin C and about 3 grams of belly-filling protein. It's also a great source of vitamin A.

Kale Calcium content: 101 milligrams in 1 'cup' raw, chopped Plus: This superfood has it all: it racks up just 30 calories per serving, provides a day's worth of vitamin C, and twice the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, not to mention that 101 milligrams of calcium per serving. It also provides a hefty dose of vitamin K, a nutrient that helps your blood clot. Without it, you wouldn't stop bleeding when you cut or bruise yourself.

Edamame Calcium content: 98 milligrams in 1 'cup' cooked Plus: Edamame has been eaten in China and Japan for thousands of years, and it's no wonder: it's a nutritional powerhouse. Edamame-which are immature soybeans in the pod-is among the few non-animal foods that is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. You also get 8 grams of fiber per serving.

Bok Choy Calcium content: 74 milligrams per 1 'cup' shredded Plus: A 'cup' of bok choy-also known as Chinese cabbage-sets you back just 9 calories. It's also a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Bok choy cooks fast, making it perfect for stir-fries, and is available year-round.

Figs Calcium content: 121 milligrams per 1/2 'cup' dried Plus: Bite into a dried fig, and you'll think you're indulging in a super-sweet and sticky dessert, when in fact you're chowing down on a fiber- and potassium-packed fruit. Figs also supply you with magnesium, a nutrient the body uses in more than 300 biomechanical reactions, such as maintaining muscle function, keeping your heart rhythm steady, and strengthening your bones.

Oranges Calcium content: 74 milligrams in one large orange and 27 milligrams in a 'cup' of orange juice Plus: You know oranges for their immune-boosting vitamin C content, but they're also low in calories and brimming with antioxidants.

Sardines Calcium content: 351 milligrams in one 3.75-ounce can Plus: Don't be scared of sardines-these salty little fish add tons of umami flavor to salads and pastas. And they serve up even more than just calcium: they're an amazing source of vitamin B-12, which is a key nutrient for brain and nervous system health. Sardines also contain vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and notoriously difficult to get through food.

Canned Salmon Calcium content: 232 milligrams in half a can Plus: If you can't find environmentally friendly farmed salmon or simply can't afford wild-caught salmon (which can cost twice as much), try canned salmon. Half a can provides 44% your daily calcium needs, as well as a whopping 38 grams of belly-flattening protein.

White Beans Calcium content: 63 milligrams in 1/2 'cup' cooked Plus: These meaty little guys are rich in fiber, protein, and iron, and they're also one of the best nutritional sources of potassium. Additionally, they contain resistant starch, a healthy carb that boost metabolism.

Okra Calcium content: 82 milligrams in 1 'cup' Plus: Okra contains constipation-fighting insoluble fiber, as well as vitamin B6 and folate. And don't write off this veggie if you've only ever had a boiled, slimy version; oven-roasting, sautéing, or grilling bring out the best flavor.

Tofu Calcium content: 434 milligrams per half 'cup' Plus: You know tofu as a vegetarian source of protein. Turns out it's also a great source of calcium. Tofu is incredibly versatile-it takes on the flavor of whatever else you're cooking with it.

Almonds Calcium content: 75 milligrams per ounce (about 23 whole almonds) Plus: Almonds, which are among the best nuts for your health, contain about 12% of your necessary daily protein, and are rich in vitamin E and potassium. And although they are fattening, it's the good kind of fat that helps lower your bad cholesterol levels as long as you enjoy them in moderation. This article originally appeared on Health.com.

Injectable diabetes drug

FDA approves weekly injectable diabetes drug
Published September 19, 2014 Associated Press

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone - The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new injectable diabetes drug from Eli Lilly and Co. for adults with the most common form of the disease. The agency on Thursday cleared the drug, Trulicity, as a weekly injection to improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes, which affects more than 26 million Americans. The drug is part of a new class of medicines called GLP-1 agonists, which spur the pancreas to create extra insulin after meals.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 percent of U.S. cases of the disease and occurs when the body doesn't properly produce or use the hormone insulin. Drugs to treat the disease represent a large slice of Lilly's product portfolio, which includes the insulins Humalog and Humulin.

Indianapolis-based Lilly is counting on new drugs like Trulicity to replace falling revenue from blockbusters like the antidepressant Cymbalta, which is facing cheaper generic competition after the expiration of its patent. The FDA approved Trulicity based on six studies in 3,342 patients that showed improvements in blood sugar control. The drug was studied as a stand-alone therapy and in combination with other commonly used diabetes drugs, such as metformin. The drug will bear a boxed warning - the most serious type - highlighting that rats tested with Trulicity had cases of thyroid cancer, though it's unclear whether they were caused by the drug. Lilly will be required to conduct follow-up studies on cases of thyroid cancer, heart problems and other potential safety issues with the drug. The FDA is also requiring Lilly to educate doctors about the drug's various risks.

Great NFB article about Apple's integration of Braille!

By Jennifer Dunnam

In the latest version of Apple's iOS, four Braille-related developments not only greatly improve the experience of using Braille with mobile devices, but also serve as a model for how the use of Braille can be integrated into today's digital technology. Three of these improvements relate to the interaction of iDevices with external refreshable Braille devices. The fourth does not require a Braille device at all—we'll start our review there.

Braille Screen Input

The ability to type in Braille for text entry on an iOS touchscreen has been available for some time via third party applications. Now, this feature is integrated into the operating system and, for those who know how to type Braille, can provide the most efficient on-screen method of text entry currently available. Not only can Braille be typed directly to create text messages, social media posts, web searches, notes, email, and more, but it is even possible to enter the device's unlock passcode using Braille input—a much more secure, silent option than having the speech report the passcode while the user finds and executes the numbers.

The Braille screen input feature is enabled by adding it to the rotor, under the VoiceOver settings. To invoke Braille screen input, simply switch to it via the rotor; to exit, turn the rotor to a different value.

Braille entry is done in landscape mode. By tilting the device, the screen can be used either in table top mode, or facing away from the user so that the fingers can be positioned naturally in front of it. There is an explore mode to help the user ensure that the fingers are oriented correctly. This user has found the "screen away" mode on an iPhone the easiest to achieve quick and accurate results, but likely a bit more practice with the table top mode would yield better results.

With the screen facing away, the index, middle and ring fingers are placed evenly along the left and right edges of the screen. The index fingers invoke dots 1 (left hand) and 4 (right hand); the middle fingers dots 2 and 5, and the ring fingers dots 3 and 6. In tabletop mode, the six fingers are basically lined up horizontally to activate dots 3, 2, 1, 4, 5, 6. In either mode, one finger swiped to the right invokes a space, and two fingers swiped to the right starts a new line. One finger swiped to the left makes a delete/backspace.

The Braille can be typed in any available language on the iOS. Obviously, without a Braille display, the nonvisual output of the Braille entry is speech only.

Continuous Reading

Previously, when reading in Braille on an iOS device with a refreshable Braille display, multiple keystrokes were necessary in order to move to the next page of a document. Now, when a panning key is pressed at the bottom of a page, it simply scrolls to the next page. This makes for a much smoother reading experience in apps like iBooks, Kindle, and particularly in Voice Dream where turning pages was especially cumbersome. The feature can be turned on or off in VoiceOver's Braille settings.

Number Issue Fixed

In previous iOS versions, often, when a phone number or other string of numbers was encountered during reading, the Braille output was basically gibberish, requiring the user to listen to the speech to determine what it said. Now these numbers display clearly, increasing the reliability of Braille as the primary output method.

Automatic Translation

In previous blog posts, we have mentioned problems with six-key Braille input and Apple's prior attempt to address the problems. In short, the automatic translation from Braille to print required the user to type quickly to avoid unwanted translation results, and editing in Braille was also very cumbersome for this reason. Apple's first attempt to address this issue made it possible to toggle off automatic translation and type more slowly without generating unintended results, but this attempt introduced a new problem—no Braille showed on the display until the user spaced away from the word being typed.

A fix is incorporated into iOS 8, and although it is not perfect, it is better. Now, when "automatic translation" is turned off in VoiceOver Braille settings under "Braille display input", the user can type in contracted Braille at whatever pace and view the word on the display while it is being typed. The word in progress is shown on a line by itself and is preceded by a full Braille cell. The word is not actually incorporated into the text field until the space, tab, or space with dots 45 is pressed (note that "enter" does not activate the word). If you know during the typing of the word that you have made an error, you can backspace and correct the error without risking the introduction of unwanted junk. For example, if, during the process of typing the word "lake," you discover that you've accidentally typed an l where you meant to type a k, you can simply backspace over the l and type dots 13 for the k, and go on. 

Things become less ideal, however, if you wish to edit words that were already incorporated into the main text that you are typing. If you type the rest of a sentence and then discover your error in the word "lake" a few moments back, you can use a cursor routing button to place your cursor after the l to backspace over it. However, if you simply type the k at this point, you'll get the contracted meaning of dots 13, which is "knowledge." To get just a plain k, type a Braille grade 1 indicator (dots 56) before typing the k. Also, when editing previously typed words, it is best not to type contractions.

Although there are still items on the wish list for improvements to Braille in iOS, this new release represents significant progress toward the seamless use of Braille in digital communications.

Thursday update

Good morning everyone,
This is your last chance to sign up for our iPad classes which begin Saturday,  September 20.  Call Krystal at 501-664-7100 to sign up.  Mr. Earl is building his pick up schedule, don't be left out!

Healthy Habits will be September 27 at the Center. Join us for a great time and lots of information!

Barbara is traveling to Northeast Arkansas today.

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Spice benefit

4 health benefits of spicy foods By Tanya Zuckerbrot
Published September 16, 2014 FoxNews.com

Spicy foods do more than add flavor to your favorite meal. Heat-packing foods, particularly chili peppers, jalapenos, habaneros, and cayenne, offer a surprising range of health benefits: Weight loss

The hot sensation in spicy foods comes from the compound capsaicin. Studies have shown that eating a hot, spicy dish can burn extra calories by temporarily boosting metabolism by as much as eight percent. Also, when eating a spicy meal people are generally satisfied on smaller portions, so fewer calories are consumed. In a Canadian study, men who ate an appetizer with hot sauce consumed 200 fewer calories than their counterparts who did not have hot sauce.

Heart health
Another benefit from spicy foods is improved heart function. The same capsaicin that produces a heat sensation on the tongue has also been shown to lower bad cholesterol. In a study published by the American Chemical Society, researchers found that capsaicin helps reduce the buildup of cholesterol while increasing blood flow by blocking a gene that causes arteries to narrow.

 Cancer prevention
There's evidence that some spicy foods may have cancer-fighting properties. According to the American Cancer Society, capsaicin has been shown to slow the rate at which prostate cancer cells grow. In a separate lab study, researchers found that Turmeric, a peppery-flavored spice from India, contains the active antioxidant curcumin, which may have anti-cancer benefits.

Lower blood pressure
Studies suggest that capsaicin increases nitric oxide in the blood stream, which in turn helps protect against inflammation and lower blood pressure. Of all spicy foods, cayenne pepper is believed to lower blood pressure the most quickly.

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 author of two bestselling diet books: The Miracle Carb Diet: Make Calories and Fat Disappear - with fiber and The F-Factor Diet .

Good morning!

Happy Tuesday! We will have iPad training at the center this Saturday. This will be a new beginning so plan to come join the fun if you haven't mastered your iPad.  Call Krystal to arrange transportation.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Tis the season......for colds and allergies

7 natural ways to soothe a sore throat
By Rachael Schultz
Published September 14, 2014

A sore, scratchy throat is annoying, but probably not alarming enough to call your doc. Good thing, too, because you may be better off soothing your throat at home: A 2014 British study found that most of the time that people visit their doctors for a sore throat, antibiotics aren't even necessary. Why? Bacterial infections are responsible for a small percentage of scratchy swallowing cases. Allergies, dry air, and viruses like the common cold and flu can all be culprits. And while you should always see your doctor if symptoms persist, start soothing your sore throat with these natural remedies at home. (There's no cure for the common cold--but that doesn't mean you can't get relief. Here are the 10 Best Over-the-Counter Meds .)

Salt Water
Swishing sea water has merit: Salt kills bacteria, which is why it's used as a preservative, said Marcia Degelman, author of "Explaining Health" and a massage therapist at the University of California San Francisco's Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. Studies show that gargling salt water can help reduce the pain in your throat and fight whatever infection is causing it. In fact, a study in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that 40 percent of people who were sick and gargled salt water three times a day saw an improvement in their upper respiratory tract infection. Try this: mix 1 teaspoon of salt with ½-'cup' of warm water, and gargle for 30 seconds, Degelman recommends.

 Honey
Honey not only contains beneficial vitamins, but also helps boost your immune system and fights infections. And the natural nectar is actually more effective than cough syrup because honey coats the throat better, according to a 2012 study in Pediatrics. Researchers point out that the darker the honey the better, thanks to its high levels of antioxidants. Make a tea of hot water and a heaping teaspoon of honey--and squeeze in the juice from half a lemon, Degelman suggested. Lemon is astringent, meaning it shrinks your mucous membranes, so this tea will do double duty to help your throat.

 Chicken noodle soup
A Japanese study found that chicken contains an amino acid which helps thin out mucus in the lungs, allowing you to cough up the bad stuff faster and remedy a huge cause of sore throats--postnasal drip. Plus a landmark study from the University of Nebraska Medical Center proved that the famous chicken noodle soup really can help fight off a virus by acting as an anti-inflammatory. Stick to a vegetable-packed version, though. Study author Dr. Stephen Rennard, believes it's the combination of vegetables, chicken, and the broth that makes mom's soup so powerful.

Sage and Echinacea
Sage leaves are used as remedy for hoarseness or coughs, but a Swiss study found it's even better for your throat when combined with other herbs. Researchers found people who used a sage and Echinacea throat spray saw just as much relief in their irritation as those who used chemical sprays. Researchers suggest something like HerbPharm's Soothing Throat Spray ($13, herb-pharm.com).

Garlic
You won't want to, but sucking on a clove of garlic like a lozenge will help your throat and your infection. "Garlic contains allicin, a powerful antibiotic, which helps it kill viruses and bacteria," Degelman said. Pop in a raw clove as soon as you feel a tickle in your throat to ward off infection before it takes hold, she instructs. Keep it in as long as you can stand, ideally 5 to 10 minutes.

Licorice Root
Licorice root has been used in Eastern medicine to treat sore throats, ulcers, and viral infections for centuries, and it's best when mixed with water and gargled. A study in Anesthesia & Analgesia found that patients who gargled licorice root water saw less throat pain post-surgery than those who just drank water. You can buy licorice root in powdered form or extracts, which can be mixed with water and swished.

Zinc
Zinc ions are antimicrobial agents, so they help to fight infections, explains Degelman. Plus a 2011 Finnish study found that zinc lozenges help shorten the duration of a cold. Pick up one with vitamin C, which also helps your immune system fight off the illness, Degelman recommended. She likes Nature's Way Zinc Lozenges with Echinacea & Vitamin C. ($4, drugstore.com)

Food for thought

One day, a father of a very wealthy family took his young son on a trip to the country – the purpose being to show his son how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on a farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On the return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”

"It was great, Dad.”

“Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.

“Oh yeah,” said the son.

“So, tell me, what you learned from the trip?” asked the father.

The son answered, “I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden, and they have a lake, creeks and a river that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them.”

The boy’s father was speechless.

Then his son added, “Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are.”

Saturday update

Good evening everyone,
It was a busy Saturday! We had a great but long day in the village. A great technology class followed by a wonderful lunch and fun time at a terrific Mexican restaurant! Thanks to Barbara for driving over to help.

Next week is iPad training at the center. Call Krystal if you have an iPad and are interested in joining our group.

On the 27th, we will have healthy habits at the Center. Come join the fun and see what Ms. Helen has planned!

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Coffee

Coffee: How much is too much caffeine? By Julie Revelant Published September 12, 2014 FoxNews.com

If you need your morning coffee to wake up and several more 'cup's to get through the day, you may worry that your habit isn't healthy. Although experts say coffee is one of the best beverages you can drink, too much caffeine can have serious side effects. Here, find out what the latest research shows and if you should cut back or cut out coffee altogether.

Coffee is nutrient-dense. According to the National Coffee Association, 63 percent of Americans drink coffee every day and with good reason. Coffee packs a ton of nutrients including magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, niacin, and choline. It's also the largest source of antioxidants in our diets, said Dr. Arfa Babaknia, a family medicine physician at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif. What's more, if you take your coffee with milk, it's a great way to get vitamin D and calcium- especially because so many Americans are deficient in them, said Joan Salge Blake, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It protects from disease. Studies show coffee may decrease the risk for liver, colon, prostate, ovarian and oral cancers, basal cell carcinoma, stroke and heart disease. It may also prevent Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Type 2 diabetes.

A recent study out of Cornell University found that drinking coffee may even protect the eyes from retinal degeneration as a result of glaucoma, aging and diabetes. Although the research is promising, these studies are prospective and only look at 10 or 15 years of a person's life so it's not enough evidence to recommend everyone start drinking coffee, Babaknia said. Better mood, more energy and weight loss. Drinking coffee can also increase energy and improve memory, reaction time and mood. In fact, a study out of the Harvard School of Public Health found that people who drink two to four 'cup's of coffee a day reduce their risk for suicide by 50 percent. While coffee burns fat, aids weight loss and can boost your metabolism by as much as 4 percent, this effect is seen more in people who are already thin, Babaknia said. A 'cup' of coffee 30 to 60 minutes before exercise may improve your performance in the gym as well.

Too much of a good thing? "Some is good, more may not be better," Salge Blake said. Your daily caffeine intake can add up quickly, especially when 16 ounces at many coffee shops is the norm. Plus, if you drink iced coffee, the portions tend to be large and usually aren't watered down so a majority of the 'cup' is coffee. Another thing to consider is that if you drink tea, soda, sports drinks, eat chocolate, or take pain relievers, you could be consuming more caffeine than you think. Coffee can also decrease iron and calcium absorption, increase heart rate and anxiety, cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or make irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms worse. It can also increase blood pressure, but only in people who don't drink it every day, Babaknia said.

People who have Type 2 diabetes should avoid coffee because it elevates blood glucose levels. Even if you drink coffee hours before going to bed, even a 'cup' can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. And the next day you end up drinking more coffee to stay alert. "It becomes this viscous cycle where it can really have an effect on your sleep," Salge Blake said.

Experts agree women who are struggling with infertility, or are undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment should avoid coffee. Although it's unclear if coffee causes miscarriage or preterm birth, pregnant women should limit their total caffeine intake to 200 milligrams a day.

If you have withdrawal symptoms like headache, fatigue, or irritability, gradually reduce your consumption or switch to decaf. The sweet spot seems to be no more than 4 'cup's or 400 milligrams of coffee a day to get the health benefits and curb your cravings without any side effects. But the right amount really depends on how it makes you feel. "As long as coffee doesn't make you jittery, hyper, give you a headache or cause insomnia, there is no limit," Babaknia said.

Julie Revelant is a freelance writer and copywriter specializing in parenting, health, healthcare, nutrition, food and women's issues. She's also a mom of two. Learn more about Julie at revelantwriting.com.

Does Arthur visit your house???

Foods to fight osteoarthritis pain By Dr. Manny Alvarez Published September 11, 2014 FoxNews.com

About 27 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis that can occur in any joint of the body. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage between bones wears away, leaving patients with pain, stiffness, loss of flexibility and sometimes a grating sensation in their joints. The disability most commonly affects joints in the hands, neck, lower back, knees and hip, according to the Arthritis Foundation. We recently got this question from a viewer:

Dear Dr. Manny, I suffer from osteoarthritis. I take glucosamine, which seems to help tremendously. I would like to know if you recommend eating any specific foods that might ease some of my discomfort?

While there is no known cure for osteoarthritis, there are anti-inflammatory foods that can be added to a person's diet, in addition to the glucosamine supplement that may help alleviate pain. A patient may look to add foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, flaxseeds and walnuts. Adding olive oil, ginger and turmeric ingredients to meals may also help. A diet that limits foods causing inflammation like vegetable oils, margarine and shortening may also help cut down symptoms.

Beyond following a recommended diet, there are other treatment options available for osteoarthritis patients. Pain-relieving medications, physical therapy exercises, cortisone shots and even joint replacement surgery may all be explored as treatment plans. Additionally, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight may make osteoarthritis more manageable.

Do you have a health question for Dr. Manny? Please send it to DrManny@foxnews.com Dr. Manny Alvarez serves as Fox News Channel's Senior Managing Editor for Health News. Prior to this position, Alvarez was a FNC medical contributor.

Great article about the new Apple technology

Dr. Manny: Can the Apple Watch make you healthier? Yes!
By Dr. Manny Alvarez
Published September 10, 2014 FoxNews.com

The old adage "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" took on new meaning when the technology giant revealed the many health features included in their new platforms Tuesday. As many of you know, while I am not a spring chicken - I am hardly an old fart. But still, as an active clinical practitioner, I was slow to integrate non-medical technologies to my practice.

However, over the years, I have embraced some technologies like electronic medical records, digital storage of diagnostic imaging, and my practice was even one of the first to utilize telemedicine over a decade ago. Over time, I have become enamored with the quality of Apple products because I find them extremely user-friendly - even to a non-tech guy like me. So last year, I started recommending several medical apps to some of my patients looking for information on pediatric care and pregnancy calendars. And now, I will tell you that with the announcement of the new platforms that the company is launching, including the Apple Watch, I am becoming an Apple Doctor. And I don't mean this to be cute - I am being serious. The health ecosystem that will develop from these technologies will reshape the way doctors interact with patients. I think this is going to bring patients and doctors much closer again, and I am very excited about it.

As more developers begin to write new software, and health care companies like GE begin to integrate their diagnostic tools with some of these devices, physicians will have no choice but to embrace this world. From what I was able to glean from Tuesday's unveiling of the product, I think there are several reasons as to why the Apple Watch will be extremely valuable to patients when it launches next year. First, the Apple Watch will not only be GPS compatible, but wearers will also be able to monitor their activities. One group of people that will benefit immediately from this level of technology are patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, dementia or elderly folks who might be living alone. Here you have a group of patients that can lose orientation easily and place themselves in danger. With this Apple Watch, you might be able to monitor their whereabouts, and if they are home you can monitor their activities. This may provide a way to evaluate whether or not the patient is still physically active in ways needed to live on their own.

Parents and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum - a condition that can made kids prone to wandering -- may also benefit from this technological monitoring. Second, the Apple Watch can become a medication reminder for people that are utilizing several medicines throughout the day. The reminder will tell them exactly when to take the medication so it lessons room for error in their daily routine.

There is also a base feature which allows users to monitor their pulse. Some people might question whether this is really necessary or why it's an important feature. But while that may not seem all that important right now, there is already software out there that not only checks your pulse, but can also give you a single-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) to monitor electrical activity in your heart. This is vastly important for people with cardiovascular disease, and its potential integration into sending this information to your health care provider may one day save your life. And of course, the watch is full of features that will help you continue to integrate physical exercise and nutritional data to your daily routine, which ultimately, will keep you healthier and living longer. The watch is slated for release early in 2015, and I can only imagine what the second or third generation might look like two or three years from now.

Technology as a whole is here to stay -- but I think that smart technology will reshape the future of health care in America, and I congratulate Apple for their great innovations.

Dr. Manny Alvarez serves as Fox News Channel's Senior Managing Editor for Health News. Prior to this position, Alvarez was a FNC medical contributor. Follow Dr. Manny on Facebook.

IPhone 6

When and where to buy the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Everything you need to know about buying Apple's new iPhones.
by Dan Graziano @DanGraziano
September 9, 2014

Apple on Tuesday announced two new iPhone models at a press event in Cupertino, Calif. The iPhone 6 is equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina display, while the larger iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch Retina display. In addition to being slimmer and lighter, both models also include a 64-bit A8 processor with improved graphics, an improved 8-megapixel rear camera, improved battery life, and an NFC chip that allows you to use the phone to make payments .

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available on September 19, with preorders set to begin on September 12. Apple Apple is scheduled to open its retail stores at 8 a.m. local time on September 19, however the launch of new iPhones usually results in long lines and massive crowds. The best bet would be to preorder the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus directly from Apple's online store . Carriers Apple's website can quickly become overwhelmed by the thousands of eager customers looking to purchase a new smartphone. You may find it easier to preorder one of Apple's new phones from your wireless carrier's website or store. Verizon Verizon is running a promotion where you can get the 16GB iPhone 6 for free when you trade in an older iPhone. The nation's largest carrier is accepting the iPhone 4 , iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C , and iPhone 5S . The fine print reads that all devices must be in "good working condition" and that the discount will come in the form of a $200 Verizon gift card. The company will open preorders for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus later this week.

 iWatch rumor roundup Apple's September 9 event: CNET's complete coverage AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile will also offer Apple's new iPhones in-store and online on September 19. This article will be updated once more pricing information is released. Retailers Major retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, Radioshack, Target, and Sam's Club have offered Apple's new iPhones in the past, but have not yet announced release or pricing information.

 Both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus will be offered in three different color combinations: gold with white accents, silver with gray accents, and space gray with gray accents. The device will also be available in 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB storage models. Pricing The iPhone 6 will be offered with 16GB of storage for $199, with 64GB for $299, and with 128GB for $399. Of course all of these prices are provided you sign up for a new two-year agreement with one of the carriers that offer the phone. Off-contract prices are $649, $749, and $849 for the 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB models, respectively. The iPhone 6 Plus will be available for $299 with 16GB of storage, $399 with 64GB, and $499 with 128GB. The phone can be had without a contract for $749, $849, and $949 for the 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB models, respectively. This article will be updated as more release and pricing information is announced.

My favorite breakfast food!

CHOCOLATE GRAVY
1 ½ cups sugar
2 ½ Tablespoons flour
2 ½ Tablespoons cocoa
1 ½ cups milk
½ cup water
A few drops of vanilla (optional)
Mix sugar, flour and cocoa in a large skillet then add the water to mix.
Add the milk and cook on medium heat until thick.
Add the few drops of vanilla while cooking (optional)
Serve over hot buttered biscuits

Smile for the day...

Old Dog - Young Cougar

One day an old German Shepherd starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he's lost. Wandering about, he notices a cougar heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch.

The old German Shepherd thinks, "Oh, oh!  I'm in trouble now!"

Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the cougar is about to leap, the old German Shepherd exclaims loudly . . .

"Boy, that was one delicious cougar!  I wonder, if there are any more around here?"

Hearing this, the young cougar halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees.

"Whew!," says the cougar, "That was close! That old German Shepherd nearly had me!"

Meanwhile, a squirrel who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the cougar. So, off he goes.

The squirrel soon catches up with the cougar, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the cougar.

The young cougar is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, squirrel, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!"

Now, the old German Shepherd sees the cougar coming with the squirrel on his back and realizing the squirrel has probably given away his secret thinks, "What am I going to do now?," but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old German Shepherd says . . .

"Where's that squirrel?  I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another cougar!"

Moral of this story . . .

Don't mess with the old dogs...  Age and skill will usually overcome youth and treachery!  Brilliance generally only comes with age and experience.

I'm not insinuating that you're old - just 'youthfully challenged'.

Sent from my iPad

Apple announcement tomorrow

Apple has a big trick to pull off Tuesday By Edward C. Baig, ebaig@usatoday.com, USA TODAY

Whether you're an Apple "fanboy" or you detest the world's most valuable company or -- more likely -- somebody far less dogmatic, you're eager to fast-forward to Tuesday already. That, of course, is when CEO Tim Cook finally reveals what's next from Apple at a gathering of the news media in Cupertino, Calif. By now you've read rumors ad nauseam. And if Apple doesn't unveil an iPhone 6 -- and maybe with somewhat less certainty, a smartwatch -- it would turn into a shocker of titanic proportions. But what will this iPhone be? I'd be real surprised if Apple doesn't finally up the size of its iconic handset fairly substantially, perhaps to 4.7 inches (from 4 inches on the current flagship iPhone 5s), perhaps to 5.5-inches, or quite possibly both. That's what the reports are suggesting, and I'm a believer. I certainly want a larger iPhone, though how large is up to the beholder, and will depend on design, weight and user preferences. Having played with many smartphones in or around the 5-inch screen-size range, I expect Apple to deliver at least one that Gulliver could live with.

There's also been a lot of talk about whether a new iPhone (or phones) will have a sapphire display, which is harder than tempered glass and said to be virtually indestructible. I would think so, though such screens are costly to produce. Apple wouldn't even be the first one out there with sapphire. Kyocera recently sent me a Brigadier Android phone that has one. To prove just how tough and durable this screen is, it included a sharp knife in the package with which to stab the display.

Until now, Apple has eschewed turning the iPhone into a mobile wallet and pooh-poohed the NFC (near field communication) technology that others employ for this purpose. Sure, you can use an iPhone to purchase coffee, pay for a taxi, and buy other items through third-party apps and add-on accessories. And Apple also includes a Passbook app that to date it hasn't done much with -- it's kind of a repository for gift cards, tickets and the like. But Apple has largely ceded the early mobile payments space to competitors. I expect that stance to change next week, what with considerable speculation that the company will announce deals with various financial institutions. One thing to pretty much bank on: Any new iPhone hardware will have jazzed-up specs, faster processor, improved camera, hopefully longer battery life. We already know, of course, that the next iPhone will be the first to exploit iOS 8, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system. The software provides numerous enhancements, starting with a better Apple keyboard (with some copycat) features, plus the ability to use a third-party keyboard. There's also more seamless integration with Macs and iPads.

Also coming with iOS 8 is a Healthkit tool for developers and a Health app that practically shouts out that Apple is finally going to show off its elusive, long-rumored wearable. I suspect that the first wearable will finally be an Apple smartwatch (or iTime? iWatch?) though it's not out of the question that Apple could also show off some sort of fitness bracelet. Either way, it would again be a major upset if Apple fails to announce something in the wearable space. Rivals -- and I mean practically every other tech company out there -- have beaten Apple to the wearables market. But no tech outfit has really nailed a home run product, and that's not to dismiss the fact that there are some very successful (and excellent) niche-oriented wearables that mostly appeal to fitness buffs. Apple's wearable is likely to be fitness-focused, too, though I'm very curious to see how ambitious the company will be in the features that it ultimately provides. A flexible display seems likely, along with sensors that can monitor vital health signs, and inevitably make nice with the aforementioned Health app. Whatever Apple finally announces Tuesday, stick with USA TODAY for the details.

Sunday update

Good Morning all!
I hope everyone is enjoying the reduced humidity and cooler weather! When I opened my door this morning, I thought fall was in the air!

 Reminders: we have events in Central Arkansas the next 3 weekends. On the 13th, we will be in Hot Springs Village for iPad training. The 20th will be iPad trainings the Center.  This will be a new group. Or for those who wish to attend, a new beginning! We will start from Square one!  Come join the fun...

On the 27th, we will have Healthy Habits. Mark your calendar to see what Ms. Helen has planned.

See you soon!
Dr. Janet

Smile......

The Old Couple at McDonald's

The little old couple walked slowly into McDonald's that cold winter evening. They looked out of place amid the young families and young couples eating there that night. Some of the customers looked admiringly at them.

You could tell what the admirers were thinking: "Look, there is a couple who has been through a lot together, probably for 60 years or more!"

The little old man walked right up to the cash register, placed his order with no hesitation and then paid for their meal. The couple took a table near the back wall and started taking food off of the tray. There was one hamburger, one order of french fries and one drink.

The little old man unwrapped the plain hamburger and carefully cut it in half. He placed one half in front of his wife. Then he carefully counted out the french fries, divided them in two piles and neatly placed one pile in front of his wife. He took a sip of the drink, his wife took a sip and then set the cup down between them.

As the man began to eat his few bites of hamburger, the crowd began to get restless. Again you could tell what they were thinking: "That poor old couple. All they can afford is one meal for the two of them." As the man began to eat his french fries one young man stood and came over to the old couple's table. He politely offered to buy another meal for the old couple to eat. The old man replied that they were just fine. They were used to sharing everything.

Then the crowd noticed that the little old lady hadn't eaten a bite. She just sat there watching her husband eat and occasionally taking turns sipping the drink. Again the young man came over and begged them to let him buy them something to eat. The man again explained that no, they were used to sharing everything together.

As the little old man finished eating and was wiping his face neatly with a napkin, the young man could stand it no longer. Again he came over to their table and offered to buy some food. After being politely refused again, he finally asked a question of the little old lady: "Ma'am, why aren't you eating? You said that you share everything. What is it that you are waiting for?"

She answered ...  "The teeth."

Sent from my iPad

Weekend humor......

Senior Citizen Discount

"$5.37." That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bell said to me.

I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and something that used to be a Jolly Rancher. Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change when the kid with the Elmo hairdo said the hardest thing anyone has ever said to me. He said, "It's OK. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount."

I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me. "Only $4.68," he said cheerfully.

I stood there stupefied. I am 56, not even 60 yet. A mere child! Senior citizen?

I took my burrito and walked out to the truck, wondering what was wrong with Elmo. Was he blind? As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil. Old? Me?

I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, and there he was waiting with a smile.

Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, like I could be that easily distracted! What am I now? A toddler?

"Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, eh?"

I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind. "Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly! It could happen to anyone!"

I turned and headed back to the truck. I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. What now? I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing.

That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror.

Then, a few other objects came into focus. The car seat in the back seat. Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten doughnut on the dashboard.

Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba, I flew out of the alien vehicle.

Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. That is when I felt it, deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, only it was nowhere to be found.

I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, and strode back into the restaurant one final time. There Elmo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?"

All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here"? At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle and then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits.

Elmo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck, and suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention. He was holding up a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in my truck by mistake."

I took the food and drink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized.

She offered these kind words: "It's OK. My grandfather does stuff like this all the time."

All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40. Yes, I was racing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius. And no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast.

As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket. I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blankey.

The good news was I had successfully found my way home.

Sent from my iPad

A little history of the peach.....

The amazing, delicious peach
By Chris Kilham

It comes from the far northwestern Chinese autonomous region of Xinjiang, between the Kunlun mountains along the Tibetan plateau, and the Tarim Basin. There it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. It made its way to Persia along the fabled Silk Road on the backs of humpy camels, where it became widely cultivated and vastly popular. It became a favorite delicacy of emperors and kings, its praises were sung in the Arabian Nights, and it is found on every dignified platter of fruit in the Middle East. Its scientific name, Prunus persica suggests that it came from Persia, though it originated in China. Today it is canned by the thousands of tons in California. It is known as the "fruit of calmness" in Hungary, and its tree has been referred to as the tree of life. We all know it as the peach.

In a world of super fruits, exotic Amazonian berries, rare arctic edible treasures and furry pod fruits from the equator, the peach may seem like just another piece of fruit to munch on. And it is that too, having become a favored food in Europe and the US. We can thank Christopher Columbus for bringing peaches to the North American continent on his second and third voyages. In season during the summer months, the various varieties of peaches make their way to farm stands, grocery stores and markets all over the world, where for a brief period of time, the succulent peach reigns seasonally supreme. When a peach is truly ripe, it will run all over you when you eat it. That is part of the fun and sensory experience of this fruit.

Peaches get you involved. You don't eat fresh peaches in a stodgy way. Peaches invite you to bust loose a bit. Bite into one, and the juice runs down your face, and what juice it is! Imbued with more than 80 compounds that comprise its memorable and complex aroma, the peach hits you with a good dose of fruity perfume. And once the juicy flesh starts to break up in your mouth, all heaven breaks loose. Really good peaches, especially those grown organically, are stunningly sweet and flavorful. Heavenly is not too strong a word for the flavor experience. Super fruit? Sure, why not. Peaches are loaded with potent antioxidants, just like the highly touted berries and other stars of the fruit world. Chlorogenic acids, catechins, anthocyanins and other brawny, cell-saving antioxidants imbue this fruit with protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy flavor. And the delicious and slippery fiber of the fruit makes a good contribution to a healthy digestive tract and thorough intestinal elimination. What's not super about that?

With over 700 varieties to choose from, you're not likely to run out of peach types to try. Even nectarines, which are often presumed to be unique fruits, are actually peaches, just with smooth skin and a different type of flesh. From flat peaches that are slightly sour to fat peaches that are stunningly sweet, peaches vary greatly. Peaches are rich in vitamin A and C, both of which are good for healthy skin. This may account for the widespread use of peach in cosmetic products. The average peach contains a measly 35 - 50 calories, and zero fat. Translation- you can fill yourself up with peaches and not put on pounds. Many people consider fruits to be the pinnacle of nature's edible bounty. Fruits delight us in countless ways, and most regions of the world have contributed their own special fruits to the global mix. Peaches, from far-off northwestern China, have become beloved for good reasons. They are delicious, fragrant, very good for you, nutritious, protective and health-imbuing in a variety of ways. You can eat them with impunity and only contribute to your health. And they are fun to eat. In short, there's a lot to love about peaches.

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. He teaches ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer In Residence. Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide. His field research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France. Read more at MedicineHunter.com .

AARP and Intel join for cheap tablet

Tech-shy baby boomers get low-cost tablet from AARP, Intel
Agam Shah


Technology can be daunting for users of a certain age, but Intel and AARP are offering help with a simple-to-use tablet.

The RealPad tablet is aimed at users who are 50 and older, the age range for AARP membership, and shy of technology. Simplicity is key: The tablet provides quick access to email, Web sites, social networks, multimedia and ebooks through a user interface with large icons.

“Now there’s no excuse for not having a tablet. RealPad makes it easy to connect, share and learn,” the RealPad website proclaims.

The tablet, which has a 7.85-inch screen and is based on the Android OS, will sell for $189 starting in mid-October through Walmart’s website.

Popular tablets like Apple’s iPad and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab are being used by toddlers and older people alike. But the RealPad has some features that could make it attractive for technology neophytes.

The user interface has large icons for one-click access to email, social networks, weather, news, games, entertainment, camera and pictures, and Google’s search engine. A bar at the bottom of the screen has icons for AARP, the Web, apps and tablet-fixing tools. A specific icon connects users to technology support agents over the Internet who can access the tablet and fix problems. There are also icons to access Google Play and advanced tools.

The tablet weighs 396 grams—heavier than the 331-gram iPad Mini, which also has a 7.85-inch diagonal screen. The RealPad has a 2-megapixel front camera and 5-megapixel rear camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, 16GB of storage and a micro-SD slot for expandable storage. It runs on Intel’s older dual-core Z2520 processor.

For now, the tablet, made by a contract manufacturer for Intel, will be sold only in the U.S.

Intel’s trying to expand its presence in the tablet market through devices aimed at specific groups of users such as students. Intel Labs have also been researching telemedicine technologies so it’s easier to monitor patients remotely.

Blind friendly app

For blind bus riders, a new app boosts independence
Published September 03, 2014

A new smartphone app helps blind people navigate public transit in the Seattle area. The app, called StopInfo, is integrated into a popular existing app called OneBusAway that gives real time information on the location of city buses. StopInfo adds details that help blind riders find the bus stop.

"When a user wants detailed information about a transit stop, he or she touches a button and the system displays details, such as where the stop is in relation to street intersections, whether there is a bench and trash can, what the shape of the sign pole is . . . This information can be read out loud for blind users of the phone, using VoiceOver mode," explained Alan Borning in email to Reuters Health. Borning is a professor at the University of Washington. His graduate students created the new application.

While StopInfo sources most of its information from the King County Metro database, it also relies on information from community users, blind and otherwise. To make sure the information added by users is correct, the app uses a voting system, where each submission counts as a vote. To be verified, a submission must have at least three votes and 75% of submissions must be in agreement. StopInfo is freely available and runs on iOS (iPhone), Android, and Windows Phone platforms, and also via SMS, interactive voice response, and the Web. It's been widely used, according to Caitlin Bonnar, one of the app's creators. She told Reuters Health by email that StopInfo "is accessed, on average, around a thousand times a day since we launched in late February, indicating that it is also used by the general population. We have received around 1,300 information submissions for 845 unique bus stops around Seattle since then.

With StopInfo gaining in popularity, its creators recruited six middle-aged users for a small study of how it affects the way blind people travel. Three participants were completely blind; the others had varying levels of usable vision. Four lived in Seattle suburbs, while two lived in urban centers. The results, which will be presented at the Association for Computing Machinery's annual conference in October and are reported in the Association's Assets '14 publication, show that StopInfo is generally helpful for blind riders and can promote spontaneous and unfamiliar travel. The study lasted about five weeks, during which participants were asked to fill out web forms with details of 10 to 20 trips they took during that period. The participants were already skilled at traveling independently and using smartphones, and so the researchers note that they may not reflect the general population. Borning says participants, "found the system usable and the information helpful . . . All participants said they would continue using StopInfo after the study.

He and his students were most interested in three elements: usability, independence and safety. Independence was particularly important, as this is a constant struggle for blind people and was rated as very important by participants. The results suggest that the app supports independence. Participants said on 29 (38%) of their web forms that they would not normally have attempted the trip they were taking and consulted StopInfo on 26 (89%) of these trips. StopInfo did not significantly affect feelings of safety, however - and the researchers fear users might feel vulnerable to mugging while using their smartphones in public. In on-foot audits, the researchers found that the app's information was 100% accurate in nearly all categories. Jeff Switzer, of the King County Department of Transportation, told Reuters Health by email that his department has worked with the creators "to put measures in place that can monitor the system and bring any data vandalism to their attention for follow-up and correction.

Although its companion app, OneBusAway, operates in several cities across the country, StopInfo is currently limited to the Seattle area. Borning, who was also involved in creating OneBusAway, feels that for now, StopInfo is best kept as a pilot program. It needs to be evaluated over a longer period, he said, "to see how useful it is for a larger number of people, to see whether we can sustain participation in entering and verifying information, and to see how well it fits with transit agency operations. Marion Hersh of the University of Glasgow in Scotland, who studies assistive technology and disability but was not involved in the new research, agrees. She emphasizes the importance of standardizing the app across the transit systems of different cities so that blind people can move between them easily. Ideally, the system would "work at all bus stops preferably worldwide," Hersh told Reuters Health by email. Borning is optimistic about these kinds of tools. "We are in an exciting time for supporting the independence of blind and low vision people -- and people with disabilities more generally - using off-the-shelf technology like smart phones," he said.

Low carb study

Low-carb diets may beat low-fat options for weight loss, heart health
Published September 02, 2014

A low-carbohydrate diet is better for losing weight and may also be better for lowering the risk of heart disease than a low-fat diet, according to a new study. While low-carb diets have outperformed other diets when it comes to weight loss, some researchers feared they might be worse for heart health because they tend to be high in fat.

The new study shows that with proper nutritional counseling, people can lose more weight and lower their risk factors for heart disease on a low-carbohydrate diet, said the lead author, Dr. Lydia Bazzano of Tulane University in New Orleans. "This study shows if you are overweight and have cardiovascular disease risk factors and haven't had success on other diets, certainly a low-carbohydrate diet is worth a try," said Bazzano. Carbohydrates are found in food and include sugar, fiber and starches that give the body energy. Some carbs - like those in whole grains and fruits - are healthier than others - like those in white bread and other processed foods. Bazzano and her colleagues write in Annals of Internal Medicine that low-carb diets have become popular weight loss strategies in recent years. Studies on their effects on cardiovascular risk factors have produced mixed results, however.

For the new study, she and her colleagues recruited 148 obese men and women between the ages of 22 and 75. None of the participants had heart disease or diabetes. Half were randomly assigned to follow a low-carbohydrate diet for a year, and the other half were assigned to a low-fat diet for a year. They were told to not change their physical activity throughout the trial. All participants attended regular meetings where they learned about portion control, healthy eating and overall nutrition. They were also offered one meal-replacement bar or shake per day. The only difference between the groups was the proportions of carbohydrate and fat in their diets. Those in the low-carbohydrate group were told to eat at no more than 40 grams of digestible carbohydrates per day. ("Digestible carbs" equals total carbs minus total fiber.) Those in the low-fat group were told not to get more than 30 percent of their daily energy from fat and no more than 55 percent of their daily energy from carbohydrates. Overall, about four of every five participants were still following the diets 12 months later. During that time, the researchers found, people on the low-carbohydrate diet lost more weight and more body fat than those on the low-fat diet. The difference in lost weight between the two groups would represent about eight additional pounds. Additionally, the researchers saw no increases in total cholesterol or "bad" LDL cholesterol between the two groups. Bazzano said that's good news since some thought a low-carbohydrate diet would increase cholesterol levels. Those in the low-carbohydrate group had lower levels of fat circulating in their blood and had lower scores on a measure often used to predict the risk of a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years. "I thought that was a very striking finding," Bazzano said. She added that the score that predicts risk of future heart attacks and strokes was computed after the study was finished and is less reliable than the other risk factors they measured.

 Dr. David Jenkins, who wasn't involved in the study, told Reuters Health, "This doesn't look to me to say 'eat all the meats you want to lower your carbohydrates. That's just one way to do it. Instead, Jenkins said, people in this study appeared to improve their overall diets. For example, they were eating foods with healthier fats, such as nuts and beans. He also said they seemed to eat more fiber and cut down on processed foods with more carbohydrates. "I think it's another testament to what one can do with a more plant-based diet using the right macronutrient profile," said Jenkins of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto and the Keenan Research Centre at St. Michael's Hospital.

Bazzano agreed that the overall diets improved among the participants and they were encouraged to eat healthier forms of protein like chicken, fish, nuts and beans. She also said her team is not sure why people on the low-carbohydrate diets lost more weight and had lower risk factors for heart disease after one year. It's not clear, she added,if there would still be a difference after a longer period.

Diabetes update

Everyone,
If you have diabetes and do not have an endocrinologist, please give me a call. We have a partnership which will be very beneficial for you.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet