NATURAL AIDS FOR GETTING SOME GOOD SHUT EYE

5 natural sleep aids By Leah Zerbe Published May 30, 2016.  Sleep restores us. And not getting enough of it can put us at greater risk of heart disease and cancer . Sleep even makes us smarter. Yet researchers are finding that more than 10 percent of the population is chronically sleep deprived.  If you're having trouble slipping into-and remaining in-Dreamland, don't dart straight to prescription sleep drugs, which can be habit-forming, harmful if you live with certain conditions, and even downright bizarre! (Some people develop sleep-eating and sleep-driving habits when using prescription sleeping pills.) The good news is, science has found that many foods, drinks, herbs, and other natural sleep aids can help put you to sleep...naturally. In fact, just this summer, researchers made the connection between tart cherry juice and getting adequate shut-eye. Here are some natural food- and drink-based sleep aids. Cherries In the small study, participants drank eight ounces of the tart cherry (also known as sour cherry) juice in the morning, and another eight ounces in the evening, for two weeks and reported better sleeping habits. Since all cherries are naturally high in melatonin, a compound that makes us sleepy, you can try eating a 'cup' as a snack before it's time for shut-eye if you'd rather not drink the juice.  Fish Certain fish and sea creatures contain sleep-inducing tryptophan, including shrimp, cod, tuna, and halibut. But since not all seafood choices are healthy for us (some are high in contaminants) or for the planet (many are overfished, or methods for catching them kill other species), stick to catches like Pacific cod from Alaska or pole-caught Albacore tuna from the U.S. or British Columbia. Carb/Protein Combo If keeping track of the latest safe seafood guidelines is too complicated, you can get your tryptophan fix from other things. You've probably heard that warm milk can help you sleep, since milk contains tryptophan. But the key is to combine carbs with a protein containing tryptophan to help your body better utilize the sleep inducer. Try pairing a 'cup' of whole grain cereal with organic milk before bedtime. Lemon Balm This lemon-scented member of the mint family has been a sleep-inducing superstar for ages. Other benefits include better digestion and decreased agitation. Try making lemon balm tea by steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried herb in 1 'cup' of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. (If you take thyroid meds, talk to you doctor...drinking the tea could mean you'll have to adjust your dosage.) Other Herbs If lemon balm's not your thing, another herb, sage, also works as a natural sleep aid. Just steep 4 tablespoons in a 'cup' of hot water, steep for four hours, strain, and reheat to drink. Chamomile tea and valerian teas, other sleep inducers, are also more widely available pre-bagged in natural food stores, if you don't want to fuss with the aforementioned straining herbs. 

HANGING BY A THREAD

Thursday will be our first sewing class.  We hope that many of you will come and check it out.  We will have lots of fun and fellowship.  If you are interested in coming it will be at WSB starting at 1:00 o’clock and should end sometime around 4:00 o’clock.  If you would like to attend please let Shelly know by Wednesday the 1^st.  Transportation will also be available so let Shelly know if you need that as well.  Looking forward to seeing you there.  Shelly’s contact information is:

501-664-7100  ext 233

Until tomorrow:

Bob and Johnye

 

TECHNOLOGY EVER INCREASING

Apple's Echo rival could see you with built-in camera The giant has been exploring including facial-recognition tech in its device, by Shara Tibken, May 27, 2016.    

Apple's rival to the Echo could know who you are just by looking at you. The consumer electronics giant has explored putting a camera in its device, which could come in the form of a smart speaker like Amazon's Echo , according to people familiar with Apple's plans. It would be "self aware" and detect who was in the room using facial recognition technology. That would let the device automatically bring up a person's preferences, such as the music and lighting they like, the people said. The hardware could be released by year's end, but it's more likely to be available in 2017, the people said. They cautioned that Apple could change its plans to include a camera -- or even scrap the device entirely. Apple declined to comment.  Where's Apple's answer to Amazon Echo? Apple building Amazon Echo competitor HomeKit apps: The good, the bad and the clumsy Your home is increasingly turning into a battleground for tech giants looking to sell you new, connected gadgets. It's part of an emerging area called the Internet of Things, which links together just about anything that plugs into an electrical outlet so they can talk to one another. Thanks to the Echo and its built-in voice assistant called Alexa, Amazon is already playing a central role in that transition in people's homes. Apple finds itself behind the pack even though it launched Siri before digital assistants came into vogue. Neither the Echo nor Google's recently announced device, Google Home , currently have cameras. They're both voice-activated speakers that let you control your home appliances by saying commands out loud. Apple's device also will obey voice commands through Siri, The Information reported earlier this week.  Putting intelligent cameras into devices is a risk for companies since it raises questions about privacy. Intel planned to release a TV box with a camera , but it ditched that plan for its first product. It said that was because of cost and the time it would take to build the device, but Intel also faced backlash over concerns that the box would watch you all the time (which is pretty creepy). Intel ultimately sold that business, called OnCue, to Verizon, which did away with the hardware in favor of a streaming service called Go90. . Still, proponents of smart cameras in devices say there's little privacy or security risk to consumers as long as the camera is turned off by default, and consumers have to opt-in to use it. . 

YOUR MEAT, THE FDA, AND ECOLI

Is your meat dangerous? USDA puts new warning labels on beef By Joanna Fantozzi Published May 27, 2016. 

How safe is that t-bone steak?  The USDA is looking to give e ven more nutritional information to consumers nowadays. First, the nutrition labels were overhauled and redesigned and now USDA-grade beef will come with a warning label specifying whether or not it has been mechanically tenderized. Although the tenderization process is common, it has actually been linked to the spreading of E.coli and salmonella, which might have increased foodborne pathogens over the past several years. When the mechanical blades cut into the tenderized meat, they also push in external bacteria. Meat has to be cooked to 145 degrees F or hotter in order to kill off any bacteria, or risk the transfer of E. coli or salmonella. About 11 percent of all beef is mechanically tenderized, which makes the meat less tough and easier to chew, according to an infographic from the USDA.  Now customers will be able to choose on their own, with clear labels, if they're willing to take the risk of buying beef that could be contaminated with dangerous bacteria. 

YOU MAY BE SWEET BUT YOUR BREATH MAY NOT BE

How to get rid of bad breath once and for all By Stephen J. Praetorius Published May 26, 2016. () 

nothing can put a damper on your chances at success-both romantically and professionally-like a bout of foul mouth stink. On the plus side, however, treatment's pretty easy. First off, let's talk about brushing. So you already do it when you wake up and before you go to bed. Good job. But if you've got funk regularly spewing out of your mouth, you've got to take your brushwork to the next level . Invest in a heavy-hitting electric option, like the Philips Sonicare HealthyWhite Plus, and use it after every meal to make sure that bacteria don't have any leftovers to feast on. Additionally, it also wouldn't hurt to follow that up with flossing and mouthwash, since even a good brush can miss a crumb or two between your teeth.  Now, while tooth care plays a role when it comes to fighting bad breath, if you're really looking to get down to business, then it's your tongue that deserves your undivided attention . Moist and warm, it's a veritable breeding ground for bacteria, which thrive in such environments. And as you can guess, these bacteria ain't exactly the freshest-smelling. Therefore, there's nothing more effective at taking care of a case of stinky breath than a tongue scraper; cheap and easy to use, they can help to remove unwanted bacteria, leaving your breath smelling a good bit less nasty in no time at all.  Of course, those are only temporary fixes. If you're going to get rid of bad breath for good, then you need to look at the underlying cause. And more often than not, that cause is going to be dehydration . You see, dehydration leads to a decrease in saliva production, which in turn leads to an increase in dead cells on your tongue and gums. These cells are then munched on by those same bacteria we were talking about earlier, which emit a particularly foul odor upon digestion. (Germ farts strike once again.) Fight back by making sure that your mouth is consistently moist and drinking a ton of liquids, thus shrinking your risk of game-killing halitosis. Steer clear of coffee.  It is a natural diuretic.  But what if you already drink a lot of water? Then alternatively, it might be your diet that's stinking up the joint . Pungent foods like garlic and onions are the obvious targets, but they're not the only foods that make you reek; sweets can also cause halitosis by further fueling your mouth bacteria with sugar, and low-carb, high-protein diets can make your body release ketones, which certainly don't smell great either. So keep an eye on what you're taking in, and maybe you can sort things out.  Now, if you've done all that and you're still a fire-breathing monster, then it may be high time to go see a doctor , since chronic, uncontrollable bad breath might be a sign of something clinical. And even if it's not, the doctor may be able to help. That is their job, after all. 

HOW'S YOUR BALANCE WHILE WALKING THESE DAYS

Insoles that buzz your feet could improve balance By Mindy Weisberger, Published May 25, 2016. 

Insoles generating vibrations too gentle to feel could increase sensitivity and improve balance. (Wyss Institute at Harvard University) Insoles that electrically stimulate the feet with random vibrations that are too gentle to feel can affect a person's stride, and may boost stability, offering a potential new way to decrease the risk of falls and injury from balance loss, a new study finds. Study participants undergoing strenuous activity while wearing such insoles adjusted their strides in a way that typically improves balance, the research found.  The insoles work using a process called "stochastic resonance" (SR), a method for amplifying a weak signal by adding "white noise" across a spectrum of frequencies. The vibrations produced by the insoles may be imperceptible, but they provide a type of signal upgrade to the sensitivity of the user's sole, which translates into enhanced performance while walking.  Earlier studies explored how this technique might be used to improve balance in elderly people. It's not surprising that such studies took place, said Daniel Miranda, the lead author of the new study and a Technology Development Fellow at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University in Massachusetts. "Somebody who's 65 or 70 [years old] who's generally healthy may have some sensory deficits due to the natural aging process," Miranda told Live Science. It made sense that studies would investigate how this technology could help older people with decreased sensitivity recover some of what they had lost. But, Miranda and his colleagues wondered, might there also be applications for young people?  In the years since the first experiments with this technique, the technology had progressed so that the actuators and sensors could be installed inside a thin, flexible insole made of traditional insole materials, which could fit comfortably inside a shoe. This meant the effects of SR could be tested during more dynamic activities than before, the researchers in the new study said. The scientists examined subjects walking up an incline on a treadmill, and applied SR vibration through the insoles at different times during the task: before the people reached their maximum effort, during the peak of exertion and after they admitted fatigue. This was done to see what effect the stimulation might have on the participants' performance. Since the pulses were too gentle to feel, walkers wearing the insoles had no way of knowing when they were receiving the vibrations, allowing the scientists to be certain that subjects were not consciously changing the way they walked. The researchers found that whenever they activated the insoles, there was a 10 percent improvement in a gait mechanism called step-width variability, which is related to balance. Varying step width, Miranda explained, improves stability while walking. Using the insoles to increase sensation for a more stable gait could be especially beneficial when fatigue reduces normal sensitivity to stimuli - for both recreational and profesÎsional athletes, he said. And better balance, Miranda added, could keep people from getting hurt. "Improving the balance-control mechanism has the potential to translate to reducing injury or risk of injury, but those studies still need to be done," he said. 

ALWAYS CHANGING

Apple could switch to a glass casing for upcoming iPhone  

The CEO of a Taiwan-based supplier of iPhone frames predicted the design changes in a shareholder meeting this week. by Kent German @KentGerman.  

A Taiwanese iPhone parts supplier has predicted that an upcoming variant of Apple's handset will feature glass casings. . Catcher Technology CEO Allen Horng made the prediction at a shareholder meeting on Thursday, the Nikkei Asian Review reports . Though Catcher currently builds metal frames for iPhones, Horng said he does not expect such a move to impact his business, since an iPhone with a glass casing would still need a durable metal frame inside it. . The iPhone 4 and 4S , introduced in 2010 and 2011 respectively, both had glass backings while retaining metal frames. Apple returned to using metal backs in the iPhone 5 in 2012. . 

PLEASE DON'T SAY THAT

8 things to never say to someone in the hospital By Lambeth Hochwald Published May 20, 2016.  

It may seem sort of fun to be laid up in an adjustable bed surrounded by piles of magazines and having full command of the remote. But the truth is, if you've ever had even the shortest of hospital stays, it's no picnic. It only gets worse when a friend comes to visit and, without intending to, says exactly the wrong thing. Read on for the eight things not to say to someone who's in the hospital.  "You must be getting so much rest! Even the nicest friends said some version of this statement to Mary Ladd, who endured seven surgeries and eight infections after a breast cancer diagnosis. "I don't get any rest," she said. "The plastic sheets ensure that I'm a sweaty mess all night long. Plus, the staff wakes me up every hour on the hour! (Always exhausted?  "I completely understand what this is like. Unless you've gone through the exact same thing, it's impossible to understand what someone battling a severe illness or recovering from a major medical procedure is going through. "To be helpful, be empathetic by saying that you can only imagine what they're going through," said Dr. Nitin Kumar, a gastroenterologist in Addison, IL. "Then offer specific ways to help out, as in, 'May I bring your mom a 'cup' of coffee? or 'May I bring dinner to your family while you're here?  "It could be worse" or "I don't think it's serious. Patients admitted to a hospital are already worried about their health, missing work or family activities, and bills accruing. "Telling them that it could be worse can remind them of the possibilities and create anxiety," Kumar said. "Likewise, commenting on whether something is or isn't serious will trivialize concerns and also increase anxiety. To be helpful, focus on making the patient's day better: "Changing the topic away from medicine during the visit can be a good thing," Kumar said.  "You're so lucky you get to binge-watch Netflix! No one is lucky to be in a hospital. If you're recovering from major surgery or seriously sick, watching House of Cards is probably the last thing on your mind. "Asking someone if they're caught up on Netflix demeans what they're going through," said Nicole Richardson, a licensed professional counselor in Austin, TX. "Have you tried eating organic? For Alicia Kan, being asked if she changed her diet while she was lying in a hospital bed was upsetting. "Actually, yes, I had been eating organic for years prior to being diagnosed with cancer in 2004," she said. "I exercised three times a week with trainers. I even refused to hold a mobile phone to my ear because I was worried about radiation. Don't assume that someone gets cancer because of poor health habits. (Take a look at the 10 cancer symptoms most people ignore .) "Think positively! There's a fine line between looking on the bright side and being artificially cheerful. "When you've got five tubes running out of you and have to call a nurse to turn on your side, it's a wee bit difficult to think of sunshine and puppies," Kan said. "Save it. "You look tired/old/a mess. "I'm surprised by how often visitors suggest that a patient looks unkempt," Kumar said. "It's difficult to keep up your appearance without your usual bathroom and beauty supplies. Hospital gowns are not necessarily flattering, but they are purposely designed to allow medical exams and efficient care in emergencies. "One day you'll look back and see this as a gift. "This is meant as a reassurance but, to someone suffering, it comes across as incredibly patronizing," Kan said. Instead, focus on what you can do to help. "You wouldn't believe what a hospital patient is hankering for," she said. "I wanted a Happy Meal-badly-after eating hospital food for weeks. I wanted dark chocolate and all the James Bond films, from Dr. No onward. The best visitors asked what they could do. I got my fixes and we remained good friends.

DID YOU KNOW THAT

Who Knew? So That's What That's For ... BY BRANDON SPECKTOR.  

The color of the tag on your store-bought bread ... ... Tells grocers what day of the week the bread was shipped. Bread is usually delivered fresh to stores five days a week-Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday-and each day has its own colored tag or twist tie. Though some companies use their own system, this common code is easy to remember: Just as the days of the week proceed in order from Monday to Saturday, their corresponding colors proceed in alphabetical order- b lue, g reen, r ed, w hite, y ellow. The perforations on the sides of your aluminum-wrap container ... ... Are called end locks and, when pushed in, are meant to keep your roll secure inside the box. Many similar kitchen products, such as plastic wrap, come equipped with the same feature so you'll never rip the whole roll out of the box when you want just a single piece. The arrow next to the gas symbol on your dashboard ... ... Is a perpetual reminder of which side your gas cap is on. If the arrow points right, your gas tank is on the right side of your car, and vice versa. Nearly every car sold in the United States now comes equipped with this handy guide so you'll never be stumped at the pump again! That tiny pocket on your blue jeans ... ... Is for your pocket watch . Well, maybe not yours , but the cowboys who made blue jeans famous in the 1800s were plumb grateful for it. Typically, watches were carried on chains and worn in waistcoats, but hard field labor made that a lot less practical. Outdoors, the "watch pocket" on any pair of jeans did just the trick-even after watches moved to the wrist. "This extra pouch has served many functions, evident in its many titles," the Levi Strauss website reminds us: "frontier pocket, coin pocket, match pocket, and ticket pocket, to name a few. That little strawberry attached to your pincushion ... ... Is an emery board for your needles. Filled with tough emery sand-a combination of aluminum and iron oxides-the strawberry is historically a tool for polishing, sharpening, and removing rust from your pins and needles. 

Upcoming events

Good morning all,
Summer is near and the calendar is filling up quickly. Here are upcoming events.  If you are interested, please contact Shelly.

Thursday, June 2nd -- sewing bee at the Center 1-4. No experience necessary! Come out enjoy the fun, fellowship and experience quilt making or watch Bob T. Learn to sew on buttons.  This will be a great time. We are making lap quilts for clients, children and hospice folks

June 11 is Healthy Habits in West Memphis

June 18 is Healthy Habits in Fort Smith

June 25 is Healthy Habits in Pine Bluff

If you know clients in these areas, please let them know to call and register.

Have a great week.  Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Spring Social update

hello everyone,
Thanks to all who came out and made our spring social a success! We had 50 folks who enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs! We want to give a special thanks to Paul and the cafeteris staff for helping out today, the weather was beautiful.  We enjoyed music by Bob Thompson, Shelly and a few others who chimed in.

We had a special guest--LuAnn who is here for the ASB alumni festivities. Always great to see old friends.

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

A RECIPE WITH A LITTLE HISTORY FROM SARAH MCDANIEL

Those of you who remember the smell of the Jackson Cookie Company baking Vanilla Wafers, there is a recipe for Vanilla Wafer Fruitcake. This recipe was published in 1992.

Vanilla Wafer Fruitcake Recipe

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 45 min.

MAKES:40 servings

Ingredients

 1/2 pound candied cherries

 1/2 pound candied pineapple slices

 1 pound walnuts, pecans or combination of both

 1 pound vanilla wafers

 1/4 pound raisins

 2 eggs

 1/2 cup sugar

 1/4 teaspoon salt

 1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk

Directions

1. Set aside four whole cherries, two pineapple slices and 16 pecan or walnut halves. Chop remaining fruit and nuts. Crush vanilla wafers; combine the chopped fruit, nuts and raisins and set aside.

2. In a bowl, beat eggs well. Stir in sugar, salt and milk. Combine wafer/nut mixture with egg mixture. Pack into a waxed paper-lined 10-in. tube pan. Decorate top with reserved whole fruit and nuts. Bake at 325° for 45 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Run a sharp knife around edge; turn cake out of pan, then back over again so decorations are on top. Cake can be made ahead and frozen; taste improves with age. Yield: about 40 servings.

Nutritional Facts

1 serving (1 piece) equals 183 calories, 10 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 13 mg cholesterol, 64 mg sodium, 24 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber

THERE ARE HOW MANY KINDS OF MUSTARD

Mustard facts you need to know By Janet Rausa Fuller Published May 16, 2016. 

A hotdog just isn't complete without a zigzag of mustard. But what kind is the best?  Mustard is not as polarizing as some other foods (like, say, cilantro). But if you love mustard, you tend to really love it. "There is something about mustard that inspires zaniness, a sort of goofy pursuit of a mustard obsession," writes Michele Anna Jordan in the revised 2015 edition of "The Good Cook's Book Of Mustard. For example, Jordan says when I reach her by phone, there is a mustard museum. Yes, at the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin-my next call, naturally-Barry Levenson maintains a collection of more than 5,800 mustards.  It all starts with a spicy, little seed.  Even though it's such an ancient condiment (there are mustard references in the Bible), Levenson is always turning up something new and different, such as sea buckthorn mustard made from an obscure berry. Now, sea buckthorn mustard is all well and good for, you know, a mustard curator , but it's hardly the condiment we usually reach for when we're making a sandwich. Here's a rundown of essential mustard know-how, plus a primer on the seven most common types. IT'S IN THE SEED Mustard's variety is staggering, but it all comes down to one plant in the Brassica family and three-but really only two-types of seeds it produces: white, also referred to as yellow because it's light yellow in color; brown, and black. The majority of commercial mustard is made with white or brown mustard seeds, or a mix of the two. Black seeds are rarely used for mustard. If anything, you'll find them sold whole at Indian markets.  THE BIG HEAT Pop a mustard seed in your mouth and suck on it. "You'll feel the heat," says Jordan. When your saliva hits the seed, it sparks the release of a compound inside the seed, causing that familiar nostril-flaring sensation. And that's all prepared mustard in a jar is: dried mustard seeds mixed with water and some other liquid-typically vinegar-to get that chemical reaction going. Dry mustard or mustard flour is the dried seeds ground to a fine powder. It's in the spice section of the store and is the basis of other styles of prepared mustard.  Brown seeds carry more pronounced heat than white seeds.  The degree to which the seeds are milled give prepared mustard its personality and flavor. WHAT'S YOUR STYLE? Yellow or American ballpark. The classic hot dog condiment gets its bright hue from turmeric, not from the ground white seeds from which it's made. It's acidic but not spicy hot.  Dijon. A silky smooth mustard made with brown seeds, synonymous with the French town where it originated and that Grey Poupon commercial. Dijon made in Dijon, France must adhere to strict standards as defined by the government, but no such U.S. standards exist. What's sold here as "Dijon-style" mustard is a lot more toned down than the original, Jordan said. Deli or American brown. This deli staple made from brown seeds is mildly spicy and not as tart as yellow mustard. Chinese. Hot dry mustard (ground from brown seeds) mixed with water, it packs a serious punch. The mustard that comes with your egg rolls at a Chinese restaurant or in the takeout bag is in this category. English. Colman's is the iconic brand of this mustard made from white and brown seeds. It's most often seen in powdered form, though it's sold in jars too. German. These mustards range in flavor, texture and heat but the two most popular styles, both made primarily with the brown seed, are hot and smooth (the Lowensenf brand is a good example) and Bavarian-style, which is coarser, milder, and sweeter, says Levenson. Whole- or coarse-grain. What whole-wheat bread is to white bread, this mustard is made from a mix of whole and ground seeds, usually the brown kind. 

REMINDER FOR SPRING SOCIAL

REMENDER

 

Our spring social is coming up on May 21^st with hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the trimmings.  Be sure to put this date on your calendar.  Be sure to call Shelly and let her know that you are coming.  Also, if you need transportation let her know that as well.  We are expecting a good time.  Contact Shelly at:

501-664-7100  ext 233

We need to know you are coming by Thursday May 19^th for food and transportation arrangements.

Looking forward to seeing you there:

Until tomorrow

Bob and Johnye

ARE YOU A WORRIER

'Worry' report: A little bit is good if it yields solutions.  

I'm a worrier. Deadlines, my children, all the time they spend online -- you name it. I even worry when I'm not worried: What am I forgetting to worry about? Two of five Americans say they worry every day, according to a new paper released by Liberty Mutual Insurance. Among the findings in the "Worry Less Report": Millennials worry about money. Single people worry about housing (and money). Women generally worry more than men do and often about relationships. The good news? Everyone worries less as they get older. "People have a love-hate relationship with worry," said Michelle Newman, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Pennsylvania State University, who was not involved in the writing of the report. "They think at some level that it helps them. PROBLEM SOLVING The belief that worrying somehow helps to prevent bad events is reinforced by the fact that we tend to worry about rare events, like plane crashes, and are reassured when they don't happen. People worry less about common events, such as car wrecks. But "some worry is actually good for you," said Simon A. Rego, a cognitive behavioralpsychologist.  "It's what we call productive or instructive worry that can help us take steps to solve a problem. A study published in 2002 recruited 57 young adults and asked them to list their worries in a diary for seven days and rate each worrying episode. When the researchers analyzed the results, they determined that about 20 percent of the worries were about anticipating a negative outcome in the future. But nearly half of all the documented worries reflected a process of problem solving. While that can be constructive, people who worried a lot and couldn't control their worrying were less likely to find a solution to their problem. The researchers, Marianna Szabo, now at the University of Sydney, and Peter F. Lovibond of University of New South Wales in Australia, concluded that failing to come up with solutions leads to more worrying. That kind of worrying can get out of hand. "Excessive worriers have multiple domains that they worry about, and if something triggers a worry in one domain, it can seep into other areas," Rego said, "and things can move back and forth like wildfires -- once one gets going, it can start other fires as well. WORRY TIME If you're worried about your worrying, the report suggests some coping strategies, including: Break your concerns down into four parts: defining the problem, clarifying your goals, generating solutions and experimenting with solutions. Grab a pen and paper and brainstorm, the report suggests. Studies have shown this approach can help ease depression and anxiety. Choose a routine activity and try to experience it fully. Set aside concerns and be "in the moment. Pick a designated time of day to fret about your problems. If a worrying thought enters your mind outside of your scheduled worry session, jot it down so you can think about it during your scheduled worry time. Notice your thoughts and label them (as in "there is the thought that I can't manage"). Let go of tension in your body; soften your forehead, drop your shoulders and relax your hands.  

MULTITASKING APPLIANCES IN YOUR KITCHEN

Cook Dinner in Your Dishwasher? Cool Hacks for Kitchen Appliances Published May 13, 2016.  

You spend your day multitasking, so why shouldn't your kitchen appliances juggle more than one job, too? Dishwashers can poach salmon. Freezers can wash your clothes. Microwaves can help you squeeze orange juice. Granted, there are risks to hacking home appliances -- especially the fact that it could render your warranty moot, warns Doug Rogers , president of Mr. Appliance , a national appliance service company. "People can certainly get more out of their appliances, but they need to be very careful when doing so," Rogers says. "A warranty can sometimes be voided if an appliance was used for a purpose other than its original designation. "Also, the odds of an appliance breaking is much higher when using it for a different purpose, so it's best to assess if the outcome is really worth the risk. Sometimes, though, it truly is! Check out these rather awesome tricks hiding in your kitchen appliances, and judge for yourself. Dishwasher Dishwashers are, by far, the most versatile appliance in your house. If you skip the detergent, you can do a whole lot more than just get your plates clean: Poach salmon: Wrap the seasoned salmon steak or fillet in aluminum foil, pressing edges to make sure the packet is waterproof. Place it on the top rack, and cook -- er, run -- on the regular cycle. Clean and cook potatoes: Place the spuds on the top rack, and turn on the rinse-only cycle. They'll come out clean and mashable. Honest. Disinfect smelly sponges and wash rags: Place them in the dishwasher, and run those stinkers through a regular cycle with your dishes. This time, add detergent. Clean and shine garden tools: Dirty garden tools can spread germs and bacteria throughout your garden. Place your metal garden tools and shears on the top rack, and run through a regular cycle. Don't try cleaning eating utensils at the same time, though. More things your dishwasher can scrub Baseball caps Metal switch plates and outlet covers Range hood grilles Metal vent covers A gazillion hard-plastic kids toys Plastic sports equipment and pads -- -- -- Freezer Toss out those ice-burned bags of frozen zucchini to make room in your freezer for these secondary uses: Freshen denim: If you don't want your favorite jeans to fade, place them in a plastic bag and stick them in the freezer for a week. Yes, your loved ones may think you've lost your mind. But the cold will kill germs and freshen the jeans without cooking them in hot water, which fades colors. Life extender: Candles will burn slower, hosiery will evade runs longer, and NiMH and NiCd batteries will last longer when you store them in your freezer. Steel wool: Instead of watching steel wool rust in a sink holder, place it in a plastic bag and store it in the freezer. The steel wool will stay free of rust longer. Ice cube trays: They're not just for water anymore. These little compartmentalizers are great for freezing single portions of pesto and making coffee cubes that cool but don't water down your iced coffee drinks.  Microwave Cook, schmook . Your microwave is waiting to show you what else it can do besides pop corn. Give it some love: Juice helper: You'll squeeze more juice from lemons and oranges if you zap them in the microwave for 10 seconds, then squeeze. Degerm sponges: Soak a sponge in water with a spritz of white vinegar, and place it in the microwave for two minutes. Not only will your sponge smell fresh, but the steam will make scrubbing the microwave and its telltale spaghetti sauce a snap. Homemade heating pad/hand warmer: Fill an old sock with rice (not instant) or dried beans, tie the end closed, and place in the microwave for 60 seconds on high. Always touch lightly to check the temperature. If the pad isn't hot enough, add 15 more seconds. If you want the heating pad to smell nice, add a drop or two of essential oil to the rice/bean mix before heating. 

Happy Sunday!

Hello everyone,
A couple of quick reminders...spring picnic on Saturday at the center 11-3. Come join the fun! It will be a great time!

Do you like to sew? Want  to learn? We are starting a sewing group. Talk to Me on Saturday or give me a call.

We also have a book club starting. If you like to read and listen to other opinions or express your own, consider joining us! We will meet virtually, so you can join us in your Jammie's....you do not need to be in Central Arkansas, so all you folks in other areas please jump on board!

See you on Saturday! Yes, I will bring desserts....

Until then,
Janet

LESSONS FROM THE LAB

To

bobby

Today at 9:10 PM

A four-legged 'human': The valuable lesson I learned from my dog By Jay Lowder Published May 13, 2016.  

Gage (Courtesy of the author) My grandfather always told me if you had two or three "true" friends in a lifetime you were a lucky man. His words were strange and unbelievable, at least to a high school boy who was fairly popular, played basketball and was known all over school. That was until I got older and noticed my so-called "friends" becoming harder to find than a winning Powerball ticket. I connected with one of my closest and truest friends only because of the catastrophic loss of another relationship I held very dear. My buddy Gage was dying from old age. He was a sage of sorts... the type with which I had a lot in common. He loved the outdoors, was an avid hunter, and was dedicated not only to me but also to my family. We didn't get to spend near as much time together as I would have liked because my work didn't give me much availability outside of weekends. However, the countless frosty winter mornings we spent duck hunting together will never be forgotten. Gage was incredibly smart and had a type of sixth sense enabling him to know when something was wrong with me even when I tried to conceal it. Even though I was the one always doing the talking, I felt he understood every word I spoke. Better yet, he was a great listener. He wasn't the type who looked through you as though his mind was somewhere else, nor was he the kind who interrupted your thoughts; he just always made you feel like he really cared... and understood.  When the news came that his internal organs were failing from old age, I was consumed with grief. My wife, three kids and I all went together to pay our final respects. When the moment came for the veterinarian to put him to sleep, everyone left the room except my oldest son and me. Gage had been my son's Christmas present 12 years earlier. Neither one of us could conceive letting him leave this earth without us by his side..  . Even though I was the one always doing the talking, I felt he understood every word I spoke. After he took his last breath, my sobbing family loaded him up to take him to the country for burial. Upon arrival, we wrapped him in a blanket, took turns saying a prayer of thanks and buried him under a shade tree where we felt he would rest in peace. A white cross emblazoned with his noble name marks his grave. Labrador Retriever Quick Overview | PetBreeds Gage defined, in many ways, the characteristics of loyalty and unconditional love. After Gage passed to the next life to frolic outside the gates of heaven until we are reunited to walk through the pearly gates together, or so I choose to believe, I was determined not to buy another yellow lab. I knew it would stir too many comparisons and memories and end up being an unfair comparison. After all, no other dog could ever live up to the standard. That was until a dear friend e-mailed my wife a picture of a beautiful yellow Labrador puppy. His email said he wanted to give me the dog as a gift because he "would be proud to know this dog was by my side. Less than one week later, "Cross" became the newest member of our family. Cross weighs 102 pounds, is an incredible hunter, and has an extensive vocabulary of words he understands. He sleeps inside on a leather sofa, obeys commands by hand and whistle, and has become one of my most treasured friends. His head and body are so large people often ask me if he is a full-blooded Lab. I always say yes, but it's a lie... no matter what the American Kennel Club says, he is more human than he will ever be a Labrador retriever. If a man's character is best known by his friendships, then Cross makes me look pretty darn impressive. While friendship is almost impossible for me to define, because its depth, complexity and feeling is beyond explanation, I can easily see it. It is in the shape of four legs, velvety floppy ears and a golden wagging tail and always answers to the name of "Cross. 

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS ARE NOT SWEET FOR YOUR DOG

Sweetener Xylitol can kill or poison dogs, FDA warns Published May 13, 2016. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a stronger warning that a common sweetener in chewing gum, mints and other products could kill or severely poison dogs. The warning comes on the heels of a surge in deaths and severe illnesses from dogs accidentally ingesting the sweetener, xylitol, according to pet poison-control centers.  The FDA warning, titled "Xylitol and Your Dog: Danger, Paws Off," was issued Thursday by the agency as a "consumer update. A prior FDA warning, issued in 2011 by the agency's Center for Veterinary Medicine, briefly warned of potential illness in dogs and ferrets from eating xylitol. A type of sugar alcohol, xylitol is an ingredient in many foods but "can have devastating effects on your pet," the FDA said in the latest alert. 

DEALING WITH UNDERARM CHARM

5 signs you're using the wrong type of deodorant By Megan Gustashaw Published May 12, 2016.  

With something as basic as deodorant, it can be easy to reach for the same formula over and over again without giving the decision much thought. But, if any of these all-too-common problems plague you, it might be time to make a switch-or at least expand your arsenal to more than just one do-everything stick. Here, Dove Men+Care ambassador and dermatologist Dr. Terrence Keaney identifies what exactly could be going wrong.  1.) You always get sweat stains at the worst possible moment Bottom line: It might be time to ditch deodorant for a powerful antiperspirant. "Men often think that deodorant and antiperspirant are the same products with different looks- white vs. clear", Keaney comments. "In reality, they have very different functions. Antiperspirants often use aluminum-based ingredients to block sweat, while deodorants are designed to provide odor protection. 2.) You often leave the house and realize you could smell better If you've got the sweat situation on lock but often find yourself wondering "Is that me or the person sitting next to me? then you probably need some deodorant in your life, which is the heavy-hitter when it comes to odor. Keaney adds, "Reapply before nighttime events, like a date, when smelling good is going to be more of a concern than blocking sweat.  3.) You consider that burning feeling under your arms to be normal "Fifty-four percent of men suffer from underarm irritation, mostly because of the anatomy of the area," Keaney explained. "It's a skinfold, where two surfaces are rubbing together with higher concentrations of sweat glands and hair- an almost perfect environment for potential irritation. Keaney recommends using an antiperspirant, which prevents irritation by reducing sweat production. Bonus points if it's a formula that promises to be gentle on skin.  4.) Your shirts need to be washed every time you wear them If you can't make it through the day without sweating and stinking up your shirt to the point of no return, there's something wrong. Keaney recommends seeking out an antiperspirant that boasts 48-hour protection. Secondly, keep a stick in your desk drawer. A second application midday could be the difference between spending $30 a month on dry-cleaning and $300.  5.) You're still working through that Costco value pack your mom bought you in 2010 Every deodorant that's been in your medicine cabinet longer than Game of Thrones has been on TV is the wrong deodorant. While it isn't as volatile as, say, moisturizer , it can still go bad. After about three years, the fragrance can get funky and the formula can lose its efficacy, making it a waste of your time to use. Bottom line: Spend the $5 on a new stick and your armpits will thank you. 

A WATCH DOG FOR YOUR IPHONE

 iPhone app can alert you if your device gets hacked A new app dubbed System and Security Info will scope out your iPhone for potential security threats. by Lance Whitney @lancewhit / May 10, 2016.  

This app can clue you in to potential security issues on your iPhone.  Worried that your iPhone may have been hacked? There's an app for that. System and Security Info , which debuted over the weekend in Apple's App Store, provides a host of details about your iPhone. The app shows your CPU, memory and disk usage as well as a list of all running processes. On the security front, it can tell you if your device has been compromised or possibly infected by any malware. Much of the information in the app is basic and easy to understand. A green light next to a specific item is good, as it means you're in the clear. A red light means there could be a potential security issue. The app will also let you know if the device has been jailbroken, which is key if you've bought the phone used or have lent it to someone. A jailbroken device is one that has been modified to allow the installation of apps beyond those in the App Store. Jailbroken devices, though, are more susceptible to malware because their owners can install apps that bypass Apple's intense scrutiny. Apple, Google and other software makers are constantly fighting to prevent malware-ridden apps from invading their respective app stores and devices. Apple's iOS operating system has generally been considered more secure than Google's Android because Apple offers a tighter vetting process to approve apps. But certain malware strains have infected Apple devices, even those that have not been jailbroken. System and Security Info was developed by Stefan Esser, a German security researcher and iOS hacker who has in the past cooked up jailbreaks for various versions of iOS. With the new app , Esser said he "wanted to provide the public with a low cost solution that allows to find out if someone used one of the public jailbreak or a customized version to hack and backdoor your device. The app also determines if the programming code in iOS has been digitally signed by Apple itself to confirm that it not be altered by an outside party. . My iPhone received a clean bill of health, according to the app, meaning no jailbreaks or compromises. The only red flag came up under anomalies, which found injected libraries. However, Esser pointed to that as normal, saying that "because the accessibility features of iOS will inject unexpected libraries into our process, the app will mention this as a detected anomaly." . Esser promised a series of upcoming blog posts to further explain how the app works and what it means if it detects any issues on your iPhone. . 

SCIENCE FICTION NO LONGER FICTION

Bionic implant improves vision for some eye patients By Christopher Wanjek Published May 09, 2016.  

It may sound like something out of "Star Trek": Doctors have implanted a device in patients that has restored some central vision after advanced eye disease left those individuals with only limited peripheral vision. This is the first time that artificial and natural vision has ever been integrated in humans, the U.K. -based research team said. The study was small and preliminary, involving only four patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) . The research team reported that the implant enabled the patients to recognize the outline of faces and some facial characteristics, such as whether the mouth was open or closed - ordinary details of life that had long been lost to these patients, as AMD slowly robbed them of their vision. The research was presented this week (May 3) at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) in Seattle, Washington.  AMD, as the name implies, is a deterioration of the eye's macula, a small area in the back of the eye that allows you to see fine details clearly. AMD does not lead to complete blindness , but rather to the gradual loss of central vision that can interfere with everyday activities, such as the ability to see faces, read or do close work, such as cooking. The remaining peripheral vision doesn't provide the acuity for such activities. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 2 million Americans have AMD - a number that's expected to more than double by 2050, according to government data. AMD is most common among people over age 65. The cause is unknown, but people's risk of being stricken by the condition is heavily influenced by smoking and genetics. Doctors have been successful in slowing the advance of AMD through a dietary supplement regimen comprising vitamin C , beta-carotene and other nutrients. Injections of prescription drugs are also used to treat certain kinds of advanced AMD . However, no treatment can reverse the loss of vision. To restore central vision in four patients with advanced AMD, doctors implanted into their eyes a device called the Argus II electronic epiretinal prosthesis. This is a new commercial product that, in earlier incarnations, has restored very limited sight to people who had only perception-of-light vision as a result of a rare, degenerative eye disease. The device is essentially a miniature camera attached to the back of the eye that captures images and sends electrical signals to the brain. [ The 7 Biggest Mysteries of the Human Body ] None of the patients reported "confusion" about what they were seeing when the device was turned on. This was a concern for the researchers, because the brain was receiving a combination of natural electrical impulses from the peripheral areas of the eye as well as artificial impulses from the central implant, and they didn't know how the brain would interpret this. Another element of success was that the implant didn't seem to cause problems in the patients' bodies; they tolerated them for up to six months, with no signs of infection. The researchers wrote that, while previous implants have helped people with rare diseases, the latest research results may "indicate a new way of restoring central vision in one of the most common causes of severe loss of central vision in people over the age of 50, dry age-related macular degeneration ... for which no other treatments are currently available. The research team comprised doctors and engineers from the University of Manchester in England and the company that makes the implant, Second Sight Medical Products in Sylmar, California. 

WATER MAY EVEN PREVENT A HEART ATTACK

 A cardiologist determined that heart attacks can be triggered by 

dehydration. Good Thing To Know. From The Mayo Clinic. How many folks do you 

know who say they don't want to drink anything before going to bed because 

they'll have to get up during the night?

Heart Attack and Water - Drinking one glass of water before going to bed 

avoids stroke or heart attack. Interesting.......

Something else I didn't know ... I asked my Doctor why people need to 

urinate so much at night time.

Answer from my Cardiac Doctor: Gravity holds water in the lower part of your 

body when you are upright (legs swell). When you lie down and

the lower body (legs and etc.) seeks level with the kidneys, it is then that 

the kidneys remove the water because it is easier. I knew you

need your minimum water to help flush the toxins out of your body, but this 

was news to me.

Correct time to drink water... Very Important. From A Cardiac Specialist!

Drinking water at a certain time maximizes its effectiveness on the body:

2 glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs

1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion

1 glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure

1 glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack

I can also add to this... My Physician told me that water at bed time will 

also help prevent night time leg cramps. Your leg muscles are seeking 

hydration when they cramp  and wake you up with a Charlie Horse.

Mayo Clinic on Aspirin - Dr. Virend Somers is a Cardiologist from the Mayo 

clinic.

. 

Most heart attacks occur 

in the day, generally between 6 A.M. and noon. Having one during the night, 

When the heart should be most at rest, means that something  unusual 

happened. Somers and his colleagues have been working for a decade to show 

that sleep apnea is to blame.

1. If you take an aspirin or a baby aspirin once a day, take it at night. 

The Reason: Aspirin has a 24-hour "half-life"; therefore, if most heart 

attacks happen in the wee hours of the morning, the Aspirin

would be strongest in your system.

2. Aspirin lasts a really long time in your medicine chest; for years. (when 

it gets old, it smells like vinegar). Please read on. Something that we can 

do to help ourselves - nice to know. Bayer is

making crystal aspirin to dissolve instantly on the tongue. They work much 

faster than the tablets. Why keep Aspirin by your bedside? It's about Heart 

Attacks - There are other symptoms of a heart attack,  besides the pain on 

the left arm.One must also be aware of an intense pain on the chin, as well 

as nausea and lots of sweating; however, these symptoms may also occur less 

frequently.

Note: There may be NO pain in the chest during a heart attack. The majority 

of people (about 60%) who had a heart attack during their sleep did not wake 

up. However, if it occurs, the chest pain may wake

you up from your deep sleep. If that happens, immediately dissolve two 

aspirins in your mouth and swallow them with a bit of water. Afterwards: - 

Call 911. - Phone a neighbor or a family member who

lives very close by. Say "heart attack!" - Say that you have taken 2 

Aspirins. - Take a seat on a chair or sofa near the front door, and wait for 

their arrival and ........DO NOT LIE DOWN!

SPRING SOCIAL

Our spring social is coming up on May 21^st with hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the trimmings.  Be sure to put this date on your calendar.  Be sure to call Shelly and let her know that you are coming.  Also, if you need transportation let her know that as well.  We are expecting a good time.  Contact Shelly at:

501-664-7100  ext 233

Looking forward to seeing you there:

Until tomorrow

Bob and Johnye

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Today is Mother’s Day, a day  to give honor to our mothers who have given so much of themselves to us.  If your mother is close, be sure to give her a hug and let her know how much she is appreciated.  If you will be unable to be with her this Mother’s Day be sure to try and call her and give her your love and appreciation for all she has done for you. 

If your mother is no longer with you we hope your memories of her are good ones and as you reflect on these they will bring you joy in remembering all the good times you spent with her.

To all you moms out there:

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

Until tomorrow:

Bob and Johnye

TECHNOLOGY ON THE MOVE

Watch out Siri, Cortana and Alexa, here comes Viv The team that built Siri and then sold it to Apple has created what it believes is a more sophisticated voice assistant that can handle a wider range of tasks than any of today's options. by Lance Whitney, May 5, 2016.  

Apple's Siri, Microsoft's Cortana and Amazon's Alexa may soon face a new competitor: Viv. Viv -- created by the developers who crafted Siri and then sold it to Apple in 2010 -- represents the next step in voice assistants.  The new software, which is designed to handle tasks for you all on its own, will get a public demonstration at a tech conference Monday. For example, Viv's creators have used the software to order pizzas. When one of them starts placing the order, Viv asks if he would like toppings. Other engineers pipe in with their own requests. Viv asks more questions. In the end, four pizzas arrive with the right ingredients and without the team placing a phone call, doing a search or using an app. Voice assistants have been catching on, offering a hands-free and more natural way to ask questions, find information and manage busy lives. Viv is just the latest in a string of virtual assistants that includes Siri, Cortana, Alexa and Google Now. But Viv's creators say their software takes the concept further by understanding your requests and engaging in conversation with you to fulfill them. Viv takes a page from Amazon's Echo, a wireless speaker that responds to your questions and requests via the built-in Alexa voice assistant. Like Echo, Viv can directly integrate with third-party services, with 50 already onboard. So you tell Viv to hail an Uber car , order flowers from FTD and snag your next meal from Grubhub. said Viv co-creator Dag Kittlaus.  he's also chatting with car makers, TV companies and other media firms about integrating their products with Viv. . So far, Viv doesn't exist as something that consumers can buy or use, but there are interested parties. Viv's creators don't yet know whether they'll run with it themselves or sell it to another company, but they envision their creation as something that can be a part of our daily lives. . 

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?

An accident took her sight 21 years ago; another just gave it back By Evann Gastaldo Published May 04, 2016.  

After a car accident injured her spine in 1995, Mary Ann Franco lost her vision. But after being blind for 21 years, the Florida woman fell in her home and hurt her neck ... and woke up from the ensuing spinal surgery on April 6 with the ability to see. "Out the window, I could see the trees. I could see the houses and stuff," Franco said.  Oddly, Franco was colorblind before her car accident, and now she can also see colors. The neurosurgeon who operated on her says he has no scientific explanation for what happened.  it's a "true miracle"-but he has an idea. If an artery in Franco's spine was "kinked" in the car accident, restricting the flow of blood to the part of her brain that handles vision, he may have inadvertently "unkinked" the same artery during the recent surgery, he theorizes. "And when we gave that extra amount of blood flow by unkinking the vessel, it could have re-established the blood flow,  though he notes that none of this is certain. But an explanation doesn't matter much to Franco: "The sun is coming through the trees," she said on a recent morning. "Oh God, it's so wonderful to see. Nature isn't the only sight for her to behold: Franco has seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren who she has hugged and kissed but never seen. 

MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T ORDER THAT

5 things you should never order at a restaurant By Dan Myers Published May 03, 2016.  

Depending on where you're eating, it might be best to opt for bottled water over tap.  Every restaurant has its own specialties, things that it does really well and (if it's lucky) is known for. And while it's fairly obvious that there are some things you shouldn't order from specific restaurants - a lobster roll at a dive bar or a cheeseburger at a Chinese restaurant , for example - there are some things that you should never order from any restaurant, ever, for numerous reasons. Here are five. Tap Water It may be a little more expensive to opt for bottled water, but water left sitting out at room temperature for too long can be a bacterial breeding ground. And if the water you're being served is coming directly from the tap, you never know how clean those taps (and pipes) are.  Who knows when those nuts were last tossed out?  Free Bar Snacks Think about how many people have also had their hand in that container of peanuts. And then think about how few of them probably washed their hands recently, even after using the restroom. Dubious-Sounding Specials While some chefs go out of their way to make sure that specials highlight the freshest seasonal ingredients, purchased at the market that very morning, many see the specials board as a way to use up past-their-prime ingredients. If there's a special that sounds like a random hodgepodge, or sauce-covered bits of meat, stay away.  Really, Guys, Don't Eat Raw Cookie dough. Wagyu/ Kobe Burgers Real wagyu and kobe beef are rare and expensive delicacies, extremely marbled and usually served in very small portions at exorbitant prices. To grind it up like any old piece of beef isn't just sacrilege, it's dumb, and nobody does it. Ten times out of 10, if a restaurant claims that its burger is made with wagyu or kobe beef, it is flat-out lying to you. Don't order it, on principle. Bread While a free piece of bread or two is a nice way to get something into your stomach at the beginning of the meal, having to pay for it (even if it's artisan bread) is pointless. Just be hungry for 15 more minutes, you'll survive. 

SOME GOOD SOURSES OF PROTEIN

5 quick and easy ways to fit your protein in By Tanya Zuckerbrot Published May 03, 2016.  

High-protein diets are great for weight loss, since protein keeps you feeling full for longer. One of the number one complaints from people who struggle to lose weight is that they don't have time to prepare healthy meals. Making healthy meals doesn't need to be a time consuming, all-day affair. With these easy protein packed foods and tips for your kitchen, maintaining a protein packed diet can't be easier. Egg beaters Breakfast omelet, lunch omelet, dinner omelet, whatever time of day it is, an egg omelet is a healthy, low calorie and high protein meal option. Egg beaters contain all the natural protein of whole eggs from the egg carton, without the messy broken shells to contend with. Even more, egg beaters have half the calories, 0g of fat, and 0mg of cholesterol. One serving of egg beaters is a mere 25 calories and contains 5g of protein. Give it a try, and for your next omelet, toss in your favorite veggies to give this meal a nutritious fiber boost. Peanut butter to my jelly Peanut butter, a childhood favorite, is often high calorie and high fat, but it's also a convenient high protein food. Slash the calories and the fat by opting for PB2 powdered peanut butter, which has a quarter of the calories and fat, while still packing in 5g of protein. You can finally enjoy peanut butter again, minus the guilt. PB2 can be enjoyed on top of oatmeal, high fiber crackers, or consumed by the spoonful. Fish: from cans to pouches Fish is a great lean protein and a source of healthy fats for any diet. If prepping fresh fish is a non-option with your busy schedule, opt for canned or pouched fish, such as heart-healthy salmon. One serving of canned salmon is just 60 calories and contains 12g of protein, more than 20% of your daily protein intake recommendation. Save the fat for the fish by choosing a low fat mayonnaise to mix in, or enjoy it plain. 

MORE INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGY ON ITS WAY

Digital glasses help 12-year-old blind boy see mom for first time Published April 29, 2016.  

A Virginia fifth-grader whose eye muscles never fully developed, leaving him legally blind, was finally able to see his mother with a technology called eSight. When Chris Ward, 12, set his eyes on his mom, he gave her a compliment that brought tears to her eyes. "Well when I first saw my mom for the first time, she was pretty," Ward said.  Marquita Hackley, Ward's mother, said, "I just broke down and cried. Ward also got to see words on a page for the first time. "It was just amazing because he's never been able to see details like that," Hackley said.  Ward's digital glasses, produced by Toronto, Ontario-based eSight, operate with a high-speed camera that relays pixels in front of the user and transforms them into enhanced video that is then viewed with LED screens, according to the company's website. Although Ward has tested the glasses, his family's insurance doesn't cover their cost and they can't foot their $15,000 price tag out of pocket.

GO AHEAD-EAT THAT UGLY FRUIT

Ugly fruit might actually be better for you, study finds By Joanna Fantozzi Published April 29, 2016. 

Will an ugly apple a day keep the doctor away?  If you don't judge a book by its cover, then you shouldn't judge a piece of produce by its bumps and bruises. We already know that supermarkets are trying to push "ugly" fruit that's misshapen, bruised, or scarred in some way to cut down on food waste. But now there's even more reason to love your misshapen fruits and vegetables. According to orchardist Eliza Greenmann, an informal study of her produce found that bruised apples had two to five percent higher sugar content and more antioxidants than their perfect-looking cousins.  Why You Should Be Eating Ugly Fruit. Save the Life of A Fruit And a few scientific studies have already been done to support her claim. Thanks to a 2014 review of more than 300 peer-reviewed studies, we already known that organic produce - which has a higher percentage of ugly fruit - contains less pesticide residue and more antioxidants than factory farm-produced shiny apples and pears, according to NPR. Plus, according to Greenmann, fruits with dimples and blemishes actually show the "battle scars" of their fought (and won!) battles with pesticides, worms, and surface infections. These unsightly additions to the fruit or vegetable's flesh could actually point to a stronger, healthier specimen. 

DO YOU EVER WONDER ABOUT EXPIRATION DATES

The truth about those expiration dates on your groceries By Janet Rausa Fuller Published April 29, 2016.  

Can you really drink that milk after the expiration date?  Deciding whether or not that untouched yogurt carton or pack of hot dogs in your fridge has gone bad is simply a matter of reading the expiration date on the label, right? Hardly. For starters, is there a date? And if so, which date should you go by? "Expires on"? "Sell by"? "Best before"? Most of the time, dates have nothing to do with whether a food is safe to eat or spoiled. It's confusing. Date labeling of food products isn't required under federal law, so the practice varies widely between states and food companies. And here's the real kicker: Most of the time, the dates have nothing to do with whether a food is safe to eat or spoiled. The problem is that none of these terms connote any sort of universally established meaning, nor do they have any legal definition, says Dana Gunders, senior scientist at the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which put the issue in the spotlight in its 2013 report "The Dating Game," published with the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic. Most of the time, the dates have nothing to do with whether a food is safe to eat or spoiled. It all adds up to inconsistent labeling, consumer confusion, and a lot of wasted food-about $165 billion dollars worth a year, or 40 percent of our food supply, by NRDC estimates. But a federal bill expected to be introduced later this month is poised to change that. The proposed legislation outlines a standardized labeling system that would finally make clear two things: a food's quality date and its safety date.  The currently meaningless phrase "Best if used by" would indicate when a product will no longer taste its best. The date past which the product would no longer be safe to eat would be noted as "Expires on. (Legislation proposed just a few weeks ago in California calls for similar standards.) But although mandatory (and universal) date labeling is on the horizon, for the time being we still have to navigate the current confusing language. Commonly used date labels: "Packed on": This is when a product was put in its package. You can ignore this date. "Sell by" : This date is a manufacturer's way of telling a grocery store how long it should keep the product on its shelves. It's a business-to-business communication that has nothing to do with whether a food is safe to eat, Gunders says. In other words, don't worry about it. "Best by," "Use by," "Best if used by," "Best before" : These all generally mean the same thing: the date when a manufacturer says a food is no longer at its peak quality and flavor. The texture or color may change. It might not taste as good. However, it doesn't mean it's not safe to eat after that, Gunder says. So those "expired" yogurts might be perfectly fine. "Freeze by," "Use or freeze by" : This is the manufacturer's suggestion for when you should freeze something-again, with optimal quality in mind-if you're not using it right away. "Expires on" : Theoretically, this date refers to when a food is no longer okay to eat, but there's no guarantee. "In practice, it just varies," Gunders says.