News you can use *How to save a life.....*

It's been fifty years since CPR ( cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) was first introduced to the public. So many lives have been saved as a result of this combo of mouth-to-mouth breathing and chest compressions. It's easy to learn and does not take too much time either ( most trainings take less than one day). You're family is worth it. Hopefully you will NEVER have to use this training in your lifetime, but if you do; it's best to be prepared.

To find a training facility near you check

http://www.redcross.org/

http://www.cprtrainingdirectory.com/

http://www.americanheart.org/

News You Can Use. A Dose of the D!

What?? are you surprised this is NOT about potty training? Me too.

This post is about Vitamin D. I have been reading and hearing a lot about this vitamin. I have had quite a few runner friends that have been low on the D- that's a shame because it is very very important for daily function! Without vitamin D the body cannot take up and use enough calcium as it should. We need calcium for healthy bones and teeth!

Study after study shows low levels of vitamin D is linked to nearly every health condition you can think of: heart disease, cancer, hypertension, obesity, depression and much more.

Who is the most at risk of vitamin D deficiency?? Exclusively breastfed babies--that's who? Seems strange if you ask me, but it's a fact. Even though breastfeeding is considered the ideal form of nourishment for infants, breast milk does not have enough concentrations of vitamin D.

As a vitamin found in many foods (eggs yolks, fish and fortified products)most kids don't get enough from foods alone. Here are some ways to ensure your kids ( and you!!) get enough vitamin D:

Incorporate vitamin D-rich foods: eggs and fortified foods like cow's milk, soy milk. rice milk, cereals and bread. Read the nutrition label for vitamin content as well. (400 IU/day is ideal).

Ask your doctor how mush fish is safe for your child to eat. Fish boasts vitamin D, some types of fish( shark, some tunas and swordfish) might have too much mercury. It's probably best not to eat more than 2 servings of lower-mercury fish a week such as catfish, salmon, shrimp, tilapia and clams.

Ask your doctor for a prescription for vitamin D drops after the birth of your baby. Breastfeeding is still the best way to nourish newborns and babies throughout at least the first 6 months. The drops just ensure that your baby is even healthier.

Go out and play! The sun offers lots of benefits and not just a burn! Just make sure to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to your child even on cloudy days. The sun exposure will help their bodies produce vitamin D.

Establishing good habits in infancy and childhood will most likely carry over into adulthood. Making sure that your kids get 400 IU daily of vitamin D may help curb infections and fend off health problems such as osteoporosis, cancer and autoimmune diseases as an adult.

Good to know!

*info was gathered from an article in Family magazine. Article written by: Michael Wood M.D.*

News You Can Use....Raisins for energy

High energy gels are very popular as pre-exercise energy boosters. The products are high in simple carbs, convenient and fit easily in a gym bag or pocket. They are also expensive! I use them when I run and they range from $1.29- $1.59 depending on the brand or any sales. This can add up quickly when I start running higher mileage and need more fuel. A San Diego State University study showed that raisins had the same effect as an energy gel for increasing blood sugar and preventing fatigue during endurance exercise.
No difference between the comparison of the gels and raisins existed in the performance test, blood sugar, insulin, lactate or blood fats. Raisins are an inexpensive pre-exercise carbohydrate source and work as well as commercial gel-packs.
I have yet to try this out, but i might! I am so used to doing what I do ( gels and sport beans) that I am not sure I am ready to let go of my already formed habits.
I thought it was an interesting study nonetheless!

News you can use....Gear up for flu season!

There has been much speculation that this fall and winter could bring more severe illness related to the flu. GREAT. That is the one thing I am not looking forward to now that Amara is in school 5 times a week. She attended pre school twice a week and had flu like symptoms a few times last winter. Not fun.
Everyone can take measures to avoid getting sick this winter though. Getting a flu shot is recommended and also remind your household to to the following:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Or into the crook of your elbow.


• Wash your hands often with soap and water.


• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth--germs are spread this way.


• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.


• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides without the use of fever reducing medication.

I am kind of neurotic about hand washing, nose picking and all that jazz. Not an OCD ( yet), but I do not like seeing my kids sick. It makes me sad! I try to keep my kids as healthy as possibly through eating right, exercising and mental health as well. There is not much I can do about the kids they come in contact with on a day to day basis ( school), but I hope other parents are taking these same precautions to keep their kids well.

News You Can Use....3 Superfoods you probably already eat-or should be!

BROCCOLI- we all know that it's great for us. It's a yummy veggie that fights cancer. Well it also safeguards our lungs! A recent study found that people who consumed more sulforaphane, an antioxidant in the vegetable, doubled the amount of protective enzymes in their airways. More reasons to load up on this powerhouse!

GINGER- I know that this root is good for pregnant people that suffer from nausea, but I did not know that it protects against ovarian cancer. University of Michigan researchers found that ginger maybe cause cancerous cells to die. Another reason to add this flavorful ,spicy root to your dishes.

CARROTS- I think everyone knows these are great for eyesight, but did you know carrots could slash your odds of developing colon cancer?Carrots, which are high in falcarinol, lowers your risk of tumors. Bugs Bunny is on to something!



*Thanks to Shape Magazine*

News You Can Use...."Green Laundry"

I will be the first to admit that I might call 4 times a "load" of laundry. That' s not a real load and it is very wasteful, sometimes you only need 4 things clean..am I right?!?! Even so it's something I am currently working on. I came across an article in Well Being Journal the other day that gave same useful tips on "Green" Laundry. Here are a few from the article:

• Do full loads of laundry-conventional washing machines can use up to 40 gallons of water per wash ( oops!)


• use a cold rinse since this saves on energy and will lower greenhouse emissions.


• Line dry if possible or invest in a drying rack instead of a carbon emitting dryer.

When choosing a laundry detergent:

• Pick a detergent that lists all the ingredients


• Choose fragrance-free-the perfumes used to scent them might contaminate drinking water.


• Purchase detergents that is 2-3 times concentrated. ( I do this currently-woo hoo!) This saves energy, packaging, and cost.


• Buy detergents that are formulated to perform in cold water.

So it looks like I have some work to do! Maybe I should just buy duplicates of my favorite items of clothes!! Sound good to me! Do you have any tips to share about greening up your laundry procedures? I would love to hear about them!
For the full article please click here

News You can use....kids and swimming

A new study from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development ( what a mouthful) has found that when kids between 1 and 4 take formal swimming lessons, their risk of drowning decreases significantly. Keep in mind what "formal" means though; just showing your toddler how to paddle around will not protect them. When choosing a swimming program for your aspiring Michael Phelps ( bong not included) look for these things:

An instructor who's certified

A national program such as YMCA or the American red Cross gets high marks

A positive attitude toward parents

Parents are usually involved with the kids 3 and under and sit on the sidelines for the older kids

An ideal teacher-to-child ratio

parent child class=1:1o ration and kid only=1:4 ratio

An emphasis on water safety skills

how to climb out of the pool, no running, ask before jumping in etc.

Limited use of floatation devices

good for playing games, but not ideal for most of the session

Thanks to Parenting magazine!

News you can use..The benefits of eating red foods

Today's topic is about the benefits of eating red foods ( you already know that though from the title).

Red foods have lots of magical powers (or something like that) due to their high content of antioxidants. This is very useful for fighting cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Red Peppers, beets (yuck), radishes, strawberries and cherries are many ( but not all) read foods that can help to keep you healthy from their many magical powers!

These red foods are high in lycopene which aid in the reduction of prostate cancer, lung, stomach and breast cancer. These foods are very powerful.

Try to buy organic and in season whenever possible. All of the foods listed above would taste great as a salad topping by adding a new flavor and texture that is sure to please.

If you have a red food recipe please share. I would love to hear from you!

News you can use..bugspray or sunscreen?

Which one do you apply first?? I thought this was a great question proposed in Fitness Magazine (July/August 09). I am sure they won't mind that I borrowed their answer!

According to experts the answer is sunscreen! Because sunscreen sets a film on the skin, you want the bug spray to be on top. Make sure the sunscreen is completely dry before you top it off with the bug spray.

Choosing a repellent that does not contain ethanol alcohol will ensure that the sunscreen does not break down.

Here is a great "recipe" for bug spray!

I have not tried it yet, but plan to!

If you try it...please comment back. I would love to hear from you!