16 minute read
Food and Recipes
Winter Wellness: 3 Expert Tips to Boost Overall Health
ARTICLE COURTESY OF BPT
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NOW THAT WE’RE in the chillier months, the winter season brings simple pleasures such as hot cocoa and cozy nights by the fireplace. However, winter can also take a toll on your well-being, as colder weather tends to make many people want to curl up inside with a blanket. Plus, the ongoing challenges of virtual learning, remote working, and staying home can also impact overall health.
Fortunately, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner has three simple tips to boost your overall health and immunity this winter: 1. Get active daily
With so many people working and studying remotely, physical activity is already lower. With the addition of colder weather, people of all ages may not be getting enough exercise. It’s important to make time to be active at a moderate level for 20-30 minutes a day. You can stay safe working out at home by following free online workout videos, practicing stretching and yoga independently, playing actively with your kids, or doing another activity that gets you up and moving. Whatever you like, just make sure to carve out time daily to be active to ensure the most benefits. 2. Soak up the sun whenever possible
Fresh air and being outside is great for supporting mental health, but it has physical benefits as well. Being outside for 10-15 minutes each day helps your body absorb adequate vitamin D from the sun. So even if the weather is chilly, it’s worth putting on a few layers and going outside on your patio or taking a walk around the block. You’ll be amazed how refreshed you feel! Remember, if you’re going to be outside longer than 15 minutes, you’ll want to wear sunscreen, because even during cool or cloudy days, sunburn is a possibility. 3. Choose nutrient-dense foods
Ensuring you get plenty of vitamins is important, especially during winter months, to support health and wellness. One simple swap you can make is adding nutritious Eggland’s Best eggs to your diet. Compared to ordinary eggs, Eggland’s Best eggs are richer in a variety of micronutrients, including six times more vitamin D, 10 times more vitamin E, and more than double the vitamin B12 and omega-3s. These micronutrients can only be derived through the foods we eat and can help support a strong immune system throughout the winter. To add even more nutrition, pair your eggs with plenty of colorful vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, and more.
If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious brunch recipe this winter season, try the Asian Frittata from Eggland’s Best.
Asian Frittata
Ingredients:
Sauce
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar • 1 tablespoon soy sauce • 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root • 1/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic
Frittata
• 6 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/4-inch strips • 1 teaspoon soy sauce • 2 teaspoons sesame oil • 6 Eggland’s Best Eggs (large) • 1/2 teaspoon pepper • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 3 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper • 4 (1/2 cup) green onions, thinly sliced • 1 small stalk (1 cup) bok choy, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Directions:
Heat oven to 350º F. Place oven rack in upper middle position.
Combine all sauce ingredients in bowl; set aside.
Combine chicken, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in bowl; set aside.
Combine remaining 1 teaspoon sesame oil, eggs, pepper, and salt in bowl; beat with whisk. Set aside.
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in 10-inch nonstick ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling; add chicken strips. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2-3 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken; set aside.
Add 1 tablespoon butter to same skillet; add bell pepper, green onions, and bok choy. Cook over medium-high heat 2-3 minutes or until vegetables just begin to soften. Remove vegetables; set aside.
Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in skillet over medium heat until butter is sizzling. Add chicken and vegetables to egg mixture; pour egg mixture into skillet. Cook, stirring and lifting around bottom edges with spatula, 1-2 minutes or until eggs just begin to set.
Place skillet into oven; bake 8-10 minutes or until eggs are set.
Carefully place large plate over skillet; turn skillet to release frittata onto plate. Serve with reserved sauce.
BY DAVID BREWSTER, OWNER OF AQUA CLEAR WATER SYSTEMS, LLC
FOR THE longest time, I thought it was the grass that caused my dry, flaky, itchy skin. As a kid growing up in the country, that made the most sense to my parents when itchy, red bumps formed on my skin! Typically we managed it by grabbing a bottle of lotion formulated for “skin relief” or visiting the dermatologist when the pain worsened. Those creams and even the dermatologist only helped temporarily. It wasn’t until I got into the water treatment business that I discovered what the CAUSE of my dry skin was - my water!
Below are the top 3 skin irritants that were present in my water and are most likely in yours! 1. Chlorine: The water I bathed in had as much chlorine, if not more, than a swimming pool. Chlorine is made to kill bacteria, and it’s extremely effective at destroying both the good and bad kind. This means your dehydrated skin could be because of your water killing off the good bacteria that lives on your skin’s surface. 2. Hardness: Hard water has high levels of calcium and magnesium. This caused a soap film on my skin and hair, just like on your glass shower door. Why, you ask? The chemicals in soap bind to the dissolved rock in your water, which clogs your pores and strips your hair of essential oils. Soft water can eliminate that soap build-up and begin to heal your skin. 3. Chromium: Have you ever heard of Erin Brockovich? This is the chemical she fought the power company, PG&E, over! Many experts consider chromium-6 to be a human carcinogen, which causes skin irritation, serious skin rash, and allergic contact dermatitis, among other things.
The grass or our laundry detergent made the most “logical” sense as the culprit of my issues, but once I improved the quality of the water, everything changed. I fixed the CAUSE of my skin issues and stopped merely treating the symptoms.
We believe that improving the quality of your water is the easiest health upgrade you can make. For anyone struggling with skin problems - not only have I been there, but so have hundreds (if not thousands) of my 9,000+ clients until they gave us the opportunity to educate them about WHY they were having skin issues. I’m not a doctor, but I am someone that has improved people’s water for the last 26 years and seen success story after success story! You could have your own success story, and we’d love to help you on that journey! Give us the opportunity to solve your skin issues with one of our whole-home Kinetico water treatment systems, and you won’t regret it! As an extension of good faith, we’ll give you a 100% refund and uninstall the system if you don’t see results. Give us a call today to turn your skin story around!
Aqua Clear Water Systems
1767 Kevin Lane Lenoir City, TN 37772 865.234.1970 www.aquaclearws.com
Authorized Independent Kinetico Dealer
Tips to Help Make the Most of Your Health Plan in 2021
LAST YEAR was a difficult year as the Covid-19 pandemic swept through our country, impacting families and communities nationwide. The health challenges of the pandemic also provided a crucial reminder about the importance of healthcare.
For many Americans, new health plan benefits began in January. If this is your situation, now is the perfect time to learn how to maximize this year’s health benefits, which may help improve your health - and possibly save money, too.
Ann Marie O’Brien, R.N., national director of health strategies at UnitedHealthcare, provides the following tips to help you take charge of your health and get the most out of your plan in 2021:
1. Understand health insurance concepts.
Review common health insurance terms like premium, deductible, and copay. This may help you better understand your plan and how your costs are calculated. Insurance plans differ depending on the providers you see and how much you pay for services. Remember, in-network providers are contracted with your health insurer to provide services at a lower cost, so consider checking whether your current healthcare providers are in your network before making an appointment. Out-ofnetwork providers may cost more and lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for you.
2. Schedule preventive services.
Be proactive by taking advantage of
ARTICLE COURTESY OF BPT
preventive services that are often covered by your insurance, like an annual physical, mental health screening, or flu shot. Scheduling these appointments with your primary care doctor may help prevent health problems before they arise.
3. Check your behavioral health coverage.
Some insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, offer behavioral health care programs that can range from treatment for substance use, eating disorders, anxiety, and stress, with a goal of helping to improve your overall well-being. For example, an on-demand emotional support mobile app called Sanvello® is available to help you cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.
4. Take advantage of telehealth visits.
A popular healthcare choice, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, has been telehealth or virtual visits, which enable people to connect 24/7 with a healthcare provider via a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. They may be an easier, more affordable way to talk to a doctor about common health issues. Log in to your health plan’s member portal to check availability.
5. Explore your options for wellness programs.
Many health plans now offer discounts and other incentives for working out, walking, signing up for an online health coaching program, lowering your cholesterol, or avoiding nicotine. Incentive-based wellness programs are designed to reward people for making healthier choices. Check with your insurer or employer to see what programs are available to you.
6. Review your prescription coverage.
Check to see what’s covered under your prescription drug plan by logging into your health plan’s member portal or by calling the phone number on your ID card. Your plan will show medication costs and coverage and help you locate a network pharmacy. It also helps to ask about generic medication options. In many cases, generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts, and they may save you money.
7. Apply for a child medical grant.
Some charitable organizations, such as the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF), provide child medical grants to middle- and low-income families who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Families can receive up to $5,000 annually per child ($10,000 lifetime maximum per child) and do not need to have insurance through UnitedHealthcare to be eligible.
Since 2007, UHCCF has awarded more than 25,000 grants valued at over $54 million to children and their families across the United States. Families can read eligibility criteria and complete an online application at www.uhccf.org.
Becoming familiar with your new health plan - especially at the start of a new year - is one way to help you be proactive when it comes to your health.
Block the Sun, Not Your View Like Sunglasses for Your Windows
WITH WINTER now in full swing, the sun is lower on the horizon and the afternoon UV rays, coming in through your windows and glass doors, can be damaging to your home’s furniture, draperies, carpets, and wood flooring. Not to mention the annoyance of a blinding glare, especially when it is reflecting off a nearby lake or pool.
Like sunglasses for your windows, Retractable Sunshades from Screens of East Tennessee can filter the sun rays, eliminating damage to your furnishings and the unwanted glare. You can maintain your views from your living room and kitchen or opt for a complete “black out” effect in a media room. Unlike permanent shade products, Retractable Sunshades are controlled by a wireless remote so they are only there when you need them and retracted out of sight when you don’t.
Exterior mounted Retractable Sunshades provide a clean look from inside your home without affecting your interior window treatments and operate with your windows whether they are opened or closed. A variety of fabric types and styles can filter as much or as little light as you desire, and Screens of East Tennessee offers a wide selection of options to match or complement your home’s décor and color scheme.
Many homeowners already use Retractable Sunshades to prevent passive heat gain in the summer months by preventing the sun’s rays from reaching windows, doors, and patios, and they are a great way to keep your home cooler and more comfortable while reducing energy costs. Retractable Sunshades also offer UV protection, which safeguards your home’s interior and furnishings all year-round. Whether preventing the glaring winter sun or protecting your home from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, now is a great time to call Screens of East Tennessee to receive your no-cost, no-obligation consultation and estimate for Retractable Sunshades for your home.
Screens of East Tennessee 865.919.1615 www.tennesseescreens.com www.phantomscreens.com
A breath of fresh air for your home
Our Customers Say It Best.
— Jessica King-Hodge
Veterans Heritage Site Foundation
(865) 238-5600 Sweet, affordable websites that work. Read many more stories at www.slamdot.com
Toto's Steve Lukather Shares His New Album & His Birthday Gift to Ringo Starr
BY RANDY PATTERSON, BOOMEROCITY.COM
READERS MAY already know that Toto’s Steve “Luke” Lukather is a good friend of Boomerocity, going back at least eight years. Luke has always been generous with his time and a gracious host for several Toto shows, in addition to a show with Ringo Starr. Luke has been a member of Ringo’s All-Starr Band for almost 10 years.
I reached out to Luke at his SoCal home to discuss his new album and to catch up on Toto’s post-litigation news. We started off, however, discussing a new music video that features Ringo Starr, titled “Run to Me.”
“That was a gift to Ringo,” said Luke. “That’s why I put it out so early (before the album), because it’s nothing like the rest of my record, stylistically. But it was a cool tune written for Ringo for his 80th birthday. It was supposed to be included in a video thing that never actually came out. Me, Colin Hay (Men at Work), Gregg Rolie (Santana & Journey), and a bunch of the guys who made it never used it, and I’m like, ‘Why didn’t it happen?’
“So I said, ‘Well, you know what, this is so cool. We got Ringo to play on it and everything. I love the tune. So let’s put it out in the summer. It’s a happy tune for unhappy times!”
Luke finished by saying, “It was made for zero dollars! Joseph Williams (also of Toto fame) made it on an iPhone and then got Brent Carpenter to go to Ringo’s, and we taped him playing. He then sent the film to Joe, who put it all together. It was just meant for Ringo’s birthday, but it came out so good! I thought, well, let’s put it on it (the new album). Let’s put it out. Come on. It’s a happy tune. Look, it has Ringo Starr - one of my favorite human beings on planet Earth, as well as one of my favorite drummers - and he just came in and killed it Ringo-style and played the tambourine. That tambourine was the same tambourine that was on the Beatles records, and it was on Revolver. You’re like, pinch yourself! I have a lot of pinch me moments.”
Luke is right, it is a cool video with Ringo playing the drums and that iconic tambourine. It’s done in classic “pandemic home video” style, complete with dance moves in the kitchen, loved ones, and, of course, a cute dog. Be sure to catch the “Run to Me” video on Boomerocity.com. Click on the “Read More” button on Steve Lukather’s photo to watch Ringo Starr’s special birthday song while we find out more about Luke’s pinch me moments.
Luke and the band he has been with for more than 40 years, Toto, have had a tumultuous few years, legally speaking, that has recently been settled. Luke and lead singer Joseph Williams, along with Toto’s David Paich, are continuing Toto’s legacy, with Luke’s upcoming release of a new solo album, “I’ve Found the Sun Again,” and a new release on the same day from Joseph Williams.
On the subject of his and Joseph Williams’ solo albums that both land this month, Luke said, “We’ve been rehearsing the new band from a distance, wearing masks and all that. It’s been a long year for everybody. We put together a plan to have our albums come out the same day and have a similar cover. We’re on each other’s records. David Paich is on mine and also Joe’s, and we co-wrote together. I did duets with him. It’s not a Toto record, but it’s probably as close as you’re ever going to get to one again.”
Boomerocity asked Luke to share more about his new solo album, and he responded: “My record’s harder, more jam. There are longer pieces of music. A lot of improvisation. It’s cut 90% live. I overdubbed the vocals the same day, and we made the whole album in eight days. All the solos are real. I got David Paich, Jeff Babko from Jimmy Kimmel’s band, Jorgen Carlsson from Gov’t Mule, John Pierce (Huey Lewis & The News) on bass, Gregg Bissonette (drummer, also in Ringo’s All Star Band), and myself. We didn’t rehearse. I pointed to guys to solo like I was conducting in the studio! It’s all on film. Brent Carpenter, my dear brother, came down and filmed ‘Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys,’ which was a big jam! I was really proud of the way it came out and just had so much fun making this record. We wanted to make a record old school with 1972 values. Everybody’s playing live in the studio but with 2020’s fidelity.”
There is so much more that Luke shares, including insights into how the album was made, more about the Toto litigation, playing with Ringo, and how it is being Steve Lukather; blasting his guitar to a neighbor who made the mistake of mowing his yard a tad too early in the morning…
