FREE Help Your Child Learn to Read Page 5
No. 2 • January • 2009
TAKE ONE Pointers for Pampering Yourself in Just 30 Minutes a Week Page 7
FREE
Make the Most Important Investment This Year
SERVING BROWARD, PALM BEACH COUNTIES AND SURROUNDING AREAS
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Invest in Your Health
Make Fruits and Vegetables Convenient at Home
Apples, pears, bananas, oranges and cherry tomatoes don't need any refrigeration. Keep your fruits and vegetables in plain view on your countertop or table. When snack time rolls around it will be easy to grab a piece of fruit or a handful of cherry tomatoes. So if weight loss is your resolution this year, or you want to make an important investment in your health, consider an approach that is not just designed to take weight off, but to help you change your behavior.
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JANUARY • 2009
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Smarter Meal Choices Your Message for On-the-go Families
Could Be Here!
Between the hustle and bustle of new year routines and non-stop schedules that run until bedtime, it can be difficult to find the time for everyone in the family to eat together -- let alone eat healthy options.
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usy schedules mean that dinners regularly consist of on-the-go meals from the closest fast food restaurant. As we ring in a new year, healthier options other than quick-grab candy bars, fast food or other packaged items would be a welcome change. However, finding these options for an on-the-go lifestyle has always been a challenging task -- until now. Timestrapped parents can now find healthy, yet tasty meal and snack options for their children at the grocery store. While the statistics have leveled off in the last few years, the number of children today labeled as obese is three times higher than the rate in the 1970s. Setting healthier eating patterns for your family now while you're racing around town to the next activity helps to establish better eating and exercise habits as your children grow older. A government-sponsored study published in "Pediatrics" shows about one-third of total daily calories consumed by children between ages of 8 and 10 were from snack foods to desserts.
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The DHHS has some additional healthy eating tips for children:
* Eat whole grains like whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice and low-fat popcorn.
* Pick colorful fruits and vegetables. Take your child grocery shopping with you and have them choose a pretty and colorful produce item. Then eat the fruits and vegetables at meals and during snack time.
* Drink plenty of calcium with low-fat milk or by nibbling on other milk products several times a day. * Slim down on the protein by eating lean or low-fat meat, chicken or turkey and fish.
* Cook with natural oils like corn, soybean, canola and olive oil.
* Skip out on foods and drinks that list sugar or other caloric sweeteners as one of the first ingredients.
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The Price of Higher Education
W
hen baby makes three, budgets sometimes fly out the door, lost in the rush of diaper changes and middle-ofthe-night feedings. We all know babies are not cheap and thinking about college tuition sends that figure significantly higher. If you haven't adjusted your financial strategy to accommodate the needs of your future heirs, there are some key considerations to keep your long-term financial security intact.
Up the Ante on Life Insurance
Once you become a parent, it is crucial that you make adequate provisions for your child should one or both parents die. But how much insurance do you need? You'll need to consider things like your earnings and the total amount of your household debt. It's also a good idea to provide enough to cover the costs of college tuition for each child. If only one parent works outside the home, be sure to calculate the cost of hiring full-time childcare, should the stay-at-home parent die prematurely. Once you own a life insurance policy, be sure to update your beneficiary designations after the birth of each child.
One of the most common questions new parents ask their financial professionals is, "When should we start saving for college?" And the universally agreed upon answer is: "When the child is born." When it comes to the skyrocketing costs of higher education, time and compound interest can definitely work in your favor. And thanks to provisions in the tax law, there are a couple of attractive college savings options such as state-offered "Section 529 plans" and "Coverdell Education Savings Accounts" that can provide significant federal and state tax advantages.
Claim Those Deductions
Diapers. Pre-school programs. School supplies. Braces. Daycare. There's no question parents deserve a financial break. The good news is, the government offers several tax breaks for parents that are worth exploring. A common one that many people neglect to take advantage of is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) offered by many mediumto large-size employers. These employersponsored plans typically allow you to sock away as much as $5,000 of pre-tax money for child-care expenses, reducing your taxable income. Some employers even offer a company funds match.
If you don't work for a company that offers an FSA, take heart. You may qualify for a child-care tax credit if both parents are working and your child is under age 13. The credit is a percentage (based on your adjusted gross income) of the amount of work-related child and dependent care expenses you paid to a care provider.
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F orida Health NEWS
PUBLISHER Sergio Aguilar editor@FloridaHealthNews-Online.com SALES Michael Antoine 561-685-3245 michael@floridahealthnews-online.com Elia Calderon 561-667-8756 elia@floridahealthnews-online.com CONTACT US PO Box 542527 Lake Worth, FL 33454-2527 Tel: 561-716-5054 Tel/Fax: 561-969-2890 info@floridahealthnews-online.com WEB SITE www.floridahealthnews-online.com CONTRIBUTING ARTICLES U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Contexto Latino, ARA Content, Hispanic PR Wire, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, METRO Editorial Services, Family Features, Florida Health News is a newspaper published every month in Broward, Palm Beach, and surrounding areas. Copyright 2008, all rights reserved by SEA Publications, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts not responsibility for advertisement error beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no resposibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials are subject to editing. © SEA PUBLICATIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
The new years resolutions frequently begin with the phrases "I’m going to lose weight" or "I promise to excersize". But, there also exists another class of resolution that could save you a visit to the clinic or worse the hospital. These resolutions could be more easier to accomplish for you and your family.
The celebration of the new year is an event that has already started, in this economic crisis in which we are living we shouldn't leave aside the new goals, in proposing new purposes in all the aspects of our life: economics, spiritual, and most importantly, our health. We all want to be healthy, but do we care for our health? It is important that we begin this new year to care for our bodies, and also that we must sacrifice a little of our time. If you're healthy, we encourage you to keep making good daily tasks and continue to care for your health. It is our intention to include in each issue of Florida Health News, information about how our health care, healthy recipes, tips for losing weight, exercise routine, etc., that are necessary to keep our body in optimal conditions. Having a medical check up to know how we are internally, is also a good resolution for the begining of this new year, now that sometimes we leave aside some pain that we endure, if it was a severe illness we would be able to fight it in time.
Another goal would be to share as family is a routine exercises, either go jogging, bicycling, or just walking through a park, are some simple things you can do, but that are also in a long run a great benefit to your health.
This edition contains a series of articles prepared for you and your family, and that are very useful in this year gets underway, we have also added a section to maintain a healthy brain. To keep the brain healthy, we must train it as a muscle, and it's possible. With crossword puzzles, card games, learning or simply start a new language course. Anything that involves a change, or a challenge is recommended. As long as we take care of stress.
We appreciate the support of our advertisers, thanks to them all of this was possible, that this issue could reach into your hands, dear reader, we hope you will support us by using the services of our advertisers, also submit your views and suggestions of items for the next issues of Florida Health News.
We wish you a happy new year 2009 and we hope that all the resolutions can benefit for you and all your family. Until next time.
Sergio Aguilar Publisher
Event Calendar - January 2009
Editor’s Note: Send us your events by mail or email no later 25th of each month. Barnum - The Circus Musical
1/6/2009 - 1/25/2009 Maltz Jupiter Theatre 1001 East Indiantown Road; Jupiter, FL 33477 This Tony Award-winning musical uses the spectacle of the circus to tell the life story of America's greatest showman, P.T. Barnum. Performed under a big-top filled with a troupe of jugglers, trapeze artists and clowns, and supported by a colorful score by Cy Coleman, this extravaganza is fun for the entire family! Tuesday - Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday: 2:00 p.m.; Saturday: 8:00 p.m. - $35 - $55 - 561.743.2666
Joe Barry Memorial Cup
1/8/2009 - 1/18/2009 International Polo Club Palm Beach Wellington, FL Thousands of enthusiastic polo fans will be on hand to celebrate opening day. Come join the events, which include a children's play area, autographs and pictures with the player's, the popular Champagne Divot Stomp, a trophy Presentation and more. 561.204.5687
Shark Month
1/10/2009 - 1/25/2009 Loggerhead Marinelife Center of Juno Beach 14200 U.S. One; Juno Beach, FL 33408 Event Sponsor: Jurassic Parts See more than fifty genuine shark jaws from large and small species of sharks. See thousands of genuine fossil shark teeth from areas all over the world. Touch a real shark jaw plus other shark related materials and on weekends kids can dig for and keep several genuine fossils that may include shark teeth. Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Free - 561.627.8280
palmbeach3 contemporary art fair
1/15/2009 - 1/18/2009 Palm Beach County Convention Center 650 Okeechobee Blvd.; West Palm Beach, FL 33401 This dynamic 4-day event presents over 95 international dealers offering a compelling and sophisticated variety of contemporary art, photography and design. Serious collectors, museum professionals and art ethusiasts will be among the 25,000 visitors at palmbeach3. - 561.209.1300
2009 South Florida Fair
1/16/2009 - 2/1/2009 South Florida Fairgrounds 9067 Southern Boulevard; West Palm Beach, FL 33411 This is Florida's top-rated fair and Palm Beach County's oldest and largest outdoor event. Fun for all ages - enjoy playing games, tons of rides, a large variety of carnival food, livestock, live entertainment and so much more. - 561.793.0333
27th Annual Palm Beach Antiques Show
1/16/2009 - 1/18/2009 Crowne Plaza Hotel 1601 Belvedere Road; West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Event Sponsor: Tri County Humane Society The 27th annual show will once more be dedicated to traditional worldwide antiques with a reputation for quality. To be displayed, is a sophisticated selection of 18th and 19th century “living” wares with a broad selection of rare and unique objects, representative of skilled artisans. Friday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. $15 - 561.483.4047
The Science Tunnel: Max Planck Society Science Tunnel
1/16/2009 - 3/29/2009 South Florida Science Museum 4801 Dreher Trail North; West Palm Beach, FL 33405 The internationally-renowned Science Tunnel an exhibition of the Max Planck Society will make its U.S. debut in Palm Beach County. The 10,000-square-foot tented space is located on the grounds of the South Florida Science Museum in West Palm Beach. - 561.832.1988
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
Help Your Child Learn to Read
C
At this time of year, thousands of people challenge themselves to quit smoking, exercise more, eat better or take more pictures. All worthy goals. But there are other worthy goals that get left off the New Years’ resolution list.
hildren who grow up reading with their parents attend school more regularly and are more likely to complete their educations. Why not add “helping your child to read” to your list of resolutions for 2009? And let’s face it, the pleasure of bonding with your child over a favorite book is bound to make this resolution easier to keep than your resolution to go to the gym. “There’s no substitute for reading with your child,” says Kyle Zimmer, president and co-founder of First Book, a nonprofit group that distributes books to children in low-income families. “Early and frequent reading with children builds important skills and helps them learn to love reading, and it’s fun to do.” Studies show parental involvement in early child literacy matters even more to student success than family income or family education. Hooked on Phonics, maker of award-winning educational tools to help parents teach their children to read, is hosting a Web site -- www.LearnToRead2009.com -- where families can sign-up to make a New Year’s Resolution to help children read. When they do, Hooked on Phonics will donate a Learn To Read kit to First Book. “We hope to help thousands of families -regardless of income -- make 2009 the year their children learn to read,” says Judy L. Harris, CEO of Smarterville, the company that creates Hooked on Phonics.
To help you and your child get your resolution off to a good start, here are a few tips for 2009: * Set aside "special time" for reading with your child. Just 20 minutes a day will help make reading part of their daily routine. * Create a "reading space" in your home. A comfortable chair, a library of fun and interesting books, a fuzzy rug -- anything that makes your child feel comfortable and ready to learn. * Let your child choose the books to read. This will encourage your child to take an active role and will make certain your child is interested in the subject matter. * Indulge your child and read the same book multiple times. Hearing a book repeated helps your child become more familiar with the language and the story. * As you read, pause in places to allow your child to complete a rhyme or repeat a phrase or sentence. * Point to words as you read them and encourage your child to repeat them after you.
One Solution for Your Resolutions
Here are four resolutions that you can jumpstart by continuing your education in 2009:
Earn More Money
T
his year, concerns about the economy and unemployment may influence some people’s New Year’s resolution choices. In addition to perennial favorites such as lose weight and quit smoking, many of us will resolve to make more money, get ahead professionally, or even change careers. “Making your resolutions is just the first step,” says Steve Krenzer, president of ClassesUSA.com. “You also need to put a plan in place to accomplish them. Happily, several important resolutions may share a common solution – improving your education.” True, earning a degree probably won’t do much to help you shed those extra pounds you resolved to lose, but going back to school can be the first step in accomplishing other life-enhancing goals – goals that take on an even greater importance in a down economy.
Nearly everyone agrees they’d like to make more money, especially in the current economic climate. Higher education can help make that dream a reality. The higher the degree, the higher your earning potential. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, workers with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, about $25,241 more per year than workers with only a high school diploma. A master’s, professional or doctoral degree can earn you an average of another $25,257 over peers with only an undergraduate degree.
Get Ahead Professionally
In a turbulent economy where broad job losses are making the job market even more competitive, having an edge can make all the difference. Whether your goal is to find a better job, earn a promotion in your current job or simply to survive a downsizing, education may give you that competitive edge. Earning a bachelor’s or advanced degree is a great way to expand your qualifications and improve important skills. If you need more instant education gratification, consider a certificate program, many of which can be completed in a matter of months.
Start a New Career
Whether you’re motivated by a thirst for new challenges, or a shortage of opportunities in your current field, changing careers can be difficult to accomplish. Gaining additional, applicable education is a great way to show potential employers that you’re committed to your new career choice, and that you’ve got the knowledge and training to succeed.
JANUARY • 2009
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6 JANUARY • 2009
HEAL H
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
Make the Most Important Investment This Year
Invest in Your Health
You probably make the same New Year’s resolutions every year -spend more time with friends and family, be healthier and enjoy life more. You buy a book about better eating habits, join a gym and plan a dinner party. But by the time your party takes place you’ve lost interest in the book and haven’t been to the gym in weeks.
Want to lose weight, spend more time with your family, or get a better job in 2009? These are just a few common New Year's resolutions that many of us make in January and too often forget by mid-March. This year, if you want to keep your resolutions and truly change your life for the better, follow some expert strategies for success.
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ost experts agree that to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle it is more effective to make small changes to your diet, exercise routine and daily life. Incremental changes are much more sustainable than a radical crash diet or exercise program you won’t stick to long term. Make minor adjustments and you’ll be able to keep your New Year’s resolutions all year long.
* Find an activity to do. If you find yourself bored and wanting a snack by mid afternoon or late at night, find something else to do with your time. Play computer solitaire, read a magazine, do a crossword puzzle, take a walk around the office or chew gum.
Here are some small steps that can make big changes in your life: Simple Swaps
* Swap out refined products for as much fiber and whole grain as possible. Put berries or bananas on your morning cereal, eat whole grain breads and crackers, use whole grain pasta and add extra lettuce and tomatoes to your sandwich. Look for products with added fiber to help boost your intake. * Little food changes can make a big caloric difference. Order thin crust pizza instead of regular, saute in olive oil instead of butter, replace half and half in your coffee with two percent milk, use whipped butter instead of stick butter and have sorbet instead of ice cream.
Don’t cut out entire food groups, it’s not healthy and it’s a technique destined to fail when you get a craving for what you’ve banished.
See Some Action
* Bike to work or the store instead of driving. If your destination is far away, drive halfway and bike the rest.
New Year, New You
The Food Pyramid provides the number of servings generally needed per day in your diet - as well as the serving sizes.
* Fruits and vegetables should make up a large portion of your diet. They are low in calories, which is good, and they are high in vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber, which is even better. Experts suggest that you eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Busy schedules, eating on the run, and the temptation of junk foods are all barriers to getting enough fruits and vegetables into your diet. * Get outside with friends and family. Mow the lawn, shovel snow, play a game of soccer or tag in the park with your kids and play fetch with your dog. Getting moving can be fun for the whole family.
* Transform your coffee break into a walk break and explore the area around your home and office. Take the stairs instead of the elevator; get to know people in your office building by meeting people on other floors.
* Volunteer at least once a week. A recent study found that men who volunteer at least once per week have at least half the death rate of those who don’t. Volunteering is great for your health and happiness and the well-being of others.
* Stand up every time you talk on the phone, do squats while you’re brushing your teeth and run around the house during the commercials of your favorite show. A few minutes of movement here and there can add up to a whole lot of exercise.
This year, make your New Year’s resolutions count and resolve to make little changes in your life mean a lot.
"The New Year is a great time to selfevaluate and take steps toward your goals. But in order to set those goals and stay focused, many of us need to shift our way of thinking. With the right strategies, you can make permanent changes to your life," says John G. Miller, an expert who has spent over 20 years studying personal accountability, and author of the books "QBQ! The Question Behind the Question" and "Flipping the Switch." Here are some of Miller's tips for making your New Year's resolutions stick:
Don't underestimate the power of personal accountability.
If you can shift the way you think away from blame, procrastination and victim thinking, and focus instead on personal choices and responsibility, you can better position yourself for change in your life. Busyness is one of the top excuses people use when they don't keep their resolutions. Stop blaming your calendar by saying, "I'm too busy to visit my parents," or, "My schedule is too hectic to eat healthy." Adopt the "no excuses" way of living.
Write it down and set a deadline.
Write your goals down and consider tracking your progress in a journal. Set a deadline for when you plan to complete your goal. Do you want to lose 15 pounds in 90 days? Organize your entire house in the next six months? A deadline creates energy; without one your goal is just something you hope to do at some point, someday. Once you've reached your deadline, you can look back and measure your progress. If you've met the deadline successfully, you'll feel great! If you haven't yet reached your goal, you can revamp your plan, set a new deadline, and forge ahead.
Reach out for support.
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Miller says, "Though we can't change others and they cannot change us, it's helpful for a close friend to know the path I'm on. If they are aware of my goal, they can support me by asking about my progress, and by not offering chocolate cake if I'm trying to lose weight." Tell a close friend or family member and encourage them to share their goals with you too. If you're comfortable, you might also consider joining a support group with others who are working toward similar goals.
Bite size goals are best.
Instead of saying, "I want to be a more organized person," create a goal that is more specific. Set a goal like, "I will keep my car clean instead of it looking like a landfill on wheels." You might want to lose 15 pounds but you can't do it all at once. Try a goal like, "I will lose two pounds per month." For a better chance at success, set your goals for the long term, but measure in the short term. Bite size pieces are easier to chew.
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WOMAN
Pointers for Pampering Yourself in Just 30 Minutes a Week
JANUARY • 2009
OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
BOARD CERTIFIED “Personalized Care in A Warm Friendly Family Atmosphere”
Felix Andarsio, D.O., F.A.C.O.G.
Work, children, spouses, school and friends - your life is hectic. It's hard to find time to do it all, let alone a half hour of quiet time for yourself. Here are some tips for making the most of your weekly pampering routine. * Make time during a shower or bath to exfoliate with a scented body wash, using a sponge or cloth.
* Flip on the humidifier as you emerge from the shower. Having a humidifier running in the bedroom keeps the skin softer and reduces breakage in the hair.
* Treat your teeth to some pampering as well. Crest Weekly Clean Intensive Cleaning Paste polishes teeth with ingredients similar to what dentists use, and should be used as a complement to your regular brushing and flossing routine.
* Soak your feet in warm water with salts. Use a pumice stone to soften heels and calluses before giving yourself a foot and lower leg massage to relieve any remaining tension.
* Continue the moisturizing treatment for your hands and feet. Apply lotion on your hands and feet - avoiding the spaces between your toes - and slip on socks or gloves to hold in the moisture while you sleep.
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S
FAMILY FEATURES
tarting January 26, you’ve got a whole new reason — and a whole new season — to celebrate. It’s the start of the 15-day Chinese New Year festival and the first day of lunar year 4707, the Year of the Ox.
Chinese New Year is all about spectacle, from the fireworks and dancing dragons to the fabulous food. That’s why it’s a holiday anyone can enjoy ... and a perfect time to host a party with a surefire theme and plenty of crowd-pleasing surprises.
Cooking Secrets For most home cooks, the biggest surprise of all is that Chinese cooking can be both fun and easy. The secret is to start with foolproof recipes and high-quality, authentic sauces that do most of the heavy lifting for you. And the good news is, they’re no further away than the Asian section of your supermarket, where you’ll find all kinds of ready-to-use Kikkoman sauces. In addition to the traditional flavors of teriyaki, sweet and sour and soy sauce, try some of the more exotic options such as the citrus-spiked soy sauce known as Ponzu. They’re all made right here in the United States with North American ingredients, expertly blended and balanced for authentic Asian flavor.
Symbols Made Simple From the décor and color scheme to the food, Chinese New Year is rich in beautiful symbols. If you’ve got a round table, this is the time to use it, because it is a sign of wholeness. Decorate it with red and gold accents to represent good luck and prosperity. Noodles — in dishes such as Wonton Soup and silky Sesame Ginger Noodles — stand for longevity. Roasted Duck is a traditional New Year favorite, its golden color symbolizing good fortune for the year ahead. And Steamed Fish is a centuries-old sign of abundance.
Round Out the Menu Supplement the meal with other symbolic foods, such as: store-bought pot stickers or spring rolls (said to bring prosperity because they resemble gold ingots) a bowl of tangerines or oranges (their Chinese names sound like the words for “luck” and “wealth”) fortune cookies to go with dessert — you can even insert your own customized fortunes for the year ahead.
Get the Guide For more Chinese New Year entertaining tips and recipes, download Kikkoman’s official Chinese New Year Celebration Guide at kikkomanusa.com.
Steamed Fish With Hot Oil Makes 2 to 3 servings 3/4 pound sole fillets 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, slivered 2 green onions, slivered 1 tablespoon Kikkoman Soy Sauce 1 teaspoon dry sherry 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Arrange fish on heatproof plate that fits in bamboo steamer or on wire rack placed in large skillet with cover. Sprinkle ginger and green onions evenly over fish. Combine soy sauce, sherry and sesame oil in small bowl. Pour enough water into wok or skillet to come about 1 inch below steamer or rack; bring to boil. Place plate in steamer or on rack. Cover and steam 2 to 3 minutes, or until fish flakes easily when tested with fork. Drain off liquid from plate; keep fish warm. Heat vegetable oil in small saucepan until very hot; drizzle evenly over fish. Immediately top with soy sauce mixture. Sesame-Ginger Noodles Makes 4 servings 1 pound uncooked fresh Chinese-style thin egg noodles, spaghetti, vermicelli or linguine 1/4 cup Kikkoman Soy Sauce 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 3/4 cup sliced green onions and tops 2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds Cook noodles according to package directions, omitting salt; drain, rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, sugar, cornstarch and water. Heat vegetable oil in hot wok or large skillet over high heat. Add green onions and stir-fry 10 seconds. Add soy sauce mixture; cook, stirring, until sauce comes to a boil. Add noodles; cook, stirring, 1 minute or until sauce returns to boil and noodles are evenly coated with sauce. Remove from heat. Add sesame oil and sesame seeds; toss well to combine.
Did You Know? The term “Wonton” comes from the Chinese phrase swallowing clouds.
Wonton Soup Makes 6 servings 1/4 pound lean ground pork 2 ounces medium raw shrimp, peeled, deveined and minced 2 tablespoons minced green onions and tops 4 teaspoons Kikkoman Soy Sauce, divided 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 24 wonton wrappers 3 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth 1/4 cup dry sherry 1/2 pound bok choy 2 tablespoons chopped green onions and tops 1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil Combine pork, shrimp, minced green onions, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, cornstarch and ginger in medium bowl; mix well. Arrange several wonton wrappers on clean surface; cover remaining wrappers to prevent drying out. Place 1 teaspoon pork mixture in center of each wrapper. Fold wrapper over filling to form a triangle. Gently fold center point down and moisten left corner with water. Twist and overlap opposite corner over moistened corner; press firmly to seal. Repeat with remaining pork mixture and wrappers. Bring 4 cups water to boil in large saucepan. Add wontons. Simmer 3 minutes; remove with slotted spoon. Discard water; pour broth and sherry into same saucepan. Cut bok choy crosswise into 1/2-inch slices, separating stems from leaves. Add stems to broth mixture; bring to boil. Add wontons; simmer 1 minute. Add bok choy leaves and chopped green onions; simmer 1 minute longer. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 2 teaspoons soy sauce and sesame oil. Serve immediately.
Easy Chinese Roast Duck Makes 4 servings 1 (4 to 5-pound) fresh or thawed duckling, quartered 3 tablespoons Kikkoman Soy Sauce 2 tablespoons dry sherry 1 tablespoon five-spice powder* 1 tablespoon powdered ginger 1 teaspoon ground pepper Heat oven to 350°F. Rinse duckling; drain and pat dry. Discard excess fat; pierce skin thoroughly with fork. Combine soy sauce, sherry, five-spice, ginger and pepper in large bowl. Add duckling; rub with mixture and let stand 30 minutes. Place on rack in shallow roasting pan, skin side up. Roast 1 hour and 10 minutes. Remove from oven; drain off pan drippings. Turn oven temperature to broil and raise oven rack 4 to 5 inches from heat source. Broil duckling 2 to 3 minutes or until skin is crisp. *If five-spice powder is not available, combine 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seed, 1/2 teaspoon crushed anise seed, and 1/2 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, cloves and ginger.
JANUARY • 2009
FLORIDAHEALTHNEWS-ONLINE.COM
Five Ways to Make 50-Plus the Best Years of Your Life You're getting older, it's true. But it's how you get older that matters. Being afraid of it is like being afraid of getting more channels on your TV, but all the new choices offer a great opportunity for exploration. Here are five ideas for getting started:
1. Improve your golf swing.
There's no reason that enjoying the great outdoors can't wrap up with a steak and martini at the 19th hole. But just so your swing is not mistaken for a mild seizure you might want to work the kinks out of your game. "Three components are a must: strength, endurance and flexibility ? especially flexibility," says Stacey Camacho, golf pro at Mountain Dell Golf Course outside Park City, Utah. "Stretching, yoga or other fitness exercises help to increase your flexibility, improve your control and boost awareness of your surroundings on the course." Incidentally, those same characteristics ? strength, endurance and flexibility ? can come in handy in other, more naked parts of your life. Just a thought
2. Become the master of the grill.
Now is a perfect time to try your hand at mastering that signature grilling recipe you've been working on, without sacrificing flavor or your arteries. As celebrity chef Bobby Flay notes, just
brush on a little olive oil, sprinkle a little salt and pepper, and grill away. This will allow the natural flavor of the food to come through. Sharpening your barbecuing skills may also be just the reason you've been looking for to get that new grill. You know the one.
3. Keep your relationship going strong.
Make the most of your relationship. In fact, why not make the most of it as often as possible, in every room of the house, if you get our meaning. It's achievable. "As men get older, they often experience changes in their overall health, causing their sexual health and performance to suffer. Issues may arise simply because of age or weight gain, or bad habits may be catching up with them," says Dr. Marcus Laux, a naturopathic physician and health science advisor to LIFE SPAN labs. "After 50, a safe, natural sexual health supplement like the botanically based 112 Degrees, combined with some simple lifestyle changes, can be a very effective way to enhance sexual performance." At 50 and older, we're pulled by the needs of growing children on one hand and aging parents on the other. And then there's our work, and $700 billion bailouts. So concentrate instead on investing in your relationship. There's always a good return on that.
4. Turn yourself into a beer connoisseur.
Nothing goes quite so well with your grilled
Simple Ways Seniors Can Stay Active and Healthy You've worked hard your entire life to earn your retirement, and now you should enjoy it. But you won't be able to actively socialize with friends, family and neighbors, enjoy spending time on your hobbies or taking trips to see the grandchildren if you don't maintain good health and a good quality of life.
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he average life expectancy is now 78 years, plenty of time to enjoy your golden years. You don't need to see a doctor every day to stay healthy; with the guidance of your physician, there are many ways you can take care of yourself at home.
Here are a few ways you can take care of yourself at home:
* Monitor the information your doctor wants to know. The Lumiscope Blood Pressure Arm Monitor found at Montgomery Ward (www.Wards.com) allows you to track your blood pressure at home.
* Involve your friends, family and neighbors in a weekly yard game of bocce ball, croquet, horseshoes or badminton, to name a few. * Get your hands dirty and plant a garden. Plus, the planting process involves a little
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masterpiece than a cold beer. But what kind of beer, that's the question. The microbrew revolution has introduced a wide range of styles, from India pale ales to imperial stouts to Belgian lambics. So spend a little quality time with your local beer seller. Sample a different style each week. Do taste tests to see which brewery you like. To help preserve the beer's taste, store it in a cool, dark place at about 40 degrees F. If you still haven't found the perfect complement to your beef brisket, you could take a class or join a club and try whipping up your own frothy brew.
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muscle, helping you to keep your body in good condition.
* Relive some of your childhood fun. Try a daily workout with the Cory Everson Trampoline (www.Wards.com). The trampoline provides a good cardio and muscular workout complete with a stability bar to assist your balance. * Join a book club and invite the members to your house. Whether you're into mysteries, historical fiction, biographies or romance novels, stretch your imagination, share your thoughts and engage your fellow book lovers in a good discussion.
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5. Relax the mind, body and spirit ? go fishing.
Let's be honest, fishing is not really about the fish. If you hook one, great, but if you don't you've at least caught a few hours with no phones, no TV, no traffic. It's just you, the quiet, and whatever you've got stocked in the RV fridge. It can also be a great way to share time with family or friends, without having to deal with their kids. If you're just getting started fishing, and you're really serious about the fish part, seek out an experienced friend or a guide service. Before you know it you could be tying your own bead-head nymphs.
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The concept of Sudoku is simple. The game is most frequently a 9x9 grid made up of 3x3 subgrids. Some cells already contain numbers, known as "givens". The goal is to fill in the empty cells, one number in each, so that each column, row, and region contains the numbers 1 through 9 exactly once. Each number in the solution therefore occurs only once in each of three "directions", hence the "single numbers" implied by the puzzle's title. Because Sudoku is logic-based, other puzzles could be created that use the same concept and replace the numbers with other objects, such as colors, letters or shapes. However, Sudoku is aptly named, because the word Sudoku is a Japanese abbreviation loosely meaning simply Numbers. The main key to have to help solve these puzzles is patience and your use of logic skills. It is not just a case of trial and error to get the right result. Some players are now constructing their own puzzle solving methods and techniques in order to get the result required, and many are now sharing these with other players. SEND US YOUR ANSWERS AND DETAILS BEFORE OF JANUARY 25, 2009 BY MAIL AND YOU COULD WIN A PRIZE!
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10 JANUARY • 2009
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Big Ideas for Small Kitchens and Baths
(ARA) - When you have a small kitchen and bath you're often pulled in opposite directions -constantly looking for places to put things, yet longing for an open, uncluttered look. But you can achieve both if you combine sound organization principles with today's innovative cabinetry. Here are some big ideas for small kitchens and baths. Turn a corner.
Finding space for small kitchen items is hard enough, but keeping track of them is even harder when the few cabinets you have are stuffed to the gills. If you're always knocking over larger items like food boxes while reaching for smaller items like spices, a lazy Susan corner cabinet can help bring order out of chaos, in an often underused area of the kitchen. For example, Diamond Logix offers the Segmented Super Susan complete with pull outs for easy access and metal guardrails which help keep all contents in place. It's part of a full line of cabinets that squeezes out space where none existed before.
Fool the eye.
Make the kitchen and bath look bigger by choosing lighter colors and finishes. For example, Dover Maple cabinets have a versatile finish inspired by one of nature's timeless masterpieces: the White Cliffs of Dover along the British coastline. The doors have an understated opaque off-white finish with soft gray undertones to harmonize with any number of interior decorating elements,
from neutral-colored wall coverings and satin nickel hardware, to stainless steel sinks and natural wood flooring. Install light bars above the cabinets to draw the eye up and create the illusion of higher ceilings, and add floor moldings below to create a seamless floor-to-ceiling look.
Instant office.
If you think a kitchen desk is out of the picture in a small home, think again. A solid wood file drawer can make a big difference in organizing essentials for taking care of
life's business. When the drawers are closed, the top can double as a bookshelf or display space for framed photos or a lamp. No room for a desk? Create a workable space by installing open and closed cubbies under a counter, either horizontally or vertically, with or without drawers, to store home office odds and ends.
Multi-purpose
Every kitchen needs a landing spot for keys, cell phones, notes and mail. Stash these things in colorful pottery, or take organiza-
tion a step further by hiding them in a secret compartment at the end of a cabinet run. For example, a Mini Message Center cabinet is a three-inch-deep bonus storage compartment with key hooks, a metal cubby divider, fixed shelves and a magnetic message board. This solution blends in with your cabinets while conveniently parking small items out of sight.
Off the counter, out of sight.
Use ingenious bathroom cabinets to store grooming essentials neatly off the sink or countertop. A Vanity Cosmetic Cabinet can park your hair dryer in an attached appliance cooling rack located on the inside of the door. The cabinet's built-in, two-tier segmented drawer keeps makeup and small essentials accessible without crowding the sink area. Another option is a vanity pullout with shallow shelving to keep things at your fingertips, with adjustable shelves that you can customize to fit your needs.
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Purr-fectly 'Green' Cat Care Tips (ARA) - She can jump from the floor to the top of the refrigerator, or bound across your desk without disturbing a single sheet of paper. Your cat personifies the graceful, enviable sure-footedness of her species. But what about her eco-footprint?
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ith 88 million domesticated cats in the country (according to the National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association), the question isn't just academic. Like their human companions, pets' modern lifestyles consume natural resources and can contribute to environmental issues like greenhouse gases and the waste stream.
"As consumers and responsible pet owners, we are all looking for ways to care for our pets' health and their environment," says Jill Cordes, host of America's first broadband pet channel www.Petstyle.com. "Many of us are already putting ecofriendly practices into action in our own lives, from buying organic food to shopping with reusable bags and switching to natural household cleaners. Adopting 'green' pet care habits is a natural extension of our environmental consciousness." You can become a "greener" cat owner with 10 simple steps, Cordes advises:
1. Give them shelter. Overcrowding at animal adoption centers strains resources. You can help ease the problem - and possibly save an animal's life - by adopting from a
shelter rather than buying a cat from a pet store or breeder. You may also save money if you adopt from a shelter where many animals are likely to already be vaccinated, spayed or neutered. Visit www.aspca.com for more information.
2. Use protection. Get your cat spayed or neutered. Unplanned, unwanted "deliveries" often wind up in shelters, contributing to the overcrowding problem. Plus, spaying and neutering can help reduce your cat's risk of developing uterine, ovarian, or testicular cancer. 3. Tag, you're it. Be sure your cat always wears a name tag (or license, if your municipality requires cats to be licensed). If he gets lost, the tag will help any good Samaritan who finds him return him to you. Plus, you'll conserve the gas you would waste driving around the neighborhood hunting for him, and the paper for those "missing" posters.
4. Keep it clean - and gentle. Replace traditional pet care and cleaning products that may contain harsh chemicals with gentle, allnatural products.
5. Potty all the time. Choose environmentally friendly cat litter like ARM & HAMMER Essentials Clumping Cat Litter. It's made with natural biodegradable corn fibers which are sensible for the environment, and absorbs twice the liquid compared to regular clumping clay litter. Plus, the addition of baking soda eliminates odor problems instantly. Visit www.armandhammeressentials.com/litter.aspx to learn more.
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6. Food for thought. Just as added hormones or pesticides in your food aren't good for you, they're not good for your cat, either. Look for pet food that is natural, organic and FDA-certified.
7. Quench their thirst. Change your pet's water and food bowl regularly to eliminate potential disease, insect or other pest infestations. Be sure to use filtered tap water rather than bottled water, which weighs on your wallet and the environment 8. Play ball. Purchase toys made from sustainable fibers or recycled materials, or entertain your cat with homemade toys crafted from recycled materials, like a scratching pole made from old carpeting. And remember, you will always be her favorite - and most eco-friendly - toy.
9. Into the wild ... or not. Try to keep your cat inside as much as possible to avoid exposure to injury, illness and predatory wildlife. If your cat craves the outdoors, however, try to keep his outside time supervised in an enclosed area.
10. Purr-tanical gardens. In an enclosed space, plant a small garden in your backyard for your cat and stock it with cat-safe herbs and flowers. Just be sure kitty is always supervised, and stays in her own yard - otherwise you may find yourself having to explain her embarassing visit to your neighbor's tomato patch.
JANUARY • 2009
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Caring for Your Pet on a Budget
(ARA) - Most people consider a pet a member of the family -and for good reason. Pets offer companionship, amusement and unconditional love. Studies support that owning a pet offers a multitude of emotional and overall health rewards.
However, with the plunging economy and the rising costs of food, fuel and housing, cash-strapped Americans are pinching their pennies. People are faced with having to make difficult decisions on cutting back, often giving up the things they love most. Unfortunately, some pet parents are faced with the dilemma of appropriately caring for their pet on a tight budget.
For pet owners faced with this challenge, it’s important to remember how much your furry friend adds to your life. Pets make us laugh, show us love in any circumstance and can even lower our overall stress levels. With a smart approach to affordable pet care, you may find you can afford to keep your pet happy and healthy -- and at home with you and your family. Resist the toy temptation: Personalized accessories and elaborate toys have become trendy, but pets won’t miss the extra bells and whistles. Pets are just as happy clad in a plain collar and playing with less expensive or even safer, homemade toys geared to improve overall pet health, including chew toys for puppies and scratching posts for cats.