Eating Smart for Your Heart

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.  And what’s the first symptom of most heart attacks?  Death.  Yikes!  But here’s the good news: 85% of heart disease is COMPLETELY REVERSIBLE with changes in diet and lifestyle.  In this interactive and innovative workshop, you’ll learn the Top Ten Tips for Heart Healthy Living that will slash your chances of developing heart disease.

WHEN:  February 13^th at 6pm
WHERE:  Healthy Home Market  – 2707 South Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28209
COST:  FREE

Cooking Class – Meatless Meals

Going veggie can be good for your health and your pocketbook!  Wonder where your protein will come from?  Cover vegetarian sources of protein and how to build a well-rounded vegetarian diet. Learn to cook deliciously for the entire family!  No need to take notes as you will take home the recipes!  We will eat together too!

WHEN:  Feb. 20 at 6pm
WHERE:  Earthfare – 12235 North Community House Road  Charlotte, NC 28277
COST:  $20

SPACE IS LIMITED

CALL 704-313-5001 or email: cynthia@fyicynthia.com to signup

Here are my 4 simple steps to a much needed break in today’s fast paced world:

Try them this week!

1. Start with a list.   Make a list of all the relaxing things you love to do, but rarely take time for. Stuck for ideas?

   Here are some examples to get you started - 

   • A massage
   • A nap
   • Turn your iphone, ipad or blackberry off for three hours
   • Read a book
   • An afternoon at a spa
   • An hour in your favorite park
   • A weekend away at a quiet cabin or beach
   • Watch two funny movies in a row
   • Take a pilates class
2. Pick one thing you can do in the next week. Pick something easy, enjoyable and affordable from your list.
3. Set aside time in your calendar. Make this an appointment that can’t be missed.
4. Give yourself permission.  We rarely allow ourselves to slow down, perhaps for fear that if we do we could fall apart.  Give this gift to yourself, and commit to doing it regularly.  Keep adding to your list so you never run out of relaxing activities.

 Here’s a thought…

What are your favorite ways to take a vacation from the world?  Email me with your strategies.  The most creative way to kick back wins a free half-hour consult with me.   The winner will be announced by February 15th.

Enjoy!

Noroviruses are a group of related viruses. Infection with these viruses affects the stomach and intestines and causes an illness called gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis; inflammation of the stomach and intestines).

Anyone Can Get Norovirus

Anyone can be infected with noroviruses and get sick. Also, you can get norovirus illness more than once during your life. The illness often begins suddenly. You may feel very sick, with stomach cramping, throwing up, or diarrhea.

The viruses are found in the vomit and stool of infected people. You can get it by

• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus (someone gets stool or vomit on their hands, then touches food or drink).
• Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting your hand or fingers in your mouth.
• Having direct contact with a person who is infected with norovirus (for example, when caring for someone with norovirus or sharing foods or eating utensils with them).

People with norovirus illness are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick until at least 3 days after they recover. But, some people may be contagious for even longer.

Practice proper hand hygiene

WASH YOUR HANDS…carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers and always before eating or preparing food.  If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  These alcohol-based products can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.

Take care in the kitchen

Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating them.

Do not prepare food while infected

People with norovirus illness should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness.

Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces

After throwing up or having diarrhea, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label. If no such cleaning product is available, you can use a solution made with 5 tablespoons to 1.5 cups of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.

Wash laundry thoroughly

Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or stool.   Handle soiled items carefully—without agitating them—to avoid spreading virus.  If available, wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling soiled clothing or linens and wash your hands after handling.  The items should be washed with detergent at the maximum available cycle length and then machine dried.

For more information see www.cdc.gov

Be REAL and think about this:

You may wish to make your body healthier and stronger, but could you do that out of love and respect for your body instead of the opposite?

Could you begin to treat yourself with kindness, to limit the negative self-talk and to reconnect with your inner wisdom?

Take a moment and imagine what that would feel like.   It would mean:

• Celebrating your body rather than punishing it.
• Nourishing your body rather than depriving it.
• A chance to watch your body flourish when treated with care and respect

Go ahead and give it a try…

You’ll need:

1 Cup of Water

1 Cup of Distilled Vinegar

2 Tablespoons Baking Soda

2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

Mix in a large container then transfer to a spray bottle.  Spritz veggies until coated and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.  Rinse thoroughly and voila!

Reprinted from Pregnancy and Newborn magazine.

When I was pregnant with my son Caden, I gained about 35 pounds and it amazed me how many people wanted to touch my belly!  It seemed as though I had given everyone the “okay to touch my big belly” permit!  But it really didn’t bother me.  Actually, I thought it was quite cute at times.  Then my son was born.  I’d been waiting for months to meet him and he’s finally here!  As a new mom, I wanted to make sure Caden got everything he needed from me.  I nursed him from day one and watched him get bigger and bigger.  My midwife commended me on how much I really put into taking care of him.  I thought to myself I owe it to him, as he has been on a journey from a fetus to water baby in my womb to infant out into this world. It must be so hard to suddenly find your soul in a helpless, tiny body; a body that requires ingesting food and eliminating waste and wearing clothes and seeing lights and hearing noise.  At times I felt overwhelmed as I was concentrating on him so much that I somehow allowed myself to get lost in his world.

» Read the rest of this article at ExpectantMothersGuide.com

Under the proposed plan, labels show the amount of various nutrients in grams or other units and, in many cases, the percent of a recommended daily value for each nutrient that they supply.

This is an interesting article.  Check it out here.  I wonder if this will really make a difference in the average person buying foods that is healthy and nutritious…hmmmmm?

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or respond properly to insulin, a hormone that allows blood glucose (sugar) to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy.  Nearly 21 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes. It is the fifth deadliest disease in the U.S., yikes!

Every November, the American Diabetes Association encourages the public to learn more about diabetes and the risks associated with the disease. Below are some ways you can become involved in this year’s American Diabetes Month.

Join the MillionsSM in the movement to Stop Diabetes®. This year, the American Diabetes Association is asking individuals to take a pledge and raise their hand to Stop Diabetes.

Beginning November 1, the public can take action by taking the American Diabetes Month pledge on Facebook.

Here are other ways you can become involved:

1.      Attend an American Diabetes Month event in your area
2.      Visit www.stopdiabetes.com
3.      Call 1-800-DIABETES
4.      Text JOIN to 69866 (standard data and message rates apply)

For more information, please click here.

Sometimes when life gets hectic, I take a moment and look at them.  They help ground me and put things in perspective on what is really important.  Focus on what matters most and enjoy every smile…

REALITY CHECK

Let’s face it.  The Immune System is our body’s natural defense; it protects against viruses, bacteria, cancer and degenerative diseases.  When immunity is poor, frequent colds and flu, low grade fevers, recurring infections, and general fatigue is common.  The best way to stave off illness (that includes those nasty colds and flu!) is to strengthen immunity with better diet and lifestyle choices.  So here are my top 5 tips that will help you  keep you feeling your best…all winter long!

CHECK THESE OUT!

1. FOOD – (I’m a foodie so this had to be top on the list!)  An immune supporting diet includes organic, seasonal and naturally raised vegetable and animal foods; whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, animal protein, sea vegetables, nuts and seeds, and fats.  Increase whole foods (they’re packed with vitamins and minerals, your immune systems needs it!)  and decrease highly refined foods (flour products, denatured foods, chemicalized and pre-packaged foods) to start.  By the way, onions and garlic help boost the immune system.
   CLICK HERE for a delicious chicken soup recipe.
2. EXERCISE -  Imagine a quick boost for your body in just 15 minutes!  Take a quick walk everyday (even when it’s freezing out).  This will increase blood flow and circulation so you can move out any germs you may have come into contact with and will toughen your body against viruses!
3. THIRSTY ANYONE?  Drinking water is important to combat the flu and colds. Caffeine, alcohol and soft drinks only dehydrate. If you are not a big fan of water, try decaf or green tea, water mixed with a few ounces of fruit juice, citrus water or hot water with lemon.
4. START DATING – Make a date with your bed and go there by 10:00 p.m.   Studies have shown that lack of sleep lowers your immunities.  Here’s a great article for more info.
5. BEAT IT!  Stress reduction is essential to improving immunity.  Beat stress by making time to relax and do what you enjoy whether it’s reading, and/or getting a massage (my personal favorite).

So there you have it my top 5 tips to keep you happy and healthy this winter.  If you want to learn more and get a specific fool-proof flu plan for winter, let’s talk:  cynthia@fyicynthia.com

Oh and wash those hands!