How to Get Out of Your Salad Rut</h1> <article> <h1>How to Get Out of Your Salad Rut</h1> <p>varaguas — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:24:27 +0000</p> <p><em>Guest blogger: Dana Joy Altman</em></p><p>Salad culture in this country has changed so much since I was a young. Back then iceberg wedges and Julienne Salads reigned the day. I rarely see them anymore except at a steakhouse, diner or deli, which I enjoy but rarely frequent.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Toast the Oscars with a Healthy "Cosmo"</h1> <p>kmucci — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:24:26 +0000</p> <p>Are you hosting an Oscar's party this Sunday? Looking to make it festive without feeling terrible at work the next day? Why not skip the alcohol and try a non-alcoholic sweet treat, like this simple "Cosmo" recipe created by my favorite bartender:<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />* 3 ounces of cranberry juice<br />* 1 ounce of pomegranate juice<br />* 1 ounce of seltzer water<br />* Splash of Lime Juice<br /><br />Recipe:</p> </article> <article> <h1>The "Anything Goes" Simple Soup Recipe</h1> <p>kmucci — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:59:54 +0000</p> <p>There's nothing better than sitting down to a bowl of hot soup after coming in from shoveling the snow. It's even better when it's homemade. Making soup doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, it's the perfect solution for salvaging leftovers and getting some extra veggies into your diet.</p> </article> <article> <h1>What’s Your Favorite Thing About the Olympics?</h1> <p>kmucci — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:39:34 +0000</p> <p>I love watching the Olympics; it just makes me smile. What about it gets me so happy? It’s not the moving stories peppered throughout the programming (although I love those), or the amazing artistry of the figure skaters (but really, how impressive is that?) or even the heart-thumping excitement of the competition (did you see those moguls skiers?).</p> </article> <article> <h1>Get What You Need This Valentine’s Day</h1> <p>kmucci — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:02:04 +0000</p> <p>Whether you’re part of a dyad or flying solo, why not put the focus on yourself this Valentine’s Day? Instead of attempting to win the heart of another, try listening to your own. What is it that you need? Is it inspiration? Support? Alone time?</p><p>Slow down, take a deep breath and pay attention to what you're craving. By giving yourself what you need now, you can prevent feeling overwhelmed later.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Tips for Avoiding Super Bowl Gluttony</h1> <p>kmucci — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:29:05 +0000</p> <p>Super Bowl Sunday marks the second-greatest eating day in the U.S., just behind Thanksgiving, according to the <a href="http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome">USDA</a>.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Less Salt, Longer Life?</h1> <p>kmucci — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:52:27 +0000</p> <p>In a recent study by the <em>New England Journal of Medicine</em>, scientists found that if everyone reduced their salt intake by a half a teaspoon per day, there would be between 54,000 and 99,000 fewer heart attacks each year and between 44,000 and 92,000 fewer deaths. Wow, that’s pretty startling. Makes you rethink that extra shake at dinner, huh? <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Give the Gift of Life: Overcome Your Fear of Donating Blood</h1> <p>kmucci — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:27:52 +0000</p> <p>I celebrated my birthday this week, receiving many warm words and thoughtful gifts from friends and family. It got me thinking…what can I do to pay it forward? What’s a gift that I could give back to those who need it the most? Well, January not only marks the month I was born, but it also happens to be National Blood Donor Awareness Month. </p> </article> <article> <h1>You're Invited to an Exclusive Event</h1> <p>kmucci — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:14:14 +0000</p> <p>Did you ever laugh so hard you nearly peed your pants? (I have a friend who leaks every time she cracks up.) She’s not alone. One in three women experience light <abbr title="A muscular, balloon-like organ that stores urine."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/4990">bladder</a></abbr> leakage (LBL), involuntary leakage that results from things like laughing, coughing, sneezing or exercising. This is often caused by weak pelvic floor muscles, which can be worsened by obesity, pregnancy, childbirth and <abbr title="The surgical procedure in which your uterus is removed. After a hysterectomy, you will no longer menstruate and you will be infertile. The procedure may or may not include removal of your ovaries, called an oopherectomy. Removing your uterus does not cause menopause. If your ovaries are left intact, they continue to produce eggs and release hormones until menopause. If they are removed, menopause begins."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/5581">hysterectomy</a></abbr>.<br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>To Eat Fish or Not to Eat Fish, That is the Question</h1> <p>kmucci — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:25:27 +0000</p> <p>In the past few years, we’ve seen lots of studies citing <abbr title="A typical reaction of tissues to injury or disease. It is marked by four signs: swelling, redness, heat and pain."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/5614">inflammation</a></abbr> as the culprit in disease <abbr title="The process in which new, strong bone replaces old bone. This process continues throughout life but varies significantly as you age."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/5433">formation</a></abbr>. By lowering <abbr title="A typical reaction of tissues to injury or disease. It is marked by four signs: swelling, redness, heat and pain."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/5614">inflammation</a></abbr> within the body, you can help reduce your risk for a variety of conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, <abbr title="A disease that occurs when the body is not able to use sugar as it should. The body needs sugar for growth and energy for daily activities. It gets sugar when it changes food into glucose (a form of sugar). A hormone called insulin is needed for the glucose to be taken up and used by the body. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot make use of the glucose in the blood for energy because either the pancreas is not able to make enough insulin or the insulin that is available is not effective. The beta cells in areas of the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans usually make insulin. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 (insulin-dependent): the pancreas makes little or no insulin, because the insulin-producing beta cells have been destroyed. Treatment consists of daily insulin injections or use of an insulin pump, a planned diet, regular exercise and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose. Type 2: the pancreas might make some insulin, but it is not effective (see Insulin Resistance). Type 2 is controlled by diet and exercise and daily monitoring of glucose levels. Sometimes oral drugs that lower blood glucose levels or insulin injections are needed."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/5233">diabetes</a></abbr> and even Alzheimer’s. And I’m sure you’ve heard by now that omega-3s are effective antioxidants that do just that.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Kill Me With Kindness, Please!</h1> <p>kmucci — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:07:11 +0000</p> <p><strong>Scenario One:</strong> I'm walking down First Avenue heading out to grab a bite with my husband when I enter the dance that often occurs on a crowded street: A man approaches me head on; I go left, he goes left, I go right, he goes right. I giggle; he get’s very angry and says, “Watch it. Walk to the right.</p> </article> <article> <h1>A Simple Method for Setting Intentions and Achieving Happiness</h1> <p>kmucci — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:25:47 +0000</p> <p>I've never been a fan of resolutions. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's just the word that turns me off? "Resolution" sounds so, well, final and binding (and something you're doomed to break). Lately, I've given some thought to an alternative word that I've been hearing more lately: Intentions. When we set out with a clear intent on where we want to be in the future—whether it's in one month or one year from now—everything we do moves us in that direction.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Music Ideas to Get You Moving in the New Year</h1> <p>kmucci — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:12:43 +0000</p> <p>Flipping around the TV during this past week between the holidays and New Year's, I came across a "retro"—I will not say old—piece of concert footage from 1992 featuring Earth, Wind & Fire. Wow, did that band move! I think I even worked up a small sweat just watching their <abbr title="Sustained activity that increases the heart rate, strengthening the cardiovascular system."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/4598">aerobic</a></abbr>-style dance moves to "September"—all the while sipping tea from my sofa and enjoying the lingering comfort of fuzzy slippers.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Try Tai Chi and See Big Health Benefits</h1> <p>kmucci — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:07:42 +0000</p> <p>Did you know that <abbr title="Also known as Tai Chi Chuan (pronounced tie chee chwan), this is a Chinese martial art that combines mental concentration, coordinated breathing and slow, graceful body movements to increase well-being, lessen stress and strengthen the body; sometimes referred to as "moving meditation.""><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/4951">Tai Chi</a></abbr> has been found to lower <abbr title="The force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/5000">blood pressure</a></abbr>, increase <abbr title="Refers to the density and strength of bones."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/5004">bone density</a></abbr>, reduce <abbr title="Constant pain that lasts for at least three months. May not have an obvious cause and may be disabling, affecting daily life. Chronic pain can cause fatigue, concentration problems and appetite changes and may lead to suppression of the immune system, depression, anxiety and even suicide. "><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/5107">chronic pain</a></abbr>, increase <abbr title="The range of motion in the joint areas."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/5417">flexibility</a></abbr>, improve immune function and reduce stress and <abbr title="A serious but common mental disorder that can affect anyone, including children, teens, women, men and the elderly. Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, weight gain or loss, trouble concentrating and sleeping, or sleeping too much and a general disinterest in things that used to be enjoyable are hallmark symptoms. Physical symptoms may include persistent headaches, stomach distress and general malaise for which there are no apparent cause."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/5220">depression</a></abbr>? This ancient Chinese method works both the mind and the body by pairing slow movements and shifts of balance with a strong focus on the breath; it is often referred to as moving <abbr title="A state of consciousness in which you try to stop awareness of surroundings so the mind can focus on a single thing such as a sound or image; leads to a state of rest and relief from stress."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/5763">meditation</a></abbr>. Even just practicing for five minutes a day can have big benefits.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Reward Yourself: 5 Free Ideas</h1> <p>kmucci — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:57:19 +0000</p> <p>This past weekend I treated myself to a little R&R after a long and busy fall. I headed up to Massachusetts for a weekend of <abbr title="A popular flexibility activity that incorporates breathing exercises, stretching and moving the body slowly, and relaxation and visualization."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/4657">yoga</a></abbr>, <abbr title="A state of consciousness in which you try to stop awareness of surroundings so the mind can focus on a single thing such as a sound or image; leads to a state of rest and relief from stress."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/5763">meditation</a></abbr> and pure relaxation at the <a href="http://www.kripalu.org" target="_blank">Kripalu center for yoga and health</a>. It was exactly what I needed; I took slow and delicious <abbr title="A popular flexibility activity that incorporates breathing exercises, stretching and moving the body slowly, and relaxation and visualization."><a class="glossary-term" href="/glossary/term/4657">yoga</a></abbr> classes, attended inspiring talks, ate whole foods and was in bed by 10pm.</p> </article> <article> <h1>5 Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating</h1> <p>Kristen Mucci-Mosier — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:51:00 +0000</p> <p>I don't know about you, but I feel like I'm constantly eating during the holidays. It's hard not to indulge in all the tempting treats that surround us this time of year. Here are some simple tips for keeping off those extra pounds this season.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Bring your own snacks.</span> If you're heading out to Aunt Thelma's for the holidays where you know they'll be fatty foods galore, bring healthy treats to nosh on and share. You'll be doing something good for yourself and others. Maybe veggies and hummus? Steamed edamame with a little sea salt? Or how about tortilla chips (all natural or baked) and salsa or guacamole?<span class="link"><br /></span></p> </article> <article> <h1>5 Cancer-Fighting Foods</h1> <p>Kristen Mucci-Mosier — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:17:02 +0000</p> <p>It is widely known that eating a diet full of whole foods, including lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, is best for fending off many types of diseases, and cancer is no exception. Think more veggies, less meat; more whole grains, less refined carbohydrates. <br /><br />Start with these <strong>Cancer-Fighting Foods</strong>: <br /><br /><strong>Cruciferous Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, bok choy and kale)</strong></p> </article> <article> <h1>Are You Vitamin D Deficient?</h1> <p>Kristen Mucci-Mosier — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:26:14 +0000</p> <p>During his recent annual physical, my husband’s doctor informed him that he was extremely deficient in vitamin D. Two weeks later, my doctor reported that I’m in the same boat. Often called the “sunshine vitamin,” the greatest source for vitamin D is the sun.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Flu Emergency? When to Head to the ER for Flu-Related Symptoms</h1> <p>Kristen Mucci-Mosier — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:29:58 +0000</p> <p>Having the flu can be a total drag. And this year with the H1N1 strain going around, it can be confusing and scary too.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Welcome to the New HealthyWomen.org!</h1> <p>Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:03:58 +0000</p> <p>After 20 years serving your needs as the National Women's Health Resource Center, we've had a little work done and are proud to introduce you to the new face of women's wellness.<br /><br />Welcome to HealthyWomen and our new Web site, HealthyWomen.org. For two decades we've been your source for objective, medically approved information—a veritable library that once was just a phone call away. Now, we're a click away.<br /></p> </article> </main></body></html>