Are you one of the millions of Americans with too much stress in your life?
Take Dr Oz's Great American Stress Test -
then watch the videos below for ideas to help you eliminate stress - all three parts!
The Great American Stress Test, Pt 1.
The Great American Stress Test, Pt 2.
The Great American Stress Test, Pt 3.
The Great American Stress Test - Part One
Making a Difference while growing BOLDER, not older
Whether it’s raising big money for a good cause, or risking your life in the name of freedom or just simply making your own mind and body healthier, these people will teach you how to make a difference in the world today.
http://growingboldertv.com/episodes/make-a-difference/129/
Americans Cutting Back & Pinching Pennies
Americans are more worried now about job security and pay cuts so, they are naturally pinching pennies everywhere they can.
A new Harris poll released last week asked Americans how their spending habits have changed over the past six months. As an added bonus, some of the cost-cutting moves are actually good for our health (eating out less), good for the environment (not buying bottled water), and good for easing traffic jams (more carpooling).
Here are the top dozen, along with the percentages of Americans now using these techniques…
•Buy more generic brands – 67 percent
•Brown-bag lunch instead of buying it – 46 percent
•Go to the hairdresser/barber/stylist less often – 43 percent
•Use refillable water bottles instead of buying bottled water – 39 percent
•Cancel one or more magazine subscriptions – 31 percent
•Cut down on dry cleaning – 24 percent
•Cancel or cut back cable TV service – 22 percent
•Stop buying coffee in the morning – 21 percent
•Cancel a newspaper subscription – 18 percent
•Cancel land-line phone service and only use a cell phone – 16 percent
•Change a cell phone plan or cancel it – 14 percent
•Carpool or use mass transit – 14 percent
Other ways:
- Use both sides of the printer paper
- Wash out plastic bags, air dry and reuse
- If you are eating out, pick something from th e $1 menu
- Have a meatless day
- Cancel your cable and go to Walmart to buy the gadget that gets channels for Free
- Some people, with a smart phone, are canceling their internet and getting online
- Shop at the Dollar Store but beware, some items that look like the real deal or diluted and may not be the better buy
- Get books from the library rather than buy them
- Unplug appliances when not in use to save on your electricity costs
- Clip coupons and only save the ones you use, don't buy something you don't need because you have a coupon.
- Pack your lunch
- Shampoo your own carpets
- Add some water to your shampoo, shake it up - it will go twice as far
- Buy trimmers and trim your own dog, barter dog trimming with your neighbors
- Grow your own veggies and can or freeze them
- When you get your hair cut, go home with it wet
- Wash your own car
- Pay your bills on time and avoid late fees
- Borrow items instead of buying them
Top summer travel books for 2011 and 2012
Do you like to read about travel through the eyes of traveler? If so, you will enjoy this list of the top summer travel books - if you have your own favorites, be sure to add them to this list.
Now, go find a hammock in the shade and enjoy your book.
http://www.50andnifty.com/entertainment/staying-in/item/37.html
Birdwatching .
Birdwatching Dot Com is about wild birds and the sport of birding. It's for everyone who's interested in bird watching and enjoying nature.
Whether you are novice birdwatcher or experienced, this site has a wealth of information for you. Be sure to sign up for their birding newsletter and check out their store of gifts and "tools" for birdwatchers.
Additionally, Sept 15 - 18, 2011, the next Midwest Birding Symposium will be held in Lakeside, Ohio - on Lake Erie.... if you have an interest in attending that, sign up as soon as possible, it fills up fast.
https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/mwb2011/mbs2011-general-information.php
Miracle-Gro Expand 'n Gro Demo Video - Scotts Miracle-Gro
The video below shows how to use this new product -the bag may be small but it expands up to 3 times when mixed with water and feeds plants for up to 6 months, making native soil more workable and retains up to 50% more moisture than basic potting soil.
Because Miracle-Gro® plant food is mixed right in, you'll get the big and beautiful results you expect from Miracle-Gro®!
Miracle-Gro Expand 'n Gro Demo Video - Scotts Miracle-Gro
Click here to get a $3 off coupon
iPod Shuffle - preload one for a great gift for your friends who are not computer savvy
Some people might ask, why I'd suggest giving a 50+ person without a computer a computer an iPod Shuffle..... Because its the perfect iPod for "older" people who are not technically savvy and chances are their grandchildren can load it for them.
There is no screen so they don’t have to read, think or make choices.
There is an old school “on/off” switch as opposed to a computer interface.
The only options on the shuffle are volume + or -, skip forward or skip back,
and play/pause. To top it off, the colors look great.
When Grandma and Grandpa head for the gym or their evening walk, they will rock!
It may open the door to get them more involved with new technology or become a
bonding opportunity with their grandchildren who can load it for them.
Don't grow old, grow BOLD
Isabella Morgia di Vicari has two passions — food and family. They’ve always been her recipe for happiness. When Isabella had a midlife crisis, she didn’t come out swinging — she came out cooking. Now she hopes food and famiglia are also her recipe for success.
CLICK HERE
Classic-style Carolina BBQ Rub
Try this rub next time you want to make a traditional Carolina Pulled Pork.Pick up a pork butt and give it a rub.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Makes about 1 cup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup paprika
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well; use as a dry rub on beef, chicken, lamb or pork.
Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken
Lemon Chicken Marinade
For the sauce -- juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- salt and pepper
Mixing the Marinade
So now let us add the rest of our ingredients into the lemon juice. Quarter cup of olive oil, tablespoon of mustard, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, and finally a teaspoon of thyme. We are also going to add a little salt and pepper, and now let's mix it all together.Preparing the Lemon Chicken
Now this is ready to go on our chicken. Pick a pan that the chicken will fit into snugly. Pour the sauce on top of the chicken, but make sure you get some underneath as well. At this point, you can put the chicken in the refrigerator if you want to let it marinate for a little while, or it will be just fine if you want to pop it in the oven right away.Baking Lemon Chicken
When you are ready to bake the chicken preheat the oven. Cook the chicken for 40 minutes at 400 degrees. After 40 minutes, test the lemon chicken. If it is firm to the touch, you will know it is done.Ladies - Heart Disease is Your No.1 Killer
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1534576071?bctid=750972931001
Eat fish or take fish oil
Add Calcium through food sources
Workout
Decrease your stress level and decrease your heart attack risk!
GENETIC TESTS for Heart Disease - if you have a family history of heart disease, you are most at risk for dying from it - it's a wake up call to pay attention to risk factors to decrease your risk and lead a healthier life!
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1534576071?bctid=777570962001
Recipes for Healthy Bones
The internet has a lot of links for recipes for healthy bones, the links below are just a sampling of the available sites.
Remember.. make good choices today for the older adult you will become. :)
http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/BIDMCInteractive/HealthyIs/BoneHealthyRecipes.aspx
Prevention Magazine's Bone Healthy Recipes
American Bone Health Recipes
weighingthefacts.blogspot.com
Healthy Bones - 12 Foods You Need
12 Foods to Boost Bone Health
Getting the calcium and vitamin D you need is easier than you think -- if you eat the right foods and the best food to start with is breakfast!
According to WebMD:
Though experts haven't yet agreed on the ideal amount for people with osteoporosis, your doctor may advise up to 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day. "With osteoporosis, the general advice is to take three doses of 500 milligrams of elemental calcium a day," says Paul Mystkowski, MD, an endocrinologist at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, and clinical faculty member at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Why three separate doses? Because 500 milligrams is all your body can absorb at one time. So for strong bones, get your calcium throughout the day via your meals, then, if necessary, add a calcium supplement to make up the difference.
Though experts haven't yet agreed on the ideal amount for people with osteoporosis, your doctor may advise up to 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day. "With osteoporosis, the general advice is to take three doses of 500 milligrams of elemental calcium a day," says Paul Mystkowski, MD, an endocrinologist at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, and clinical faculty member at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Why three separate doses? Because 500 milligrams is all your body can absorb at one time. So for strong bones, get your calcium throughout the day via your meals, then, if necessary, add a calcium supplement to make up the difference.
Breakfast Foods
Cereal, calcium-fortified, 1 cup
100 - 1000 Calcium (mg)
Soy milk, calcium-fortified, 8 ounces
80 - 500 Calcium (mg)
Milk (nonfat, 2%, whole, or lactose-reduced), 1 cup
300 Calcium (mg)
Yogurt, 1 cup
300 - 400 Calcium (mg)
Orange juice, calcium-fortified
200 - 340 Calcium (mg)
Bone Health and Vitamin D
The experts all agree: Don't forget your vitamin D. You need it to absorb the calcium from all those calcium-rich foods.
Your skin normally makes vitamin D from sunlight. "But as people age," says Mystkowski, "their skin doesn't convert vitamin D as well." So while the standard recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults is 400 IU of vitamin D, he advises taking even more when bone loss is a problem.
"I'd say most people with osteoporosis should be on 800 IU a day," says Mystkowski. And he advises even higher doses -- up to 1,200 IU of vitamin D a day -- if you have bone thinning and live in a climate without much sun. People with darker skin or who live in cities with intense air pollution absorb less vitamin D from sun, and may want to bump up their vitamin D, too.
Calcium-rich foods are often high in vitamin D. Sardines, herring, and salmon have high levels of vitamin D, and many calcium-enriched foods have vitamin D added. And it's an easy vitamin to supplement. "Vitamin D is a little bit easier to absorb, so you can usually get away with taking supplements once a day," says Mystkowski.
WebMD is an excellent source of reliable medical information... for the entire article, click here
Discount Air Fare for Seniors
If you think old age is a disadvantage, well this time you are wrong. If you are a senior citizen, you can get airfare discounts. When buying tickets always ask for your discount, travel agents may not recognize you as a senior citizen if you look younger than your age.
Senior Affinity Group Discounts
Affinity Groups, like, AAA, Senior’s Coalition, AARP, Veterans Organizations, Alumni Groups, etc. offer tremendous saving opportunities for seniors. People traveling as a member of an affinity group enjoy terrific discounts. So, if you’re not part of any affinity group, think about joining one.
Local Discounts for Senior Citizens
Local communities all over the world offer special benefits and discounts to their seniors. This might range from reduced domestic fares to free local travel. Also, dedicated and cheap parking spaces for seniors, city-sponsored stores, discounts on movies, theater and opera ticket; free or discounted entrance to museums, galleries, parks and other places of interest and lots more.
Senior Friendly Destinations
For senior travelers on a shoestring budget, bargains and discounts are always welcome. It’s very important to check out whether a spot is senior friendly or not. There are many cities that offer senior friendly entertainment. Celebrate your anniversary at an exquisitely scenic spot with plenty of natural vistas, or take a cruise on the Pacific. There are endless opportunities for senior travelers. So, before booking a holiday, it’s important to decide what you’re looking for and all of the savings and discounts available to you.
Here is a list of the US Carriers that according to their websites provide senior fares.
American Airlines/American Eagle (800-433-7300)
American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection offer Senior Fares in some domestic markets for seniors 65 years or older. For further information, please call American Airlines Reservations number. Visit the American Airlines web site for travel restrictions.
Age Requirement: 65+
www.aa.com
Continental Airlines (800-523-3273)
Continental offers Senior fares to selected travel destinations for passengers who are 65 and older. Ask for more details on these great fares when you make your reservation, or when you make your booking on continental.com, select the Seniors (age 65 and older) category. Visit the Continental Airlines web site for a complete list of fare restrictions.
Age Requirement: 65+
www.continental.com
Delta Shuttle (800-221-1212)
Delta Shuttle offers senior fares on some of its routes. Amount of discount varies and can not be found on its web site. To book senior fares with Delta Shuttle, you must call their toll free number 800-221-1212 and advise the agent that your are requesting rates with the senior fare. Fares are subject to availability and may change. Only coach seats are available for the senior fare and a valid ID such as a birth certificate or driver's license must be presented at time of purchase and/or check-in.
Age Requirement: 62+
www.delta.com
Southwest Airlines (800-435-9792)
Travelers 65 years of age or over may get details on senior fares, its limitations, and any restrictions on southwest.com, from a Southwest Airlines Reservations Sales Agent or a travel agent. Fares are subject to change until tickets are purchased, but Senior Fare tickets are fully refundable. Age verification required at check-in. Fares apply only to those in the traveling party who are age 65 or over. Limited seats available for senior rate.
Age Requirement: 65+
www.southwest.com
United Airlines (800-864-8331)
United Airlines may have age-qualified fares on select flights. Select senior from the dropdown menu in the Passenger section on its web site. When the site returns your fare quote, the results for your search will indicate the type of discount you are receiving, if one is available. Proof of age qualification for the discount is required at check-in.
Age Requirement: 65+
www.united.com
More
What's Your Fracture Risk?
The FORE Fracture Risk Calculator (TM) estimates fracture risk for postmenopausal women and men over age 45.
Take the test to determine your risk of bone fracture or help someone you love learn their risk.
Take the test to find YOUR fracture risk - then talk to your doctor
Fall Prevention
Almost 30% of persons over 65 years of age fall each year.
In those over age 80, 50% fall. Almost 5% who fall, fracture; 1% sustain a hip fracture.
(N Engl J Med 1994;33:872-873.)
Fall prevention in seniors and the elderly begins with good balance!
It requires the ability to keep your center of gravity over your ankles when standing and walking.
Activities that work on stressing our balance systems will add to our overall safety at home. A flexible body, good posture, and continued awareness of maintaining our center of gravity over our base of support which is usually over out ankles.
Below are some excellent balance activites to begin your better balance. This is one of the most simple standing exercises.
Standing on one leg is an exercise that can be practiced anywhere you have a chair or counter to hold on to.
This exercise will strengthen your ankles and hips, which are vital in keeping us stable.
Activities that work on stressing our balance systems will add to our overall safety at home. A flexible body, good posture, and continued awareness of maintaining our center of gravity over our base of support which is usually over out ankles.
Below are some excellent balance activites to begin your better balance. This is one of the most simple standing exercises.
Standing on one leg is an exercise that can be practiced anywhere you have a chair or counter to hold on to.
This exercise will strengthen your ankles and hips, which are vital in keeping us stable.
Here is an excellent site with exercised to help you learn the exercises that will keep you strengthen your muscles to prevent falls.
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