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Responding to Emails After Work is Bad for Your Health

Email was supposed to give us extra time – you can send an online message instead of meeting up in person, work remotely, and think more about what you have to say before you actually say it. But now that everyone can be reached almost instantly, work email has been oozing into our after-work hours, subtly demanding a quicker response when we aren’t really supposed to be working.
More than half of Americans say they stay connected to work during the evening, on weekends, on vacation and when out sick. Many feel that ignoring email is more stressful than just sending out a quick response.
Unfortunately that constant connection seems to be coming at a cost to our health, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology.

Lead author of the study, Larissa Barber, calls it “telepressure” – the compulsion to answer every work-related email the moment you receive it, no matter what time of day. By doing this, she says, you’re exposing yourself to workplace stressors when you’re at home. Some of the health effects of this continuous work connection researchers found included worse sleep, higher levels of burnout and more health-related absences from work.
Barber remarked, “When people don’t have this recovery time, it switches them into an exhaustion state, so they go to work the next day not being engaged.”
She also noted that it’s one thing to be aware of “telepressure,” but another thing altogether to stop feeling it, suggesting that those who are struggling with this issue meet with their employer or employees about email expectations to avoid that pressure from starting in the first place.
Barber also suggests that instead of emailing someone about what they’re doing after work, for example, ask in person, and save longer, work-related messages for email. If you don’t send personal emails, you’ll be less likely to take a longer response time personally.
Conversational back-and-forth emails like that all but demand an immediate response, partly because it just feels rude not to reply. Being explicit about the purpose and timeline of the email can make a big difference, she says.
While we may get our work done more quickly because of telepressure, we’re likely damaging our health in the process. Change this bad habit by fighting the urge to check email when you aren’t working as well as the urge to pressure others to get back to you quickly.
-The Alternative Daily

Could You Have Prediabetes and Not Know It?

By Athena Philis-Tsimikas, M.D.

Published Nov 12, 2014

With diabetes affecting more than 29 million people in the United States and new cases being diagnosed every day, it may seem surprising to know that diabetes does not develop overnight. Rather, blood glucose levels usually rise over several years due to factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and aging. When blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis, you have a condition known as prediabetes — and a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prediabetes affects about 86 million people age 20 and older in the United States. There are usually no symptoms, so most don’t even know they have it unless they have their blood glucose levels tested. Not only is prediabetes likely to lead to full-blown type 2 diabetes, it also can cause serious health problems. Many people with prediabetes will develop conditions often associated with diabetes, such as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and other complications. A recent study also found that prediabetes can increase the risk of some types of cancer.

Should You Be Tested?

Since prediabetes generally has no symptoms, the only way to know for sure if you have it is through a blood glucose test. You may be diagnosed with prediabetes if you have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), or a combination of both. IGT means that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal without fasting, while IFG means that your blood glucose levels are higher than normal after you have been fasting.
One of several tests may be used. The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) measures glucose levels first thing in the morning after you have fasted during the night, since eating or drinking may raise blood glucose. A fasting blood glucose level below 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is considered normal; 100 mg/dL to 126 mg/dL is considered “at risk” for diabetes.
The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures fasting blood glucose levels, and then measures them again after you have consumed a high-glucose beverage. A blood glucose level below 140 mg/dL after the second test is considered normal.
A non-fasting test, HbA1C or the A1C test, measures how well average blood glucose has been controlled over a period of several months. Less than 5.7 percent is considered normal.
In general, you may want to consider testing if you have risk factors for diabetes or prediabetes; for example, if you are overweight, have a family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes, or have high blood pressure or high triglycerides. Ask your physician if you should be tested.

Diabetes Is Not Your Destiny

Having prediabetes does not mean you are destined to develop type 2 diabetes. By taking steps to reduce your risk factors, such as losing excess weight and increasing your exercise, you can lower your risk. In 2001, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a large prevention study of overweight or obese American adults at high risk of diabetes, found that losing just 5 percent to 7 percent of body weight and increasing exercise helped reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent. In some cases, participants even saw their blood glucose levels return to normal levels as a result of this treatment. An extension of the DPP study recently reported that, 15 years later, study participants who lost weight and exercised continue to have lower rates of type 2 diabetes than those who did not make lifestyle changes.
If you think you might be at increased risk for diabetes, talk with your doctor about testing and steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Athena Philis-Tsimikas, MD, is an endocrinologist and the corporate vice president for the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute at Scripps Health in San Diego.

13 Stupid Things You May Waste Money On

Saving money is hard, so make it easier on yourself by making sure you are not spending your money on things that aren’t worth the repetitive price tag. Are you wasting your money on any of these stupid things?Coffee – The average cost of a 16 ounce grande Starbucks coffee is $2.10. The average cost to make 16 ounces of home brewed coffee is $.08. If you exchanged your daily coffee for home brewed you save $2.02 a day. That’s around $60 a month or $730 per year.

Movies – If you and 3 friends decide to go to a movie you will likely each spend around $8 for a ticket. When the smell gets to you, you will probably buy some popcorn. That will cost around another $8 each.

That’s already $64 to go see a movie (for the four of you), not including gas to get there.If you and your friends stay home, rent a redbox movie for $1.20 and make a batch of homemade popcorn with coconut oil for about $5, you will save about $58.80. If you did this twice a month instead of going to the theaters you would save $1,392, or $348 per person.

Fast food – Eating at fast food restaurants is not only dangerous for your waistline, but also for your wallet. Even if you eat a salad at a fast food you will spend $4-$7. You can make a great healthy salad at home for about $1.50. If you changed a fast food salad once a week at $4 to a DIY salad for $1.50, you could save $130 per year. Bottled Water – It may be the cheapest and healthiest drink you can buy, however, the cost of bottled water is far higher than if you brought your own water bottle from home. The average cost of bottled water sold in a 16 ounce bottle is $7.50 a gallon.
Thats 300x higher than the cost of tap water. If you spend $1 every day on a bottle of water you are spending $365 a year on water. If you fill a reusable BPA free bottle you will save more than $350 a year.
Laundry detergent – Buying and using name brand detergent can cost you more than $0.19 a load. If you do a load of laundry each day it could cost more than $70 a year. Homemade detergent can cost you under $.02 a load. Homemade could save you more than $60 a year. Soap nuts are another option for super cheap and healthy laundry.
Shampoo – Shampoo costs anywhere between $1-$20 a bottle. If you use middle-of -the-line shampoo you may spend $4 a month. Thats $48 a year. Baking soda makes a great shampoo and costs only around $0.50 a box. If you use a box a month thats a $42 saving.
Cleaning supplies – All purpose cleaner will cost you around $3 a bottle in most stores. You can usually expect a bottle to last about month. Thats $36 a year. Vinegar is a much healthier, cheaper option. A bottle of vinegar can give you cleaning supplies for 2 months and will only cost about $2.50. Thats a saving of $21 per year.
Car wash – You can pay upwards of $8 for a decent drive through car wash. A bottle of dish soap will cost you around $2 and should contain enough soap to wash your car once a month for a year (probably a lot more than that, actually). Your car will be just as clean and you will have benefitted from using a little elbow grease. If you clean your car once a month that’s a savings of $94.
Unused gym membership – The average cost of a gym membership is $55 a month. Thats adds up to $660 a year. Thats a lot of money if you don’t ever go. There are lots of great exercises you can do at home without going to the gym. You will be saving on gas as well!
Magazines from the store – A store-bought magazine will cost around $5. Usually you can subscribe to the same magazine for $15 for the year or less. If you bought a magazine every month that’s a savings of $45 a year.
Cable TV – The average cost for cable TV is $80 a month. Netflix will cost you about $8 a month. Thats $864 of savings per year. You also won’t have to watch commercials urging you to spend your money on more stupid things!
Your cell phone plan – Ok, you don’t have to get rid of your phone, but you may consider swapping out your plan. The average data plan costs about $140 a month. There are several cell phone providers that give you a no-contract data plan for under $40 a month. You could be saving $1,200 a year. In other words, think twice about getting that cheap or free phone bundled into a 2 year contract.
Leftover Food – According to National Resources Defense Council about $165 billion worth of food is discarded each year. That’s about $529 per person per year. Remember to buy only what you need and no more. Have at least one leftover night a week so you are not just throwing away cash.
Are you a stupid spender? It’s time to reevaluate if you are. Making these 13 simple changes to your spending could save you more than $5,000 every year. That’s a lot of saving!
-The Alternative Daily

Banish Congestion with Super Spicy Peppers

For some, they are a delicious treat. For others, they are something to eat on a dare. Yet others avoid them like the plague: hot peppers. Whether you love them or think they’re too intense, spicy peppers contain a wealth of health benefits, and it may be worth adding some to your meals, even in tiny amounts!
The heat quotient of peppers including cayenne, jalapeno, habanero and serrano, as well as crazy-spicy varieties such as ghost and scorpion, is determined by the concentration of capsaicin. Along with providing these peppers with their kick, capsaicin is a compound with many potent therapeutic qualities.
Because of these qualities, and also the antioxidants found in the peppers themselves, chilis of all sorts have been used around the world for both culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.

The following are seven noted healing properties of spicy chili peppers: Cardiovascular perks
Chili peppers are well known to help increase circulation, and may also stabilize blood pressure. They may even help to remove existing arterial blockages. Cayenne pepper, for just one example, has been found to help improve cholesterol levels, detoxify the blood, clear arterial plaque, and supply vital nutrition to the heart.
Antioxidant richness
Aside from capsaicin, spicy peppers are rich in carotenoid and flavonoid antioxidants. These compounds, including beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body and is vital to immune system and eye health, fight inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body, thus lowering the risk of chronic illness.
Pain relieving qualities
Capsaicin, and especially cayenne pepper, have been found to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities in numerous studies. This compound has been found to help relieve back pain (http://www.thealternativedaily.com/chili-peppers-help-relieve-chronic-back-pain/), joint pain, arthritic pain, neuropathy, headache and migraine symptoms, and the itch of certain inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
Decongestant abilities
Don’t let cold and flu season take its toll on your sinuses – this year, get some organic cayenne pepper, for use in both teas and meals. Capsaicin can help to clear congestion and allow you to breathe easier, as it is thought to thin mucus and stimulate the sinuses. You may initially find that eating hot peppers makes your nose run and eyes water, but when you put down your tissue, you will feel worlds clearer.
Note: When adding cayenne pepper to teas, use caution! A quarter of a teaspoon is enough, and may even be a bit much for some individuals.
Amplified metabolism
Spicy foods are well-known to amplify metabolism. Not only can having some jalapeno salsa help you to burn more calories and shed pounds when you exercise, it may also help you to lose weight by curbing cravings. Researchers from Laval University in Quebec found that consuming cayenne pepper at breakfast-time made participants less hungry throughout the day, and therefore less likely to grab unhealthy snacks.
Improved digestion
It is a common – though false – myth that spicy food leads to digestive discomfort. In the cases that this does happen, it is likely because the individual ate something far too spicy for their comfort level, and their body was not acclimated to it. In fact, capsaicin is actually linked to repairing the stomach lining and aiding in healing ulcers.
Because capsaicin also stimulates intestinal movement (peristalsis), eating foods which contain it may also help to ease abdominal cramping and gas.
Cancer-busting potential
The antioxidants found in spicy peppers, including flavonoids and carotenoids, along with capsaicin itself, have been shown to have exciting anticarcinogenic promise. Some research has found lower instances of prostate cancer among individuals who eat chili peppers on a regular basis.
A study performed at Loma Linda University found that capsaicin may help prevent lung cancer in individuals who smoke, and a study performed by the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine linked chili pepper consumption to protection from colorectal cancer. And, these examples are just the tip of the iceberg.
If you’re a hot pepper newbie, remember to start slow! There is no health benefit to taking a bite of a habanero, or worse, a ghost pepper, and spending the next half hour writhing in pain. Start with less spicy peppers, such as jalapenos, and try to incorporate them into lunch or dinner, increasing the amount as your palate dictates. Using them in salsas and sauces is a great start.
Note: While spicy peppers have a great deal of benefits, always consult a health professional you trust before taking them in large doses, or to treat a specific condition. Foods are nature’s original medicine, and it is wise to approach them with respect.
-The Alternative Daily

Turkeys on Sale at Bottom Dollar...Spread the Word

Dealing with Menopause

Dealing with Menopause
	Menopause...just the sound of that word is scary for a lot of woman- especially the "pause" part. Don't get down about something that is a natural part of life for all women and don't press the pause button on life either. Embrace the course nature is taking you on and let Natural Solutions be apart of it with a few articles we thought might help you! And remember- not all women go through menopause at the same time- for some it can happen much earlier than others. But don't fret- we are here to help guide the way!
	The Big Bad Change
	Are you ready for the "great change of life"? Menopause is a phase all women will eventually endure, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're ready for it. Menopause significantly impacts a woman's daily life, and some begin to feel frustrated and helpless. Common symptoms such as sleep disruption, low sex drive, and night sweats begin to surface, leaving women feeling unnatural.
	A Guide to the Great Change
	If you have considered selling the home heating system at a yard sale, if you write your kids' names on post-it notes around the house, or if you define "a good time" as getting a few hours of uninterrupted sleep-it's time to face the music. You are menopausal! Besides the obvious physical differences between men and women, our true distinction lurks in the far corners of the mind, in the delicate balance between testosterone and estrogen. The distinction rears its ugly head in the form of erratic behaviors unfamiliar (and often unexplainable) to the opposite sex, often leaving them in a foggy bubble of self-conscious awareness. Mastering these hormones can work wonders for you and for your relationships. Even better, this can be done through a variety of natural, complementary methods.
	Feel Sexy and Healthy in Every Stage of Life
	It's natural that our bodies and brains change as we age. For many women, concerns associated with aging and menopause can range from wrinkles to energy levels to healthy sexual function. Studies show that women are more likely than men to be surprised by sexual challenges as the result of aging. Kathleen Van Kirk, PhD-known simply as Dr. Kat- is a renowned sexologist, marriage and family therapist, and expert consultant for Twinlab health and wellness products. She has helped thousands of people suffering from poor sexual health. Here, Dr. Kat offers information and practical advice to anyone looking to feel vibrant, sexy, and healthy-no matter what age!

Here’s What Really Happens to Your Body When You Skip Meals

You may think that you’re getting an edge on your weight loss goals, but you’re really working against yourself. So many of us skip meals in an effort to cut back on calories, but the end result is never positive.
It may just be that you skip meals because you run out of time, but preparing healthy meals can benefit you in so many ways. Let’s start by understanding what happens to your body when you skip meals.
There are the obvious issues that come about when you skip a meal – loss of energy and focus, lethargy, and that weak and even dizzy feeling. The cost of skipping a meal doesn’t just hit you physically but it can carry into mental and emotional issues.

You can feel the effects when you are unable to carry out your daily tasks with the energy you need. These are the things you can actually feel firsthand – but what is happening within your body is silent but much worse!

There Is A Lot Going On Behind The Scenes
When you skip a meal it starts to cause your hormones to become imbalanced. Sure one meal won’t cause much harm, but when you continue to skip meals over a prolonged period of time this really causes some dramatic effects internally. Not only is there significant hormonal imbalance, but you are also affecting your metabolism and the fundamental processes within the body.
When you skip a meal it triggers something within the brain – and this starts a process to try and save you, a sort of “feast or famine” type of effect. The brain sends signals to the rest of your body that you are starving, and it goes to work to save you in “starvation mode”. This is a natural process and actually a good thing, but not so great for weight loss.

Your Body Tries To Protect You But You Won’t Like The Impact
This process happens silently within the body and helps to keep you from starving to death. So the body will hold on to everything you eat and store it as fat.
This is all in an effort to keep you from starving, as it’s what the body is supposed to do. The end result? You will likely end up gaining weight since your body is in fat storage mode.
So, while skipping a meal may sound like a great idea to cut back on calories or eat less throughout the day, you are ultimately working against yourself. You will find that you can’t make it through the day with the energy that you need, but you will also find that in the long term your metabolism stops working the way it should.

There are some really serious impacts to be felt if you continue to skip meals, so take the time to prepare healthy meals and this will keep you going strong now and in the long term.
-The Alternative Daily

5 Great Reasons To Drop 10 Pounds Even If You Are Not Obese

It’s no surprise that losing weight will help you to look and feel better. It can improve blood pressure, lower cholesterol and lower your risk of developing diabetes. You may be surprised to learn that even people who are not obese can improve many areas of their lives by losing up to ten pounds.

Better Sex
It’s true, losing weight can improve your sex life. Dropping even ten pounds can stimulate an increase of the sex hormone testosterone. Also, a higher quantity of body fat leads to increased levels of the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) that binds itself to testosterone and decreases sexual desire.

Exercising to lose weight also brings the bonus of increasing blood flow to the pelvic area. This is particularly beneficial to women as it increases natural lubrication, helps heighten arousal and improves the chances for orgasm. A low-carb diet will also help by controlling blood sugar. Large fluctuations in blood sugar levels can lead to blood vessel and nerve damage, which could, in turn, hamper sexual performance and enjoyment.

Sleep Better
According to a Johns Hopkins study, it was discovered that losing belly fat significantly improved the quality of sleep of the subjects in the study. The findings suggest this was true whether the weight loss was from diet and exercise or just dietary changes alone.
Weight loss has also been linked to a decrease in sleep apnea, snoring and other sleep disorders. Not surprisingly, regular exercise has been proven to improve the quality of sleep as well.

More Memory
Losing weight can help you think better. In a Kent State University study it was found that significant weight loss after bariatric surgery was linked to a marked improvement of many cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration.
It is also believed that conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea may cause damage to the brain that can be corrected if those conditions are brought under control through weight loss.
Less Joint Pain
Joint pain is directly affected by body weight. Everyday movements like walking, taking the stairs, or climbing out of vehicles can place three to five times a person’s actual body weight onto their joints. The good news is that every pound of weight lost removes three pounds of stress from the knees, as well as six pounds of tension in the hips. Less body weight on the joints can also reduce the continued progression of wear and tear to them.

Prevent Cancer
According to recent studies, excesses in body weight have been linked to at least one out of five of all cancer-related deaths. Belly fat in particular, whether obese or not, is directly connected to higher risks of rectal and colon cancers. Belly fat may also be a contributing factor to higher incidences of pancreatic, breast and endometrial cancers. Excess body fat is also believed to have an impact on the functions of the immune system, as well as causing inflammation and disrupting hormone levels, particularly estrogen and insulin.
-The Alternative Daily

Know-gurt: A Guide to Probiotics and Yogurt

• By Barbara Sadick | Medically reviewed by Farrokh Sohrabi, MD

There are a lot of claims about the benefits of probiotics and live cultures found in yogurts. Find out if yogurt can help your digestion stay on track.

 Yogurt may help your digestive tract remain healthy however, not all yogurts have equal benefits. The number of choices in the dairy section of your supermarket can be overwhelming — low fat, non-fat, light, fiber-added, Greek, Swiss, whipped, drinkable, organic, frozen yogurt — making it hard to recognize which have health and digestive tract benefits and which don’t.

Yogurt is a cultured or fermented milk product that is soured and thickened by adding specific lactic acid-producing cultures to milk. The basic cultures or probiotics used to make yogurt are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Additional probiotics are often added. Common ones are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidus, all of which may help to maintain the balance of bacteria needed to boost the immune system and promote a healthy digestive tract.

 

Evidence is mounting that bacteria are critical to maintaining normal gastrointestinal and immune system function. Sonya Angelone, MS, RDN, CLT, San Francisco-based nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said. 70 percent of a person’s immune system is in the gut; “Healthy bacteria, such as the probiotics found in healthy yogurt, are the gut’s first line of defense," she said.

The American Gastrointestinal Association recommends yogurt for digestive health and to ease constipation, diarrhea, and other intestinal problems. A study published in the February 2009 issue of the Journal of Digestive Diseases found that probiotics help improve lactose digestion, prevent constipation, and irregularity, and may have healing effects on the intestinal tract.
Perhaps skewing the results, studies on the digestive benefits of yogurt are funded mostly by yogurt companies. It’s clear, though, that one of the best and most available ways to regularly get probiotics is by eating yogurt. When high concentrations are needed, your doctor may give you a prescription for probiotic pills.

Live and Active Cultures in Yogurt

Probiotics are living microorganisms that help stop bad or undesirable bacteria from overgrowing in the gut. They may help fight diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and colon diseases.
If you’re buying yogurt for its health benefits, no matter what its base ingredient, the key to making the right choice is being sure it contains live and active cultures. The label on the container will tell you what probiotics are in the yogurt. Some yogurts carry the National Yogurt Association’s (NYA) “Live and Active Culture” seal, but if that label is not on the container, look at the ingredient panel.
“Yogurt is a healthy addition to the diet because it contains calcium, protein, and active cultures,” said Lori Rosenthal, MS, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian in the department of surgery at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York. "But it’s not a major cure-all for GI disorders because it just doesn’t have enough cultures to fight serious problems.”

Yogurt Standards

The NYA has established standards for probiotics. For yogurt to be healthy, it must have at least 100 million cultures per gram at the time of manufacture. Frozen yogurt must contain 10 million cultures per gram. If these minimums are met, the Live and Active Cultures seal may be on the label.

Traditional Yogurt

You'll find traditional yogurt in numerous brands and even more flavors. When choosing yogurt, look at calories, fat, and sugar content as well as important nutrients, like calcium. A non-fat or low-fat (2 percent) plain, unflavored yogurt with vitamin D and at least 200 mg of calcium is the healthiest choice.

Beware of processed sugars — they’re unhealthy and can cause inflammation, said Rosenthal. Sugar should be less than 15 grams per serving. Keep in mind that yogurt with fruit (whether on the bottom or mixed in) is going to be higher in sugar. Rosenthal suggested buying plain yogurt and adding in your own fresh fruit. Stay away from yogurts with high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners; added sugar alcohol is intended to keep calories low, but it's also unhealthy and should be avoided, she added.
The liquid found on the top of a container of yogurt is whey and can be mixed back into the yogurt. Either way, it’s a source of calcium and you want to eat it. A good traditional yogurt should contain 30 to 50 percent of your daily calcium requirement.
If you see the words heat-treated, steer clear. That signals that the live and active bacteria that help replenish bacteria in the digestive tract have been killed.

Greek Yogurt

The difference between traditional and Greek yogurt is in the processing. Greek yogurt is strained three times instead of twice, giving it a creamier texture. The whey is removed in the straining process and, as a result, a serving may only provide about 25 percent or less of your daily calcium needs. On the plus side, Greek yogurt often has more protein grams per serving. Always check labels to find out what cultures have been added.

Frozen Yogurt

Some frozen yogurts have no live and active cultures, so while they taste good, they won't benefit digestion. However, if probiotics are in the yogurt, the freezing process won’t kill them. It will simply put them into a dormant state until warmed and eaten. Again, if in doubt, look for the words Live and Active Cultures.

Soy Yogurt

Soy-based yogurt is a good alternative for vegetarians and vegans who don’t eat dairy. The amounts of protein, calories, and probiotics are similar to other yogurts, providing healthy additions to the digestive tract.

Yogurt: Other Blends

Whipped yogurts are expensive and have less protein than regular yogurt. Yogurt drinks are an option, but contain higher levels of sugar, and yogurt-covered snacks are loaded with sugar and calories and have no beneficial contents.
Yogurt should be part of a regular, healthy diet. “For a healthy person,” said Angelone, “yogurt can help maintain a healthy digestive tract, but when somebody has a medical condition or is taking antibiotics, it won’t hurt, but it just may not be enough.”

FACC Community Dinner

Come out and show your support for our community!!!

 

Beautiful Christmas production! Great for families!

Beautiful Christmas production! Great for families!

Fountain of Life Center
2035 Columbus Rd
Burlington, NJ 08016

Tickets from $1.00! Highest ticket is $10!

A Christmas Celebration Showtimes

2014 Christmas Celebration Showtimes

Visit "Christmas Celebration" Website

Friday, December 12:			7:30pm
Saturday, December 13:	11:00am	3:00pm
Sunday, December 14:		4:00pm
Thursday, December 18:			7:30pm
Friday, December 19:			7:30pm
Saturday, December 20:		3:00pm	7:00pm
Sunday, December 21:		4:00pm

Top 5 Reasons to Eat More Pomegranates

Did you know that November is National Pomegranate Month? If you’ve never tried this exotic fruit, now might be a good time. Pomegranates have a tough outer layer, with the only edible parts being the juice and the seeds. Fresh pomegranates can be purchased in most grocery stores from September through January.
One of the oldest known fruits, found in writings and artifacts of many cultures and religions, the pomegranate is also one of the healthiest fruits, nutrient-dense, packed with antioxidants and revered as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life.
Here are just five reasons to eat pomegranates this month, and anytime they’re available.

Lowers cholesterol and reduces other heart disease risk factors Studies have shown that pomegranate juice can reduce the size of atherosclerotic lesions in vessels, as well as reduce lipid peroxidation, which is believed to precipitate arteriosclerosis. In humans just 50 ml, or a little less than two ounces, of pomegranate juice daily inhibited lipid peroxidation by 32 percent. Pomegranate juice also decreased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in a population of diabetic patients.
Previous research has found that the potent antioxidant compounds found in pomegranates have the ability to reduce platelet aggregation and naturally lower blood pressure, factors that prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Anti-cancer benefits
Pomegranates have been shown to inhibit breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, leukemia and to prevent vascular changes that promote tumor growth in lab animals. In a 2009 study, men who had previous surgery or radiation for prostate cancer and had a rising PSA test were given 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily. After 13 months, 35 percent demonstrated decreased PSA levels.
Supporting joint health and reducing the pain of arthritis
The antioxidants in pomegranates may help to reduce inflammation that contributes to cartilage damage in the joints, a key factor in the pain and stiffness felt by many osteoarthritis sufferers, according to research published in the Israeli Medical Association Journal.
Anti-aging
As pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, particularly ellagitannin compounds like punicalagins, they’re known to help the body resist cellular damage and aging caused by everyday exposure to pollutants.
Battling depression
Due to the potent phytochemical compounds found in pomegranates, the fruit is even known to positively affect the brain’s estrogen and serotonin receptors, reducing the feelings of hopelessness or depression. A study conducted by Japanese researchers found that administering pomegranate extract to a group of rats whose ovaries had been removed seemed to lower their indicators for depression as well as anxiety.
One problem with pomegranates is the perception that they’re difficult to eat. The easiest way to get to the juicy, edible seeds is to cut the “crown” off the pomegranate. Next, score the outer rind into sections. Soak the pomegranate in a large bowl of water for a few minutes. While holding it under water, break the rind sections apart. Roll out the arils, the delicious part covering the seeds, with your fingers. The arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl and the membrane and rind will float. Strain the arils from the water. They can be eaten fresh or used in used in all types of recipes, such as salads, dressings, sauces, stews and desserts.
-The Alternative Daily

The Best and Worst Ways to Eat Fish

You’ve probably heard that eating fish is good for you – it’s been linked to a reduced risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, heart disease and even depression, but whether or not you’re reaping those benefits depends on how that fish is prepared.
A study out of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that those who ate fish on a regular basis had larger brain volumes in regions associated with memory and cognition, but only if the fish was eaten baked or broiled, and not fried.
Fried fish not only contains a lot more calories which means it’s a quick way to a thicker waistline, but items like fried shrimp at fast food and lower priced restaurants are typically fried in shortening, liquid vegetable oils or margarine which will give you a hefty dose of trans fat – one of the worst things you can put into your body.

Unlike other dietary fats, trans fat raises your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol and lowers HDL, or “good” cholesterol. This results in a greater risk of heart attack and stroke in addition to many other negative health effects including prostate and breast cancer risk. It’s also believed to increase weight gain by favoring abdominal fat deposition and increasing the risk of obesity as well as type-2 diabetes. A typical order of fried clams at chains like Red Lobster, contains 50 grams of fat – roughly ten of them trans fat.
The best way to eat fish, if you’re concerned about your health and well-being, is baked or broiled. When preparing it at home, you’ll be in control of the ingredients you use, and there are lots of healthy, delicious options to consider.
Before baking or broiling, brush fish filets with coconut oil. After it’s cooked add more flavor and nutrients by topping it with diced avocado and finely chopped nuts, or drizzle it with tahini.
Using herbs and spices packs a punch when it comes to flavor as well as health benefits. Some tasty options include combining cilantro and black pepper; minced garlic with fresh grated ginger, ground turmeric and crushed red pepper; lemon peel, fresh squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic.
Wild-caught salmon is one of the healthiest types of fish you can enjoy and it offers so much flavor, little else needs to be added. Just squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top and enjoy.
-The Alternative Daily

The Truth About Peanut Butter and Jelly

The classic peanut butter and jelly. Many Americans grew up eating this famous sandwich at least a couple times a week, if not every day. It is one of the most common items to be found in a lunchbox or brown paper bag, and remains a favorite of children and numerous adults to this day.
However, while peanuts do have their health perks, many peanut butter brands you’ll find on store shelves are lacking in the nutrition department. Also, when it comes to jelly… well, there are MUCH healthier, delicious pairings you can make with peanut butter.
Here’s a brief rundown:

Conventional peanut butters – beware If you look at the labels of those jars of creamy or chunky peanut butter, you’ll likely find many other ingredients besides peanuts, oil and salt. Many peanut butter brands are chock-full of sugar, which is a main player in obesity, type 2 diabetes and rising rates of other chronic illnesses. It is a known immune system suppressant, and is also linked to depression and certain cancers.
Furthermore, many peanut butters are made with soybean oil – which is likely derived from genetically modified soybeans. And, if the product in question says “peanut butter spread,” there are likely a host of preservatives and other additives in the mix.
Real peanut butter – enjoy, but in moderation
Peanuts – which are actually legumes and not nuts – are rich in B-vitamins, vitamin E, and many minerals, including copper, manganese and phosphorus. They also contain numerous antioxidants, including the longevity-linked flavonoid resveratrol, and heart-healthy CoQ10. For this reason, real, organic peanut butter – made with organic peanuts, a high-quality oil and sea salt – can be a great and healthy treat.
However, peanuts do contain natural aflatoxins, which are linked to stunting growth in children at high blood levels. So, although it is tasty, keep the amounts moderate, especially for the little ones.
As even organic peanut butters may contain contaminants, which can be picked up during manufacture and packaging, your best bet is to make your own! The following recipe can be made with peanuts, or any raw, organic nuts that you roast yourself at home. Try almond butter, or sunflower seed butter, for just a couple options.
Homemade Nut Butter
Ingredients:

• 2 cups of shelled, raw and roasted organic peanuts or nuts of your choice
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• A pinch of Himalayan salt

Instructions:

1. Use the food processor blade in your blender to chop the peanuts
2. Blend in the oil and mix again
3. Add a touch of Himalayan salt and a touch of coconut crystals to taste
4. Store in the refrigerator or freeze (it will keep forever in the freezer)

What about jelly?
The overwhelming majority of jellies and jams on the market are brimming with sugar. For example, in the case of Smucker’s Concord Grape Jelly, there are 12 grams of sugar per tablespoon. Also, a look at the ingredient label will tell you that most of this is in the form of high fructose corn syrup.
This artificial type of sugar, common in processed foods, contains an imbalanced glucose to fructose ratio. Due to its structure, it is absorbed directly by the liver, where it is stored as fat. High fructose corn syrup is linked to weight gain, fatty liver, inflammation, spikes in blood sugar and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. It has also been found to be highly addictive, and carries all of the other health ills of refined sugar.
One more thing: most jellies and jams use fruit juices, not real fruits – adding to the sugar content, and lowering the nutritional content.
While it is possible to make your own sugar-free jellies and jams at home, using substitutes like raw honey, stevia and molasses, instead, check out our delicious pairing ideas below.
Some great peanut butter (or other nut butter) pairings
Fresh fruit
Along with the well-known peanut butter and banana, many fruits pair marvelously well with peanut butter. Try some sliced apples, kiwi, dates, apricots or strawberries – or any of your favorite fruits – and you will be enjoying the crisp sweetness of the fruit, without all of the sugar of a jelly.
Raw honey
Peanut butter and honey is a yummy combination, indeed. Additionally, enjoying local, raw honey may help to desensitize you to allergens in your area, making those itchy eyes and runny noses a thing of the past. Honey has also been found to have significant effects in fighting colds and seasonal illnesses, and is laden with antioxidants to nourish optimal health.
Pickles
Peanut butter and pickle is a combo loved by some, and detested by others. If this pair is one you enjoy, good news: pickles can provide a number of benefits, considering they are fermented. Choose an organic pickle variety which has been fermented (some have, some have not – check the label or call the manufacturer), and you will be providing your body with probiotics – which are imperative to both digestive health and the health of the immune system.
One more thing: ditch the whole wheat bread!
Instead of making your sandwich on wheat bread, it may be worthwhile to try a gluten-free bread, or wrap, instead. Even if you are not intolerant to gluten – and many people are and do not know it – modern wheat has been linked to inflammation, addictive qualities, spikes in blood sugar and other dangers. So, if you want a truly healthy sandwich, it is not the way to go.
Is it time for lunch yet?
-The Alternative Daily

One Stop Shop for the Homeless

Another great article from One Step Away

One Step Away - Solving Chronic Homelessness

One Step Away is a publication that helps the homeless become self sufficient again. 

Had to share this article.

Job Posting Job Developer/Coach

 

The Associated Services for the Blind is currently looking to fill the position of Job Developer/ Coach.

Resumes should be sent directly to TMcGovern@asb.org for consideration.

Keeping Families Healthy

Parenting Plus Workshop

State of Young Philly

Join us for State of Young Philly and  #SOYPChat!

Young Involved Philadelphia’s State of Young Philly kicks off this week with a Civic Engagement Fair at Impact Hub Philly this Friday. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and greet with more than 30 organizations  (including Generocity.org!) representing the most innovative nonprofit, governmental and advocacy groups in Philadelphia.

Then next week, we’ll be hosting a series of three lunchtime Twitter chats. These chats will focus around some of the key areas Generocity.org (@Generocity on Twitter) focuses it’s content on: education, arts + culture, and sustainability. Here’s the schedule:

Tuesday 11/18, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Let’s talk about Education: How can education organizations collaborate more?
Wednesday 11/19, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Let’s talk about Arts + Culture: How can the arts inspire social impact?
Thursday 11/20, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Let’s talk about Sustainability: How can we make sustainability a part of our daily lives?

Users can participate in the conversation using #SOYPChat. Generocity.org will also invite chat participants to answer the question “What do you think is impacting Philly?” and throughout the week. Find more information about the chats athttp://www.generocity.org/soyp/.

Let everyone know you’ll be joining us for the chats by tweeting:
Use #SOYPChat to join @Generocity’s #SOYP14 twitter chats on Nov 18, 19 + 20 about education, arts + sustainability http://gnrcty.org/soyp14

Have a suggestion for a question and/or a specific topic for the #SOYPChat? Send me an email at kristen@generocity.org!

Cheese and Nightmares – Is There a Connection?

There has been an old wive’s tale in existence for generations which states that eating cheese before bedtime can lead to nightmares. It obviously sounds outlandish, but is this really all a bunch of baloney, or is there some truth to it? A team of researchers with the British Cheese Board decided to find out.
While the Board concluded that cheese did not, in fact, lead to nightmares in study participants, they did arrive upon some very interesting results – different cheeses seemed to affect the types of dreams that participants experienced.
The study, known as the Cheese & Dreams study, consisted of 200 individuals, 100 male and 100 female, who were all given 20 grams of cheese half an hour before they went to bed. Six cheese types were used, and participants were assigned to a specific type. The study lasted for one week, and during this week, participants were asked to record their dreams, as well as to note the quality of their sleep.

From the study, the researchers found that 72 percent of the participants reported sleeping well each night, and that none of them experienced nightmares during the study. Regarding the ability of cheese to promote a better night’s sleep, Nigel White, secretary of the British Cheese Board, stated: “The science of that, we think, is that there is an essential amino acid in milk called tryptophan. Now, tryptophan is known to be something which is helpful in normalising sleep and reducing stress levels. That seemed to make sense to us. What was really wacky was that the type of cheese that people were eating seemed to give them different types of dreams.”
For just a few examples, female volunteers reported relaxing, pleasant dreams after eating British Brie. However, men who ate this cheese reported dreams that were cryptic in nature. Both males and females reported a restful night’s sleep after eating Red Leicester – 60 percent of the participants reported that they dreamt of happy childhood memories. Eating Cheshire cheese was associated with nice sleep and minimal dreams, and Stilton induced vivid, off-the-wall dreams in 85 percent of female volunteers.
Dreams aside, eating cheese can be a highly healthy experience – provided you choose the right type. Even if you stay away from processed cheese products – which are laden with chemicals and are not at all the same as real cheese – most conventional cheeses on the market are made with milk from GMO-fed cows.
However, if you choose real, organic cheese, preferably made by a local artisan, you can hit the jackpot in both flavor and nutrition. Real cheese contains protein and calcium, as well as vitamins A, B2, B12 and D. It also boasts minerals including magnesium and phosphorus.
So, to test out whether the results of this zany study may apply to you, why not try it? Enjoy a piece of your favorite organic cheese before bedtime, keep a dream journal handy, and see if your dreams get a little crazy with Stilton too!
-The Alternative Daily

Job Posting - Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant

Description: The Barnes Foundation is seeking an Executive Assistant to provide administrative, project management and budget preparation and tracking support to two Senior Vice Presidents: External Affairs and Communications.

Established as an educational institution the Barnes Foundation carries out its mission by promoting appreciation of the arts and horticultural science, through the preservation, presentation, and interpretation of the collections of Albert C. and Laura L. Barnes.

Celebrated for its exceptional breadth, depth, and quality, the Barnes Foundation's art collection includes works by some of the greatest European and American masters of impressionism, post-impressionist, and early modern art, as well as African sculpture, Pennsylvania German decorative arts, Native American textiles, metalwork, and more. The 12-acre Arboretum contains over 3,000 species of woody plants and trees.

The Foundation engages diverse audiences through its exceptional collections and related high-quality programs that reflect a broad range of periods and cultures and build on the founders’ innovative educational vision of transforming lives through the arts and horticulture.

               

Responsibilities:

·         Demonstrates highest standards of discretion and trustworthiness in the handling of sensitive and highly confidential situations, communications and documents.

• Demonstrates a broad range of interpersonal skills necessary to communicate across all levels of the institution, demonstrating highest standards of professionalism, protocol awareness, and customer service in dealings with trustees, members and VIP guests; regional, national and international leaders of museums, educational institutions and governments; local and regional partners; the Barnes staff, volunteers, interns, vendors; and the general public. 
• Performs day-to-day administrative activities for members of the Executive Staff, including correspondence; scheduling and coordinating board, executive, team meetings and general office meetings; answering phones, making travel arrangements, preparing expense reports, delivering messages and handling mail.
• Coordinates and manages the business calendars of the assigned executives.
• Proactively organizes briefing materials in advance of scheduled meetings, and drafts agendas based on outstanding or new business.  Records minutes and distributes action items.  Retrieves materials post-meeting and files or shreds.

·         Generates and distributes to staff, and more broadly as required, notes of meetings, correspondence, internal reports, official external communications and other documents.

• Organizes and installs electronic and hard-copy filing systems for working documents related to high priority projects; separates out permanent documents related to the same projects for electronic and hard-copy permanent files.

·         Maintains files, databases, and spreadsheets relative to business demands.

• Organizes tracks and culls electronic files for assigned executives.

·         Organizes and expedites administrative workflow and special projects.

·         Assists in the preparation, monitoring, and reconciliation (with Finance) of departmental annual operating budgets and other project budgets. 

·         Works independently and within a team on special, not-recurring and ongoing projects.

·         Performs other duties as requested.

Skills and Knowledge:

• 4-year degree

·         Five years administrative assistant experience supporting senior level management

·         Superior computer skills, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Excellent writing, spelling, and grammar skills
• Proficiency in proofreading; ability to edit documents
• Flexible, with strong organizational skills
• Sound judgment and ability to work independently to identify priorities, handle multiple issues simultaneously, and meet deadlines
• Professional and courteous demeanor and the ability to handle confidential information

Competitive Benefits Include: Group health and dental insurance; flexible spending accounts; short and long term disability and group life insurance; 403(b) with matching contributions; Employee Assistance Program; voluntary benefits; as well as paid vacation, personal time, sick time and holidays.

To Apply: Please apply online:

https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=barnesf&jobId=17861&lang=en_US

Please create a single document that includes your cover letter, resume and three professional references to upload with your application. Applications that fail to fulfill this requirement will not be accepted.

The Barnes Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. We participate in E-Verify.