5D Theatre and Bible Training for Families!!!

Reminder - Community Picnic and Back-to-School Celebration!!!

Community picnic and back-to-school celebration Saturday, Sept. 12 Residents of all ages from across the 164th Legislative District are invited to my fifth annual community picnic and back-to-school celebration, which will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Second Ward Playground, Church Lane at Greenwood Avenue, Upper Darby. We'll have free barbecue and drinks, family games and entertainment and resources and information for students and families. The event will also include a book bag and school supplies giveaway for students, but pre-registration is REQUIRED for the book bags and is first-come, first-served while supplies last. Please pre-register as soon as possible. To pre-register, call 610-259-7016, email arice@pahouse.net or stop by my office in the Barclay Square Shopping Center, 1500 Garrett Road, Upper Darby. Each year since 2011, we have given away over 500 book bags and school supplies to children in the 164th District thanks to the generous support of a host of sponsors. Also, for the second year in a row, the picnic will kick off with a parade that will run through Yeadon, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, and will end at the Second Ward Playground in Upper Darby. The parade, sponsored in part by the Will and Jada Smith Foundation, begins at 2 p.m. on Union Avenue in Yeadon. I hope to see you September 12!

Rep. Margo Davidson D-164th District Delaware County website

PA House of Representatives Democratic Caucus PO Box 202250 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2250

Visit this page to manage your email preferences OR to unsubscribe from all mailings.

Job Postings - Jobs at Nemours, Main Line Health, Thermo Fisher Scientific and more

 

Integrated Facility Design Manager, Health System, Days  Nemours - Wilmington (DE)

Distribution Project Manager  Thermo Fisher Scientific - Allentown (PA)

Clinical Data Specialist (SCCJU)  PMHCC - Philadelphia (PA)

Data Entry Position  Linda's Stuff, Inc. - Hatboro (PA)

Business Process Consultant  DuPont - Wilmington (DE)

Scheduler, Business Services, 10am-6:30pm, Mon-Fri  Abington Memorial Hospital - Abington (PA)

Strategic Sourcing Partner Job  VWR - Radnor (PA)

Technology Summer Intern - Horsham, PA - June 2016  UnitedHealth Group - Horsham (PA)

Business Office Associate  Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries - Topton (PA)

Com_Reclaims/Damage Clerk - 7422- B1  Walmart - Bethlehem (PA)

Logistics Communications Coordinator  Cowan Systems, LLC - Delran (NJ)

Administrative Assistant Trauma  Main Line Health - Wynnewood (PA)

9 Ways to Flush Away Toxins with Lemons

Lemons are one of nature’s best sources of vitamin C, which provides a variety of health benefits for the body. Vitamin C aids in cellular detoxification and contains enzymes that assist with metabolic and organ function. It also clears waste from the digestive tract and enhances immune health. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of certain hormones and even enhances energy levels.
Because lemons contain very little fructose (fruit sugar), they’re also very easy to digest and do not cause bloating. In fact, lemons can actually reduce bloating because they are a natural diuretic and contain so many natural enzymes. Drinking lemon water is essentially the simplest way to take advantage of this fruit’s benefits.
And it doesn’t end there — let’s take a look at some other ways that you can reap this citrus gem’s therapeutic value. Easy ways to use lemons to detox the body
Make a superfood tonic
If you’re tired of plain lemon water, make a cleansing tonic with lemons, honey, cayenne, water and apple cider vinegar. Here’s how to make it:

• Pour four ounces of cold filtered water into a glass jar, add two or three cubes of ice, the juice from one lemon, a 1/2 teaspoon of honey, a tiny dash of cayenne pepper, and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

This tonic has a variety of benefits: the vitamin C in the lemon juice boosts the immune system; the probiotics, prebiotics and enzymes in the apple cider vinegar aid digestion; the honey offers antifungal and antibacterial properties; and the cayenne pepper is naturally cleansing.
Drink it before a workout or within the first 30 minutes of waking. If you need to add a little more sweetener, add some raw honey.
Use it as a salad dressing
My favorite way to make a healthy salad dressing is to simply mix the juice of two lemons with a pinch of black pepper and a touch of raw honey. I sometimes also like to add apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs like parsley and oregano. Using lemons as the base for a salad dressing adds a lot of flavor to your salads without the need for unhealthy dressings or heavy oils. This tasty dressing is a wonderful digestive aid and will enhance the taste of salad greens.
Add it to a smoothie
If you enjoy making smoothies, then you’ll love this trick: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into your smoothie and blend as normal. It not only brings out the sweetness of berries and even greens, but it also promotes healthy digestion and boosts metabolism.
Juice with it
Green juice is a nice way to add essential nutrients to your diet. Use plenty of leafy greens, and if you wish to add a little fruit, try berries, apple or citrus.
Including mostly greens in your juice will help to avoid a spike in blood sugar. You can also add a whole lemon and a piece of ginger. This will give your juice a nice lemon-ginger flavor that will reduce the bitterness of the greens, as well as enhance its cleansing properties.
Make a lemon-ginger shot
You may not wish to juice greens every day, so try making a lemon-ginger shot in your juicer instead. Juice two lemons and one or two inches of ginger root. Toss in some cayenne pepper if you like, and enjoy this digestion-boosting, cleansing drink. It’s also a great way to combat the cold and flu since both lemon and ginger provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Add a dash of turmeric for even more health benefits.
Drink lemon-cucumber water
Another way to make lemon water more exciting is to enhance it with cucumber and perhaps some fresh mint. Steep a couple of frozen slices of cucumber (which act as ice) with the juice of one lemon, rinsed lemon peel and a fresh mint leaf. Drink this refreshing tonic that will leave you with a flat belly and a naturally cleansed feeling all day long.
Add it to herbal tea
Dandelion, peppermint, fennel, chamomile, rooibos and spearmint are just some of the most popular and powerful teas. One way to enhance herbal tea is to add the juice of a lemon before you drink it. If you need more sweetness, go with a touch of raw honey or a drop of pure liquid stevia. Enjoy hot or cold for digestive wellness after a meal or throughout the day.
Pair it with green tea
Lemon makes green tea taste great, and it also enhances its cleansing properties. The antioxidants known as catechins in green tea will be better absorbed due to the natural enzymes that lemons contain. Lemons and green tea are also two excellent remedies for stress, so pairing them together is the perfect way to take care of yourself when the going gets tough!
Squeeze it on your veggies
Whether you eat them cooked or raw, try eating your veggies with a squeeze of lemon on top.
Lemon juice not only enhances the taste of veggies but also aids in digestion. Since some vegetables can be hard for the body to break down, this is a simple and effective way to give your tummy some assistance without much work. You’ll also love the flavor!
These are just some of the simplest ways to use lemon to help with natural detoxification. If you would like to learn more, see these 21 ways to use lemons in and out of the kitchen.
Buying and storage tips:
Be sure to buy organic lemons when you can and rinse them before use. Also look for those that are somewhat firm in texture since softness can mean they are over-ripe. Lemons should be bright yellow and free from brown and moldy spots.
Store your lemons in the fridge inside the crisper drawer to help them last longer, or store them on the coldest shelf in your fridge, not on the counter where heat and sunlight can cause them to spoil more quickly.
Be sure to take advantage of the naturally detoxifying properties of lemons more often. Lemons are so versatile, why not make use of them whenever you can! Do you have a favorite way to use lemons to enhance your health?

Battle the Bulge with These 5 Powerful Green Foods That Taste Delicious!

Adding leafy greens and green vegetables to a healthy diet is a simple, delicious and effective way to battle the bulge. While they won’t counteract the negative effects of an unhealthy diet, veggies and leafy greens — when combined with a healthy diet — can assist your weight-loss efforts by nourishing the body on a cellular level.

Nutritional benefits in green produce that help with weight loss
Leafy greens and green veggies are packed with fiber, which keeps you feeling full because it takes longer to be digested. In the digestive process, fiber promotes good bacteria in the gut, sweeps out bad bacteria, while adding few calories! But what’s more important than calories is quality; the nutritional quality in leafy greens and green vegetables surpasses that of all other foods. Green produce contains amino acids, necessary vitamins and minerals, and the alkaline nutrient known as chlorophyll. Chlorophyll reduces cravings for unhealthy foods, and also helps reduce inflammation in the body, both of which can help with weight loss. Here are five of the top choices from the green kingdom and how to enjoy them throughout the day… it’s not all salads and crudités!
Spinach
Spinach is one of the most nutritionally dense options you can choose. It contains five grams of protein per cup, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, zinc and calcium, which together support metabolism, mood, bone health, blood sugar and the nervous system. Use baby spinach in a smoothie, salad, or in an omelet for breakfast. This green provides a sweet and hearty flavor that can’t be beat!
Kale
Kale isn’t just great for fighting off disease, it’s also a great option if you’re trying to drop a few pounds. Replacing the starches in your diet with kale is a great way to train your body to enjoy more greens. Cook kale, garlic and onions together in some coconut aminos for a delicious side dish in place of grains and bread — you’ll drop a few pounds in no time!
Swiss chard
This robust, tall leafy green nearly shouts how good it is for us. Swiss chard is packed with one of the most important minerals for a healthy nervous system and balanced blood sugar levels: magnesium. It’s also a great source of B vitamins and chlorophyll. Try using Swiss chard in smoothies, cut into strips for soups and salads, or even in omelets and frittatas.
Broccoli and broccolini
Both of these veggies are great sources of vitamin B6, calcium, amino acids (protein), and ample amounts of chlorophyll to fight inflammation. Just avoid eating these veggies raw as they contain a sulfuric compound that can be hard to digest, but which dissipates during cooking. Steam broccoli with some grass-fed butter or ghee, cook it in a skillet with some onions or garlic, or even roast it with some coconut oil and sweet potatoes for a delicious, lean side for dinner!
Asparagus
Last but not least, let’s talk about a veggie that’s not just low in calories and high in fiber, it’s great for your gut, brain and kidney health too. Asparagus is high in prebiotics, which feed good bacteria in the body. It’s also a natural diuretic to help you shed unwanted water weight, and it has high amounts of potassium for your blood pressure and joint health. Finally, asparagus is packed with two B vitamins necessary for metabolism and mood: folate and vitamin B6. Grill it, steam it, or nosh on it raw — either way, this veggie is a fabulous choice for your weight with four grams of fiber and four grams of protein per cup.
Remember that healthy weight loss is more about eating quality food than it is about counting calories. Be sure to include all types of green produce, lean proteins, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats for the best way to manage your weight the natural, healthy way.
How might these green foods benefit other parts of our health aside from just weight loss?
—The Alternative Daily

Job Posting - CNA

Attentive Home Care currently has the following positions available. 

Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)

Certified Homecare Aide

Companion

To apply, please fill out an application in person at:

Multicultural Community Family Services, Inc
7016 Terminal Square, Suite 1-A
Upper Darby, PA 19082

Attentive Home Care is an equal opportunity employer.

4 Nuts That Cut Your Heart Disease Risk

Recently, I set up an experiment in a grocery store. I placed four nut mixes on a shelf. Each was labeled differently. One promoted men’s health. Another was labeled as a heart-healthy mix, while a third was just a wholesome nut mix. Finally, the fourth one made no claims at all regarding health; it was just labeled as a deluxe combination of nuts.
I consider myself an amateur when it comes to nuts, I asked passing customers which one was best and why. The responses were as variable as the people.
One man said, “You are a man and one is for men’s health, so you should choose that one.” I asked why it might help me as a man, and he said because it was a great source of fiber. (Looking back, I’m not sure it’s ever a good idea to rely on a guy in a grocery store to recommend that you take more fiber.)
Another shopper recommended the heart-healthy mix. When I asked why, she said because it has more walnuts and pistachios and they are good for the heart.
My experiment seemed to fizzle when an authoritative elderly man joined the discussion. He said we were all wrong and that only raw nuts were healthy. He was not amused when I asked if he thought it was okay if I met my daily nut needs by eating a candy bar.

A Heart-Healthy Passion for Nuts

I learned a few things about nuts and people. First, some people are very passionate about their nuts. Also, people seem to feel peanuts are the least healthy nuts and perceive them as degrading a mixed-nut selection. What I thought was good news is that most people recognized that the nuts were often salted and felt healthy mixes should have less salt or no salt.
The bottom line, based on the research evidence, is that all nuts are a very healthy choice. Many new clinical studies highlight heart-related benefits of nuts. For example, adding 30 grams (gm)  per day of nuts a little over an ounce) to a Mediterranean diet lowers risk of heart disease by 30 percent
Based on the research, here’s a breakdown of the links betweeen nuts and heart disease, and what makes nuts heart healthy. I hope this will help you make tough choices, such as which nut mix to purchase.

Almonds Help Lower Cholesterol and Body Fat

Adding almonds to your diet lowers your LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, which is involved in creating plaques in your coronary arteries that can cause heart attacks. Almonds lower LDL in a dose-dependent manner. This means that by increasing the amount of almonds you eat, you can further lower your LDL. Clinical diet studies show almonds can also reduce your risk of insulin resistance and diabetes. Even if you have diabetes, adding almonds to your diet can improve your sensitivity to insulin.
Almonds can also increase your likelihood of losing weight. In one study, adding 84 gm, or about 3 ounces (oz) of almonds  a day to a planned diet improved weight loss and resulted in a 14 percent decrease in waist circumference. A study published in 2015 looked at cholesterol and body fat in people who ate 1.5 oz of almonds a day versus a healthy muffin with similar calories. In only six weeks, people who consumed almonds had lower LDL cholesterol by an average of 5 mg/dL. They also had less belly fat and leg fat.
There are also several studies showing eating almonds lowers body inflammation.
If you are looking to shrink your waist and improve your cholesterol, start by adding some almonds to your diet.

Pistachios Help Lower Blood Pressure Under Stress

Adding pistachios to your diet also has potential heart benefits. Previously, I discussed how our body and heart responds adversely to stress and how we respond to it with increased blood pressure. A study of people who ate approximately 1.5 0z of pistachios a day and were then exposed to mental stress found they had lower blood pressure rises than those who did not eat pistachios. In people with diabetes, eating pistachios lowers total and LDL cholesterol and can reduce the risk of diabetes-related disease in the arteries. In a four-week trial published in 2014 of patients who had diabetes, a diet rich in pistachios (about 6 to 10 gm/day) improved heart rate response to stress, 24-hour blood pressure measurements, and heart function and output. Total cholesterol also decreased for those who ate pistachios.
If you are looking to lower your blood pressure, improve your response to stress, and lower your cholesterol, consider adding pistachios to your diet.

Walnuts Help Keep Arteries Clear

Most nuts contain a high concentration of healthy fat. Walnuts are composed of 47 percent polyunsaturated fatty acids, thought of as “good fats.” But while most nuts contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, walnuts are the only ones with a significant amount of a certain type called alpha-linoleic acid. Alpha-linoleic acid acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and has actually been shown to help reduce plaque buildup in coronary arteries. Eating walnuts has been shown to improve cholesterol levels and the function of the small arteries and vessels within our bodies. Recently, a study looking people who consumed 43 gm of walnuts every day found the nuts reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels. However this study showed something even more important, in my view. Consumption of walnuts reduced the level of apolipoprotein B, which is a strong genetic risk factor for coronary artery disease.
If you are at high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) or already have it, consider adding walnuts to your diet.

The Truth About Peanuts

In my grocery store experiment, peanuts took a beating. However, many studies show eating peanuts, including peanut butter, can reduce heart risk. In the Nurse’s Health Study, those women who consumed peanuts and peanut butter lowered their risk of heart disease by 34 percent. The greatest benefit was in those who ate peanuts multiple times a week. In a study of 6,309 women with diabetes, eating one serving of peanuts (28 gm [1 oz] for nuts and 16 gm [1 tablespoon] for peanut butter) five times a week or more lowered risk of heart disease by 44 percent.
Eating peanuts and peanut butter has also been shown to lower risk of diabetes in both lean and overweight women. Finally, like many other nuts, peanuts as an alternative food source for your protein needs can lower your cholesterol, particularly when added to other healthy diet choices.
If you are like the people in my study, perhaps you are asking: Are peanuts better than the others I have mentioned?
A recent study looked at this question, specifically diets rich in peanuts versus tree nuts. This study shed some light on the potential greater benefit of tree nuts compared to peanuts. In 803 adults, abdominal obesity, blood pressure, and cholesterol where all better controlled in those who had a high intake of tree nuts. However, if you ate a lot of tree nuts, it didn’t seem to matter how many peanuts you ate. Like the other trials mentioned in this section, this one showed that eating peanuts was better than not eating nuts, peanuts or other nuts, in regard to better blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The most striking difference in the study was that high consumption of tree nuts did not increase risk of abdominal obesity, whereas high consumption of peanuts alone did.

Can You Eat too Many Nuts?

The answer is yes, absolutely. The best approach to eating nuts is moderation.
Nuts are very good sources of energy, and if you eat too much you can gain weight and offset the heart benefits. I like to recommend adding nuts to an already heart-healthy diet or as an alternative healthy snack. If you change your snacks alone to unsalted nuts you will be surprised how effective that choice is in helping with weight loss and cholesterol management.
One thing to keep in mind is that some people can experience dangerous allergic reactions to nuts. If you have a potential allergy or a family history of nut allergies, don’t consider using nuts until you talk with your doctor.
Finally, there are data regarding contamination of some nuts with mycotoxins.  Consider reading about these toxins as I don’t have enough room to cover them here. The one that has the most data behind it is cases of contamination of peanuts with aflatoxin.

An Apology to Pecan, Hazelnut, and Macadamia Fans

I want to apologize for the nuts left off this list. It was not intentional. Pecans, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts have also shown some benefits in reducing heart disease factors, but they don’t have the data of the nuts listed above.
I hope this information will help you with your next nut purchase or your next spirited debate with a passionate nut person.
T. Jared Bunch, MD is a native of Logan Utah and directs heart rhythm research at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute. You can follow @TJaredBunch on Twitter.