Saturday, April 23, 2011
Then say hello to Omega 3s! They are a critical part of a healthy functioning human body, even though our bodies cannot produce them.
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids, and are vital for human health; however, the body cannot produce them. They are only available through certain foods and supplements. We have to search for certain items locally to incorporate Omega-3 acids into our diets. Omegas are becoming more popular, as research has shown they reduce inflammation, and may help lower risk of chronic diseases, such as arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. They also play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. Symptoms of deficiency may include dry skin, heart problems, fatigue, poor memory, depression, and poor circulation. They also can help with asthma, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, …
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Taking care of yourself mentally, emotionally and physically is essential to create energy and vibrant health. So it’s time to get the 'feel good vibes' going and keep them going.
The daily stresses of life, not enough exercise and poor nutrition can wear down your body and immune system. Not to mention your mental well-being. Self care is so critical and of the utmost importance. Take the time daily to nurture yourself. Here are some ways to do just that.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
New trends in color, pattern and design are highlighted, with one of the models being our own Eureka-Wildwood Patch photojournalist ChrisAnn Brunsmann.
Whether it's for graduations, parties, picnics or other occasions this spring, a seasonal dress is always a good staple in a woman's wardrobe. Several stores in the West St. Louis County area that specialize in dresses, including Cha Boutique, Essential Elements, MACS Designs and Marta's Boutique, have selections perfect for any occasion. Locally, shoppers can check out Heels Boutique and Pure by Jen, both in Wildwood. The word is out for spring fashion, and it's trifold: Fuchsia, oranges and blues are in, so too are teals; the traditional black and white is always stately and correct. This spring's fashion is frilly and fun. All kinds of chic dress-up blouses and camisoles will match perfectly with a pair of jeans. Jeans are going to …
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Proven habits that put us on a path to happiness follow in this column.
I don’t know about you, but I love this warm weather. The second it hits 65 degrees, I’m a happy camper and you won’t find me inside all day any more. Sometimes, it's the smallest things that can inspire us to get on-track, or just to feel all fuzzy inside. With everyone’s busy schedules these days, many people, especially women, are an emotional train-wreck. Kids, school, work, dinner, grocery shopping, work again, and family time. The way we think and feel is one of the strongest contributors to our health and overall wellness. So how do we create and keep a consistent positive mindset? New research indicates the smallest everyday routine habits can do just that. So here’s an easy, EVERYDAY plan of action to get you or keep you on the …
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Massage can be one of the most powerful allies in your wellness journey.
Massage, as a healing tool, has been around for thousands of years in many cultures, as referenced in ancient writings in Japan, India, China, Rome, Greece and Egypt. The Bible even documents daily massage with olive oil and myrrh as a part of the beauty regimen of the wives of Xerxes (Esther, 2:9-12). In the United States, massage therapy began to gain popularity in the mid-1800s and started growing significantly in the 1970s among athletes and medical patients to ease pain from injuries. Wildwood and Eureka residents are lucky to have several options for massage sessions, which are listed at the end of my column. In general, "massage therapy" means therapists will press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of…
Saturday, December 25, 2010
You can get raw, unprocessed honey, right here in our neighborhood from a Wildwood-based beekeeper whose bees are Missouri state champions.
It's hard to think about honey without thinking of it as honeylicious! Bees love their honey, I can't get enough of it, and once you taste pure, raw, unprocessed honey -- you, too, will love it. You may be wondering why I am suggesting that you take time out of your wonderful Christmas holiday to read about plain old honey. Well, believe it or not, honey may be one of the most fascinating "Superfoods" I've yet discovered. Honey has been around for thousands of years. Honey was depicted in pre-historic cave paintings of beehives in Europe, and ancient Egyptian Pharaoh rulers used it to sweeten foods. Through time, honey also was a preservative, and was used for medicine in biblical times! In fact, the Bible mentions honey or honeycomb …
Saturday, December 18, 2010
This wonderful fish has staggering health benefits.
Salmon is another one of my favorite "Superfoods," as it is high in protein, full of essential vitamins and minerals and contains omega-3 fatty acids. It can be served many different ways, is easy to prepare, and is quite delicious. Salmon are extraordinary fish, which travel thousands of miles throughout their two- to five-year life span. The color of their flesh ranges from red to orange to pink. There also are many varieties of salmon, which can either come from farm-raised or wild-caught waters. Atlantic salmon, which is mostly farm raised, is one species. Pacific salmon, typically wild-caught and from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, has five species including: sockeye, pink, chum, chinook and coho. They differ in color, fat …
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Tomatoes are a pretty amazing fruit, and another one of my favorite Superfoods. Check out the fresh items offered by Wildwood's Healthy Harvest Gardens business.
Nutrient information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture states tomatoes are low in sodium, and very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. They are a good source of vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and manganese. Along with the sizable amount of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes in one medium tomato, their super powers come from their phyto-nutrients: carotene-ß 449 mcg -- carotene-α 101 mcg -- lutein-zeaxanthin 123 mcg -- lycopene 2573 mcg. Cancer, heart disease and macular degeneration are all prevented by antioxidant-rich diets. Lycopene, an antioxidant responsible for the …
Layla Azmi Goushey
11:01 am on Sunday, April 24, 2011
Jim, I agree with your point about the labeling of processed food or even foods such as eggs, packaged/canned fish and milk. Educating ourselves about the contents of our food and purchasing food that is as unprocessed as possible and "close to nature" is best. We can't just rely on labels. more ›