World Diabetes Day 2011

 Some rights reserved by .:[ Melissa ]:.

Today is World Diabetes Day! It is celebrated on November 14th to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, together with Charles Best, discovered insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients. This day was started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organization (WHO) to raise global awareness of diabetes, its rapidly increasing rate around the world and how to prevent this disease in most cases.

According to WHO, there are more than 346 million people worldwide who have diabetes. This number is more likely to double by 2030 without intervention. That's why there's no better time than now to do something about it.

National Dessert Day 2011

October 14 is National Dessert Day! There is no known story as to the origin of this special holiday and there's no declared official record to establish it. But since food related holidays are usually referred to as "National" then let's just get along and celebrate this rich day to be filled with yummy treats. No, don't turn away just yet. You're probably thinking of the calories and high fat content in many desserts. But there's a way to enjoy this special day without feeling guilty.

Here's a couple of healthy fall dessert recipes that will definitely comfort you! They're low-calorie and low-fat, but utterly delicious and easy to make.

 Some rights reserved by insidious_plots

Dark Hot Cocoa

This frothy treat takes only about 10 minutes to prepare and is the perfect drink to warm you up in no time after a refreshing moment outdoors.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate pieces
4 cups fat-free milk
1 tablespoon honey or sugar

Directions:
In a medium saucepan, stir together cocoa powder and chocolate pieces. Whisk in milk and honey. Heat over medium heat just until boiling, whisking constantly. Pour into mugs to serve.

If you want to add a bit of spicy touch to it, just sprinkle freshly ground nutmeg or cinnamon on top of it.

Apple Cranberry Crisp

 Some rights reserved by esimpraim

The perfect seasonal treat after a busy day. This yummy crisp will only take 15 minutes for you to dish out something fresh from the oven.

Ingredients:
5 cups thinly-sliced peeled apples
1 cup cranberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons margarine
1/2 cup vanilla or lemon non-fat yogurt

5 Healthy Fall Ingredients

The chilly air of autumn is here! It's time to turn the oven back on for some warm autumn meals from the season's healthiest ingredients. Below are 5 autumn ingredients that are not only nutritious, but can also be cooked into delicious foods that you will definitely crave for and love at this time of the year. Listed are the nutrients and health benefits you will get from the following ingredients and a bonus autumn recipe for each.

 Some rights reserved by Jamie Dobson Photography

1. Brussel Sprouts

• Helps lower cholesterol, especially when steamed.
• Contains antioxidants such as thiocyanates, indoles, lutein, zeaxanthin, sulforaphane and isothiocyanates that fights against colon, prostate and endometrial cancers.
• Excellent source of vitamin C, as well as vitamin A and E that gets rid of harmful free radicals.
• Good vegetable source of vitamin K, responsible for bone formation and strengthening.
• Rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese and phosphorus.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

2. Pumpkin

• Recommended by dieticians in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs because it is one of the vegetables which is very low calories, rich in dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins.
• Contains high level of vitamin A, a powerful natural antioxidant essential in maintaining vision, healthy skin and proper immune function.
• Rich in B-complex group of vitamins such as folate, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid that help balance hormone levels and manage stress.
• Also a rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Recipe 

National School Lunch Week 2011

 Some rights reserved by USDAgov

National School Lunch Week 2011 starts on Monday, October 10 until October 14. This year's theme “School Lunch – Let’s Grow Healthy” aims to  help students understand where food comes from while highlighting the overall benefit that school lunch helps kids grow strong and healthy. Organized by School Nutrition Association (SNA), this campaign provides opportunity to try something new and promote locally sourced foods.

Child Health Day 2011

 Some rights reserved by NYCDOT

Today, being the first Monday in October, we are celebrating Child Health Day. It is a national observance created to promote awareness in the importance of protecting and developing our children's health. All agencies and organizations interested in child welfare, especially our dear parents, are called to unite in this day to promote and incorporate proper nutrition and regular exercise into our children's lives.

Last year, President Barack Obama issued the following Presidential Proclamation:

The health and well being of a child is one of our most challenging, yet important, responsibilities, and we have an obligation to ensure that all our children can live, learn, and play in safe and healthy environments.  On Child Health Day, we reaffirm the critical importance of the quality health care, nutritious foods, clean air and water, and safe communities our kids need to grow into strong and active adults. 

Your Guide To Pesticides in Produce

Are you aware that what you're eating might be contaminated with pesticides? I guess you already are. But don't let that stop you from eating fruits and vegetables. The health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables still outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure. In fact, it is far better than not eating fruits and vegetables at all. And here's the good news! Below is every shopper's guide to pesticides in produce -- it will show you which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide residue. You can substantially lower your pesticide intake by avoiding them or buying them organic. Meanwhile, you can continually enjoy the fruits and vegetables listed as the least contaminated produce.

The Couch Potato Workout

A couch potato is a person who lives a sedentary lifestyle, meaning someone who doesn't do or rarely does any physical activity. In 2008, the United States American National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) showed that 36% of adults were considered inactive and 59% of adult respondents never participated in vigorous physical activity lasting more than 10 minutes per week. But Americans know that exercise is good for their health. Still, many are overweight and out-of-shape couch potatoes.

That's why I'm sharing this video by Jari Love. It will show you how to do simple workout exercises that would, at least, get those limbs moving. She suggests that while watching TV, especially during commercial breaks, try to burn some calories by following these simple drills.

5 Foods To Eat Before A Work Out

What do you usually eat or drink before working out? Whatever it is, it should be something that could keep you going while keeping your body fit. No matter what time of the day you choose to work out, you should never be too full or too hungry before hitting the gym.

Many people would have different suggestions as to what foods to eat before working out, but they would all agree that protein and carbs are the best foods to eat prior to exercise. Protein increases lean muscle tissue and strengthens the immune system. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, is the best source of energy.  It breaks down into glucose and is stored in the muscles as glycogen. During exercise, the glycogen is converted back to glucose and is used for energy.

Let's Talk About Eating Disorders

February 20 to 26, 2011 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The goal is to let everyone know how serious eating disorders are and their biological as well as environmental triggers, in the hope of resisting the pressures, attitudes and behaviors that can contribute to them.

The 2011 theme is: It's Time To Talk About  It. In a culture we live in where unrealistic body-image messages are widespread, surely we know one or two who is struggling with an eating disorder. That's why we are encouraged to talk about it and do "Just One Thing" this NEDAwareness Week.

Natural & Effective Remedies For Chapped Lips

Chapped lips can happen to anyone at any time of the year, but it is often during cold season, such as now, that it affects almost everyone.  Aside from weather and overexposure to extreme temperatures, other factors that can also cause chapped lips are dehydration, lip biting and vitamin deficiencies. Dry, itchy, swollen and cracked lips can also be caused by allergies, infection, drugs, colds and flus and many other illnesses.

I used to think that Chap Stick or other lip balms, as well as lipsticks with moisturizer, is the solution. But I only find myself with more irritated lips. Who knows what kind of chemicals are used to make these products? If it's not 100% natural, chances are, they can infect our lips, especially when there is open skin.

So here are a few effective home remedies that you can use whenever you lips  become dry, cracked, flaky and sore.

Don't Drink Yourself Fat

This New York City Health Anti-Soda advertisement may appear disgusting. But that's exactly what happens when you drink sugary beverages. A lot of people just don't realize the amount of fat they take in when they drink sodas, juices and other liquid stuff loaded with sugar.

If you're the type whose stomach easily turns, you may not watch the following video. OR it might just prove effective to stop you from pouring on the pounds ever again.



It's never too late to make a healthy choice. Have a sweet (but sugar/fat free) weekend!

Mark The World Cancer Day With More Physical Activity To Reduce Risks

According to WHO, cancer follows cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause of death worldwide. Every year, around 12.7 million people find out they have cancer and 7.6 million die from some form of the disease. Worse, these figures continue to rise. Cancer will kill more than 13.2 million people a year by 2030 according to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This is very alarming, especially to poorer countries.

So, in today's observance of the World Cancer Day, United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) released new recommendations to prevent cancer: two and half hours of moderate physical activity a week can reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers.