General Health Articles

Healthy Living Making Mondays Work for You

You have seen all the memes on social media that wage war on a “case of the Mondays” and declare that it is the worst day of the week.  But, did you know that Monday is the most critical day of the entire work week?

Experts say that because you took a two-day break from the trials and tribulations of your work week, Monday is your chance to make the entire week a memorable one.

Not everyone hates Mondays, though.  Many of the world’s most influential and successful people welcome Monday’s with open arms and look forward to starting their week anew.

If you are looking to make your work week a more profitable one, starting with Monday, then follow what many successful leaders do:

• Wake up early.
• Eat a healthy breakfast.
• Arrive at work early.
• Clear your desk and desktop.
• Carve out time for unexpected projects and tasks.
• Greet your team and boss.
• Update your to-do list and weekly goals.
• Visualize the success of the week.
• Screen emails for urgent requests.
• Tackle the tough challenges first.
• Make an extra effort to smile.
• Add a “blanket of humanity” to your emails. (Reread them for friendliness and clarity before you send them.)
• Be able and learn to say “No”.
• Stay focused.
• Remember that there is “Tuesday”.

In the News: Cicadas Are Coming – Part II

(Continued from Part I…)

While you can eat cicadas, some people should avoid eating them like:

• People with shellfish allergies. Cicadas are considered “land shrimp” as they are related to shellfish.
• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cicadas accumulate mercury, which can harm an infant’s brain.
• Anyone with gout or at risk for gout. Cicadas can cause gout flare-ups. 

What do cicadas taste like?

Some people say that they have a nutty flavor. Others call them gushers, but not in a good way.

Should I fear cicadas?

Cicadas are biologically fascinating, have no negative impact on people, and are important to the ecosystem.

If that doesn’t ease things for you, keep in mind that they typically only emerge amongst long-term vegetation in late spring and early summer. If you are still afraid of encountering cicadas, then it is best to avoid the areas where they are known to emerge during this time frame.

How long will they stick around?

Cicadas will be around for roughly four to six weeks. During that time, they will mate, lay eggs, and feed. Then they will either die of cicada old age or they will be eaten by predators.

In the News: Cicadas Are Coming – Part I

It has been over 200 years since the last time that two groups of periodical cicadas have emerged at the same time… and it’s about to happen again.

While there are over 3,000 species of cicadas in the world, there are 7 different species in North America that emerge either every 13 years or every 17 years. But this May and June, Cicada Brood XIX (13-year cycle) and Brood XIII (17-year cycle) will surface at the same time. These two species have some of the largest populations, and together, will cover most of the eastern United States.

This article will focus on all things cicadas and will hopefully enlighten you on these interesting creatures.

Where can you find cicadas?

You are likely to find cicadas in places that are heavily populated with trees and shrubs that have been there for at least 13-17 years.

Are cicadas loud? 

That likely depends on how active they are. Some reports say that they can omit a noise that sounds like a siren, whine and/or a roar. You may hear the more in rural areas, than suburban areas. Cicadas are daytime insects, so you likely won’t hear them at night. 

Can cicadas bite or spread disease? 

Cicadas only feed on plants and trees. They do not bite or sting and don’t spread any diseases to humans, plants or animals. In the off chance that a cicada lands on you, it’s likely not on purpose as they aren’t interested in hanging out on people and won’t stick around long. 

Can you eat cicadas? 

Surprisingly, you can eat cicadas and there are lots of recipes online. 

(Continued in Part II…)

Healthy Living: Foods that Fight Your Kidneys

Everyone knows that your kidneys are two vital organs in your body. Located in your lower back, your kidneys work as blood filtration, keep a balance between minerals, eliminate waste from blood and water, excrete waste materials from the body through the urinary tract, produce hormones, and more. 

These organs are very important and without both kidneys, humans would not survive much longer. While they are vital organs, they are very prone to many diseases caused by food items, hereditary diseases, blood pressure, diabetes, and more. If food is not damaging your kidneys directly, it will damage them indirectly. 

That’s why is it super important to maintain a kidney-healthy diet

This includes eating all kinds of healthy, fresh, herbal, homemade, and farm-fresh foods.

The following foods should be avoided for the health of your kidneys:

• Processed food
• Salt or sodium food items
• Beets
• Tomatoes and tomato seeds
• Fast food
• Sugary foods
• Alcohol
• Lentils and beans
• Junk food
• Frozen food, ready to cook food
• Artificially flavored juices
• Potatoes

Sleep 101: Eat Your Way to Better ZZZs

According to Men’s Health Magazine, good old mom may have had it all wrong when she offered us a glass of warm milk to help aide our sleeping.  The protein in milk could actually boost alertness rather than calm it.

Instead the magazine’s experts offer the following snacks to induce “feel-good relaxation chemicals” thereby calming your nerves and slowing your brain down towards relaxation: nonfat popcorn, oatmeal with sliced bananas, one cup of plain yogurt with two tablespoons mixed nuts, sesame seeds, pretzels, 4-oz. glass of unsweetened cherry juice, and red bell peppers. 

So, pass on the glass of warm milk tonight and opt for any of the above snacks for that peaceful night’s sleep.   Good night!