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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Everyone has heard about how “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and how your mom always suggests chicken noodle soup when you are sick, but how much does the food you eat really affect your immune system? According to experts, a lot!
Experts say that “Our immune system works most efficiently when lifestyle factors are in balance, and first and foremost is having the foundation of a healthy diet.”
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help your body better prepare to fight off anything that may come its way. To build that proper foundation, here are a few great superfoods that you should be eating or adding to your diet.
- Yogurt
- Garlic
- Blueberries
- Kiwi
- Mushrooms
- Salmon
- Beans and Lentils
- Tea
Experts also say that “Our immune response declines as we age, so it is important to consider every meal as an opportunity to nourish your body and support a healthy immune system.” Start small by adding a superfood each day into your diet and soon enough you start noticing some big changes to your health.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
During the month of May, we remember those who have fought for our country and lost their lives doing so. This Memorial Day, in addition to remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, why not try this “Stars and Stripes” inspired workout challenge?
Based on the 50 stars and 13 stripes featured on the American Flag, this workout challenge will have anyone feeling patriotic (and potentially sore) this Memorial Day weekend.
Starting with the 50 stars, shoot for a least one rep of each of these and if you can feel free to do more than one rep.
Stars:
- 50 push-ups
- 50 sit-ups
- 50 lunges
- 50 mountain climbers
- 50 bridges
- 50 tricep dips
- 50 scissor kicks
And now onto the stripes. Again, shoot for at least one rep of each of these and do more if you can.
Stripes
- 13 pull-ups
- 13 squat jumps
- 13 side plank hip dips
- 13 burpees
- 13 single leg deadlifts
- 13 pike push-ups
If you are still feeling like you want to push yourself even harder, try Googling the “Murph” HERO Workout and give that one a try. Inspired by Lt. Michael Murphy, a Navy SEAL who earned a posthumous Medal of Honor for his courageous acts in Afghanistan.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone!
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
- Plums, and their dried version known as prunes, are very high in phytonutrients, which function as an antioxidant and provide much benefit to the body.
- Eating plums helps in the production and absorption of iron in the body, thereby leading to better blood circulation leading further to the growth of healthy tissues.
- Consuming plums on a regular basis will help prevent macular degeneration and other eye infections.
Recipe: Chicken Breasts with Plum Salsa and Basmati Rice
1 ½ cups of water
1 cup uncooked basmati rice, rinsed and drained
¾ pound plums, pitted and chopped
½ medium red onion, minced
3 habanero peppers, seeded and minced
3 tablespoons fresh minced cilantro
1 teaspoon sugar
¾ pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Place water in medium saucepan and stir in rice. Bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, cool and fluff with fork. In a bowl, mix the plums, peppers, onions, cilantro and sugar. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Season chicken with rosemary, salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in skillet over medium-heat. Place chicken in oil and brown 1 minute per side. Reduce heat to medium, and cook for 5 additional minutes per side. Serve over rice with plum salsa.
Recipe: Fresh Summer Fruit Salad
½ cup water
2/3 cup sugar
3 cups thinly sliced rhubarb
15 seedless grapes, halved
½ orange, sectioned
10 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 apple, cored and diced
1 peach, sliced
1 plum, pitted and sliced
15 pitted Bing cherries
¼ cup fresh blueberries
Bring water and sugar to boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the rhubarb, turn heat to low, cover and simmer until rhubarb is soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Mash and chill in the refrigerator about one hour. To serve, mix the grapes, orange, strawberries, apple, peach, plum, cherries, and blueberries with 2/3 cup of the rhubarb sauce. Stir gently, but thoroughly to coat. Refrigerate for at least two hours for all of the flavors to blend well.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
The calendar might read May, but summertime is just around the corner. It’s time to get geared up for warmer months, longer days and all the fun that only summer can bring. To make this summer your best one yet, here are some health tips to keep in mind these next few months.
- Get at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week.
- Wear sunscreen and insect repellant.
- Keep cool in extreme heat.
- Eat a healthy diet including nutritious fruits and vegetables.
- Keep hydrated with water instead of sugary drinks and alcohol.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
(Continued from part I)
Common Flu symptoms
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headaches
Experts say that the biggest mistake that we can do is to self-diagnose. While we are still in this pandemic, you should assume that you have COVID-19 unless you test otherwise. Once you are tested for COVID-19 and depending on those results, you may then want to be tested for the flu (or even strep throat).
Unfortunately, you can also have more than one illness at a time – like “flurona” or you can experience regular seasonal allergies alongside of having COVID-19 or one of its variants.
There are a few home remedies that can help you once you know for sure what condition is affecting you. For fever and body aches, use fever and pain-reducing medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
For congestion, use an over-the-counter medication like Mucinex. If the congestion is due to allergies, try a nasal steroid spray.
For fatigue, make sure to stay hydrated, get enough electrolytes and lots of rest. Sleep is always your biggest aid to help your body recuperate and regenerate itself.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it is never too late to get vaccinated for COVID-19, the flu or both. Getting vaccinated early helps to build up your immunity and protect you throughout the cold and flu season.