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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
- Besides being made up of nearly 90% water, watermelons are also a great source of significant vitamins and minerals.
- It is chock full of a considerable amount of vitamins A and C. It contains thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate and niacin in small amounts.
- It is a great source of potassium, and also contains magnesium, calcium, phosphorous and iron in trace amounts.
- Watermelon is also very low in calories, free of fats and cholesterol and is rich in carotenoids.
Recipe: Grilled Scallop and Watermelon Kebabs
- 12 sea scallops
- 4 cups boiling vegetable or chicken broth
- 24- 1”x1” watermelon cubes
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
Cut the scallops into halves across the diameter to create half-moon shapes. Place them in a heatproof casserole dish in a single layer. Pour the boiling clear broth over the scallops and let them poach for 5 minutes. Drain and cool the scallops. On each skewer alternate one half-moon scallop, then two watermelon cubes, then one half-moon scallop. Mix the remaining ingredients and brush the kebabs as they are grilled over a medium-hot grill for 90 seconds per side, turning only once. Serve warm.
Recipe: Cajun Chicken with Watermelon Mint Salsa
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
- 2 tablespoons mild chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
Mix the spices. Coat the chicken cutlets with the spice mixture. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium high heat and place chicken in pan. Blacken on both sides and sauté just until cooked through. Top with Watermelon Mint Salsa and serve immediately.
Watermelon Mint Salsa
- 2tablespoons lime juice
- 1 cup diced seeded tomato
- Minced seeded jalapeno to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
- ½ cup chopped fresh scallion
Toss ingredients together, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Now that summer is officially here (well here-ish) no one wants to be stuck inside a stuffy gym working out every day. It’s time to head outdoors and get those summertime workouts in instead!
Here are a few ways to burn calories this summer:
- Try a new walking or running route. Switch it up weekly and enjoy the sounds and sights of summer!
- Try an outdoor fitness class – like Zumba in the park or a sunrise Yoga class.
- Join an outdoor volleyball (or another sport) league.
- Go swimming and get some laps in.
- Enjoy a day on lake/river and kayak.
- Go hiking.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
(continued from part I)…
Raising funds for future research is a priority; people are made aware of progress being made towards a cure.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic, life-threatening disease which affects the digestive and respiratory systems. CF occurs in about one in 3500 live births. In the US, approximately 30,000 people have CF, whilst over 10 million people carry the defective CF gene but have no symptoms.
Lyme Disease Awareness
Supported by the Lyme Disease Foundation, Lyme Disease Awareness Month is a campaign which promotes preventative measures which can be taken against Lyme disease. Lyme disease is an acute inflammatory disease caused by the bite of a tick infected with the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi.
Lupus Awareness
The aim of Lupus Awareness Month is to raise awareness and educate others about this life changing disease.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease. In a healthy immune system, the body produces antibodies which destroy unhealthy cells such as bacteria, viruses, and foreign waste. However, lupus causes an overactive immune system to produce auto antibodies which attacks healthy body tissue. This can affect most parts of the body including any organ.
While there are many more conditions that are promoted during the month of May, we hope that you have learned a little more about a few of these health issues and can help spread awareness to those you know and love.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Every month of the year in the United States, Canada and even Worldwide, different health issues are promoted to spread awareness. In the month of May, there are many conditions that are promoted. Here we break down the numerous issues and help you to learn more about why awareness is key to many of these conditions.
Asthma and Allergy Awareness-
Supported by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), this awareness event is held throughout the month of May to coincide with the peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers. In the US, approximately 25 million people have asthma of which almost 7 million are children.
Celiac Awareness
Celiac Awareness Month is an event held throughout the United States each May and is supported by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (and other relevant organizations). In the United States, approximately 3 million people have celiac disease; 21 million people have this disease or are sensitive to gluten. Of the 3 million who have this disease only 5% know they have it. This awareness event aims, in part, to make more people aware that they may have this disease and that by eating gluten free foods, they can eliminate their symptoms.
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness
Cystic Fibrosis Month raises awareness about cystic fibrosis (CF). This month is sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF)
(continued in part II)…
- Details
- 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.