Monthly Archives: September 2021

Breakfast Cereal Nutrient Enhancements and The Focus On Eating Healthier

food safety, Health, , , , , , ,

Eating Healthy With A Focus

Breakfast On The Run Can Be Easy If You Know What’s Good For You!

There are days, that I just don’t have time to cook breakfast, but yet, it is one of the most important meals of the day.

To ensure more nutrients in your dry cereals, you can add fruit to increase the nutritional value with blueberries, peaches, bananas, and other fresh fruits.  Figs and Pears are available as well in many markets.  If you have a friend who has fruit trees, you might want to purchase from them. Some farmers let you pick your own after they have harvested most of what they want.

I bought some cooked plantains yesterday and tried them in my dry cereals this morning and how delicious it was.  With the milk or soy milk, added you are covered for at least 3 of the stable group of nutrients you need each day-whole grains, calcium, vitamin C.  Of course, you do get protein from the milk, which should be calculated in your daily requirement for protein.

You can research charts for you and your family’s daily nutritional requirements. This subject is one of the most expanded niches you can ever imagine because a diet has become a medicine for the body to function properly. That means to me, that almost everyone should have a dietitian to give advice according to your lifestyle, medical condition, metabolism, age, daily activity, and so on.  When dealing with children, it’s about what they like and doesn’t like, and so psychology and politic soon enter the arena.

Though I”m not a dietitian, as a nurse, I always have to add diet into any conversation with my patients on relatable issues of their health problems.  We are all in this together in that many of us are taking care of elderly family members, or children who have metabolism problems with their weight-be it weights gain or weight loss.

When you think of metabolism, you are thinking about how your body works, your thyroid, and your hormonal factors, your brain, and much more.

What the average person is thinking about is just eating, period.  However, as we become more educated and conscious of what foods are good for us and how much of it. We are on the path to the success of taking control of our bodies.

Now, with the pandemic, I notice that people are eating out less, and when they do eat out, they don’t give a darn and the table is full of all kinds of foods as if it’s their last meal. And what’s more damaging, is that the waitress asks if you want dessert and give you a list.  Jello and unsweetened ice cream never come up. Just to hear a Triple chocolate slice of cake, and cheesecake with whip cream, sends a message to your brain, ” I got to have that”.  It’s auto-suggestion on Speed.  Don’t do it!   Unless it’s your birthday or you’re going to take it home for a snack later and maybe share it with someone.

I knew this would happen in writing this article, in that the expansion of eating on the run, is turning into major surgery.  Like I said, It is a niche that can go places because we are what we eat and drink too!

What many of us don’t do is not moving enough, and not drinking enough of the required water.

And so if you are eating on the run, focus on your whole day. A quick grab of a meal can be good if you focus on eating healthy foods and as much plant foods as possible along with fresh fruit in your carry-on bag to wherever you are going!

So focus, focus, focus.  You are as you Think. Some of us, and I included, need to be reprogrammed in all sorts of things in our lives and it’s one day at a time and one step at a time.

Do come back to this article as I will be added some diet charts and other goodies for you to dwell on to make for a better life for you and others.  Staying in shape is never more important than now, because, with movement, you don’t give the disease a chance to get to you.  That makes me wonder why so many of the elderly in nursing homes died with this coronavirus so fast.  They don’t move fast and it’s an opportunity for disease to come in and staying inside too long is not good.  That’s my hypothesis.  What bothers me more is that these people affected, didn’t have a chance, because we were all late getting the information that there was a Pandemic here, from the beginning! My heart goes out to all families who have lost love ones.  The fight is on!

Ok, now we are gathering, thoughts of 1. fresh air, 2. drinking enough water 3. exercise 4 reprogram your thinking towards better health

We will talk more about this subject.  Do come back and let’s explore!

What can you do today to start eating healthy so that you can have available in full view more healthy foods?  The answer: Clean out your refrigerator of unhealthy foods and shop with a list of healthy foods.  Do research for what’s best for you. Talk to the professionals like your doctors, and have him or her write a referral to a dietitian that can guide you specifically to your needs.

You want to get more serious about the foods you eat, well. . . start journaling or record even on your phone, what you are going to do to improve your health and your progress.  Make it fun and share with others to perhaps get some friends together who want to also eat more healthily.

Here is a link you might want to view to see the standard values of food for men, women, and children.
https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Appendix-E3-1-Table-A4.pdf

Do check out also the link below about Dr. Oz’s new program called The Dish on his online website.  Here, you will find many healthy dishes you can cook and enjoy.  Cooking healthy foods can be easy if you know how to be creative with them.  You can even make your own healthy snacks and learn all of the sugar substitutes you can use to cut down on sugar.

It’s all about conditioning or reprograming your taste. Your brain controls everything you do, and so it’s mind over matter.  You, in the end, make the decision for change.  Make a note of everything you eat for the day and you will be on a great start to improving your health, weight, and thinking.

The Dish: Easy & Healthy Recipes That Still Taste Good – The Dr. Oz Show (doctoroz.com)

Peace and Blessing to you all.  I’m looking for a comment from you!  Let me know that you are there, because, I am here!

by Thelma Harcum

 

 
Honeyskin

How You Can Help To Reduce The Corvid-19 Virus and Variants Numbers

Health, Pandemic, , , , ,

What Can You Do To Fight Against The Corona-19 Virus and Its’ Variants?

Hello, Hello, All!
There’s so much going on in this world! The disasters seem to be mounting day by day;  a new story erodes that takes the attention away from the pandemic that we still face. Now there are talks of perhaps shutting down the country here in the USA in order to control this deadly virus. Thankfully, we have a vaccine and other treatments to fight it. It is not easy to know that loved ones are dying and some needless. (Let’s not forget this is a global pandemic and other countries also need to get vaccinated.  I’m thankful for the sharing of the vaccines to other countries from the USA and Other Countries sharing!)

Yes, I believe we need to do a shut down in some capacity in order to gain some control over this coronavirus.  I believe it’s out of control as many are not vaccinated against this virus and will need to get vaccinated ASAP. Truly, this is a fight for our lives. What I’m seeing are people masking up again and taking it seriously. I am so very thankful for this and hope everyone continues to hang in there, as there are more options opening each day! Science can only do but so much, but it’s up to us to all do our parts. Thank God for the Scientist who has jumped to the cause to save the lives of many.
Meanwhile, there are still many people who need to have medical care and even surgery and are putting things on hold. The hospitals are now overwhelmed, but if you are having a heart attack, you need immediate care!
What I feel is a shame is that the children have started back to school, and many schools have to go back virtual as before, because of the coronavirus breakout in the schools from several of the children. Remember, the variant is even more contagious.
You can also help in reducing the number, by keeping healthy- eating a balanced diet, fresh air, and keeping your spirits up. Your mental health is very important at this time because stress on the body does affect your immune system.
It is important to keep in touch with your family members and have discussions about this virus to compare notes and to be supportive to each other. If you have a family member who’s has gotten the corvid-19 virus or any of the variants, like the Delta virus, discuss how, they were treated, their symptoms,  any after-effects, and post-care. This documentation should be noted in all aspects of recording. That means, your doctor should know every little change in your condition as well as your immediate family. Journaling should be an almost mandatory thing to do in these times. If you know the symptoms of being infected with the coronavirus, then you know what you should do. Taking your temperature, noting any excessive tiredness, shortness of breath, are truly some of the signs you need to watch for. If you have doubts about what is happening to you when you have any of the above symptoms, get a Covid-19 test to get some answers as soon as possible and of course, start to quarantine yourself from close contact with others wear a face mask. Yes, even in the house if you need to protect others living with you.

Washing your hands as often as you need. Keeping things around you clean is important.  Anything that drops on the floor, wash it or sanitize it.  Keep your sanitizer with you at all times.  You can get small size sanitizer to keep in your purse and even place one in your child’s book bag for an older child.  Check on your child’s school policy as most schools will have PPE equipment available.   Check on your child’s school anyway and go and see what’s set up for the school as a whole as having available the PPE.   Is there enough ventilation? Are there paper towels available? Are there reminder notes in appropriate places in the school about the rules and regulations in relation to the Coronal Virus?  Is there Corona Virus testing in your school?  Are there permission slips you need to sign for your child to be tested?  Do they take everyone’s temperature before entering the school?

Also, check out the school’s policy for the return to school for a child who had tested positive for the coronavirus.  As you see, the questions go on and on as parents, teachers, and families are all concerned about being safe.

Have special trach bags or baggies to place used face masks and a separate one for a reusable face mask.

Thank you for visiting this site and well wishes to all. Yes, Yes, we will get through this together!!
So, as I end this conversation, be reminded to keep up with the news updated about the corvid virus. New government mandates and changes about the virus itself should be noted everyday as your daily read as well as your notification via radio, TV, internet and other resources. As in war, you’ve got to study the enemy and know how to win the war.

You can also have discussions with your children from time to time about the coronavirus and let them know about updates about any changes they may have.  You might limit any extended social activity your child may have with their friends.  Not all families have your viewpoint about the virus, and that could be a danger to your family if they are not taking safety precautions.   Discussions with your child can be about “how to wear your face mask”,  “how to wash your hands,”  “where to buy PPE”, ” research about the coronavirus and updates.”

Most importantly,  keep your spirits up and participate in as many fun things as you can to find your normalcy in this pandemic environment!

As always, I welcome your comments. Thank you all for doing all you can to join forces in the fight!!  Protect your lungs as this virus need oxygen, blood, and nutrients to live. CLOSE THE DOOR  by MASKING UP!  That is something that everyone can do!!

by Thelma Harcum

Your "Go" Bag

Mindful Tips To Take In Case Of an Emergency

Safety, , , ,

Preparing for an Emergency With a “Go” Bag

Hello Readers and Friends,

How are you doing as we face yet, another battle of the storms? Global warming is hitting hard in the images of unprecedented storms, flooding, tornados, and all that go with it!

Getting involved in a storm with a tornado just down the street is no joke either-along with the threat of a tornado, which did hit several areas in NJ and did unprecedented damage!

A friend of mine in Florida and I were talking about the storms that have been occurring over the recent years, and how devastated people are when they lose everything.  My heart and sympathies go out to them because it could be me!

What we discussed, was the “what if it happens to us?”,  I agreed to take her and her family in if they do get hit with a devasting storm and she said like-wise-if anything happens to me.   I believe this is a good thing to discuss because it would be a part of the emergency place that we all should have.  Who could you move in with if your home is totally or even partially destroyed?

What can you do now to prepare? Even if there are no storms, Making copies of your most important papers and placing them in a waterproof box, can be a real asset. Placing some extra cash in there is also great.

Another thing is that it seems, that access to clean water, can be helpful enough for your family for at least a week.   Sometimes, the emergency crew might not be able to get to you in a timely manner, if you live deep in the woods or country areas with lots of trees.  You can live a long time without food, but not without water.   I would start stocking up a little at a time. You might have to share with your neighbors who might have planned as you.

Preparing your “go” bag is important.  Whatever you need for the next 3  to 7 days.  Extra medicine, clothing, shaving equipment, for some of us, wigs, denture adhesive, mouthwash, deodorants, combs, hand sanitizers, gloves, masks, and whatever you think is important to maintain some sense of comfort.  If you have a Rolodex, take it with you; if you don’t have one, make one.  When the phone loses its charge, at least you have a backup!

Food is important when you are under stress.  Place healthy protein snacks in your “go” bag that will last for 3 to 4 days.  Take a copy of your medications in the event you need to be taken to a hospital.  If injured, you might not go to the hospital of your choice-especially if they are full to capacity or non-functional.  This leads me to say, include an emergency kit of some sort.  Just the basis- bandaids, gauze, tape,  ace wrap, peroxide or witch hazel for cleansing, a topical antibiotic cream, hydrocortisone for itching.  If there is flood water you walk through, who knows what’s in it and so an anti-itch cream is great to have.
Sif Jakobs Jewellery

This might not have anything to do with a storm, but I feel as though that all mothers and perhaps fathers too, should keep a pair of scissors with them. I had an experience where my granddaughter outgrew her baby carrier and she twisted herself in it with the strap pressing on her neck. Cutting the straps was faster than trying to unwrap her. These days, they have the mirrors facing the baby so you can see them as you drive.  I was glad I stopped the car as she was making unusual sounds that even her mother was not aware of something wrong!  Well to Toys r us we went! Car Seat! Car Seat!   Follow your intuition is a good thing even if you are wrong.  There is a 6th sense, yaw.

I hope you think the word “back-up” as we move through the season and pray for the best!  Surely to goodness, we have enough going on as it is.  Though we might lose material things, you can always get them back, but not your life.  For many of us, life will never be the same, but at least you are standing on your own two feet and will make adjustment as time go on.

by, Thelma Harcum

Please add your comments on this subject. I will update this article from time to time.

Update:

What you prepare for a “go” bag for a child is also important. You might need to add an infants formula, water bottle, diapers, medicines, nose or mouth suction bulb for any secretions from the nose or mouth, clothes, a toy, or book(something from home can mean a lot to anyone who has posted everything), and anything else you might need if you have to go in a hurry to safety.  Eating utensils like a spoon can be helpful for feeding your baby and a sippy cup for drinking that has a built-in straw.

**   Ok, here is one of the best tips of the day for emergencies that I just thought of.  What is it?  It’s a whistle.  Yes!  If you are buried under rubble, hopefully, not, it’s a great thing to have on you or in your bag to let rescuers know where you are.  Guess who’s going to go out to buy one!  Yes, me!

Talk to you soon, meanwhile, go out and make something happen good. Not just for yourself, but for someone who’s feeling pretty down these days.  A smile cost nothing to give at this point. A joke is even better! Laughter is good for the heart and soul!

by Thelma Harcum

Update. . . .

** Speaking of the “Go” Bag, with the recent severe storms we’ve been having lately, it’s not a bad idea for you and your children to have what I believe is easy to carry are, backpacks. Backpacks leave your hands free to carry other things such as a frightened pet who might run away.  Placing them in their cage will be helpful!   Don’t forget to pack a “go” bag for them as well.  Make sure you label everything and also have your pet’s name on their collar along with their address and phone number.  Not a bad idea for children to have an ID on them as well; especially, when you know that there is an imminent storm, tornado, or strong winds in your path.  Unfortunately, many children are lost when there are storms, earthquakes, and tornados. When the weatherman says to “take shelter” ,  please do it, because they have the facts right in front of them and do believe it!  Wherever, you go, keep away from windows!

If you’ve been warned about a severe storm coming your way, evacuate the area if you can and perhaps send your pets and children to another place to live temporarily before the storm.  Every week, check your “go” bag and try not to take anything out of it unless it is expired.  Always water in each bag.

Please return to this article, because, there will be more updates.

Check this site for resources to help you if your home is damaged and you cannot return to live in it.  www.ftc.org   I was very impressed with the information that the website has. You can share the information or copy it and place it in the emergency “go” bag.

Don’t forget to add a garbage bag for dirty clothes in case you need to go to a shelter.

In this day of a pandemic and severe storms occurring at the same time,  it’s all about masking, handwashing, and keeping a distance wherever you are-especially if you are to stay in a shelter.  Even though you are vaccinated, the variants are of a different breed;  mutating stronger to stay alive, which means it wants a host.  Let’s not have that be you!

Stay safe, Be grateful!!

Thelma Harcum (More Tips Coming !)

VACCINATION AGAINST THE CORONA-19 VIRUS AND VARIANTS SAVES LIVES!!!!