The vast majority of my days are great days. That’s not to say my days are free of bumps and bruises. I have my share. I begin and end my days the same way. When I wake I offer my thanks to God for my night’s sleep, for feeling healthy, for my home, children and neighbors. I finish the day the same way, thanking God for all the good things that came my way during the day (and there are many). I can’t help but smile when I am naming the things for which I’m grateful.
Month: February 2022
Today’s Smile 😃
Joe: “My psychologist told me to never give up on my dreams.”
Pete: “That sounds like good advice.”
Joe: “Yes, I decided to sleep more.”
🍎 Today’s Health Tip ~ Hummus – A Nutritional Winner
Hummus’ Nutrition Benefits
Although there are many variations of hummus, traditionally, it consists of just six ingredients: chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and tahini. Each one of those ingredients is packed with nutritional benefits.
Chickpeas, the primary ingredient in hummus, are a great source of fiber and protein. “Hummus is loaded with dietary fiber which is a key factor in gut health. . . . The lemon juice in hummus also provides health benefits, albeit in very small amounts. The juice of a lemon is extremely high in vitamin C which improves our immune system and bone health. . . .Thanks to the olive oil, hummus can be a great anti-inflammatory food. “Olive oil is rich in powerful antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory benefits. . . .Tahini, which is made from sesame seeds, is also known to be anti-inflammatory. “It may help reduce markers of inflammation in the body like IL-6 and CRP, which are elevated in inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
👊 Today’s Power Thought ~ Get on With Life
Troubled about a decision you have to make? There will be no right time. If you have to make a decision and you’ve done your best to learn the facts, make the decision and get on with life. It will work out.
✒️ Writers’ Wisdom ~ When Should You Begin to Rewrite?
“Write freely and as rapidly as possible and throw the whole thing on paper. Never correct or rewrite until the whole thing is down. Rewrite in process is usually found to be an excuse for not going on. It also interferes with flow and rhythm which can only come from a kind of unconscious association with the material.”
~ John Steinbeck
🍎 Today’s Health Tip ~ How Much Iron do You Need Each Day?
How Important is Iron for Your Body?
Iron is important in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. A lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
How much iron do I need?
- 8.7mg a day for men over 18
- 14.8mg a day for women aged 19 to 50
- 8.7mg a day for women over 50
You should be able to get all the iron you need from your daily diet. Women who lose a lot of blood during their monthly period (heavy periods) are at higher risk of iron deficiency anaemia and may need to take iron supplements. Speak to a GP or a registered dietitian for more advice.
What happens if I take too much iron?
Side effects of taking high doses (over 20mg) of iron include: constipation, feeling sick, being sick, and stomach pain Very high doses of iron can be fatal, particularly if taken by children, so always keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.
🌞 Today’s Inspiration ~ Never Quit, Never Give Up
“Keep going, someone must be on top, why not you?” ~ George S. Patton
🌾 Today’s Poem ~ here’s to opening and upward
here’s to opening and upward
e. e. cummings
here’s to opening and upward, to leaf and to sap
and to your(in my arms flowering so new)
self whose eyes smell of the sound of rain
and to your(in my arms flowering so new)
self whose eyes smell of the sound of rain
and here’s to silent certainly mountains;and to
a disappearing poet of always,snow
and to morning;and to morning’s beautiful friend
twilight(and a first dream called ocean)and
let must or if be damned with whomever’s afraid
down with ought with because with every brain
which thinks it thinks,nor dares to feel(but up
with joy;and up with laughing and drunkenness)
here’s to one undiscoverable guess
of whose mad skill each world of blood is made
(whose fatal songs are moving in the moon
🍎 Today’s Health Tip ~ Nutritional Benefits of Cilantro
What are the benefits of cilantro?
Cilantro contains a high concentration of phytonutrients, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. Because of the presence of these compounds, cilantro seeds can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol, and the leaves can help cleanse the body of toxins. Benefits of cilantro include:
-
- Rich in antioxidants. Cilantro is rich in terpinene, quercetin, and tocopherols, as well as vitamins A and C. These antioxidants and vitamins boost immunity and are neuroprotectors and anticancer agents.
- Promotes heart health. According to research, cilantro lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, balances blood sugar levels, and protects against the damage caused by cardiac impairment.
- Promotes digestive health. Drinking cilantro water in the morning can help improve digestion and metabolism throughout the day. Both properties can help with weight loss.
- Supports restful sleep. Cilantro may help regulate sleep and acts as a relaxant, calming the nerves and reducing stress-induced anxiety.
- Fights harmful organisms. Dodecenal, a compound found in cilantro, is twice as effective at killing Salmonella, which is a common and sometimes fatal cause of food-borne illnesses.
- Note: Eat judiciously, there are side effects associated with consuming too much cilantro.
- Hives.
- Facial swelling.
- Throat swelling.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Stomach pain.
- Darkened skin.
🤗 A Better Life ~ A Lesson from an Older Brother
Yesterday, I witnessed siblings (an older brother and younger sister) playing ball on the soccer field. When they finished, they strapped on their helmets for the ride home. The boy rode a bicycle. The girl a scooter. The girl couldn’t fasten her helmet. Her older brother got off his bike and took his sister’s helmet and adjusted it to make sure it fit correctly. She put her helmet on and took off on her scooter. Her brother rode his bike slowly staying behind his sister making sure she was safe. The world would be happier if we helped each other like this brother helped his sister.
