Your burning summer health questions answered

Must-Know
Health TipsWe like to think we're pretty good at digging up responses to some of your burning health care questions, but some responses are best left to the pros. Which is why, after taking to the streets, we contacted Amy Arbogast, a CVS pharmacist supervisor in Indianapolis, Indiana, to get answers to your must-know summer health questions.

Sun protection question

"How can I protect myself from sunburn? What's the best way to treat one if it's already happened?"

- Lindsay, 28

Amy Arbogast: Sunscreen is important because it protects you from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause sunburn and may eventually lead to skin cancer. Use sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher that contains both UVA and UVB protection. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn caused from UV rays. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before initial sun exposure to allow your skin to absorb the sunscreen. If you're out in the sun for a prolonged period of time, wear a wide-brimmed hat and reapply sunscreen every two hours.

If sunburn has already occurred, there are ways to relieve the discomfort. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, may help to reduce pain. Try taking a cool shower or bath or placing a wet, cold towel on the burn. If you have blisters, do not break them; applying dry bandages may help prevent infection. If your skin is not blistering, aloe vera lotion or a moisturizing cream may be applied to the burn.

Treating the feet

"Every summer, I spend a lot of time at public pools. How can I prevent athlete's foot or warts?"

– Linda, 34

Amy Arbogast: To prevent athlete's foot, wear sandals or flip flops at public pools and dry your feet thoroughly after swimming. If you are susceptible to getting athlete's foot, or you're spending a lot of time at the pool, using an antifungal powder may help to prevent an infection.

Dealing with yeasty beasties

"I've developed a yeast infection as a result of sitting around in a wet bathing suit. How can I treat it quickly?" – Christina, 32

Amy Arbogast: If this is the first time that you've had a yeast infection, or if you are unsure if you have one, you should visit your health care provider for treatment. If you are certain that you have a yeast infection, you can treat it with over-the-counter medications available at your pharmacy. These treatments are available in either vaginal creams or suppositories. Follow the package directions and finish the entire treatment, even if you start to get better. If your symptoms don't go away or you develop a fever, see your health care provider.

Keeping it cool

"It looks like I sat out in the sun too long and am worried about heat stroke. How can I tell if I have it and what should I do?"

– Michelle, 30

Amy Arbogast: If you are exposed to very hot temperatures and you are not drinking enough water, your body may not be able to produce enough sweat to cool itself. This condition is known as heat exhaustion and symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea and excessive sweating. Move yourself to a shaded or air conditioned area. Lie down, elevate your feet and drink plenty of cool water. If you develop a fever, confusion, fainting or seizures, seek immediate medical attention.

If you have any other burning health questions for summer, be sure to send them our way.

More summer health tipsDealing with sunburned, peeling skinGet bugs to buzz offBeware of dehydration

Tonight's Dinner Gouda-stuffed chicken recipe

Add Some Cheese To Your ChickenCheese and apples are a delicious snack in the afternoon for kids and adults alike, so why not stuff some chicken inside for a meal the whole family will love?

One of the classic American desserts is apple pie with a slice of cheddar cheese on top. While I've never been one to mix my desserts and my appetizers, I do like the occasional apple slices with cheese on top for a light, healthy snack. So when Taste of Home recommended combining those flavors inside a chicken breast, I thought it was the perfect idea. The apples gave the chicken a delicious sweet flavor and the cheese had a subtle saltiness that paired perfectly with both the chicken and the apples.

Gouda-stuffed chicken

Serves 4

Ingredients:4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts2 ounces gouda cheese, cut into thin strips2 tablespoons flourSalt and pepper to taste1 tablespoon olive oil1 cup chicken broth1 cup apple cider2 large apples, 1 minced and 1 thinly sliced1 tablespoon honeyDirections:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.Cut a 2-inch pocket into the thickest part of each breast. Combine the cheese and minced apple in a bowl. Fill each breast with two tablespoons of the cheese mixture and close with a toothpick.In a small bowl, sift together the flour, salt and pepper. Dredge each breast in the flour mixture.Heat oil in a large skillet and brown chicken for about two minutes per side. Place skillet in oven and cook for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.While the chicken cooks, heat the broth and cider in a medium skillet over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered for about 15 minutes. Stir in the sliced apples and honey and simmer for five minutes or until apples are tender.Ladle the cider sauce and apples over each chicken breast and serve.

More Tonight's Dinner recipes >>Other cheese recipes

3-Cheese dip

Apple and Brie cheese ball

Roasted tomato and goat cheese puffs

Lighter King Cake recipe

A Low-Fat Version Of This Mardi Gras Classic!Mardi Gras kicks off next week, so it's time to grab your beads, stock up on hurricane mixes and get all your ingredients to make a sinfully delicious King Cake! However, just a sliver of traditional King Cake can set you back 500 calories and 15 grams of fat! Instead of using up a meal's worth of calories in just dessert, swap your traditional King Cake recipe for this lighter one instead!

This King Cake recipe is made with applesauce and oil instead of butter and filled with light cream cheese, so this moist, flavorful cake only tastes indulgent! Plus, the addition of flakey coconut in the filling gives this cake an almost tropical flavor. And let's be serious -- the less calories you eat means the more calories you can drink, which is what Mardi Gras is all about anyway! (That and faltering morals, of course.)

Lighter King Cake recipe

Recipe adapted from Baking Bites.

Serves 8

Ingredients: 

Cake: 

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 cup whole wheat flour1/2 cup sugar (brown sugar can be used too)2-1/2 teaspoons dry active yeast1/2 cup skim milk (warmed to 110-120 degrees F)1/4 teaspoon sea salt3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce1 tablespoon canola oil3 large eggs at room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

8 ounces light cream cheese4 tablespoons sugar1 teaspoon vanilla4 tablespoons flaked coconut

Icing:

1/2 cup powdered sugar2 tablespoons waterGreen, purple and yellow sprinklesDirections:

Grease a 6-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray.In a large bowl, mix 3/4 cup of the flours, sugar, yeast and salt together. Add in warm milk, applesauce and oil. Using a handheld mixer, beat in eggs, one a time. Be sure each egg has been fully incorporated before you add the next one in. Stir in vanilla.Sift in the rest of the flours and mix using the mixer for about two minutes. Cover with plastic and let sit for at least 10 minutes.Meanwhile, mix filling by beating cream cheese, coconut, vanilla and sugar until creamy.Once batter has set, pour 1/2 into the Bundt pan. Using a tablespoon, scoop filling onto the top of the batter until filling is gone. Pour the rest of the batter over the filling and smooth out with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise for at least 1-1/2 hours.Once batter has risen to double its size, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Once preheated, bake cake for at least 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on a wire cooling rack for at least 30 minutes.While cake cools, make icing by mixing the sugar and water together. When cake is completely cooled, frost by drizzling the icing all over the cake to cover it liberally. Sprinkle 1/3 of the cake in yellow sprinkles, 1/3 in purple sprinkles and the remaining 1/3 in green sprinkles. Serve immediately and enjoy!

More Mardi Gras recipes

Mardi Gras cocktail recipes
Mardi Gras recipes for Fat Tuesday
Mardi Gras menu and mouthwatering recipes

Kick off Cook off contestant barfs after eating her own food

Worst Cooking
Show Ever In what might be the worst cooking show EVER, Kickoff Cookoff, which just premiered on TLC, showcases an awkward Erin Andrews and a co-host who I don't even care enough about to Google whose handle is "Cheferee" and a contestant whose own food makes her barf in a garbage can. We're not even going to make a Tiki Barber joke about cheating on his pregnant wife. That would be tacky.Behold the moment that will define Kick off Cook off:  a contestant who throws up after tasting her partner's "mushi" (meat sushi). Worst. Cooking show. Ever.

6 Quick, portable hot snacks

Hot Snacks
On The GoIt’s an eat-and-run world out there, but finding hot snacks that you can take with you as you dash from one appointment to another isn't easy. When you’re craving something warm and quick, consider picking up one of these portable hot snacks.

Microwaveable sandwiches

The freezer section at your grocery store is stocked with frozen entrées, but chances are you've overlooked some of the best options for quick and portable snacks. microwaveable sandwiches have a number of things going for them:

They're compact and easy to hold while you're juggling other packages;They come in a variety of flavors and sandwich styles;They usually lack the messy sauces and ingredients of sub shop sandwiches; andThey take only a couple minutes to heat up and serve.Microwaveable burritos & wraps

Think of microwaveable burritos and hot wraps as an extension of the microwaveable sandwich. They're filled with tasty meats, beans and cheeses within a mess-free edible wrap. The nice thing about wraps and burritos is that they give you the opportunity to eat ethnic foods on the run. One day, you can enjoy a Mexican-inspired bean burrito; the next, you can enjoy an Indian wrap.

Soups

Soup companies have made eating this hot food a cinch whether you're driving around town or sitting at your desk. Creamy soups served in handheld, single-serving portions with spill-resistant lids have turned this traditional appetizer into an easy snack. If you don't like the idea of paying more for the handheld soup containers, pour a can of soup into a travel coffee mug.

microwaveable chicken nuggets

Pop four or five nuggets into the microwave before you head out the door and, when they're done cooking, put them in a plastic bag that you can carry in the car. If you're a vegetarian or you're watching your waistline, you may be surprised to know that numerous organic, healthy and meat-free nugget options are available.

Hot drinks

While you shouldn't make a habit out of drinking your snacks, there's nothing wrong with the occasional hot and portable drink. Many coffee and tea drinks made with low-fat or soy milk can stave off hunger while giving you a late-afternoon energy boost. Just watch the added sugar, opt for a smaller serving size and ask the barista to hold the whipped cream.

Foods on a stick

Not much is more portable than food skewered onto a stick. When looking for hot snack options, consider picking up a corndog, sausage on a stick, or a simple chicken or pork kabob. The protein will fill you up, and you can easily eat your snack while walking around town.

More snack ideas

7 Healthy snacks for kids
Tasty, filling mom-approved snack ideas
Frozen snacks you can feel good about

4 Back pain myths – debunked!

The Truth About
Back PainNo, you didn't accidentally log onto an AARP site. Back pain is not limited to your twilight years and can, in fact, happen even in your 20s or 30s. Lifting groceries or just trying a new Zumba class can trigger muscle spasms from your body being tweaked the wrong way. Deciding what to do about back pain can be confusing. Should you skip the gym and just lie down? Take a hot bath or use ice? Some approaches may actually make matters worse.

Before you reach for that heating pad, read on for the most common back pain remedy myths and the real, healing truth. (Note: If you experience shooting or severe pain that prevents you from getting around normally, see a doctor immediately.)

Back pain myth #1:If your back hurts, lie down until the pain subsides

The reality: Keep moving

Lying in bed for days and weeks can delay healing. Resting longer than 48 hours causes muscle atrophy (shrinking), which then causes muscles to spasm more and leads to weakness. Who needs that? Instead, go for light activity such as walking, swimming or low-impact exercise such as the elliptical trainer or recumbent bike to speed healing.

Back pain myth #2:Substitute a fitness ball for your office chair to strengthen back muscles

The reality: A little goes a long way

Sitting upright on a ball without back support makes it highly unlikely you'll be able to keep good posture for eight hours. Ultimately, you could end up with back muscle strain and feel worse. Sitting on a ball for shorter periods --  15 to 20 minutes at a time -- may help you feel better. Alternate between the ball and a regular chair to avoid muscle fatigue -- and get up and move around hourly.

Back pain myth #3:Most back pain occurs suddenly and without warning

The reality: Trouble's been brewing

Pain may suddenly appear and be perceived as occurring instantly, but it likely has been behind the scenes for awhile. If you're not bending properly or you're using poor back mechanics (i.e., you bend over without bending your knees), at some point something simple like a sneeze may be the straw that breaks the camel's back -- so to speak. What may appear to be a sudden injury could have actually been building for months or even years.

Back pain myth #4:Apply a hot compress or take a hot bath to ease back pain

The reality: Cold first, heat later

A hot shower may initially feel good, but the heat may actually increase inflammation by opening up blood vessels. Both heat and ice work by breaking the cycles in which muscle spasms cause pain. Apply ice or use a bag of frozen peas -- 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, then repeat six to eight times throughout the day. After the initial 48 hours, switch to an electric heating pad.

?Lower back stretching exercises?

Watch this video to learn stretching exercises that can help alleviate lower back pain.

More on back pain

Ways to reduce back pain
The real truth about back pain
Natural remedies for back pain

Ice cream cupcakes

Easy, Simple And Fun!Cake and ice cream is the classic party treat. Why not combine the two! These two simple ice cream cupcakes, mint chocolate chip and Neapolitan, will have you screaming for more!

The summer is here and it's time to have fun with your dessert! This dessert combines our two favorite things: cake and ice cream. The best part about this cupcake is that you can make almost any flavor combination. Delicious Neapolitan, dreamy orange cream and, of course, chocolate chip mint.

Ice cream cupcake recipe

Yields 24 cupcakes

Ingredients:1 box cake mix (any flavor)Ice cream (any flavor)Whipped toppingDirections:

Make half the cake mix according to box directions.Line a cupcake pan with liners. Add 2 tablespoons of cake mix to each cup.Bake for about 12 minutes until cake is set.Let cool and add a scoop of softened ice cream on top.Pipe the top of the cupcakes with whipped topping and store in the freezer until ready to eat.

*We recommend making half the box of cake mix because it will yield 24 cupcakes.

More ice cream ideas

Fresh apricot and lime sorbet recipe
Creamy blueberry lemon ice cream
S'mores ice cream

Jersey Shore cocktail recipes

Get Your Drink OnHow can you expect to battle it out on the dance floor and beat the beat up without a few strong cocktails in your system? We've compiled the best drinks the cast of the Jersey Shore has to offer as well as a few of our own we're sure the Seaside residents would be DTS (down to sip).

Snookie MonsterIngredients:1/2 ounce Rumplemintz1/2 ounce Baileys Irish Cream1/2 ounce KahluaSplash CreamDirections:

Shake Rumplemintz, Baileys and Kahlua in a cocktail mixer.Pour into a heavily used shot glass.Top with cream.

Staten Island FerryIngredients:2 cups rum6 cups pineapple juiceIcePitcherDirections:

Stir rum, pineapple juice and ice in a large pitcher.Pass around to all your friends.

Florida Iced TeaIngredients:1/2 ounce vodka1/2 ounce gin1/2 ounce Triple Sec1/2 ounce rumOrange juiceSplash CokeIceLemon wedge for garnishDirections:

Remember that time in Miami when you cheated on Sam with two grenades at the same time.Pour ingredients into cocktail glass over ice.Forget that time in Miami when you cheated on Sam with two grenades at the same time.

GTL CocktailIngredients:1-1/2 ounce gin2 ounces tonic2 ounce lemonadeIceMint sprigsDirections:

Mix equal parts gin, tonic and lemonade over ice in a cocktail glass.Garnish with mint sprigs.Sip after GTL to stay fresh and mint.

Blast in a glassIngredients:Shot glass full of RumplemintzAlmost full glass of light beerDirections:

Drop shot into beer and slam.Get thrown out of a bar early.

The GodfatherIngredients:1-1/2 ounce scotch1/2 ounce DrambuieIce

Directions:

Fill cocktail glass with ice.Pour scotch and Drambuie over ice.Do you best Italian mobster impression and continue to piss off the entire country of Italy.

Ron Ron JuiceIngredients: Vodka Cranberry juice Watermelon juice Maraschino cherries IceDirections:

Combine all ingredients to taste in a blender and serve in large red plastic cups.Fist pumping and hooking up optional (but inevitable).

Blue BallsIngredients:1 ounce vodka3/4 ounce Blue Caruso3/4 ounce watermelon liquorSplash of 7-UpDirections:

Mix ingredients in a cocktail shaker.Serve to your boys after you've committed a robbery.

Gorilla JuiceheadIngredients:1/2 ounce Jager1/2 ounce GoldschlaugerDirections:

Combine equal parts Jager and Goldschlauger in a shot glass.Marvel at your gold jewlery reflecting off your fresh spray tan.

Sex on the BeachIngredients:1 ounce vodka1/2 ounce rasberry liquor1/2 ounce peach schnappscranberry juice, to tastepineapple juice, to tasteDirections:

Pour ingredients into red plastic cup.Find a rare rose that's down to... talk politics.

Cabs are here beerIngredients:The nearest beverage Directions:

Drink quickly before crawling into a cab.

Grenade Launcher
(Jager Bomb)Ingredients:Shot glass full of Jager1 can Red BullDirections:

Pour 3/4 can of Red Bull into a chilled glass.Drop shot into glass and slam.Run for cover.

 

More from the shoreJersey Shore party recipesDid you know the Jersey Shore...The Jersey Shore prequel you'll never see on MTV

 

相关的主题文章:

• ８年前の反米曲が問題に…ＰＳＹ「歌詞が不適切」
• Dangers of pertussis and how you can prevent it
• Easy nutrients to pack into a school lunch

Make-ahead meals

Fix And Freeze
Dinners Your family needs to eat and, despite the seemingly convenient drive-thru and microwave dinner approaches, your family needs to eat healthfully. Fixing and freezing recipes for every meal of the day gives you a tasty array of homemade dishes that can be quickly reheated – taken on the go or enjoyed at home. Here are three make-ahead back to school meals that will keep your family well-fed and ease you of the food prep pressure that comes with busy family schedules.

Cinnamon brown sugar oat waffles

Makes 12 waffles

Ingredients:3/4 cup rolled oats1-1/4 cups whole wheat flour1 cup all purpose flour3 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground allspice1/4 cup packed brown sugar1 teaspoon salt1-1/2 tablespoons baking powder1-1/2 tablespoons baking soda2 eggs2-1/4 cups nonfat buttermilk3 tablespoons unsalted butter, meltedDirections:

Preheat waffle iron. Place oats in a food processor and whir for 30 seconds or until coarsely ground. Add flours, milk powder, cinnamon, allspice, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Pulse until well combined.In a large bowl with a spout, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and butter until smooth. Add flour mixture and whisk until well combined.Generously spray waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour about 1-1/2 cups batter onto the center of the waffle iron. Close lid and cook until waffles are golden and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.

To Freeze:

Cut each large waffle into four squares. Place on a baking sheet in one layer and freeze until firm. Transfer to a gallon-sized freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

To Reheat:

Place frozen waffles in the toaster or place waffles on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Chipotle papaya beef burritos

Makes 8 to 10 burritos

Ingredients:2 tablespoons canola oil2 pounds extra lean ground beef1 onion, chopped3 cloves garlic, minced1 teaspoon saltFreshly ground black pepper to taste2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon ground coriander1-1/2 cups diced ripe papaya1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro1 cup crumbled goat cheese8 to 10 (8- or 10-inch) whole grain flour tortillasDirections:

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef and onion and cook, stirring often to break up beef, until beef is browned and onion is soft. Add garlic, salt, pepper, chipotle, cumin, and coriander, and cook, stirring often, for 1 minute.Stir in papaya and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes or until fruit is softened. Stir in cilantro and goat cheese. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.For each burrito, place beef filling in the center of the tortilla and fold the top and bottom edges over, then roll burrito-style.

To Freeze:

Tightly wrap each burrito with freezer wrap or plastic wrap and place in a gallon-sized freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

To Reheat:

The night before, place desired number of burritos in the refrigerator to thaw. Individual burritos may be heated in the microwave on HIGH for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through.

Coconut crusted chicken strips

Serves 8

Ingredients:2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts2 cups almond flour1-1/2 cups shredded coconut1 teaspoon saltFreshly ground black pepper to taste1/4 teaspoon cayenne1 teaspoon dried oregano3 eggsDirections:

Preheat oven to 350°F and spray 2 rimmed baking sheets with olive oil cooking spray.With the smooth side of a mallet, or the bottom of a wide skillet, lightly pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Cut them into 1-inch wide strips. Set aside.In a wide shallow dish, whisk together flour, coconut, salt, pepper, cayenne, and oregano. In a second shallow dish, beat eggs.Dip chicken strips in egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat on all sides in coconut mixture. Set on baking sheet. Spray chicken strips with olive oil cooking spray. Bake for 25 minutes, rotating pans after 12 to 13 minutes, or until coating is toasted and chicken is cooked through. Let cool completely.

To Freeze:

Place chicken strips on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer chicken strips to gallon-sized freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

To Reheat:

Let chicken strips thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. When ready to serve, preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken strips on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through.

More fix and freeze breakfast ideasMake ahead breakfast pizza

Pizza made with eggs, cheese (and mushrooms) can be a great substitute for an omelet for Breakfast or Brunch. This step-by-step video explains how to make a delicious "breakfast pizza".

More time-saving recipesMake-ahead fix and freeze meals Make-ahead chcolate and Grand Marnier soufflésFreezer friendly cooking from Holly Clegg 相关的主题文章:

• Meal plans to help you lose the baby weight
• ピーチ、2013年3月31日からの国際線運航計画を発表
• Makeover your child's reaction to stress

A holistic approach to healing depression

Depression: Treating The Whole PersonFeeling down once in a while is normal and happens to even the most upbeat among us. But what happens when the blues just won’t go away? One of the most common treatments for depression is medication, but there are other options. We got some insight from Dr. Gregory Jantz, author of Moving Beyond Depression: A Whole-Person Approach to Healing, about using a more holistic method when it comes to treating and managing depression. He suggests that we get away from the quick-fix mentality of chemical solutions and start recognizing that the whole person should be healed.

a whole-person approach for depression

The tricky thing about depression is that it doesn't just affect one part of a person -- for example, just your home life or your work life or how you see your physical self. "Depression affects the whole-person, casting a suffocating shadow over your emotions, your relationships, how you feel physically and even how you experience your world spiritually," Jantz explains. He likens depression to trying to run a race with shoes that are too tight, knee-deep in sand, without knowing the course and carrying a 50-pound backpack – in other words, extremely frustrating and almost impossible. And just like addressing only one of those issues won't help you win the race, not focusing on the whole person when it comes to depression won't get you where you need to be. When you're depressed, your life is out of balance in so many areas, Jantz sees addressing each of those areas as a crucial part of healing.

The depression medication debate

Drugs are often used to combat the physical symptoms of depression but may do nothing to help a person uncover other underlying reasons behind the depression, Jantz explains. "If you don't ever look into the bigger picture of why, you could chain yourself to a pharmaceutical weight – one you have to keep dragging around, month after month, year after year," he says. Most people don't consider that an ideal definition of healing and recovery, and it often feels more like a Band-Aid approach. "As much as the pharmaceutical industry wants to tell you otherwise, there are very effective methods for dealing with depression that don't come in an amber bottle with a child-proof cap." Jantz adds that medication can be effective for some people but if your depression is based on life circumstances or emotional trauma or fear of the future, those are not issues that will disappear with a magic pill.

Healing: Where to start

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, the first step toward healing is just that – making a step. "The need for help has to be something you know in your head, not feel in your heart. Even though you don't necessarily feel like it, you start by seeking outside yourself for help," explains Jantz. This can be a significant first step because depression puts a clamp on a person's desire and motivation, making it hard to get out of bed in the morning, let alone start the healing process. "The first step is establishing forward momentum, moving away from your depression and toward the rest of your life," he says.

When it comes to the whole-person approach, Jantz says an important step in your recovery plan is assembling your recovery team – a physician to deal with the physical symptoms and contributors to your depression, a mental health therapist to work through emotional and relational issues with directed insight and practical tools, a dietitian to address nutritional causes and support, and a spiritual counselor to help you navigate the life-questions that often are at the root of depression.

Basic depression-busting tips

One of the best things you can do when you're feeling down is get out and move your body, says Jantz, adding that physical exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on mood. You don't have to go out and run for an hour to get the feel-good benefit. Moving your body can be as simple as taking the dog for a walk, cleaning out your spare room, mowing the lawn or dancing to music on the radio (our personal favorite blues-busting move). "If you make a habit of moving your body, it won't just help you look better on the outside; you'll also feel better on the inside."

Another way Jantz suggests getting out of a temporary funk is to intentionally think about all the positives in your life now and those you have to look forward to. Grab a pen and paper and write them down, or better yet, start a gratitude journal. Life has a way of knocking you off balance, but countering the setbacks with a look at what is going well can help keep you feeling good. Says Jantz: "When life knocks you for a loop, you need to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep moving forward."

More on mental health

What your man needs to know about depression
6 Ways nature can boost your mood
Motivate yourself in 8 easy steps

相关的主题文章:

• 米ワシントン州で同性結婚式、合法化後初 100組超が愛誓う
• 「シリア反体制派は国民の正当な代表」、米大統領
• 「脱原発、裏付けはロシア」鈴木・大地代表

Coffee tips from a master taster

Brew The
Best Java Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just a plain old Folgers kind of gal, brewing the perfect cup of coffee isn't always easy. SheKnows asked Gevalia Master Taster David Holfve for some coffee bean basics and tips on how to brew the best cuppa joe.

Coffee Bean Basics

When roasted, coffee beans have over 800 flavor characteristics. Red wine is said to have a mere 400, so exploring the world of coffee can be a great adventure.

Finding coffee that you really love is truly a matter of personal taste. The best way to determine your preferences is to compare and contrast different coffees from different regions, noting aroma, body, acidity and flavor notes such as floral, citrus, spice and caramel and writing down what you like about each one.

Finding your faves

I recommend that my customers do a coffee tasting using a coffee from Kenya, one from Colombia and one from Indonesia. Kenyan coffee has high acidity and notes of black currants. Colombian coffee tends to have high acidity and is very well balanced. The coffee from Indonesia tends to have high body and low acidity; it's smooth and I find that people either love it or hate it.

There are exotic single varietal coffees that are incredibly diverse in flavor and are worth trying, such as Jamaican Blue Mountain, Hawaiian Kona and one of my favorites, Costa Rican Peaberry.

When choosing fine coffee, start by looking for 100% Arabica beans, the world's best Arabica beans are aromatic and offer varied and complex flavor profiles. They contain about half the caffeine content of Robusta coffee.

 

5 tips for the best brew

Make sure your brewer is clean. Ua descaler or vinegar and water solution every two months.Use the proper filter for your coffee makerStart every pot with fresh, cold, filtered waterCareful measurement matters. I like one rounded tablespoon for every 6 ounces of water.Temperature is another critical factor. Coffee tastes best when it's not too hot, not too cold. After brewing coffee, don't let the pot sit on the burner, we recommend pouring it into a thermal carafe that's been pre-heated with hot water to keep it at the optimal temperature.

Sip Slowly and Savor

The most important thing about coffee is taking the time to enjoy it and trying not to drink on the go – at least not too often! I make coffee drinking an occasion, so I drink it out of a teacup. The round, smooth shape of the cup enhances my discovery. To me that's the magic of great coffee. Best of all, unlike fine wine, which you probably only enjoy occasionally, great coffee is something you can wake up to every day.

You might be tempted to choose beans based on roast color: dark, medium or light. Fine coffee purveyors roast beans to bring out their optimal flavor characteristics. Just because beans are dark roast, doesn't mean that the coffee will be burnt or bitter, conversely, a light roast isn't 'weak.' Different flavor notes and intensities emerge from careful roasting.

 

Related videoMaking coffee from start to finish

Check out this groovy video that shows how to make a fantastic cup of coffee from start to finish. The finished product is so gorgeous, this video should probably be classified as erotica for coffee heads!

The best gluten-free fitness bag essentials

Gluten-Free Fitness If you've got celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the workout snacks and locker room items in your gym bag are going to look different than the fitness enthusiast who doesn't have gluten issues. Fortunately, the growing incidence of food allergies and dietary restrictions has prompted a growing selection of gluten-free foods and personal care products that you can safely pack in your fitness bag. Here are a few of our favorite gluten-free fitness items.

Exfoliating Olive Oil CleanserGlutenFreeBeauty.com; $28

After a hard, sweaty workout, this olive oil-based cleanser will give your skin a fresh, clean feel. Made of virgin olive oil, cane sugar and castor oil, it gently exfoliates and moisturizes, and can be used every day. All ingredients are gluten-free, vegan-friendly and considered safe even for expectant mothers. Since this gluten-free beauty product is 100 percent natural, it does need to be kept at moderate temperatures (don't leave your gym bag in your car when the temperatures rocket).

Argan Body ButterGlutenFreeBeauty.com; $55

It's true: Skin care and beauty products can contain gluten. Since your skin is your largest organ and absorbs what you put on it, using only gluten-free personal care products is another step in boosting your health. Argan Body Butter is made with organic argan oil, shea butter and essential oils that lend the moisturizer a light, sweet, floral scent. Best yet, if you're taking your exercise outside the gym, the body butter's palmarosa oil is also considered a natural insect repellent to ward off summer pests. This gluten-free beauty product is also a luxe anti-aging cream to slather on your skin after your post-workout shower.

Gluten-Free Savonnerie Shampoo and ConditionerGFSoap.com; starting at $3

When you're ready to hit the showers, treat your hair with Gluten-Free Savonnerie Shampoo and Conditioner. The clear, fragrance-free shampoo contains pro-vitamin B5 and some of the mildest cleansers available, to leave your hair soft, shiny and manageable. For beautiful, supple hair, follow the shampoo with the gluten-free conditioner, which is made with jojoba oil and is light enough to be used daily. Available in 2-ounce and 8-ounce bottles.

Larabar nutrition barsLarabarStore.com; $25 for 16-count box

Don't hit the wall during your workout because you're running low on fuel. Pack a few Larabars in your gym bag so you always have a convenient gluten-free snack on your way to exercise. With more than a dozen fabulous flavors, including ginger snap, lemon bar, cashew cookie, and chocolate coconut, these gluten-free bars are made with natural ingredients, health-promoting nutrients, muscle-building protein and hunger-curbing fiber.

Gemma Protein Pea Isolate (non-GMO)TrueProtein.com; starting at $5 per pound

Shake up a gluten-free protein smoothie with True Protein's Gemma Protein Pea Isolate. Featuring vegetable-based protein from peas, this tasty protein powder is low-allergenic, vegan-friendly and gluten-free. At 104 calories and 25 grams of protein per serving, this pre- and post-workout drink mix is available in dozens of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, coconut and a variety of fruits. You can even customize your protein shake with your choice of sweetener and supplements. Sold in one-pound increments.

Recoverite Recovery DrinkHammerNutrition.com; starting at $3 per serving

Though water is the best option for the recreational or occasional exerciser, a gluten-free exercise recovery drink may be a better choice for a hard-core athlete, particularly after grueling workouts. Hammer Nutrition's Recoverite, available in three flavors, is formulated with the amino acid glutamine (key in muscle health), a 3:1 ratio of complex carbohydrates and whey protein isolate, antioxidants and electrolytes. Drinking Recoverite can also boost your immune system, reduce the symptoms of overtraining, and enhance glycogen synthesis for faster recovery. For optimal results, drink soon after your workout is over.

More tips for living gluten-free

How to convert a recipe to gluten-free
Gluten-free BBQ recipes
New gluten-free foods for 2011

6 Steps to keep your home germ-free this flu season

Fight The Flu
In Your HouseThe best way to avoid getting the flu is by getting the flu shot. Keeping your home germ-free this flu season can help, too. Follow these tips to help keep your home healthy and flu-free this year.

Avoid the flu virus

The best way to keep the flu virus out of your house is to avoid it altogether. Stay away from people you know have (or have been exposed to) the flu. Not bringing the virus in at all is easier than getting rid of it once it's arrived.

Stop the spread of cold and flu in your family >>

Wash hands frequently

Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after using the restroom or changing diapers, as well as before touching any food. Also, be sure to wash your hands as soon as you come home from public places. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your car or purse, and use it after you visit the doctor's office, use a shopping cart or touch a door handle – all germ hotspots.

Wipe things down

Use antibacterial wipes to wipe down items people touch frequently: phones, door handles, cabinet pulls, counters, tables, remote controls, the fridge door, toilet handles, computer keyboards and faucets. Keep the wipes in several locations around your house so you'll be more likely to use them.

The mom's guide to cold and flu season essentials >>

Wash your linens

Wash your bed linens at least once a week to get rid of any lingering germs in the bedroom. These germs can build up in blankets and sheets and attack you while you sleep. Wash frequently used blankets and throws from other areas of the house, too. Change hand towels in the bathroom often, or use disposable ones to avoid any risk of transferring germs this way.

Use high-efficiency filters

Standard furnace filters are more for protecting your furnace than for protecting you. The spaces between fibers on these filters are small enough to keep out large particles that might damage your furnace, but they're big enough to allow virus-carrying bacteria to sail right through. Instead, use high-efficiency filters, designed to filter out these tiny intruders as well as mold spores and pet dander. These newer filters are recommended by the American Lung Association for promoting respiratory health and avoiding viruses like the flu.

Seasonal flu basics >>

These better filters are more expensive than standard filters but last for three months, while standard filters should be changed monthly. You should still check your high-efficiency filter each month for signs of wear or extreme buildup.

Clean your cleaning tools

How often you clean doesn't matter if the rag you're using is filthy. Wash washcloths, dishrags and hand towels frequently, and let them dry out between uses. If you use disposable sponges, change them frequently and don't let them sit in water for long periods.

If someone in your household does come down with the flu, have them use disposable cups and utensils to minimize the risk of spreading germs.More on flu prevention

7 Flu shot facts
Top 10 ways to avoid the flu
Reduce family colds & flu

Best of the season Summertime fruits and veggies

Summer produce

Many in recent years have touted the benefits of eating seasonally. It’s not that an apple that’s purchased during the summer has more nutritional value that one purchased during the winter, but eating seasonally will always ensure you have the best tasting, freshest fruits and veggies all year round. Plus, eating seasonally is easier on the pocketbook. Here are some of the best fruits and vegetables summer has to offer.

Avocados

This delicious superfood is harvested all year long, but you'll spend upwards of $2 for a single avocado in the winter. Especially prominent on the west coast, this fruit is packed with "good fats," or monosaturated fat. Some studies suggest that high avocado consumption can lead to lower blood cholesterol levels. Though the avocado might pack a heavy calorie punch at about 250 for a medium fruit, the California-harvested produce has many health benefits that outweigh its calorie impact.

Blueberries

The tiny, sweet blueberry might look little, but it's a big player in the realm of antioxidants. These small berries contain anthocynins, phytochemicals and antioxidant pigments that are believed to reduce the risk of some diseases — even cancer! Blend them into your favorite recipes, top a salad with them or eat them on their own. Blueberries will never let you — or your heart — down.

Basil

Basil is a main ingredient in Italian cooking, and throughout the summer, it can be grown in your home too! As a potted plant, give the basil plant partial sunlight. Use it to make Margherita pizzas, pesto and more. Plus, it can be used in more exotic recipes, like Thai cooking. The taste of fresh basil is unrivaled by any other leafy green.

Apples

A little slice of Americana — apples can be turned into anything from apple pie to hard apple cider. Visit your nearby apple orchard, or just pick up a few fruits from the store. The sweet, classic taste of apples is a huge hit with kids and adults alike. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, summer is the healthiest seasons of all!

Bell peppers

Bell peppers are a sweet, crisp and refreshing vegetable (without the heat from traditional peppers) that can be be used in salads, sandwiches, side dishes and more. It's a versatile produce that can add crispness to your pasta salad or sweetness to your summertime fajita recipe. Marinate peppers in olive oil for a bold sandwich topping or simply add them to a salad. There's no wrong way to use a bell pepper.

Tell us:

What is your favorite summer veggie or fruit? Share in the comments below!

More healthy eating tips

Save your calories: Smart beverage swaps
5 Simple tips for healthy eating on the go
Moms share: Healthy snacks my kids love