Wellness
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Calling All Ketchup Lovers!
When I was a kid, ketchup was a main staple in our household. Who am I kidding? It is still a big part of our menu and I just can’t eat french fries or a hamburger without it! I am not alone as it is America’s favorite condiment and can be found in 97 percent of kitchens. Apparently, President Nixon covered his cottage cheese with it, the Japanese eat it on rice, and one ice cream manufacturer allegedly once tried a ketchup ice cream. (Source: www.assortment.com). Studies show tomato ketchup can also be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer and heart disease. Ketchup History The word ketchup is derived from…
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A Gottman Institute Therapist Provides Tips to Keep Your Marriage Strong
The Gottman Institute: Many of you might have heard about Dr. Gottman of The Gottman Institute and his ability to predict with 98% accuracy which marriages would end in divorce. When I read this statistic, I was intrigued to learn more about this man and the compile of work he has done through the years. The Gottman Institute was co-founded by Drs. John and Julie Schwartz Gottman. The Gottman Relationship Institute has two major functions: helping couples directly, and providing state-of-the-art training to mental health professionals and other health care providers. The Gottman Institute applies leading-edge research on marriage in a practical, down-to-earth therapy and trains therapists committed to helping couples. No…
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Hawthorne for the Heart
The Hawthorne ( Crategeous oxyacantha or mongyna) is a sweet scented flower with snow-white blossoms; however, in the fall, red berries emerge. Hawthorne is well known as a heart herb for anyone needing to increase circulation, bring on more joy and love into their lives. History The Hawthorne plant has long been known as a sacred and protecting. In fact, for centuries, parents would place sprigs of Hawthorne around a baby’s cradle to protect against evil spirits and illnesses. Hawthorne tinctures, teas or syrups are also used to lift spirits and relieve sadness. In Greece, wedding guests would bring sprigs of Hawthorne to gesture happiness, prosperity (and fertility) to the…
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10 Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids During Winter
Winter doesn’t have to mean chilly afternoons huddled indoors all day. Instead, bundle up the kids for some fun outdoor winter activities (and exercise!) that will get their hearts pumping! Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean that you and your little ones shouldn’t bundle up for some winter fun! Knowing the right outdoor activities for winter days (and nights!) is the first step to having a healthy, active winter. “I think it’s important to make fitness a part of your child’s life from the youngest of age. The best way for them to learn it is for you to model it. Do a stroller workout and/or take your baby…
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Botanical Medicines: 3 Essentials for Your Natural Pharmacy
Traditional botanical medicine is based on the use of plants and/or their extracts. It is also referred to as herbalism, medical herbology, phytotherapy, and herbal medicine. Probably the most well – known herbal medicine is echinacea. The first writings of echinacea were in the late 1800s and commonly used in the Native American population to treat anything from sore throats to coughs to toothaches. Below are three less commonly known; however, essentials for every natural pharmacy. 1. Licorice – Glycirriza glabra soothes the digestive system, nourishes the adrenal glands, and strengthens the immune system. History Many people think of licorice as a candy; however, its therapeutic herbal usage dates back…
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Community: Charitable Hearts
“Intense love does not measure, it just gives.” ~Mother Teresa In Columbia, South Carolina there is a family with three children. Davis, age 11; Julia, age 9 and William, age 6. In October of 2012, the Hickson family participated in the UMDF Energy For Life Walk (Charlotte). They did the walk as a family in support of one another and most importantly for their son, William. William was diagnosed with a Mitochondrial Disease at age 18 months. During his six years he has already undergone six (6) surgeries, from hip surgeries (both) to Nissen fundoplication surgery (two different occasions) as well as a biopsy to confirm his mitochondrial disease.…
