Archive for October 9th, 2009

Why do I need to get a seasonal flu vaccine every year? : CDC

Author: Sophia

Oct 9

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Flu viruses change from year to year, which means two things. First, you can get the flu more than once during your lifetime. The immunity (natural protection that develops against a disease after a person has had that disease) that is built up from having the flu caused by one flu virus strain doesn’t always provide protection against newer strains of the flu. Second, a seasonal flu vaccine made against flu viruses going around last year may not protect against the newer viruses. That is why the flu vaccine is updated to include current viruses every year.

Because of these reasons, a new seasonal flu vaccine is needed each year.

People who should get vaccinated each year are:

  1. Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
  2. Pregnant women
  3. People 50 years of age and older
  4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
    1. Health care workers
    2. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
    3. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
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Filed under: Allergies and Asthma

8 Foods That Fight Fat – By Lucy Danziger

Author: Sophia

Oct 9

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I saw this on yahoo health, Lucy thanks for the info!

Almonds These yummy nuts are high in alpha-linolenic acid, which can accelerate your metabolism of fats. In fact, dieters who ate 3 ounces of almonds daily slashed their weight and body-mass index by 18 percent, while those who skipped the nuts reduced both numbers less— just 11 percent—a study in the International Journal of Obesity revealed. Chomp almonds à la carte (limit yourself to 12 per serving to keep calories in check). I get a pack at Starbucks and nibble throughout my day. Or sprinkle them into a recipe such as Black Bean–Almond Pesto Chicken. Go nuts!

Berries I tell my daughter, “These are nature’s candy!” Turns out they’re also your body’s best friends. Strawberries, raspberries and other vitamin C–spiked fruit can supercharge your workout, helping you burn up to 30 percent more fat, research from Arizona State University at Mesa has found. If they’re not in season, buy the little gems frozen in a bulk-sized bag so you’ll always have them on hand to whip up a Berry Bliss Smoothie or Strawberry-Sunflower Pops,  regardless of whether berries are in season.

Cinnamon Adding 1/4 teaspoon to your plate may prevent an insulin spike—an uptick that tells your body to store fat. Sprinkle it on your morning cereal or coffee or on your yogurt in the A.M., or savor it in Apple-Cinnamon-Raisin Oatmeal.

Mustard It’s heaven on a soft pretzel, but mustard may also be a weight loss wonder. Turmeric, the spice that gives mustard its color, may slow the growth of fat tissues, a study in the journal Endocrinology finds. Use it on sandwiches instead of mayo, or sprinkle turmeric on cauliflower pre-roasting to give it a kick. Try it on tuna salad—I promise it adds zest.

Oranges This citrus fruit, which contains fat-blasting compounds known as flavones, deserves to be your main squeeze. Women who ate the most flavones had a much lower increase in body fat over a 14-year period, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes. Eat oranges sliced or swig fresh OJ (including pulp!) to get the best benefit from the fruit.

Soybeans Reason to toss a half cup on your salad? Soybeans are rich in choline, a compound that blocks the absorption of fat and breaks down fatty deposits. Oh, and they’re addictively delish! But if breast cancer runs in your family, experts suggest you should talk to your doc before adding soy to your diet.

Sweet potatoes The colorful spuds’ high-fiber content means they keep your insulin steadier than their white sisters, which means less fat packed on your hips, research finds. Top a small baked tater with lowfat cottage cheese for a tempting side dish, or whip up Miso Soup With Sweet Potato Dumplings.

Swiss cheese Calcium-rich foods reduce fat-producing enzymes and increase fat breakdown, and Swiss has more calcium than many of its cheesy peers. Choose the reduced-fat variety, such as Sargento. Slip it into your sandwich, put it on top of high-fiber crackers or use it for a healthier grilled cheese. Yum!

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Filed under: Family

Am not there yet, but am on my way …

Author: Sophia

Oct 9

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I can’t say am poor and i can’t say am rich either, so am left in the middle – a Middle class woman – that is what i am. I refuse to get comfortable on this level, this is not enough,  not quite there yet. I want more for myself and my family. I want my children to look back and write a story, if not a song of their own, and in it  i would like them to sing  what their mother did. I find myself  dreaming big now,  painting big pictures, and then taking my keyboard and start writing, writing  my  own stories, i find them very  interesting, i bet someone else out there will  love and appreciate them as much.

I have to believe  that this is one of the directions my life has taken, and am just going to follow that, it is a dream worth chasing. Hey there’s nothing wrong with wanting more for yourself, demanding more for yourself, and pushing yourself into achieving great things at any level and age in life. I have to trust that there is not a dream too big or too small, there is not a goal set too high, and even more there is nothing as powerful as the trust in yourself and in  God.

So often we get so negative we can’t allow ourselves to pursue big and better things, we make it so easy to give up. Some folks  are very quick to discourage others and say things like, ain’t no way that would work,  or only in your dreams, or why in the world would anyone choose you and the list is endless. So, we shut good ideas down, prevent our friends, spouses, or family  members from pursuing their own dreams. If you are this type of person, take a moment and think about this, What if someone were to tell you that very small or gigantic idea can actually work?  What if someone were to tell you that the audition is worth going to, or that movie  you are refusing to produce, or give a shot will actually turn out to be a blockbuster?  The worst thing other than trying is not trying at all. You have to be willing to take a step of faith, have some hope for the best.

Other than my regular day job, here are things i know i am fully capable of doing , writing, acting, parenting, cooking, shopping, fashion design, running a business. I bet your list is long too.  So, I trust One day i will be listing accomplishments and not just areas of interest,  i just have to work hard at it, VERY HARD.

Get on it too, just spread your wings, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

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Filed under: Mommy Diaries