I can just hear what you're thinking -- where does she come off thinking about some of the things she does? That's what this is all about: whatever comes to my mind, and yours. Take it for what it is worth.
My thoughts today concern illnesses -- germs, colds, flu and allergies.
Common sense tells me that the jobs we do and the places we go all contribute to illness; it also tells me germs can only enter ones body through open orifices, such as our eyes, ears, nose, mouth and throat.
Simple as it seems, the best way to avoid illness is to keep your hands clean and out of your face. Most people are aware of this – just use good old soap and water, anti-bacterial is not necessary.
Second to not washing your hands, and a common mistake: failing to wash hands long and thoroughly enough. Children are taught to sing the “ABCs” while washing. Adults sing faster; so sing it twice. However, we’re constantly exposed to germs and bacteria, so I repeat – always keep hands away from your face!
Some stores offer sanitary wipes to use on grocery carts, and they are a plus, but aren't enough. How many things in that store carry bacteria and germs? Be sure to sanitize thoroughly before beginning your shopping, and maybe even after. Think about it!
I know, washing your hands every time you turn around is monotonous, but it sure beats coughing, sneezing, upchucking, sniffling, or anything from catching some illness.
People get colds from other people, not the weather. I know that is hard to believe, but ask the polar bear and Eskimos, who don't get ill until they make contact with outsiders.
How do you know if you have a cold or an allergy? People will usually see a rise in temperature with colds, not with allergies.
When developing better health habits, keep in mind my “rule of five.” If you're a Dr. Oz fan, you know he advocates protein five times a day. It doesn't take much; two tablespoons of peanut butter will do the trick.
Five is an important number regarding serving sizes of fruit and vegetables, but don't forget that a variety of color is also important. Our immune system relies on the flavored and other helpful ingredients they supply.
Most people like orange juice, which is good, but the whole fruit provides an added benefit, because of the fiber. If you like orange juice, scrub the entire orange thoroughly, then put the whole thing in the blender. Yes, leave the peel on. The best ingredients are in the peeling and white fiber that is usually discarded. Surprisingly, it does taste good – really, it does.
You aren't apt to go wrong if you indulge in vegetables, though some provide more benefits than others. Popeye wasn't wrong when he promoted spinach. It is far richer in nutrients than the lettuce commonly found on a salad. Before there were dozens of salad dressings on the market, our great grandparents always kept vinegar "with the mother," in other words new and unpasteurized, in a cruet on the table.
Tomatoes as a fruit are delicious, and also one of the few fruits/vegetables that are healthier when cooked because of the lycopene. Many are better raw or lightly steamed
Don't forget popcorn is a whole grain with lots of fiber and ability to fill you up more than out. Eat it plain or flavored with low-calorie enhancers. Popcorn contains a great deal of antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E, which help protect our cells from free radicals. Try putting cinnamon on your popcorn to help lower your blood sugar.
Eat like your life depends on it. It does!
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, April 10th: Kimberly Luhring, Sara Bergerson, Sarah Skroch, Sophia Rose Christensen, Luke David Olson, Daniel Gould, Liz Reichl, Harold Pitcock, Arlen & Coleen Brekke, Lawrence & Dorothy Sprankle
• Friday, April 11th: Barb Marcus, Ruth Benson, Lori Dobberstein Sodeman, Jessica Dobberstein, Jacob Alan Reynolds, Dan Nelson, Darrin Thostenson, Theresa Bartsch, James Thompson
• Saturday, April 12th: Tiegen Kay Richards, her 6th; Rory Ann Bickler, Guy Cromwell, Charise Oland, Cheryl Thompson, Deb Wilking, Allen & Betty Brandt, Roger & Reta Draayer
• Sunday, April 13th: Victor Mrotz, Jamie Johnson, Andrea Casteron Malo, Ava Raye Chapman, her 5th; David Clausen, Margie Nesdahl, Pat O'Conner, Jason Sullivan, Roxie Ritz Simmons, Megan Benson, Charlotte Miller, Curtis Klecker, Shannon & Jason Peterson, their 10th
• Monday, April 14th: Dakota Clark, Anna Elizabeth Bailey, Tina Hagen, Jason Vogt, Rachel Oswald, Marcia Hemingway Jensen, David Jensen, Ron Huber, Butch & Gail Ottesen
• Tuesday, April 15th: Mason Robert Klemmensen, his 6th; Terry Jensen, Barry Troe, James Benson, Sarah Christine George, Cayla Conroy
• Wednesday, April 16th: Linda Christensen, Eddie & Arlene Miller, their 62nd; Terry & Cindy Vaith their 30th
Wishing you every joy as you celebrate your special day!
