Hello there! We at the business desk are delighted to bring you our suite of
helpful tips; designed to get you on the right track.
This week, we are going to help you gain some very interesting and valuable
knowledge on some various topics. You would be surprised to learn what you
can discover if you take a few moments to read on.
In the normal scheme of things, you would probably not have enough time to
do this research on your own. So, let us help you get a flying start.
Take this info and use it as you see fit and use it to get ahead of your
competition.
It’s what we do for a living! We help you to help yourself!
Enjoy!
The business desk team
Helpful tips to get you started
(Taken from Steve’s daily tips at Mama’s corner)
Soothe Sore, Scratchy Throats Naturally
Dry air, colds and the flu can all cause sore throats. The good news is that
sore throat remedies can be made at home, with ingredients found in your own
kitchen. Try these popular remedies the next time you’re sounding a little
hoarse.
Honey + Lemon
Find some relief by coating your throat. Honey and lemon are known for
soothing irritation. Simply blend a tablespoon of honey with lemon in a
glass of warm water.
Salt Water
Gargling with salt water solutions helps cut down on sore throats that have
been irritated by dry air or allergies.
Another throat-soothing gargle includes a teaspoon of licorice syrup or
powder mixed with eight ounces of water.
Other Sore Throat Solutions
Throat lozenges that feature natural ingredients are another good option to
soothe throats. Look for ones that feature slippery elm or licorice herbs.
Umcka, an African herb, has also been found to prevent sinusitis and
bronchitis. If you notice your throat is worse when you first get up in the
morning, it might be because the air in your bedroom is too dry. Invest in a
humidifier. Another culprit of morning soreness is acid reflux, which can be
helped by rearranging pillows so you sleep with your head more elevated.
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How Important Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C might be one of the most well-known vitamins, and with good
reason. Vitamin C plays a very important role in our health.
Vitamin C is especially important for supporting immune health. It
strengthens the body’s natural defense system by protecting the integrity of
cells and promoting the production and function of white blood cells. A
powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps fight free radicals, molecules that
can harm healthy cells and negatively impact the way those cells function in
the body.
That’s not all this mighty vitamin can do. Vitamin C is also important for
healthy teeth, bones, gums and blood vessels. It also aids in the absorption
of iron and helps heal wounds. Additionally, vitamin C is vital for the
production of collagen, an important component of skin health.
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A Food Swap For The Best Baked Potato Ever
For a lower-fat alternative to sour cream, dress your baked potato in Greek
yogurt instead. It’s thicker and tangier than regular plain.
Looking for a healthful substitute for sour cream? Go with Greek yogurt.
Unlike regular plain yogurt, Greek yogurt is as thick as sour cream and
tastes just as rich and tangy. Throw a dollop of it on your baked potato, or
use it in recipes for dip.
Besides being lower in fat, Greek yogurt is a protein powerhouse. A
six-ounce container of one brand, Fage 0% fat yogurt, contains 18 grams of
protein (the amount you’ll get in three eggs, but with none of the saturated
fat or cholesterol). One favorite way to use Greek yogurt is on top of a
spicy black bean and brown rice burrito, with guacamole and pico de gallo.
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A Simple Stretch To Ease Lower Back Pain
Stiff, achy back? Ease lower-back tension by lying on your back and ugging
your knees gently to your chest. Hold for seven to 10 breaths.
Lower-back pain is the second-most common complaint, just behind headaches.
This yoga pose, called apanasana, or knees-to-chest, gently stretches the
lower back and hips. It can help relieve tension in the spine after a day of
hunching over your computer or shoveling out from the latest snowstorm. To
perform the move, lie on your back and gently hug your knees to your chest.
If this is uncomfortable, bring your legs slightly apart and hold the backs
of your thighs instead. Be sure your lower back is flat against the floor.
Breathe deeply and the hold the pose for seven to 10 breaths.
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Benefits Of Basil
Basil is a popular cooking herb, especially in Italian and Asian dishes. A
member of the mint family, basil has a distinct anise-like flavor. But
besides just adding taste to your cooking dishes, basil has several health
benefits as well.
This little herb may help lower cholesterol and enhance the immune system.
Several compounds in sweet basil could also promote liver health. An
Egyptian study showed that six compounds extracted from basil helped protect
the liver against oxidative stress. In an Indian study, leaf extracts from
holy basil helped lower blood sugar, by as much as 17 percent in fasting
glucose and 7 percent in glucose readings immediately following a meal.
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Do It Yourself Spray For Germ-Free Gym Gear
Damp, sweaty gym gear is a prime breeding ground for germs. To keep
everything from getting dirty, moldy and smelly, keep a small spray bottle
of essential-oil-infused water in your gym bag so you can spray and wipe
your gym stuff immediately after use.
Fill a spray bottle with distilled, spring, or tap water and add one or two
drops of tea tree oil (for its antifungal properties), plus one drop of
lavender oil (for tension relief). Throw the bottle in your bag and spray
down your bag, shoes, yoga mat or any other equipment when you’re done. Just
be sure to spray in a well-ventilated area in case others may be sensitive
to the scents.
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10 Foods To Keep On Hand
It’s hard to eat healthy or come up with healthy snacks on the fly. To make
it easier, keep a few healthy ingredients on hand. Keep these foods in stock
so you’ll always be ready to provide a guilt-free meal or snack.
1. Whole wheat tortillas with their complex carbs can be turned into a snack
by toasting with low-fat shredded cheese or drizzling with agave syrup and
cinnamon.
2. Bananas are natural sources of potassium and fiber and are great on their
own, over oatmeal or covered in almond butter for flavor-packed healthy
goodness.
3. Miso is a fermented soybean paste that can be blended with hot water to
make soup, or with other ingredients for tasty marinades for fish and meat
or as a salad dressing.
4. Eggs are packed with protein but light on calories. They’re also
versatile, with many cooking options for snacks and light dinners.
5. Milk delivers calcium. Keep a carton of your favorite type of milk
(nonfat, almond or soy) on hand to use in hot cocoa mixes or nutritious
smoothies.
6. Almonds are a great alternative to greasy, crunchy snacks. They’re also
tasty additions to smoothies, cereals and yogurts.
7. Peanut butter delivers monounsaturated fats and folate. Use it as a
spread on pitas or as a dip for celery. Other nut butters (like almond,
cashew or walnut) are also goodoptions.
8. Cottage cheese features casein, a protein that keeps you feeling full. To
make it even more delicious, add in raw veggies, almonds or fresh fruits.
9. Mushrooms deliver antioxidants. Use them on their own or blend them in
with other healthy foods, like in egg omelets or stir fries.
10. Edamame, the Japanese soybean, features nutrients like calcium and iron,
along with several other vitamins and minerals with a mild, nutty flavor.
Blend these beans into veggie dips or salads.
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12 Facts About Bones
It’s easy to take our bones for granted. But they’re a resource and they
need to be nurtured throughout our lives in order to be strong and healthy
when we’re older. Read on to find out surprising facts about bones:
1. They’re Alive! Bone cells (osteoblasts) are constantly turning out new
bone while other cells (osteoclasts) destroy it. This is why bone tissue is
able to regenerate after a break.
2. Nourish with Movement. Playing sports, lifting weights, running and other
activities trigger bones to lay down more minerals and get stronger and
denser.
3. Bones Store Minerals. Bones release extra minerals, like calcium and
phosphate, along with heavy metals, when your body needs them.
4. Booze is Bad. Too much alcohol can cause a problem for bones. Heavy
drinking over time can cause calcium deficiency and even severe bone
thinning.
5. Weight Strengthens Bones. While bad for health, extra weight, like the
kind that cushions the thighs and butt, has been shown to increase bone
strength by laying down more bone minerals.
6. Belly Fat is Bad for Bones. While some extra weight can strengthen bones,
that fact doesn’t apply when it comes to belly fat. Abdominal fat increases
the risk of bone thinning and osteoporosis.
7. Bone Medications Don’t Always Help. Drugs to help bones aren’t for
everyone. Some can be hard on the stomach and in rare cases can be linked to
fractures and jaw problems.
8. Dentists Can Reveal Bone Health. Dentists are able to spot the signs of
osteoporosis as easily as your regular doctor. When the jawbone loses
density, it results in loose teeth, receding gums or ill-fitting dentures.
9. Foods Good for Bones (other than milk). Everyone knows that milk is good
for healthy bones, but other foods that promote healthy bones include
yogurt, cheese, almonds and green vegetables. Fruits and other veggies may
help buffer acid, which isn’t good for bones.
10. Hip Fractures are Common. Osteoporosis-related fractures are a high
concern, especially in the over 65 crowd. Women have a higher risk of a
broken hip than breast, ovarian and uterine cancer combined.
11. Breaks Weaken Bones. While bone fractures heal well, it won’t end up
being stronger than it was before the break.
12. Ethnicity Affects Bone Health. Anyone can develop osteoporosis, but the
chance increases if you’re a woman and you’re of European or Asian descent.
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Winter Health And Safety Tips For Kids
Kids can usually play outside comfortably when it’s 30 degrees and higher,
just layer their clothing.
To make sure everyone gets out there and has a great time, safely, keep
these guidelines in mind:
Green Zone
30 degrees and higher
When it’s above 30 degrees and higher, kids can usually play outside safely,
just layer their clothing and make sure they wear hats and mittens.
Keep an eye on them: If they’re shivering, bring them inside. Take a break
every 40 minutes or so to warm up a bit and grab a drink of water, it helps
regulate body temps.
Yellow Zone
About 20 to 30 degrees
Be careful. It’s okay for your kids to go out, but expect to see signs of
chill sooner. Take those breaks every 20 to 30 minutes. It’s especially
important to layer older kids’ clothes, since they may feel warm and sweaty
and decide to ditch their coats.
Red Zone
Below 20 degrees
Stay indoors. Cuddle up with a good storybook!
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The Reel Truth About Tuna
For years, tuna has been a favored entr
