Author Archives: Karen Owoc

Toasted Quinoa Salad with Shrimp and Edamame

Toasted Quinoa Salad with Shrimp and EdamameAs a follow-up to the Southwestern Quinoa and Black Beans, here’s a nutrient-dense, protein-packed salad to try. It’s fresh in taste, texture and color with a hint of Asian flavor.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb. raw shrimp, frozen or fresh (41-50 shrimp/pound)
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked quinoa, rinsed well
  • 5 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. ginger, grated
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen edamame, shelled
  • 1 c. scallions, sliced thinly and diagonally (about 1 bunch)
  • 1/2 large red bell pepper, diced small
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 4 1/2 tsp. tamari (or soy sauce), reduced-sodium and gluten-free
  • 1 tsp. Aji-Mirin (sweet cooking rice seasoning) – can be found in the Asian foods of the supermarket with the rice wine vinegars
  • 4 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cups water
  • Salt to taste (optional)

PREPARATION:
1. Place in a mesh strainer and rinse well with water:

  • 1 1/2 c. quinoa, uncooked

2. Toss in medium bowl. Set aside and let marinate.

  • Shrimp, raw (remove shells if necessary)
  • 2 1/2 tsp. tamari
  • 1 tsp. ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp. Aji-Mirin
  • 1 clove garlic, minced    Continue reading

The Evolution of Defrosted Dining

The frozen food industry has evolved as a greater number of consumers want and need more nutritionally sound foods. Frozen meals are handy and can rescue many busy parents with ravenous kids or seniors who are alone and can’t get to the grocery store often. You can stock up on healthy meals and get a nutritious entree from the freezer to the table in the time it takes to prepare a side dish. By supplementing with a fresh salad or soup, you can serve a well-rounded meal in minutes — a big change from the original classic TV dinner.

Caesar's PastaGluten-Free: Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, malts, and triticale. A gluten-free diet excludes foods containing gluten and may exclude oats as well. People on gluten-free diets want the same convenience of frozen food. There are now a variety of gluten-free frozen pizzas and meals available, such as Italian pastas, bowls, and Thai, Mexican and Indian dishes. Be sure to check the label to ensure that the food is prepared in a gluten-free facility.   Continue reading

How to Help Our Wounded Warriors

Support Our Wounded WarriorsOn this Memorial Day weekend, here’s a way to remember and honor the brave men and women who protect us and our freedom. Their special sacrifices and hardships enable us to do what we do everyday. The Fisher House program supports America’s military in their time of need.

Per their website… Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates “comfort homes,” built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times – during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

Currently, there are 56 Fisher Houses located on 21 military installations and 17 VA medical centers. Twelve more houses are under construction or in design.

To help our seriously wounded soldiers during their long road of recovery, click here to donate online or call 1-888-294-8560. Join them on Facebook.

Quinoa and Black Beans

Quinoa seedsQuinoa (pronounced “KEEN-wah”) has gained recognition and popularity as a gluten-free grain alternative and valuable vegetarian source of protein. As a breakfast, side dish, salad, or dessert, quinoa is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various cuisines.

Quinoa is rich in B vitamins like other grains, but it’s actually an edible seed and a relative to spinach, beets and Swiss chard. Quinoa is unique in that it contains all nine essential amino acids making it a complete (whole) protein. This protein-dense food originated in the Andes Mountains of South America and was a sacred staple in the diet of the ancient Incan culture.

If you’ve never tried quinoa before, here’s a great recipe to try for your first experience!   This dish travels well and can be eaten hot or cold. Enjoy it as a side or wrap it in a warm tortilla with avocado and shredded raw cabbage or lettuce for a satisfying meal. Continue reading

Alzheimer’s Predictor

Researchers are optimistic that they found a new way to predict Alzheimer’s disease. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter™, hosts a compact segment of TV health news in The Health Reporter Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0015H

Back-to-Basics Boomer Training

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of three ‘Beyond Boomers’ (seniors 65 years and older) fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults. In 2010, direct medical costs of falls totaled over $28 billion. By urging Baby Boomers to get back to the basics of proper walking and posture, this problem can be prevented.

The Classic “Old Man’s Walk”

If you’ve ever noticed how many seniors walk, their heads are jetted forward, shoulders are rounded, eyes pointed down, and they’re bent forward at the waist. Walking this way shifts their center of gravity forward making them doubly prone to toppling over. Worse yet, they walk flat-footed (rather than walk heel to toe), so they never shift their weight from one leg to the other. ‘Shuffling’ the feet in this way diminishes balance and lower leg strength.   Continue reading

Top Health Fitness Apps for Mom ♥

I Love MomMothers are special and keep busy mom lives. Help Mom simplify her life, get fit and keep her family healthy with these apps.

1. Web MD Mobile is a medical resource for a mom worried about her child’s symptoms and trying to decide whether to visit the pediatrician. Also includes a “Symptom Checker”, “First Aid” section, and information on “Drugs and Treatment” regarding usage, warnings and side effects on different drugs and vitamins.

2. Restaurant Nutrition allows moms to find dining locations and easily view nutritional information about restaurant menus. It’s loaded with over 250 restaurants and 60,000 food items. Restaurant Nutrition can show allergens and indicate gluten-free menus as well. Helpful for diabetics and people on low-sodium diets. Users can create multiple profiles and rate/review menu items! Android version

3. SafeDriver is for parents with kids that drive. This app documents acceleration, braking, cornering, and speed using the GPS on their teenagers iPhone. It allows for pre-set g-force and speed limits. When a violation occurs, SafeDriver will send a text message or email message identifying the vehicle being used, the time the program started and stopped, the set point exceeded, the time of the infraction, and the duration that the set point was exceeded.   Continue reading

Unplug the Ad and Read the Label

The manufacturer of Nutella® was sued in a class action lawsuit and agreed to pay $3.5 million over false advertising. As a result, they must change their marketing statements and clean their website and television commercials of any misleading nutritional and health claims.

Companies highlight the positives in their products, if any, and not the negatives.  That’s what they do. Therefore, parents have to be their own vigilant consumer watchdogs.

Companies position themselves in the marketplace and appeal to the buyers’ emotions. Nutella was attempting to find a position somewhere between peanut butter and jelly. They targeted parents looking for new breakfast/snack alternatives. Advertising is a competitive multimillion-dollar business and deceptive or “clever” advertising exists in every industry.

"Safe" Until Proven Toxic

Consider cosmetic ads and commercials, for example. Cosmetic companies try to position their products as the champions of women’s self-esteem, hope, and youth. But neither their products nor their ingredients are approved or tested for safety and effectiveness before they go on the market. How are these seductive ads with ‘misleading’ claims any more false than Nutella’s?   Continue reading

Why Some Eggs Are Easier to Peel

Q.  Why do some egg shells slide easily off a hard-cooked egg while others are difficult to peel? ~Michael H., Austin, TX

A. The answer goes against everything you know about food. This is when fresh is NOT best. That is, the fresher the egg is before boiling, the more difficult it’ll be to separate the shell from the egg.

According to the USDA, eggs contain an air cell at the large end of the shell between the shell membranes.  As a fresh egg ages, it slowly releases moisture and carbon dioxide through the pores in the shell. This causes the egg to shrink in size which enlarges the air cell and makes the shell easier to peel.  For this reason, you might want to choose older eggs for Easter coloring or for recipes that require lots of peeling.   Continue reading

Managing Man-opause

As men age, they gradually lose androgen, or testosterone, the hormone that makes men ‘men’. Hormone changes are a natural part of aging, but men and women experience these changes differently.

For women, when ovulation ends, their hormone production plummets over a relatively short period of time. Unlike this dramatic reproductive hormone plunge that women experience during menopause, sex hormone changes in men occur gradually over many years.    Continue reading

The Healthy Plate | The Health Reporter Minute

The USDA has retired its longstanding Food Guide Pyramid and unveiled its new food group symbol. Find out how to apply the model to your lifetime eating plan. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts a compact segment of health news in The Health Reporter Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0016H

Dirty Little Secrets

Healthy living begins at home. Think of your house like a second skin. Whatever you rub, pour, sprinkle, or spray on in order to clean it can end up in your body. Here are some tips to keep your home (and you) healthy.

Take off your shoes and keep germs from walking into your house. The Japanese were way ahead of Westerners with this custom. Along with dirt and grime, your shoes can track in fecal bacteria originating in restrooms or from the outdoors (think pet poop) and can harbor various other types of bacteria that can cause serious infections.

In Japan, it’s also customary to wear special “toilet slippers” that are only worn in the bathroom.

Treat your clothes like your skin. If you wouldn’t wash your body with it, then don’t clean your clothes in it. Avoid toxic chemicals and animal fats. Always wash new clothes before wearing them. New fabric finishes contain formaldehyde, fragranced starches and insecticides. Soak them in one cup or more of baking soda before washing them to neutralize these potentially allergenic chemicals.   Continue reading

Trimming Belly Fat | The Men’s Health Minute

Fat that settles around your middle is a serious health risk factor. Here’s what works (and doesn’t work) in your attempts to defat your belly. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts this short-form segment of men’s health and fitness news in The Men’s Health Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0014M

Groundbreaking Brain Surgery

Two surgical specialists, a neurosurgeon and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, at John Hopkins University teamed up and successfully removed a brain tumor through the eyelid of a 65-year-old woman.

This groundbreaking procedure provides a simpler direct route to the front and middle regions of the brain with minimal trauma to the skull. The surgeons entered her brain through the eyelid crease, then removed a small part of the skull above the eyebrow to reach the tumor.

This is in contrast to traditionally shaving the head, removing the top half of the skull, and moving aside sections of the brain. The patient is the 19th person to undergo this procedure.

Beer Belly Anatomy 101 | The Men’s Health Minute

Belly fat is biologically different from fat that’s on the buttocks, thigh and hips. It secretes hormones and has its own blood supply which can lead to several life-threatening diseases. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts this compact segment of men’s health and fitness news in The Men’s Health Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0015M

Celebrity Slimming Secrets

Ever wonder how your favorite A-list celebrities maintain their million-dollar bodies? Or snap back into silver screen shape so quickly post-pregnancy? Here are some of Hollywood’s favorite health strategies that really work and a few that you should avoid.

Pilates

1. Invest in Sweat Equity:  Many celebs like Pilates, yoga and running to get fit, flexible and firm. To lose fat fast though, your choice of physical activity needs to be sustained at a level of intensity that’s appropriate for you. Long leisurely walks around the block or on the beach are great for de-stressing and innervating muscles, but won’t knock off 10 to 20 pounds anytime soon. To boost fat burning, you have to raise your heart rate for at least 20 to 30 minutes daily where you’re exercising at your ‘training heart rate’.  To determine this level of intensity, have a certified fitness trainer calculate your rate for you.   Continue reading

Lifestyle and Hearing Loss – Part 2 | The Men’s Health Minute

Men far outnumber women when it comes to hearing loss. Find out why and how to prevent it. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts this compact segment of men’s health and fitness news in The Men’s Health Minute.Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0009M

Fitness Forecast

Get the weather for where you work out.

Aid for Age-Related Blindness | The Health Reporter Minute

There’s new hope for people with impaired vision from age-related macular degeneration. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts a compact segment of health news in The Health Reporter Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0009H

Orange Fountain-of-Youth Foods

The spectrum of colors that line the produce aisle — from robust red to vibrant orange to every shade of green — contain fruits and vegetables rich in nutritious organic pigments. To get a broad range of nutrients in your diet, eat foods in all colors and varieties. On your next excursion to the supermarket though, be sure to specifically include some orange produce as these sunny foods are essential for firm, youthful and healthy skin. Here’s what’s good in them:   Continue reading

Fitness@Work | The Men’s Health Minute

Men often say they don’t have time to exercise, but here’s a new trend that combats the sedentary work. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts this compact segment of men’s health and fitness news in The Men’s Health Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0012M

Fit Feasting This Fall

Fall and its emerging warm glow signal it’s time to evolve. As the deciduous trees let go of the old to prepare for the new, perhaps it’s a great time for you to shed your old ways of eating and try some new foods, techniques and recipes! If you haven’t already given some of these fall all-stars a try, consider adding a few of the following to your plate this season.

Butternut Squash: This versatile deep orange vegetable can be substituted for any recipe calling for pumpkin. Butternut squash can be roasted, grilled and puréed or mashed for soups, casseroles and breads. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, a good source of vitamin E, fiber, potassium, and magnesium and contain no cholesterol or fat. Compared to pumpkin, butternut squash has twice the amount of A and C.   Continue reading

Supplement Safety – Part 2 | The Men’s Health Minute

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Dietary supplements are popular, but you can’t assume they’re safe and effective because they’re on the market.

Supplement Safety – Part 1 | The Men’s Health Minute

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Nutritional supplements are intended to provide nutrients that you may be missing from your diet. Here’s why you need to be a savvy consumer.

The Dark Side of Sunscreen | The Health Reporter Minute

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The long-term benefits of wearing sunscreen are backed by solid scientific research, but there’s also evidence that a common compound in sunscreen may cause skin damage.

Healthy Highway Snacks

Economical day trips to area attractions or longer road trips across state lines are fun ways to see the world, but they also mean having to sit for some periods of time. To keep your waistline from expanding in the process, plan ahead with some healthy road trip snacks. They may involve some preparation, but you’ll reach your destination feeling energetic and adventurous rather than lethargic and bloated.

1. The Essentials: Be sure to take a cooler for food and drinks that need to be kept cool then pack another bag for your non-refrigerated snacks. Also, carry some wet wipes, napkins, paper towels for possible spills, a couple bags for trash, and a few utensils.   Continue reading

Pre-Exercise Hydration | The Men’s Health Minute


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When you exercise and work up a good sweat, you need additional fluids. Here are some quick fluid facts for when you’re getting fit.

Ugly Foods Worth a Second Look

The presentation of our food is just as important as what’s actually on our plate. But some foods don’t score so high when it comes to being visually appealing. In fact, they’re downright unappealing. However, close your eyes and give the following health foods a try because they really are worth including in your diet.

Burdock Root: This plant is traditional in Japanese cuisine. A popular Japanese dish is “kinpira gobo” where the root is shaved into little strips, combined with carrots and braised with soy sauce, sugar, mirin and/or sake, and sesame oil. It’s often pickled and used to fill sushi rolls. This root contains no cholesterol and is very low in sodium, high in dietary fiber, and rich in manganese, magnesium, potassium and B6.

Octopus: These  sea creatures are a great catch for divers and eaten regularly in Hawaii. They aren’t pretty to look at with their ugly head, big bulging eyes, and eight arms bearing suction cups, but if you’ve ever had the experience of eating them fresh out of the water, salted and served hot off the grill, you’ll agree they’re worth the culinary adventure. Also known as “tako” in Japanese cuisine, it’s included in sushi and other side dishes. Octopus is low in saturated fat and a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, and a very good source of protein, vitamin B12, iron, copper and selenium.   Continue reading

Dental Health and Longevity | The Health Reporter Minute

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Attention to your oral health is important for your overall health. How you care for your mouth, teeth and gums can affect the rest of your body.

Lifestyle and Hearing Loss – Part 1 | The Men’s Health Minute

Your hearing can be affected by driving your car at high speeds. Learn more about noise-induced hearing loss. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts a compact segment of men’s health and fitness news in The Men’s Health Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0001M

Support America’s Families

Support Our Wounded WarriorsOn this Memorial Day weekend, here’s a way to remember and honor the brave men and women who protect us and our freedom. Their special sacrifices and hardships enable us to do what we do everyday. The Fisher House program supports America’s military in their time of need.

Per their website…Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates “comfort homes,” built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times – during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

Currently, there are 54 Fisher Houses located on 21 military installations and 17 VA medical centers. Twelve more houses are under construction or in design.

To help our seriously wounded soldiers during their long road of recovery, click here to donate online or call 1-888-294-8560.

Beyond the Sneezing and Runny Nose

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Allergies can affect mood and lead to depression

Spring strikes 40 million Americans with seasonal allergies each year bringing on the usual coughing, sneezing and red itchy eyes. But researchers report that allergies may also cause psychological harm. Studies show allergies worsen mood, cognition and quality of life and can double the likelihood of depression.

Allergy-Depression Link

On the surface, if you can’t sleep well and you’re rundown and miserable, it’s bound to worsen your mood and make you more vulnerable to depression. Moreover, when you’re congested and have to breathe through your mouth to get oxygen, it’s irritating and unattractive. Sufferers often avoid socializing and isolate themselves which further increases their risk of depression.

Biological Connection

There’s no evidence that allergies actually cause people to feel depressed, but emerging studies reveal allergies can be a risk factor for depression. Beyond the sleep problems that can lead to poor concentration and depression, research suggests that there’s a biological component to the “allergy blues” that afflict so many allergy sufferers.

Cytokines

Allergic ‘rhinitis’, or commonly known as a stuffy nose, causes specialized cells in the nose to release cytokines. These small protein molecules rev up the immune system response whereby proinflammatory cytokines “inflame” your cells and tissues.   Continue reading

Craving Brownies?

Flaxseed can replace oil in many recipes

The next time you have an inextinguishable craving for brownies — make them with dark chocolate for the extra flavonoids (antioxidants). But did you know that you can substitute flax seeds for part of the oil in the recipe? Give it a try — you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Flax seeds are powered packed with omega-3 fats and there’s strong evidence that these essential fats reduce your risk for heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Your body needs them to control brain and immune functions, blood clotting and cell growth. They’re also the components of cell membranes. For this reason, omega-3′s are also great for your skin! A sign that you’re deficient in this fat is dry skin.   Continue reading

The Health Reporter on KTLR 880-AM/94.1-FM Radio

Ella Speakes, The Positive Talk Diva, of the Ella Speakes radio talk show in Oklahoma will interview yours truly on Monday, April 18. Topics include how to balance essential fats in your diet (“The Skinny on Omega Fats”) and whether it’s healthier to eat vegetables raw or cooked (“The Raw Truth on Vegetables”).

How Washing Your Clothes Can Make Them Dirtier

Pre-washing machine era. Women used straw to cushion their knees.

Clothes washer technology has reduced the drudgery of scrubbing clothes to get them clean — much nicer than the days of pounding or rubbing the clothing on rocks in a river or against a corrugated wash board. But even the high efficiency, highest tech agitators need your helping hand. Otherwise, washing your clothes can actually make them dirtier.

Wash Before Wearing

First, always wash new clothes before wearing them. New fabric finishes contain formaldehyde, fragranced starches, and insecticides. Soak them in one cup or more of baking soda before washing them to neutralize these potentially allergenic chemicals.   Continue reading

Soy Foods and Breast Cancer Survivors

New studies show soy is now good for breast cancer survivors

For years, there’s been confusing debate over whether breast cancer survivors should eat soy. However, a new study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) found that women who ate the most soy food didn’t increase their risk of breast cancer recurrence, but reduced their risk.

Since soy foods contain large amounts of isoflavones, survivors had been advised against consuming them. Isoflavones are phytochemicals (chemicals found in plants) that have both estrogen-like and anti-estrogenic effects.   Continue reading

Curing Your Acrylics – Is It Safe?


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UVA rays from nail dryers may cause cancer

Artificial nails have become increasingly popular and according to the U.S. Census Bureau figures, revenue for nail salons amounted to $1.6 billion in 2005. If you’re hooked on augmenting your natural nails, the next time you head off to the salon, you might want to bring along some sunscreen.

A University of Texas study published in the 2009 Archives of Dermatology found that two women who frequently used UV nail dryers developed skin cancer on the backs of their hands. These two healthy middle-aged women with no personalor family history of skin cancer developed non-melanoma (basal or squamous cell):   Continue reading

New Risk Factors for Memory Loss

High cholesterol can lead to dementia.

A new study revealed that high cholesterol and high blood pressure are not only risk factors for heart disease, but for early memory loss as well.  Cardiovascular risk and cognitive function were tested in nearly 5,000 men and women over age 55.

The researchers studied participants for 10 years and found those with a ten percent higher risk of cardiovascular problems also scored poorly on cognitive tests.  The tests measured reasoning, memory, fluency, and vocabulary and the results were then compared to their Framingham risk score.   Continue reading

ER’s for Boomers

Senior emergency centers are more private and have a specially trained staff

There’s a new trend popping up in hospital emergency rooms — a special area zoned just for seniors. Unlike the chaotic environment of modern ER’s that are more equipped to handle gunshot wounds, car accidents and other crises, these senior emergency centers are calmer and more nurturing.

Nurses and doctors receive special training in geriatrics and are more aware of senior issues. They not only treat the acute problem, but are trained to uncover underlying problems — everything from depression or dementia to a home that’s full of tripping hazards.   Continue reading

Get the Disorder in Order with the Right Foods (ADHD)

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a problem with inattentiveness, overactivity, and/or impulsivity. The number of children diagnosed with ADHD has risen  significantly over the years affecting 3-5% of school-age children. This increase may be due in part to schools testing school children for the disorder whereas years ago they may have just been labeled as “disorderly”. The surge in ADHD cases is also linked to the greater consumption of refined foods and unhealthy fats.  Here are some tips to nourish your child to develop a healthy brain and body.   Continue reading

When the Going Gets Tough

Constipation relief is more about fitness than fiber

Constipation is not a subject that many of us like to talk about. But let’s face it, everyone gets constipated at one time or another and it can be pretty painful, uncomfortable, and frustrating. Here are some ways to help keep you moving!

1. Get some exercise. Your intestines are muscles too. When you work out, you’re doing more than just toning your muscles and strengthening your heart. Bowel movements occur when the muscles of your intestinal tract contract. When exercising aerobically, your heart and breathing rates increase which help your intestinal muscles contract. Well-toned intestinal muscles contract well and are able to move food through the tract efficiently and naturally.   Continue reading

Radiation Exposure “Antidote”

Radiation Exposure

Potassium iodide - an antidote for radiation exposure?

Nuclear plant explosions in Japan released massive columns of smoke into the air.  According to officials, 230,000 units of iodine have been distributed to evacuation centers near the nuclear power plants as a precaution. So, why is Japan distributing iodine tablets?

Thyroid Effects

After the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, thousands of cases of thyroid cancer were reported in children and adolescents exposed to radiation. Following a radiological or nuclear event, escaping radioactive particulates consisting of radioactive iodine-131 can enter your body via contaminated air, food, or water (referred to as “internal contamination”).   Continue reading

Eating for Healthy Eyes

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Producer: Karen Owoc   Director of Photography: Michael Davich


March is “Save Your Vision Month”.  The eyes age just like the skin and are at risk for chronic diseases. Approximately 43 million Americans suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or cataracts, the leading causes of vision loss and blindness.  Here’s a quick overview of the key nutrients that help preserve your vision.  See also Are Carrots Good for Cataracts?.

Omega Muffins

Walnuts are rich in healthy essential fats.

Omega-3  and omega-6 fatty acids are essential fats that your body can’t make on its own and can only get from the food you eat. So here’s one way to slip some healthy fat into your  diet.

It’s currently recommended that you consume 7-11 grams of omega-3 fatty acids each week. They’re crucial for brain function and there’s strong evidence they reduce your risk for heart disease. These fats are also great for your skin! (See Eating for Healthy Skin – Part 2.)   Continue reading

Medical Write-off Rules Worth Knowing

It pays to know what expenses are deductible.

With tax season now here, accountants are saying that many people think they don’t have enough medical bills to get them over the 7.5% deduction hurdle. To enjoy the maximum write-off, these experts advise that you know exactly what qualifies as a medical expense deduction.

For example, did you know that your mileage, parking fees and tolls for trips to the doctor, dentist and pharmacy are deductible? As are TV and telephone adapters for the hearing impaired? And that the cost of meals at a hospital are deductible if you’re there to get medical care?   Continue reading

The Sunnier Side of Eggs

USDA announces new profile on eggs.

Eggs – often shunned by those on low-cholesterol diets – are lower in cholesterol than originally thought.  According to the USDA, an average large egg has 185 mg. of cholesterol which is 14 percent less than last tested in 2002.

Previous tests revealed an egg contained 211 mg. of cholesterol.  To put this number in perspective, eating 300 mg. of cholesterol or less a day is the standard recommendation for controlling or lowering your cholesterol numbers and 200 mg. or less if you have heart disease.    Continue reading

Potential Cure for Baldness?

Stress linked to graying and hair loss.

U.S. researchers made an unexpected discovery that seems to restore and prevent hair loss. The experimental study injected a compound called astressin-B into mice to block a hormone called corticotrophin-releasing factor or CRF.  CRF is a stress-related hormone that’s linked to depigmentation (graying) and hair loss. Continue reading

Eating for Healthy Skin – Part 2

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Producer: Karen Owoc   Director of Photography: Michael Davich 


Expanded transcript from video…Wouldn’t it be nice if you could wake up every morning with smooth, radiant skin?  Well, before you rush off to your local beauty store, think about picking up some skin-friendly nutrients at your local grocery store.

In our last segment, we took a look at the foods that provide the key vitamins you need for healthy skin.  Today, we’re going to focus on the minerals and essential fats that’ll help your skin function and look its best.   Continue reading

Heart Attack Warnings for Women

February is American Heart Awareness Month

Heart disease is the number one killer among women in America over the age of twenty….that’s one death every minute.  And according to a new oxford study, a woman who has a mother who had a stroke has a higher risk of having a heart attack as well as a stroke.

Men have traditional risk factors – such as high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes – but women seem to have a sex-specific family history tied to their risk of having a heart attack.  Using reliable tools to predict heart attack risk is critical because women are more likely to die from a heart attack than men.

If you’re a woman, you should know…  Continue reading

BPA-coated Receipts

Cash register receipts may be coated with BPA.

It’s getting to be that time again…April 15th is just two months away!  If you’re  busy gathering up a year’s worth of your receipts, you might want to consider using some gloves during the process.

A study by the Environmental Working Group revealed that BPA (bisphenol-A) is not just showing up in plastic bottles and food cans, but in many cash register receipts printed on BPA-coated thermal paper.  BPA is a synthetic estrogen with strong evidence that it causes reproductive abnormalities, gene alterations and cancer.  According to the EWG, the amount of BPA is 250 to 1,000 times higher on one of these receipts than the amount in a typical food can.   Continue reading