Sleep’s function has long been a mystery, but many researchers have gathered evidence that it is important for learning and memory. Two new studies confirm that sleep plays a central role in solidifying memories and preparing the brain for new learning. Click here to read the whole story in the June edition of Science News.
As a spread, dip or garlicky pita filling, hummus is both delicious and satisfying. And it’s high in protein and fiber. Best of all, it’s whipped up in seconds in a blender or food processor. Kyle and Bruce love to dip their carrots, cucumbers, celery, and bell peppers. So enjoy one of our favorite recipes!
Ingredients
1 clove garlic
1 (19 ounce) can garbanzo beans, half the liquid reserved
4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
In a blender, chop the garlic. Pour garbanzo beans into blender, reserving about a tablespoon for garnish. Place lemon juice, tahini, chopped garlic and salt in blender. Blend until creamy and well mixed.
Transfer the mixture to a medium serving bowl. Sprinkle with pepper and pour olive oil over the top. Garnish with reserved garbanzo beans.
If you’re looking for great savings at local businesses, then pick up Bucky Book’s 20th Anniversary Edition. Where can you find them? At your local Copps, Pick ‘n Save, Cost Cutters, Shopko or PDQ Food Stores. Or you might have a neighbor and former client who can hook you up. Thanks, John Flitz (Owner of Bucky Book). You can also buy them online at BuckyBook.com. They’re great for fundraising too! So get yours today. The NEW Bucky Book is valid through September 30, 2012.
As a Personal Trainer, I am required to be CPR certified and know how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Even if you’re not a trainer, it’s a good idea to get CPR certified. Why? CPR can buy extra time for your family member or friend until professional help can arrive. And did you know that over 70% of all cardiac and breathing emergencies occur in the home when a family member is present? So do your loved ones a favor and get certified today.
Learn more at the American Heart Association.
Miguel Cardenas, Licensed Acupuncturist and owner of Gentle Tiger Acupuncture LLC, has a passion for helping people. He recently created a program that offers low-cost care in a group setting. What a great idea! Gentle Tiger Community Acupuncture allows family and friends to be treated together so they can experience the comfort of healing with others.
Learn more at GentleTigerAcupuncture.com
I am so proud of my eleven year old nephew, Adam! He took first place in his division in the
7th Annual Best of the West Championships. This is one of the most competitive and well-attended jiu-jitsu tournaments on the West Coast. As some of you know, I am a fan of mixed martial arts (MMA). The sport combines striking and grappling techniques, and Jiu-jitsu is the foundation for grappling and submissions. Athletes put in countless hours perfecting their technique, conditioning, and mental discipline. Way to go, Adam!
Click here for info on other grappling tournaments.
Making jam might sound complicated at first read, but give it a try – it’s actually quite simple. Believe it or not, this recipe takes only a half hour to complete . . . not counting berry picking and jam cooling time. And this recipe is adaptable to just about any fruit. Try making “wild berry” jam by mixing blueberries blackberries and strawberries!
Ingredients
4 Tbsp cold water
4 Tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp arrow root
1 packet (0.25 ounces) unflavored gelatin
1 2/3 cup sugar
4 cups fresh blackberries
Materials
4 glass jam jars
tea kettle or sauce pan 1/2 full of water
baking dish
ladle
kitchen towel
canning funnel (optional)
medium sized cooking pot
Directions
Lay out all your materials. Set your tea kettle with water on the range, but don’t heat it yet. Place your jars with lids removed inside the baking dish and lay the lids in the dish also. Set your funnel and ladle in the baking dish also. Lay out your towel nearby. You are now ready to make jam!
Combine water, lemon juice, arrow root, and gelatin in a cooking pot. (Do not heat yet! Gelatin dissolves better when cold!) Stir until powders are completely dissolved. Turn heat on stove top to medium-high. Place pot on burner. At the same time turn on the burner under your tea kettle to high to start that water boiling. Heat your gelatin mixture a little and then add fruit and sugar. Stir to combine all ingredients well. Heat, stirring until mixture is bubbly and frothy (Heather’s words). As soon as it boils your jam is ready to be loaded into the jars.
Pour boiling water over the rims and into your jars, lids, and ladle and funnel. Using a hot pad pour the hot water back out from one of the jars. Place your funnel in the jar and ladle in enough jam to fill the jar to 1 to 1/2 inch from the top. Remember, the jam will expand a in the freezer, so you don’t want to fill it all the way to the top. Continue this process until all the jars have been filled. Wipe off the rims of your jars if needed and tighten the lids. Place your jars on the towel to cool a little. When the jars cool down you can refrigerate them or place them in the freezer. Jam will keep a long time in the freezer, but the food safety gurus would probably tell you to consume within one year. You can also keep some in the fridge to eat right away – maybe that bowl of extra jam. Goes great on toast, english muffins, or mixed with yogurt or ice cream!
A nutritional supplement that is free of charge, offers a wide range of health benefits and poses little risk sounds like fodder for a late-night TV commercial. But proponents of vitamin D are increasingly convinced that the sunshine vitamin delivers the goods, no strings attached. Read the whole story in this month’s Science News. You can also check out our awesome D3 Supplement. It contains 2000 IU!
How do you know when it’s time for new athletic shoes? Do you wait until the tread has deteriorated? Or when your toes are sticking out? Some people replace their shoes based on mileage, how long they’ve worn them, or even fashion. For me, it’s all about comfort and support. I’ll try on a new pair of shoes at a store, walk around, then slip my shoes back on. If my shoes feel more like house slippers, it’s time for a new pair.
* Remember different athletic shoes are made for different activities. Tennis shoes, for example, are designed with durable soles and reinforced toes for quick side-to-side movements and stop-and-go action. Whereas running shoes have thick soft heels and are designed for forward motion only.
So if you feel like your shoes are kaput, you’re probably right. Hey, I hear there’s a sale this weekend.
Get your paper! Get your paper! Read all about it! Be sure to pick up the Wisconsin State Journal this Sunday (6/19). Writer Andrea Zani is featuring a story in the Sunday Best section about my designation as the “Healthiest Man in America.” What a privilege this is! It will also be on the Wisconsin State Journal website. So don’t miss it!
