Category Archives: Weekly News Columns

More Rain

By Mark Hopper 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

You may have noticed that it has been raining a lot this winter.   My wife and I have lived in southern California for almost 30 years and we don’t remember many years like this one. Every time I wash the car, it rains again.  We have decided to not wash the windows at our house until summer.  When will the rain stop? But, there is a silver lining in all these rain clouds.  We are hearing reports that the snow pack is well above average.  We see the hillsides covered with a carpet of green.  The rain has transformed our desert-like environment with lush green vegetation.

I’m glad that I didn’t tear out my lawn last year during the drought.  Our lawn looks very happy and even the weeds are flourishing! I think we all realize that water is a precious commodity and that we need to use it wisely.  Water conservation should be part of our southern California life style. I’m glad that local and state officials are developing new ways to capture and conserve more of our rain water.  It is encouraging to hear that reservoirs are rising again.

Although we tend to complain about the rainy weather, I believe that we should give thanks to God for the abundant rainfall this year.  In the Bible we read, “God has shown His kindness by giving us rain from heaven and crops in their seasons, He provides us with plenty of food and fills our heart with joy” (Acts 14″17).

One of our daughters graduated from high school in the mid-1990’s.  It was a graduation that many remember because it rained on the ceremony.  Graduates were soaked and graduation gowns were ruined.  Parents and family members huddled under umbrellas.The graduation was in June.  There is only a 1% chance of rain in June in southern California.  But in 1995,  the 1% actually happened.  High school graduation in the rain!  It is one we will never forget. I don’t know what the local schools have planned for graduation this year.  But, they may want to consider looking for an indoor venue.  If this keeps up, it may still be raining in June!

 

 

History 101

Ireland allows sale of contraceptives

By History.com

This day in history, a highly controversial vote on February 20, 1985, the Irish government defies the powerful Catholic Church and approves the sale of contraceptives. Up until 1979, Irish law prohibited the importation and sale of contraceptives. In a 1973 case, McGee v. The Attorney General, the Irish Supreme Court found that a constitutional right to marital privacy covered the use of contraceptives. Pressured by strong conservative forces in Irish society, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, the government was slow to change the law to reflect the court’s decision, and a number of proposed bills failed before reaching the books.

In 1979, the Irish health minister, Charles Haughey, introduced a bill limiting the legal provision of contraceptives to “bona fide family planning purposes.” Signed into law in November 1980, the Health (Family Planning) Act ensured that contraceptives could be sold by a registered pharmacist to customers with a valid medical prescription. Still, many people saw the law as too strict. Over the next several years, a movement began to make contraceptives more easily available, causing bitter divisions inside and outside of the Dail, Ireland’s main house of Parliament.

As the government debated the changes, Catholic Church leaders railed against them, warning that increased access to contraceptives would encourage the moral decay of Ireland, leading to more illegitimate children and increased rates of abortion and venereal disease. On the eve of the vote in early 1985, the Dublin archbishop claimed the legislation would send Ireland down a “slippery slope of moral degradation.” Some politicians were even threatened with violence if they voted for the legislation.

On February 20, 1985, a coalition of the Fine Gael and Labour parties led by Dr. Garret FitzGerald defeated the opposition of the conservative Fianna Fail party by an 83-80 vote. The new legislation made non-medical contraceptives (condoms and spermicides) available without prescriptions to people over 18 at pharmacies; it also allowed for the distribution of these contraceptives at doctors’ offices, hospitals and family planning clinics. Though it was still illegal to advertise contraceptives and use of the birth control pill remained restricted, the vote marked a major turning point in Irish history–the first-ever defeat of the Catholic Church in a head-to-head battle with the government on social legislation.

Great Tips to Get in Shape and Stay in Shape

By StatePoint

Losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle top millions of people’s list of goals. Unfortunately, it’s a lot easier to set a goal than it is to actually achieve it, so it’s important to have a game plan if you want to see results. Here are some sustainable tips to help you lose weight and feel great! 

Set Goals Mindfully

Setting a goal to “lose weight” sounds great, but it is pretty vague. It’s hard to achieve a goal without a specific plan or focus. Remember to think about your health beyond just the number on the scale. Whether it’s deciding to train for a 5k race or choosing to reduce your sugar intake by half, getting specific and setting realistic goals helps you get a clear sense as to whether you were successful.

Get Hydrated

One simple way to cut back calories and sugar is to make water your drink of choice. Eliminate high-calorie beverages like juice and soda from your diet. Get started by setting a simple goal of drinking at least five 12-ounce glasses of water a day.

Sustainable Meal Planning

A sustainable diet is not about deprivation, it’s about eating nutritious, enjoyable meals. For example, a Mediterranean diet, which focuses on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and healthy fats like olive oil; often offers better nutrition, better flavors and better results than a fad diet.

In fact, people who followed a Mediterranean diet lost 52 percent more weight than those with a standard low-fat diet says a study published in a peer reviewed journal. Over a period of two years, the Mediterranean diet group lost 9.7 pounds while the low fat diet group only lost 6.3 pounds.

Make Exercise Fun

Exercise is critical for a healthy body and mind. Whether it’s taking the dog out for a daily walk, signing up for a dance class or committing to hitting the gym three to four times a week, find a workout routine you love and can commit to so you don’t think of movement and exercise as a chore.

Seek Support

Even a well-balanced diet combined with exercise can use extra support. One great program that works in conjunction with a Mediterranean diet is the M3 system by Modere, an innovative weight management system combining credible products with real food and flexible lifestyle behaviors to help users detox.

The plan includes a thermogenic fat-burning supplement taken in the morning, a protein-rich shake for lunch, and an evening fiber drink to help control dinner portions. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. According to Modere, this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

“The lifestyle-based approach to dieting can mean better and more sustainable results than fads that require you to eat only from limited list of foods,” says Greg Horn, formulator of Modere M3.

The plan also requires you to make key changes that support health and weight management by letting you pick three of the five healthy lifestyle behavior options such as committing to walking 7,500 steps a day, cutting out fried foods and sugary drinks, or avoiding refined flour and white rice. To learn more about how M3 can help you, visit http://www.TakeM3.com.

Make now the time you set a goal and stick with it!

 

Event Challenges Horse Trainers

By Ted Harbin bwmary-rose-full-pic-riding-paint

NORCO– For centuries, training horses has been a major part of ranch work worldwide. The key, all horsemen say, comes in the early stages of a colt’s development. Such is the foundation for Colt Starting Challenge USA, an association of two-day competitions that feature trainers utilizing Natural Horsemanship methods with young horses. The next event is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24th, and continues at 6–10 p.m. Saturday Feb. 25th, at the George Ingalls Covered Arena in Norco, CA.  Tickets are $15 per night.

Sundquist is a five-time Champion Trainer who has excelled at numerous challenges, most recently at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo event in Denver, Colorado, where he walked away with the winning Champion Trainer Buckle. “In the first two days, the colt is able to learn new things really fast,” said Sundquist, 24, now in his sixth year of training professionally. That quick timeline becomes quite evident during the Colt Starting Challenge. Each trainer is matched with a horse via random draw; the colts have not been started and have never been saddled nor bridled. The trainers will work with the animals over the course of two two-hour sessions set up over two days, and judges will determine which of the trainers wins.

“We will have two hours of work the first day with a half-hour break in between,” said Russell Beatty, who founded the Colt Starting Challenge USA. “This is all done with an audience, and each contestant has a microphone so that when it’s their time to talk, they can say what they’re doing and why they’re doing it. “The second day has two 45-minute sessions with a break in between. After the second session, we tear down the round pens, set up our obstacle course and the contestants ride their horse through the obstacle course. The winner gets a buckle.” The contestants love the ideaFor more information see www.coltstartingchallengeusa.com

Did You Know?

Time- and Budget- Stretching Tips for the Self-Employed  

By StatePoint 

The ability to stretch a budget can help businesses or those who are self-employed weather lean times and flourish in good periods, and being efficient with time can mean surviving a busy season with your sanity intact. But these principles can be hard to uphold.

To help, here are a few tips to assist freelancers, entrepreneurs and small business owners to make more happen with existing resources.  

Seek Out Resources

Taking care of certain logistics is easier these days, as retailers like Staples offer resources for small businesses, such as their Small Business Hub, where you can design and order business cards, print marketing flyers and posters, get invitations, announcements, calendars and brochures, many on the same day that you place the order.

“When you are on a tight schedule, having one place where you can go that meets a bulk of your small business needs is extremely useful,” says Melanie Salinas a photographer and the blogger behind “Story of Five.”

Salinas, who recently partnered with Staples as part of their #MakeMoreHappen campaign to help small business owners learn about resources to help them get things done, is a frequent user of both Staples’ online hub, as well as their in-store Copy & Print center.

Keep Expenses Organized 

“Don’t mix business with pleasure. Easier said than done when you’re working from home, but it’s a must. Keep business expenses separate from family expenses,” says Salinas.

It may seem like an extra step now, but you can avoid accounting headaches and help make tax time a breeze by staying organized. Good organization will also help ensure you don’t overlook expenses that could lower your taxes.

Create a Workspace 

If you are looking to take your business to the next level, it’s important that you have a dedicated workspace where you can get stuff done. Look to programs like Staples Rewards to get cash back on purchases, special coupons and deals.

“Even if it’s just a corner of your bedroom, creating a functional workspace will help you boost productivity,” says Kayla Buell, who runs “Gen Y Girl,” a Millennial career and lifestyle blog, who recommends sprucing up the area with supplies and décor that inspire and motivate you.

Use Time Wisely 

Marketing yourself or promoting your business can be tough, especially if your days are full working for existing customers and keeping your business going.

“Promoting sounds like a lot of work when you’re bursting at the seams, but you have to communicate with people you want to hire you,” says Susan and William Brinson, who own a thriving photography business and blog at “House of Brinson.” “We use the weeks where we’re slow — around the holidays for instance — to work on promotions.”

More business ideas to save time and money can be found by visiting Staples.com and by following #MakeMoreHappen on social media.

Give yourself a cushion — both on your calendar and in your wallet. Smart approaches to running your business will boost your productivity and stretch your budget.

 

 

 

Recent Recalls

Staff Reports

  1. Fromi USA is recalling its 7 cases of Soureliette cheese and 2 cases of Tomme Brebis Fedou because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
  1. S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) is voluntarily recalling certain of its smokeless tobacco products, listed in the chart below, manufactured at USSTC’s facility in Franklin Park, IL. USSTC has notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the recall and is working with federal authorities on this matter. USSTC initiated the recall after receiving eight consumer complaints of foreign metal objects, including sharp metal objects, found in select cans.
  1. Thorley Industries LLC d/b/a 4moms (4moms) is recalling certain 4moms Self Installing Rear-facing Infant Car Seats, model number 1032, manufactured July 1, 2016, to October 31, 2016. Due to a tight rivet, the affected car seats have a coupling hook that may not properly engage around the coupling pin, preventing the infant carrier portion from securely attaching to the seat base.
  1. Baby Trend, Inc. (Baby Trend) is recalling certain Hybrid LX 3-in-1 Centennial booster seats, model number FB58181, manufactured on July 23, 2016, and Hybrid LX 3-in-1 Kiwi booster seats, model number FB48417, manufactured on July 14, 2016. The affected child seats have a center adjuster rivet that may pull through or break if the harness is being used with a child weighing more than 40 lbs. As such, these child seats fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 213, “Child Restraint Systems.”
  1. Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (Continental) is recalling certain General Tire Grabber light truck tires, size 33×12.50R18 LT 118Q, Load Range E, manufactured May 3, 2015, to May 16, 2015 (DOT week codes 1815 and 1915). These replacement tires may have a lack of adhesion within the belt package, causing tread wear, tread bulging, and possible tread separation.

Jammy Fig and Brie Grilled Cheese

with Arugula Mushroom Salad  bw-fig-and-brie-grilled-cheese-31750705

By Hello Fresh 

A classic grilled cheese hits the spot for breakfast or lunch. But if you’re going to do it for dinner, you gotta spiff it up. Our version is just fancy enough with brie and sweet fig jam, though all that melty cheese will still take you to a comfy, cozy place. We’re adding on an arugula mushroom salad not just because it’s delish, but also to help keep things classy.

 

Cooking Time: 25 min.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: Energy (kJ)2163 kJ, Calories517 kcal, Fat30 g, Saturated Fat15 g, Carbohydrate48 g, Sugar10 g, Dietary Fiber6 g, Protein21 g, Cholesterol76 mg, Sodium753 mg

 

Ingredients:

  • Argula- 4 ounce
  • Button Mushrooms- 4 ounce
  • Fig Jam- 1 ounce
  • Whole Wheat Bread- 4 slice
  • Pepper- unit
  • Olive Oil- 2 teaspoon

Preparation:

  1. Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Strip rosemary leaves from stems. Discard stems. Finely chop leaves. Thinly slice mushrooms.
  2. Toss mushrooms with a drizzle of olive oil, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in oven until browned and lightly crisped, 12-15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, cut brie cheese into thin slices. Spread fig jam on one side of two of the bread slices. Top jammy sides with brie slices. Place remaining slices of bread on top of each to create two sandwiches.
  4. Melt 1 TBSP butter in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add sandwiches and cook until nicely browned on outside and melty inside, 4-5 minutes per side.
  5. While sandwiches cook, toss mushrooms with arugula, a large drizzle of balsamic vinegar (we sent more), and a drizzle of olive oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Slice sandwiches in half and serve with salad.

 

Happiness

By Nancy Stoops

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Most people believe that there is a road to happiness.  Most people believe that certain things need to occur to be happy.  Most people spend their whole life on a quest for happiness but never get there.  I believe happiness is a choice.  I believe happiness is a mindset.  I believe it’s about looking at all that is right with your life and being grateful.  If you spend your days always thinking about what your life isn’t or what you don’t have you won’t be very happy.  Now I’m not implying that people shouldn’t dream big and make those dreams come true.  I’m just saying be happy along the way to making those dreams come true.

Happiness occurs every day I have the honor of being alive.  Yes I had a brother that was murdered, a brother that committed suicide and a father that died from Pancreatic Cancer but I am still here for a reason.  I appreciate each and every day I am here and can make a difference.  I appreciate having a healthy body and the ability to work out every day with my amazing dog Midnight.  I appreciate the sunrise and all the beauty that nature has to offer.  I am happiest doing the simple things even though I have travelled the world. Saturdays with my grandson are about horseback riding and swimming and just laughing.  Saturdays make me very happy.  Watching my dog do his happy roll on the grass makes me filled with joy as I see him filled with joy.

 

I tell myself every day I refuse to let anybody steal my joy.  People might do and say things that could potential steel my happiness but I decide how I want to respond to their words and behaviors.  We are in control of us and how we respond to others.  I wish happiness and joy for all of you every day!!!!!!  

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancystoops@verizon.net. 

 

Comeback or Collapse?

By Mark Hopper

I realize that some people did not watch the Super Bowl football game recently.  Some prefer basketball or soccer or some other sport.  But according to the TV ratings, millions of people did watch the Super Bowl again this year. If you missed it, you may have heard that the game this year was one of the best.  It was the first time in the history of the Super Bowl that the game was tied at the end of regulation. The game went into overtime for the first time ever.  This was one of the most dramatic and exciting Super Bowl games in its fifty-one year history.

In addition, this year’s Super Bowl included the greatest comeback in history.  The Atlanta Falcons led the game by over 20 points in the third quarter.  But, the New England Patriots came back and tied the game with only seconds left on the clock in regulation. And, the Patriots used a rare two-point play after their final touch down to tie the game and force overtime.  It doesn’t get much better than this if you are a football fan. I have heard a lot of sports fans talking about the remarkable comeback by New England.  Few people thought that the Patriots could pull this off.  Every pass completion was critical.  Every penalty seemed to go their way.  It was amazing to watch.  However, I have also heard other fans say it was the biggest collapse in Super Bowl history.  How could Atlanta let the game slip away?  They had a commanding lead in the third quarter.  Most people thought the Falcons had the game wrapped up. I wonder how the players and coaches feel?  The players on the winning team must be so excited.  The players on the losing team must be so disappointed. I suppose that life is a lot like the Super Bowl.  There are times that we a excited and delighted over a personal success or accomplishment.  And, they are times when we feel discouraged and disappointed over a missed opportunity.

My suggestion is to focus on the positive.  Don’t dwell on your defeats.  Remember your successes.  Atlanta fans certainly have a reason to be disappointed.  They almost won the game.  They were so close. But, they had a remarkable season and won more games than most people expected.  Their quarterback had the best season of his career.  Football fans were surprised that the Falcons made it to the Super Bowl and almost won it!

I hope you can learn to be thankful for the positive things in your life.  Focus on your family and your friends –  your health and your faith.  Every day is a gift from God. We know there will be difficulties and disappointments in life.  Lost jobs and poor health.  But, face those times with hope and faith.  You will be glad you did and others around you will too.

 

History 101

Did You Know?Approximately 150 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.  

HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY

Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from? Find out about the history of this centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England.

THE LEGEND OF ST. VALENTINE

The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most importantly–romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

ORIGINS OF VALENTINE’S DAY: A PAGAN FESTIVAL IN FEBRUARY

While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial–which probably occurred around A.D. 270–others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.

VALENTINE’S DAY: A DAY OF ROMANCE

Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity and but was outlawed—as it was deemed “un-Christian”–at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance.

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

TYPICAL VALENTINE’S DAY GREETINGS

In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia. In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes, and by 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine’s Day greetings.

Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as “scrap.” Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.) Women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.

Recent Recalls

Staff Reports

  1. New American Food Products- The recall was initiated due to concerns of the possible presence of peanuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to specific types of allergen, such as peanuts, run the risk of serious life threatening allergic reactions if they consume the product being recalled.
  1. Minnie and Mickey Mouse infant hoodie sweatshirts- The snaps on the hoodies can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. recalls-minnie-hoodie-sweatshirt-photo
  1. Children’s shoes (Skidders)-The rivets on the children’s shoeshave sharp edges, posing a laceration hazard.recalls-skidders-footwear-childrens-shoes
  1. Marich Confectionery of Hollister, California is voluntarily recalling 4.25oz Valentine Chocolate Caramel Hearts UPC CODE 797817-44440-9 because it may contain Triple Chocolate Toffee which contains almonds. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
  1. Projection night lights– The night lights can short circuit, posing shock and fire hazard to consumers.recalls-pjh
  2. Kia Motors America is recalling certain one 2016 Optima vehicle. In this vehicle, the end seal for the driver’s frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.

Living in Calorie-fornia!

By Clark’s Nutrition, C Doussett MPH, RDN

Living in a state that has such an abundance of cities with health-food stores and healthful chain stores offers a unique advantage for the health-conscious individual.  For the simple reason that our environment has as much to do with our ability to succeed as learned habits and our resources. Many organizations, businesses, and educational institutions have wellness policies that dictate steps and policies aimed at promoting wellness, preventing injury, and creating an environment where healthy choices are easy choices. As important as it is for companies and institutions to keep their constituents healthy, it is imperative to establish a personal wellness policy that is consistent with ones goals, resources, and skill set. One of the most important reasons for doing so is to avoid the twin pillars of non-communicable diseases, obesity and diabetes. So prevalent are these two scourges that many cancer researchers are now echoing the sentiments of cardiologists everywhere that the obesity and diabetes epidemic can potentially undo fifty years of progress and disease mitigation.

Type II Diabetes and problems with blood sugar control affect 1/10th or nearly 30 million people in the U.S. Overweight individuals in this country make up 70% of the population and obese individuals are at an all-time high of 38%. This is a serious issue that is multifactorial in nature and in solution. Type II diabetes is also associated with an increase in sickness and death, including blindness, heart disease, obesity, nerve damage, and amputations. Type II Diabetes manifests itself when an individual’s body can no longer control the level of blood sugar due to the constant intake of simplified sugars and fiber-less meals. The amount, type, and frequency of sugar will have a very large outcome as to the effects on the body. In addition, exercise has a major role in glucose metabolism and exercising regularly is an excellent way to maintain proper glucose levels.

Research has shown that diets that include fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains, and a well thought out exercise program can reduce the undesirable side effects associated with type II diabetes.

  • Nuts and legumes, beans are the magical fruit (tons of minerals and complex carbs)
  • Whole grains (if tolerated) such as oats, wheat, rye, and barley (sorry, not the malted kind)
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables (as much as possible) but watch for too much of the high sugar fruits like grapes, watermelon, and pineapple and be sure to emphasize variety. Start meal planning around vegetables and the protein and fat will follow
  • Fish, chicken, and soy protein
  • Low or whole fat dairy products
  • Water and unsweetened tea
  • Fiber , fiber, fiber, females need up to 25 grams/daily and males should get 40 grams
  • Add exercise- thirty minutes a day (all at once or in intervals) five to seven days a week.

Start slow, having a group or partner to work with increases the likelihood of compliance and safety.  Focus on strength movements, cardiovascular fitness, and articular flexibility. Everyone will have a different level of performance but it is important to emphasize strength, flexibility, cardiovascular competence, and endurance. Change will come gradually and will eventually become a habit instead of a goal. Ask a nutritional consultant about more ways to make lasting changes to your lifestyle and how to take advantage of your environment.

 

5 Things to Know if Someone You Love is Addicted to Painkillers

By StatePoint

Fifty-two people die every day from opioid overdoses nationwide, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 12 million U.S. residents used prescription painkillers non-medically in the past year.

Unfortunately, even a small dosage can depress respiratory function, and these drugs can be especially dangerous when combined with other common substances like alcohol and sleeping pills. What’s more, prescription drug abuse can be addictive, and even lead to heroin use.

If you love someone who may be addicted to prescription painkillers, here are five things the National Safety Council says you should know.

  1. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain. Addiction, like heart disease or diabetes, leads to increasingly poor health, and can be fatal if it’s not effectively treated and managed. People who suffer from addiction still have self-worth and should be treated with dignity. Unfortunately, shame and discrimination prevent many individuals from seeking treatment. Recovery can be achieved in many different ways and all recovery efforts should be celebrated.
  1. Medication Helps. Opioid and heroin addiction cause a chemical imbalance in the brain, which medication can help repair. There are three major medications typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and participation in social support programs: Buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone. Buprenorphine and methadone diminish the effects of withdrawal and cravings restoring brain chemistry. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of opioids and heroin. Buprenorphine and naltrexone can be administered by health care providers. Methadone is delivered in specialized clinics.
  1. Traditional treatments aren’t always effective. Recovery is a lifelong journey. Unfortunately, some traditional treatments focus on quicker fixes like attempting it alone or by going cold turkey, which ultimately can be detrimental. Indeed, rates of relapse and overdose are higher for people who have gone through 30-day treatment programs, and 56 percent of people who leave treatment centers relapse within the first week. However, medications, can offer longer-term solutions, and are often less expensive than in-patient treatment. If traditional substance abuse programs haven’t worked, consider medication.
  1. Support is critical. A failed cycle of detox and inpatient therapy, then relapse, can leave a person feeling hopeless. This is why support is critical. Doctors and treatment counselors are important, but even more so is a well-informed support group of family and friends.

“Addiction is not a broken arm that can be fixed. It’s like being on a permanent diet with a piece of candy staring at you every day,” says Avi Israel, a survivor advocate who lost his son after battling a prescription drug addiction. He advises friends and family of patients to, “Know the signs of addiction. Don’t judge. Throw tough love out the window. Love. But love with structure.”

  1. Understanding addiction is crucial. Both patients and their friends and family should understand that addiction is a disease, and know what is needed to manage it.

“My son had Crohn’s disease, and I knew everything about that. I wish I had known as much about addiction,” says Israel.

There are more options than traditional 30-day-treatment programs and 12-step programs. In addition to medication, there are support programs like SMART recovery, which provide attendees with tools based on the latest scientific research, as well as a worldwide community with self-empowering, science-based support groups.

A road of recovery is paved by many people – not just those in recovery. With the right support systems in place, a successful and sober life is possible.

Classic Poblano Beef Chili

Classic Poblano Beef Chilispicy-poblano-chili-57cda55f

with Jack’s Borlotti Beans

By Hello Fresh

Chili is a game-day grub staple for good reason: it scores a touchdown with pretty much every person’s palate, no matter which team they’re rooting for. In this version, we’re heating things up with poblano peppers, borlotti beans, ground beef, and the dynamic spice duo of chili powder and cumin, then cooling it down just a tad with a dollop of sour cream.

Cooking Time: 30 min.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: Calories777 kcal, Fat40 g, Saturated Fat16 g, Carbohydrate53 g, Sugar11 g, Dietary Fiber17 g, Protein52 g, Cholesterol145 mg, Sodium1098 mg

Ingredients:

  • Ground Beef- 10 ounce
  • Garlic- 2 Cloves
  • Cumin- 1 teaspoon
  • Crushed Tomatoes- 1 box
  • Cheddar Cheese- ½ Cup
  • Scallions- 2 unit
  • Salt- unit
  • Poblano Pepper- 1 unit
  • Chili Powder- 1 teaspoon
  • Vegetable Stock Concentrate- 1 unit
  • Borlotti Beans- 1 box
  • Sour Cream- 4 tablespoon
  • Vegetable Oil- 1 teaspoon
  • Pepper- unit

Preparation:

  1. Wash and dry all produce. Thinly slice scallions. Mince or grate garlic. Drain and rinse Jack’s borlotti beans. Core, seed, and remove white ribs from poblano pepper. Cut into ½-inch squares.
  2. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until crisped at the edges and no longer pink, 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Remove pan from heat and carefully pour out and discard any oil left by beef. Return to heat and add scallions, poblano, and garlic. Cook until lightly browned and softened, about 6 minutes, tossing.
  4. Add chili powder and cumin to pan and stir to coat the veggies. Cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Stir in stock concentrate, Jack’s borlotti beans, crushed tomatoes, beef, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and reduce to a simmer. Let bubble until thick and saucy, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Divide chili between bowls. Sprinkle with cheddar and a dollop of sour cream.

 

The Game of Golf

By Mark Hopper

Photo By: Sarah Sanchez (L-R) Steve Almquist, Pastor Mark Hopper, Jack Penzes, and Al Smith.

Photo By: Sarah Sanchez
(L-R) Steve Almquist, Pastor Mark Hopper, Jack Penzes, and Al Smith.

I started playing golf with my father-in-law after my wife and I got married.  He was a good golfer – I was not.  He patiently endured my struggles as I learned to play the game. Golf has a lot of rules and regulations.  One interesting thing about golf is that each player is responsible to follow and enforce the rules on him. There are certain courtesies that each person extends to his fellow players.  For example, you remain quiet when another player is swinging or putting.  You are expected to repair your divots on the green and rake the sand trap after you hit your ball out of it.

A group of men from our church play golf every week on Monday afternoons.  I enjoy spending time with these men.  We are not good golfers but we have fun together around the golf course. The grass in the fairway is usually cut short and makes it easier to find your ball.  But the grass along the edges of the fairway is called the rough.  Here the grass is longer making it more difficult to find and hit your golf ball.

Recently, I hit my drive into the thick grass off the fairway.  My partners and I looked and looked trying to find my ball.  There was a group behind us waiting for us to keep moving. I was playing a “Titleist 2” with a red logo on it.  When one of my golfing buddies located a “Titleist 2”, I quickly hit my shot out of the rough and we moved on.

However, after we played the next hole, I discovered that the golf ball we had found was not mine.  It was a “Titleist 2”, but it did not have the red logo on it.  We had found and I had hit the wrong ball! Hitting the wrong ball is a costly mistake in golf.  The rules impose a penalty for any golfer hitting the wrong ball. As we walked up to the final tee box, the group behind us pulled up and asked if I had lost a Titleist 2 golf ball.  How did they know?  Because they had also lost a “Titleist 2” ball!  Apparently they had found my golf ball in the tall thick grass and I had found theirs!

I felt bad that I had hit their golf ball, but they were gracious and understanding.  Many of us had difficulty searching through the long grass for lost golf balls that day.  They were glad to get their golf ball back and I was glad to have mine too!

Golf is a lot like life.  We all make mistakes and we are thankful when people are understanding and forgiving.  I’m sure that there have been times when someone took your parking place at the mall or spilled a cup of coffee on your kitchen table. We need to be willing to forgive people and remember that we make mistakes too.   In Ephesians 4:32 it says, “Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgives you”.

Let me encourage you to be more patient and understanding with the people you meet this week.  Be willing to forgive them just like you would hope they would forgive you.  They will be glad you did and you will too.

 

History 101

Who is Cupid?

By Laura Schumm of History.com

The mention of Cupid typically conjures up images of a cherubic winged infant wielding a bow and arrow, but this wasn’t always the case. Long before the Romans adopted and renamed him, Cupid was known to the Greeks as Eros, the god of love.

One of the first authors to mention Eros (circa 700 B.C.) was Hesiod, who described him in “Theogony” as one of the primeval cosmogonic deities born of the world egg. But later accounts of the lineage of Eros vary, describing him as the son of Nyx and Erebus; or Aphrodite and Ares; or Iris and Zephyrus; or even Aphrodite and Zeus—who would have been both his father and grandfather.

Armed with a bow and a quiver filled with both golden arrows to arouse desire and leaden arrows to ignite aversion, Eros struck at the hearts of gods and mortals and played with their emotions. In one story from ancient Greek mythology, which was later retold by Roman authors, Cupid (Eros) shot a golden arrow at Apollo, who fell madly in love with the nymph Daphne, but then launched a leaden arrow at Daphne so she would be repulsed by him. In another allegory, Cupid’s mother, Venus (Aphrodite), became so jealous of the beautiful mortal Psyche that she told her son to induce Psyche to fall in love with a monster. Instead, Cupid became so enamored with Psyche that he married her—with the condition that she could never see his face. Eventually, Psyche’s curiosity got the better of her and she stole a glance, causing Cupid to flee in anger. After roaming the known world in search of her lover, Psyche was eventually reunited with Cupid and granted the gift of immortality.

In the poetry of the Archaic period, Eros was represented as a handsome immortal who was irresistible to both man and gods. But by the Hellenistic period, he was increasingly portrayed as a playful, mischievous child. It is this chubby love-inducing putto that has persisted over time and has become our ubiquitous Valentine’s Day mascot.

How to take your child’s temperature

By IEHPmost-useful-baby-products-8-digital-ear-thermometer-316639

  • Infants (less than 3 months): use a digital thermometer in the baby’s rectum (bottom). Do not take the temperature in the infant’s ear.
  • Babies (3 months – 2 years): use a digital thermometer in the baby’s rectum or use an electronic ear thermometer.
  • Toddlers (2 – 3 years): use a digital thermometer in the child’s rectum or use an electronic ear thermometer.
  • Children (3 years and up): use a digital thermometer in mouth or ear.
  • Make sure to read the thermometer’s instructions. Do not use a mercury thermometer.

Corner Bakery Cafe to Satisfy Cravings in Hacienda Heights with New Location

corner-bakery-cafe-counter-viewHacienda Heights–Corner Bakery Café will soon satisfy cravings for fresh, ingredient-inspired food with the opening of a Hacienda Heights cafe on Monday, Jan. 30. The new Hacienda Heights cafe is located at 1697 South Azusa Avenue, Suite A, in Hacienda Center.

To celebrate the new cafe, the first 100 guests through the doors at 7 a.m. on opening day will receive a commemorative Corner Bakery Cafe travel mug with free daily refills of hand-roasted coffee for one year. In addition, the cafe will host a social media contest during its first seven days in business, where guests who post using the hashtag #CBCHaciendaHeights will be entered into a drawing to receive a $5 Corner Bakery Cafe voucher. Winners will be randomly selected and up to $1000 worth of vouchers will be awarded.

Corner Bakery Cafe serves made-to-order food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The seasonal, innovative menu ranges from hot breakfast and grilled panini to handcrafted salads, signature sandwiches, mouthwatering sweets and more. Favorites include light and fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes for breakfast, the grilled-to-perfection Chicken Pomodori Panini for lunch, the crave-worthy Pesto Cavatappi for dinner, and a slice of rich Cinnamon Creme Cake for dessert.

In a warm, relaxing atmosphere with artwork depicting local landmarks on the wall, guests can enjoy their meals in the company of friends and family or stay connected with free WiFi and bottomless cups of hand-roasted coffee. For social occasions and business events, Corner Bakery Cafe offers an unrivaled catering experience, delivering signature, made-to-order breakfast, lunches and dinners. The catering menu includes scrambled-to-order eggs and Chilled Swiss Oatmeal, baskets of assorted specialty sandwiches, hot signature pasta, homemade soups and more. For guests dining in the cafe, the made-to-order food is delivered fresh to the table at a price point that it is comfortably affordable to all. The Hacienda Heights Corner Bakery Cafe also offers online ordering. The Hacienda Heights Corner Bakery Cafe is open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Recent Recalls

Staff Reports

  1. Burger’s Ozark Country Cured, a California, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,905 pounds of fully cooked turkey products due to misbranding.
  1. F. Stauffer Biscuit Co., Inc. is voluntarily recalling one specific best by date of 32 oz. Original Animal Cracker because they may be packaged with other cookies that contain milk powder. People who are allergic to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.
  1. Blue Ridge Beef is voluntarily recalling one (1) of its frozen products due to their potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria can affect animals eating the product. There is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surface exposed to these products.
  1. Trek 720 Disc bicycles and wheel sets-The front brake caliper can come into contact with a broken spoke, posing a fall hazard to the rider.
  1. Pirelli Tire LLC is recalling certain P Zero All Season tires, size 275/40R19 101W, manufactured January 11, 2016, to October 29, 2016, as an original equipment fitment exclusively for certain Maserati cars. Due to an incorrect carcass component, the affected tires may develop cracks in their lower sidewall, possibly resulting in a loss of air.20152016-trek-720-disc
  1. Baby Trend, Inc. is recalling certain Hybrid LX 3-in-1 Centennial booster seats, model number FB58181, manufactured on July 23, 2016, and Hybrid LX 3-in-1 Kiwi booster seats, model number FB48417, manufactured on July 14, 2016. The affected child seats have a center adjuster rivet that may pull through or break if the harness is being used with a child weighing more than 40 lbs. As such, these child seats fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 213, “Child Restraint Systems.”hybrid-300x300
  1. Mobiles- The wheels on the mobile’s hanging cars can detach and fall, posing a choking hazard to young children.

 

Did you know?

Five Morning Tips to Prepare for the Day

By StatePoint

Are most of your mornings spent running out the door with breakfast in-hand, and applying your makeup on-the-go? It’s easy to snooze, and rush all the way to work – but building a routine that gives you a calm and efficient morning can make you feel more prepared to take on your day. If you haven’t nailed it yet, don’t fret.

To celebrate the similarities and differences of women’s routines, the team at Carefree is offering some tips to make mornings easier.

  1. Rise and shine. Do you hit the snooze button one too many times? Avoid being late again. Place your alarm out of reach so that in order to turn it off, you have to get out of bed. If you use your phone to wake up, consider setting your alarm tone to a song that annoys you — you’ll be happy to get out of bed to make it stop!

You may not have time for a full workout in the morning, but moving a bit upon getting out of bed can get the blood flowing, help wake you up and give you a metabolism boost. Start the day with a few stretches and body weight exercises, such as lunges and planks.

  1. Perk up. Perk up with a morning ritual that activates your mind. Enjoy your cup of coffee or green tea alongside a brain teaser, Sodoku or crossword puzzle. Or spend the time writing a journal entry, scanning the morning headlines, or reading a chapter of a book. Taking a few moments to warm up the mind can encourage greater productivity all day long.
  1. Eliminate bed head. You can shave substantial minutes off your morning routine by doing your hair the night before. After washing and conditioning your locks, leave hair up in buns or clips while sleeping. In the morning, undo the up-do and use a little spray before heading out the door.
  1. Makeup magic. When there’s no time for a full morning makeover, stick to the basics. Start with a moisturizer with SPF so you can protect your skin and keep it hydrated. Use under eye concealer to easily eliminate any signs of fatigue. If you do need to abbreviate the full eye makeup routine, don’t omit a quick coat of mascara, which can help you look wider-eyed and more awake with a few seconds of effort. Lastly, give lips shine and protect them from chapping with a lip balm that preferably contains SPF.
  1. Be Free to Be You. Feminine care is one routine element that links all women. It’s a part of life, and as we all know – it’s not always predictable. “Liner Up!” every morning with Carefree Acti-Fresh liners, which are soft, thin and absorbent enough to go unnoticed, helping you feel confident as you go throughout your day. It is easy to incorporate them into your daily regimen by storing them in your underwear drawer—you will never forget to give yourself a layer of protection again.