Your Holiday Shopping List

Make a list and check it twice.  Your grocery list that is!  Healthy eating in the home starts with shopping healthy and shopping healthy starts with a well thought out grocery list.

Got sugar plum fairies and Christmas cookies dancing in our dreams?  Step out of the cookie craze for a minute and pluck that plum out of your dreams and put it on the grocery list!

Rich, luscious purple plums are a good start.  Now keep the whole rainbow in mind as you make your list.  Different colored fresh produce provide different nutrients.  Don't just fill your list with green veggies; add some red peppers, red onions, purple grapes, orange carrots, blueberries, pumpkin, cauliflower...  With such a selection there is no need to get stuck in a canned string bean and corn niblets rut.

Take a moment while shopping and see if they are offering any fresh produce you never tried. Pomegranates are available now in many local grocery stores and make a refreshing holiday snack. Mashed roasted turnips might be a tasty substitute for mashed potatoes in your holiday feasting and you just might start a new holiday tradition!
 

Is it a Cold or the Flu?

Tis the season.... for cold and flu! The flu, (influenza virus) is actually a respiratory infection caused by viruses and is very contagious! To help prevent catching the flu, wash your hands frequently and get the flu vaccine.

If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from flu symptoms, view the chart below for a quick reference.  The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has created a very informative, yet easy to use "Is it a Cold or the Flu" chart.  The chart also lists symptoms that require emergency medical care.

http://dhmh.maryland.gov/swineflu/pdf/literature/Is_it_a_Cold_or_the_Flu_092909.pdf

The President and your Flu Shot

Its official! President Obama has proclaimed December 5-11 National Influenza Vaccination Week!  Annual flu vaccinations are recommended for all people 6 months of age and older.  Thousands of Americans will experience serious health risks from the flu this season.  Protect yourself, protect your loved ones!

A Fresh Spin on String Beans

Tired of droopy string beans dumped out of a can?  Add some zest and crisp to your meals with fresh string beans!  Here is a quick, easy, and super yummy way I like to cook fresh string beans from my garden. (String beans are often available in the fresh produce sections in local grocery stores.)

After washing the fresh string beans; I pinch of the ends and remove the "string".  This makes the beans less tough to chew.

I then warm some olive oil, fresh chopped garlic and fresh chopped herbs in a pan on medium heat.  I like to just go with the flow and throw in whatever I feel like. In the photo I used basil, rosemary and chives.  I have an herb garden but fresh herbs are often available in local markets though they can be expensive.  You may want to experiment with dried herbs, lemon juice, or even using water or chicken broth instead of oil.  I'll feature tips about growing and planting your own herbs in this blog in the future.

Once the herbs have wilted a little I toss in the string beans and stir them till they are coated.  I then stir them over the heat till they are tender yet crisp which happens very quickly.  I experimented with a purple variety of string bean this year. These turn green when cooked!  A fun veggie to grow with kids! This makes a great, very quick side I can throw together in a hurry and enjoy!

Blue Suit Sunday 2010

Blue Suit Sunday 2010 at Aberdeen Bible Church

 

 

 

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and Harford County's Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance (MOTA) program partnered with Aberdeen Bible Church to sponsor the 2nd Annual Blue Suit Sunday.  This is an event that promotes prostate cancer awareness, screening and prevention.  Black Males have the highest overall cancer mortality rates in Maryland!  Although black men in the United States are more likely to get prostate cancer, they are also significantly less likely to get screened!  Prostate cancer screening can save lives.  If you are man over 50, talk to your doctor about getting screened. If you love a man over 50, talk to him about getting screened for prostate cancer.  Take care of yourself, diet and exercise really impact your health and longevity.  Remember: Better Habits = Better Health!

Thanks to Pastor Nate, Brother Tracey and all the men of Aberdeen Bible Church for participating!