Health and Human Services News Release
Posted in Health & Human Services, Health Care, Health Care Reform
For Immediate Release – May 15, 2012
HHS launches new web-based tool to track performance of
nation’s health care system
Public can view data by age, income level, ethnicity, and other factors
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the launch of a new web-based tool that will make it easier for all Americans to monitor and measure how the nation’s health care system is performing.
The web-based tool, known as the Health System Measurement Project, will allow policymakers, providers, and the public to develop consistent data-driven views of changes in critical U.S. health system indicators.
”I am pleased that this tool will allow people to have better access to data about our health care system,” Secretary Sebelius said. “Ensuring all Americans have access to these data is an important way to make our health care system more open and transparent.”
The Health System Measurement Project brings together datasets from across the federal government that span topical areas, such as access to care, cost and affordability, prevention and health information technology. It presents these indicators by population characteristics, such as age, sex, income level, insurance coverage, and geography.
Using the Measurement Project, one can quickly view data on a given topical area from multiple sources, compare trends across measures and compare national trends with those at the state and regional level. For example, an individual could use the Measurement Project to monitor the percentage of people who have a specific source of ongoing medical care or track avoidable hospitalizations for adults and children by region or ethnic group.
The measures included in the Health System Measurement Project, developed and selected by the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, are aligned with the HHS Strategic Plan, the National Quality Strategy, and other departmental strategic planning efforts. The measures are drawn primarily from existing publicly available datasets. The tool contains information on how the measures were calculated and provides users with direct links back to the original data sources.
To access the Health System Measurement Project, go to HealthMeasures.aspe.hhs.gov.
For more information about the Affordable Care Act, visit www.HealthCare.gov.
Celebrate National Women’s Health Week May 13-19, 2012
Posted in General, Health & Human Services, Health & Wellness
Having just celebrated Mother’s Day, it is a perfect time for women to look at how they are living their lives and to check in on how they watching out for their health. Sometimes women forget to take care of themselves because of their busy schedules at work and at home. The National Women’s Health Week helps women to learn how to put their health at the top of their priortiy list and gives them the ways to do so.
The following is from womenshealth.gov – a project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.
National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health. The theme for 2012 is “It’s Your Time.” National Women’s Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. It also encourages women to take the following steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases:
- Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings.
- Get active.
- Eat healthy.
- Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
- Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.
Learn more about National Women’s Health Week.
In the news
Health Term: Pre-Existing Condition
Posted in Health Terms, ProtectPlus Plans
Pre-Existing Condition means an illness, injury or condition which existed during the six-month period immediately prior to either: (i) your effective date; or (ii) the first day of any waiting period, whichever is earlier. A condition is considered to have existed when you: (i) sought or received medical advice for that condition; (ii) received medical care or treatment for that condition; or (iii) received medical supplies, drugs or medicines for that condition.
To review more health care terms, click here to visit the ProtectPlus Medical Plan glossary.
Four Habits to Quit for Healthy Eyes
Posted in General, Health & Wellness, Vision
Our eyes are very important to us and it is for that reason we want to make sure we take care of them and learn ways to make them healthy. In the latest Vision Service Plan’s newsletter, EnVision, it discusses four bad habits that we must stop if we want to have healthy eyes. Make sure to check it out and see what habit(s) you need to stop!
The following article is from VSP EnVision Newletter: April 2012
You may be surprised at some of the simple things you could be doing that can damage your eye health and vision. Breaking these bad habits starts with learning what’s okay—and what’s not—when it comes to your eye care routine.
Are your contacts really clean?
Some of the most common mistakes that contact lens wearers make are not cleaning, disinfecting, and storing their lenses properly. Make sure to follow your eye doctor’s and lens manufacturer’s instructions for handling and taking care of your contact lenses. Remember:
- Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.
- Replace your contacts and case regularly.
- Clean and store your lenses according to your doctor’s instructions.
- Never re-use or “top off” contact solution.
The damage control approach
“It’s important to get your eye exam annually, not just when something goes wrong or you think you need new glasses,” says J. Bradley Oatney, O.D., a VSP doctor at Riverview Eye Associates in Columbus, OH. “Your VSP doctor can be a valuable resource in helping to identify the effects of conditions such as hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes which can all be devastating to your eyesight.”
- Tell your doctor if you’re experiencing eye strain, double vision, pain, or dry eyes, or if you’re seeing spots or lights.
- Before you leave, schedule your next appointment.
Digital device overdose
Do you find it hard to tear your eyes away from your smart phone? You’re not alone—and, you’re in the company of many eye strain sufferers. “To ease eye strain, I recommend the 20-20-20 rule,” says Dr. Oatney. “Simply look away from your screen and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.”
Computer screen glare can be a problem too. Arrange the lights in the room so they don’t shine directly on your computer screen, or move your computer to another location if necessary. Other solutions include non-glare coating for glasses, glare-reducing contact lenses, and anti-glare screen options.
When sharing isn’t caring
Do you occasionally use your friend’s mascara, eye drops, or contact solution, or let others borrow yours? Doing this can spread unwanted bacteria and make you and your eyes sick. So, keep your eye products to yourself. A few final reminders:
- To avoid an eye infection, don’t let the tip of your eye drops bottle actually touch your eyes.
- After an eye infection, replace any makeup or applicators that come in contact with your eyes. You don’t want that infection all over again!
The content of this article is for general informational awareness purposes only. Please consult your eyecare doctor or physician for actual advice.
World Meningitis Day 2012
Posted in Health & Wellness
April 24th is World Meningitis Day and it is important that we make ourselves aware of how serious this disease is and to know the symptoms and steps to take to prevent it. Roughly 4,000 people get bacterial meningitis each year in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 15% of meningococcal disease survivors will have disabilities that will be long-term, such as deafness, loss of limb(s), nervous system problems, or brain damage. The following information is from the CDC and goes into details about the disease, the symptoms and ways to prevent it.
Meningococcal Disease: Help Prevent It
Meningococcal disease is a serious, vaccine-preventable infection. The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for all 11-18 year olds. Kids should get this vaccine at 11-12 years of age and a booster dose at age 16.
Did you know that there are approximately 1,000 cases of meningococcal disease in the United States each year? Meningococcal disease can be very serious — even life-threatening — in 48 hours or less. Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness that is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus bacteria. The two most severe and common illnesses caused by Neisseria meningitidis include meningitis (infection of the fluid and lining around the brain) and septicemia (bloodstream infection).
Symptoms of Meningococcal Disease
Symptoms of meningococcal disease are usually sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. It can start with symptoms similar to influenza (flu), and will often also cause nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, rash, and confusion. Even with antibiotic treatment, people die in about 10-15% of cases. About 15% of survivors will have long-term disabilities, such as loss of limb(s), deafness, nervous system problems, or brain damage.
How Meningococcal Disease Spreads
Meningococcal disease can be spread from person to person. The bacteria are spread by exchanging respiratory and throat secretions during close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact, especially if living in the same dorm or household. Many people carry the bacteria in their throats without getting meningococcal disease. Since so many people carry the bacteria, most cases of meningococcal disease appear to be random and aren’t linked to other cases. Although anyone can get meningococcal disease, adolescents and college freshmen who live in dormitories are at an increased risk.
Meningococcal Disease Prevention
The good news is that there’s a vaccine to help prevent meningococcal disease and it can prevent two of the three most common disease-causing strains. The vaccine is routinely recommended for all 11 through 18 year olds. Kids should get the first dose of this vaccine, known as the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), at their 11-12 year old check-up. Now, teenagers are recommended to get a booster dose at age 16. If your teenager missed getting the vaccine at his/her check-up, ask the doctor about getting it now…especially if your child is heading off to college to live in a dorm.
CDC created a video to help you learn more about meningococcal disease and how to prevent it. This video features a CDC doctor who is an expert in meningitis and, most importantly, a concerned mom. You can download the video or podcast at CDC-TV or access it on your mobile phone.
Vaccines for Teens
Your preteen or adolescent is at risk for other diseases like pertussis (whooping cough) and HPV that can be prevented with vaccines. If your child hasn’t had a check-up within the last year, make an appointment now and ask your child’s doctor what vaccines are recommended.
Medicare Part D Costs in 2012 (3 of 3)
The Medicare.gov website provides a wealth of information to those that need help understanding the many facets of how Medicare works. Often we post helpful information from Medicare’s website since many people have questions about their Medicare coverage. Below you will find a chart showing the Medicare Part D montly premiums based on your income. Recently we shared information from the Medicare website regarding Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) costs as well as Medicare Part B (medical insurance) costs in 2012. To find more useful tools from Medicare, click here to visit their site. We hope you find this information beneficial.
Part D Monthly Premium
The chart below shows your estimated prescription drug plan monthly premium based on your income. If your income is above a certain limit, you will pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount in addition to your plan premium. To find out more about Medicare Part D plans visit Medicare’s website.
If Your Yearly Income in 2010 Was |
You Pay |
|
|---|---|---|
| File Individual Tax Return | File Joint Tax Return | |
| $85,000 or less | $170,000 or less |
Your Plan Premium |
| above $85,001 up to $107,000 | above $170,001 up to $214,000 |
$11.60 + Your Plan Premium |
| above $107,001 up to $160,000 | above $214,001 up to $320,000 |
$29.90 + Your Plan Premium |
| above $160,001 up to $214,000 | above $320,001 up to $428,000 |
$48.10 + Your Plan Premium |
| above $214,000 | above $428,000 |
$66.40 + Your Plan Premium |
New Reports on Increasing Autism Rates
Posted in Autism, Health & Wellness, News
If you have a child with autism or know someone who does, you probably have been paying close attention to recent reports which show that autism rates have grown significantly in the past few years. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism rates have grown by 23% since their last report in 2009 and there has been a 78% increase since their first report in 2007. These are high numbers and it is an important public health concern that needs attention.
The CDC has provided valuable information that helps us to see what the progress is on the search for the causes and the risk factors of ASDs. Also, the CDC continues to develop resources to help identify children at an early age that have ASDs. Below are some highlights from the CDC’s latest report on ASDs:
CDC estimates 1 in 88 children (11.3 per 1,000) has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- This marks a 23% increase since our last report in 2009. And, a 78% increase since our first report in 2007. Some of the increase is due to the way children are identified, diagnosed and served in their local communities, although exactly how much is due to these factors in unknown.
- The number of children identified with ASDs varied widely across the 14 ADDM Network sites, from 1 in 47 (21.2 per 1,000) to 1 in 210 (4.8 per 1,000).
- ASDs are almost 5 times more common among boys (1 in 54) than among girls (1 in 252).
- The largest increases over time were among Hispanic children (110%) and black children (91%). We suspect that some of this increase is due to greater awareness and better identification among these groups. However, this finding explains only part of the increase over time, as more children are being identified in all groups.
- There were increases over time among children without intellectual disability (those having IQ scores above 70), although there were also increases in the estimated prevalence of ASDs at all levels of intellectual ability.
- More children are being diagnosed at earlier ages—a growing number of them by age 3. Still, most children are not diagnosed until after they reach age 4, even though early identification and intervention can help a child access services and learn new skills. This is why CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. program is essential. Through this program, CDC provides free tools to help parents track their child’s development and free resources for doctors and educators. CDC is also working with states and communities to improve early identification.
- CDC also provided leadership in establishing Healthy People 2020 objectives and supporting the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that all children be screened by age 2, because early screening and diagnosis improve access to services during a child’s most critical developmental period.
To learn more about autism and to find resources to help understanding the risk factors and causes as well as to learn about the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), click here to visit the Center for Disease Control’s website.
[Information Source, Image Source]
Food that Helps you have Healthy Skin
Posted in Health & Wellness, Healthy Recipes
Many of us strive for younger and healthier looking skin. We use sunscreen and drink water hoping that will be enough to give us that glow we want. There are other ways though as the article from Eatingwell.com brings out below. Another healthy resource for our skin is the food that we eat! Below is a recipe from Eatingwell.com that is not only healthy and delicious, but it helps your skin in many ways as well.
Keep your skin looking younger and smoother with these healthy skin foods.
Sunscreen helps keep your skin healthy and beautiful, protecting it from the outside in—but key nutrients in certain foods can shield your skin from damage from the inside out: vitamin C, lycopene, omega-3s, caffeine and isoflavones in soy. Better yet, many of the same foods that can boost your defenses against skin cancer (the most common type of cancer) will also help keep your skin smoother and ward off wrinkles. These recipes are packed with foods that are good for your skin.
Edamame Succotash with Shrimp
We give succotash—traditionally a Southern dish made with corn, lima beans and peppers—an update using edamame instead of limas and turn it into a main dish by adding shrimp. To get it on the table even faster, purchase peeled, deveined shrimp from the fish counter instead of doing it yourself. Make it a meal: All you need is a warm piece of cornbread to go with this complete meal.
Servings, about 1 1/2 cups each
Active Time:
Total Time:
Ingredients
- 2 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 bunch scallions, sliced, or 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 10-ounce package frozen shelled edamame, (see Tip), thawed
- 1 10-ounce package frozen corn, (about 2 cups), thawed
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound raw shrimp, (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
Preparation
- Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Leaving the drippings in the pan, use tongs to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels; let cool.
- Add oil to the pan. Add scallions (or onion), bell pepper, garlic and thyme and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in edamame, corn, broth, vinegar and salt. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, sprinkle shrimp on both sides with lemon pepper. Scatter the shrimp on top of the vegetables, cover and cook until the shrimp are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it on top. (continue reading…)
Medicare Part B Costs in 2012 (2 of 3)
The Medicare.gov website provides a wealth of information to those that need help understanding the many facets of how Medicare works. On occasion we post helpful information from Medicare’s website. Below you will find two charts – one that provides an overview of Medicare Part B monthly premiums and one that provides the costs of Medicare Part B (medical insurance) costs in 2012. Recently we shared information from the Medicare website regarding Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) costs and we will share information about Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) premiums next week. We hope you find this information beneficial. To find more useful tools from Medicare, click here to visit their site.
Part B Monthly Premium
You pay a Part B premium each month. Most people will pay the standard premium amount. However, if your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount, you may pay more.
If Your Yearly Income in 2010 Was |
You Pay |
|
|---|---|---|
| File Individual Tax Return | File Joint Tax Return | |
| $85,000 or less | $170,000 or less |
$99.90 |
| above $85,001 up to $107,000 | above $170,001 up to $214,000 |
$139.90 |
| above $107,001 up to $160,000 | above $214,001 up to $320,000 |
$199.80 |
| above $160,001 up to $214,000 | above $320,001 up to $428,000 |
$259.70 |
| above $214,000 | above $428,000 |
$319.70 |
If you have questions about your Part B premium, contact Social Security.
Part B Services
Services |
You Pay |
|---|---|
| Part B Deductible | You pay $140 per year. |
| Blood | In most cases, the provider gets blood from a blood bank at no charge, and you won’t have to pay for it or replace it.However, you will pay a copayment for the blood processing and handling services for every unit of blood you get, and the Part B deductible applies.If the provider has to buy blood for you, you must either pay the provider costs for the first 3 units of blood you get in a calendar year or have the blood donated by you or someone else.
You pay a copayment for additional units of blood you get as an outpatient (after the first 3), and the Part B deductible applies. |
| Clinical Laboratory Services | You pay: $0 for Medicare-approved services. |
| Home Health Services | You pay: $0 for Medicare-approved services. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment. |
| Medical and Other Services | You pay: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most doctor services (including most doctor services while you’re a hospital inpatient), outpatient therapy*, and durable medical equipment. |
| Mental Health Services | You pay: 40% of the Medicare-approved amount for most outpatient mental health care. |
| Other Covered Services | You pay: copayment or coinsurance amounts. |
| Outpatient Hospital Services | You pay: a coinsurance (for doctor services) or a copayment amount for most outpatient hospital services.The copayment for a single service can’t be more than the amount of the inpatient hospital deductible. |
* In 2012, there may be limits on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology services. If so, there may be exceptions to these limits.
Note: All Medicare Advantage Plans must cover these services. Costs vary by plan and may be either higher or lower than those noted above. Review the Evidence of Coverage from your plan.
Tips for a Restful Night’s Sleep
Posted in Health & Wellness
Something we all need but many of us seem to not get enough of is sleep. We may be going to bed too late, getting up too early, tossing and turning, stressed, have a racing heart from a cup of coffee or all of the above! No matter what our sleep issue may be, we need to have a restful night’s sleep in order to feel good the next day. The following information is from RealAge.com and it has valuable tips that may lead you to nights of peaceful sleep.
Sleep Better in 9 Steps
Follow these steps to get a good night’s rest.
Give Yourself the Gift of Great Sleep
Are you a chronic sleep skimper? Short sleep can throw off your two appetite-regulating hormones (ghrelin and leptin) in ways that make you eat more, gain more, and get more blood-sugar problems, boosting heart attacks and strokes. Missing sleep also increases body-wide inflammation, which gunks up your arteries and fuels cancer. Could it get worse? Yep. Ignoring your body’s clock messes with the sleepy-time hormone melatonin, which doubles as a cancer deterrent. So give your body the gift of better sleep — and a RealAge that’s up to 3.4 years younger — with this deep-sleep plan.
Set the Scene for Sleep
Much like the way you’d put candles on the table for a romantic dinner, or Luther Vandross on the stereo for a romantic night in, you need to set the mood for sleep. The perfect setup:
A cool, dark room. The lower temp and lack of light signals your body to knock you out for the count.
White noise. Drown out background noise with a fan or a machine that plays sounds of the ocean.
Appropriate attire. Sleepwear should be non-allergenic (both the fabric and what it’s washed in) and non-restricting so you’ll feel more relaxed.
Remove Distractions
Ideally, the bed is for two things and two things only. (You know what we mean.) If you have any other type of stimulus, such as work or TV, you’re not sending your body the message that it’s time for sleep. If you want to watch TV, answer e-mail or pay bills, do that elsewhere — especially since the screens’ flickering light keeps your brain in wake-up mode. Need more incentive to restrict Colbert to the living room? People who don’t have a TV in the bedroom have 50% more sex than those who do.
Avoid Late-Night Lifts
What you eat, drink, and do around bedtime can affect your chance of falling — and staying — asleep. Try to follow these guidelines. An hour and a half before bed: No alcohol or nicotine; and no exercise that makes you sweat (unless you’re already in bed; nudge nudge, wink wink). Three hours before bed: No caffeinated beverages or pills, and no eating (this helps avoid reflux issues that can disturb sleep). Eating one of these 5 foods earlier in the evening may help you snooze.
Spend Less Time in Bed
If you need more sleep, don’t just hop into bed. Sounds counter intuitive, but hitting the sack when you’re actually sleepy reduces your temptation to do stuff there that disrupts your shut-eye (see step #2). A good tip for nodding off easily at night: Exercise in the morning.
Stick to a Schedule
Make every effort to stick to a regular wake-up schedule, even on weekends — or at least rise within one hour of the time you get up during the week. This will help set your body’s circadian rhythm — or internal clock — and train you to stay on schedule even if your rhythms happen to wander, say, when you’re traveling. Make this simple schedule switch to sleep better.
Get a Comfy Mattress
Need a new mattress? There’s not one type that works for everyone, so pick one that feels right for you. Don’t let the salesperson rush you into a decision. Take some time to get the feel for a mattress before you buy. One good (but costly) option: A memory-foam mattress, which bounces back to the original flat plane after you get out of bed. Alternatively, opt for a high-quality traditional mattress, and flip it every few months to prevent body dents from disrupting your sleep. (continue reading…)
Tags: Health, heart attack, hormones, RealAge, restful, sleep, stroke, Tips & FAQ
Watch Obama’s Weekly Address: Investing in a Clean Energy Future
Tags: fuel prices, gas, Obama, oil, President, weekly address, white house
How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Posted in Health & Wellness, Vision
When we think of our health and different ways to improve it, we can’t forget about our eyes. In the latest newsletter, EnVision, provided by Vision Service Plan (VSP), there are some great tips to follow to help keep our eyes healthy.
Get a handle on your bucket list: 9 ways to keep your eyes healthy
People usually create bucket lists to record the things they want to do before they die, but here’s a new spin on that concept. This bucket list is designed to guide you through your eye health journey over the next 10 ½ months—until 2012 “kicks the bucket.”
Here are some of our favorite tips to keep your eyes healthy this year. Put this list on your fridge or somewhere it will catch your eye.
Schedule an eye exam. You’ve heard this over and over, and here it is again. An annual visit to your VSP doctor is the best way to manage your eye health and catch early signs of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Protect your eyes from the sun. Your eyes, like your skin, need protection from the sun year-round, not just in the summer. Dress up in some stylish UV protection sunglasses to face whatever weather the new year brings.
Include more fish in your diet. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are just plain good for you, and they can help prevent dry eye syndrome.
Improve your exercise regimen. Sticking to a regular fitness schedule can help prevent high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other conditions that can affect your eyes.
Say “no” sometimes. Cut something out of your schedule to avoid high levels of stress that can lead to high blood pressure and blood vessel damage in your eyes.
Experiment with a healthy new recipe each month. Give your go-to meals a break and try something new. Try kale, dandelion leaves, squash, or raw bell peppers for a new twist on getting your veggies and vitamins.
Keep an eye on your beauty regimen. Makeup has a shelf life. This goes for eye drops and other eye medications too. Old eye products are a breeding ground for bacteria. Replace your makeup every three months at least.
Put together an eyecare first aid kit. Include a portable eyewash bottle, hand sanitizer, eye drops, back-up glasses or contacts, and an antihistamine and/or decongestant.
Treat yourself. That’s right! Grab some dark chocolate, blueberries, wine, or any other antioxidant-rich food and indulge your taste buds while taking care of your eyes.
Your eye health is a lifelong project, but you’ve gotta take it one step—or year—at a time. So give the items on this list a shot and keep an eye out for more eye health tips in upcoming editions of EnVision.
The content of this article is for general informational awareness purposes only. Please consult your eyecare doctor or physician for actual advice.
Tags: checklist, eyes, Health, healthy eyes, Vision Service Plan, VSP
A Healthy Alternative to a Box of Chocolate on Valentine’s Day
Posted in Healthy Recipes
It is Valentine’s Day which is filled with love, flowers, hugs and CHOCOLATE! In fact, many of us may be reaching into a box of chocolate that we got from our Valentine or a box that is sitting on the kitchen counter at the office. Perhaps you can think twice before you grab that chocolate and try a healthier alternative such as this delicious recipe from Eatingwell.com.
Chocolate Fondue
From EatingWell: January/February 2008
The chocolate will stiffen if it gets cold, so enjoy it while it’s still warm. Skewer and dip anything you like—pear slices, dried apricots, even marshmallows.
2 servings | Active Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon brewed espresso, (see Kitchen Tip)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 banana, peeled and cut into 8 pieces
- 8 1-inch chunks fresh pineapple
- 4 strawberries
Preparation
- Place chocolate, cream, espresso, vanilla and salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl; microwave on Medium, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted, 1 to 2 minutes. (Alternatively, see “No Microwave?” below.)
- Pour the chocolate mixture into a serving bowl. Serve with fruit.
Nutrition
Per serving : 345 Calories; 19 g Fat; 10 g Sat; 2 g Mono; 20 mg Cholesterol; 54 g Carbohydrates; 4 g Protein; 7 g Fiber; 81 mg Sodium; 382 mg Potassium
3 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 2 fruit, 1 carbohydrate (other), 4 fat
Tips & Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: Equipment: Fondue forks or bamboo skewers
- Kitchen Tip: If you don’t have an espresso maker, look for instant espresso powder at your supermarket.
- No Microwave? Place chopped chocolate in the top of a double boiler over hot, but not boiling water. Gently stir until almost melted. Remove from the heat and stir until the chocolate melts completely.
National Go Red Day 2012
Posted in Health & Wellness, Healthy Heart, News
February 3, 2012 is National Wear Red Day – a day that Americans learn about and reflect on the dangers of having an unhealthy heart and wear read in support for women’s heart disease awareness. Back in 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) knew they had work to do when cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 each year. People were not seeing the seriousness of having a healthy heart and knowing what the warning signs were. It was because of this that the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women which was a way to present the facts and provide women with the knowledge and tools they need to take care of their hearts.
With heart disease continuing to be the number one killer of women – 1 in 3 deaths each year, it is no wonder why the American Heart Association is so passionate about getting their message out about heart health. Below you will find valuable information from the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women website that spells out the warning signs of a heart attack in women. It is very important to educate yourself on how to have a healthy heart because you may save not only your own life but you can help your friends and family as well.
Overview
More women die of cardiovascular disease than from the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. But 80 percent of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made the right choices for their hearts involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. Make it your mission to learn all you can about heart attacks and stroke — don’t become a statistic. CALL 9-1-1
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die.
Signs of a Heart Attack:
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
- As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1…Get to a hospital right away.
Stroke
Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in America. It’s also a major cause of severe, long-term disability. Stroke and TIA (transient ischemic attack) happen when a blood vessel feeding the brain gets clogged or bursts. The signs of a TIA are like a stroke, but usually last only a few minutes. If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help.
Call 9-1-1 to get help fast if you have any of these, but remember that not all of these warning signs occur in every stroke.
Signs of Stroke and TIAs
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Also, check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared. It’s very important to take immediate action. Research from the American Heart Association has shown that if given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.
