Posted by terrepruitt on July 6, 2010
Throughout my day I come across a lot of things I would like to post about, but not all of them are in keeping with or even CLOSE to in keeping with health and wellness. I know I stretch sometimes, but I always write about something I have learned or something that interests me.
I just happened upon that tonight. This might not be suitable for everyone and it certainly won’t interest everyone.
I have long wanted to donate my body to science. When I am done with it I have always hoped it could help people. I watched a special tonight that really amazed and interested me and really helped confirmed that donation is a great thing. I was of the belief that it would go as a whole to a medical school, but now-a-days with so much surgery being done laparoscopically the need to practice on real tissue has greatly increased. So an entire body is not always needed.
I understand that this might be against some people’s religion or beliefs which is understandable. But if not, it might be something to consider. Even though I cannot dwell on the actual details, I love to focus on what a donation can mean: saving a life or improving the quality of one. To me that is a tremendous gift.
There is a company here in the United States* that will take a body at no cost to the family. For a lot of people not having the cost of a funeral or anything could be a very big relief. Plus the body can be used for great things.
Body parts can be used in medical studies, in transplantations, in medical products. We could keep on giving.
All of the information on this show** was amazingly fascinating to me, but I have a feeling that not many here would care for the details. I will say that due to all of the medical advances there is an increase in demand by as much as 50% per year. With this huge increase in demand for tissue the black market is getting larger. Since only 1% of Americans donate, it is still very profitable for thieves to steal and sell. It is awful to think that some people are profiting from stealing someone’s body. And on top of that, if they are doing it so dishonestly they COULD be doing it with potentially diseased tissue. This TV program hinted that if more people were to donate through legitimate sources it might help make it less profitable for the shady ones and there for less worth the risk.
Did you know:
—Bone graphs from one person could go on to help 80 people. (That is EIGHTY people that could live a better life because ONE person decided to be generous with something they are no longer using.)
—In Britain it was illegal to practice medicine on a cadaver until 2006.
—Organs need to be retrieved while the heart is still beating, but tissue can be retrieve up to 24 hours after death.
—They can use an achilles tendon to replace a ruptured knee ligament.
—Tissue transplant includes bones, tendons, and skin.
—Donated human tissue can be used in Medical Science, Education, bio products.
*Anatomy Gifts Registry (AGR) – Tissue Broker
**The show I watched was first aired in 2008, I just watched it July, 6, 2010. All the information in this post is from the show.
Posted in Misc | Tagged: AGR, cadaver donation, donate body to science, donated human tissue for use in Medical Science and Education., Donation, funeral, health, Laparoscopic surgery, Medical Science, Tissue Broker, tissue donation, transplant, wellness | 16 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on July 3, 2010
Is San Jose a good place to grow nectarines? I love nectarines. I just decided I want a nectarine tree. My hubby knows I love nectarines so he came home with a container of them. YES! For three days I would walk into the kitchen and touch every one to see if they were ripe yet. Let me rephrase that: for three days EVERY TIME I walked into the kitchen I would touch every one to see if one was ripe. I stood there at one point wanting to eat one, but knowing that if it wasn’t ready it would ruin the joy of it. So I waited.
Now, they are ripe. Yesterday I ate two because if you don’t eat them fast they will go bad. These ones are the eat-it-over-the-sink-because-it-is-really-juicy type of fruit. Confession: I stopped at this point in my writing because thinking about them made me want one. LOVE THEM. So good.
I was going to post about the nutrition value of nectarines, but I learned something new as I researched how to grow nectarines. I thought I would share.
I had always thought of peaches and nectarines as being similar but not the same fruit, but the information I am seeing is that a nectarine IS a peach, but with smooth, non-fuzzy skin. But I don’t think they taste the same. Do you? But alas, according to what I am reading, there aren’t really nectarine trees, they are only peach trees that produce a mutated variety of peach. Dang, I learn a lot writing a blog. Did YOU know that, Dear Reader? Did you know that a nectarine is a peach? That explains why people always have peach trees and not nectarine trees. But that actually makes me laugh because if it is a peach tree with a mutation, it is a nectarine tree. Odd. It must be the way “they” classify things. Everything I look up for nectarine comes up peach.
A nectarine is in the group of peaches, but it is two peach trees with the recessive “fuzzy” gene that produce a nectarine tree.
I am sure there are plenty of you who knew that a nectarine was a peach. Quite honestly, I don’t need to know, but I am kind of surprised by it. I thought a peach was a peach and a nectarine was a nectarine, and it is, but it isn’t. And no, I am not going to compare this to anything and get all philosophical on you because, well, I am just stuck on the nectarine being a peach. I just find it fascinating. I love when I am looking for something and I discover something entirely new to me.
Did you know that nectarines were peaches? Do you like nectarines? Do you like peaches?
Posted in Food, Fruit | Tagged: fuzzy peaches, fuzzy skin, nectarine tree, nectarines, peach tree, peaches, San Jose | 14 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on July 1, 2010
I had a lunch date after teaching my Nia class on Wednesday. I had mentioned, in a previous post that I wanted to cook more with fruit since we had a large amount of plums. So, I was happy to try the mango and chicken kabob. Obviously, I can’t take credit for cooking and/or preparing this. I did not cook this kabob. Worse, I took the picture with my iPhone so it is — well, the quality of an iPhone picture (it was actually so blurry I had to “sharpen” it with Photoshop). As the waiter was setting the plate down, I thought, “Oh, I need to take a picture.” But I forgot when the waiter brought another plate of kabobs that we did not order. I think he just didn’t want her to feel left out. I remember after I ate one!
Anyway . . . .GREAT way to cook with fruit. I don’t think I would have thought to put mango on a skewer with chicken, but it actually works perfect because it cooks great. I have determined a long time ago that it is too difficult to cook meat and veggies on the same skewer because in order to get the meat cooked properly the veggies get too done. Or vice-versa, depending on the meat and the veggies. So it is best–for us–to do them separate. Plus separate allows for different seasonings and it keeps the meat separate from the vegetables in case there are persons who are not eating meat.
The mangos were cooked with the skin on and for the most part that made the skin very edible. I didn’t even notice the skin until I got to a particularly tough one that was green.
So, yay! A way to cook with fruit AND another way to use mangos. I normally only use them in the cucumber mango salad. I would have thought to make a salsa, but not to put them on a skewer especially WITH the chicken. You might have noticed that this kabob has onions, red peppers, and tomatoes too. I even ate the tomatoes (big deal for loath-tomatoes-girl), even though they were cooked.
Do you cook with mangos? Do you make kabobs? Kabobs are a nice way to serve food for a cook out, huh? Have you managed to perfect cooking vegetables AND meat on the same skewer?
Posted in Food, Fruit | Tagged: cook out, cucumber mango salad, grilled chicken, grilled vegetables, iphone, Kabob, mango, Mango and Chicken Kabob, mango salsa, Nia, Nia class | Leave a Comment »
Posted by terrepruitt on June 29, 2010
We often step on the ball of our foot. We often call it the toe. The Ball of the foot is one of the 52 Moves of Nia. Ballerinas are actually on their toes and they do it in special shoes that have a support in them where their toes are. We usually are stepping onto the BALL of our foot when we step on the “toe”. It is the ball portion of the foot that supports the weight when we are “on our toes”.
This is plantar flexion and assists with keeping the ankle joint flexible. If you are standing on the foot you are flexing it can also assist with strength.
In a Nia workout class we do all types of movement and sometimes we are using the ball of our foot. We could be stepping or standing. The moment might call for us stepping ONTO the ball either forward, back, or even laterally. Or it could be that we are standing and just rising up. This could be a position where we stay either in a display of balance or it could be a display of agility, a temporary place where we quickly move onto another move. Either way it is all part of how the body was designed to be moved.
It might be a nice idea to keep in mind that moving and working the foot in different ways than it is used to being worked might cause some muscle soreness or tenderness through the entire leg. If you are never on your the ball of your feet and suddenly your dancing a few moments on them, your calves might remind you of it later that day or even the next day. Same goes for the whole foot, if you are not in the habit of moving on the whole foot your ENTIRE leg could end up letting you know you worked some leg muscles.
As with the whole foot, the ball of the foot can be used in the stances of Nia.
Just as I have done with the heel lead and the whole foot, I am going to suggest that you take note of this foot position. As you walk notice when your stride gets to the point of the ball of your foot. As you reach for something on the top shelf and you balance on your toes, notice the flex of your foot and the muscles in your calves. As you walk through your day notice the ball of your foot.
Posted in 52 Moves (of Nia), Nia | Tagged: agility, ankle joint flexibilty, ankle strength, balance, Ball of foot, ballerinas, DOMS, felxibilty, leg muscles, Nia, Nia class, Nia Dance, Nia dancing, Nia workout, toe shoes | 10 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on June 26, 2010
Using the whole foot is another one of Nia’s 52 Moves. The whole foot is used for secure stability. It is a powerful base.
Moving on the whole foot or just standing on the whole foot–either on both feet or just one foot allows for the bones in the feet to act as support for the entire body. Stepping or standing on the whole foot can bring rest to either the heel or the ball of the foot. The whole foot stance or movement calls different muscles in the foot and the leg into play. If you are accustomed to standing and/or walking on the balls of your feet, this technique might be a challenge to your leg muscles.
Stepping onto the whole foot encourages a gentle flex in the knee so as to help absorb any shock that might be felt as the whole foot touches the ground.
There are times in a Nia class when we actually dance on the whole foot—you might recognize the whole foot dancing as what Carlos (Rosas now known as AyaRosas) called micro dancing. We use the whole foot to gently slap the earth. Moving around the space. We might stomp, bringing the foot to rest gently on the ground.
The whole foot is the middle of a stride in the heel lead walk. We sometimes will step onto the whole foot instead of the heel or the ball, this as I mentioned, can be a restful for the heel or ball if you normally step on it either. The whole foot can be used in all of the stances.
While you move through your day, be aware of your feet. Notice when you are on your whole foot. Take a moment to shift your weight from foot to foot. Sense the stability and power in your base, in your whole foot.
Posted in 52 Moves (of Nia), Nia | Tagged: Carlos AyaRosas, Carlos Rosas, dance class, Heel lead, micro dancing, Nia, Nia class, Nia Dance, Nia movements, whole foot | 3 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on June 24, 2010
Often times in a Nia routine we are stepping or even walking. Since Nia’s movements are based upon the way the body was designed to move a Nia routine is often created with the step to be done with a heel lead. The Heel Lead is one of Nia’s 52 Moves.
A lot of different types of dancing is done on the ball of the foot, cha-cha, two step, etc. Some dances are done on the toe as in ballet. With Nia we often are using our heel to lead and not the toe or the ball of the foot. This is a challenge sometimes. Sometimes it seems easier to step onto the ball of the foot or the toe. Using the heel lead technique really allows for our ankles to move through the full range of motion.
In addition to allowing the foot to move as it should, stepping on the heel gives the ball of the foot a chance to rest. If it is one’s habit to walk on the ball of the foot it can sometimes become a source of pain. The foot in its very architecture was designed to have the weight (when stepping) borne on the heel not the ball of the foot.
While I am leading a Nia class I frequently say, “Heel lead.” And most times it is to remind myself to use my heel. I tend to start dancing on the balls of my feet.
A lot of women’s high heeled shoes do not allow for a heel lead. In the case of some of the shoes if the heel were to lead and the weight were to be place on it, it would collapse. I know many, many women who love their high heels for so many reasons. I am not saying that people shouldn’t wear them, but I am saying that we dance Nia in bare feet, the routines are designed to allow the body to move as it was created, so embrace the heel lead.
Right now, if you are not wearing shoes that would inhibit the heel lead, try it. As you walk through your day actually consciously, place your heel down (not roughly, just place it down) first then roll through your foot. Notice how your ankle flexes and extends. Practice the heel lead. Enjoy the heel lead.
Posted in 52 Moves (of Nia), Nia | Tagged: bare feet, dance class, Heel lead, high heels, Nia, Nia class, Nia Dance, Nia movements, Nia routine, Nia Techcnique | 10 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on June 22, 2010
Someone pointed me in the direction of this great map that indicates what fruits and vegetables are at the peak of the season in a particular state in a particular month. I need assistance with that because I have never learned that.
This month it is June. I’m in California. Not only am I in California, I am in the Bay Area, the San Francisco Bay Area. In the South Bay. I have said before that we are very fortunate here in the San Jose Area because we have great weather. The map does not give specific locations as to what grows where, but I was able to get some plums and apricots off of a friend’s tree(s) (They didn’t come off of the same tree).
I ate only one apricot. I will save the rest for my hubby because he likes them more than I do. It was very good. Very sweet and rich. The plums are in varying stages of ripeness. But so far all of the ones I have had are sweet and delicious. I had a couple for breakfast before my Nia class this morning.
I am thinking of different ways we can eat the plums. Besides just popping the entire thing in our mouths. Since even the ones that aren’t that ripe are sweet I was thinking I could cut some up and throw them in a green salad. No matter the ripeness I could put them in an aluminum foil package of chicken or pork and cook that. Mmmm. I think that I am going to do a lot more cooking with fruit this summer, just to try new things.
Do you cook with fruit? What fruits and vegetables are in peak season right now in your state?
Posted in Food, Fruit | Tagged: apricots, Bay Area, Bay Area Nia, california, cooking with fruit, foil cooking, Nia, Nia class, Nia in San Jose, peak season, plums, San Francisco Nia, San Jose Area, San Jose Nia class, South Bay, the San Francisco Bay Area | 17 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on June 19, 2010
Fruit not fat promotes swapping fruit for fat, like applesauce in place of butter or oil. Well, they have organized a swap. They will swap your food that is unhealthy for healthier options. Cool. That is definitely one way to eat better, yes? For 90 days Saturday, June 19, 2010 Fruit Not Fat will trade you better-for-you-food for your greasy chips, sodas, oil. Whatever weight you bring in, they will give you that amount back —- in other products! Send it to them or bring it to them.**
Here are some examples:
Bring: Cooking Oil leave with: applesauce
Bring: greasy potato chips or other greasy snack items leave with: Popchips
Bring: any granola with oil in the ingredient list (like Bear Naked granola) leave with: Galaxy Granola (which is cooked with applesauce)
Bring: soft drinks leave with: 100% juice
Bring: sugar snacks leave with: fruit mashups
Bring: candy bars, snack mix and cheese puff bags leave with: fresh, tasty fruit
They are also giving away three gift certificates for $250 (each) to Whole Foods. One on Saturday 06/19/10) to the person who BRINGS the biggest net weight of fat products to swap, one to the person who mails in the biggest net weight of fat products within the 90 days, and one to the person who swaps the most fat from their diet. (see their website for details)
Yes, it is somewhat of a marketing project. I think that the people that started Fruit Not Fat are out to help people swap fruit for fat and they had this great idea and they got sponsored. That is a great thing. So the sponsors want you to try their products. But so what . . . . it seems pretty win-win to me. You get to eat healthy and try new things. Sounds like a good project to me.
**San Francisco Bay Area: They will be swapping Saturday, June 19, 2010, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Whole Foods in Palo Alto.
Posted in Food, Fruit | Tagged: 90 days, applesauce instead of oil, Bay Area, Bear Naked, fruit not fat, Galaxy Gronola, Palo Alto, San Francisco Bay Area, Whole Foods | 7 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on June 17, 2010
Eating better is easy. “Better” can mean so many things. Everything can be improved upon . . . generally, and when it comes to our diets it is usually, not “generally”. So eating “better” is easy.
Eating better could be a matter of fitting some water into your diet. Maybe have a glass of water to replace a soda–even better than just adding a glass of water. Maybe eating one less fast food meal a day. If you generally eat two fast food meals a day, cutting out two would even be better. Have a side salad or the steam veggie option instead of fries—better. Having the smaller cut of meat or the leaner cut of meat—better.
Bringing a healthy lunch from home instead of eating at the roach coach—better. Putting less sugar in your coffee—better. Having a green salad with a meal, if you normally don’t—better. Have a piece of fruit instead of a candy bar—better. Eating popcorn instead of potato chips—better.
For me eating better is eating less. I don’t drink soda or eat fast food, but I could use to eat less of even the good things I do eat. I could also swap some simple carbohydrates for some more complex ones.
What about you? Can you find some ways to make your diet better as in more nutritious? Might you need to cut a few calories to make it better? What ideas do you have? Might you try any of the ideas mentioned here? What are you willing to do to make your diet better?
Posted in Food | Tagged: carbohydrates, cut calories, eating better, nutritious diet | 4 Comments »
Posted by terrepruitt on June 15, 2010
Broccoli is one of those vegetables that can be eaten raw or cooked. When eaten raw people sometimes smother it in dip. While that does not take away from the nutrients of the broccoli itself it somewhat might help in defeating the purpose of eating healthy. But that is fodder for another post.
A common way to cook broccoli is to steam it or boil it. One way to easily steam it is to stand the crowns up like little trees in a dish of shallow water and microwave it for a few seconds. It depends on how much you want it cooked. The less cooked better preserves the nutrients. Boiling it might cook away some of the amazing nutrients that have been attributed to broccoli.
The amazing part of the nutrients of broccoli is that is has so many. It is high in vitamin C, K, A, and is high in fiber. It is believed to have anti cancer properties, such as sulforaphane and indoles which are phytonutrients. This are nutrients found in plants that are thought to be nutrients that might help keep our bodies in check and in balance and not contribute to cancer.
Broccoli has been found to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
It might not smell pleasant while cooking it or after, but that is the sulfur that you smell.
1 cup of steamed broccoli has:
—over 100% of the Daily Value of vitamins C and K
—45% of the Daily Value of vitamin A
—20% of the Daily Value of dietary fiber
—15% of the Daily Value of potassium
—10% of the Daily Value of magnesium
—almost 10% of the Daily Value of protein and calcium
Broccoli has more vitamin C than an orange and more calcium than a glass of milk. It really is a wonder vegetable. Remember frozen CAN be just as good as “fresh”.
Broccoli has been found to help prevent heart disease.
Broccoli. Are you a fan? How do you eat yours?
Posted in Food, Vegetables | Tagged: broccoli, Calcium, heart disease, phytonutrients, prostate cancer, vitamin C | 10 Comments »
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