2013年7月24日星期三

Slow cooker apricot oatmeal while-you-sleep

Slow cooker oatmeal

While it's not quite breakfast in bed, it's close! This recipe for slow cooker apricot oatmeal while-you-sleep is easy to make and even easier to wake up to.

Dreaming of breakfast!

Healthy, hearty and good!

Steel cut oats are a great source of protein, fiber and vitamins and minerals, and let's not forget that they taste terrific! Cooking steel cut oats on the stovetop takes some time, so why not make them while you sleep?

Check out the 10 power foods you should have in your kitchen >>

A slow cooker is the perfect appliance to assist you with breakfast. Mix all the ingredients for this recipe together, head to bed and in the morning you'll have a healthy, hearty breakfast awaiting you.

Slow cooker apricot oatmeal while-you-sleep

Serves 4

Ingredients:1 cup steel cut oats1/2 cup dried apricots, diced3-1/2 cups water1 cup half-and-half1/4 cup brown sugar1 teaspoon ground cinnamonNonstick cooking sprayDirections:
    Lightly spray the inside of the slow cooker with the nonstick cooking spray.In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well. Add the mixture to your slow cooker.Cook on low seven hours.Stir and serve in individual bowls.

Start your day off right with a tasty, healthy and filling breakfast!

More slow cooker recipes to try

Low-carb slow cooker recipes
Slow cooker curry pork roast with cherry orange sauce
Slow cooker game day recipes

2013年7月22日星期一

Lyme disease Are you prepared for this tick-lish disease

When Lyme Disease StrikesIn May 1997, a tick bit Victoria Draper of Jackson County, Michigan. Her parents immediately pulled the complete tick off her neck and called the family doctor who said there was nothing to worry about. After a few weeks, Victoria's behavior began to change. The area where the tick was found was now surrounded by a light red rash and was not healing properly. Had it not been for a friend who was diagnosed with Lyme disease, the Draper family might not have understood what their daughter suffered from.What causes Lyme disease?

According to the American Lyme Disease Foundation, Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete) carried by deer ticks. An infected deer tick can transmit the spirochete to humans or animals it bites. Blacklegged ticks are responsible for transmitting Lyme disease bacteria to humans. Juvenile deer ticks -- the ones most likely to transmit Lyme disease -- are the size of a pinhead.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

Since the deer tick is so small, early symptoms of Lyme disease can be mild and easily overlooked, the American Lyme Disease Foundation reports. Once the tick buries its feeler in your skin and taps your bloodstream, it takes 36 hours or more before Lyme-causing bacteria move from the bug's insides to yours.

The classic sign of Lyme disease is a circular, reddish, bull's-eye rash that spreads outward from the tick bite, leaving the center clear. The site may appear one to two weeks after disease transmission, but may persist for up to three to five weeks, the American Lyme Disease Foundation reports. Symptoms include swelling of lymph glands near the tick bite, joint pains, chills, fever, and fatigue, recurring over several weeks. Not everyone who gets Lyme disease, though, develops this rash.

As the Lyme disease bacteria spreads, further symptoms begin to occur: stiff, aching neck, severe fatigue, numbness of extremities even facial paralysis. Late stage Lyme disease symptoms include painful arthritis, headaches, swelling of joints, cardiac abnormalities, as well as mental disorders, according to the American Lyme Disease Foundation.

If you suspect Lyme disease symptoms, see a doctor right away. Early treatment of Lyme disease (within the first few weeks after initial infection) is straightforward and almost always results in a full cure. Treatment begun after the first three weeks will also likely provide a cure, but the cure rate decreases the longer treatment is delayed. Antibiotics are typically prescribed.

Tips to prevent Lyme disease

So how do you protect yourself this summer? The best precaution against Lyme disease is to avoid contact with soil, leaf litter and vegetation. If you do garden, hike, or camp, there are a few precautions the American Lyme Disease Foundation recommends:

Wear enclosed shoes and light colored clothing with tight weave to spot ticks easily.Scan clothes and any exposed areas frequently while outdoors.Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails.Use insect repellent containing DEET (Diethyl-meta-toluamide) on skin or clothes. When applying, avoid the child's hands so he or she won't ingest deet.Avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stone walls (havens for ticks and their hosts).Keep long hair tied back.Check your children

"It cannot be stressed enough the importance of checking all your child's body parts after they have been outdoors," says Andrea Mathews, RN and president of A. Mathews and Associates, a Spring Hill, Tennessee health and safety consultant. "Be sure to check the areas where the socks meet the pants, around the waist, and the head, scalp and neck areas."

These are all areas where clothing may not cover the skin if you become active. If you do find a tick, there is no need to panic. Not all ticks are infected, and studies of infected deer ticks have shown that they begin transmitting the bacteria an average of 36 to 48 hours after attachment.

Lyme disease advice for summer camp kids

For parents sending their kids off to summer camp, there are a number of over-the-counter insect repellents available. If you're not comfortable using DEET, citronella and lemongrass are natural aromatic oils to use as an alternative.

Bug-Ban is a non-toxic bug repellent wristband containing citronella, lemongrass and geranium oils. All-Terrain Herbal Armor is a waterproof lotion and pump spray, with or without sunscreen, formulated with citronella, peppermint, cedar, lemongrass and geranium oils (available in natural product stores or call (800) 2-INSECT). Finally, Avon's Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard towelettes and Skin-So-Soft Moisturizing Suncare Plus SPF are other alternatives without DEET.

How to remove a tick

Here are some tips from the American Lyme Disease Foundation:

    Use a pair of pointed precision tweezers, grasp the tick by the head or mouthparts right where they enter the skin. DO NOT grasp the tick by the body.Without jerking, pull firmly and directly outward. DO NOT twist the tick out or apply petroleum jelly, a hot match, or alcohol or any other irritant. These methods can even increase the chance of the tick transmitting the bacteria.Place the tick in a vial or jar of alcohol to kill it. Label the vial with the date, name, address, tick's description (e.g. if engorged, color) and estimated time attached to skin.Clean the wound with a disinfectant.MARK your calendar. Monitor the wound for the appearance of a rash beginning three to 30 days after the bite. See your doctor if there is a change.

2013年7月21日星期日

Epilepsy drug, autism linked

Valproate Linked To AutismA new study links the use of an epilepsy drug during pregnancy to a higher risk of autism and related disorders.

autism

Women taking valproate (Depacon, Depakote) while they are pregnant may increase the risk of childhood autism and spectrum disorders in their children, according to a new study.

Scientists linked in-utero exposure to the drug with a five-fold elevated risk of autism and three-fold elevated risk for autism spectrum disorder, according to Jakob Christensen, Ph.D., of Denmark's Aarhus University Hospital. The report is published in today’s issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“The absolute risk of being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder was 4.4 percent in children exposed to valproate compared to 1.5 percent in children not exposed to valproate. The absolute risk of being diagnosed with childhood autism was 2.5 percent in children exposed to valproate compared to 0.5 percent in children not exposed to valproate,” Christensen said.

The American Academy of Neurology advises against taking the drug during pregnancy whenever possible because it is known to cause birth defects.

“Because approximately half of the pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, delaying discussions of treatment risks until a pregnancy is considered will leave a substantial number of children at unnecessary risk,” warned Kimford Meador, M.D., and David Loring, Ph.D., from Emory University in Atlanta.

“Women of childbearing potential should be informed of the potential risks of fetal valproate exposure before valproate is prescribed,” they said in an editorial based on the report.

Related topics

Study: Vaccines not linked to autism

5 Celebs who are passionate about autism

The truth about love… and autism

2013年7月18日星期四

Meatless Monday Fried egg and grilled asparagus sandwich

Extraordinary Eggs!Sometimes when you're looking for a simple meal to throw together, you end up with a dish that lacks interest. If you're looking for an easy meal that is super tasty and interesting, try a fried egg and grilled asparagus sandwich for a Meatless Monday meal you won't forget.

meatless-monday-fried-egg-and-grilled-asparagus-sandwich.jpg

Pick your meal

Asparagus and eggs are a classic combo. No matter how you like your eggs prepared, this sandwich is a great solution for any Meatless Monday meal.

Try this recipe for veggie eggs Benedict with asparagus >A few good things

The nice thing about this recipe for Meatless Monday is that you can serve it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It's so easy to put together and it's filling and delicious. Sometimes just a few ingredients are all you need for a great-tasting meal!

Fried egg and grilled asparagus sandwich

Serves 2

Ingredients:2 to 4 eggs (1 to 2 eggs per person, as desired)2 sandwich rolls, split in half1/2 pound asparagus, washed, dried and trimmed of ends2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese1 teaspoon olive oil, plus a little extra1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon ground black pepperNonstick cooking sprayDirections:
    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Arrange the asparagus spears on a baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the salt and pepper.Roll the spears so they're evenly coated with the olive oil and seasonings.Brush a small amount of the olive oil over the insides of your sandwich rolls.Grill the asparagus for about three to five minutes, turning constantly, until grill marks begin to appear.As the asparagus is finishing, place the bread on the grill, cut sides down, just for a minute or so, until the bread gets crunchy and toasted.Remove the asparagus and bread from the grill and keep warm.Meanwhile, cook your eggs in a skillet, using the nonstick cooking spray, until they are cooked to your liking.Add the egg to the sandwich roll, top with several asparagus spears for each sandwich and sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.

This is a great sandwich for any of your Meatless Monday meals!

More Meatless Monday recipes to try

Walnut, apple and cheddar cheese pizza
Breakfast for dinner on Meatless Monday
Stuffed and grilled Hungarian peppers

2013年7月17日星期三

Spiked peppermint mocha whoopie pies

Date Night Dishes… Holiday BakingPull out your cutest apron, preheat the oven, and put Christmas Vacation in your DVD player to listen to in the background. The holiday baking season is here, but it doesn't have to be a major chore. Instead, make it an opportunity to spend a little extra time with your favorite date.

Spiked peppermint mocha whoopie pies

If the halls are decked and the snow has started to fall, there is just one more thing you need to do to make the holiday season complete. Start baking, of course, and fill your home with festive sweets and desserts that you can give as gifts or keep all for yourself. Holiday baking can often be a chore, so instead of begrudgingly pulling out the flour and the hand mixer, turn the process into a fun date night for you and your sweetie. Find your favorite Christmas movies and commit to spending the day watching your favorites while you bake away.

A good movie marathon involves a mix of comedy, romance, classics and modern Christmas hits. Our Christmas movie queue would include:

TELL US:  What is your favorite Christmas movie? Share in the comments below!Love ActuallyMiracle on 34th StreetElfThe GrinchThe HolidayA Christmas Story

Start the baking extravaganza with these spiked peppermint mocha whoopie pies. Since you'll already have the crème de menthe out, you might as well add a little to a mug of hot chocolate and let the fun begin. The chocolate crinkle cookies were adapted from Williams-Sonoma's recipe.

Spiked peppermint mocha whoopie pies

Yields 12 whoopie pies

Ingredients:1/2 cup powdered sugar1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature1-1/4 cups sugar2 eggs2 tablespoons espressoFrosting:1/4 cup butter1 ounce cream cheese2 cups powdered sugar4 tablespoons crème de mentheCrunched up peppermint candies for garnishDirections:
    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two baking sheets with butter. Put the confectioners' sugar into a bowl and set aside.In another bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Set aside.In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until creamy, about three minutes. Turn off the mixer and scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add one egg and beat on medium speed until blended. Add the other egg and espresso and beat until blended.Turn off the mixer and add the flour mixture. Beat on low speed just until blended.Roll the dough into a small ball. Roll the ball in the confectioners' sugar until covered. Place the balls on a prepared baking sheet. Repeat, spacing the balls about two inches apart.When baking sheet is full, put it in the oven and bake the cookies until they are crackled and puffed, 10 to 12 minutes. Using oven mitts, remove the baking sheet from the oven and set it on a wire rack for 15 minutes.Using a metal spatula, move the cookies onto the rack and let cool completely. Repeat with the rest of the cookies.
For frosting:
    Cream together butter, cream cheese and sugar. Slowly add the crème de menthe until you have the consistency you desire. You can also use peppermint extract and a little bit of milk if you do not want the alcohol in the frosting.When cookies are cool, spread a spoonful of frosting on the bottom of one cookie. Top with another cookie and roll the edges in peppermint candy pieces.Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
More Date Night Dishes >>More holiday cookie recipes

Our best Christmas cookie recipes
Tradition-worthy Christmas cookies
Easy Christmas cookie recipes

2013年7月16日星期二

Deviled eggs Delicious Thanksgiving hors d'oeuvres

Deviled Eggs
Recipes GaloreDeviled eggs make fantastic hors d'oeuvres for your Thanksgiving meal. They are easy to make and taste great! Try one of our delicious deviled eggs recipes.

deviled-eggs

Deviled eggs are a must at Thanksgiving. Not only are they delicious, but they're quick and easy to make. You can go simple or get creative. In search of a fabulous deviled egg recipe? Look no further. Try one of these for super simple deviled eggs.

Classic deviled eggs recipe

Let's start off simple with a great recipe for clasic deviled eggs.

Serving size 24

Ingredients:

12 Eggland's Best hard cooked eggs2/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise1 teaspoon mustard1/2 teaspoon salt2 tablespoon paprika, for garnish Keep reading for directions to prepare classic deviled eggs >>Shrimp and olive deviled eggs

Turn ordinary deviled eggs into shrimp treats with this deviled eggs recipe that includes olives and oninions.

Serving size 8

Ingredients:8 hard-cooked eggs, peeled, halved lengthwise1/2 cup cooked, peeled and chopped shrimp3 tablespoons chopped pimento-stuffed olives2 teaspoons minced onion1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided1/4 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon olive oil1/2 cup mayonnaise16 thin 1-inch strips roasted red bell pepper or pimentoCherry tomatoesLettuce leaves Keep reading for directions to prepare shrimp and olive deviled eggs >>Blue cheese, bacon and herbed deviled eggs

Bacon makes everything better, right? Bacon lovers will thank you for serving up deviled eggs made with bacon and cheese.

Serving size 12

Ingredients:6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled, halved lengthwise1/4 cup crumbed blue cheese4 strips pre-cooked bacon, warmed, crumbled1 garlic clove, minced3 tablespoons sour cream1 tablespoon minced fresh chives1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram1/8 teaspoon dried tarragonDash cayenne pepper Keep reading for directions to prepare blue cheese, bacon and herbed deviled eggs >> Spicy deviled eggs recipe

Add a little flair to ordinary deviled eggs by spicing them up.

Serving size 24

Ingredients:12 large eggs, hard-boiled, peeled and halved1/3 cup mayonnaise1 tablespoon brown mustard1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper1/4 teaspoon paprika (to garnish)Keep reading for directions to prepare spicy deviled eggs >>Not your momma's deviled eggs

Watch The Sneaky Chef show you how to make healthier deviled eggs.

More delicious deviled eggs recipes

Not your mama's deviled eggs recipe
Old time deviled eggs recipe
How do you like your deviled eggs?

2013年7月15日星期一

Sex after breast cancer Get back in the sack!

Sex After
Breast CancerYou have made it through all of your treatments and been given a clean bill of health. Next on your list is reconnecting with your partner. Here are some common concerns that women and their partners experience after breast cancer treatment, and what you can do to help gets things back in the sack!

Mature couple in bed

1Hormones

Many women report that after breast cancer treatment they experience symptoms of menopause. The medications often prescribed to treat breast cancer and ones that are used for long-term treatment do affect hormones. Many times women report issues with night sweats, vaginal dryness and loss of muscle tone.

If you or anyone you know has experienced these symptoms following treatment, be sure to talk with your doctor. There are many natural options to help get you back on track. Some patients report that acupuncture and supplements have helped with managing night sweats. Lubricants can be used to help with vaginal dryness, but be sure to look for lubricants that are glycerin-free. Because glycerin is a sugar-based product, many women experience irritation when using these products after breast cancer treatment. Also, look for lubricants that are "estrogen-free." You can also visit a physical therapist that specializes in pelvic floor issues. These specialists can help you to learn to activate your pelvic floor muscles and also give you tools to use to help you learn how to exercise these muscles at home.

2Not feeling sexy in bed

Feelings about your body and sexuality after breast cancer are common concerns brought up by patients in recovery, especially if your treatment included a mastectomy. Talk with your partner about your concerns. Often we are more self-conscious about our bodies and sexuality than are partners are even aware of. Remember that sex doesn't always have to be the end result of intimacy. Spend time talking with your partner about how you feel. It means of night of snuggling, there is nothing wrong with taking it slow.

3Not being able to have children

Many cancer treatments change a woman's ability to have children. If you have concerns about your fertility and would like the option, discuss this with your physician immediately -- there are many more options today than in years past.

Whether or not they plan to have more children, some women after treatment feel sad about losing their reproductive abilities, which may lead to feelings of "not being sexy" anymore. Talk with your partner about what it means to you to move past that phase in your relationship.

Work on building intimacy together in other ways, too. It's normal to grieve the loss of what we once had, or could have had. If you think that your feelings are getting in the way of building intimacy with your partner, talk with your physician about getting a referral for a sex therapist. These professionals specialize in helping individuals and couples through medical treatments, while preserving their sexual relationships. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) can help you find a certified sex therapist. You can visit their website at www.aasect.org.

More on breast cancer recovery

The breast-cancer fighting kitchen
Helping friends beat breast cancer
Michael Douglas talks cancer recovery

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