The latest NPR Sunday Puzzle that Celebrates Black History Month in the U.S.!

This week's puzzle celebrates Black History Month. Each answer is the last name of a notable Black American, past or present, hidden inside a two-word phrase. For example, if I gave you the phrase SWELLING TONGUE you would give me the name ELLINGTON, as in Duke Ellington, the famous musician and composer.

 

The two-word phrases won't necessarily be real dictionary phrases, but each will hide the surname of a famous person.

 

1.) BATHTUB MANUAL

 

2.) PUMPKIN GRANOLA

 

3.) GERBIL ESCALATOR

 

4.) MANITOBA MAILBOX

 

5.) ALABAMA HOMESTEAD

 

6.) ARCHANGEL OUTSIDE

 

7.) KANDAHAR RISING

 

Answer Keys      

    1.  Tubman (Harriet Tubman)

    2.  King (Martin Luther King Jr.)

    3.  Biles (Simmone Biles)

    4.  Obama (Barack Obama)

    5.  Mahomes (Patrick Mahomes)

    6.  Angelou (Maya Angelou)

    7.  Harris (Kamala Harris)

HEALTH SERIES #8: WALNUT

Herbs, Food Ingredients, and Health

It is natural to become physically weaker as one ages. However, it is possible to stay younger and healthier than your physical age by what you eat at your table every day. More and more medical research and studies have shown the medicinal properties and benefits of herbs and healthy diet.

As of this new year of 2024, let us stay healthy by looking into a variety of herbs one by one, their nutrition facts, and healthy diet so that we are able to lead a life with more confidence and constantly get ourselves back on track with aplomb even if we happen to deviate from the optimal state of health.

 

#8. Walnuts

Are you a nut lover? Eating unsalted nuts is one good way to keep yourselves healthy in many ways. Today, we are going to crack walnuts!

 

Walnuts are one of the richest dietary sources of antioxidants. These include ellagic acid, ellagitannins, catechin, and the neurohormone called

1. __________________ which helps regulate your 2. ________________ rhythm (i.e., your body’s internal clock). People commonly use this neurohormone for sleep disorders, such as insomnia and jet lag.

 

Walnuts are also rich in healthy fats. They may reduce 3. ______________ disease and cancer risk, as well as improve brain function and possibly slow the progression of 4. ________________’s disease (i.e., dementia).

Adverse effects and individual concerns

 

In general, walnuts are considered very healthy, but some people need to avoid them due to 5.____________________. Walnuts are among the eight most allergenic foods. Symptoms of a walnut allergy are typically severe and can include allergic shock called 6. ________________________, which can be fatal without treatment. Therefore, individuals with a walnut allergy certainly need to make sure that these nuts are not included in spread, sauce, pies or cakes to avoid life-threatening shocks.

 

**Source from healthline.com

 

Answer Keys

    1.  Melatonin

    2.  Circadian

    3.  Cardiovascular

    4.  Alzheimer’s

    5.  Allergies

    6.  Anaphylaxis

 

 

Acrostic poem using WALNUT by Jean J. Lee

Wholesome bits of afternoon snack

Addition of joy to your bowl of muesli

Luscious dessert coated in a hint of honey

Nourishing staple that steals the show at Thanksgiving dinner

Unique shape that resembles human brain

Tasty and trustworthy ingredient for cookies and pies  

If you’re interested in consulting your health with professional pharmacists, check this out!

Santa Ana Tustin Compounding Pharmacy

Let's Dig in Vocab!

Does language learning feel fun or intimidating to you? Some may say it is a never-ending journey due to the vast quantity of vocabulary to work on and the endless amount of newly coined words. Where are you standing in terms of vocabulary and the correct usage of easy words on a scale of 10 (with 1 being the beginner level and 10 being the most advanced level)?

Give it a try to test your English usage of vocabulary (either easy or difficult words) through the following questions. Fill in the blanks with proper words using the context of each sentence.

 

1.   A: It is easier said than done.

B: Agreed. Talk is __________________.

 

 

2.   I could hardly understand the hidden meanings in her novel. The author used ob_____________. (=meaning “indirect” instead of straightforward expressions)

 

3.   The president’s speech did not make sense to most level-headed people out there in the event. His pointless and insincere remarks dis____________________ (=meaning “to confuse ….” ) the audience.

 

4.   What does PERAMBULATOR mean?

a.   debris

b.   a baby carriage; pram.

c.   sudden, passing sensation of excitement.

 

5.   Running is Jean’s quo_____________ (= meaning “day-to-day”) activity that provides her with the most peaceful and quietest time.

 

6.   Being the chairperson in this association does not mean having carte ________________ (= meaning the freedom to act at your own discretion or to make a decision as you wish) as he/she likes.

7.   Although the plot was kind of ri___________ (=meaning “ridiculous or ludicrous”), I found it pretty fun.

 

8.   Charlotte is not much of a big fan of physical exercises or outdoor activities. She prefers bed-__________________ (=meaning “the practice of spending many hours in bed during the day as a voluntary retreat from activity or stress) or binge-watching Netflix series to heading out for sports or shopping.

 

9.   She knew his compliment on her evening dress was no more than a tara__________________, yet she was undisputably happy to hear that sweet comment.

 

10.               Jenny is such an _____________phile (=meaning “a person who likes cats_ who has been living with five stray cats.

 

 

Answer Keys

    1.  cheap

    2.  oblique

    3.  discombobulate

    4.  b. a baby carriage

    5.  quotidian

    6.  carte blanche

    7.  risible

    8.  bed-rotting

    9.  taradiddle   

    10.  ailurophile

HEALTH SERIES #7: CARROT

Herbs, Food Ingredients, and Health

It is natural to become physically weaker as one ages. However, it is possible to stay younger and healthier than your physical age by what you eat at your table every day. More and more medical research and studies have shown the medicinal properties and benefits of herbs and healthy diet.

As of this new year of 2024, let us stay healthy by looking into a variety of herbs one by one, their nutrition facts, and healthy diet so that we are able to lead a life with more confidence and constantly get ourselves back on track with aplomb even if we happen to deviate from the optimal state of health.

 

# 7. CARROT

Carrots are bunnies’ or mares’ favorite vegetable. Are you a big fan of this bright orange-colored food? Let’s explore the world of this versatile veggie ingredient!

How would you like to eat carrots? Do you love munching on the hard, raw baby carrots as your in-between snack? Otherwise, are you more on the softer side of carrot cuisine such as steamed carrots, carrot soup, or a piece of carrot cake? Cooked or uncooked, carrots will offer you a lot of health benefits!

Both raw and cooked carrots offer nutritional benefits. While raw carrots retain more 1. vitamin _____, cooking carrots facilitates the availability of 2. beta-_______________ for the body to absorb. Thanks to this nutrition, carrots can positively impact your 3. __________ health. As long as you continue to eat carrots every day, you will have no problem while reading or driving especially in dim light or darker surroundings.

 

Then, where should you be storing carrots to keep them fresh? Carrots stay fresh with the green tops removed and stored in a

4. _______________ bag in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer. Properly stored, carrots can stay fresh for up to 5. ___________ weeks. Avoid storing carrots near ethylene-producing fruits, such as 6._______________, cantaloupe, apples, tomatoes and avocados, because these fruits can cause carrots to become bitter.

Some may worry about excessive consumption of carrots could lead to a condition called “7. ____________emia.” This can cause the skin to turn slightly yellow or orange. However, it is temporary and harmless, and your skin color will return to normal once carrot intake is reduced.

 

Answer Keys

1.  Vitamin A

2.  Beta-Carotene

3.  Eye

4.  Plastic bag

5.  2 weeks

6.  Bananas

7.  carotenemia

*content source from PharmEasy

 

Acrostic poem using CARROT by Jean J. Lee

Connoisseurs of natural sweet tastes

Apple’s best friend in your breakfast juice

Radiant skin is promised by this orange vegetable

Root for these beautiful roots under the soil

Ode to these OG veggies

Tasteful bunch of pleasure is all yours and mine

 

If you’re interested in consulting your health with professional pharmacists, check this out!

Santa Ana Tustin Compounding Pharmacy

 

 

 

Time to play the latest word puzzle from NPR!

Sunday Puzzle: You'd better sit down for this one. have a game of Categories based on the word CHAIR. For each category I give, name something in it starting with each of the letters C-H-A-I-R.

Any answer that works is OK, and you can give the answers in any order.

 

Example: Parts of the body — Chest, Head, Arm, Intestine, Ribs

(Note: In some cases, there may be other answers. Any answer that works will be counted as correct.)

 

1) COUNTRIES WHOSE NAMES END WITH A VOWEL

 

2) BIRDS

 

3) SITCOMS

 

 

 

Answer Keys   

   1.  Colombia, Haiti, Argentina, Italy, Russia

   2.  Cardinal, Hummingbird, Albatross, Indigo Bunting, Robin

   3.  Charles in Charge, Happy Days, Abbott Elementary, I Love Lucy, Rick & Morty 

Health Series #6. Seaweed

Herbs, Food Ingredients, and Health

It is natural to become physically weaker as one ages. However, it is possible to stay younger and healthier than your physical age by what you eat at your table every day. More and more medical research and studies have shown the medicinal properties and benefits of herbs and healthy diet.

As of this new year of 2024, let us stay healthy by looking into a variety of herbs one by one, their nutrition facts, and healthy diet so that we are able to lead a life with more confidence and constantly get ourselves back on track with aplomb even if we happen to deviate from the optimal state of health.

 

#6. Seaweed

Do you often enjoy seafood? When you visualize yourself dining at a gorgeous seafood restaurant, you might easily think about having steamed lobster with some sweet, buttery sauce on the side or a beautiful plate of grilled salmon steak with some savory crabcakes. How about having some vegetarian dish filled with fresh scent and hues of the ocean? This week, let us talk about seaweed! Seaweed is becoming a popular healthy ingredient in cuisines. Traditionally, seaweed soup is a staple part of celebrating one’s birthday in Korea. Not sounding like a mouthwatering ingredient to you? Here we dive into the world of seaweed to see what’s in it for you.

 

Seaweed contains a concentrated source of an amino acid called tyrosine and 1. ______________. Your thyroid gland requires both to function properly. Your thyroid gland releases hormones to help control 2.____________, energy production, reproduction and the repair of damaged cells in your body. Without sufficient amount of 3.______________(same answer to #1), you may start to experience symptoms like weight changes, fatigue, or swelling of the neck over time.

(**The recommended dietary intake (RDI) of iodine for adults is 140 mcg per day.)

The proteins present in some seaweeds, such as spirulina and chlorella, contain all of the essential amino acids. This means seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse that can help ensure you get the full range of amino acids.

 Seaweed can also be a good source of 4.___________-3 fats and vitamin B12 which is abundant in dried green and purple seaweed.

Seaweed also helps maintain gut health because it is rich in 5._____________, which increases the growth of “good” bacteria and nourish your gut.

In addition, Fucoxanthin, alginate, and other compounds in seaweed may help reduce your blood sugar levels, reducing your risk of 6.______________.

 

Answer Keys

    1.  Iodine

    2.  Growth

    3.  Iodine

    4.  Omega-3

    5.  Fiber

    6.  Diabetes

*source from healthline.com

 

 

Acrostic poem using SEAWEED by Jean Lee

 

Super food ingredient

Excellent source of various nutrition

Awesome way to jazz up dishes not only in Asia

World is enamored by this fresh group of algae

Each and every day, not only on your birthday

Eat seaweed soup along with bite-size discs of Korean Kimbap

Do we need more to throw a party?

 

 

If you’re interested in consulting your health with professional pharmacists, check this out!

Santa Ana Tustin Compounding Pharmacy

 

Health Series #5: Purple Yam

Herbs, Food Ingredients, and Health

 

It is natural to become physically weaker as one ages. However, it is possible to stay younger and healthier than your physical age by what you eat at your table every day. More and more medical research and studies have shown the medicinal properties and benefits of herbs and healthy diet.

 As of this new year of 2024, let us stay healthy by looking into a variety of herbs one by one, their nutrition facts, and healthy diet so that we are able to lead a life with more confidence and constantly get ourselves back on track with aplomb even if we happen to deviate from the optimal state of health.

 

# 5. Purple Yam

This vegetable belongs to the group of tuberous roots that originates from Southeast Asia. It is indigenous staple of the Philippines, but today cultivated worldwide.

These sweet potatoes have noble color: PURPLE! The texture of purple yam’s flesh becomes soft like regular potato when cooked. Its sweet and nutty flavor makes everyone enamored.

Here is nutrition facts of one cup (100 grams) of cooked purple yams:

Calories: 140

Carbs: 27 grams

Protein: 1 gram

Fat: 0.1 grams

Fiber: 4 grams

Sodium: 0.83% of the Daily Value (DV)

Potassium: 13.5% of the DV

Calcium: 2% of the DV

Iron: 4% of the DV

Vitamin C: 40% of the DV

Vitamin A: 4% of the DV

 

It is also full of antioxidants, including 1. _____________________, which give them their vibrant color, which may help reduce blood pressure and

2. _______________ and 3. type 2 ____________. This is because the 4. ____________________ in purple yams may help promote

blood sugar control. Also, purple yams have a low 5. _______________index, which can help prevent blood sugar spikes.

 

Furthermore, purple yams are rich in 6 vitamin _____, which helps keeps your cells healthy that facilitates 7. ______________ absorption, and protects your DNA from damage. It has been reported that purple yams are helpful to prevent lung cancers, prostate cancer, and 8. ______________ cancers. The resistant starch in yams helps increase the growth of healthy bacteria called 9. _______________________ inside your intestines, which  play a critical role in maintaining your gut health.

 

 

Answer Keys 

    1.  Anthocyanins

    2.  Inflammations

    3.  Diabetes

    4.  Flavonoids

    5.  glycemic

    6.  Vt. C

    7.  Iron

    8.  Colon

    9.  Bifidobacteria

 

source from healthline.com

Acrostic poem using PURPLE YAM by Jean Lee

 

Pleasure from the ground

Ultimate super food

Rainbow looks noble thanks to this hue

Perfectly eye-catching roots on your plate

Leading to great health

Easing your upset stomach

You will come back for more

Abundant in the East Asia

Million-dollar gifts from Mother Nature

 

 

If you’re interested in consulting your health with professional pharmacists, check this out!

Santa Ana Tustin Compounding Pharmacy

 

 

 

Time to play the Sunday Puzzle from NPR! Find the names of countries using the given three-letter word!

I'm going to give you some three-letter words that are found inside the names of countries. You name the countries.

 

Ex. MAR / Denmark (7 letters)

 

1. WED (6 letters)

 

2. HAM (7 letters)

 

3. GAS (10 letters)

 

4. BOD (8 letters)

 

5. WIT (11 letters)

 

6. LAW (6 letters)

 

7. RUG (7 letters)

 

8. LIP (11 letters)

 

9. ROC (7 letters)

 

1o. OAT (7 letters)

 

11. HUT (6 letters)

 

12. BAN (7 letters ) (two answers)

 

 

Answer Keys

    1.  Sweden    

    2.  Bahamas

    3.  Madagascar

    4.  Cambodia

    5.  Switzerland

    6.  Malawi

    7.  Uruguay

    8.  Philippines

    9.  Morocco

    10. Croatia

    11. Bhutan

    12.  Albania or Lebanon