Health Series #14: FARRO

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.

 

#14. Farro 

 Are you a grain lover? You might be familiar with rice, quinoa and barley, but what about farro? Farro is an ancient grain that has been around for thousands of years and popular in the Mediterranean type of cuisine. It contains lots of 1. fib______, 2. _________tein, 3. Mag___________, zinc, vitamin B3, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a great alternative to refined grains and can easily be added to your diet. Using this versatile ingredient in your kitchen, you can enjoy Farro’s nutty flavor and chewy texture as risotto or hot cereal or in the form of soups or stews.

Since farro is an excellent source of fiber, frequent use of farro in your daily meal plans would lower risk of heart disease and 4. type-2 ______________. Also, farro would increase the levels of 5. __________-friendly bacteria.

One-fourth cup (47 grams) of whole grain emmer farro contains six grams of protein, which is similar to quinoa but higher than brown rice and whole grain wheat. When combined with other plant-based foods like legumes, farro offers a complete protein source. This means it provides an adequate amount of the essential 6. ami_________ __________ that are important for human health. It is good news for vegetarians, as well as anyone looking for plant-based, high-protein food sources.

 

One caveat with farro is that farro contains some 7. glu________, so it is not suitable for people with celiac disease or 8. glu___________ sensitivity.

 

Answer Keys

    1.  fiber

    2.  protein

    3.  Magnesium

    4.  diabetes

    5.  gut-friendly

    6.  amino acids

    7.  gluten

    8.  gluten

 

**source from healthline.com

 

Acrostic poem using FARRO by Jean J. Lee

Falling in love with this super grain

Another healthy addition to my daily bowls of grains

Ready-made boxes of processed foods are out

Rave reviews will be pouring on your meal plans

Optimum state of health is in store for you!

 

 

 

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

Santa Ana Tustin Compounding Pharmacy

https://www.satcrx.com/ 

NPR SUNDAY PUZZLE with the theme of TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE!!!

Tomorrow (Monday) many Americans will be traveling to view the total eclipse, which, as you know, is when the moon passes in front of the sun, casting its shadow on the Earth. Today's puzzle answers are all idiomatic phrases that include either the sun or the moon — I'll give you a clue, you tell me what the phrase is.

For example, if I gave you the definition "Try to attain something extremely difficult; set one's goals high" you'd give me the phrase "Shoot for the moon."

   

.       1. Very rarely

    2.   Everything's been done before

    3.   Take advantage of an opportunity while it is available

    4.   Extremely happy

    5.   To do something overly ambitious that can lead to one's downfall

 

Answer Keys

    1.  Once in a blue moon

    2.  There’s nothing new under the sun

    3.  Make hay while the sun shines

    4.  Over the moon

    5.  Fly too close to the sun

Are you ready to vote? Let's talk politics.

The year of 2024 means a lot of change to many countries in the world because there will be or already were huge elections in many parts of the world to select their leaders. Today, let us talk politics! Give it a try to fill in the following blanks (*using the clues) in each of the given sentences so they would make sense in terms of meaning.

 

    1.   The Congressional Black cau_______________ is a group of African-American members of Congress.

(*Closed meeting of party members to determine nominations)

 

2.   Don’t give up your right to vote as a citizen. Make sure your vote counts, order your ab________________ ballot today in case you’re going to be out of town on the election day.

(*This ballot is used in every state to refer to a ballot filled out by a voter who cannot, for various reasons, physically make it to a voting location on Election Day.)

 

 3.   Because Texas does not have gu_________________  term limits in its Constitution, incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott is eligible to run for re-election to a fourth term but has not yet stated if he will do so.

(*the selection of a governor by a state’s voters)

 

    4.   Historically, both parties have used ge_________________ to gain political advantage, by drawing districts to favor their own party.

(*to divide or arrange (a territorial unit) into election districts in a way that gives one political party an unfair advantage)

 

 

    5.   In political contexts, a p____________ is often associated with campaign strategists who use polling data to shape their messaging and campaign strategies. They play a crucial role in advising political candidates on how to connect with voters and tailor their platforms to align with public opinion.

(*this refers to an individual or organization that conducts surveys or polls to collect data and gauge public opinion)

6. Throughout history, __________da has played a critical role in shaping societies, politics, and conflicts. It has been employed by governments, organizations, and individuals alike, with varying degrees of effectiveness and ethical considerations.

(*ideas or information that a group of people deliberately spread to try to influence the thinking of other people)

 

7.  The women’s ____________ge movement fought for the right of women by law to vote in national or local elections.

(*the right to vote)

 

 

8. Voters need to be fully informed about the political pl__________s of different parties before voting in elections.

(*statement of the principles or beliefs of a political group)

 

Are you all ready to vote? If you wish to make a change, do not hesitate to exercise your own political right!

 

Answer Keys

    1.  caucus

    2.  absentee

    3.  gubernatorial

    4.  gerrymandering

    5.  pollster

    6.  propaganda

    7.  suffrage

    8.  platforms

HEALTH SERIES #13. Baking Soda (i.e., Sodium Bicarbonate)

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.

 

#13. Baking Soda

What do you do first when you get up in the morning? What about the very last step of your daily routines before you hit the sack at night? It depends on your life style, but for most people out there, brushing their teeth might be the first and the last thing to do every single day. With that being said, we need to be cautious when it comes to choosing the right toothpaste we use during our lifetime.

 

Have you heard or read about the harmful effects of 1. fl____________, one of the active ingredients of most toothpastes in the market? According to NIH (National Institute of Health) and the JADA (Journal of the American Association), epidemiological studies have suggested the above ingredient is a human developmental neurotoxicant that reduces measures of intelligence in children, placing it into the same category as 2. _____________ metals such as lead, methylmercury, arsenic and so on. If true, this assessment would be highly relevant considering the worldwide use of 3. fl__________ in oral hygiene products such as toothpaste.

 

Then, what could make the perfect replacement as a dentifrice ingredient to use for brushing your teeth? Today, we would like to talk about the effects of sodium bicarbonate, which is commonly known as 4. _______________ soda in your kitchen cabinet. Sodium bicabornate combats 5.b_________________ and minimizes the acidity of 6. pla___________.

It also helps prevent 7. gin_______________ (=the inflammation in your gums). Additionally, it effectively whitens and reduces stains of your teeth. Sodium Bicarbonate not only prevents tooth decay but also helps strengthen/ remineralize your enamel.

 

**source from the JADA website and NIH website

 

Answer Keys

1.  fluoride

2.  toxic

3.  fluoride

4.  baking soda

5.  bacteria

6.  plaque

7.  gingivitis

 

Acrostic poem using Baking Soda by Jean J. Lee

 

Bidding farewell to tooth problems

Achy teeth and gums are all history

Kick out the old toothpaste made of fluoride

Incredible mineral powder takes the place!

No longer exposure to toxicants

Go for the pure and simple ingredient from your kitchen

Sooner or later

Optimum dental health will be yours and mine.

Dazzling smile is polished

As soon as you keep it in your bathroom!

 

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

Santa Ana Tustin Compounding Pharmacy 

It's time to play the puzzle from yesterday's NPR's Word Puzzle. Find 2-word phrases beginning with the initials "W' & "S"!

Today's puzzle is a tribute to our dear friend, Puzzle master Will Shortz. Each answer is a two-word phrase with the initials "W-S". For example, if I gave you the clue, "Climax of the baseball season." You'd say WORLD SERIES.

 

    1.   Celestial event that usually occurs on Dec. 21

    2.   Inferior or unimpressive, metaphorically

    3.   A cane, for example

    4.   In the 1920s, Tulsa was home to the Black version of this financial center

    5.   Dish made with apples, nuts, celery, and mayonnaise

    6.   Largest known species of fish

    7.   Sport in which an individual is pulled behind a boat

 

 

Answer Keys

1.   Winter Solstice

2.   Weak Sauce

3.   Walking Stick

4.   Wall Street

5.   Waldorf Salad

6.   Whale Shark

7.   Water Ski

Health Series #12. Rosemary Essential Oil

 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.

 

#12. Rosemary Essential Oil

One of the most common types of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, better known as male pattern baldness, though it can also affect females. Androgenetic alopecia is suspected to be partially due to a byproduct of

1. ________________ (=the primary hormone that plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues) attacking hair follicles.

When men with androgenetic alopecia massaged diluted rosemary oil into their scalp twice daily for six months, they experienced the same increase in hair thickness as those who used 2. min_____________ (e.g.,Rogaine), a common hair regrowth remedy. Additionally, those who used the rosemary oil reported reduced scalp itching.

 

The use of rosemary is known as a mild 3. pain ______________ .

In a two-week study, stroke survivors with shoulder pain who received a rosemary oil blend with acupressure for 20 minutes twice daily experienced a 30% reduction in pain. Also, inhaling rosemary oil may help reduce mental 4. ______________. When nursing students breathed rosemary oil from an inhaler before and during test time, their pulse decreased by about 9% — while no significant change occurred without rosemary oil. This is why many yoga instructors use rosemary oil diffusers in their studio to release their students’ anxiety or nervous feelings during the practice.

 

Another benefit of using rosemary oil is its 5. ________________ (=insecticide) effects deterring harmful insects that may bite you or infest your garden. Rosemary helps repel certain blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes that can spread harmful viruses and bacteria. When a rosemary-oil-based pesticide was sprayed on greenhouse tomato plants, it reduced the population of two-spotted spider mites by 52% without harming the plants. It is a great piece of information for those with green thumbs who enjoy gardening all the time.

 

Although non-pharmaceutical methods to reduce inflammation are not well studied, preliminary evidence suggests that rosemary oil may help reduce tissue 6. ____________________ that can lead to swelling and stiffness.

It may do so by stemming the migration of white blood cells to injured tissues to release inflammatory chemicals. For instance, rheumatoid

7. ________________ is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s own immune system attacks tissues, such as knees and other joints, injuring the joint lining and causing inflammation. When patients were given 15-minute knee massages using a rosemary oil blend three times weekly, they had a 50% decrease in inflammatory knee pain in two weeks, compared to a 12% decrease in those not given the oil.

 

If you want to try rosemary oil, simply inhale it or apply a diluted version topically. Remember that the oil is very concentrated, so you only need a few drops at a time.

 

Answer Keys

    1.  Testosterone

    2.  Minoxidil

    3.  reliever

    4.  stress

    5.  repellent

    6.  inflammation

    7.  arthritis

**source from healthline.com

 

Acrostic poem using Rosemary by Jean J. Lee

 

Rise and shine!

Ornamental herbal leaves in your garden

Set your body and soul at ease.

Endearing plant it is!

Meditation is possible with its oil.

Auspicious vibe fills your life!

Relax and savor the aromatic scent

You become refreshed with rosemary oil.

 

 

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! Insert I-D-E into given words to make new words!

We just passed the Ides of March, or March 15, an Ancient Roman date best remembered for the assassination of Julius Caesar. Now, I know that IDES is a singular noun in Ancient Roman, but today we're calling it a plural. We're going to insert a bunch of I-D-Es into words to make new words.

I'll give you a word, you insert IDE into that word to make a brand new word or phrase. For example, if I gave you the word BRAD, B-R-A-D, you'd say BRAIDED, which is BRAD with I-D-E inside of it.

 

    1.   SCAR

    2.   BESS

    3.   GUS

    4.   MAN

    5.   PRESS

    6.   STABLE

    7.   WANGLE

 

Answer Keys 

    1.  sidecar

    2.  besides

    3.  guides

    4.  maiden

    5.  presides

    6.  side table

    7.  wide angle