Jean's Running Meditation

 What Running Means to Me

by Jean J. Lee

 

Running is my time to be grateful for another day I wake up to

Running is my time to look back on my own self

Running is my time to reminisce the good old days in the past

Running is my time to fall apart in times of sorrow

Running is my time to grieve thinking of my loved ones in Heaven

Running is my time to pull myself together in the midst of hardships

Running is my time to list up groceries to put in my basket

Running is my time to say I love you to my tired body and soul

Running is my time to shake off all the bad energy from the world

Running is my time to be all ears to my inner voice

Running is my time miss my family and friends living in a distance

Running is my time to pray for those in difficult time of their lives

Running is my time to visualize my future self in another pair of running shoes on different turfs

Running is my time to promise myself a better tomorrow

Running is my time to empty out my mind and become refreshed

Running is my time to pat on my own back and keep chanting the mantra: ”You are fine.”

Running is my time to whisper “One step at a time”

Running is my time to be reminded of the beauty of sweaty miles

Running is my time to reset some broken system inside of me

Running is my time to learn how to let go of things I can’t change

Running is facing your most unbridled self and welcome you just the way you are

Time to play the NPR Sunday Pizzle! Find a compound word/ 2-word phrase using "Mo- Ho-"!!!

Over the last weekend, the Puzzle Master Will Shortz was attending Mystery Weekend at Mohonk Mountain House, a beautiful resort near New Paltz, New York. In honor of the mountain house, every answer today is a compound word or two-word phrase where the first word starts with MO and the second word starts with HO. So if I gave you the clue "What you might enjoy during a long weekend," you'd give me the answer MONDAY HOLIDAY.

 

 

1.   A prefab structure that you live in and which can be easily relocated.

    2.   The bank that has the lien on your house.

    3.   Historically Black college in Atlanta, Georgia.

    4.   An opening in the wall where a rodent might get in

    5.   A poisonous plant named for its resemblance to a religious person's headwear (also known as wolfsbane)

    6.   A dish of meat and vegetables, cooked in broth, named for the Asian country from which it comes

 

Answer Keys 

    1.  Mobile Home

    2.  Mortgage Holder

    3.  Morehouse

    4.  Mouse Hole

    5.  Monk’s Hood

    6.  Mongolian Hot pot

Health Series #9. Oat

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.

 

# 9. OAT

What comes to your mind when you think of healthy breakfast menu? It might not be a bowl of highly processed cereal or bagels made from bleached wheat flower with thick cream cheese. Instead of these easy and unhealthy choices of breakfast, let us turn to some golden ingredients in your pantry: Oats!

 

Oats are rich in 1. ________________ (which is both soluble and insoluble) that helps keep you full between meals and regulates blood sugar levels. In addition, oats contain vitamins and essential minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and folate.

 

Oats also have a low  2.__________________index and load, meaning that they do not cause spikes in blood sugar levels when consumed. They have been shown to help with lowering 3. ________________ cholesterol,

4. tri__________________, and glucose while raising 5. _______________ cholesterol levels.

 

You can enjoy oats in various ways: 6. ___________________ oats are also known as old-fashioned or whole oats. They are oat groats that have been dehusked, steamed, and made into flat flakes to shorten their cooking time. You can cook this type of oats into porridge and are often used in muesli, granola, flapjacks, and oatcakes.

 

7. _____________-cut oats are also called Irish or Scottish oats whose groats are cut into smaller pieces using a steel blade. This type of oats is the least processed with a slightly higher amount of fiber compared to the other types. Since this type of oats are very low on the Glycemic index compared to the other categories, they are the best choice for blood sugar control.

 

**Caveat on using instant oats: Beware of the additives that are often included in certain types. For instance, instant oats often contain sugar, salt, and preservatives, making them the worst kind of oats to eat.

 

Answer Keys

    1.  fiber

    2.  glycemic

    3.  LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)

    4.  glycerides

    5.  HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)

    6.  Rolled

    7.  Steel-cut

 

**Source from Healthier Steps

 

Acrostic poem using OAT by Jean J. Lee

 

Opulent dish is not necessary

As long as you got a healthy bowl of oatmeal

Time to make a change with your breakfast!

 

 

 

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

Santa Ana Tustin Compounding Pharmacy

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