These are the most super of the superfoods. They are little exploding bombs of nutrients, packed with bioflavanoids, a type of antioxidant that is said to strengthen artery walls and maintain the structure of the skin. They contain anti-cancer and anti-aging properties, and can help to lower cholesterol. Sprinkle them on porridge or cereal for a power breakfast.

Broccoli

A powerhouse source of iron, broccoli is the king of vegetables. Absolutely packed with bioflavanoids, it is top of the list of anti-cancer vegetables, and has been shown to protect against breast and prostate cancer. Use it steamed or in stir- fries.

Tomatoes

A source of lycopene, which can help to fight prostate cancer in particular, as it mops up the free radicals that cause damage to body tissue. The body absorbs lycopene more efficiently if the tomatoes are cooked, so use freely in soups and sauces. Tinned tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, as they have already been cooked.

Oily Fish

Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines are top sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. These are absolutely the “in” nutrients of the moment, said to help lower the risk of blood clots, and the build up of fatty deposits on arteries. However, it is the suggestion that Omega-3 improves brainpower that has been causing a stir, and experiments have shown a marked improvement in the concentration of school children who have been given Omega-3 supplements. Parents are now being advised to make sure their children have adequate Omega-3 in their diets.

Garlic

For centuries garlic has been renowned for it’s healing properties. It is also a powerful antioxidant, and is considered one of the best natural remedies for colds and ‘flu. Garlic has also been shown to help reduce high cholesterol levels For best results, eat garlic raw, if you dare! Failing that, use freely in cooking..

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are considered high in fat, but this is unsaturated fat, considered to be the “good” fat. They are an excellent source of the antioxidant selenium, which neutralizes free radicals in the body. Just two or three brazil nuts a day will provide you with adequate levels of selenium.

Avocado

Another superfood considered to be high in fat, but again, we are talking about the beneficial monounsaturated fat. Nutritionally, avocados are almost a complete meal in themselves, containing high levels of many vitamins, especially vitamins E and C.

Olive Oil

Favorite anti-aging ingredient of the Mediterranean diet which has proved to be so beneficial in improving blood vessel function, and maintaining a healthy heart. It is rich in monounsaturated fats which help lower cholesterol levels. Recently it has been found that extra virgin olive oil contains an anti-inflammatory compound, which may help people with arthritis. Use freely as a salad dressing and in cooking.

Honey

Honey, like garlic, has been a superfood before the term had even been invented! Has powerful antibacterial and healing properties. Manuka honey, a specialist honey from bees that feed on the flowers of the manuka tree has been found to be effective as a topical dressing in the treatment of wounds and infections. It has been used to cure difficult wounds like leg ulcers when conventional treatment has failed.

Bananas

A meal in a skin! Exceptionally high in minerals, bananas provide potassium, and good carbohydrates. They are the chosen snack for athletes and anyone engaging in vigorous physical activity as they help to maintain energy levels.Try to include at least some of these anti-ageing superfoods in your diet, and you and your health will certainly benefit.www.americancancerfund.com

The researchers studied patients with prehypertension, which is defined as blood pressure that’s elevated but still within the normal range. That’s a systolic pressure reading of 120 to 139 (the top number) and a diastolic reading of 80 to 89 (the bottom number). Doctors estimate that about a third of American adults have prehypertension.

The researchers looked at 12 studies of people with prehypertension and found that they had a 55 percent higher risk of a future stroke than people who did not have prehypertension. People at the high end of prehypertension had a 79 percent risk of a future stroke.

Doctors are continuing to look at the long-term effects of prehypertension. They don’t have all the answers yet. But the best advice for you is to get your blood pressure checked regularly. If your numbers are high, cut down on your salt intake and maintain a normal weight. 

health.lifegoesstrong.com

Here are a few simple home updates to help protect seniors from falls:

• Did you know that a person who lives to be 75 years old will have spent an average of 1.5 years in the bathroom? That’s why it’s essential to make this room as safe as possible. Grab bars are an easy and effective solution to avoid a fall.
• Another safety feature that can prevent falls is a light-sensor nightlight in the bathroom and halls to provide a well lit path for nighttime.
• Keep paths free of clutter. For example, cords of loose rugs.

www.scproductsmag.com

WATER
Store 1 gallon of water per person per day (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation and sanitation). Keep at least a 3-day supply of water for each person in your household.

FOOD
Store at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable food. Select items that don’t require refrigeration, preparation, or cooking, or require little or no water. * Include selections from the food list below in your Disaster Supply Kit.
Ready -to -eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Canned juices, milk, soup, sugar, salt, pepper, etc. High energy foods – peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix.

WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT
Without electricity, food in refrigerators and freezers will spoil. If you know in advance that power will be shut off, use perishable foods in refrigerator and freezer first. Make extra ice. Freeze extra freeze-pack inserts and keep them frozen for emergencies.
Buy a cooler. Freeze water in plastic containers, do not fill to top before freezing – allow for expansion. Know where to buy dry ice. 25 lbs. of dry ice should hold a 10-cubic-foot freezer cold for 3-4 days.

FIRST AID KIT
Assemble a First Aid Kit for your home and one for each car. Include bandanges and sterile gauze pads, moistened towellets, thermometer, tweezers, cleansing soap, gloves and non prescription drugs.

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
Include paper cups, plates & plastic utensils, manual battery operated radio and extra batteries, flashlight and extra batteries, cash or traveler’s checks, non-electric can opener; utility knife, fire extinguisher, pliers, tape, matches in waterproof container, paper, pencil.

SANITATION
Toilet paper, towels, soap, liquid detergent, personal hygiene supplies, plastic garbage bags, ties, plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant household chlorine bleach.

CLOTHING AND BEDDING
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Sturdy shoes or work boots. Not slippers. Rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags.

SPECIAL ITEMS
Remember family members with special needs, such as infants, elderly, or disabled persons.  Important family documents should be kept in a waterproof, portable container.

Contact your local civil defense office or American Red Cross chapter for information on preparedness. See the Emergency Information section in the white pages of telephone directories for information and instructions. Meet with family members to discuss what to do in an emergency. Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster.

Misleading policies

 Perhaps the biggest insurance scam to avoid is being suckered into buying a policy that you do not really want or that does not give you what you have asked for. This sort of scam is often the hardest to avoid, because it is not just a case of people tricking you on purpose. You can also be the victim of insurance sales people who simply do not listen to your needs and do not have the right expertise to help you. If you are offered a policy but it seems confusing or not what you want, then do not sign for it.

Denied Claims

 One problem that people find when they use a poor insurance company is that their claim is denied. Some insurance companies simply do not have the money to pay out your claim, and hope that you will never need to claim for such large amounts. Before buying any type of insurance make sure that you research the insurer and confirm that they can and will pay out for eligible claims. 

 Unnecessary clauses

One problem that many people have is that they end up with an insurance policy that gives them cover for things that they have no use for. For example, you might get travel insurance but end up paying more for it because it includes extreme sports cover. Many insurers include everything that you may or may not need and hope that you won’t question these items. Make sure that before you sign any agreement you look at what you are covered for, and if there are things you know that you do not need then get them removed. This may help you get a lower price for your insurance.

Too much small print

Another way that insurers can trick you is by putting the important issues of your insurance in the smallest print possible. These insurers hope that you will not read this small print or will overlook something that is making them extra money or leaving you without cover. Again, check all of the clauses in the contract, especially the small print. If there is anything you do not like then get it changed or do not sign.

Insurance you do not know about

One of the most frequently used ploys is to sell you insurance that you do not even know you are paying for. This is usually done by lending institutions that include payment protection insurance in your loan payments without your knowledge, meaning that you pay for insurance that you might not want or even need. If you get a loan make sure you are not paying extra for insurance that you do not need. If you read through things carefully and seek good independent advice then you won’t be caught out by these insurance scams.

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Physiologic studies suggest that a sleep deficit may put the body into a state of high alert, increasing the production of stress hormones and driving up blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. People who are sleep-deprived have elevated levels of substances in the blood that indicate a heightened state of inflammation in the body which is also a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and cancer. Other studies have found that sleep influences the functioning of the lining inside blood vessels, which could explain why people are most prone to heart attacks and strokes during early morning hours.

The newest study on obesity, from Columbia University, is just the latest to find that adults who sleep the least appear to be the most likely to gain weight and to become obese. Researchers have also found that even mild sleep deprivation quickly disrupts normal levels of hormones which regulate appetite. It’s not that if you sleep, you will lose weight, but if you are sleep-deprived, your metabolism will not function properly.

To get a better night sleep, always avoid caffeine in the afternoon. Exercise also helps improve sleep quality. Watch what you eat before bed time. Avoid big or rich meals. This can increase risk of heartburn and keep you up at night. If the problem persists, see your physician for a possible sleep study.

washingtonpost.com