blog http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog en cherylaxen@yahoo.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-17T21:37:53+00:00 Coffee News http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/coffee_news http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/coffee_news#When:21:37:53Z Good news for coffee drinkers!  According to a new study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, coffee drinking appears to be linked to longer life.  This study followed over 400,000 people, age 50 to 71, for over 13 years and it found that the coffee drinkers had a lower mortality rate throughout this time period studied. 

People often assume that in order to eat healthy, they must pay more money at the checkout.  This misconception was recently put to rest after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service took a good look at different foods, calories, portions, and more.  They found that when you figure in several factors, many healthy food items are not as expensive as you think.  Click over to CNN’s Health blog to read Healthy Food Really Isn’t More Expensive.

]]> 2012-05-17T21:37:53+00:00 Skin Protection http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/skin_protection http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/skin_protection#When:17:54:52Z Warmer days often mean more time outdoors, so think ahead about skin protection.  According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, so be sure to have your sunscreen handy.  On CNN’s website you can learn Everything You Need To Know About Sunscreen This Summer, as Jennifer Scruby from Health.com breaks down the facts regarding what works best for protection against those harmful sun rays.  If you have concerns about skin cancer, or just want to learn more about melanoma, visit the American Cancer Society website.

In addition to applying sunscreen, there are other ways to help take care of your skin.  The Mayo Clinic’s website offers Skin Care: 5 Tips for Healthy Skin, which recommends ways to keep your skin nourished, healthy, and younger looking.  Learn how moisturizers, a nutritious diet, and other factors can lead to glowing skin.

]]> 2012-05-16T17:54:52+00:00 Alzheimer’s Summit http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/alzheimers_summit http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/alzheimers_summit#When:14:57:37Z Today marks a big step in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.  The Alzheimer’s Disease Research Summit 2012: Path to Treatment and Prevention is in session today and tomorrow, with hopes of finding a cure for this disease by the year 2025.  Over 5 million people are currently affected by Alzheimer’s and this number is expected to significantly increase, which is why government and researchers are coming together in a joint effort aimed at tackling this disease.  The website for the National Institute on Aging offers more information about the summit, and the site will also be video streaming sessions from the event, which can be viewed at this link.  Additional information is also available on the USA Today website in the article, Landmark Alzheimer’s Disease Summit Launches Monday.

A large Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study is taking place nationwide to determine whether a Component in Red Wine May Hold Answers in Alzheimer’s Battle. This component, resveratrol, is found not only in red wine, but also in dark chocolate, nuts, and tomatoes. A goal of the study is to determine if resveratrol can slow down or alter the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. 

For more information about the disease in general, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website.

]]> 2012-05-14T14:57:37+00:00 Mother’s Day Menu http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/mothers_day_menu http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/mothers_day_menu#When:16:06:36Z Mother’s Day is this Sunday, so consider starting Mom’s day off right with a flavorful breakfast.  Food Network offers several appetizing Healthy Breakfast recipes sure to impress your mother or loved one. This collection of recipes provides various menu options for all tastebuds, with many of them requiring little time to prepare.  If you still need a gift for Mom, click on over to Martha’s Stewart’s website and check out Homemade Gifts for Mother’s Day.  It includes numerous options in case you need some gift ideas.

Please note that tomorrow on Saturday, May 12th is the annual Food Drive to Stamp Out Hunger.  Join the National Association of Letter Carriers’ and U.S. Postal Service by leaving non-perishable food items out by your mailbox before your usual delivery time to assist the nearly 9 million older adults who face the risk of hunger.  You can learn more about this on the AARP and at www.helpstampouthunger.com.

]]> 2012-05-11T16:06:36+00:00 Adjusting Your Workouts as You Age http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/adjusting_your_workouts_as_you_age http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/adjusting_your_workouts_as_you_age#When:19:06:29Z Exercise is important at any age, but how we approach training and fitness should vary over time.  The types of workouts you did when you were younger may not offer your body the same benefits down the road.  With that in mind, be sure to visit the Livestrong.com website to check out the article, Never Grow Old.  Find out what basic movements should be included in your current exercise routine, and learn tips for optimal health. 

Another great article to include in your reading is on the Health.com website.  25 Ways to Cut 500 Calories a Day offers lots of tips that take little effort, while offering great results by reducing your calorie intake.  These little steps should not overwhelm you and can really make a difference if you are striving to lose weight.

]]> 2012-05-09T19:06:29+00:00 Shorter Commute May Mean Better Health http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/shorter_commute_may_mean_better_health http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/shorter_commute_may_mean_better_health#When:21:39:52Z Commuters who spend less time in the car may have better health in the long run, according to a recent study.  As reported on CNN’s Health website, Longer Commutes May Steal Health and Fitness, because the extended time in the car takes away from time that could be spent on fitness and activity.  Visit the CNN website to learn more about these findings, and the concern that these long commutes can be related to weight gain, diabetes, raised blood pressure and more.

The interest earned on a savings account surely isn’t what it used to be.  Nowadays, rates are much lower for certificates of deposit, and other savings accounts.  If you want to get the most bang for your savings buck, read How to Squeeze Out Higher Interest Rates From Your Savings on the USA Today website.  These higher rates are more commonly being offered by online banks.  Next, click on over to the AARP website for Smart Money Moves to Make by Age 50.  Be proactive about your finances so that you have peace of mind as you move towards retirement.

]]> 2012-05-08T21:39:52+00:00 Staying Hydrated http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/staying_hydrated http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/staying_hydrated#When:16:20:56Z As the temperatures rise outside, so does the need to hydrate.  In order to achieve optimal hydration, drinking water is at the top of the list, but it should not be the only option on the list.  Along with the daily 8 recommended glasses of water, be sure to include these Top Hydrating Foods listed on the Shine from Yahoo website.  Not only do these foods add to your water intake, they are also nutritious, so be sure to include them on your grocery list.

Speaking of groceries, if you are planning to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this weekend, be sure to click over to the Healthy Eating section on Food.com for some Fresh Mexican Meals.  These recipes are packed with flavor, but cut down on the calories and fat.

]]> 2012-05-03T16:20:56+00:00 Working Out Your Brain and Body for Better Memory http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/working_out_your_brain_and_body_for_better_memory http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/working_out_your_brain_and_body_for_better_memory#When:15:47:05Z According to new research by the Mayo Clinic, as reported on Time Magazine’s Healthland website, Computer Use Combined with Exercise May Protect Memory.  Dr. Yonas E. Geda lead the group of researchers who studied 926 people aged 70 to 93.  Past studies have shown that physical activity may lower the risk for dementia, but the new research shows that the participants who did both physical activity and computer use, benefited the most.  Read more about this study on the Healthland website.

The Livestrong website features a fabulous collection of 11 Ways to Achieve a Healthier Life.  This is a great resource from various health experts, as they share their thoughts on the keys to top fitness.

]]> 2012-05-02T15:47:05+00:00 Getting Fit Through Food and Exercise http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/getting_fit_through_food_and_exercise http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/getting_fit_through_food_and_exercise#When:15:10:51Z Let’s kick the week off with some fitness and health news.  If you had an overload of calories over the weekend, perhaps you want to include a few salads on your menu this week.  Though salads are often high on flavor, they can sometimes leave you feeling hungry if you don’t include some protein in the mix.  Visit Prevention’s website for 12 Hunger-Fighting Power Salads.  This collection of recipes come with lots of taste, and can keep you feeling full. 

The spring temperatures are great for exercising outdoors, but the spring pollen can cause problems.  Click over to read 6 Tips for Exercising Through Allergy Season, which can be found on the Fitbie website.  Learn how to keep moving this spring without the hassle of sniffles, sneezes or watery eyes caused by seasonal allergies.

Finally, after that workout find out how to heal muscles naturally.  MSN’s Health website provides a list of Foods to Soothe Sore Muscles.   So before you reach for an over the counter remedy, go to the fridge for one of these nutritious snacks that can help relieve the pain.

]]> 2012-04-30T15:10:51+00:00 More Green Living http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/more_green_living http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/more_green_living#When:16:15:53Z Earth Day 2012 has come and gone, but remember that you can continue to do things everyday that make a difference.  Reusing and repurposing items around your own home is a great way to recycle.  Visit the Real Simple magazine website for their list of New Uses for Old Things.  This collection includes ideas and tips for staying organized around the house.  This list is also updated on a regular basis, so feel free to check back on it from time to time.

Did you know that you can also think “earth-friendly” with your vacation planning?  Go on over to USA Today’s Travel section for 10 Great Places to Check Into an Eco Lodge.  These amazing destinations allow you to vacation in comfort, while learning more about animals, forest life and our planet, in general.

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