blog http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog en cherylaxen@yahoo.com Copyright 2013 2013-06-18T15:19:35+00:00 Meats and Veggies http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/meats_and_veggies http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/meats_and_veggies#When:15:19:35Z Red meat has already received a bad reputation because it has been associated with bad fats and clogged arteries.  Now, red meat is being linked to a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.  Click over to Time Magazine’s Healthland to read about this recent research, and remember, when picking your protein, go for lean meats.  Also, remember to fill the majority of your plate with fresh fruit and vegetables.  Woman’s Day provides a list of the produce that is in season, which can save you money since they are in abundance this month.

]]> 2013-06-18T15:19:35+00:00 Father’s Day Food and Gifts http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/fathers_day_food_and_gifts http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/fathers_day_food_and_gifts#When:13:44:37Z Father’s Day is almost here, so if you still need to shop for a gift, we are linking you up with some last minute ideas.  Whether you are shopping for your father, helping your children with a gift for Dad, or just recognizing a wonderful father you know, ABC News provides numerous options with their Father’s Day 2013 Gift Ideas for Every Budget, From $10 to $1,000.  If you are shopping for someone who loves technology, check out the recommendations of Last Minute Father’s Day Gift’s from $30 to $1,000 on the PeterGreenberg.com website.

If you want to plan a great menu on Dad’s Day, browse through the hearty and healthy recipes provided by Eating Well. 

Happy Father’s Day to all those great dads!

]]> 2013-06-13T13:44:37+00:00 The Do’s and Don’ts of the Salad Bar http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/the_dos_and_donts_of_the_salad_bar http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/the_dos_and_donts_of_the_salad_bar#When:14:50:06Z When you are dining out and want to eat healthy, the salad bar sounds like a wise choice, right? Most of the options offered on the bar are nutritious items, packed with vitamins and minerals.  However, a few of the choices can sabotage your meal, so diners take note!  Shine by Yahoo details the Top 7 Salad Bar Fat Traps, which can quickly fill your serving with extra fats, sugars, and calories that you where not expecting.  Want to know the best foods to pile on your plate?  Shape.com lists the Healthy Foods to Eat at a Salad Bar.  Most people do not consume the recommended amount of daily fruits and veggies, so make the most of your trip to the bar!

]]> 2013-06-06T14:50:06+00:00 Taking Steps to a Long and Healthy Life http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/taking_steps_to_a_long_and_healthy_life http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/taking_steps_to_a_long_and_healthy_life#When:15:26:19Z We can’t stop the aging process, but we can certainly take steps to live longer and feel younger.  A healthy diet makes a big difference, and certain foods in particular can fight disease, build bones, and more.  Click on over to MSN Healthy Living to get a breakdown of 16 Age-Busting Power Foods.  Among the benefits associated with these foods are lower heart disease, better memory, and reduced joint pain.

Next, read about the 10 Surprising Clues You’ll Live to 100, also on Healthy Living.  Some of these things are in your genes, but others are habits that can be modified to make a real difference in your health.

]]> 2013-06-03T15:26:19+00:00 Staying Safe in the Heat http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/staying_safe_in_the_heat http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/staying_safe_in_the_heat#When:16:20:33Z As summer approaches, temperatures rise.  All of us need to take the appropriate safety steps to stay hydrated and protected when the heat is up.  We especially need to keep an eye out for very young children and for the elderly, who are more vulnerable to heat stress. 

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to read about Heat Stress in the Elderly, to learn about the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and exhaustion.  You can also learn about protection from the heat, as well as treatment for someone showing signs of heat-related stress.

Next, visit WebMD for the article Protecting Your Child From Dehydration and Heat Illness.  This is especially helpful for parents who will be sending their children off to summer camps, or those kids playing summer sports.

Remember to always keep water and sunscreen handy, if possible.

]]> 2013-05-28T16:20:33+00:00 Memorial Day Safety http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/memorial_day_safety http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/memorial_day_safety#When:14:12:36Z Tomorrow kicks off Memorial Day weekend.  The purpose of Memorial Day is to remember those who died while serving the United States Armed Forces. It is also a day often celebrated with barbecues and outdoor festivities, which means grilling and swimming.  Prepare yourself and your family by taking a few minutes to review some beneficial grilling and swimming tips.

First, review the grilling safety tips offered by the National Fire Protection Association, which includes information about both charcoal and propane grills.  Another good resource is on the United States Department of Agriculture website.  There you can learn about safely thawing food, marinating, cooking thoroughly,  safely serving, and more.

When you are ready to prepare your menu, visit Cooking Light’s website for their Essential Grilling Guide.  Also, check out Yahoo! Shine for their 7 Memorial Day Burger Recipes for a Healthier Cookout.

Finally, don’t forget about water safety.  Download this Summer Water Safety Guide, provided by the American Red Cross, and consider brushing up on your CPR skills. 

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

]]> 2013-05-23T14:12:36+00:00 Matters of the Heart http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/matters_of_the_heart1 http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/matters_of_the_heart1#When:14:42:30Z When it comes to heart health, you probably know the importance of a nutritious diet, along with exercise.  However, you many not be aware of all the things that could put your heart at risk.  Click on over to MSN Healthy Living to learn about 15 Weird Things Linked to Heart Attacks.  Some of these will be a real surprise.

Now that we are thinking about heart health, visit the Mayo Clinic website to check out a plethora of Heart-Healthy Recipes, which includes appetizers, beverages, as well as desserts.  Also, check out Food Networks Heart-Healthy section on their website. 

Bon appétit with all these nutritious eats!

]]> 2013-05-20T14:42:30+00:00 Travels Tips for Saving http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/travels_tips_for_saving http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/travels_tips_for_saving#When:14:05:44Z As summer quickly approaches, travel plans may be on your mind.  Taking steps to plan ahead and do your homework can help keep the costs down.  A great resource for travel saving is the Budget Travel website, and currently they feature an article on the 12 Best Budget Airlines. Often the first part of the travel process is the flight, and that expense can jump up quickly, so knowing which airlines offer the best deals can be extremely beneficial.

If you haven’t made your Memorial Day plans, check out the 12 Great Memorial Day Getaways, recommended by Budget Travel, offering options from coast-to-coast.

Finally, get a jump start on planning your next family get-together with Budget Travel’s How to Plan a Family Reunion. Find out how to get your planning started for a special family gathering, full of memories for all ages. 

]]> 2013-05-17T14:05:44+00:00 What is Hidden in Your Food http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/what_is_hidden_in_your_food http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/what_is_hidden_in_your_food#When:14:38:56Z When you prepare a meal at home, you hope to have a true sense of the nutritional value of the meal.  However, if you are adding some store products instead of fresh ingredients, there may be more calories, salt, and sugar sneaking into your dish.  As part of the continuing Men’s Health series, “Eat This, Not That”, learn 9 Sneaky Sources of Sugar that could be finding ways onto your table.

Unfortunately, the news is not much better when it comes to eating out.  According to recent studies reported on the Healthland website, Restaurant and Prepared Foods Are Not Much Healthier Than They Were in 2005.  The big concern in many of these meals is sodium.

It may be challenging, but remember that the best way to monitor your calories, fat, sodium, and sugar consumption is to use fresh, unprocessed ingredients in your meals. It requires some work and prep time, but your health and well-being is worth it!

]]> 2013-05-14T14:38:56+00:00 Brain Health in the News http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/brain_health_in_the_news http://www.villasatlacanada.com/blog/brain_health_in_the_news#When:15:28:09Z There are some fascinating things happening in the world of science regarding the brain.  Though it may sound unbelievable, scientists are very hopeful that brain implants can soon help restore memory.  CNN Health reports on scientific trials using a memory device aimed at helping stroke victims or those suffering from a localized brain injury.  There is also much hope that this could help treat early dementia. Previous trials conducted on animals revealed positive results, and the goal is to start this trial on humans within the next two years. Read all the amazing details in the article, Brain Implants: Restoring Memory with a Microchip.

You can click over to Yahoo News to read more “brain” news in Brain, Interrupted.  This is really interesting if you consider yourself skilled at multitasking, so find out how different groups did during testing when distractions and interruptions occurred in work.

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