July 2009

Preserve Mother Nature’s Bounty For Savory Meals All Year Long

by Sheila McCormick on July 29th, 2009

Let’s face it. Few things in life taste better than fresh summer vegetables. Those delicious meals of summer vegetables from your garden or your local farmers’ market don’t have to end in August. They can be available to you all year long. All you have to do is learn some basic preservation methods for canning, freezing and drying vegetables and herbs. Won’t it be wonderful to have those juicy July tomatoes as an ingredient in your chili on some cold, blustery winter day? Canning summer vegetables involves a process of blanching, peeling, and cold-packing them into Mason jars. The jars

Kidney Stones Are More Prevalent In The Summer

by Sheila McCormick on July 22nd, 2009

Most people look forward to summer with its carefree days and restful vacations. But for people who suffer from kidney stones summer can be the most dreaded season of the year. Kidney stones are more prevalent in the summer because they are linked to low water consumption and many people don’t drink enough water to compensate for higher temperatures. According to the National Kidney Foundation, over a million Americans are treated for kidney stones each year. Men are three times more likely to develop kidney stones than women. Age also plays a role and people between the ages of 30

Keep Your Cool When The Heat Is On

by Sheila McCormick on July 15th, 2009

It’s summertime. A sweltering heat wave has gripped many parts of the country. The days are long and tempers are short, and it’s not just in your mind. There is solid scientific evidence that explains why and how the weather affects our moods. As one researcher put it: “When it’s hot we are more likely to become dehydrated and when we are dehydrated our bodies are under serious physical stress. This physical stress level changes our moods and we are more likely to become irate and less likely to choose rational responses when things don’t go our way. We tend

Everybody Needs Some Sunshine In Their Lives

by Sheila McCormick on July 8th, 2009

When the weather turns warm and it is only natural to step out into the sunshine and soak up the soothing rays. A certain amount of sunshine is good for us because it triggers a biochemical process in the body that leads to the production of Vitamin D. Too much sun, however, can lead to serious discomfort and permanent damage to the skin. Unfortunately, the commercial sunscreens on the market that are meant to protect us are loaded with toxic chemicals. To avoid exposing yourself and your family to these chemicals, choose natural sunscreen products. Mango butter, aloe vera gel,

Keep Mosquitoes At Bay

by Sheila McCormick on July 1st, 2009

Mosquitoes love summer outings and they don’t mind showing up without an invitation. These annoying uninvited guests can turn a pleasant gathering into a nightmare of swatting and itching. Female mosquitoes are especially troublesome because they need blood in order to produce a healthy brood of eggs. Most mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk but there are also mosquitoes that seek hosts during the day. There are 150 different mosquito species that live in this country. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of mosquitoes ruining your outdoor summer fun. It helps to understand a