"Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know more." Confucius
Yesterday one of my sisters ( I have three of them), informed me that a friend of ours, father had passed away. It was very sudden, a massive heart attack. My first response was how tragic as he was only 70 years old. This thought brought me to remember when my father died at the age of 62, suddenly a shiver went down my arms. Losing a parent is never easy, if they die quickly or after a long illness. I realized that it really was about being reminded of my own morality.
I went on facebook and saw a picture that had been posted of him, so full of life, standing with one of his grand-daughters. My first instinct was to leave a comment expressing my sympathy, then it dawned on me how impersonal that seemed. Unfortunately social media is used too often for these personal moments. I feel that I would be cheating by just sending a note on facebook. After all he was someones father, hudsband, grandfather, brother and friend of others. I decided that sending a hand written note would be a better choice.
My sister said she was going to make and delivery dinner to the family (another lost tradition most people, including myself, don't do any more). I went to the local card store to get a card and was confronted with rows and rows of cards for every occasion. As I walked over to the sympathy card section, I passed a women reading juvenile birthday cards and laughing out loud about the humor she read in these innocent cards. It reminded me how this world is losing the personal touch when social media replaces human feelings of warmth and comfort of the written word.
I selected my card and walked out of the store with a smile thinking of the note I was going to write and the thought that a hand written not was not so old-fashion after all.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear." Ambrose Redmoon
Today I have to call and schedule my next PET-scan. For those not familiar with the term, PET-scan uses a small amount of an injected radioactive drug to the individual to show where cancer cells are active in the body. I know it doesn't seem logical to have to add more poison into the system just to know where the poison is invading the body. I don't make the rules, I just follow them.
This test always makes me fearful because I have to learn about the unknown, but I know it takes courage to do what needs to be done. This reminds me of something my husband always says to me, " If you are going to strike out, go out swinging." As you may have guessed, he is a big baseball fan. He tells me often, that this is a winning mindset.
With this in mind, I try to envision going into the scanning tunnel with the thought of my cancer cells evaporating before the camera because I am stronger and more courageous than the cancer cells. I mentally visualize destroying the cancer cells in my body with the injected poison. In my mind I keep the heartfelt wish that I will see my two grown children mature and become more independent, marry, have their own children and live a full life. This has given me the courage to continue to live a purposeful and meaningful life.
In closing, the main purpose of creating this blog is to be a voice of encouragement to women like me, who are fighting in the trenches with courage and not guided by fear. I hope I accomplished this goal.
Today I have to call and schedule my next PET-scan. For those not familiar with the term, PET-scan uses a small amount of an injected radioactive drug to the individual to show where cancer cells are active in the body. I know it doesn't seem logical to have to add more poison into the system just to know where the poison is invading the body. I don't make the rules, I just follow them.
This test always makes me fearful because I have to learn about the unknown, but I know it takes courage to do what needs to be done. This reminds me of something my husband always says to me, " If you are going to strike out, go out swinging." As you may have guessed, he is a big baseball fan. He tells me often, that this is a winning mindset.
With this in mind, I try to envision going into the scanning tunnel with the thought of my cancer cells evaporating before the camera because I am stronger and more courageous than the cancer cells. I mentally visualize destroying the cancer cells in my body with the injected poison. In my mind I keep the heartfelt wish that I will see my two grown children mature and become more independent, marry, have their own children and live a full life. This has given me the courage to continue to live a purposeful and meaningful life.
In closing, the main purpose of creating this blog is to be a voice of encouragement to women like me, who are fighting in the trenches with courage and not guided by fear. I hope I accomplished this goal.
Monday, February 23, 2015
In Living Color
"Pink isn't just a color, it's an attitude!" Miley Cyrus
While we are still in the throes of our winter deep freeze here in New England (possible snow again this coming weekend, did someone say March?), I decided to change the channel. I went to the local grocery store and brought a beautiful pot of primroses in shades of pink, along with a tall bright, vibrant yellow daffodil plant. When I got home I placed them in my kitchen window. With the snowy background in the yard, the vibrant colors instantly lifted my mood.
This small act of creativity, inspired me to walk around the house and write a list of bright hues to add to my living room, bedroom and bathroom, in the form of curtains, pillows, placemats and sheets. From my linen closet I selected a multiple combinations of color to help bring spring inside.
These little pops of color really added needed sunshine and love to my day. Only 24 more days until SPRING!!!!
While we are still in the throes of our winter deep freeze here in New England (possible snow again this coming weekend, did someone say March?), I decided to change the channel. I went to the local grocery store and brought a beautiful pot of primroses in shades of pink, along with a tall bright, vibrant yellow daffodil plant. When I got home I placed them in my kitchen window. With the snowy background in the yard, the vibrant colors instantly lifted my mood.
This small act of creativity, inspired me to walk around the house and write a list of bright hues to add to my living room, bedroom and bathroom, in the form of curtains, pillows, placemats and sheets. From my linen closet I selected a multiple combinations of color to help bring spring inside.
These little pops of color really added needed sunshine and love to my day. Only 24 more days until SPRING!!!!
Combinations Help Cure
"Put a colour upon a canvas-- it not only colours with that colour the part of the canvas to which the colour has been applied, but it also colours the surrounding space with the complementary." Henri Matisse
If you are familiar with the work of Henri Matisse, then you may understand how the combination of complimentary items have positive effects on each other. Yesterday after I wrote the blog about the use of turmeric in cancer care, I received comments from readers about how turmeric can also be helpful in combination with other vegetables like yellow onions. It appears onions in combination with turmeric interact to provide a power to enhance the cancer fighting effects of each other.
After researching how certain food combinations have an enhanced power to combat cancer, Dr. Oz reports that some of these food combinations include; chicken and broccoli; avocado and salsa; turmeric and yellow onions; and grilled salmon with watercress. Dr Oz said, "If you eat chicken and broccoli together at the same time, then it is three times more effective at fighting Breast Cancer! Salsa is full of lycopene and reduces risk of Lung Cancer and Bladder Cancer. Avocado helps you absorb five times more lycpene." Have a great Mexican Taco Night!!!
If you are familiar with the work of Henri Matisse, then you may understand how the combination of complimentary items have positive effects on each other. Yesterday after I wrote the blog about the use of turmeric in cancer care, I received comments from readers about how turmeric can also be helpful in combination with other vegetables like yellow onions. It appears onions in combination with turmeric interact to provide a power to enhance the cancer fighting effects of each other.
After researching how certain food combinations have an enhanced power to combat cancer, Dr. Oz reports that some of these food combinations include; chicken and broccoli; avocado and salsa; turmeric and yellow onions; and grilled salmon with watercress. Dr Oz said, "If you eat chicken and broccoli together at the same time, then it is three times more effective at fighting Breast Cancer! Salsa is full of lycopene and reduces risk of Lung Cancer and Bladder Cancer. Avocado helps you absorb five times more lycpene." Have a great Mexican Taco Night!!!
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Turmeric
"Turmeric is a perennial plant from the ginger family. Turmeric is a great source of the cancer fighting compound curcumin." Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD
When I first was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer is 2011,I have become increasingly motivated to eat foods that help facilitate recovery. I am even more interested with natural non-toxic approaches to treat my cancer.
Studies at the Cancer Centers of America have shown that one of these approaches include the use of turmeric, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help fight cancer. The women of Okinawna, Japan drink turmeric tea daily and have one fifth the rate of breast cancer than American women. Traditional doses are in the range of 2-3 tsps. of turmeric daily, according to Julie T Chen, MD, Integrative Medicine.
Here's a quick little recipe that I found online and drink regularly. Feel free to adjust the proportions of fresh ginger and or turmeric.
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
a splash of almond milk, soy milk or cow milk
honey, agave, or maple syrup
In a small saucepan, bring water to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in milk and strain tea into cup. Add sweetener to taste.
BON APPETITE!
When I first was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer is 2011,I have become increasingly motivated to eat foods that help facilitate recovery. I am even more interested with natural non-toxic approaches to treat my cancer.
Studies at the Cancer Centers of America have shown that one of these approaches include the use of turmeric, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help fight cancer. The women of Okinawna, Japan drink turmeric tea daily and have one fifth the rate of breast cancer than American women. Traditional doses are in the range of 2-3 tsps. of turmeric daily, according to Julie T Chen, MD, Integrative Medicine.
Here's a quick little recipe that I found online and drink regularly. Feel free to adjust the proportions of fresh ginger and or turmeric.
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
a splash of almond milk, soy milk or cow milk
honey, agave, or maple syrup
In a small saucepan, bring water to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in milk and strain tea into cup. Add sweetener to taste.
BON APPETITE!
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
" A strong and positive attitude creates more miracles than any other thing, because life is 10% how you make it, and 90% how you take it" Walt Whitman
Today I went to my monthly doctor visit and I am happy to report no changes in my cancer condition. All my test results came back the same, a little improvement, as last month. A big sigh of relief!
I asked my doctor if there was anything I could do to enhance my chances with cancer. What he told me, surprised me a little. He said, that there was no right or wrong way to personally deal with cancer. He said to stay positive, eat healthy and pray daily.
With that being said, I realized that a positive attitude was very important and one I followed regularly. Even when I don't feel like it, I still get up early, shower, fix my hair, and put on make-up. Doing all these things help me feel normal and healthy, even if I'm not.
I also try not to let cancer define me. I tell myself I am in control of my cancer and I will not be a victim. Doing these little things makes me feel that they are working, especially when my doctor tells me I am holding my own with cancer.
Today I went to my monthly doctor visit and I am happy to report no changes in my cancer condition. All my test results came back the same, a little improvement, as last month. A big sigh of relief!
I asked my doctor if there was anything I could do to enhance my chances with cancer. What he told me, surprised me a little. He said, that there was no right or wrong way to personally deal with cancer. He said to stay positive, eat healthy and pray daily.
With that being said, I realized that a positive attitude was very important and one I followed regularly. Even when I don't feel like it, I still get up early, shower, fix my hair, and put on make-up. Doing all these things help me feel normal and healthy, even if I'm not.
I also try not to let cancer define me. I tell myself I am in control of my cancer and I will not be a victim. Doing these little things makes me feel that they are working, especially when my doctor tells me I am holding my own with cancer.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
All We Need is Love, Love, Love....
"We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone." Orson Welles
"Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead." Oscar Wilde
Happy Valentine's Day!
"Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead." Oscar Wilde
Happy Valentine's Day!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Hope
"A life lived for others, is the only life worth living." Albert Einstein
After watching the news today about the life and death of aid worker, Kayla Mueller, I realized how much influence she had on this cruel world. I looked at many pictures of her and saw a smiling face filled with love and hope. She lived her life to help others end suffering. She appeared to really want to help people and would probably have been the kind of person who showed hope and optimism for people like myself fighting cancer. In my view, she is truly a person that Albert Einstein describes in the above quote. She is an inspiration to me and hope her death is not in vain!
After watching the news today about the life and death of aid worker, Kayla Mueller, I realized how much influence she had on this cruel world. I looked at many pictures of her and saw a smiling face filled with love and hope. She lived her life to help others end suffering. She appeared to really want to help people and would probably have been the kind of person who showed hope and optimism for people like myself fighting cancer. In my view, she is truly a person that Albert Einstein describes in the above quote. She is an inspiration to me and hope her death is not in vain!
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Valentine Cookies
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." Mother Teresa
As promised yesterday, here is an easy and fun sweet chocolate heart cookie recipe. I made them and then delivered them to the cancer center at our local hospital. I found that sharing with other cancer patients, made my day a little brighter and hopefully cheered up others.
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 sticks of unsalted butter
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 whole large egg
medium heart shaped cookie cutter
Directions:
1. Add 2 sticks of unsalted butter to an electric mixer.
2. Cream the butter until fluffy, then add brown sugar.
3. Cream mixture, add one egg and vanilla.
4. In a seperate bowl, mix salt, baking powder, flour, cinnamon and cocoa powder.
Whisk together until combined. Add this dry mixture in two batches to the
buttter/sugar mixture until mixed well.
5. Knead dough lightly into a ball and place into a large ziplock bag. Flatten into a
disk shape and placenin refrig. for two hours.
6. Remove dough and let sit on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes to soften.
Roll out dough on floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch.
7. Cut cookies with heart shaped cookie cutter and place n a piece of parchment
paper or baking mat.
8. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
9. Bake for 12 minutes, make sure not to burn edges. Take cookies out and let them
cool completely.
10. Decorate with white icing, leaving edges exposed. You can also use powdered
sugar.
11. Place cookies in a nice container and deliever to a charity of your choice.
As promised yesterday, here is an easy and fun sweet chocolate heart cookie recipe. I made them and then delivered them to the cancer center at our local hospital. I found that sharing with other cancer patients, made my day a little brighter and hopefully cheered up others.
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 sticks of unsalted butter
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 whole large egg
medium heart shaped cookie cutter
Directions:
1. Add 2 sticks of unsalted butter to an electric mixer.
2. Cream the butter until fluffy, then add brown sugar.
3. Cream mixture, add one egg and vanilla.
4. In a seperate bowl, mix salt, baking powder, flour, cinnamon and cocoa powder.
Whisk together until combined. Add this dry mixture in two batches to the
buttter/sugar mixture until mixed well.
5. Knead dough lightly into a ball and place into a large ziplock bag. Flatten into a
disk shape and placenin refrig. for two hours.
6. Remove dough and let sit on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes to soften.
Roll out dough on floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch.
7. Cut cookies with heart shaped cookie cutter and place n a piece of parchment
paper or baking mat.
8. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
9. Bake for 12 minutes, make sure not to burn edges. Take cookies out and let them
cool completely.
10. Decorate with white icing, leaving edges exposed. You can also use powdered
sugar.
11. Place cookies in a nice container and deliever to a charity of your choice.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
Charles M. Schultz
We are dealing with another 8 inches of snow up here in New England and another major snow storm, is expected on Thursday. With all this cold, snowy weather it makes me think of the upcoming Valentine's weekend and time to turn my thoughts to chocolate.
Dark chocolate (70% cocoa beans) may not only be the tastiest food, it may also have many physical and mental health advantages. Like most good things, though, everything in moderation because it still has a lot of sugar and fat. While I sit here in a snowy New England, I am going to enjoy the best health reasons to enjoy chocolate.
1. It has disease fighting antioxidants, maybe more than most other foods.
2. According to research by a Canadian food advisor, "chocolate releases calming endorphins that reduce anxiety. Plus, it's very high in magnesium, a stress reducer."
3. A study at the University of Illinois found that daily consumption of dark chocolate, may lower cholesterol and improve blood pressure.
4. It helps prevent heart disease. A recent study showed that people who consume 70% dark cocoa beans on a regular basis, had improved blood flow. The dark chocolate is linked to a chemical in the body, nitric oxide, that increases arterial dilation.
Although many of these health claims are not without fault, in this cold snowy weather, I can see no serious harm in trying a little hot cocoa to ease the harsh winter blues. Tomorrow I will explore some great recipes that include rich healthy chocolate. Until then stay warm.
Charles M. Schultz
We are dealing with another 8 inches of snow up here in New England and another major snow storm, is expected on Thursday. With all this cold, snowy weather it makes me think of the upcoming Valentine's weekend and time to turn my thoughts to chocolate.
Dark chocolate (70% cocoa beans) may not only be the tastiest food, it may also have many physical and mental health advantages. Like most good things, though, everything in moderation because it still has a lot of sugar and fat. While I sit here in a snowy New England, I am going to enjoy the best health reasons to enjoy chocolate.
1. It has disease fighting antioxidants, maybe more than most other foods.
2. According to research by a Canadian food advisor, "chocolate releases calming endorphins that reduce anxiety. Plus, it's very high in magnesium, a stress reducer."
3. A study at the University of Illinois found that daily consumption of dark chocolate, may lower cholesterol and improve blood pressure.
4. It helps prevent heart disease. A recent study showed that people who consume 70% dark cocoa beans on a regular basis, had improved blood flow. The dark chocolate is linked to a chemical in the body, nitric oxide, that increases arterial dilation.
Although many of these health claims are not without fault, in this cold snowy weather, I can see no serious harm in trying a little hot cocoa to ease the harsh winter blues. Tomorrow I will explore some great recipes that include rich healthy chocolate. Until then stay warm.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Control Issues
"I like to control everything, and you can not control everything. You have to at some point say, 'I let go and I'm going to let the cards fall where they fall... This is hard."
Naomi Campbell, Super-Model
After spending two days in doctor's offices, I realized how much I obsess and try to control my health. I know I can only control so much of the path my cancer will take. There is only so much good eating, thinking, relaxing or preventing I can do, but at times it's hard to let go and let the professionals do their jobs. I'm sure many of you can relate to any kind of over obsessing and how it can consume you.
I started to think of what was causing this obsession about whether I was getting the best care. What I concluded was that it's easier to obsess about my treatment plan than obsessing over whether I was dying. I reminded myself what several doctors have told me, we are all in the process of dying if we don't work at living.
Today I am choicing to let go and live. I'm going to enjoy the warmth of the sun, the beauty of the snow and the comfort of listening to my heartbeat.
Naomi Campbell, Super-Model
After spending two days in doctor's offices, I realized how much I obsess and try to control my health. I know I can only control so much of the path my cancer will take. There is only so much good eating, thinking, relaxing or preventing I can do, but at times it's hard to let go and let the professionals do their jobs. I'm sure many of you can relate to any kind of over obsessing and how it can consume you.
I started to think of what was causing this obsession about whether I was getting the best care. What I concluded was that it's easier to obsess about my treatment plan than obsessing over whether I was dying. I reminded myself what several doctors have told me, we are all in the process of dying if we don't work at living.
Today I am choicing to let go and live. I'm going to enjoy the warmth of the sun, the beauty of the snow and the comfort of listening to my heartbeat.
Improving Blog
"Think Big, Have Fun, Be Kind. Show Love!" My new mantra for this blog
I spent all day yesterday in the doctors office having blood work and scans done, to allow my doctor to evaluate the current cancer treatment I am receiving. Today, I will speak to the doctor about the results. This is usually a mentally draining time for me. I decided to bring my tablet along with me to use my waiting time productively. I am working on improving this blog to make it more viewer friendly. I plan on adding pictures and side bars to the site. I appreciate any comments or suggestions you have, so blog away with comments. I am signing off for now so I can review other blogs to get new ideas.
I spent all day yesterday in the doctors office having blood work and scans done, to allow my doctor to evaluate the current cancer treatment I am receiving. Today, I will speak to the doctor about the results. This is usually a mentally draining time for me. I decided to bring my tablet along with me to use my waiting time productively. I am working on improving this blog to make it more viewer friendly. I plan on adding pictures and side bars to the site. I appreciate any comments or suggestions you have, so blog away with comments. I am signing off for now so I can review other blogs to get new ideas.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Snacking
"Sometimes, it's just easier to say yes to that extra snack or dessert, because frankly, it is exhausting to keep saying no. It's exhausting to plead with our kids to eat just one more bite of vegetables." Michelle Obama
Believe me I know first hand how hard it is to give up snacking between meals or choosing healthy snacks over unhealthy ones. My doctor is always reminding me that healthy eating can only aid in my cancer treatment. I think most people carry around this struggle even if they are not fighting a chronic disease.
Lately, I''m getting in the habit of freezing grapes and blueberries, I then use them as a snack instead of candy or cookies. When I have doctor appointments or other appointments that I know I will be sitting around waiting, I pack snacks like a peeled mandarin oranges, nuts, carrots and celery sticks, so I am not tempted to snack at the vending machines. I found that a mid-day healthy snack also helps me not to experience a late-afternoon slump. Today I decided to give my refrigerator a makeover to help with my effort to snack better. First I am placing fruits and veggies inside clear containers, along side yogurt ans salad fixings on a shelf at eye level. The objection is to open the refrigerator door and have these items grab my attention. Next I throw away any takeout containers to help discourage me from eating more take-out.
These things are small things to help me. I know I have to work at it daily. To that I say Good Luck!
Believe me I know first hand how hard it is to give up snacking between meals or choosing healthy snacks over unhealthy ones. My doctor is always reminding me that healthy eating can only aid in my cancer treatment. I think most people carry around this struggle even if they are not fighting a chronic disease.
Lately, I''m getting in the habit of freezing grapes and blueberries, I then use them as a snack instead of candy or cookies. When I have doctor appointments or other appointments that I know I will be sitting around waiting, I pack snacks like a peeled mandarin oranges, nuts, carrots and celery sticks, so I am not tempted to snack at the vending machines. I found that a mid-day healthy snack also helps me not to experience a late-afternoon slump. Today I decided to give my refrigerator a makeover to help with my effort to snack better. First I am placing fruits and veggies inside clear containers, along side yogurt ans salad fixings on a shelf at eye level. The objection is to open the refrigerator door and have these items grab my attention. Next I throw away any takeout containers to help discourage me from eating more take-out.
These things are small things to help me. I know I have to work at it daily. To that I say Good Luck!
Monday, February 2, 2015
Healthy Eating
"Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetable smelled as good as bacon." Doug Larson
When I learned of my cancer, I was referred to a registered dietitian. She was very helpful in getting me to begin eating healthier. I decided today to blog about some of the fruits and vegetables she shared with me. This information is useful for everyone whether you have cancer or not.
The first fruit on my healthy eating list are apricots. They are very rich in betacrptoxanthin, and have been shown in studies to prevent osteoarthritis and inflammatory forms of arthritis. They also have high levels of magnesium, which strengthen bones and may ease pain. During the winter months when we in the north can not get fresh apricots, I use dried fruit. During the summer months when apricots are available, I stuff them with goat cheese and almonds (a good nut for breast cancer prevention).
Next on my list are tomatoes. They are loaded with healthy antioxidants , vitamin C, lycopene ( may help to lower cardiovascular risks) and quercetin (may help with inflammatory components that damage joints). When juicy tomatoes are not in season, I buy plum, grape or cherry varieties, which are very tastier. One way I enjoy tomatoes is by chopping them with basil and garlic and serve on toasted bread. A flavorful addition to a big bowl of soup in the winter.
Walking through the grocery store today, I noticed chunks of watermelon, the third item on my list. Watermelon is a great source of bone-healthy vitamin A, potassium and magnesium. It is available in most grocery stores year-round. I like to add chunks of it to ice tea with mint leaves.
Green vegetables, squash of any variety, and carrots round out the other items on my list. Most of them are a good source of vitamins A, B, C, calcium, magnesium and potassium. All of these may help strengthen bones and ease pain.
In closing, I also recommend the book Unjunk Your Diet, by Desiree Nielsen (Skyhorse Publishing). It is a helpful guide to improving general good health by eating the right foods. Happy Healthy Eating!
When I learned of my cancer, I was referred to a registered dietitian. She was very helpful in getting me to begin eating healthier. I decided today to blog about some of the fruits and vegetables she shared with me. This information is useful for everyone whether you have cancer or not.
The first fruit on my healthy eating list are apricots. They are very rich in betacrptoxanthin, and have been shown in studies to prevent osteoarthritis and inflammatory forms of arthritis. They also have high levels of magnesium, which strengthen bones and may ease pain. During the winter months when we in the north can not get fresh apricots, I use dried fruit. During the summer months when apricots are available, I stuff them with goat cheese and almonds (a good nut for breast cancer prevention).
Next on my list are tomatoes. They are loaded with healthy antioxidants , vitamin C, lycopene ( may help to lower cardiovascular risks) and quercetin (may help with inflammatory components that damage joints). When juicy tomatoes are not in season, I buy plum, grape or cherry varieties, which are very tastier. One way I enjoy tomatoes is by chopping them with basil and garlic and serve on toasted bread. A flavorful addition to a big bowl of soup in the winter.
Walking through the grocery store today, I noticed chunks of watermelon, the third item on my list. Watermelon is a great source of bone-healthy vitamin A, potassium and magnesium. It is available in most grocery stores year-round. I like to add chunks of it to ice tea with mint leaves.
Green vegetables, squash of any variety, and carrots round out the other items on my list. Most of them are a good source of vitamins A, B, C, calcium, magnesium and potassium. All of these may help strengthen bones and ease pain.
In closing, I also recommend the book Unjunk Your Diet, by Desiree Nielsen (Skyhorse Publishing). It is a helpful guide to improving general good health by eating the right foods. Happy Healthy Eating!
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