Exercise, walk or jog. Swim, run, and dance, dance, dance as often as you have a chance!  Do you know that dance is a pleasant physical exercise which allows us to express our emotions through movement? A popular aphorism in Europe is: Those who dance a lot live a lot. Involve yourself in one of these activities. Don’t come up with excuses and don’t miss even one day.

If you miss one, two or three days, you have to catch up with what is undone. It is not about the work that can be done or undone and nobody cared. It is about You and Your well-being. When we feel comfortable in our lives, we win the fight with distress and depression. Try to create your day and your busy schedule where you feel that you fit effortlessly. Then you’ll easily accomplish everything you planned.

Abraham Lincoln said once, “The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every other calling, is diligence. Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.” Just admit, isn’t sometimes you believe that if anything is worth doing, it would have been done already? Or shall you ever move quickly, except to avoid more work or find excuses?

“You may delay, but time will not.”–Benjamin Franklin

Copyright 2010.

Today’s post will give a great power–knowledge to choose the best wine at the best price. If you love red wine and decided to buy it for today’s dinner or the coming weekend, before you buy this sunny drink, at first, watch and learn four tips on tasting wine like a pro from San Diego and Temecula Wine Country in California Frank Mangio, columnist of www.TastingWineTV.com

And this is not all. You are still not ready to buy a good bottle of wine. Listen to what experts from Wine Spectator tell you about FOUR S’s in wine tasting. After that you’ll be a well informed buyer and can call yourself a wine afficinado.

object width=”425″ height=”344″>

Recently an intersting  article was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reporting that Ginkgo biloba extract has no effect on dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and does not reduce cognitive decline in older adults with normal cognition or with mild cognitive impairment.

This study was a secondary analysis of data from the randomized double blind Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study that first was published in November, 2008. In the original GEM trial more than three thousand individuals of age 76 or older participated. They were assigned to either placebo or 120 mg twice-daily ginkgo extract.  The first analysis of the original GEM study found Ginkgo biloba extract ineffective for preventing dementia even though the evidence of development of dementia was lower than expected, and 40 percent of the active group was not compliant to taking this extract.

In the latest article, on December 29 of 2009, a review was published of the data generated in the original GEM study of 2008 to see if ginkgo supported to slow the rate of cognitive decline in the study participants. Chief Science Officer of the American Herbal Association, Steven Dentali, PhD says, “The data review conducted for this article suffers from the same limitations as the original GEM study with an additional chalenge due to the resting schedule not being ideally suited for this new endpoint.”

Then he continued that the primary findings of the secondary analysis in no way undermine what has already been observed with regard to the usefulness of ginkgo biloba extract, particularly in providing symptomatic relief in persons who already suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

So why the popular botanical ginkgo biloba doesn’t improve people’s memory or doesn’t prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest scientific study ever undertaken to analyse this supplement. Do you know it has been in use in the USA since the 197os as an aid to improve memory, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and cognitive impairement?

The ginkgo tree (ginkgo, fossil tree, maidenhair tree, Japanese silver apricot, bai guo ye, kew tree, yin-hsing)  is one of the oldest trees in the world. Ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousand of years. Ginkgo leaf extract has been an aid to treat also asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, leg pain caused by narrowing arteries, sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, and tinnitis (ringing or roaring sounds in the ears).  Many people who used ginkgo leaf extract to improve memory got positive results.  However, it’s not so easy for scientists and doctors to determine precisely if this extract is effective in treatment of Alzheimer’s  disease and other types of dementia because the patients in such condition are not able to give clear responses.

Douglas MacKay, vice president for scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry trade group, and Chief Science Officer of American Herbal Products Association dispute the study’s findings. “There is a large body of previously published evidence, as well as ongoing trials, which suggest that ginkgo biloba is effective for helping improve cognitive impairment in older adults,” MacKay said in interview to USA Today. It should be, otherwise why this herb is used in the U.S. for about 40 years?

NCCAM, National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, suggests on its website that larger, well-designed research studies are needed. As it is known,  NCCAM-funded study( the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory, GEM) of the well-characterized ginkgo product, EGb-761, found it ineffective in lowering the overall incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly. Participants were followed for approximately 6 years. It’s a long time for any study, isn’t it?

And finally ginkgo biloba is ineffective. Another study sponsored by the National Institute on Aging after following more than 200 healthy adults over age 60 also found that ginkgo taken for 6 weeks did not improve memory. Obviously, these healthy people did not loose their memory yet and did not need any improvement, but just prevention measures.

As you know, any of us will do everything to manage our good health and well-being. Sometimes we don’t realize that natural medicines and drugs should be well coordinated and safe. Otherwise,  we can expect potential interactions between ginkgo and other natural supplements we take in addition to other prescription chemical drugs coming from a powerful pharmaceutical industry and prescribed to us by our always in a rush doctors.

Do our doctors, as health care providers,  have time in their busy schedule to evaluate  any combination of complimentary and alternative practices that their patients hope to get as the best treatment?  Who’s guilty or responsible after all? I bet, you don’t expect this answer. As a matter of fact, according to recent articles and studies, lately ginkgo biloba extract became the talk of a town. Should we ignore the fact that this supplement  was used for more than 500 years in traditional Chinese medicine, according to American Botanical Council? It was also used in the U.S. from 197os with sales of $99 million in 2008. As Nutrition Business Journal reported, it became the 8th most popular botanical in the American market.

References: http://nccam.nih.gov/ginkgo; De Smet PA. Herbal remedies. New England Journal of Medicine, 2002; 347 (25):2046-2056;  DeKosky ST, Williamson JD, Fitzpatrick AL, et al Ginkgo biloba for prevemtion of dementia: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Assiciation, 2008; 300 (19):2253-2262.

Dr. David Sinclair, a scientist from the Harvard University, and co-founder of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals found the secret how to stay young and live longer with help of red wine. To be precise, with help of resveratrol that was discovered in dark grapes and red wine. Now watch what he tells Barbara Walters, co-host of the show “View” about this powerful ingredient. To be honest with you, I would drink a glass of good French or Italian red wine to get my dose of the Elexir of Youth–resveratrol than eat it in pharmaceutical capsules.

Today is Saturday. Relax, get good rest and good sleep after working week. Pour yourself a glass of rich, burgundy color Cabernet Sauvignon with tones of black currants on palate, sip it slowly, and enjoy your weekend.

Do you understand what happened? Here they are, the most familiar faces on television, Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse, and Cristeta Comerford from Philippines. She also became a new cooking star thanks to her job as the Chef of the White House. She creates there healthy and natural meals under a guidance of the First Lady Michelle Obama.

All started at the beginning of New Year with the produce that Iron Chef of America used on the Food Network’s two-hour special White House show. It was announced that all fresh fruits and vegetables were delivered from the White House Garden. As “Politics Daily” reported, the show did not disclose (probably being too modest) that “stunt double vegetables” were used, but not the produce from the First Family’s garden.

If you think logically, you’ll have a question, “How can you find fresh vegetables grown in a beautiful garden in winter time, in Washington D.C.?” Don’t worry. The White House segment was taped in October. The much promoted TV show made a valuable accent by featuring First Lady Michelle Obama who invited the chefs to harvest what their soul desired and creativity dictated from the famous White House garden.

Mrs. Obama kindly agreed to appear and give the show a warm ‘Welcome!’ Why not, if it advertises her healthy eating movement and her 1st year signature garden, she created with lots of help around. At this point, Mrs. Obama and Iron Chef together promote the popular topics such as food from local farmers, anti-obesity and exercise, which is good for our well-being.

There is another important detail: the cook-off actually took place at the beginning of November, the following week after the White House segment was taped. This is what Iron Chef calls its “Kitchen Stadium” in New York City. Do you know, something doesn’t glue together?! Again, in simple logic, fruits and vegetables that were picked up on October at the White House never could be used for a presentation on the show later because the produce would not be fresh, isn’t it?

The answer to this curiosity comes from an article by Marian Burros of New York Times and from Obamafoodorama.com web site informing us on anything having to do with food and food policy coming out of the Obama White House. There was revealed a fact of the use of “stunt double” vegetables. How funny!

The vegetables in “Kitchen Stadium” were not the ones that TV spectators had seen the chefs harvested. There were so many participant in the show that looked a little bit confused when they informed us about “using radishes and other vegetables from the White House garden.” As a matter of truth, only one food product was used on the show from the White House–honey.

By other words, millions of viewers were misled. Show executives came up with some excuses about difficulties in scheduling and other technicalities. But what it has to do with us, the viewers, that the Food Network had these internal problems in the production delay between the shoot at the White House and the shoot at Food Network. Is this a reason do not disclose to 4.6 million viewers of “the highest rated and most watched show in Food Network’s history,” as Obamafoodorama reported, that the produce used in “Kitchen Stadium” during the “Super Chef Battle” was not actually from the the White House Garden.

What really happened with delicious vegetables from the White House garden? As Mrs. Obama’s East Wing informed, these vegetables were donated in October to a local food kitchen. Such a disappointment for the show and its viewers, but the good point is that nothing went to waste…

White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford participated in the show together with well known chefs Mario Batali, Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse. They were greeted by Mrs. Obama and invited to pick up what they needed from the White House garden (fresh and local products) to use in cooking five “ultimate American” dishes. Comerford chose to team up with Bobby Flay. Obviously because he looks thinner than two other famous and overweight chefs.

She wrote about this experience at the whitehouse.gov.blog that “Because this competition was about fresh fruits and vegetables, but also about the American experience. Chef Flay and I decided to cook to our strenghts and to our heritages.” As a summary, chef Flay cooked with his southwestern flair, and Comerford prepared the meals according to recipes from her native Philippines. “…we blended it all with unique takes on classic American recipes,” indicated Cristeta Comerford.

Is this is a discovery of new ways to help fighting obesity problems? Obviously, organic local food, anti-obesity and proper exercise still remains an unresolved problem no matter how fancy show can be brought to viewers to watch.

References: http://www.youtube.com; http://politicsdaily.com/2010/01/12/iron-chef-special-used-ringers-from-the-white-house-garden

object width=”425″ height=”344″>

Did you start off this year with your new resolutions for a healthier and greener 2010? After all, you think about it. Just don’t delay.  Set up your goals for good health, joyful life, success and better You. Here is my List of New Year’s Resolutions-Mottoes  that will help you keep yourself motivated to build your good life:

1. Life is a beautiful gift given to all of us. We should use it properly.
2. Be kind and try to do something good for somebody right now. Don’t delay because we will not pass the same way again.
3. Be an attentive listener and motivator if family members or your friends share their ultimater secrets, goals, and dreams with you. never put them down. The consequences can be unpredictable.
4. Be positive and constructive. Be straightforward and encouraging. As a result, something great can come out of it.
5. Look at the sunny side of everything in your life and be optimistic. Your optimism will become reality.
6. Make your life an example of health, happiness, and prosperity. This will give you an opportunity to become a knowledgeable advisor and expert.
7. Be generous. Share your rich experience with those who would like to take advantage of it.
8. Be really responsible for your life and follow your heart.
9. Our life is a gift twice: once for ourselves and once for others.
10. Our life is a mirror in which we can see good and bad. Our health is a shield–physical and mental. Our physical health has an influence on our spiritual life, but our spiritual power gives you the discipline required to maintain our health.
11. Our health and our well-being rest in our hands.
12. Think only of the best and build your long and happy life, based on the laws of Nature.
13. Chase your goals and perform good deeds.
14. Be strong and have the guts to say “No” when you feel that something is not right. The world will not change to suit your preferences.
15. Be a very good sport to your family and friends. Love, inspire, amuse, and believe in them. It is mutual. You’ll get the same treatment back.
16. Consider every day as a small life and each day as full and perfect.
17. Be confident that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Be strong against fear.
18. Be noble and mighty against jealousy and anger.
19. Help others in need of your help, and just do it!
20. To live a long, healthy, and happy life is an art–l’art de vivre.

References: Photo “Green Silhouette” by Petr Kratovchil; Mama’s Home Remedies: Discover Time-Tested Secrets of Good Life and the Pleasures of Natural Living by Svetlana Konnikova, MA, AN, Aurora Publishers, 2008, pages 5-6

Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Don’t you understand that sometimes winter can happen even in South Florida? Now relax, watch and listen to Vivaldi’s classic “Four Seasons”–Winter.

1.  Raspberries are my favorite berries, a good source of vitamin C. I love to eat them fresh, to put into my hot tea. When one of the members of my family has cold or flu  –1-2  teaspoons of raspberry preserve in a cup of tea helps to get rid of fever  and magically promotes fast recovery.
2. Nettle, a blood tonic and cleanser is diuretic, tonic , and astrigent. Nettles are  a good source of iron, and especially good for people with anemia. This herb can be drunk as an infusion. Some people cook nettles like spinach. Experts don’t recommend to inhale the nettles’ steam because it contains the formic acid that gives this herb its sting burning your skin. The nettles are also thought to be good for the scalp and hair.
3. Chamomile is a favorite calming and relaxing  herb for adults and for children’s complaints.  Make hot chamomile tea to help cure sleeplessness and soothe  digestion.   Chamomile lotion or cream is useful for inflammatory skin conditions, and chamomile shampoo is beneficial for healthy hair
4. Peppermint is a well known refreshing and cleansing herb. Hot peppermint tea is useful for headaches provoked by indigestion,  for nausea, flatulence , colic, and period pains and discomfort. Wet a cotton ball in peppermint tea and treat hot and itch skin conditions by rubbing an affected spot.
5. Rosemary, a tonic and inflammatory, aromatic herb can be applied to the scalp for danruff.  Make hot rosemary tea/infusion and treat your headaches, colds and colic. If you feel down and in low spirits, rosemary tea is your savior.
6. Elderflower tea is a great aid if taken at bedtime to treat fever because it helps the body to sweat and release harmful toxins. It can be given safely to children in winter months sick with colds and flu.   Experts recommend to drink  elderflower tea three times a day for three months before the season to help prevent hayfever.
7. Calendula is another one of my favorite flowers. It has names ‘marigold’, or ‘pot marigold.’ This amazing plant is a  good healer for inflamed skin, sores, bruises, and fungal infections. Calendula is ysed widely in preparations of a wash, ticture or ointments. Tea infusion can be given safely to children to treat fevers, swollen glands and tonsillitis.
8. Aloe Vera is the most famous plant that can be taken internally as digestive and cleansing aid. Take the gel from the leaf of the young aloe plant and you have a natural, herbal medicine for burns, sunburn, eczema, dermatitis, skin rashes, and bites. Aloe gel is very helpful in treating athlete’s foot, too.
9. Garlic  is one of the most powerful anticeptics.  It prevents high blood pressure; protects the arteries and heart, and improves the circulation. Eating fresh garlic every day helps to boost your immune system and prevent colds and coughs. Garlic is an effective healer of asthma, bronchitis , sinusitis and hayfever.
10. Echinacea became a very popular herb in the last several years thanks  to its ability to boost immune system. Echinacea also helps to treat infections of the upper respiratory tract and skin rashes and other skin diseases.
11. Dandelion is another my favorite plant. I use fresh dandelion leaves in salads and sandwiches because they contain large amounts of vitamin A.  This great plant known as weed is tonic and diuretic, and  successfully boosts the action of our life-important organs–the kidneys and liver.
12. Marshmallow is known  to soothe the lining of respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts. It helps to treat bronchitis, gastritis, and systitis.   If you feel your skin is dry, drink a cup of hot marshmallow tea/infusion to alleviate and bring it  to a healthy glow.
13.  Lemon Balm, also known as melissa or bee balm, has a delicate fragrance and is mild but effective in treating colds and flu, feverish conditions. It encourages perspiration, gently sedative, and it’s pleasant to taste as tea/infusion, so the best to drink it at bedtime.
14. St. John’s Wort, the sunny and powerful herb that has been used for centuries to heal wounds. Taken internally as a tea, it helps in menopause and eliminates feelings of anxiety.
15. Thyme is an antiseptic and expectorant. It is useful in the treatment of coughs and bronchial infections because it brings up phlegm. Naturopaths also prescribe this herb for infections of the urinary tract. It is used widely as a pleasant spice for many meals.
16. Fennel is good for fresh salads as a whole, but as a tea made from seeds can treat flatulence and colic. Breasfeeding mothers can  drink this tea to promote theflow of milk and prevent colic in babies. If you have sore eyes, you can use fennel tea as an eyewash.
17. Comfrey is well known herb for its soothing and healing properties. It is widely used not only to treat wounds, bruises, painful joints, but it helps to treat gastric complaints, and such skin disorders as eczema and psoriasis.
18. Slippery Elm  has been used for a long time by the Native Americans. It is useful for gastric complaints and in the treatment of duodenal ulcers. Slippery Elm has an ability to soothe the mucous membrane lining of the digestive tract, so why it is very important herb in herbal medicine.
19. Feverfew is very popular in the treatment of headaches and migraines. Some studies are being done to test its effectiveness in treating rheumatism. Fresh leaves of feverfew can be layered into a sandwich to make them more tasteful.
20. Cinnamon is a star of spices, but was used for centuries as a ready remedy for diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. As a warming remedy, it helps to treat colds, coughs, fevers, and even rheumatism. 

References:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Photo “Pink Flower in Hands”  by Anna Cervova; Complete Well-Being by Dr. Caroline Shreeve, Parragon, UK, 2003, ps.194-195; Mama’s Home Remedies by Svetlana Konnikova, MA, AN, Aurora Publishers, 2008