The Road To Wellness

Nice to see you! Wishing you a healthy day!

“In the absence of clearly-defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved by it.“

~Robert Heinlein

Photo by James Jordan

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A new study casts doubt on claims that ginkgo biloba slows mental decline. The six-year study found no evidence that the supplement slows mental decline.

Like many herbal supplements, western medicine has only recently investigated claims of its health benefits. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness lower the risk of blood clots and heart attacks by improving blood flow. Ginkgo biloba can reduce complications from diabetes treatment, treat asthmatic attacks, and relieve headaches.

The lesson to take away here is one that I’ve written about often. One study is not proof. While the evidence is compelling, it is only one in a series of research projects. The essence of science is being able to complete an experiment and be able to repeat it with similar results. Because studies have reached different conclusion, a indication of its efficacy is not clear.

As with any supplement, there are possible interactions. Individuals should consult their doctor before taking gingko biloba. Only you and your doctor can make the best choices.

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I don’t know about you, but nothing is more relaxing than ambient music. I often have it playing in the background as I work. Ocean sounds and wind chimes are my favorites. The soothing, rhythmic sounds take me to my happy place. Work and writing come so easily. My mind relaxes.

Perhaps now as we head into the home stretch of 2009, it is a good time to remember to relax. The hectic days leading to Christmas are behind us now. Of course, a snow storm didn’t help. Here in the land of 10,000 lakes, we received 20 inches of snow. Now, if that isn’t stress at its extreme, I don’t know what is.

Now, we can relax and ease into that feeling of tranquility. As I write, the gentle sound of windchimes plays. I love the winter, but the music of the chimes reminds me of warm nights and gentle breezes. I’m teased by thoughts of summer. Soon, my hands relax. The tension leaves my neck. I give myself over to the sounds.

Our neighbors have a large deck that wraps around their house. There are the usual patio items like a grill and outdoor fire ring. They also have a wind chime. As I muse about summer nights, I’m reminded of nights spent out on our deck, listening to the water and chimes. My husband and I will enjoy a glass of wine, not talking, but just experiencing. This is relaxation at its finest.

There is a meditative quality about the setting and its elements. It is a good image to capture your mind’s eye and relive when you need an escape from stress. As an artist, I enjoy and collect such images. The mind has such a powerful ability to transport you to a tranquil place whenever you need it. The right setting, with the right sounds is your gateway to serenity. Travel there often. It’s waiting for you.

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Our Christmas was absolutely wonderful this year. Never mind the fact that the 20 pound turkey we ordered turned out to be a 24 pound bird. Never mind the snowstorm, ice storm, rain and wind. It all came together beautifully.

There is always that seasonal dilemma about leftovers. Soup always sounds so wonderful, but we never manage to get around to making it. Instead, I opted for something different this year. By Saturday, we had had our fill of turkey and dressing. Our taste buds screamed for something different. So, I delivered with my turkey enchilada recipe.

I make my own enchilada sauce. I like knowing exactly what is going into my food. I like to pick the freshest ingredients. It all begins with garlic. I sauteed the garlic in oil for about a minute. Then, I added the onions. I let them cook until they were just starting to get brown. Then, I added tomato sauce, half a can of green chilies, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, oregano, sugar, and freshly-ground pepper. I added salt and cayenne pepper to taste. For color and extra flavor, I tossed in about 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Then, it simmered while I prepared the enchiladas.

I went simple. I used both corn and flour tortillas. First, I spread about one tablespoon on fat-free refried beans on each one. I added a bit of turkey, sprinkled some grated cheese and cut green onions on them. I placed a bit of the sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, sprayed with cooking spray. Then, I added the prepared enchiladas. I covered them with the remaining sauce and cheese. I like a lot of cheese. Judge for yourself and the crew you’re feeding.

The enchiladas baked in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. The result was a very welcome change to the traditional turkey dinner, with no leftovers. I couldn’t be sure, but those were the best enchiladas we ever had.

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It has been an interesting year. Hopefully, as the year draws to a close, you are happy and well. Now, more than ever, it’s a great time to remember the ones we love. Let’s share the holiday and the memories with our family and friends, truly, the best Christmas gift of them all.

Photo by Y0$HIMI

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