Many parts of the world are experiencing an important heat wave which promises to last.  Such intense heat can seriously affect your health and it is important to take precautions.

The 2003 heat wave provoked thousands of deaths in France, especially among older people who lived alone.  A heat wave has hit Europe again this year and governments are taking precautions to inform people of measures to take for their health.

As Age Esteemers is important for each of us to respect the negative effects that prolonged heat has on our bodies and to take our own precautions.  We are in control.

• Keep physical activity to a minimum between 11am and 9pm.
• Drink at least 1 1/2 liters (1.59 quarts) of liquid daily, especially water but also teas and diluted fruit juices.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeinated and sweetened drinks since they increase dehydration.
• Stay in an area that is cool or air conditioned at least 2 hours during the day and take cool showers.

Imagine the wonderful aroma of cinnamon when it is added to a dessert baking in the oven.  Do some of you remember cinnamon buns?

Cinnamon originated in Asia where it was discovered centuries ago in Sri Lanka. It is even mentioned in the Bible, as a perfume and as an anointing oil.

In desserts it is mixed with sugar, giving a sweet taste.  In some countries as in India it is added to main dishes of meat or other foods such as curries.

Cinnamon is  known to control type II diabetes. It stimulates insulin which in turn enables the body to process sugar more easily, thus needing less insulin. It is very efficient in soothing the digestive system when problems like indigestion occur.  It is also utilized in scents, especially men’s colognes but also in room fresheners.

Cinnamon toast
Mix even amounts of cinnamon and sugar
Toast slices of bread
When ready, spread with butter.
Sprinkle cinnamon mixture onto buttered toast and eat while warm.

Cinnamon on its own can be sprinkled on oatmeal or rice pudding.  Whenever consumed, it is very beneficial to us.

Grandma Nature

Ginger is a tropical plant originating in Asia.

Ginger has existed for thousands of years and used to treat certain medical conditions.  The most important use is against nausea and motion sickness.  It has even been proven that ginger can be more effective than some modern motion sickness drugs. Rheumatism and inflammation are also improved or cured with the use of ginger.  Fresh ginger may be used as well as the powder or even candied ginger, which can be eaten a half hour before travelling.  There is even enough in ginger snaps and ginger ale to bring relief.

The ginger root is  used as a spice in cooking.   Gingerbread and ginger snaps are both popular and deliciously healthy!  Fresh ginger is an ingredient found in Chinese cuisine.

The essential oil is used in aromatherapy by applying the essential oil in a massage, bath or compress. This helps relieve the pain of arthritis, rheumatism and inflammation.

So, next time you are out shopping, pick up some ginger in its various forms and keep it in your medicine chest as well as in your kitchen.

Grandma Nature

Olive oil has been a life support in many countries for centuries. The golden nectar is known to be a miracle for the heart and for lowering cholesterol levels.  It can enhance your inner and outer beauty of age esteem.

In Greece, where olive oil and the Mediterranean diet (fish, wine, vegetables and olive oil) co-exist, people have one of the longest, if not the longest, life span on earth.  (It is also said that this is due to close family ties.)

Vincent Van Gogh painted olive groves in his beloved St. Remy in Provence in the south of France where he was hospitalized.  These are some of his most beautiful paintings, possibly captured from his hospital window.  They fulfilled him in a spiritual way.  In some orchards the olive trees are hundreds of years old. Looking at these lovely paintings brings a sense of peace to the viewer.

• Cold-pressed, virgin olive oil which should be used in salad sauces, on pasta and on bread among other foods.
• When cooking with olive oil, especially on high heat, the non-virgin, non-pressed oil should be used.

To accompany drinks eat olives instead of potato chips. Your body will thank you!  Olive oil is also used in beauty soaps which makes the skin smooth and is a natural ingredient as well.

Grandma Nature

Water is vital to feeling good about ourselves at every age.  And a good level of hydration is essential to our overall health.  Water

• Is basic to our level of energy.
• Keeps your skin hydrated and resilient.
• Lubricates your digestive system and flushes out toxins.
• Speeds metabolism so you burn calories more rapidly.
• Promotes growth of collagen, increase elastin and increase flow of oxygen to upper skin layer.

It’s very important, especially as one ages, to drink a lot of water.  This isn’t surprising when you realize that over half of our body is water.  Replenish your body with eight glasses a day, drunk at regular intervals.

It is the fashion to drink mineral water but we should be careful not to drink the same mineral water all of the time. One might be high in calcium which can cause kidney stones; another with high sodium can give high blood pressure, etc. So if you are drinking mineral water, alternate the brands.  Even better, drink fresh water from the tap if you can.

Grandma Nature

What wonderful news!  Chocolate is good for you.  It can even help you age healthier.

Yes, it’s true.   Chocolate is full of antioxidants which help in preventing cardiovascular diseases.  However, it is dark chocolate that has the most antioxidants. – The darker the chocolate, the healthier it is.

Chocolate is also known to be an anti-depressant because it emits  chemicals in the brain which make you feel good and happy. If you are feeling down, have a piece of chocolate.  As in everything, it should be eaten in moderation because some consensus is that it is addictive!

Dark chocolate has a bitter taste. Now  chocolate can be found with nuts, of course, but also with raspberries, liquors and even chili and pepper.  The choice is yours.

Chocolate Mousse
For 2 people:
2 ounces dark chocolate
2 large eggs, separated
A few drops of rum (optional)

Put chocolate in a small basin with 1 spoon water. Melt.  Beat egg whites separately until they form stiff peaks.  Add egg yolks to chocolate mixture and rum and mix while heating on low flame. Let cool.  Fold in egg whites.
Chill for 3 hours.
NOTE:  Nowadays it is extremely important to be careful about eating raw eggs. Buy the very freshest eggs and refrigerate immediately.

Grandma Nature

In French there is a term of endearment, « mon petit choux », which literally translated means « my little cabbage ».  Does this come from the fact that cabbage has such a positive effect on our health?

Cabbage may be boiled, stuffed, made into coleslaw or sauerkraut.  It is a powerhouse of vitamins for the cold months, which is the season when cabbage is eaten most often.

• Cabbage is full of vitamin C and folic acid, which maintains the arteries.
• It is an anti-ulcer drug and has antibiotic properties in killing bacteria in the intestines.
• Cabbage juice is very efficient in treating ulcers and today with modern juice makers easy to prepare.
• It is known that cabbage has a substance which lowers the estrogen level which in turn prevents breast cancer in women.

There are various types of cabbage and the cabbage family includes broccoli and cauliflower among others.   If you are at an outdoor market notice the fluffy leaves and various shades of green and purple on some types of cabbages. They are a feast for the eye as are cabbage patches.  Walk by one on a cold autumn day and inhale the earthy scent. It will envigorate you. Cabbages are even sold in flower shops to use as decorative arrangements.

Rainbow Coleslaw
1 red apple cut in pieces
6 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup canned sugarless pineapple-cut in pieces
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 walnuts-in pieces
Mix all together and refrigerate until serving
Contains vitamin A, C, calcium and iron
Enjoy!!!ther healthy vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower.  When you are at an outd

Grandma Nature

Are you practicing safe sex?  Are you using preventive measures to avoid HIV/Aids or other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)?

In the United States it is estimated that almost 20% of all people with HIV/Aids are 50 years of age or older.  Some reasons for this may include:

• Older people tend to be less informed about HIV/Aids than younger people.
• In fact, older generations tend to speak less about sex in general than younger generations.
• Most medical professionals do not usually ask older people about their sex lives or their usage of drugs.
• Although they are increasing, there still are very few programs to educate older people on how to prevent HIV/Aids and how to recognize the symptoms.
• There are more women than men in retirement settings and men have sexual relationships with multiple women. – And few are tested for HIV/Aids.

It is normal to remain sexually active.  It is also essential to keep sexual relations safe.  Find out how you can prevent HIV/Aids and STDs.  –  And practice safe sex!

For more clear basic information: HIV/Aids 101

Why is it that when someone says “sex” our ears perk up, and when someone says “age” we tend to tune out?

Actually sex and age have a lot in common.

• Both are three letter words.
• How you relate to each of them is dependent on your attitude.
• Your attitude toward each depends in great part on the attitude of your environment, what you were raised to believe.
• What you get out of sex and out of age is influenced by what you put into each.
• You control how you live with both your age and with sex.

Having an intimate relationship can improve your health and longevity.  – Just be sure to practice safe sex.

Lavender for Age Esteem

Do you remember the song, “Lavender blue dilly, dilly, lavender green…”?

The lavender plant usually blooms in June-July with the vibrant purple flowers covering fields.  Carpets of lavender blooms highlight areas of Provence in southern France, England and in many other places adding dashes of color to gardens and backyards.

This lovely plant also has a sweet fragrance and calming effect on the nervous system.  Lavender has many uses in treating medical conditions as well as in making cosmetic products and even in food!

Aromatic oils are extracted from the various parts of the plants to use in aromatherapy.  –  A way of healing which utilizes the scent and medicinal properties of the plant. Forms of aromatherapy have existed since the very beginning of civilization.

Lavender essential oil is the most versatile of all the essential oils and is very beneficial for high blood pressure, stress, bronchitis and muscular pains.  These conditions can be treated by soaking in a warm bath of lavender oil or lavender bubble bath, or with a massage using the essential oil.

Lavender is also used in perfume and in beauty products. Even in this way the perfume can be beneficial for medical conditions as well as giving off  a beautiful scent.

Finally, the lavender flower may enhance a delicious crême brulée or even a cake.
So enjoy this aromatic plant and look and feel wonderful at the same time.  It can help to enhance your age-esteem.

Grandma Nature