Blog Assignment #10: Final Blog Post

I was pretty confused at first on how to use the blog, but once the writing started I automatically took off. I knew how to compose new blogs but I did struggle to add people onto the list. It was nice to read everyones repsonses to my blogs and to comment on theirs as well. I really liked how you can make it your own. A lot of teachers give you a rubric of what they expect on homework assignments or papers, but this blog didn't have a certain set up. You got to choose what you wanted to say. I am going to be completely honest, but I do not think I will continue this blog in the future unless it is for another class. Although, I am glad that I have access to this site because there are some healthy blogs outside of the class that I would like to "follow" and I do know of a few friends who use blogger on their down time. Because of having access to this site I can now comment on my friends' who have blogger.

Blog Assignment #9: Herbals, Botanicals and Supps

I decided to research the herbal supplement Echinacea. Echinacea is commonly used for the reduction of the duration of colds, to boost the immune system, and to heal wounds. Some negative effects can be GI symptoms including nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Also, Allergic reactions (especially people allergic to the daisy/aster family). Echinacea is popularly believed to be an immunostimulator, stimulating the body's non-specific immune system and warding off infections and also being used as a laxative. Muscle and joint pain has been associated with Echinacea, but it may have been caused by cold or flu symptoms for which the Echinacea products were administered. Applying Echinacea to the skin can cause redness, itchiness, or a rash. Taking Echinacea and applying a medicated cream to the skin seems to lower the recurrence rate of yeast infections. Traditionally echinacea was used for the treatment of snake bites and reportedly to reduce the spread of venom. In inflammation caused by a viral or a bacterial infection, echinacea has been shown to reduce the swelling in some cases.

Work Cited:

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09370.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinacea

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-981-ECHINACEA.aspx?activeIngredientId=981&activeIngredientName=ECHINACEA

http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/health-is-echinacea-the-wonder-herb-its-claimed-to-be-29341/

Blog Assignment #8: Drive-Thru Nutrition

I decided to research three different fast food restaurants with the highest and lowest possible caloric food items. I chose In N Out, McDonalds and Carls Jr. Here are my findings:

For In N Out the healthiest item was a Hamburger with onions and protein style

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
240	17g	11g	13g

The Unhealthiest item was a double double with onions

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
670	41g	39g	37g

For McDonalds the healthiest item on that entire menu was a small side salad

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
20	0g	4g	1g

The unhealthiest item was the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
1,090	56g	111g	36g

For Carls Jr., the healthiest item was a Garden Side Salad

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
120	5g	13g	4g

The unhealthiest item was the Amazing Grilled Cheese Bacon Burger

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
1,110	82g	38g	59g

For each food item I took the lowest calories and subtracted it by the highest because I thought that was the easiest way to find the difference in each item. McDonalds had the largest difference between all of the drive-thrus. Not only have I learned that some drive-thrus somewhat support a healthier option, they just don't give you much to choose from. Nobody wants to order a salad at the most popular fast food chain. If you are willing to go to a drive thru, I did learn that every website has all the information you need in order to reach your goals (or not) and "pick" what you put in your body.

Blog Assignment #7: Marriage Experts

This is my mom Nancy and my dad Forrest during their wedding day on November 17th, 1979 :)

I decided to interview my parents who have been married for 32 years. My parents had stated that they had dealt with financial challenges because they are trying to live life to its fullest and sometimes that lifestyle goes beyond their financial ability. They learned to slow down and budget. Another challenge has been raising a family, and making sure that we are brought up with good morals. They want to become interested in our success as we become adults. Sometimes children make decisions they don’t agree with so they attempt to convince us that what they want us to do is probably the best advice from them. Some new challenges for my dad are adjusting to retirement, as my mom is also getting close to retirement, yet they have a house payment, car payments and as they age there is more concern about health and well being. Some advice they gave was to listen to each other, communicate, and understand that everybody has their own idiosyncrasies and be willing to adjust to your loved ones oddities. Also, allow time for yourselves and your own personal interests. What helped them be successful is that they love each other; they are enjoying taking care of each other, having common interests, and communicating well.

Blog Assignment #6: Kids Off Drugs

Chances are I will have kids one day. I have always had an interest in children, preferably babies through the toddler years. I am a middle child, I have an older sister and a younger brother. Growing up my parents both had full time jobs so my older sister would take care of my brother and I. There is quite the gap between us so its almost like my brother has 3 moms. We are 8 years apart from each other. No matter what question my brother had he would always ask us with out hesitation. As he got older he got a little more shy than usual. Hormones started appearing and an attitude escalated. He is 15 going on 20. He is almost too mature for his age. So, with in the past year my parents and I (cause I still live at home, oops sorry mom) noticed some changes in him and the friends he was hanging out with. Then we started getting calls from the local Police department to give us the "Hi Mrs. Phillips we have your son here..." call. Long story short, he was smoking marijuana. My jaw dropped when I found out, I thought, "No way!" I mean, he's ONLY 15 years old. I didnt even know what marijuana was when I was 15. All in all, we had to sit him down and talk to him that this is not the life style in which he should be leading towards. He plays on a travel hockey team and we (I say we because I try to be involved as much as I can) had to tell him that if this doesnt stop, then there is no more hockey. Thats when the tears started rolling. All he wants to do is play hockey, it is his passion. He practices even when there is no practice. Our garage floor has turned into a puck handling workshop. So moral of the blog is to keep your children busy, at all times. We're a very athletic family and we always have been. Sure we've all "experimented" here and there, but I think that if your child has something to look forward too, something to have to work towards that they enjoy then I believe that putting them in athletics will keep teens off drugs. It teaches children responsibility, self esteem, team work, etc. Also, keep them educated. Talk to them, don't be their "friend". Theres nothing more I cant stand when you see those parents who provide the alcohol at that 16th birthday party. I think it's extremely important that you educate them early in life and keep close attention. Even being an older sibling (like my self) you can take notes of these tips also. http://www.ismykidsmokingpot.com/

Blog Assignment #5: Stress Reduction

About 2 years ago I started doing Yoga to get back some flexibility I had lost after quitting gymnastics. Not only did I gain more flexibility but also a more tranquil set of mind. For any stress related event I have always chosen yoga. I started out with DVDs that I could do in my room and moved on to attending classes after joining a gym when I gained more confidence in my poses. Everytime I do yoga I always feel better physically because it is a good stretch when I have sore muscles. I also feel better emotionally becuase each pose that I try to do I challenge myself everytime and I focus on how I can be better. Yoga mentally clears my mind. Its the only stress reduction technique where I leave everything out the door and only focus on what I am doing in the moment. Sometimes I struggle to not think about my daily activities or plan for the week, but each time I practive yoga it slowly slips away which means I'm doing something right. My goal in yoga is to be able to identify each pose and the names of them.