Sunday, September 27, 2009
Sister of the Month - Sister Kristy Gellersen
I was born and lived in what is now West Valley City until 6th grade. I then moved to Highland until I graduated from High School. Then I moved to Old Farm until I Married Roy. I have lived on 8th East as long as I have been married. I graduated from Westminster as a teacher and later from The College of Phoenix with a Masters Degree in Curriculum Design. My family wasn't active in the church, but while living in Highland the Missionaries worked with me for several years to join the church. It wasn't until they came and taught me about Celestial Marriage and that my family could be with me forever, that I realized that the church is true. I joined the church when I was 18 and was determined to do my best to be a good member. It is now 30 or so years since I became a member. I find the world full of beautiful mysteries that tell me again and again that the church is true. I see it in a new baby, or a sunset. I see God's creation in a little puppy as well as the spectacular mountains that we live by. I have been a 1st grade teacher for many years and I see God's help as I teach children to read. May the Lord be with you in all you do. With Love, Kristy Gellersen
October 2009 Newsletter
October Lessons
October 4 General Conference
October 11 Joseph Smith #39 Relief Society Divine Organization of Women – Teacher Myrna Clark
October 18 Joseph Smith #40 How Glorious Are Faithful, Just, and True Friends – Teacher Ramona Ford
October 25 Teaching for our Times General Conference Talk from April 2009 Elder Gary E. Stevenson, “Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples” – Teacher Judy Paxton
The Lady of the Month
This month we are spotlighting Sister Kristy Gellerson. We want to thank her for giving us her story.
Sister Kristy Gellerson and her husband Roy Gellerson are the parents of a three children; Danny, Heidi and Jeremy (currently serving on a mission in the Oregon Eugene Mission). She is currently serving as the Secretary in the Relief Society.
Ancestor of the Month
This month the Ancestor is Henric Esaiasson Luomajärvi, 4 great-grandfather of Sister Marie Dueman. There is so much so much interesting information that Marie had obtained that it will be divided into several installments.
Scripture Thought
Daily Gems
Purified in the Lord’s True Church
Posted: 17 Sep 2009 12:00 AM
“I bear you my testimony that God the Father lives. He set a course for each of us that can polish and perfect us to be with Him. I testify that the Savior lives. His Atonement makes possible our being purified as we keep His commandments and our sacred covenants. And I know from my own experience that He can and will give us strength to rise through every trial.”
Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity ,” Ensign, May 2009, 27
I sent out a question via email for any thoughts on this scripture and Sister Sandy Levinson responded:
Thought: With every new calling in the church comes a bit of trepidation, at least for me it does. But, rely on the Lord and the blessings you receive when you are set apart and the fears will go away as long as you work at it and listen to the promptings.
I want to thank Sandy for this. If anyone else has any thoughts, please give it to me or send it through email.
Book of the Month
At the last Book of the Month meeting, the club talked about two books;
“Standing in the Rainbow”. This book was about a woman who lived in the 30’s and 40’s and had a small radio station in her home. She would inform the little town about all the news of the neighborhood. She was always kind and friendly to everyone and helped many people over the course of the book.
“Watership Down” In this book the characters were all rabbits.
As was pointed out by Sister Melanie Owens, one of the best aspects of the Book Club is the fellowship and friendship that is felt there.
October Recipe
Here are some fun and nutritious Halloween recipes; including Apple Bites, Carrot Finger Food and Monster Toes. These recipes are delightfully spooky and can be fun to make as a family. They can be found on the blog and on a separate sheet.
Halloween Safety Tips for Kids
Anytime a child has an accident, it's tragic. The last thing that you want to happen is for your child to be hurt on a holiday, it would forever live in the minds of the child and the family.
There are many ways to keep your child safe at Halloween, when they are more prone to accidents and injuries. The excitement of children and adults at this time of year sometimes makes them forget to be careful. Simple common sense can do a lot to stop any tragedies from happening. Tips can be found in the blog and on a separate sheet.
Health Tip
According to WebMD, there are 4 healthy habits that cut disease risk – study shows people who follow 4 habits sharply reduce risk of serious disease. This can be found on the blog and on a separate sheet.
October 4 General Conference
October 11 Joseph Smith #39 Relief Society Divine Organization of Women – Teacher Myrna Clark
October 18 Joseph Smith #40 How Glorious Are Faithful, Just, and True Friends – Teacher Ramona Ford
October 25 Teaching for our Times General Conference Talk from April 2009 Elder Gary E. Stevenson, “Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples” – Teacher Judy Paxton
The Lady of the Month
This month we are spotlighting Sister Kristy Gellerson. We want to thank her for giving us her story.
Sister Kristy Gellerson and her husband Roy Gellerson are the parents of a three children; Danny, Heidi and Jeremy (currently serving on a mission in the Oregon Eugene Mission). She is currently serving as the Secretary in the Relief Society.
Ancestor of the Month
This month the Ancestor is Henric Esaiasson Luomajärvi, 4 great-grandfather of Sister Marie Dueman. There is so much so much interesting information that Marie had obtained that it will be divided into several installments.
Scripture Thought
Daily Gems
Purified in the Lord’s True Church
Posted: 17 Sep 2009 12:00 AM
“I bear you my testimony that God the Father lives. He set a course for each of us that can polish and perfect us to be with Him. I testify that the Savior lives. His Atonement makes possible our being purified as we keep His commandments and our sacred covenants. And I know from my own experience that He can and will give us strength to rise through every trial.”
Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity ,” Ensign, May 2009, 27
I sent out a question via email for any thoughts on this scripture and Sister Sandy Levinson responded:
Thought: With every new calling in the church comes a bit of trepidation, at least for me it does. But, rely on the Lord and the blessings you receive when you are set apart and the fears will go away as long as you work at it and listen to the promptings.
I want to thank Sandy for this. If anyone else has any thoughts, please give it to me or send it through email.
Book of the Month
At the last Book of the Month meeting, the club talked about two books;
“Standing in the Rainbow”. This book was about a woman who lived in the 30’s and 40’s and had a small radio station in her home. She would inform the little town about all the news of the neighborhood. She was always kind and friendly to everyone and helped many people over the course of the book.
“Watership Down” In this book the characters were all rabbits.
As was pointed out by Sister Melanie Owens, one of the best aspects of the Book Club is the fellowship and friendship that is felt there.
October Recipe
Here are some fun and nutritious Halloween recipes; including Apple Bites, Carrot Finger Food and Monster Toes. These recipes are delightfully spooky and can be fun to make as a family. They can be found on the blog and on a separate sheet.
Halloween Safety Tips for Kids
Anytime a child has an accident, it's tragic. The last thing that you want to happen is for your child to be hurt on a holiday, it would forever live in the minds of the child and the family.
There are many ways to keep your child safe at Halloween, when they are more prone to accidents and injuries. The excitement of children and adults at this time of year sometimes makes them forget to be careful. Simple common sense can do a lot to stop any tragedies from happening. Tips can be found in the blog and on a separate sheet.
Health Tip
According to WebMD, there are 4 healthy habits that cut disease risk – study shows people who follow 4 habits sharply reduce risk of serious disease. This can be found on the blog and on a separate sheet.
Ancestor - Sister Marie Dueman's 4-great grandfather
HENRIC ESAIASSON’s GENEALOGY
4 great-grandfather of Sister Marie Dueman
Typhoid and Death Customs
Typhoid knows no boundaries—it hits across many waters! That water-borne disease, typhoid, had drowned and snuffed out the life of Henric Esaiasson Flybacka’s sweetheart. Heavy-hearted, Henric buried his beloved wife, and mother of their children, on Tuesday, 6 Jan 1852, in Leväsjoki, probably beside their little daughter Caisa Vilhelmina, who had died just a little less than ten years prior to this date.
Sisu! Henric had to gather together all of his Finnish sisu to survive life’s sadness. There is a saying, associated with Finns: “…even through a stone wall!” It certainly fits in with the meaning of ‘sisu!’ Here Henric felt heavy with his responsibility of supporting and raising his four children, all by himself!
Funeral customs. In her book, OF SWEDISH WAYS, Lilly Lorenzen wrote about Scandinavian funeral customs. There, funerals were carried out, with deep respect, dignity, and care. Henric probably sent out black-edged funeral invitations to relatives and friends, within about one week of his wife’s death.
To the funeral, men usually wore a white tie and full dress suit. Women were black-frocked, with hats and a heavy veil covering their faces. Sometimes, a pointed double collar, of crisp white, was worn with the black funeral dress. After his wife’s funeral, Henric could have worn a dark suit with black ribbon worn across his lapel, or a wide black band worn around his left sleeve.
Margareta’s deceased body might have been kept at home, until the day of her funeral. There were no undertakers, then! White sheets might have been hung on the house windows. The home’s pathway, which led to the road, might have been strewn with finely-cut spruce twigs.
Henric might have openly shown his deep grief, his heartache. He might have walked, with immediate relatives, up to the edge of the open grave, where his sweetheart Margareta might have been lying in her closed black wooden casket, maybe made of the plenteous birch wood.
Margareta’s death might have especially been heart-wrenching, for her four children, left behind: twelve years’ old Anna Greta Henricsdotter; seven years’ old Catharina; five years’ old Henrik; and the almost-two years’ old Maja Stina.
During this cold December, they might not have dropped small clusters of flowers onto her casket, for most likely the earth would be frozen, solid, with no flowers growing. Evergreen wreaths might have been placed, later to be placed atop the grave mound. Henric and his children probably expressed words of love and affection for Margareta, or maybe they were too numbed, with sadness, and/or cold, to express anything, at all. Not only had Henric lost his wife, but his young children had lost their beloved mother, as well.
Maybe Pastor Johan Granqvist dedicated Margareta’s grave. And, the mourners were not comforted, when the traditional hymn, I GET NEARER DEATH WHEREVER I GO. When Margareta’s coffin was lowered into the earth, the heavy sounds, of three scoops of earth falling, with heavy thuds on the coffin lid, finalized Margareta’s departure from them. Those who die go on, to a much better world; but death is a very difficult time, for the family, and it was especially for this little family, of five. At this time, Henric and Margareta had not been sealed in any Eternal marriage, but only ‘until death do us part.’ This cold finality must have stung Henric’s heart!
After the funeral. Keeping busy, seems the best remedy, for melts death’s sharp edges, just a very little. After Margareta’s funeral, came the funeral feast, where food and ale, and stronger drinks were served. Ever so slowly, there emerged a more light-hearted mood, after several rounds of that ale! There was usually feasting, into the next day, or longer. Guests brought food for the table, like the potluck dinners, which my family has often shared and enjoyed together.
Although it does not seem possible, after losing loved ones, life did go on, for Henric. Blessings balance out the sadness, in life. Luckily, for him, his twelve years old oldest daughter, Anna Greta Henricsdotter, was now old enough, to tend her younger siblings, who were Catharina, Henrik; and Maja Stina. Not only was Anna Greta their older sister, but she was also now thrust into the role of early motherhood, for her younger sisters and brother. She not only had to do that, but also run the farm, as well! How many twelve year olds could do that, nowadays?!
Henric’s little family all carefully tended Margareta’s grave, with potted plants or fresh flowers, maybe with fresh flowers in a vase, during Spring and Summertime, trying to keep Margareta’s memory alive.
4 great-grandfather of Sister Marie Dueman
Typhoid and Death Customs
Typhoid knows no boundaries—it hits across many waters! That water-borne disease, typhoid, had drowned and snuffed out the life of Henric Esaiasson Flybacka’s sweetheart. Heavy-hearted, Henric buried his beloved wife, and mother of their children, on Tuesday, 6 Jan 1852, in Leväsjoki, probably beside their little daughter Caisa Vilhelmina, who had died just a little less than ten years prior to this date.
Sisu! Henric had to gather together all of his Finnish sisu to survive life’s sadness. There is a saying, associated with Finns: “…even through a stone wall!” It certainly fits in with the meaning of ‘sisu!’ Here Henric felt heavy with his responsibility of supporting and raising his four children, all by himself!
Funeral customs. In her book, OF SWEDISH WAYS, Lilly Lorenzen wrote about Scandinavian funeral customs. There, funerals were carried out, with deep respect, dignity, and care. Henric probably sent out black-edged funeral invitations to relatives and friends, within about one week of his wife’s death.
To the funeral, men usually wore a white tie and full dress suit. Women were black-frocked, with hats and a heavy veil covering their faces. Sometimes, a pointed double collar, of crisp white, was worn with the black funeral dress. After his wife’s funeral, Henric could have worn a dark suit with black ribbon worn across his lapel, or a wide black band worn around his left sleeve.
Margareta’s deceased body might have been kept at home, until the day of her funeral. There were no undertakers, then! White sheets might have been hung on the house windows. The home’s pathway, which led to the road, might have been strewn with finely-cut spruce twigs.
Henric might have openly shown his deep grief, his heartache. He might have walked, with immediate relatives, up to the edge of the open grave, where his sweetheart Margareta might have been lying in her closed black wooden casket, maybe made of the plenteous birch wood.
Margareta’s death might have especially been heart-wrenching, for her four children, left behind: twelve years’ old Anna Greta Henricsdotter; seven years’ old Catharina; five years’ old Henrik; and the almost-two years’ old Maja Stina.
During this cold December, they might not have dropped small clusters of flowers onto her casket, for most likely the earth would be frozen, solid, with no flowers growing. Evergreen wreaths might have been placed, later to be placed atop the grave mound. Henric and his children probably expressed words of love and affection for Margareta, or maybe they were too numbed, with sadness, and/or cold, to express anything, at all. Not only had Henric lost his wife, but his young children had lost their beloved mother, as well.
Maybe Pastor Johan Granqvist dedicated Margareta’s grave. And, the mourners were not comforted, when the traditional hymn, I GET NEARER DEATH WHEREVER I GO. When Margareta’s coffin was lowered into the earth, the heavy sounds, of three scoops of earth falling, with heavy thuds on the coffin lid, finalized Margareta’s departure from them. Those who die go on, to a much better world; but death is a very difficult time, for the family, and it was especially for this little family, of five. At this time, Henric and Margareta had not been sealed in any Eternal marriage, but only ‘until death do us part.’ This cold finality must have stung Henric’s heart!
After the funeral. Keeping busy, seems the best remedy, for melts death’s sharp edges, just a very little. After Margareta’s funeral, came the funeral feast, where food and ale, and stronger drinks were served. Ever so slowly, there emerged a more light-hearted mood, after several rounds of that ale! There was usually feasting, into the next day, or longer. Guests brought food for the table, like the potluck dinners, which my family has often shared and enjoyed together.
Although it does not seem possible, after losing loved ones, life did go on, for Henric. Blessings balance out the sadness, in life. Luckily, for him, his twelve years old oldest daughter, Anna Greta Henricsdotter, was now old enough, to tend her younger siblings, who were Catharina, Henrik; and Maja Stina. Not only was Anna Greta their older sister, but she was also now thrust into the role of early motherhood, for her younger sisters and brother. She not only had to do that, but also run the farm, as well! How many twelve year olds could do that, nowadays?!
Henric’s little family all carefully tended Margareta’s grave, with potted plants or fresh flowers, maybe with fresh flowers in a vase, during Spring and Summertime, trying to keep Margareta’s memory alive.
October 2009 Visiting Teaching Message
“Nurture the Rising Generation,” Ensign, Oct 2009, 69
Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
D&C 123:11: “It is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation.”
What Is My Responsibility to the Rising Generation?
Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Reserved by the Lord for this time, [the rising generation] must now be preserved … and prepared for their special moment in human history! They have been held back to come forth at this time, but now they need to be pushed forward to meet their rendezvous. …
“Youth are not unlike prospective converts. There are those critical moments when their souls begin to tilt—toward the Lord or away from Him. These moments of decision cannot always be created, but when they occur, they must not be wasted. More often than not, these moments will occur in quiet and reverent conversation with parents, grandparents, a bishop, an adult leader, or a righteous peer” (“Unto the Rising Generation,” Ensign, Apr. 1985, 8, 10).
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy: “Our rising generation is worthy of our best efforts to support and strengthen them in their journey to adulthood. … In every action we take, in every place we go, with every Latter-day Saint young person we meet, we need to have an increased awareness of the need for strengthening, nurturing, and being an influence for good in their lives” (“Our Rising Generation,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2006, 47).
How Can I Nurture the Rising Generation?
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008): “Never forget that these little ones are the sons and daughters of God and that yours is a custodial relationship to them, that He was a parent before you were parents and that He has not relinquished His parental rights or interest in these His little ones. … Rear your children in love, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Take care of your little ones. Welcome them into your homes, and nurture and love them with all of your hearts. They may do, in the years that come, some things you would not want them to do, but be patient, be patient. You have not failed as long as you have tried” (“Words of the Living Prophet,” Liahona, May 1998, 26–27; “Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, July 1997, 73).
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “To nurture means to cultivate, care for, and make grow. … Nurturing requires organization, patience, love, and work. Helping growth occur through nurturing is truly a powerful and influential role bestowed on women” (“Mothers Who Know,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 76, 77).
Barbara Thompson, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency: “As Relief Society sisters we can help one another to strengthen families. We are given opportunities to serve in many capacities. We constantly come in contact with children and youth who may need just what we can offer. You older sisters have much good advice and experience to share with younger mothers. Sometimes a Young Women leader or a Primary teacher says or does just the thing that is needed to reinforce what a parent is trying to teach. And obviously we don’t need any particular calling to reach out to a friend or neighbor” (“I Will Strengthen Thee; I Will Help Thee,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 117).
Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
D&C 123:11: “It is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation.”
What Is My Responsibility to the Rising Generation?
Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Reserved by the Lord for this time, [the rising generation] must now be preserved … and prepared for their special moment in human history! They have been held back to come forth at this time, but now they need to be pushed forward to meet their rendezvous. …
“Youth are not unlike prospective converts. There are those critical moments when their souls begin to tilt—toward the Lord or away from Him. These moments of decision cannot always be created, but when they occur, they must not be wasted. More often than not, these moments will occur in quiet and reverent conversation with parents, grandparents, a bishop, an adult leader, or a righteous peer” (“Unto the Rising Generation,” Ensign, Apr. 1985, 8, 10).
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy: “Our rising generation is worthy of our best efforts to support and strengthen them in their journey to adulthood. … In every action we take, in every place we go, with every Latter-day Saint young person we meet, we need to have an increased awareness of the need for strengthening, nurturing, and being an influence for good in their lives” (“Our Rising Generation,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2006, 47).
How Can I Nurture the Rising Generation?
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008): “Never forget that these little ones are the sons and daughters of God and that yours is a custodial relationship to them, that He was a parent before you were parents and that He has not relinquished His parental rights or interest in these His little ones. … Rear your children in love, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Take care of your little ones. Welcome them into your homes, and nurture and love them with all of your hearts. They may do, in the years that come, some things you would not want them to do, but be patient, be patient. You have not failed as long as you have tried” (“Words of the Living Prophet,” Liahona, May 1998, 26–27; “Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, July 1997, 73).
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “To nurture means to cultivate, care for, and make grow. … Nurturing requires organization, patience, love, and work. Helping growth occur through nurturing is truly a powerful and influential role bestowed on women” (“Mothers Who Know,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 76, 77).
Barbara Thompson, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency: “As Relief Society sisters we can help one another to strengthen families. We are given opportunities to serve in many capacities. We constantly come in contact with children and youth who may need just what we can offer. You older sisters have much good advice and experience to share with younger mothers. Sometimes a Young Women leader or a Primary teacher says or does just the thing that is needed to reinforce what a parent is trying to teach. And obviously we don’t need any particular calling to reach out to a friend or neighbor” (“I Will Strengthen Thee; I Will Help Thee,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 117).
4 Healthy Habits That Cut Disease Risk
Study Shows People Who Follow 4 Habits Sharply Reduce Risk of Serious Disease
By Kelli Miller Stacy
WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Aug. 10, 2009 -- Don't smoke. Get off the sofa and take a walk. Stay away from the junk food. Watch your waistline.
You may have heard the advice before. But did you know that if you follow all four of these healthy habits together, you could decrease your chances of developing some of the most common and deadly chronic diseases by nearly 80%?
Researchers reporting in this month's Archives of Internal Medicine analyzed the health, lifestyles, and diet of 23,513 German adults 35 to 65 years old, starting in the mid-1990s. The study showed that those who had more healthy habits were much less likely to get diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease .
The analysis included a detailed look at each person's body weight and height , disease background, food frequency, and how well they followed these four healthy lifestyle habits over the eight-year study period:
• Never smoked
• Exercised at least 3.5 hours per week
• Maintained a body mass index (BMI) under 30
• Followed a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads, and limited in meats
Most of the people in the study had at least one healthy habit; only 9% said they followed all four.
After adjusting for risk factors that might influence the development of disease, the researchers learned that those who followed all four healthy habits had a 78% lower risk of developing a chronic condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer compared to those who reported none of the healthy habits.
Specifically, in the study, all four of the healthy habits combined were linked to a:
• 93% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
• 81% lower risk of heart attack
• 50% lower risk of stroke
• 36% lower risk of cancer
Researchers say it's important to adopt and teach healthy habits early in life. Their findings "reinforce current public health recommendations to avoid smoking, to maintain a healthy weight, to engage in physical activity appropriately and to eat adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables and foods containing whole grains and to partake of red meat prudently," study author Earl S. Ford, MD, MPH, of the CDC, and colleagues write.
The following habits may help you lower your risk of developing chronic diseases. They are listed in order of largest to smallest impact on disease risk, as determined by the recent study.
1. Maintain a healthy weight. Your body mass index should be lower than 30.
2. Never smoke. (But if you already do, you should quit.)
3. Get at least 3.5 hours of exercise every week.
4. Follow a healthy diet. Ask your doctor for recommendations.
By Kelli Miller Stacy
WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Aug. 10, 2009 -- Don't smoke. Get off the sofa and take a walk. Stay away from the junk food. Watch your waistline.
You may have heard the advice before. But did you know that if you follow all four of these healthy habits together, you could decrease your chances of developing some of the most common and deadly chronic diseases by nearly 80%?
Researchers reporting in this month's Archives of Internal Medicine analyzed the health, lifestyles, and diet of 23,513 German adults 35 to 65 years old, starting in the mid-1990s. The study showed that those who had more healthy habits were much less likely to get diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease .
The analysis included a detailed look at each person's body weight and height , disease background, food frequency, and how well they followed these four healthy lifestyle habits over the eight-year study period:
• Never smoked
• Exercised at least 3.5 hours per week
• Maintained a body mass index (BMI) under 30
• Followed a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads, and limited in meats
Most of the people in the study had at least one healthy habit; only 9% said they followed all four.
After adjusting for risk factors that might influence the development of disease, the researchers learned that those who followed all four healthy habits had a 78% lower risk of developing a chronic condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer compared to those who reported none of the healthy habits.
Specifically, in the study, all four of the healthy habits combined were linked to a:
• 93% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
• 81% lower risk of heart attack
• 50% lower risk of stroke
• 36% lower risk of cancer
Researchers say it's important to adopt and teach healthy habits early in life. Their findings "reinforce current public health recommendations to avoid smoking, to maintain a healthy weight, to engage in physical activity appropriately and to eat adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables and foods containing whole grains and to partake of red meat prudently," study author Earl S. Ford, MD, MPH, of the CDC, and colleagues write.
The following habits may help you lower your risk of developing chronic diseases. They are listed in order of largest to smallest impact on disease risk, as determined by the recent study.
1. Maintain a healthy weight. Your body mass index should be lower than 30.
2. Never smoke. (But if you already do, you should quit.)
3. Get at least 3.5 hours of exercise every week.
4. Follow a healthy diet. Ask your doctor for recommendations.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS
Help your child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make it fire proof, the eye holes should be large enough for good side vision. Wear flame retardant costumes. Make sure your Halloween costume is colorfast so the color doesn't run onto your other clothes if it rains. Try on costumes before Halloween to allow time for altering. Apply reflective tape to your Halloween costumes. Avoid cumbersome masks. Use make-up instead. Make-up should be hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Wear comfortable, practical shoes. Double tie your shoelaces so you don't trip. Keep your costume and wig away from candles. If you set jack-o-lanterns on your porch with candles in them, make sure that they are far enough out of the way so that kids costumes won't accidentally be set on fire. Better yet, use flashlights inside the jack-o-lanterns instead.
Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on. Don't carry fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories that look authentic. Make sure they're flexible and cannot harm anyone.
Kids always want to help with the pumpkin carving. Small children shouldn't be allowed to use a sharp knife to cut the top or the face. There are many kits available that come with tiny saws that work better then knives and are safer, although you can be cut by them as well. It's best to let the kids clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it, which you can carve for them. Another alternative is painting the pumpkin instead of carving. This has an added advantage of allowing the Jack-o-lantern to last longer and, if you plan on cooking the pumpkin after, it isn’t dried out.
Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them.
Trick-or-Treating Tips:
Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark. Take along money for a phone call. Wear identification that's easy to read. Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult. Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight. Plan your route ahead of time. Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks. Walk. No running. Don't trample through flower beds and gardens. Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods. Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses. Don't enter any houses unless you know the people. Carry a spare Halloween bag -- in case yours breaks or you fill your original one. Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals. Don't cut across yards and stay out of back yards. Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk. Always watch for cars backing up or turning. Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire. Never accept rides from strangers. Respect other people and their property. Be polite and say "thank you." Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering under bright lights. Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade. Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may choke on.
Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.
Practicing practical safety measures will help insure a fun Holiday. Consider having a party instead of Trick or Treating.
Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on. Don't carry fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories that look authentic. Make sure they're flexible and cannot harm anyone.
Kids always want to help with the pumpkin carving. Small children shouldn't be allowed to use a sharp knife to cut the top or the face. There are many kits available that come with tiny saws that work better then knives and are safer, although you can be cut by them as well. It's best to let the kids clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it, which you can carve for them. Another alternative is painting the pumpkin instead of carving. This has an added advantage of allowing the Jack-o-lantern to last longer and, if you plan on cooking the pumpkin after, it isn’t dried out.
Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them.
Trick-or-Treating Tips:
Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark. Take along money for a phone call. Wear identification that's easy to read. Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult. Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight. Plan your route ahead of time. Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks. Walk. No running. Don't trample through flower beds and gardens. Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods. Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses. Don't enter any houses unless you know the people. Carry a spare Halloween bag -- in case yours breaks or you fill your original one. Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals. Don't cut across yards and stay out of back yards. Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk. Always watch for cars backing up or turning. Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire. Never accept rides from strangers. Respect other people and their property. Be polite and say "thank you." Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering under bright lights. Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade. Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may choke on.
Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.
Practicing practical safety measures will help insure a fun Holiday. Consider having a party instead of Trick or Treating.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Fun Halloween Treats
Carrot-Finger Food
Hungry goblins will love getting their hands on these crunchy carrot snacks.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
vegetable dip
4 long carrots
1 medium carrot
softened cream cheese
sliced-almond
baby carrots
1.To prepare them, just fill a serving bowl with your favorite vegetable dip. Wash and peel 4 long carrots for fingers and 1 medium carrot for a thumb.
2. With a paring knife (a parent's job), cut a flat, shallow notch in the tip of each carrot. Then use a dab of dip or softened cream cheese to glue a sliced-almond fingernail atop each notch.
3. Stick the fingers in the dip, as shown, and serve with plenty of peeled baby carrots for dipping.
Monster Toes
Try This Ghoulish Treat From FamilyFun
Kids will love the gross-out factor of this tasty finger food. Parents will love the fact that it is candy-free. Try some for a party or pre-trick-or-treating dinner.
Recipe Ingredients:
Cocktail wieners 6-inch tortillas
Ketchup or mustard Toothpicks
Directions
1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut a wedge into the end of each cocktail wiener to make a toenail.
2. Cut the tortillas into strips about 4 inches long and 3/4 inch wide. Discard the ends.
3. Soften the strips in the microwave between damp paper towels for 10 to 30 seconds.
4. Roll each wiener in a tortilla strip and secure with a toothpick.
5. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove them from the oven, then fill the toenail with ketchup or mustard. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Apple Bites
These toothsome treats are a fun and healthy break from Halloween sweets.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
Apples
Slivered almonds
1. Just quarter and core an apple, cut a wedge from the skin side of each quarter, then press slivered almonds in place for teeth.
2. Tip: If you're not going to serve them right away, baste the apples with orange juice to keep them from browning.
Skeleton and Brain Dip
Prep Time: 15 min Total Time: 15 min
Makes: 8 servings
What You Need!
1/2 leaf lettuce leaf
1 cup KRAFT Ranch Dressing
4 cups assorted cut-up fresh vegetables (red and yellow bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, snow peas, mushroom slices, celery sticks, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets)
Make It!
LINE half of small bowl with lettuce for the skeleton's hair; fill with dressing. Place at one end of large tray or baking sheet for the skeleton's head.
ARRANGE vegetables on tray to resemble skeleton's body.
Kraft Kitchens Tips
Substitute
Prepare using KRAFT Light Ranch Dressing.
Family Fun
Try this fun way to get kids excited about eating their vegetables.
Hungry goblins will love getting their hands on these crunchy carrot snacks.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
vegetable dip
4 long carrots
1 medium carrot
softened cream cheese
sliced-almond
baby carrots
1.To prepare them, just fill a serving bowl with your favorite vegetable dip. Wash and peel 4 long carrots for fingers and 1 medium carrot for a thumb.
2. With a paring knife (a parent's job), cut a flat, shallow notch in the tip of each carrot. Then use a dab of dip or softened cream cheese to glue a sliced-almond fingernail atop each notch.
3. Stick the fingers in the dip, as shown, and serve with plenty of peeled baby carrots for dipping.
Monster Toes
Try This Ghoulish Treat From FamilyFun
Kids will love the gross-out factor of this tasty finger food. Parents will love the fact that it is candy-free. Try some for a party or pre-trick-or-treating dinner.
Recipe Ingredients:
Cocktail wieners 6-inch tortillas
Ketchup or mustard Toothpicks
Directions
1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut a wedge into the end of each cocktail wiener to make a toenail.
2. Cut the tortillas into strips about 4 inches long and 3/4 inch wide. Discard the ends.
3. Soften the strips in the microwave between damp paper towels for 10 to 30 seconds.
4. Roll each wiener in a tortilla strip and secure with a toothpick.
5. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove them from the oven, then fill the toenail with ketchup or mustard. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Apple Bites
These toothsome treats are a fun and healthy break from Halloween sweets.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
Apples
Slivered almonds
1. Just quarter and core an apple, cut a wedge from the skin side of each quarter, then press slivered almonds in place for teeth.
2. Tip: If you're not going to serve them right away, baste the apples with orange juice to keep them from browning.
Skeleton and Brain Dip
Prep Time: 15 min Total Time: 15 min
Makes: 8 servings
What You Need!
1/2 leaf lettuce leaf
1 cup KRAFT Ranch Dressing
4 cups assorted cut-up fresh vegetables (red and yellow bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, snow peas, mushroom slices, celery sticks, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets)
Make It!
LINE half of small bowl with lettuce for the skeleton's hair; fill with dressing. Place at one end of large tray or baking sheet for the skeleton's head.
ARRANGE vegetables on tray to resemble skeleton's body.
Kraft Kitchens Tips
Substitute
Prepare using KRAFT Light Ranch Dressing.
Family Fun
Try this fun way to get kids excited about eating their vegetables.
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