“Seek Education and Lifelong Learning,” Ensign, Aug 2009, 61
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.
Why Should I Continually Seek Spiritual and Secular Education?
D&C 93:36–37: “The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one.”
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “The Lord has told us that our time should ‘be devoted to the studying of the scriptures’ (D&C 26:1) and that ‘the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given … for [our] instruction’ (D&C 33:16). Every woman can be a gospel doctrine instructor in her home, and every sister in the Church needs gospel knowledge as a leader and teacher. If you have not already developed the habit of daily scripture study, start now and keep studying in order to be prepared for your responsibilities in this life and in the eternities” (“My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 107–8).
President Thomas S. Monson: “Beyond our study of spiritual matters, secular learning is also essential. … I urge you to pursue your education—if you are not already doing so or have not done so—that you might be prepared to provide if circumstances necessitate such.
“Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life” (“Three Goals to Guide You,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 119).
How Can I Be a Lifelong Learner?
President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency: “We will have to make some hard choices of how we use our time. … But remember, you are interested in education, not just for mortal life but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly with spiritual sight, you will put spiritual learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. …
“… And since what we will need to know is hard to discern, we need the help of heaven to know which of the myriad things we could study we would most wisely learn. It also means that we cannot waste time entertaining ourselves when we have the chance to read or to listen to whatever will help us learn what is true and useful. Insatiable curiosity will be our hallmark” (“Education for Real Life,” Ensign, Oct. 2002, 18, 19).
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “A few of the basic attributes needed to become a lifelong learner are courage, faithful desire, humility, patience, curiosity, and a willingness to communicate and share the knowledge that we gain. …
“My dear sisters, don’t ever sell yourself short as a woman or as a mother. … Do not let the world define, denigrate, or limit your feelings of lifelong learning and the values of motherhood in the home—both here mortally and in the eternal learning and benefits you give to your children and to your companion.
“Lifelong learning is essential to the vitality of the human mind, body, and soul. It enhances self-worth and self-actuation. Lifelong learning is invigorating mentally and is a great defense against aging, depression, and self-doubt” (“The Journey of Lifelong Learning,” in Brigham Young University 2008–2009 Speeches [2009], 2, 8–9)
Springview Relief Society Newsletter
▼
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
August 2009 Newsletter
My Sister – My Friend
Springview Relief Society
August 2009
August Lessons
August 2 RS Presidency/Group Leadership Teacher Linda Owen
August 9 Joseph Smith #35 Redemption for the Dead Teacher Ramona Ford
August 16 Joseph Smith #36 Receiving the Ordinances and Blessings of the Temple – Teacher Judy Paxton
August 23 Teaching for our Times General Conference Talk from April 2009 Elder L. Tom Perry, “Bring Souls unto Me” Teacher Myrna Clark
August 30 Bishopric Instruction
The Lady of the Month
This month we are spotlighting Sister Ellen Clift. We want to thank her for giving us her story.
Ancestor of the Month
This month, to encourage interest in our ancestry, I thought we could spotlight parts of some of their lives. The ancestor this month is the Great Great Great Grandmother of Ellen Clift. Her name is Betsey Foote.
Scripture Thought
Instead of a scripture quote, I thought a daily Gem that I have started receiving might be nice.
"Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others."
Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It, Ensign", Nov. 2008, 27
If anyone has any thoughts or comments on this thought, or any scriptures, please send them my way.
August Recipe
I first heard about manifold cooking in the 70’s when I bought a book ‘Roughing it Easy’ by Dion Thomas. As I thought this would be neat for our August Recipes since a lot of people go on vacations or camping during this month. It’s very nice when you are driving on a vacation, especially when driving to a camping spot, to arrive with a meal that’s already cooked. I checked on the internet and, according to ‘WiseBread,’ Car engine cooking will change the way you take road trips, forever. Tips about manifold cooking on the Blog.
Another recipe idea is for picky eaters
Missy Chase Lapine, author of "The Sneaky Chef," adds Purple Puree, made from spinach and blueberries, to kids' favorite foods. Missy's Purple Puree gives recipes a boost of iron, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Missy suggests sneaking Purple Puree into beef tacos, hamburgers, cupcakes, and even brownies.
Purple Puree RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
3 cups (packed) raw baby spinach leaves
1 1/2 cups fresh or unsweetened frozen blueberries (slightly thawed)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 to 4 tablespoons water
1. Boil the spinach in a medium-size pot for 2 minutes, then drain.
2. Using a food processor, puree the spinach, blueberries, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of water. If necessary, add more water, a tablespoon at a time, blending until smooth. Makes 2 cups.
The brownie recipe mentioned above that uses this is on the blog.
Summer Health Tips
One of the problems that comes up every year is the West Nile Virus. Some information is on the Blog.
Health Tip
According to WebMD:
Blueberries May Banish Belly Fat
A new study shows rats who ate a diet rich in blueberries lost abdominal fat -- the kind of fat linked to heart disease and diabetes -- as well as experienced other health benefits.
Springview Relief Society
August 2009
August Lessons
August 2 RS Presidency/Group Leadership Teacher Linda Owen
August 9 Joseph Smith #35 Redemption for the Dead Teacher Ramona Ford
August 16 Joseph Smith #36 Receiving the Ordinances and Blessings of the Temple – Teacher Judy Paxton
August 23 Teaching for our Times General Conference Talk from April 2009 Elder L. Tom Perry, “Bring Souls unto Me” Teacher Myrna Clark
August 30 Bishopric Instruction
The Lady of the Month
This month we are spotlighting Sister Ellen Clift. We want to thank her for giving us her story.
Ancestor of the Month
This month, to encourage interest in our ancestry, I thought we could spotlight parts of some of their lives. The ancestor this month is the Great Great Great Grandmother of Ellen Clift. Her name is Betsey Foote.
Scripture Thought
Instead of a scripture quote, I thought a daily Gem that I have started receiving might be nice.
"Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others."
Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It, Ensign", Nov. 2008, 27
If anyone has any thoughts or comments on this thought, or any scriptures, please send them my way.
August Recipe
I first heard about manifold cooking in the 70’s when I bought a book ‘Roughing it Easy’ by Dion Thomas. As I thought this would be neat for our August Recipes since a lot of people go on vacations or camping during this month. It’s very nice when you are driving on a vacation, especially when driving to a camping spot, to arrive with a meal that’s already cooked. I checked on the internet and, according to ‘WiseBread,’ Car engine cooking will change the way you take road trips, forever. Tips about manifold cooking on the Blog.
Another recipe idea is for picky eaters
Missy Chase Lapine, author of "The Sneaky Chef," adds Purple Puree, made from spinach and blueberries, to kids' favorite foods. Missy's Purple Puree gives recipes a boost of iron, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Missy suggests sneaking Purple Puree into beef tacos, hamburgers, cupcakes, and even brownies.
Purple Puree RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
3 cups (packed) raw baby spinach leaves
1 1/2 cups fresh or unsweetened frozen blueberries (slightly thawed)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 to 4 tablespoons water
1. Boil the spinach in a medium-size pot for 2 minutes, then drain.
2. Using a food processor, puree the spinach, blueberries, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of water. If necessary, add more water, a tablespoon at a time, blending until smooth. Makes 2 cups.
The brownie recipe mentioned above that uses this is on the blog.
Summer Health Tips
One of the problems that comes up every year is the West Nile Virus. Some information is on the Blog.
Health Tip
According to WebMD:
Blueberries May Banish Belly Fat
A new study shows rats who ate a diet rich in blueberries lost abdominal fat -- the kind of fat linked to heart disease and diabetes -- as well as experienced other health benefits.
Sister of the month - Ellen Clift
Ellen Clift was born in Salt Lake City. She was named after her Mother, Grandmother and Great great grandmother. All of her family lines go back to the pioneers. She was the second of five children. The winter she was born had record breaking snow fall. She was born in early December in the middle of a snowstorm, so her Grandmother often called her Snowflake on her birthday. The ground was white with the same snow in March. After her Parents divorce, her Mother bought a home in Bountiful from Carolyn Mickelsen’ s in laws. Ellen served a mission in Lansing Michigan . She left right after they divided the Indiana -Michigan Mission . She was the first missionary to fly to Lansing She attended Utah State University and now works for the Third district court in Salt Lake. She enjoys concerts, plays and spending time with her family. She enjoy shopping for bargains and frequently picks up things for others. She scrapbooking and enjoy taking pictures of her nieces and nephews. When Utah had 11 temples she visited them all in one year Ellen has lived on Claybourne Ave 26 years.
Ellen Clift's Great Great Great Grandmother Betsey Foote
I, Betsey Foote, am the second child in a family of twelve children. Born of goodly parents in the day and age our country was young. Father, David Foote, was born in the town of Harwinton, Litchfield, Conn., on 17 May 1768. Father was the fourth son of Ebenezer Foote and Rebecca Barker. His father was a soldier in the army of the Revolutionary War and died at Mud Fort, Horse Neck, Conn. At the age of 39. Father being 9 when his father died, went to live with his uncle Johnathon Barker in the New Lebanon the state of New York, until he grew to manhood. He then went to Broome County, New York, on the Susquehanna River. This country was new. He worked mostly at cutting logs and rafting down the Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers. Father became acquainted with motherIrene Lane, daughter of Nathan Lane and Dorcas Muscroft. Mother was born 2 Nov. 1774 in Chesterfield, Mass. Nathan Lane and his family were among the first to settle Broom Co., and he built the first grist mill and soon after he build a sawmill. Mills were of great importance in that day. My parents were married in 1791 Broome Co., New York, and settled on a small piece of land which grandfather Nathan Lane gave them.
On the 23rd of April 1792 the first child of David and Irene was born, whom they named Laura. On 8 February 1794, I Betsey Foote, was born making the second child. My sister Nancy made the third child born 19 May 1797. My parents sold their home & land and in company with Ebenezer Clauson who married father’s sister Lowly, emigrated to Dryden, Tompkins Co., NY, 60 miles from Windsor. This country was entirely new, being covered with dense forest, through which they had to cut their way. Here they took up some land and cleared it off and after a great deal of hard work got it under cultivation. The fourth daughter Melinda was born 21 Feb 1800 in Dryden, as all the rest of the children. On 20 June 1803 the fifth daughter was born named Irene. Dorcas was born 9 Jan 1806 and three months later she died. About this time father sold his possessions and bought 50 acres of land, three quarters of a mile east of where Dryden village is now. Here father went to work again and cleared up a farm and set an orchard out.
An Elder of the Methodist Episcopal Church came into the country and preached. My parents became converted and joined the Methodists. The minister’s name was Ballard. He raised up a large church in that vicinity and father was appointed class leader of the same.
Some time after this there came a man by the name of John Taylor and settled in Dryden. He was a doctor by profession also some kind of a reformed preacher. He contended somewhat for the gifts of the gospel as enjoyed by the ancient saints.
This kind of doctrine caused quite a disturbance in the Methodist Church – many of whom believed in Taylor’s preaching and were subsequently cut off from the Methodists, my parents untied with it. It flourished for a season, but at last dwindled away. Frlom this time forth father did not unite with any church. He did not believe in any of the creeds and tenets of men, but contended according to the best of his understanding. Father did have a vision or a dream, by which it was shown to him that the tru church of Christ would soon be established on the earth. About this time there were many reformers, who came out of various denominations. WE all went to hear those who came into that region of the country, but rejected them all. Father began to drift towards Universalism who believed that all mankind will eventually be saved.
On 25 Feb. 1808 the seventh daughter was born into our family, named Elmira. On 16 June 1810 the eighth daughter was born named Clarissa Tyler Foote. Then the most importance of experiences came into my life, and on the 15th of March 1812, I was married to Thomas Clement. Thomas was born 1 April 1792 in Brant Lake, Warren Co., New York. We lived in Dryden, where all my ten children were born. Father was also a happy man this year for his first son was born 24 Aug 1812 whom they named David.
My first child was born 12 Dec 1813, Marilla Clement. Mother and I had our children every other year as she had three more sons born and I had two more daughters. Nancy my second daughter, born 31 Oct. 1815, and Lousia 22 Nov. 1817. My three brothers were George, Warren and Harrison. My sister just younger than I, Nancy, died leaving three children.
In the winter of 1820 and 1830 by some means John Taylor (here-to-fore mentioned) obtained one of the books, called the “Golden Bible” and father did borrow the book of Taylor. Father read the book through and said it was a true record, but knew nother of the purpose for which it was revedaled, as no person belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-saints came that way.
Father moved his family from Dryden to Greenwood, Steuben Co., NY. His family was mother and two daughters and two sons. All the rest of the children being married. During these past few years I had several more children, Gilbert born 19 Feb. 1820 my first son, and fourth child, a son Alvah born 19 Dec. 1822, daughter Sarah Loretta 13 Mar. 1824, and daughter Laura Elisabeth 23 April 1838, a son Darius Salem 24 Nov 1834.
During this year of 1834 father jointed the Church of Jesus Christ but not mother. He became a traveling missionary and he did come back to Dryden to see me and my husband and the rest of his friends and to preach the gospel. I and Thomas received a testimony and were baptized the year of 1835. We were the only one who recdeived a testimony. Father took a trip to Kirtland and visted the Prophet Joseph Smith and looked through the Temple in Kirkland and viewing the mummies and examining the records that were found with them.
In the year of 1837 my daughter Mary Irene Clement was born 23 July. The next year was a sad one for I lost my oldest daughter Marilla 24 year old and my third daughter Louisa 20 years old. March 24, 1842 my last child Thomas Alma was born. This was the last child because my beloved husband Thomas died in a month later.
Mother and father moved to Nauvoo in 1840. Mother did not yet join the church as she had always heard so much bad about the church and believed it. But came to Nauvoo, when he was 72 yeard old, because she loved her husband. Father had a patriarchal blessing that mother would some day join the Church.
On 13 May 1844 I arrived in Nauvoo from Dryden with six of my children, much to father’s surprise. My husband had died two years previous and I did continue to be steadfast in the faith. The children who came with me are Nancy, Albert, Elizabeth, Darius, Mary Irene and Thomas Alma. These six children are all I had living except Loretta, who married and could not come. Three children had died.
Father and mother were very sick with the fever in 1845 and father prayed his wife would not die before she joined the church and that he would have all the sickness be upon himself. This was so, for on 24 Aug father died and was buried in Nauvoo and mother lived and was soon baptized and she died the next year, 7 months later and was laid beside her husband.
In the spring of 1846, with my family, I left the state of Illinois to journey in the wilderness with the LDS. I came to Council Bluffs in the company of my brother-in-law, Isaac Ferguson and family and stopped with them for the winter at a place called pigeon Creek. In the later part of the summer I took the ague and fever and continued very feeble. My son, Albert’s, health was also very poor having the ague and fever for almost six months. He had recovered so as to work some of the forepart of Oct. but the last of six month. He had recovered so as to work some of the forepart of Oct. but the last of the month he took a violent cold which settled in his lungs and brought on consumption. My brother Warren and his wife came for a visit the 1st of Nov. and found Albert very low. He told his uncle that he did not want to live any longer in this world and desired to depart. He died 2 Nov. like the dropping into a sweet slumber and was buried on a hill near Pigeon Creek, at the age of 26 years 8 months. The next day 3 Nov I was taken seriously ill and complaind of a weakness between my shoulders and raised some b lood. I was satisfied with life and did not want to live any longer. The 8th of Nov I said I would not live until night. At noon I got worse and fell asleep. My days were full of trouble and affliction, and the Lord granted my desire to be at rest. I was 52 years 9 months and was the fourth grave on the hill near Pigion Creek near Kanesville and Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa.
On the 23rd of April 1792 the first child of David and Irene was born, whom they named Laura. On 8 February 1794, I Betsey Foote, was born making the second child. My sister Nancy made the third child born 19 May 1797. My parents sold their home & land and in company with Ebenezer Clauson who married father’s sister Lowly, emigrated to Dryden, Tompkins Co., NY, 60 miles from Windsor. This country was entirely new, being covered with dense forest, through which they had to cut their way. Here they took up some land and cleared it off and after a great deal of hard work got it under cultivation. The fourth daughter Melinda was born 21 Feb 1800 in Dryden, as all the rest of the children. On 20 June 1803 the fifth daughter was born named Irene. Dorcas was born 9 Jan 1806 and three months later she died. About this time father sold his possessions and bought 50 acres of land, three quarters of a mile east of where Dryden village is now. Here father went to work again and cleared up a farm and set an orchard out.
An Elder of the Methodist Episcopal Church came into the country and preached. My parents became converted and joined the Methodists. The minister’s name was Ballard. He raised up a large church in that vicinity and father was appointed class leader of the same.
Some time after this there came a man by the name of John Taylor and settled in Dryden. He was a doctor by profession also some kind of a reformed preacher. He contended somewhat for the gifts of the gospel as enjoyed by the ancient saints.
This kind of doctrine caused quite a disturbance in the Methodist Church – many of whom believed in Taylor’s preaching and were subsequently cut off from the Methodists, my parents untied with it. It flourished for a season, but at last dwindled away. Frlom this time forth father did not unite with any church. He did not believe in any of the creeds and tenets of men, but contended according to the best of his understanding. Father did have a vision or a dream, by which it was shown to him that the tru church of Christ would soon be established on the earth. About this time there were many reformers, who came out of various denominations. WE all went to hear those who came into that region of the country, but rejected them all. Father began to drift towards Universalism who believed that all mankind will eventually be saved.
On 25 Feb. 1808 the seventh daughter was born into our family, named Elmira. On 16 June 1810 the eighth daughter was born named Clarissa Tyler Foote. Then the most importance of experiences came into my life, and on the 15th of March 1812, I was married to Thomas Clement. Thomas was born 1 April 1792 in Brant Lake, Warren Co., New York. We lived in Dryden, where all my ten children were born. Father was also a happy man this year for his first son was born 24 Aug 1812 whom they named David.
My first child was born 12 Dec 1813, Marilla Clement. Mother and I had our children every other year as she had three more sons born and I had two more daughters. Nancy my second daughter, born 31 Oct. 1815, and Lousia 22 Nov. 1817. My three brothers were George, Warren and Harrison. My sister just younger than I, Nancy, died leaving three children.
In the winter of 1820 and 1830 by some means John Taylor (here-to-fore mentioned) obtained one of the books, called the “Golden Bible” and father did borrow the book of Taylor. Father read the book through and said it was a true record, but knew nother of the purpose for which it was revedaled, as no person belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-saints came that way.
Father moved his family from Dryden to Greenwood, Steuben Co., NY. His family was mother and two daughters and two sons. All the rest of the children being married. During these past few years I had several more children, Gilbert born 19 Feb. 1820 my first son, and fourth child, a son Alvah born 19 Dec. 1822, daughter Sarah Loretta 13 Mar. 1824, and daughter Laura Elisabeth 23 April 1838, a son Darius Salem 24 Nov 1834.
During this year of 1834 father jointed the Church of Jesus Christ but not mother. He became a traveling missionary and he did come back to Dryden to see me and my husband and the rest of his friends and to preach the gospel. I and Thomas received a testimony and were baptized the year of 1835. We were the only one who recdeived a testimony. Father took a trip to Kirtland and visted the Prophet Joseph Smith and looked through the Temple in Kirkland and viewing the mummies and examining the records that were found with them.
In the year of 1837 my daughter Mary Irene Clement was born 23 July. The next year was a sad one for I lost my oldest daughter Marilla 24 year old and my third daughter Louisa 20 years old. March 24, 1842 my last child Thomas Alma was born. This was the last child because my beloved husband Thomas died in a month later.
Mother and father moved to Nauvoo in 1840. Mother did not yet join the church as she had always heard so much bad about the church and believed it. But came to Nauvoo, when he was 72 yeard old, because she loved her husband. Father had a patriarchal blessing that mother would some day join the Church.
On 13 May 1844 I arrived in Nauvoo from Dryden with six of my children, much to father’s surprise. My husband had died two years previous and I did continue to be steadfast in the faith. The children who came with me are Nancy, Albert, Elizabeth, Darius, Mary Irene and Thomas Alma. These six children are all I had living except Loretta, who married and could not come. Three children had died.
Father and mother were very sick with the fever in 1845 and father prayed his wife would not die before she joined the church and that he would have all the sickness be upon himself. This was so, for on 24 Aug father died and was buried in Nauvoo and mother lived and was soon baptized and she died the next year, 7 months later and was laid beside her husband.
In the spring of 1846, with my family, I left the state of Illinois to journey in the wilderness with the LDS. I came to Council Bluffs in the company of my brother-in-law, Isaac Ferguson and family and stopped with them for the winter at a place called pigeon Creek. In the later part of the summer I took the ague and fever and continued very feeble. My son, Albert’s, health was also very poor having the ague and fever for almost six months. He had recovered so as to work some of the forepart of Oct. but the last of six month. He had recovered so as to work some of the forepart of Oct. but the last of the month he took a violent cold which settled in his lungs and brought on consumption. My brother Warren and his wife came for a visit the 1st of Nov. and found Albert very low. He told his uncle that he did not want to live any longer in this world and desired to depart. He died 2 Nov. like the dropping into a sweet slumber and was buried on a hill near Pigeon Creek, at the age of 26 years 8 months. The next day 3 Nov I was taken seriously ill and complaind of a weakness between my shoulders and raised some b lood. I was satisfied with life and did not want to live any longer. The 8th of Nov I said I would not live until night. At noon I got worse and fell asleep. My days were full of trouble and affliction, and the Lord granted my desire to be at rest. I was 52 years 9 months and was the fourth grave on the hill near Pigion Creek near Kanesville and Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa.
Healthy Brownies
Brownies could never truly be called health food. But Purple Puree, developed by "The Sneaky Chef" author Missy Chase Lapine, gives them a little less fat and a bit more nutrition. For more tales of kitchen sneakiness, click here. RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter
8 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 cup sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
4 eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup Purple Puree
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1. Heat the oven to 350°. Lightly butter a 9- by 9-inch cake pan and dust it with flour. Melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave at half power, then whisk until smooth.
2. Combine the sugars in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs. Using a hand mixer, beat the ingredients on medium-high until well blended. Add the vanilla extract, the cooled chocolate, and the Purple Puree; mix on medium just until evenly blended.
3. Sift the flour and salt into a medium-size bowl, then stir them into the chocolate mixture until no streaks of flour remain. Stir in the nuts. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spoon.
4. Bake the brownies in the center of the oven until they rise and the top has a thin, brittle crust, about 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to let the brownies cool. Makes 16 brownies.
1/2 cup butter
8 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 cup sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
4 eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup Purple Puree
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1. Heat the oven to 350°. Lightly butter a 9- by 9-inch cake pan and dust it with flour. Melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave at half power, then whisk until smooth.
2. Combine the sugars in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs. Using a hand mixer, beat the ingredients on medium-high until well blended. Add the vanilla extract, the cooled chocolate, and the Purple Puree; mix on medium just until evenly blended.
3. Sift the flour and salt into a medium-size bowl, then stir them into the chocolate mixture until no streaks of flour remain. Stir in the nuts. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spoon.
4. Bake the brownies in the center of the oven until they rise and the top has a thin, brittle crust, about 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to let the brownies cool. Makes 16 brownies.
Cooking while traveling
Cooking great meals with your car engine. The heat is on.
How cool, I remember thinking. But as I couldn't drive at the time, I forgot all about it. Until last week. For some reason, sitting in my car at a red light smelling the grilling chicken of a nearby Chipotle reminded me of that story. And now I'm pleased and proud to present you with Car Engine Cooking, brought to you by the one and only source I could find on the subject...a wonderful book called Manifold Destiny. MANIFOLD DESTINY - The One! The Only! Guide to Cooking on Your Car Engine!
The basics - remember, it's not an exact science.
Chris and Bill advise that although car engines are all different, the principles are the same. So, how do you find the best places on your car engine to place your chicken, your veggies or your succulent piece of rainbow trout? Well, it all comes down to...your finger.
Get your car up to operating speed, or better yet take it for a drive around the block for five minutes, and then bring it back to the garage and lift the hood. Now, finger at the ready, you start quickly touching various parts of the engine (nothing plastic...that will never get hot enough to cook anything). And by quickly touching, it's the kind of swift stab that means your finger feels the heat but you don't give yourself a third degree burn. (If you're feeling really wussy, try an infrared thermometer). Usually, the hottest part of the engine will be the exhaust manifold. On older cars, the top of the engine block will be a good, sizzling place.
You're not just looking for the hottest parts of the engine. Like any kind of cooking, different foods require different temperatures. A very hot part of the engine will be great for thick meat, a cooler part good for veggies or fish. Or, if you're traveling many hundreds of miles, you may want to use the cooler part to slow-cook your meat. Mmmm. As always, this is trial and error.
NEVER let the food interfere with the engine's moving parts
We want a great meal here, not a wrecked engine. And who would want to explain to the local mechanic why there's a piece of rump roast stuck in the timing belt? Always choose places that are static, and ensure they are not going to move. The boys have put together this handy list of things to avoid.
Car engine cooking no-nos...
1 - Give the accelerator linkage a WIDE berth. It connects the gas pedal to carburetor or fuel-injection system and regulates the flow of fuel to the cylinders. Jam this and either your car won't start, or worse, it won't stop!
2 - Don't block the airflow. You'll suffocate the engine.
3 - Avoid yanking wires. Or pulling wires. Or forcing a food-package to fit. Basic rule of thumb...if you have to force it, you shouldn't put it in.
4 - Place food with the engine OFF. Seems like an obvious rule, but if you don't want a nasty injury, follow this advice.
5 - Avoid foods with lots of liquid. Foil-wrapping a meal with lots of liquid could results in unwanted goop all over your engine. And that's not good for it.
Also, from ‘Instructables.com’ some step by step instructions
Step 1- Gather Some Ingredients
This was mostly improvised [but here are some examples]
+Baked Chicken and Herbs (chicken breast, flour, your choice of herbs - I used mostly basil)
+Italian Chicken (chicken breast marinated in zesty Italian salad dressing cooked with pepper and onion)
+Red and Green Peppers and mushroom Noodles (used noodles from a ramen package, added a little EVOO, and cooked in vegetable stock)
+Baked Potato Pieces (salted with a little cooking oil)
+Baked Apples (sliced in half with a pat of butter and scoop of brown sugar)
Step 2 - Prepare
Layout each item on foil sheets large enough to wrap. The chicken breasts will be cooked in rectangular like packets to expose as much surface as possible. We want a cup like shape for veggies and noodles.
Step 3 - Sealing
Everything should be wrapped in a few layers of foil. Not so much to protect the food from anything, but really to protect the car from spillage. The noodles require a little extra care. As we're adding fluid (veggie stock), we need to make out 'cup' with a sealable opening. However you feel is best is the way to go here ;)
On the note of toxic gasses (I'm asked this all the time)
If your car is emitting gasses (say exhaust or coolant steam) from under the hood, you have a problem and you should probably have that looked at. A maintained car does not do this which is why I'm not concerned with doing this.
Step 4 - Placement
Placing your food is very important... As every car and engine configuration is different, you'll need to use some common sense… Potato and Chicken will require the most heat so they should be placed on or near the exhaust manifold. Apples should be placed near something hot (I put it on the top radiator hose). The noodles can be placed on top of the valve cover (if possible) as they can take lower heat for longer times and still cook properly.
Step 5- Cook Time
I was driving 200 miles, so I had to plan accordingly. I drove 100 miles (speed was around 70-80mph) and nearly overcooked the chicken. But at that rest stop I had 1 chicken and it was delicious. When I came to a stop, the smell of the chicken and herbs surrounded the car. And at the horror of onlookers, I proceeded to eat from my engine bay. After the 100 miles, the chicken was well browned -- I think 60 miles would have done the trick. At this time, the noodles were done, and were moved to a slightly cooler area. The potato package was still raw as I had placed it in an area too cool to cook properly.
Step 6 - Other Suggestions
Shrimp is VERY easy to cook and gives of a wonderful aroma. Only 20-30 miles on surface roads is needed -- but modify for extended periods stuck in traffic.
On my next long trip, I'd live to make a rack to support a pork roast or even a rack of ribs to cook slowly.
This type of cooking requires some practice and experimentation. But what's better than pulling up to a gas station and pulling out some chicken wings from under the hood while you fuel up?.
How cool, I remember thinking. But as I couldn't drive at the time, I forgot all about it. Until last week. For some reason, sitting in my car at a red light smelling the grilling chicken of a nearby Chipotle reminded me of that story. And now I'm pleased and proud to present you with Car Engine Cooking, brought to you by the one and only source I could find on the subject...a wonderful book called Manifold Destiny. MANIFOLD DESTINY - The One! The Only! Guide to Cooking on Your Car Engine!
The basics - remember, it's not an exact science.
Chris and Bill advise that although car engines are all different, the principles are the same. So, how do you find the best places on your car engine to place your chicken, your veggies or your succulent piece of rainbow trout? Well, it all comes down to...your finger.
Get your car up to operating speed, or better yet take it for a drive around the block for five minutes, and then bring it back to the garage and lift the hood. Now, finger at the ready, you start quickly touching various parts of the engine (nothing plastic...that will never get hot enough to cook anything). And by quickly touching, it's the kind of swift stab that means your finger feels the heat but you don't give yourself a third degree burn. (If you're feeling really wussy, try an infrared thermometer). Usually, the hottest part of the engine will be the exhaust manifold. On older cars, the top of the engine block will be a good, sizzling place.
You're not just looking for the hottest parts of the engine. Like any kind of cooking, different foods require different temperatures. A very hot part of the engine will be great for thick meat, a cooler part good for veggies or fish. Or, if you're traveling many hundreds of miles, you may want to use the cooler part to slow-cook your meat. Mmmm. As always, this is trial and error.
NEVER let the food interfere with the engine's moving parts
We want a great meal here, not a wrecked engine. And who would want to explain to the local mechanic why there's a piece of rump roast stuck in the timing belt? Always choose places that are static, and ensure they are not going to move. The boys have put together this handy list of things to avoid.
Car engine cooking no-nos...
1 - Give the accelerator linkage a WIDE berth. It connects the gas pedal to carburetor or fuel-injection system and regulates the flow of fuel to the cylinders. Jam this and either your car won't start, or worse, it won't stop!
2 - Don't block the airflow. You'll suffocate the engine.
3 - Avoid yanking wires. Or pulling wires. Or forcing a food-package to fit. Basic rule of thumb...if you have to force it, you shouldn't put it in.
4 - Place food with the engine OFF. Seems like an obvious rule, but if you don't want a nasty injury, follow this advice.
5 - Avoid foods with lots of liquid. Foil-wrapping a meal with lots of liquid could results in unwanted goop all over your engine. And that's not good for it.
Also, from ‘Instructables.com’ some step by step instructions
Step 1- Gather Some Ingredients
This was mostly improvised [but here are some examples]
+Baked Chicken and Herbs (chicken breast, flour, your choice of herbs - I used mostly basil)
+Italian Chicken (chicken breast marinated in zesty Italian salad dressing cooked with pepper and onion)
+Red and Green Peppers and mushroom Noodles (used noodles from a ramen package, added a little EVOO, and cooked in vegetable stock)
+Baked Potato Pieces (salted with a little cooking oil)
+Baked Apples (sliced in half with a pat of butter and scoop of brown sugar)
Step 2 - Prepare
Layout each item on foil sheets large enough to wrap. The chicken breasts will be cooked in rectangular like packets to expose as much surface as possible. We want a cup like shape for veggies and noodles.
Step 3 - Sealing
Everything should be wrapped in a few layers of foil. Not so much to protect the food from anything, but really to protect the car from spillage. The noodles require a little extra care. As we're adding fluid (veggie stock), we need to make out 'cup' with a sealable opening. However you feel is best is the way to go here ;)
On the note of toxic gasses (I'm asked this all the time)
If your car is emitting gasses (say exhaust or coolant steam) from under the hood, you have a problem and you should probably have that looked at. A maintained car does not do this which is why I'm not concerned with doing this.
Step 4 - Placement
Placing your food is very important... As every car and engine configuration is different, you'll need to use some common sense… Potato and Chicken will require the most heat so they should be placed on or near the exhaust manifold. Apples should be placed near something hot (I put it on the top radiator hose). The noodles can be placed on top of the valve cover (if possible) as they can take lower heat for longer times and still cook properly.
Step 5- Cook Time
I was driving 200 miles, so I had to plan accordingly. I drove 100 miles (speed was around 70-80mph) and nearly overcooked the chicken. But at that rest stop I had 1 chicken and it was delicious. When I came to a stop, the smell of the chicken and herbs surrounded the car. And at the horror of onlookers, I proceeded to eat from my engine bay. After the 100 miles, the chicken was well browned -- I think 60 miles would have done the trick. At this time, the noodles were done, and were moved to a slightly cooler area. The potato package was still raw as I had placed it in an area too cool to cook properly.
Step 6 - Other Suggestions
Shrimp is VERY easy to cook and gives of a wonderful aroma. Only 20-30 miles on surface roads is needed -- but modify for extended periods stuck in traffic.
On my next long trip, I'd live to make a rack to support a pork roast or even a rack of ribs to cook slowly.
This type of cooking requires some practice and experimentation. But what's better than pulling up to a gas station and pulling out some chicken wings from under the hood while you fuel up?.
Cooking while traveling
Cooking great meals with your car engine. The heat is on.
How cool, I remember thinking. But as I couldn't drive at the time, I forgot all about it. Until last week. For some reason, sitting in my car at a red light smelling the grilling chicken of a nearby Chipotle reminded me of that story. And now I'm pleased and proud to present you with Car Engine Cooking, brought to you by the one and only source I could find on the subject...a wonderful book called Manifold Destiny. MANIFOLD DESTINY - The One! The Only! Guide to Cooking on Your Car Engine!
The basics - remember, it's not an exact science.
Chris and Bill advise that although car engines are all different, the principles are the same. So, how do you find the best places on your car engine to place your chicken, your veggies or your succulent piece of rainbow trout? Well, it all comes down to...your finger.
Get your car up to operating speed, or better yet take it for a drive around the block for five minutes, and then bring it back to the garage and lift the hood. Now, finger at the ready, you start quickly touching various parts of the engine (nothing plastic...that will never get hot enough to cook anything). And by quickly touching, it's the kind of swift stab that means your finger feels the heat but you don't give yourself a third degree burn. (If you're feeling really wussy, try an infrared thermometer). Usually, the hottest part of the engine will be the exhaust manifold. On older cars, the top of the engine block will be a good, sizzling place.
You're not just looking for the hottest parts of the engine. Like any kind of cooking, different foods require different temperatures. A very hot part of the engine will be great for thick meat, a cooler part good for veggies or fish. Or, if you're traveling many hundreds of miles, you may want to use the cooler part to slow-cook your meat. Mmmm. As always, this is trial and error.
NEVER let the food interfere with the engine's moving parts
We want a great meal here, not a wrecked engine. And who would want to explain to the local mechanic why there's a piece of rump roast stuck in the timing belt? Always choose places that are static, and ensure they are not going to move. The boys have put together this handy list of things to avoid.
Car engine cooking no-nos...
1 - Give the accelerator linkage a WIDE berth. It connects the gas pedal to carburetor or fuel-injection system and regulates the flow of fuel to the cylinders. Jam this and either your car won't start, or worse, it won't stop!
2 - Don't block the airflow. You'll suffocate the engine.
3 - Avoid yanking wires. Or pulling wires. Or forcing a food-package to fit. Basic rule of thumb...if you have to force it, you shouldn't put it in.
4 - Place food with the engine OFF. Seems like an obvious rule, but if you don't want a nasty injury, follow this advice.
5 - Avoid foods with lots of liquid. Foil-wrapping a meal with lots of liquid could results in unwanted goop all over your engine. And that's not good for it.
Also, from ‘Instructables.com’ some step by step instructions
Step 1- Gather Some Ingredients
This was mostly improvised [but here are some examples]
+Baked Chicken and Herbs (chicken breast, flour, your choice of herbs - I used mostly basil)
+Italian Chicken (chicken breast marinated in zesty Italian salad dressing cooked with pepper and onion)
+Red and Green Peppers and mushroom Noodles (used noodles from a ramen package, added a little EVOO, and cooked in vegetable stock)
+Baked Potato Pieces (salted with a little cooking oil)
+Baked Apples (sliced in half with a pat of butter and scoop of brown sugar)
Step 2 - Prepare
Layout each item on foil sheets large enough to wrap. The chicken breasts will be cooked in rectangular like packets to expose as much surface as possible. We want a cup like shape for veggies and noodles.
Step 3 - Sealing
Everything should be wrapped in a few layers of foil. Not so much to protect the food from anything, but really to protect the car from spillage. The noodles require a little extra care. As we're adding fluid (veggie stock), we need to make out 'cup' with a sealable opening. However you feel is best is the way to go here ;)
On the note of toxic gasses (I'm asked this all the time)
If your car is emitting gasses (say exhaust or coolant steam) from under the hood, you have a problem and you should probably have that looked at. A maintained car does not do this which is why I'm not concerned with doing this.
Step 4 - Placement
Placing your food is very important... As every car and engine configuration is different, you'll need to use some common sense… Potato and Chicken will require the most heat so they should be placed on or near the exhaust manifold. Apples should be placed near something hot (I put it on the top radiator hose). The noodles can be placed on top of the valve cover (if possible) as they can take lower heat for longer times and still cook properly.
Step 5- Cook Time
I was driving 200 miles, so I had to plan accordingly. I drove 100 miles (speed was around 70-80mph) and nearly overcooked the chicken. But at that rest stop I had 1 chicken and it was delicious. When I came to a stop, the smell of the chicken and herbs surrounded the car. And at the horror of onlookers, I proceeded to eat from my engine bay. After the 100 miles, the chicken was well browned -- I think 60 miles would have done the trick. At this time, the noodles were done, and were moved to a slightly cooler area. The potato package was still raw as I had placed it in an area too cool to cook properly.
Step 6 - Other Suggestions
Shrimp is VERY easy to cook and gives of a wonderful aroma. Only 20-30 miles on surface roads is needed -- but modify for extended periods stuck in traffic.
On my next long trip, I'd live to make a rack to support a pork roast or even a rack of ribs to cook slowly.
This type of cooking requires some practice and experimentation. But what's better than pulling up to a gas station and pulling out some chicken wings from under the hood while you fuel up?.
How cool, I remember thinking. But as I couldn't drive at the time, I forgot all about it. Until last week. For some reason, sitting in my car at a red light smelling the grilling chicken of a nearby Chipotle reminded me of that story. And now I'm pleased and proud to present you with Car Engine Cooking, brought to you by the one and only source I could find on the subject...a wonderful book called Manifold Destiny. MANIFOLD DESTINY - The One! The Only! Guide to Cooking on Your Car Engine!
The basics - remember, it's not an exact science.
Chris and Bill advise that although car engines are all different, the principles are the same. So, how do you find the best places on your car engine to place your chicken, your veggies or your succulent piece of rainbow trout? Well, it all comes down to...your finger.
Get your car up to operating speed, or better yet take it for a drive around the block for five minutes, and then bring it back to the garage and lift the hood. Now, finger at the ready, you start quickly touching various parts of the engine (nothing plastic...that will never get hot enough to cook anything). And by quickly touching, it's the kind of swift stab that means your finger feels the heat but you don't give yourself a third degree burn. (If you're feeling really wussy, try an infrared thermometer). Usually, the hottest part of the engine will be the exhaust manifold. On older cars, the top of the engine block will be a good, sizzling place.
You're not just looking for the hottest parts of the engine. Like any kind of cooking, different foods require different temperatures. A very hot part of the engine will be great for thick meat, a cooler part good for veggies or fish. Or, if you're traveling many hundreds of miles, you may want to use the cooler part to slow-cook your meat. Mmmm. As always, this is trial and error.
NEVER let the food interfere with the engine's moving parts
We want a great meal here, not a wrecked engine. And who would want to explain to the local mechanic why there's a piece of rump roast stuck in the timing belt? Always choose places that are static, and ensure they are not going to move. The boys have put together this handy list of things to avoid.
Car engine cooking no-nos...
1 - Give the accelerator linkage a WIDE berth. It connects the gas pedal to carburetor or fuel-injection system and regulates the flow of fuel to the cylinders. Jam this and either your car won't start, or worse, it won't stop!
2 - Don't block the airflow. You'll suffocate the engine.
3 - Avoid yanking wires. Or pulling wires. Or forcing a food-package to fit. Basic rule of thumb...if you have to force it, you shouldn't put it in.
4 - Place food with the engine OFF. Seems like an obvious rule, but if you don't want a nasty injury, follow this advice.
5 - Avoid foods with lots of liquid. Foil-wrapping a meal with lots of liquid could results in unwanted goop all over your engine. And that's not good for it.
Also, from ‘Instructables.com’ some step by step instructions
Step 1- Gather Some Ingredients
This was mostly improvised [but here are some examples]
+Baked Chicken and Herbs (chicken breast, flour, your choice of herbs - I used mostly basil)
+Italian Chicken (chicken breast marinated in zesty Italian salad dressing cooked with pepper and onion)
+Red and Green Peppers and mushroom Noodles (used noodles from a ramen package, added a little EVOO, and cooked in vegetable stock)
+Baked Potato Pieces (salted with a little cooking oil)
+Baked Apples (sliced in half with a pat of butter and scoop of brown sugar)
Step 2 - Prepare
Layout each item on foil sheets large enough to wrap. The chicken breasts will be cooked in rectangular like packets to expose as much surface as possible. We want a cup like shape for veggies and noodles.
Step 3 - Sealing
Everything should be wrapped in a few layers of foil. Not so much to protect the food from anything, but really to protect the car from spillage. The noodles require a little extra care. As we're adding fluid (veggie stock), we need to make out 'cup' with a sealable opening. However you feel is best is the way to go here ;)
On the note of toxic gasses (I'm asked this all the time)
If your car is emitting gasses (say exhaust or coolant steam) from under the hood, you have a problem and you should probably have that looked at. A maintained car does not do this which is why I'm not concerned with doing this.
Step 4 - Placement
Placing your food is very important... As every car and engine configuration is different, you'll need to use some common sense… Potato and Chicken will require the most heat so they should be placed on or near the exhaust manifold. Apples should be placed near something hot (I put it on the top radiator hose). The noodles can be placed on top of the valve cover (if possible) as they can take lower heat for longer times and still cook properly.
Step 5- Cook Time
I was driving 200 miles, so I had to plan accordingly. I drove 100 miles (speed was around 70-80mph) and nearly overcooked the chicken. But at that rest stop I had 1 chicken and it was delicious. When I came to a stop, the smell of the chicken and herbs surrounded the car. And at the horror of onlookers, I proceeded to eat from my engine bay. After the 100 miles, the chicken was well browned -- I think 60 miles would have done the trick. At this time, the noodles were done, and were moved to a slightly cooler area. The potato package was still raw as I had placed it in an area too cool to cook properly.
Step 6 - Other Suggestions
Shrimp is VERY easy to cook and gives of a wonderful aroma. Only 20-30 miles on surface roads is needed -- but modify for extended periods stuck in traffic.
On my next long trip, I'd live to make a rack to support a pork roast or even a rack of ribs to cook slowly.
This type of cooking requires some practice and experimentation. But what's better than pulling up to a gas station and pulling out some chicken wings from under the hood while you fuel up?.
Information on the West Nile Virus from the CDC
From the Center for Disease Control
From the Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Disease
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus: What You Need To Know
CDC Fact Sheet
What Is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. This fact sheet contains important information that can help you recognize and prevent West Nile virus.
What Can I Do to Prevent WNV?
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
What Are the Symptoms of WNV?
• Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
• Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.
• No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
How Does West Nile Virus Spread?
• Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.
• Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby.
• Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.
How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?
People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.
How Is WNV Infection Treated?
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own, although even healthy people have become sick for several weeks. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.
What Should I Do if I Think I Have WNV?
Milder WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not necessarily need to seek medical attention for this infection though they may choose to do so. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV.
What Is the Risk of Getting Sick from WNV?
People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.
Being outside means you're at risk. The more time you're outdoors, the more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot of time outside, either working or playing.
Risk through medical procedures is very low. All donated blood is checked for WNV before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor.
Pregnancy and nursing do not increase risk of becoming infected with WNV. The risk that WNV may present to a fetus or an infant infected through breastmilk is still being evaluated. Talk with your care provider if you have concerns.
What Is the CDC Doing About WNV?
CDC is working with state and local health departments, the Food and Drug Administration and other government agencies, as well as private industry, to prepare for and prevent new cases of WNV.
Some things CDC is doing include:
• Coordinating a nation-wide electronic database where states share information about WNV
• Helping states develop and carry out improved mosquito prevention and control programs
• Developing better, faster tests to detect and diagnose WNV
• Creating new education tools and programs for the media, the public, and health professionals
• Opening new testing laboratories for WNV
• Working with partners on the development of vaccines
What Else Should I Know?
If you find a dead bird: Don't handle the body with your bare hands. Contact your local health department for instructions on reporting and disposing of the body. They may tell you to dispose of the bird after they log your report.
For more information call the CDC public response hotline
at (888) 246-2675 (English), (888) 246-2857 (Español), or (866) 874-2646 (TTY)
Questions and Answers
Prevention
Q. What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus?
A. Here are preventive measures that you and your family can take:
Protect yourself from mosquito bites:
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Generally, the the more active ingredient a repellent contains the longer it can protect you from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of active ingredient in a repellent does not mean that your protection is better—just that it will last longer. Click here for more on insect repellent active ingredients. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors.
o Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
o Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.
o For detailed information about using repellents, see the Insect Repellent Use and Safety questions.
• Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to exposed skin. Do not apply repellent to skin under your clothing.
• When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
• Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.
• Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.
• Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play, by draining sources of standing water. In this way, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
• At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
• Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
• Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water.
• Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.
Note: Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites.
Kids can learn how to protect themselves from mosquito bites on "The Buzz-z-z-z on West Nile Virus" (on BAM!, the CDC site for kids).
Q. What can be done to prevent outbreaks of West Nile virus?
A. Prevention and control of West Nile virus and other arboviral diseases is most effectively accomplished through integrated vector management programs. These programs should include surveillance for West Nile virus activity in mosquito vectors, birds, horses, other animals, and humans, and implementation of appropriate mosquito control measures to reduce mosquito populations when necessary. Additionally, when virus activity is detected in an area, residents should be alerted and advised to increase measures to reduce contact with mosquitoes. Details about effective prevention and control of West Nile virus can be found in CDC's Guidelines for Surveillance, Prevention, and Control (286 KB, 111 pages).
Q. Is there a vaccine against West Nile encephalitis?
A. No, but several groups are working towards developing a vaccine.
Q. Where can I get information about the use of pesticide sprays that are being used for mosquito control?
A. The federal agency responsible for pesticide evaluation is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). See the EPA Web site for detailed answers to the questions about pesticides used for mosquito control.
From the Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Disease
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus: What You Need To Know
CDC Fact Sheet
What Is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. This fact sheet contains important information that can help you recognize and prevent West Nile virus.
What Can I Do to Prevent WNV?
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
What Are the Symptoms of WNV?
• Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
• Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.
• No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
How Does West Nile Virus Spread?
• Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.
• Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby.
• Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.
How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?
People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.
How Is WNV Infection Treated?
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own, although even healthy people have become sick for several weeks. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.
What Should I Do if I Think I Have WNV?
Milder WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not necessarily need to seek medical attention for this infection though they may choose to do so. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV.
What Is the Risk of Getting Sick from WNV?
People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.
Being outside means you're at risk. The more time you're outdoors, the more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot of time outside, either working or playing.
Risk through medical procedures is very low. All donated blood is checked for WNV before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor.
Pregnancy and nursing do not increase risk of becoming infected with WNV. The risk that WNV may present to a fetus or an infant infected through breastmilk is still being evaluated. Talk with your care provider if you have concerns.
What Is the CDC Doing About WNV?
CDC is working with state and local health departments, the Food and Drug Administration and other government agencies, as well as private industry, to prepare for and prevent new cases of WNV.
Some things CDC is doing include:
• Coordinating a nation-wide electronic database where states share information about WNV
• Helping states develop and carry out improved mosquito prevention and control programs
• Developing better, faster tests to detect and diagnose WNV
• Creating new education tools and programs for the media, the public, and health professionals
• Opening new testing laboratories for WNV
• Working with partners on the development of vaccines
What Else Should I Know?
If you find a dead bird: Don't handle the body with your bare hands. Contact your local health department for instructions on reporting and disposing of the body. They may tell you to dispose of the bird after they log your report.
For more information call the CDC public response hotline
at (888) 246-2675 (English), (888) 246-2857 (Español), or (866) 874-2646 (TTY)
Questions and Answers
Prevention
Q. What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus?
A. Here are preventive measures that you and your family can take:
Protect yourself from mosquito bites:
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Generally, the the more active ingredient a repellent contains the longer it can protect you from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of active ingredient in a repellent does not mean that your protection is better—just that it will last longer. Click here for more on insect repellent active ingredients. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors.
o Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
o Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.
o For detailed information about using repellents, see the Insect Repellent Use and Safety questions.
• Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to exposed skin. Do not apply repellent to skin under your clothing.
• When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
• Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.
• Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.
• Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play, by draining sources of standing water. In this way, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
• At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
• Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
• Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water.
• Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.
Note: Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites.
Kids can learn how to protect themselves from mosquito bites on "The Buzz-z-z-z on West Nile Virus" (on BAM!, the CDC site for kids).
Q. What can be done to prevent outbreaks of West Nile virus?
A. Prevention and control of West Nile virus and other arboviral diseases is most effectively accomplished through integrated vector management programs. These programs should include surveillance for West Nile virus activity in mosquito vectors, birds, horses, other animals, and humans, and implementation of appropriate mosquito control measures to reduce mosquito populations when necessary. Additionally, when virus activity is detected in an area, residents should be alerted and advised to increase measures to reduce contact with mosquitoes. Details about effective prevention and control of West Nile virus can be found in CDC's Guidelines for Surveillance, Prevention, and Control (286 KB, 111 pages).
Q. Is there a vaccine against West Nile encephalitis?
A. No, but several groups are working towards developing a vaccine.
Q. Where can I get information about the use of pesticide sprays that are being used for mosquito control?
A. The federal agency responsible for pesticide evaluation is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). See the EPA Web site for detailed answers to the questions about pesticides used for mosquito control.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
July 2009 Newsletter
June Lessons
July 5 RS Presidency/Group Leadership Karen Brown
July 12 Joseph Smith #33 The Spiritual Gifts of Healing, Tongues, Prophecy, and Discerning of Spirits Myrna Clark
July 19 Joseph Smith #34 The Power of Forgiving Ramona Ford
July 26 Teaching for our Times General Talk from April 2009 talk President Henry B. Eyring, “Man Down!” Judy Paxton
The Lady of the Month
This month we are spotlighting Sister ¬¬Jeanine Hedin. She and her family have been an integral part of this ward for a very long time – long before it was the Springview Ward. Her story is fascinating and I want to thank her for it.
Ancestor of the Month
This month I chose my paternal grandmother’s maternal grandfather Robert Wilson Glenn and his family.
Stake Conference
I asked if anyone had some thoughts or comments concerning our Stake Conference that they would be willing to share. Two sisters graciously took me up on that offer.
Sister Ellen Clift noted that the conference renewed a feeling that she needed to start going to the Temple more often.
Sister Sandy Levinson said “I really enjoyed Bro. Auman’s [talk]’ the Scary Book’, and it made me think maybe it isn't such a scary experience and I should try it. How else will the Book of Mormon get out there? When my brother was on his mission, he left his scriptures in a taxi that he and his companion had taken in Buenos Aires. It was upsetting to have to replace them but then who knows who ended up with them. We later learned of a friend in Czechoslovakia who had found a copy of the Book of Mormon in a similar manner and this was before the end of communism in that country.”
Book Club
Our book club is alive and well and being enjoyed by several sisters in the ward. Sister Linda Owen commented “I would like to say a few words about book club. It is a great way of visiting with the sisters and getting their take on a book that we have all read, and finding out different aspects and thoughts on the book that may not have been considered by my own self. We usually keep it down to an hour discussion so it does not last all evening, and we pretty much stick to the subject. I have enjoyed getting to know and talk to the sisters that I don't always get to talk to at church. It is a pleasant way to spend an hour once a month. I love to read all sorts of things and now I get a chance to discuss in depth some of our favorite reads. I hope that we can keep it going.”
July Recipe
A couple of quick fun cake fixer uppers. There are a couple of tricks to turn any cake into a flag cake. For the white background you can use any white frosting, although at least one recipe recommended Fluffy Boiled frosting. You can also use cool whip or other whipped topping. For the blue stars and red stripes by cutting strawberries in half and lining them up and lining up blueberries in a square in the corner. Other variations include using candy.
In place of strawberries for the stripes you can use:
red licorice; Twizzlers or the shoe string kind, red gum drops, red fruit roll-ups, red gummies; gummie bears, fruit chews etc.
In place of the blueberries you can use:
Blue M&M's, Blue Skittles, Blue Kisses
Also, instead of using white frosting with blue stars this can be reversed with a little blue food coloring in the frosting then using miniature marshmellows for the stars.
Also just separate the frosting into red, white and blue and using decorator tips to create the stars and stripes.
There’s also a recipe that called for pound cake, jello strawberries, blueberries and cool whip
http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/wave-your-flag-cake-50205.aspx
July 5 RS Presidency/Group Leadership Karen Brown
July 12 Joseph Smith #33 The Spiritual Gifts of Healing, Tongues, Prophecy, and Discerning of Spirits Myrna Clark
July 19 Joseph Smith #34 The Power of Forgiving Ramona Ford
July 26 Teaching for our Times General Talk from April 2009 talk President Henry B. Eyring, “Man Down!” Judy Paxton
The Lady of the Month
This month we are spotlighting Sister ¬¬Jeanine Hedin. She and her family have been an integral part of this ward for a very long time – long before it was the Springview Ward. Her story is fascinating and I want to thank her for it.
Ancestor of the Month
This month I chose my paternal grandmother’s maternal grandfather Robert Wilson Glenn and his family.
Stake Conference
I asked if anyone had some thoughts or comments concerning our Stake Conference that they would be willing to share. Two sisters graciously took me up on that offer.
Sister Ellen Clift noted that the conference renewed a feeling that she needed to start going to the Temple more often.
Sister Sandy Levinson said “I really enjoyed Bro. Auman’s [talk]’ the Scary Book’, and it made me think maybe it isn't such a scary experience and I should try it. How else will the Book of Mormon get out there? When my brother was on his mission, he left his scriptures in a taxi that he and his companion had taken in Buenos Aires. It was upsetting to have to replace them but then who knows who ended up with them. We later learned of a friend in Czechoslovakia who had found a copy of the Book of Mormon in a similar manner and this was before the end of communism in that country.”
Book Club
Our book club is alive and well and being enjoyed by several sisters in the ward. Sister Linda Owen commented “I would like to say a few words about book club. It is a great way of visiting with the sisters and getting their take on a book that we have all read, and finding out different aspects and thoughts on the book that may not have been considered by my own self. We usually keep it down to an hour discussion so it does not last all evening, and we pretty much stick to the subject. I have enjoyed getting to know and talk to the sisters that I don't always get to talk to at church. It is a pleasant way to spend an hour once a month. I love to read all sorts of things and now I get a chance to discuss in depth some of our favorite reads. I hope that we can keep it going.”
July Recipe
A couple of quick fun cake fixer uppers. There are a couple of tricks to turn any cake into a flag cake. For the white background you can use any white frosting, although at least one recipe recommended Fluffy Boiled frosting. You can also use cool whip or other whipped topping. For the blue stars and red stripes by cutting strawberries in half and lining them up and lining up blueberries in a square in the corner. Other variations include using candy.
In place of strawberries for the stripes you can use:
red licorice; Twizzlers or the shoe string kind, red gum drops, red fruit roll-ups, red gummies; gummie bears, fruit chews etc.
In place of the blueberries you can use:
Blue M&M's, Blue Skittles, Blue Kisses
Also, instead of using white frosting with blue stars this can be reversed with a little blue food coloring in the frosting then using miniature marshmellows for the stars.
Also just separate the frosting into red, white and blue and using decorator tips to create the stars and stripes.
There’s also a recipe that called for pound cake, jello strawberries, blueberries and cool whip
http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/wave-your-flag-cake-50205.aspx
Jeanine Hedin
Jeanine Hedin’s Story
Ken and I lived in the Springview Ward for over 50 years before he passed away 4 ½ years ago. Our children grew up in the ward with many fond memories of their teachers, priesthood advancements, scouting adventures, and friends. Kenneth Jr., Kerry, and Elisa no longer live in the ward. Kevin, our last son is now serving in the Springview Stake Presidency. The power of remembering the times of past events that passed so quickly is a blessing…such as the many positions Ken held in the ward and stake. The position he liked the best was his association as High Priest leader in the ward. He dearly loved the High Priest Quorum members. I, too, held many callings in the stake and ward; the last before I reluctantly moved was working with the Compassionate Service Committee sisters. I learned to love them because of their charitable acts of kindness they perform daily. I miss them.
I will mention a few details of my childhood days. I was born in Eureka, Utah during the Great Depression when work, food, gas, and other commodities were scarce. Everything went to the war effort. Men were out of work and jobs were hard to find. My parents did not have a lot of luxuries and we learned to be wise in our purchases. We were not spoiled by any means.
There was one elementary school and one secondary school in the tiny mining town of Eureka. We had good teachers who taught without the use of technologies such as televisions, computers, cell phones or i-Pods. Paper and blackboards were all there was to be had in our classrooms.
My brother, Raymond, and I walked to and from school every day. In the winter time the snow was deep over our heads and did not melt all winter long. We would walk on top of the hardened snow all the way to school.
There was one grocery store and one movie theater which showed a movie every Friday night. The admission cost was 10 cents. A lot of money in those days! My parents had to sacrifice to let me go to a Shirley Temple movie. She was an adorable little girl beloved for her singing and dancing. Her movies kept the nation cheered up during the hard times.
Clothing was either home sewn or if people could afford it there was one J.C. Penney Store, the only clothing store for all the small towns in the area.
We would play made-up games such as hide and seek, kick the can, jump the rope, jacks, and marbles. I loved to play on the tricky bars, swings and slides on the school playground. My brother and I would hunt for colored glass to put along the railroad tracks to be crushed into a powder when the trains came by. We would gather the powder into clear glass bottles to collect and save our colorful keepsakes.
Eventually, my parents bought a radio. It was placed on a special table where everyone could sit around and quietly listen to programs that were broadcast such as “The Shadow Knows”, “Amos and Andy,” “Gracie Allen,” “Superman,” “Batman,” and “Spiderman.”
I learned many lessons about living with what you could afford or doing without; the best lesson I learned from my childhood is that you don’t need “things” to be happy. Later in my life I found the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which I love with all my heart. I know that it is true. I know that we have a living prophet. I know that God lives and that if we keep the commandments we can return to live with Him forever. The Gospel is the one thing I could not live without. It is a part of what and who I am!
Ken and I lived in the Springview Ward for over 50 years before he passed away 4 ½ years ago. Our children grew up in the ward with many fond memories of their teachers, priesthood advancements, scouting adventures, and friends. Kenneth Jr., Kerry, and Elisa no longer live in the ward. Kevin, our last son is now serving in the Springview Stake Presidency. The power of remembering the times of past events that passed so quickly is a blessing…such as the many positions Ken held in the ward and stake. The position he liked the best was his association as High Priest leader in the ward. He dearly loved the High Priest Quorum members. I, too, held many callings in the stake and ward; the last before I reluctantly moved was working with the Compassionate Service Committee sisters. I learned to love them because of their charitable acts of kindness they perform daily. I miss them.
I will mention a few details of my childhood days. I was born in Eureka, Utah during the Great Depression when work, food, gas, and other commodities were scarce. Everything went to the war effort. Men were out of work and jobs were hard to find. My parents did not have a lot of luxuries and we learned to be wise in our purchases. We were not spoiled by any means.
There was one elementary school and one secondary school in the tiny mining town of Eureka. We had good teachers who taught without the use of technologies such as televisions, computers, cell phones or i-Pods. Paper and blackboards were all there was to be had in our classrooms.
My brother, Raymond, and I walked to and from school every day. In the winter time the snow was deep over our heads and did not melt all winter long. We would walk on top of the hardened snow all the way to school.
There was one grocery store and one movie theater which showed a movie every Friday night. The admission cost was 10 cents. A lot of money in those days! My parents had to sacrifice to let me go to a Shirley Temple movie. She was an adorable little girl beloved for her singing and dancing. Her movies kept the nation cheered up during the hard times.
Clothing was either home sewn or if people could afford it there was one J.C. Penney Store, the only clothing store for all the small towns in the area.
We would play made-up games such as hide and seek, kick the can, jump the rope, jacks, and marbles. I loved to play on the tricky bars, swings and slides on the school playground. My brother and I would hunt for colored glass to put along the railroad tracks to be crushed into a powder when the trains came by. We would gather the powder into clear glass bottles to collect and save our colorful keepsakes.
Eventually, my parents bought a radio. It was placed on a special table where everyone could sit around and quietly listen to programs that were broadcast such as “The Shadow Knows”, “Amos and Andy,” “Gracie Allen,” “Superman,” “Batman,” and “Spiderman.”
I learned many lessons about living with what you could afford or doing without; the best lesson I learned from my childhood is that you don’t need “things” to be happy. Later in my life I found the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which I love with all my heart. I know that it is true. I know that we have a living prophet. I know that God lives and that if we keep the commandments we can return to live with Him forever. The Gospel is the one thing I could not live without. It is a part of what and who I am!
July 2009 Visiting Teaching
Ensign » 2009 » July
Qualify for and Partake of Temple Worship
“Qualify for and Partake of Temple Worship,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 68
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.
How Can I Prepare for Temple Worship?
Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency: “The temple is the house of the Lord. He directs the conditions under which it may be used, the ordinances that should be administered, and the standards that qualify us to enter. … Personal worthiness is an essential requirement to enjoy the blessings of the temple. We prepare by obeying the commandments and seeking to do God’s will” (“Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 113).
Elder David B. Haight (1906–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “We who would attend the temple must be living in a manner which helps us be worthy to enter and fully partake. … We examine our worthiness to enter the temple in … interviews with priesthood leaders. Our signature, with theirs, on our temple recommend testifies of our worthiness to enter the temple” (“Come to the House of the Lord,” Ensign, May 1992, 15).
What Are the Blessings of Qualifying for and Partaking of Temple Worship?
D&C 110:7: “I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.”
President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95): “Let us hasten to the temple as frequently as time and means and personal circumstances allow. Let us go not only for our kindred dead, but let us also go for the personal blessing of temple worship, for the sanctity and safety which is provided within those hallowed and consecrated walls. The temple is a place of beauty, it is a place of revelation, it is a place of peace” (“The Great Symbol of Our Membership,” Tambuli, Nov. 1994, 6; Ensign, Oct. 1994, 5).
D&C 38:32: “I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high” (see also D&C 95:8).
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “The temple endowment blessings are as essential for each of us as was our baptism. For this reason we are to prepare ourselves that we may be clean to enter into the temple of God. Temple work is an opportunity to perform our personal endowments and covenants for the living and also perform these same ordinances for the redemption for the dead. It is for this reason we are instructed in the scriptures to build temples and prepare our lives to be worthy to partake of the sacred temple ordinances and covenants. …
“The primary purpose of the temple is to provide the ordinances necessary for our exaltation in the celestial kingdom. Temple ordinances guide us to our Savior and give us the blessings that come to us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ” (“Temple Blessings,” in Brigham Young University 2005–2006 Speeches [2006], 1, 4).
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008): “Every man or woman who goes to the temple in a spirit of sincerity and faith leaves the house of the Lord a better man or woman. There is need for constant improvement in all of our lives. There is need occasionally to leave the noise and the tumult of the world and step within the walls of a sacred house of God, there to feel His spirit in an environment of holiness and peace” (“Of Missions, Temples, and Stewardship,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 53).
Qualify for and Partake of Temple Worship
“Qualify for and Partake of Temple Worship,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 68
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.
How Can I Prepare for Temple Worship?
Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency: “The temple is the house of the Lord. He directs the conditions under which it may be used, the ordinances that should be administered, and the standards that qualify us to enter. … Personal worthiness is an essential requirement to enjoy the blessings of the temple. We prepare by obeying the commandments and seeking to do God’s will” (“Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 113).
Elder David B. Haight (1906–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “We who would attend the temple must be living in a manner which helps us be worthy to enter and fully partake. … We examine our worthiness to enter the temple in … interviews with priesthood leaders. Our signature, with theirs, on our temple recommend testifies of our worthiness to enter the temple” (“Come to the House of the Lord,” Ensign, May 1992, 15).
What Are the Blessings of Qualifying for and Partaking of Temple Worship?
D&C 110:7: “I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.”
President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95): “Let us hasten to the temple as frequently as time and means and personal circumstances allow. Let us go not only for our kindred dead, but let us also go for the personal blessing of temple worship, for the sanctity and safety which is provided within those hallowed and consecrated walls. The temple is a place of beauty, it is a place of revelation, it is a place of peace” (“The Great Symbol of Our Membership,” Tambuli, Nov. 1994, 6; Ensign, Oct. 1994, 5).
D&C 38:32: “I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high” (see also D&C 95:8).
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “The temple endowment blessings are as essential for each of us as was our baptism. For this reason we are to prepare ourselves that we may be clean to enter into the temple of God. Temple work is an opportunity to perform our personal endowments and covenants for the living and also perform these same ordinances for the redemption for the dead. It is for this reason we are instructed in the scriptures to build temples and prepare our lives to be worthy to partake of the sacred temple ordinances and covenants. …
“The primary purpose of the temple is to provide the ordinances necessary for our exaltation in the celestial kingdom. Temple ordinances guide us to our Savior and give us the blessings that come to us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ” (“Temple Blessings,” in Brigham Young University 2005–2006 Speeches [2006], 1, 4).
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008): “Every man or woman who goes to the temple in a spirit of sincerity and faith leaves the house of the Lord a better man or woman. There is need for constant improvement in all of our lives. There is need occasionally to leave the noise and the tumult of the world and step within the walls of a sacred house of God, there to feel His spirit in an environment of holiness and peace” (“Of Missions, Temples, and Stewardship,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 53).
Robert Wilson Glenn
I found a website http://www.rootcellar.us/glennrw1.htm that had a 10 page story about Robert Wilson Glenn and his family. It seems that this family had some interesting facts and contradictions in their lives. Although part of his family was strong abolitionists, other parts of his family were slave owners. The abolitionist side of the family included Robert’s brother-in-law, Rev. John Blackwell, who, with his wife, raised her younger siblings along with their own 10 children after Robert’s parents died. Another of Robert’s sisters, Agnes, also married a Minister, Joseph Royal. Even though both these preachers were very outspoken against the institution of slavery as being morally wrong, there were others in the family that were slave owners. That section of the family came from what was usually called the small planter class; they had a valuable, though not extremely large, plantation.
Also, there seemed to be differences in the family’s vocations. While part of the family was in the planter class, Robert’s oldest brother, Squire, became a blacksmith. In startling contrast to the rest of the family was the career of Robert's second oldest brother, Tyre Glenn (1800-1875). He engaged in every conceivable kind of business ... land speculation, slave trading, merchandising, whiskey making, iron mongering ... anything that would make money. He also owned the Glenn Ferry, which operated on the Yadkin River.
The family seemed to be quite effected by the wars of their times. In the Regulator's War (1767), a pre-revolutionary rebellion in North Carolina against the crown, "Tirey Klann" (Tyree Glenn), Robert Wilson Glenn’s grandfather, was arrested and forced to give an oath of allegiance in Salem, NC. His uncle, Austin Glenn, became a minister and was hanged by the Confederate Vigilantes in March 1863 in Hunt County, Texas, for being a Union sympathizer. Three of Austin’s sons served in the Union Army. One son, Joseph, was a scout killed at Little Rock. Another served in the Confederate Army as a physician. He had been conscripted, or forced, into service, but served honorably. Robert’s maternal grandfather and great-father were both killed during the Revolutionary War period, perhaps by British soldiers.
Robert himself served in the Mexican war being wounded in the conflict.
The story of Robert’s conversion into the Church is also not the typical story. After the Mexican war, Robert went into the business of hauling freight on the Santa Fe Trail. On one of his trips to Spanish Fork, one of his drivers got into a fight and was stabbed. Being a pretty good lawyer, Robert brought his driver to Salt Lake to defend him. Here, while camped on the old Tithing House block, a stranger came up and started a conversation with Robert that included religion. The stranger was Parley P. Pratt and the next morning Robert was baptized. He was faithful to the church and his callings until his death in 1873 of pneumonia.
Another interesting site I found was http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenwood,_Utah which told of how a small town in northern Utah, was named after him.
Also, there seemed to be differences in the family’s vocations. While part of the family was in the planter class, Robert’s oldest brother, Squire, became a blacksmith. In startling contrast to the rest of the family was the career of Robert's second oldest brother, Tyre Glenn (1800-1875). He engaged in every conceivable kind of business ... land speculation, slave trading, merchandising, whiskey making, iron mongering ... anything that would make money. He also owned the Glenn Ferry, which operated on the Yadkin River.
The family seemed to be quite effected by the wars of their times. In the Regulator's War (1767), a pre-revolutionary rebellion in North Carolina against the crown, "Tirey Klann" (Tyree Glenn), Robert Wilson Glenn’s grandfather, was arrested and forced to give an oath of allegiance in Salem, NC. His uncle, Austin Glenn, became a minister and was hanged by the Confederate Vigilantes in March 1863 in Hunt County, Texas, for being a Union sympathizer. Three of Austin’s sons served in the Union Army. One son, Joseph, was a scout killed at Little Rock. Another served in the Confederate Army as a physician. He had been conscripted, or forced, into service, but served honorably. Robert’s maternal grandfather and great-father were both killed during the Revolutionary War period, perhaps by British soldiers.
Robert himself served in the Mexican war being wounded in the conflict.
The story of Robert’s conversion into the Church is also not the typical story. After the Mexican war, Robert went into the business of hauling freight on the Santa Fe Trail. On one of his trips to Spanish Fork, one of his drivers got into a fight and was stabbed. Being a pretty good lawyer, Robert brought his driver to Salt Lake to defend him. Here, while camped on the old Tithing House block, a stranger came up and started a conversation with Robert that included religion. The stranger was Parley P. Pratt and the next morning Robert was baptized. He was faithful to the church and his callings until his death in 1873 of pneumonia.
Another interesting site I found was http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenwood,_Utah which told of how a small town in northern Utah, was named after him.
Child Safety
From ‘Real Simple’ Magazine
Childproofing Checklist
You're prepared to do anything to keep your offspring safe, but is your house kid-friendly? Use this guide to childproofing your home and rest easy. .
In the Bedroom
Check the crib. Make sure that your crib meets today’s safety standards (see the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website, cpsc.gov, for tips). Pull cords away from the crib, and keep the crib away from windows, if possible. .Install window guards. But remember: While window guards provide reassurance, they are not a substitute for parental supervision. ..In the Bathroom
Install safety latches and locks. Put safety guards on toilets to make sure that children can’t get in them, and on any cabinet or drawer that contains medicine or any other hazardous items. .Have a plumber install an anti-scald device for the faucets and showerhead. Regulate the water temperature to help prevent burns. ..In the Kitchen
Lock stove knobs. Keep kids from igniting stove burners by using protective appliance knob covers. .Install a safety cover on the garbage disposal. A cover will safeguard little hands. .Attach safety latches and locks. Secure any drawers containing knives, scissors, and sharp utensils, and keep kids out of any cabinets that contain household cleaners.
Related: Safely Store Your Cleaning Supplies
..Throughout the House
Cut window-blind cords. Or use safety tassels and inner cord stops so that children can’t get entangled. .Place covers over unused outlets. Sliding covers are the best, as the push-in ones can be pulled out and possibly choked on. .Put up safety gates. Install hardware-mounted safety gates in front of any stairs in the house. .Install corner and edge bumpers. These will help prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges. .Use doorstops and door holders. Keep small fingers from being crushed or pinched in doors and door hinges. .Switch to cordless phones, if you haven’t already. Children can get tangled in phone cord. Plus, keeping an eye on your young ones is easier, since you can move around the house (or even outside) freely. ..Outdoors
Make a kid-free zone. Banish little ones from the grilling area, as well as any structure or shed that might contain tools, lawn mowers, etc. .Childproof the pool. Install a five-foot-high fence around its perimeter. Make sure that the gate to the pool has a lock that prevents children from entering alone but can be opened quickly by an adult in case of an emergency. And don’t let water accumulate on the top of the pool cover—that’s a drowning hazard.
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
Keep your family safe this summer by following these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Please feel free to use them in any print or broadcast story with appropriate attribution of source.
Babies under 6 months:
The two main recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn are to avoid sun exposure, and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.
For Young Children:
Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays.
For Older Children:
The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.
HEAT STRESS IN EXERCISING CHILDREN
The intensity of activities that last 15 minutes or more should be reduced whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels.
At the beginning of a strenuous exercise program or after traveling to a warmer climate, the intensity and duration of exercise should be limited initially and then gradually increased during a period of 10 to 14 days to accomplish acclimatization to the heat.
Before prolonged physical activity, the child should be well-hydrated. During the activity, periodic drinking should be enforced, for example, each 20 minutes, 5 oz of cold tap water or a flavored sports drink for a child weighing 90 lbs, and 9 oz for an adolescent weighing 130 lbs, even if the child does not feel thirsty.
Clothing should be light-colored and lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material to facilitate evaporation of sweat. Sweat-saturated shirts should be replaced by dry clothing.
Practices and games played in the heat should be shortened and more frequent water/hydration breaks should be instituted.
POOL SAFETY
Source: http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm
Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.
Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.
Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd’s hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.
Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.
Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.
Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision."
BUG SAFETY
Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.
Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.
Insect repellents containing DEET are most effective against ticks, which can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses.
The current CDC and AAP recommendation for children over 2 months of age is to use 30 percent DEET. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
The concentration of DEET in products may range from less than 10 percent to over 30 percent. Ten percent DEET only protects for about 30 minutes – inadequate for most outings.
The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase. Children should wash off repellents when back indoors.
For more information on DEET: http://www.aapnews.org/cgi/content/full/e200399v1
PLAYGROUND SAFETY
Source: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/maytra.htm
Source: http://www.aap.org/family/playgrd.htm
The playground should have safety-tested mats or loose-fill materials (shredded rubber, sand, wood chips, or bark) maintained to a depth of at least 9 inches. The protective surface should be installed at least 6 feet (more for swings and slides) in all directions from the equipment.
Equipment should be carefully maintained. Open “s” hooks or protruding bolt ends can be hazardous.
Swing seats should be made of soft materials such as rubber, plastic or canvas.
Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part.
Never attach—or allow children to attach—ropes, jump ropes, leashes, or similar items to play equipment; children can strangle on these.
Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent children's legs from getting burned.
Parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines.
Parents should supervise children on play equipment to make sure they are safe.
BICYCLE SAFETY
Source: http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm
Source: http://www.aap.org/family/tbikmyth.htm
Do not push your child to ride a 2-wheeled bike until he or she is ready, at about age 5 or 6. Consider the child's coordination and desire to learn to ride. Stick with coaster (foot) brakes until your child is older and more experienced for hand brakes.
Take your child with you when you shop for the bike, so that he or she can try it out. The value of a properly fitting bike far outweighs the value of surprising your child with a new one. For more information on finding the proper fit, go to http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm#choosing
Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to "grow into." Oversized bikes are especially dangerous.
Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets. Children learn best by observing you. Whenever you ride, put on your helmet.
When purchasing a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard.
A helmet protects your child from serious injury, and should always be worn. And remember, wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit.
A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head, not tipped forwards or backwards. The strap should be securely fastened, and you should not be able to move the helmet in any direction. If needed, the helmet’s sizing pads can help improve the fit.
SKATEBOARD, SCOOTER, IN-LINE SKATING AND HEELYS SAFETY
Source: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/marskate.htm
Children should never ride skateboards or scooters in or near traffic.
All skateboarders and scooter-riders should wear a helmet and other protective gear; wrist guards are particularly important.
Communities should continue to develop skateboard parks, which are more likely to be monitored for safety than ramps and jumps constructed by children at home.
While in-line skating or wearing Heelys, be sure to wear appropriate protective equipment and only skate on designated paths or rinks and not on the street.
LAWN MOWER SAFETY
Source: http://www.aap.org/family/tipplawn.htm
Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward if the handle is let go.
Children younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers. Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers.
Make sure that sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) are worn while mowing.
Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Have anyone who uses a mower wear hearing and eye protection.
Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.
Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.
Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.
Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics.
Pioneer Recipes
Mormon Johnnycake (A favorite dish of the Prophet Joseph Smith)
“Pioneer Recipes,” Friend, July 1978, 43
2 eggs, beaten 2 cups buttermilk 2 tablespoons honey or molasses
2 cups cornmeal 1/2 cup flour 1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter
Beat eggs until light. Add buttermilk and honey or molasses. Combine dry ingredients and stir into batter along with melted butter. Pour into buttered dripper pan and bake at 425° F. for about 20 minutes. Cut into squares.
Nauvoo Ginger Cookies
“Kitchen Krafts,” Friend, July 1993, 23
1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup molasses 1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup water 1 egg 3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, molasses, oil, and water. Beat in the egg.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
3. Add the dry mixture in three parts to the wet mixture, stirring well after each addition.
4. Shape the dough into 1" (2.5 cm) balls and place them on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° F (175° C) for 8–12 minutes.
Honey Candy
2 cups honey 1 cup sugar 1 cup cream
Combine all ingredients and cook slowly to a hard-ball stage. Pour onto buttered platter. When cool enough to handle, grease hands and pull until a golden color. Cut into pieces.
Pioneer Lettuce Salad
1 head lettuce 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cut lettuce into wedges or shred. Whip cream and blend with vinegar, salt, and sugar. Serve over lettuce.
Rice in Cream
3/4 cup uncooked rice 1 tsp salt 4 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar 1/2 tsp almond extract 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
Cook rice and salt in milk over boiling water until rice is soft and mixture is thick (about 1 1/2 hours). Add sugar and almond extract. Chill, then stir in whipped cream. Can also be served with berries.
Molasses Candy
1 1/2 cups molasses 3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar 1 tablespoon butter
1/8 teaspoon soda 1/8 teaspoon salt
Combine molasses, sugar, and vinegar and cook to a hard-ball stage.
Add butter, soda, and salt; remove from heat and stir until soda is blended, then pour onto greased platter. When cool, pull between greased fingertips until white and stiff. Cut into pieces.
WebMD Information
WebMD
Genes Affect Blood Pressure Risk
Lifestyle Factors Mix With Genes to Raise Risk of High Blood Pressure
By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Elizabeth Klodas, MD,FACC
June 16, 2009 -- Genes may help explain why some people are more or less susceptible to the negative effects of drinking, smoking , or lack of exercise on their blood pressure .
A new study shows lifestyle factors interact with genes to influence blood pressure levels and increase or decrease the risk of high blood pressure .
For example, people with a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure may benefit more than others by following a healthy lifestyle, such as not smoking, limiting alcohol use, and exercising regularly, because their genes magnify the negative effects of these factors.
"The three lifestyle characteristics are well-known risk factors for high blood pressure," says researcher Nora Franceschini, MD, assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, in a news release. "What's new is that we are showing that these behaviors interact with your genes to influence blood pressure levels. Drinking, smoking and exercise habits can be modified, which would, in turn, influence the risk of developing hypertension, even in people who are predisposed to the condition."
Lifestyle Affects Inherited Risk
The study, published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics, analyzed genetic and medical data collected in the ongoing Strong Heart Family Study of American Indians. Using information from 3,665 participants ages 14 to 93, researchers looked at how inherited genetic patterns influenced high blood pressure risk among those with different lifestyles and education levels.
The results showed that about 15% of the variation in diastolic values (the bottom number in a blood pressure reading) was due to genes.
However, researchers also found an interaction between genetic and lifestyle factors on blood pressure, including:
• A link between cigarette use and gene interaction on diastolic blood pressure in comparing smokers and those who had never smoked.
• Evidence that blood pressure among drinkers is affected by different genes in former and never drinkers.
• Evidence that an individual's physical activity level influences the genetic effects on blood pressure.
"So your level of blood pressure is influenced by your genes, whether you are a smoker or not, are physically active or not, or drink alcohol or not," says Franceschini. "But those habits can still influence a person's susceptibility to the disease."
Researchers say the next step is to identify the particular genes that interact with each of the three lifestyle factors to increase the risk of high blood pressure.
WebMD
The Top 6 Exercise Excuses and How to Beat Them
You know you should be exercising . We've all heard that physically active people are healthier. They're less likely to develop heart disease , diabetes , and some cancer , they sleep better, and they feel happier and more energetic. Of course, a fit body looks better, too. But when it comes time to actually get out there and start moving, many of us have a long list of excuses not to exercise -- too little time, too little energy, or we simply don't like to work out.
How can you get past the excuses and get moving? Here are six top exercises excuses cited by fitness experts who spoke with WebMD -- along with tactics for overcoming them.
Exercise Excuse No. 1: "I Don't Have Time."
"How much television do you watch?" asks Walter Thompson, PhD, professor of kinesiology and health at Georgia State University
During your shows, use resistance bands, or walk in place. Or use Tivo so you can skip the commercials and see a one-hour show later in just 40 minutes, says James Hill, PhD, co-founder of the National Weight Control Registry: "That's 20 minutes right there." Better yet, turn off the TV and spend your newfound time working out.
If it's work that's sapping all your spare time, try exercising on the job. Close your office door and jump rope for 10 minutes, or walk in place, Thompson suggests.
Your exercise doesn't have to be a formal workout either. Try making small lifestyle changes that help you move more: take the stairs instead of the escalator, don't drive when you can walk, and get a pedometer and try to increase the number of steps you take throughout the day.
The U.S. Surgeon General recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, which may sound daunting, but actually works out to a little over 20 minutes each day. The good news is that three 10-minute exercise sessions work just about as well as one 30-minute one, and can be much easier to fit into your schedule.
People who exercise regularly "make it a habit," says Hill, who is director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado, Denver. "They haven't bought any more time during the day than anyone else. What we've done is prioritize it. We find time for things we value."
Exercise Excuse No. 2: "I'm Too Tired."
It may sound counterintuitive, but working out actually gives you more energy, says Marisa Brunett, a certified athletic trainer in Orlando, Fla, and spokeswoman for the National Athletic Trainers Association. Once you get moving, your fatigue will likely disappear.
"You're getting the endorphins [feel-good hormones in your body] to release,” says Brunett. "And you're getting the circulation going -- as opposed to coming home and crashing on the couch."
It may help to work out in the morning, before you get wiped out by a demanding workday, says kinesiologist Lynette Craft, PhD, assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University.
But if you're just not a morning person, don't worry. Brunett, who likes to work out in the middle or end of the day herself, recommends doing it whenever you feel best.
Exercise Excuse No. 3: "I Don't Get a Break From the Kids."
The answer is to multitask, experts say.
"Take the kids with you," says Hill. While they're swinging, you can walk around the playground or the backyard, or jump rope. Walk the kids to school instead of driving them. During their soccer games or practices, walk briskly around the field.
Use your family time for active pursuit, Brunett suggests. Go biking with your kids, put up a badminton net in the yard, sign up as a family for "fun runs," or just walk around the neighborhood with your children. When the weather's bad, try active video games like Dance Dance Revolution, Wii Sport, and Wii Fit.
And remember that your fitness is good for your kids as well as you. "When mom or dad is more fit, has more energy, the whole family benefits,” says psychologist Christina Recascino, PhD, a professor in the human factors department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Exercise Excuse No. 4: "Exercise Is Boring."
"Exercise should be like sex," says sports physiologist Mike Bracko, EdD, FACSM, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and director of the Institute for Hockey Research in Calgary. "You should want it and feel good about it before you do it. And it should feel good while you're doing it."
So how do you get there? First, find an activity you love. Think outside the box: try inline skating, dancing, or gardening. Join a sports league. Or, if you love music, try ballroom dancing. "There's an exercise for everyone," says Recascino. "It doesn't have to be onerous or unpleasant."
If it makes exercise more enjoyable for you, it's OK to watch Oprah or read while you're on the exercise bike or treadmill -- just don't forget to pedal or run.
Working out with a group also helps many people. "Not everybody's cut out to put on their iPod and go on a six-mile run by themselves," says Peter Nierman, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Chicago.
To find a group, look through local sports publications or on the web. Or simply recruit several friends.
And, every once in a while, try something totally new. “Mix it up so you don't get bored,” says Brunett.
Exercise Excuse No. 5: "I Just Don't Like to Move."
"There are people who really enjoy not moving," says exercise physiologist Gerard Endress, fitness director of the Duke Diet & Fitness Center. They prefer to knit, read books, or watch TV. "I work with those people on, 'Can you walk in the mall?'" he says.
If it's sweating you don't like, you can get a good workout without perspiring excessively, Endress says.
You can work out indoors, where it's air conditioned. You can swim so you won't notice any perspiration. Or, try a low-sweat activity like yoga .
If exercise hurts your joints, try starting by exercising in water, recommends Brunett. The stronger your muscles get, the more they can support your joints, and the less you'll hurt. If your physical limitations are more serious, check with your
local sports medicine or rehabilitation clinic, or find an athletic trainer who can help you figure out exercises that are still safe and easy to do
If you don't like to move because you feel too fat, start with an activity that's less public, like using an exercise video at home. Walk with nonjudgmental friends in your neighborhood while wearing clothes that provide enough coverage that you feel comfortable.
And remember that gyms today are different. "You don't have the Spandex gyms as much," says Endress. Women-only places like Curves may be more comfortable.
Exercise Excuse No. 6: "I Always End up Quitting."
Set small, attainable goals. Then you're more likely to feel like a success, not a failure, says Brunett. If you exercise for five minutes a day for a week, you'll feel good -- and more likely to want to try 10 minutes a day the next week.
It also helps to keep a log and post it somewhere public -- even on Facebook. Craft calls it a "wall of encouragement." Friends and family can then say, "Hey, you did 15 minutes yesterday. Great job," she says. A log also helps you see if you're starting to fall off the wagon (or the treadmill).
Having an exercise buddy keeps you accountable as well, says Boston psychologist Eric Endlich, PhD, who works with patients who need motivation to diet and exercise. When you back out of a scheduled workout, you're letting down your buddy as well as yourself.
And look toward the future. It's harder to start exercising than to stick with it once you've got your momentum going, says David Coppel, PhD, a sports psychologist in Kirkland, Wash.: "I bet you after two weeks of this, you'll feel really good."
WebMD
Sky-High Calories in Some Restaurant Meals
Restaurants Are Piling on Fat, Calories With Larger Portions, Group Says
By Elizabeth Lee
WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
June 2, 2009 -- Restaurants are serving ever-larger portions of super-bad food to entice customers to start eating out again, according to a consumer watchdog group.
In a list of the most over-the-top, unhealthy restaurant foods, the Center for Science in the Public Interest singled out some dishes that provide more saturated fat or sodium than most people should eat in three days. The foods were also high in calories.
U.S. dietary guidelines call for healthy Americans to get less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day, about the amount in a teaspoon of table salt, to lower blood pressure and reduce risk of heart disease , stroke, heart failure , and kidney disease. But for the 70% of Americans who are middle-aged or older, African-American, or have high blood pressure , no more than 1,500 milligrams a day is recommended.
Federal nutrition guidelines also advise that less than 10% of daily calories come from saturated fat, about 20 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet. Eating lots of saturated fat can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The group’s Xtreme Eating 2009 dishes, listed in the June issue of its Nutrition Action Healthletter, include:
Chili’s Big Mouth Bites with French fries (four mini bacon cheeseburgers with fried onion strings): 2,350 calories, 38 grams saturated fat, 3,940 milligrams sodium.
Olive Garden Tour of Italy, with lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and fettuccine alfredo: 1,450 calories, 33 grams saturated fat, 3,830 milligrams sodium.
The Cheesecake Factory Fried Macaroni and Cheese: 1,570 calories, 69 grams saturated fat, 1,860 milligrams sodium.
Chili’s Original Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs: An add-on for entrees, with 490 calories, 12 grams saturated fat, and 2,050 milligrams sodium.
Red Lobster Ultimate Fondue shrimp and crabmeat in a lobster cheese sauce served in a sourdough bread bowl: 1,490 calories, 40 grams saturated fat, 3,580 milligrams sodium.
Uno Chicago Grill’s Mega-Sized Deep Dish Sundae: 2,800 calories, 72 grams saturated fat.
The Cheesecake Factory’s Chicken and Biscuits: 2,500 calories.
Applebee’s Quesadilla Burgerwith fries: 1,820 calories, 46 grams saturated fat, 4,410 milligrams sodium.
The Cheesecake Factory Philly Style Flat Iron Steak with fries: 2,320 calories, 47 grams saturated fat, 5,340 milligrams sodium.
The examples are extreme, says Jayne Hurley, RD, chief nutritionist for the Center for Science in the Public Interest. But that’s the point.
“The problem is these oversized foods come with oversized calories, saturated fat, and sodium,” Hurley says. “It used to be you got a single entree, and now in some cases you’re getting three entrees on your plate.”
The typical restaurant entree, appetizer, and dessert contain about 1,000 calories apiece, Hurley says. The Center for Science in the Public Interest obtained the nutritional information in the report from restaurant web sites and menus.
“As a consumer-driven industry, we give our guests what they want,” says Shelia Weiss, RD, a nutrition consultant for the National Restaurant Association, an industry trade group. “Certainly there are indulgent items on menus, but there are more diet-conscious items on menus than ever before.”
Hurley believes diners don’t realize just how indulgent some items are. It’s a given that you’re splurging when you order Uno Chicago Grill’s Mega-Sized Deep Dish Sundae, a chocolate-chip cookie baked in a pizza pan and topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce, she says.
“But how many people would guess there are 2,800 calories and 72 grams of saturated fat when that sundae hits the table?”
Weiss disputes CSPI’s contention that restaurants may be offering much larger portions to entice recession-weary customers into eating out again.
“If anything, restaurants are adjusting their portion sizes down as a measure of the economy,” Weiss says.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest is backing a federal menu labeling bill that would require calorie counts to be listed on the menus and menu boards of chain restaurants. The National Restaurant Association is supporting a measure that would allow nutritional information to be listed in other locations -- such as a brochure or poster -- when a customer orders.
Providing more information on fat, calories, and sodium in restaurant meals would help diners trying to protect their health, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. Blatner, who provides nutrition counseling, says helping her clients learn what’s in restaurant meals is critical.
“People do not understand just how high in fat and calories these things can range,” Blatner says. “We’re talking about a day’s worth of calories in some cases. And, this is not the only meal that most people are going to be eating in a day. It’s no surprise that two out of three people are overweight in America.”
Want to avoid restaurant meals high in fat, calories, and sodium? Try these tips:
Check online for nutritional information before dining out. If your restaurant doesn’t disclose information, look for similar dishes at other restaurants that do provide that data.
Downsize the portion. Order a lunch portion or half-portion. Split a dish with a friend. Or take half home to eat later.
Try customizing. Ask if a food can be baked or grilled instead of fried. Substitute a vegetable for a side dish that may be high in calories and fat, such as a biscuit or mashed potatoes. If a food is laden with fatty additions, such as bacon, mayonnaise, and cheese, ask for it to be prepared without at least one of those high-fat foods
Genes Affect Blood Pressure Risk
Lifestyle Factors Mix With Genes to Raise Risk of High Blood Pressure
By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Elizabeth Klodas, MD,FACC
June 16, 2009 -- Genes may help explain why some people are more or less susceptible to the negative effects of drinking, smoking , or lack of exercise on their blood pressure .
A new study shows lifestyle factors interact with genes to influence blood pressure levels and increase or decrease the risk of high blood pressure .
For example, people with a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure may benefit more than others by following a healthy lifestyle, such as not smoking, limiting alcohol use, and exercising regularly, because their genes magnify the negative effects of these factors.
"The three lifestyle characteristics are well-known risk factors for high blood pressure," says researcher Nora Franceschini, MD, assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, in a news release. "What's new is that we are showing that these behaviors interact with your genes to influence blood pressure levels. Drinking, smoking and exercise habits can be modified, which would, in turn, influence the risk of developing hypertension, even in people who are predisposed to the condition."
Lifestyle Affects Inherited Risk
The study, published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics, analyzed genetic and medical data collected in the ongoing Strong Heart Family Study of American Indians. Using information from 3,665 participants ages 14 to 93, researchers looked at how inherited genetic patterns influenced high blood pressure risk among those with different lifestyles and education levels.
The results showed that about 15% of the variation in diastolic values (the bottom number in a blood pressure reading) was due to genes.
However, researchers also found an interaction between genetic and lifestyle factors on blood pressure, including:
• A link between cigarette use and gene interaction on diastolic blood pressure in comparing smokers and those who had never smoked.
• Evidence that blood pressure among drinkers is affected by different genes in former and never drinkers.
• Evidence that an individual's physical activity level influences the genetic effects on blood pressure.
"So your level of blood pressure is influenced by your genes, whether you are a smoker or not, are physically active or not, or drink alcohol or not," says Franceschini. "But those habits can still influence a person's susceptibility to the disease."
Researchers say the next step is to identify the particular genes that interact with each of the three lifestyle factors to increase the risk of high blood pressure.
WebMD
The Top 6 Exercise Excuses and How to Beat Them
You know you should be exercising . We've all heard that physically active people are healthier. They're less likely to develop heart disease , diabetes , and some cancer , they sleep better, and they feel happier and more energetic. Of course, a fit body looks better, too. But when it comes time to actually get out there and start moving, many of us have a long list of excuses not to exercise -- too little time, too little energy, or we simply don't like to work out.
How can you get past the excuses and get moving? Here are six top exercises excuses cited by fitness experts who spoke with WebMD -- along with tactics for overcoming them.
Exercise Excuse No. 1: "I Don't Have Time."
"How much television do you watch?" asks Walter Thompson, PhD, professor of kinesiology and health at Georgia State University
During your shows, use resistance bands, or walk in place. Or use Tivo so you can skip the commercials and see a one-hour show later in just 40 minutes, says James Hill, PhD, co-founder of the National Weight Control Registry: "That's 20 minutes right there." Better yet, turn off the TV and spend your newfound time working out.
If it's work that's sapping all your spare time, try exercising on the job. Close your office door and jump rope for 10 minutes, or walk in place, Thompson suggests.
Your exercise doesn't have to be a formal workout either. Try making small lifestyle changes that help you move more: take the stairs instead of the escalator, don't drive when you can walk, and get a pedometer and try to increase the number of steps you take throughout the day.
The U.S. Surgeon General recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, which may sound daunting, but actually works out to a little over 20 minutes each day. The good news is that three 10-minute exercise sessions work just about as well as one 30-minute one, and can be much easier to fit into your schedule.
People who exercise regularly "make it a habit," says Hill, who is director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado, Denver. "They haven't bought any more time during the day than anyone else. What we've done is prioritize it. We find time for things we value."
Exercise Excuse No. 2: "I'm Too Tired."
It may sound counterintuitive, but working out actually gives you more energy, says Marisa Brunett, a certified athletic trainer in Orlando, Fla, and spokeswoman for the National Athletic Trainers Association. Once you get moving, your fatigue will likely disappear.
"You're getting the endorphins [feel-good hormones in your body] to release,” says Brunett. "And you're getting the circulation going -- as opposed to coming home and crashing on the couch."
It may help to work out in the morning, before you get wiped out by a demanding workday, says kinesiologist Lynette Craft, PhD, assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University.
But if you're just not a morning person, don't worry. Brunett, who likes to work out in the middle or end of the day herself, recommends doing it whenever you feel best.
Exercise Excuse No. 3: "I Don't Get a Break From the Kids."
The answer is to multitask, experts say.
"Take the kids with you," says Hill. While they're swinging, you can walk around the playground or the backyard, or jump rope. Walk the kids to school instead of driving them. During their soccer games or practices, walk briskly around the field.
Use your family time for active pursuit, Brunett suggests. Go biking with your kids, put up a badminton net in the yard, sign up as a family for "fun runs," or just walk around the neighborhood with your children. When the weather's bad, try active video games like Dance Dance Revolution, Wii Sport, and Wii Fit.
And remember that your fitness is good for your kids as well as you. "When mom or dad is more fit, has more energy, the whole family benefits,” says psychologist Christina Recascino, PhD, a professor in the human factors department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Exercise Excuse No. 4: "Exercise Is Boring."
"Exercise should be like sex," says sports physiologist Mike Bracko, EdD, FACSM, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and director of the Institute for Hockey Research in Calgary. "You should want it and feel good about it before you do it. And it should feel good while you're doing it."
So how do you get there? First, find an activity you love. Think outside the box: try inline skating, dancing, or gardening. Join a sports league. Or, if you love music, try ballroom dancing. "There's an exercise for everyone," says Recascino. "It doesn't have to be onerous or unpleasant."
If it makes exercise more enjoyable for you, it's OK to watch Oprah or read while you're on the exercise bike or treadmill -- just don't forget to pedal or run.
Working out with a group also helps many people. "Not everybody's cut out to put on their iPod and go on a six-mile run by themselves," says Peter Nierman, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Chicago.
To find a group, look through local sports publications or on the web. Or simply recruit several friends.
And, every once in a while, try something totally new. “Mix it up so you don't get bored,” says Brunett.
Exercise Excuse No. 5: "I Just Don't Like to Move."
"There are people who really enjoy not moving," says exercise physiologist Gerard Endress, fitness director of the Duke Diet & Fitness Center. They prefer to knit, read books, or watch TV. "I work with those people on, 'Can you walk in the mall?'" he says.
If it's sweating you don't like, you can get a good workout without perspiring excessively, Endress says.
You can work out indoors, where it's air conditioned. You can swim so you won't notice any perspiration. Or, try a low-sweat activity like yoga .
If exercise hurts your joints, try starting by exercising in water, recommends Brunett. The stronger your muscles get, the more they can support your joints, and the less you'll hurt. If your physical limitations are more serious, check with your
local sports medicine or rehabilitation clinic, or find an athletic trainer who can help you figure out exercises that are still safe and easy to do
If you don't like to move because you feel too fat, start with an activity that's less public, like using an exercise video at home. Walk with nonjudgmental friends in your neighborhood while wearing clothes that provide enough coverage that you feel comfortable.
And remember that gyms today are different. "You don't have the Spandex gyms as much," says Endress. Women-only places like Curves may be more comfortable.
Exercise Excuse No. 6: "I Always End up Quitting."
Set small, attainable goals. Then you're more likely to feel like a success, not a failure, says Brunett. If you exercise for five minutes a day for a week, you'll feel good -- and more likely to want to try 10 minutes a day the next week.
It also helps to keep a log and post it somewhere public -- even on Facebook. Craft calls it a "wall of encouragement." Friends and family can then say, "Hey, you did 15 minutes yesterday. Great job," she says. A log also helps you see if you're starting to fall off the wagon (or the treadmill).
Having an exercise buddy keeps you accountable as well, says Boston psychologist Eric Endlich, PhD, who works with patients who need motivation to diet and exercise. When you back out of a scheduled workout, you're letting down your buddy as well as yourself.
And look toward the future. It's harder to start exercising than to stick with it once you've got your momentum going, says David Coppel, PhD, a sports psychologist in Kirkland, Wash.: "I bet you after two weeks of this, you'll feel really good."
WebMD
Sky-High Calories in Some Restaurant Meals
Restaurants Are Piling on Fat, Calories With Larger Portions, Group Says
By Elizabeth Lee
WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
June 2, 2009 -- Restaurants are serving ever-larger portions of super-bad food to entice customers to start eating out again, according to a consumer watchdog group.
In a list of the most over-the-top, unhealthy restaurant foods, the Center for Science in the Public Interest singled out some dishes that provide more saturated fat or sodium than most people should eat in three days. The foods were also high in calories.
U.S. dietary guidelines call for healthy Americans to get less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day, about the amount in a teaspoon of table salt, to lower blood pressure and reduce risk of heart disease , stroke, heart failure , and kidney disease. But for the 70% of Americans who are middle-aged or older, African-American, or have high blood pressure , no more than 1,500 milligrams a day is recommended.
Federal nutrition guidelines also advise that less than 10% of daily calories come from saturated fat, about 20 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet. Eating lots of saturated fat can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The group’s Xtreme Eating 2009 dishes, listed in the June issue of its Nutrition Action Healthletter, include:
Chili’s Big Mouth Bites with French fries (four mini bacon cheeseburgers with fried onion strings): 2,350 calories, 38 grams saturated fat, 3,940 milligrams sodium.
Olive Garden Tour of Italy, with lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and fettuccine alfredo: 1,450 calories, 33 grams saturated fat, 3,830 milligrams sodium.
The Cheesecake Factory Fried Macaroni and Cheese: 1,570 calories, 69 grams saturated fat, 1,860 milligrams sodium.
Chili’s Original Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs: An add-on for entrees, with 490 calories, 12 grams saturated fat, and 2,050 milligrams sodium.
Red Lobster Ultimate Fondue shrimp and crabmeat in a lobster cheese sauce served in a sourdough bread bowl: 1,490 calories, 40 grams saturated fat, 3,580 milligrams sodium.
Uno Chicago Grill’s Mega-Sized Deep Dish Sundae: 2,800 calories, 72 grams saturated fat.
The Cheesecake Factory’s Chicken and Biscuits: 2,500 calories.
Applebee’s Quesadilla Burgerwith fries: 1,820 calories, 46 grams saturated fat, 4,410 milligrams sodium.
The Cheesecake Factory Philly Style Flat Iron Steak with fries: 2,320 calories, 47 grams saturated fat, 5,340 milligrams sodium.
The examples are extreme, says Jayne Hurley, RD, chief nutritionist for the Center for Science in the Public Interest. But that’s the point.
“The problem is these oversized foods come with oversized calories, saturated fat, and sodium,” Hurley says. “It used to be you got a single entree, and now in some cases you’re getting three entrees on your plate.”
The typical restaurant entree, appetizer, and dessert contain about 1,000 calories apiece, Hurley says. The Center for Science in the Public Interest obtained the nutritional information in the report from restaurant web sites and menus.
“As a consumer-driven industry, we give our guests what they want,” says Shelia Weiss, RD, a nutrition consultant for the National Restaurant Association, an industry trade group. “Certainly there are indulgent items on menus, but there are more diet-conscious items on menus than ever before.”
Hurley believes diners don’t realize just how indulgent some items are. It’s a given that you’re splurging when you order Uno Chicago Grill’s Mega-Sized Deep Dish Sundae, a chocolate-chip cookie baked in a pizza pan and topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce, she says.
“But how many people would guess there are 2,800 calories and 72 grams of saturated fat when that sundae hits the table?”
Weiss disputes CSPI’s contention that restaurants may be offering much larger portions to entice recession-weary customers into eating out again.
“If anything, restaurants are adjusting their portion sizes down as a measure of the economy,” Weiss says.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest is backing a federal menu labeling bill that would require calorie counts to be listed on the menus and menu boards of chain restaurants. The National Restaurant Association is supporting a measure that would allow nutritional information to be listed in other locations -- such as a brochure or poster -- when a customer orders.
Providing more information on fat, calories, and sodium in restaurant meals would help diners trying to protect their health, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. Blatner, who provides nutrition counseling, says helping her clients learn what’s in restaurant meals is critical.
“People do not understand just how high in fat and calories these things can range,” Blatner says. “We’re talking about a day’s worth of calories in some cases. And, this is not the only meal that most people are going to be eating in a day. It’s no surprise that two out of three people are overweight in America.”
Want to avoid restaurant meals high in fat, calories, and sodium? Try these tips:
Check online for nutritional information before dining out. If your restaurant doesn’t disclose information, look for similar dishes at other restaurants that do provide that data.
Downsize the portion. Order a lunch portion or half-portion. Split a dish with a friend. Or take half home to eat later.
Try customizing. Ask if a food can be baked or grilled instead of fried. Substitute a vegetable for a side dish that may be high in calories and fat, such as a biscuit or mashed potatoes. If a food is laden with fatty additions, such as bacon, mayonnaise, and cheese, ask for it to be prepared without at least one of those high-fat foods