http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/does-colic-increase-shaken-baby-syndrome.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/does-colic-increase-shaken-baby-syndrome.html Wed, 13 May 2009 00:41:17 -0500
Experts believe more than ninety percent of cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome are caused by colic. It's ironic that the frustration of watching your baby in pain and the helplessness of not being able to help can lead to more harm to the baby. Doctors often send mothers of colicky babies home with no hope, telling mothers they just have to wait out the crying which could last up to six months. It's no wonder that some parents snap under the pressure. Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is also known as Abusive Head Trauma/Inflicted Traumatic Brain Injury (AHT). When a baby is shaken, because the infant's neck muscles are not developed, the brain can bounce back and forth inside the skull and cause trauma. Head trauma is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States.

The award-winning KidsHealth website from Nemours, one of the largest nonprofit organizations devoted to children's health has this helpful information:

One method that may help is author Dr. Harvey Karp's "five S's":

1. Shushing (using "white noise" or rhythmic sounds that mimic the constant whir of noise in the womb, with things like vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, clothes dryers, a running tub, or a white noise CD)

2. Side/stomach positioning (placing the baby on the left side - to help digestion - or on the belly while holding him or her, then putting the sleeping baby in the crib or bassinet on his or her back)

3. Sucking (letting the baby breastfeed or bottle-feed, or giving the baby a pacifier or finger to suck on)

4. Swaddling (wrapping the baby up snugly in a blanket to help him or her feel more secure)

5. Swinging gently (rocking in a chair, using an infant swing, or taking a car ride to help duplicate the constant motion the baby felt in the womb)

If a baby in your care won't stop crying, you can also try the following:

• Make sure the baby's basic needs are met (for example, he or she isn't hungry and doesn't need to be changed).


• Check for signs of illness, like fever or swollen gums.


• Rock or walk with the baby.


• Sing or talk to the baby.


• Offer the baby a pacifier or a noisy toy.


• Take the baby for a ride in a stroller or strapped into a child safety seat in the car.


• Hold the baby close against your body and breathe calmly and slowly.


• Call a friend or relative for support or to take care of the baby while you take a break.


• If nothing else works, put the baby on his or her back in the crib, close the door, and check on the baby in 10 minutes.


• Call your doctor if nothing seems to be helping your infant, in case there is a medical reason for the fussiness.

To prevent potential AHT, parents and caregivers of infants need to learn how to respond to their own stress. It's important to talk to anyone caring for your baby about the dangers of shaking and how it can be prevented.

It's worth mentioning again there are ways to deal with the emotional devastation colic can cause the whole family.

• Ask for help from friends and family. Taking time away from the incessant crying can help you cope.


• Try alternative medicine. If your pediatrician won't help, research chiropractors and acupuncturists that specialize in pediatric patients. Also research natural homeopathic medicines- they can not only help ease the symptoms of colic but can possibly shorten the duration of colic. Beware of supplements that contain Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) which can alter the PH in baby's delicate system.


• Ask for help from your community. Many churches and children services have programs set up to help mothers in need.

Other organizations that can help are:

The Shaken Baby Alliance,
1201 West Lancaster Street,
Ft. Worth Texas 76102,
1-877-6ENDSBS (toll free)

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) National Institutes of Health,
Bldg. 31, Rm. 2A32,
Bethesda, MD 20892-2425

The ARC,
1010 Wayne Avenue,
Suite 650 ,
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Think First Foundation [National Injury Prevention Program],
5550 Meadowbrook Drive,
Suite 110,
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008,
800-THINK-56 (844-6556),
Fax: 847-290-9005

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Cyndra Neal has written numerous articles on family issues and related topics such as colicky babies and infant gas. She also gives advice to new moms and dads daily with babies that struggle with baby reflux.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/calorie-counter.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/calorie-counter.html Sat, 09 May 2009 01:50:06 -0500
Using calorie counting as a way of losing weight also helps to build your knowledge and awareness of what's in what you eat as well as what your body actually needs. Nutritionists, dieticians and other health professionals all agree that in order to maintain healthy weight you need to eat a healthy diet, which is one of the reasons that calorie counters are cropping up over the Internet; they are what will help us keep a better check on what exactly is in the food we choose to eat.

A counter is what we can use to count our daily calorie intake. Basically the way in which they work is you use them to search for a particular food that you are eating. You can search for things such as bread, cakes, breakfast cereal, meat, snacks, alcohol and restaurant food as well as take away. Also if what you are looking for is not listed you just type in what you are looking for and search for it, simple. When you find what you are looking for, an example of which could be a bagel, you will see all of its nutritional facts, in the case of a bagel it has 254 calories, 1.7g of fat and 3.6g of fiber. This information can then be used to set out a healthy diet for you. You can use it to improve your diet, health and of course your weight. You can use the nutritional information presented from the calorie counter to help you pick a good balance of healthy food and best of all this is something that can be taken advantage of by everyone.

A calorie counter is flexible enough to fit into most lifestyles and can accommodate almost all personal taste, including a range of likes and dislikes. There are basically no forbidden foods when you are using a counter, everything is allowed as long as you eat fewer calories than you burn each day.

There are so many uses of a calorie counter, as I have previously mentioned one of the main uses is weight loss. However if weight isn't your main concern but health is then it will help you determine just how healthy or in fact unhealthy your diet really is. This is because the foods you eat or don't eat play quite possibly the largest role in your overall health. You need to basically make sure you are hitting your daily calorie intake but that you are hitting this target with healthy foods that contain exactly what your body needs and that you aren't merely limiting yourself to unhealthy foods that contain what will simply make you less healthy.

With the help of a calorie counter you have no excuse to not understand whether you are or aren't getting enough of your daily intake. It is one of the easiest ways for you to manage your weight and to generally monitor your intake. It is so simple to use. Once you have found the food that you are searching for you will be presented with an easy to read and navigate chart that gives you all of the information that you need. You can then apply this information to ensure you are getting not only the right amount of calories but also that you are getting them from the right type of food.

One last way that this counter can help you is within your daily exercise regime. This is because it informs you of the best ways to count all of the calories that you have burned in your daily activities as well as all of your fitness and sports activities. So how do you use this counter in this way? You use it just as you would to find out the nutrition information for food. You basically enter the sport or exercise activity that you have taken part in and how long you have partaken in that particular activity and it will inform you of the amount of calories that you would have burnt.

Whether you are on a weight loss plan, exercise regime or you just want to change your eating habits to incorporate a healthier diet, a calorie counter is the perfect way to keep you on track. It will help you understand how to achieve your goals. So to stick to your plan and ultimately change your life for the better, check out what it can do for you.


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Australian Lifestyle & Fitness offers free online Calorie Counter tools. They have both a food Calorie Counter and exercise calorie counter to help you control your calorie intake.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/cutting-calories-for-a-healthy-diet.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/cutting-calories-for-a-healthy-diet.html Fri, 08 May 2009 14:02:32 -0500
One reason for the increased calorie intake is that more of us are eating out now than we used to. Fast food restaurants are everywhere, so it's cheap and easy to maintain a diet of high fat, high calorie foods. We are also eating out at traditional restaurants more often as two income families juggle busy schedules. Restaurant portions are typically large and contain high levels of unhealthy fats with little fiber or nutrients. These factors along with fewer opportunities for exercise, have all contributed to our expanding waistlines.

Below are a few tips for cutting calories on a daily basis.

The right combinations

One way you can deal with high calorie foods is to combine them with foods that are lower in calories. That way you will reduce total calorie intake. For example, combine a half of a sandwich with a large bowl of soup. Foods that are high in water content are a great way to lower total calories.

Smaller portions

Replace standard sized plates with smaller ones. Even though you fill up your plate, you will still be getting fewer calories. Eat more slowly because it can take several minutes for the brain to get the message that the stomach is full also, push away from the table before you feel completely full.

Start the day right

Just as your mother told you, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It can even be helpful to have a large breakfast. Some studies have shown that people who took in a greater number of calories early in the day, consumed fewer calories throughout the rest of the day. Conversely, those who had their biggest meal later in the day, consumed a greater number of calories throughout the day.

Snacking

There are a large number of unhealthy snacks available everywhere. Almost all workplaces have a vending machine in the break room. Most of this these foods are high in calories and low in nutrition. Take healthy snacks such as fresh or dried fruit to work so that you're not tempted by the unhealthy choices.

Eating out

When you do eat out, make better choices. Skip the soft drink and choose water instead. Order the cut fruit instead of french fries. Many restaurants now offer a "lighter" section that includes lower fat and carbohydrate entrées.

The healthiest diets are those that are rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber and are lower in calories. Select deeply colored fruits and vegetables such as spinach, kale, strawberries and blueberries. They have more vitamins and antioxidants. Check labels and be aware of how many calories you're taking in on a daily basis. Keeping a daily food log can help you see how many calories you're actually consuming each day.

By diluting high calorie foods with lower calorie ones, consuming smaller portions, eating breakfast and making healthier choices when snacking and eating out, we can all take steps to cut our daily calorie intake.



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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit Blue Cross Blue Shield NC (BCBSNC), also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/how-fish-oil-eases-the-pain-of-arthritis.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/how-fish-oil-eases-the-pain-of-arthritis.html Tue, 05 May 2009 15:36:32 -0500
There are over a hundred forms of arthritis. Luckily, there are also plenty of options for treating arthritis symptoms. Prescription drugs and low-impact exercises, such as yoga, are popular therapies. However, those treatments arenít right for everyone. Each patient should work with their doctor to find a regimen that suits their situation.

More and more patients and doctors are seeing the benefits of alternative therapies. Coupled with traditional treatment plans, alternative and natural therapies can be powerful weapons against arthritis pain. One popular remedy is fish oil. Itís lauded for its content of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids have long been thought to promote heart health.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are also thought to reduce inflammation in joints. Some consider them to be potent anti-inflammatory that removes the need for conventional drug therapy. But how powerful is fish oil, really? Is it the new cure for arthritis pain, or just a flash in the pan?

Can Fish Oil Relieve Arthritis Pain?

Itís unfortunate that alternative therapies donít have a wealth of studies and evidence to prove their efficacy. Most of the evidence for fish oil is anecdotal. That is, patients and doctors swear that it works for them. But there has also been a group of studies that put fish oil to the test. The results? Fish oilís omega-3 fatty acids do bring relief from the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Further studies will need to be done to determine how much fish oil a patient should consume, and for how long.

Unlike many natural therapies, fish oil has been linked to certain side-effects and drug interactions. It seems to affect the bloodís ability to clot. People who are taking blood thinners or other blood-affecting medications should talk to their doctor about possible drug interactions before adding fish oil to their diet. Also, fish oil can drop blood pressure to dangerously low levels in patients who take blood pressure medicine. To be on the safe side, ask your doctor before you start taking any supplement ñ particularly if youíre taking other medications.

Fish oil is also a tad risky in that it might contain contaminants. You might have heard all the hype about fish containing dangerous levels of mercury. Certain types of fish contain more mercury than others. The fish that contain the most mercury are tuna, swordfish, king mackerel, and shark. Try to limit your consumption of these fish, and look for other types of fish which are considered to be low-mercury. A little research on the Internet or a call to the fishís manufacturer can get you the information you need about mercury levels.

Besides these concerns, fish oil is relatively risk free. If taken in larger than recommended quantities, it might cause minor bloating, gas, or diarrhea.



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Daniel Bones is a Fish Oil aficionado. Visit his premium site on the benefits of fish oil for free information telling you exactly how the Omega 3 in Fish oil can help you.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/how-to-buy-healthy-foods.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/how-to-buy-healthy-foods.html Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:31:42 -0500
A good place to begin is by learning about what is in the foods we currently purchase. Next time you head to the grocery store, take a look at the label before you toss that package in your grocery cart. Don't be fooled by claims such as "healthy" or "low-fat" on the front of the package. Check the nutrition label to make sure that these claims are true.

What the nutrition label tells you

The first thing to be aware of when reading a nutrition label is the serving size. In an effort to make the food appear more healthy by being lower in fat or calories, food companies will sometimes list an extremely small portion size. So be aware of what they are calling a portion size.

The next thing listed on the nutrition label after the serving size is the calorie amount and the "% Daily Value" column. The "% Daily Value" is based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet. You may need to make adjustments if your calorie intake is more or less than 2000 calories per day. An ingredient is considered low if it is 5% or less, and high if it is 20% or more.

Underneath the calorie section is the fat content section. Choose foods that are low in saturated fats and trans fats. Try to keep your cholesterol intake to under 300 mg per day. Below the fat content section is the information on carbohydrates, fiber and sugars. Try to reduce your consumption of additional sugars. These can be listed as glucose, sucrose or fructose. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthy sweets such as grapes, apples, and strawberries.

On juice containers check to see how much real juice they actually contain. Some juices only contain 10% juice, the rest is sugar and water. Select products that contain 100% juice. When choosing breads, look for those that contain 100% whole wheat. If the first ingredients listed are "unbleached wheat flour," or "unbleached enriched wheat flour" then it is not whole wheat.

What to look for

Try to choose foods that have 5 g or more of fiber per serving. Fiber can help with digestion, and regularity. It can also help to lower the risk of certain diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. A high fiber diet can also help with weight control, because the fiber helps one to feel fuller, more quickly. Choose foods that have high levels of healthy vitamins and minerals. Look for high levels of iron, calcium and vitamins A and C.

Ingredients on the package will be listed in order. The ingredient in the greatest amount will be listed first and the smallest ingredient will be listed last. Avoid those foods that list enriched ingredients or sugars first.

By paying attention to what we buy at the grocery store and learning to read labels, we can all take an important step towards a healthier life.



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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit BCBSNC, also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/tips-for-a-healthier-diet.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/tips-for-a-healthier-diet.html Sat, 11 Apr 2009 09:50:38 -0500
Fruits and vegetables help prevent diseases

Fruits and vegetables have many important vitamins and minerals as well as fiber. Studies have shown that people who eat greater amounts of fruits and vegetables have lower rates of heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer. Choose vegetables in a wide range of colors to ensure that you get many of the important vitamins and minerals. The deeper the color of the fruit or vegetable, the more nutrients it contains. Choose the deeply colored sweet potatoes over white potatoes, for example.

Fruits and vegetables help with weight loss

Increasing your fruit and vegetable intake can be helpful in a weight loss program as well. The water and fiber content in fruits and vegetables helps you to feel fuller, quicker and they are often low in calories. The more of the right foods that you eat, the less room you will have for the unhealthy foods. As you eat more of the healthy foods, your appetite for them will increase as well. Remember that the fruits and vegetables are a substitute for the higher calorie foods, not in addition to them. If you only add fruits and vegetables to your current diet then you will be increasing your calorie intake, not reducing it.

Tips for adding more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet

Look for ways to increase the fruits and vegetables in dishes you already eat, and add extra fruits and vegetables to dishes that already include them. In the morning, try adding more vegetables to a morning omelet and more fruit to breakfasts cereals for example. Add extra vegetables to stir fry dishes and soups and decrease the rice and pasta. Buy pre-washed and cut vegetables and fruits in the produce section at the grocery store, to provide convenient alternatives to high-fat snack foods. If healthy alternatives are as convenient as the unhealthy snacks, you will be more likely to make wise choices.

Fill half your plate with fruit or vegetables at mealtime. Keep fresh fruit handy at home. Take small bags of cut fruit and a small container of vanilla yogurt for dipping or small bag of cut vegetables and a container of low calorie dip, to work as an mid-day snack. That should keep you away from the vending machine. You can also keep a variety of dried fruits in your desk drawer for snacking emergencies.

Getting kids to eat more fruits and vegetables

Many fast food restaurants are adding healthy alternatives to their menus. Order apple slices or a fruit bowls in place of French fries or a chicken fillet sandwich or wrap in place of a burger. Try the smoothie shop instead of the ice cream parlor for a healthier treat that also incorporates a serving of fruit.

Fruits and vegetables are necessary for a healthy diet. By incorporating more of them into your daily routine at home and at the office, you can do wonders for your general health and you can also shed a few pounds in the process.


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Kevin Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes on health insurance in North Carolina, visit BCBSNC, also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/soft-drinks-with-antioxidants-added-why.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/soft-drinks-with-antioxidants-added-why.html Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:09:07 -0500
Antioxidants are believed to help protect us against both cancer and heart disease. Studies have shown that there is a significant positive association between a higher intake of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, and reduced risk of chronic disease.

While dark chocolate, blueberries, and red wine get ample public attention, some independent food study shows that other foods, as well as coffee, could pack an even healthier punch. Maybe that is why the soft drink companies are adding antioxidants to their soda line, for they are just jumping on the antioxidant band wagon.

First off, antioxidants are a group of organic compounds that include vitamins A, C and E, for many natural foods derive their colors from the presence of these substances. Antioxidants are helpful because they neutralize oxidizing free-radical molecules that are normally absorbed through foods but could be carcinogenic over time.

Maybe the soft drink companies believe fortifying products with ingredients containing high levels of antioxidants helps give customers the tools necessary to maintain a healthful antioxidant status, which in turn could mitigate the risk of developing chronic diseases.

There are some negative effects of added antioxidants that consumers should remember. First, the "free radicals" that antioxidants act against perform a dual biological function. Free radicals are produced continuously in all cells as part of their normal functioning. In moderate concentrations, they are essential mediators of reactions by which our bodies eliminate unwanted cells. By eliminating free radicals from our body, we interfere with important defensive mechanisms for eliminating damaged cells, including cancerous cells. So antioxidant substances can also harm people. Whereas our diets typically contain safe levels, highly concentrated antioxidant supplements can be hazardous.

As us consumers are increasingly becoming more interested in drinks that offer health benefits above and beyond that for which they were initially intended? Keep in mind, just as long as these products provide added fortification in a natural way. Consider a variety of common foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and herbs, are naturally rich, not only in vitamins and minerals, or plant-derived chemicals that have inherent antioxidant protective properties that help fight against disease before you reach for that antioxidant enriched soda or soft drink.

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Andrew is a father and author of numerous articles on childcare, natural health, parenting and pregnancy. He firmly believes in all natural remedies like gripe water which is used to relieve baby colic and infant reflux. More information can be found by visiting http://www.coliccalm.com/

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/4-refreshing-foods-for-weight-loss.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/4-refreshing-foods-for-weight-loss.html Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:50:02 -0600
The easiest way to reduce calories and to give yourself a boost in nutrients and energy is to increase you intake of fruit and vegetables. They are light in calories and they will increase your energy levels. If you are struggling with portion control, it is very difficult to overeat with fruit and vegetables as they are so low in calories. Also increase your water intake to at least 8 cups of water per day. Have a water bottle with you at work, in the car or a bottle of chilled water in the fridge. It will cleanse your body and keep you hydrated.

1. Salads. They are easy to make, very nutritious and if you have a low calorie dressing they are great for getting calories down. You can mix it up with salads as well. It doesn’t just have to be lettuce and tomato. Try salads like tabouli.
2. Melons & Berries. These are so high in vitamin C, low in calories, taste great and are so satisfying and excellent for weight loss.
3. Soups. Soups are cheap to make, last in the fridge for several serving and taste great. This can be an excellent way to increase your vegetable intake. Very low in calories.
4. Grilled vegetables. Vegetables don’t have to be boring. You can try grilled vegetable pitas or grilled vegetable frittatas.

These four foods will help you significantly cut calories from your diet, while at the same time increasing your intake of fruit & vegetables. This will cleanse your system, increase your energy levels.


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Michael Jenkins is a Weight Loss expert. He has helped thousands of people lose weight via his website Australian Lifestyle & Fitness http://www.alfitness.com.au. His weight loss program gives you a meal plan based on your food choices, an exercise plan based on your body shape and trouble spots and also tools to track your progress and get the support you need to keep on track with your Weight Loss goals.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/a-healthy-diet-is-essential-for-good-health.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/a-healthy-diet-is-essential-for-good-health.html Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:28:20 -0600
The effect that food should have on your body is it should provide you with all of the nutrients and fibers that you need. If you aren’t getting enough then you are putting your health at risk. There is no single food or food group however that contains all of these nutrients and fibers, which is why it is important that we eat a wide range of foods.

There are five main food groups, which are as follows:

• Starchy foods
• Fruit and vegetables
• Dairy foods
• Meat, fish and other non-dairy sources of protein (such as beans)
• Fats and sugar

You need to include a good mix of the above in order to maintain healthy eating. Also the type of food that you consume contains different types of nutrients and your body will use these in a variety of different ways. For example carbohydrates are your bodies preferred source of energy, which is needed for aspects such as the growth and repair of all tissues within your body. They also power your muscles for movement. Another example of how your body uses a nutrient is through the use of protein; this represents another source of energy and the use of fiber ensures that your digestive system remains healthy and that your cholesterol and blood sugar levels are maintained.

The choices you make when it comes to food can have long term impacts when it comes to your general heath. By eating and sticking to a healthy diet you are dramatically reducing your risk of developing serious disease and illness such as diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer, particularly bowel cancer.

It should be noted that a healthy diet doesn’t mean you should be starving yourself; take a look at the tips below for a more clear definition of what constitutes a healthy diet:

• Eat enough calories
• Drink more water
• Eat more fruit and vegetables
• Cut back on salty and sugary foods
• Eat regular meals
• Reduce, don’t eliminate certain foods
• Make sure you have moderate portions

A lot of us are jeopardizing our healthy eating by eating portions of food that are far too big. You should use moderation as your guide for everything you eat. The reason why this is so important is down to the fact you can still eat what you want to eat if the portion sizes are in moderation.

The most important thing that you need to remember is when you are introducing a healthy eating regime is to make changes to your diet gradually. By doing this you are more likely to stick to your diet as the changes won’t be so dramatic.

So start making these little changes today and start noticing big differences straight away. Not only will you feel better but you will be protecting yourself against major diseases.


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Michael Jenkins is the owner of Australian Lifestyle & Fitness, which is an online diet company. The company provides tailored weight loss and diet solutions to help people lose weight and keep it off.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/farmers-markets-can-be-a-fun-shopping-experience.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/farmers-markets-can-be-a-fun-shopping-experience.html Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:07:11 -0600
A farmers market certainly won't have everything on a regular grocery shopping list, but it can be a fun way to pick up a few healthy things to eat. Typical things found at a Texas farmers market year around are onions, herbs, pecans, baked goods and various seasonal fruits and vegetables. Of course, with this being Austin there is music to be found at the local farmers markets.

The Sunset Valley Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The parking lot of the Tony Burger Center, located on the eastbound side of Highway 290, is bustling with booths and shoppers. The market features local growers of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, plants, flowers, herbs and even artisan cheese makers. Local ranchers also bring chicken, beef, lamb, goat, and pork. There is even bison and gulf harvested shrimp available sometimes.

With Spring around the corner, look for fresh asparagus, strawberries and blackberries. The Sunset Valley Farmers Market advertises itself as a weekly celebration. "It is fun for the whole family, too! Rain or shine, we're always celebrating our weekly, open-air market with fresh foods, live music, kids entertainment, specialty events, festivals, a cafe for breakfast or lunch, and a great community vibe," says their website.

Another popular local farmers market is the Austin Farmers Market, located on the corner of Fourth and Guadalupe in downtown. This is also an open-air Saturday market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This market started in 2002 as a project of Sustainable Food Center. It was a collaboration of many members of the community with help from a City of Austin feasibility study grant.

As it was described in a recent Austin-American Statesman column, the Austin Farmers Market "provides so much more than Fredericksburg peaches from the Davis Orchard and Mark and Matt Seiler's Maine Root Fresh Brewed Tap Root Beer from their organic brewery in East Austin, though these are obviously righteously good and good for you even without a fulfilling communal experience."

It is the community of farmers intersecting with the Austin community at large that may be the biggest attraction of this market. Young and old are attracted to the opportunity to purchase a few fresh item, taste some local goodies or try something new. Even just strolling through and taking in the goings-on is perfectly acceptable. A band plays while children romp and shoppers roam, creating a fun mixture of sights and sounds. It is a completely different atmosphere than the local grocery store, that's for sure.

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Ki works in Austin, Texas. Austin real estate is easily searchable on Ki's website. He provides a search of the Austin MLS along with a blog covering Austin Texas real estate stats and market updates.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>