Healthy for Life
By Julie Asbach
HTF Columnist
Hi there everyone! Looks like we are heading into May - hip hip hooray! I still can’t get over the fact that we haven’t had snow since February, and plenty of sunshine to go along with it. The loons are going crazy, the trees are budding and our dock should be in any day now. It’s a wonderful time to be outside relaxing and taking in some fresh air and a few sunrays. Take time to sit still and be quiet. Be content and thankful for the present moment. And also take time to tell someone you love them, even if it’s yourself!
If you have any health topics, health success stories or a family recipe for a health cure, please email me at juls11@peoplepc. com or drop it off at Hometown Focus. Thanks for your support!
Healthy for Life Excercise at Home, Work or Gym: Mountain Posture
This yoga pose tones the back, pelvic area and the abdominals. It‘s great for keeping those fat deposits from forming around the abdomen and waist. It improves muscular support of the viscera (internal organs). Also it tones the chest and arm muscles. And if you are experiencing any breathing issues such as allergies or asthma, it improves your breathing by getting oxygen to the body’s cells. Overall it promotes good circulation.
This is how you do it:
1. Sit up straight in any comfortable folded-legs position. Breathe regularly.
2. Inhale and stretch your arms overhead, keeping arm close to your ears. Press your palms together if you can.
3. Hold this position as long as you comfortably can and continue to breathe normally.
4. Exhale and lower your arms; resume to your starting positing. Then rest. You may also practice the Mountain Posture while sitting on a bench or stool.
Source: Complete YOGA by Stella Weller
Home Remedies & Recipes: Peppermint
Peppermint contains menthol, a volatile oil that is useful for many reasons besides making your breath a little sweeter. This dark green variety of mint helps to clear congestion from colds and chest infections and the flu. Also, it’s good for indigestion issues by getting the digestive juices flowing. Known as a calming and anti-inflammatory remedy it helps to beat stress-related causes and can increase mental alertness as well. Peppermint has Vitamins B2, B3, C, E, beta-carotene, folate, calcium, iron, and magnesium needed for healthy blood and strong bones and teeth. Mint is great used in salads, stir fried dishes and of course tea. Or just chew on a mint leaf after eating. The pure oil is great used for aromatherapy. Use in a tincture or put a few drops in boiling water on the stove.
