Put Your Nutcracker To Use
This Holiday Season
Snacking is as much a holiday tradition as turkey, tree lights, parties and shopping.
Those heaping plates of treats rarely provide healthy options, but few people complain – at least not until the New Year, when they realize they gained a few extra pounds.
Actually, though, a healthy holiday alternative might have been there all along, just ignored because of the more enticing sugary treats surrounding it. Many snack trays include healthy nuts of various kinds (after all, this is the season of the nutcracker), but data shows that the typical American is more apt to reach for cookies, candy and chips. And it’s not just a seasonal thing: six out of 10 Americans don’t eat any nuts on a given day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nuts often play second fiddle to less nutritious snacks, despite studies going back to the 1990s linking them to positive health outcomes – from lower cholesterol and blood pressure to reduced risk of cardiovascular problems.
Maybe this year, though, is the time to put that nutcracker to good use. Dr. Earl L. Mindell, an internationally-recognized expert on nutrition, vitamins and herbal remedies, says the holidays are prime time for people to gain an awareness of the health benefits of nuts.
“Many of us love pecan pie, especially during the holidays,” says Mindell, a spokesman for Primavera® brand walnuts (www.primaverawalnuts.com) and the author of 63 health-related books. “But eaten separately throughout the year, as is the case with almonds, chestnuts, walnuts and other tree nuts, they’ll significantly change your diet for the better. The nutritional values and different ways nuts protect your health are worth changing your snack habits.”
Mindell says the following four nuts offer many health plusses (and make great stocking stuffers to balance out all those marshmallow snowmen and candy canes):
Almonds. These are loaded with antioxidants – which have been found to help protect against inflammation, aging, heart disease and cancer – and vitamin E. Several studies have linked higher vitamin E intake with lower rates of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. “Also, high amounts of magnesium in almonds can help lower blood sugar levels,” Dr. Mindell says. “Many people don’t get enough magnesium.”
Chestnuts. The Christmas Song begins, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” but many may forget about chestnuts once the holidays pass. If you’re worried about picking up an extra five or more pounds from Thanksgiving through January – as many Americans do – this could be your nut. “It’s low in fat,” Dr. Mindell says, “and a good source of magnesium, protein, vitamin E and dietary fiber, which you need for colon health. You need to look into keeping them around all year.”
Pecans. This is another nut high in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, which help lower cholesterol. Of particular interest to men, the beta-sitosterol in pecans has been shown to be helpful to prostate health. “They’re also rich in several B-complex groups of vitamins, which help increase the rate of metabolism, so it could help in losing weight,” Dr. Mindell says.
Walnuts. These have the highest content of antioxidants of any nut. Walnuts are also a good source of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, including plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 oils have been shown to raise serotonin levels in the brain, so there’s a school of thought that consistent walnut consumption can ward off depression. ”Walnuts are one of those treats you might only think about during the holidays, and that’s a shame,” Dr. Mindell says. “They’re full of amazing stuff.”
“We all should be eating more nuts,” Dr. Mindell says. “The research is all there, supporting how they reduce the risk of chronic diseases, provide many daily health benefits and can add longevity.”
About Dr. Earl Mindell
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., M.H., Ph.D. (www.primaverawalnuts.com) is an internationally-recognized expert on nutrition, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and herbal remedies. He is often called the “Father of the Nutritional Revolution.” Dr. Mindell is the author of 63 health-oriented books, including the all-time international best-selling nutritional book, The New Vitamin Bible, which has sold over 11 million copies. His latest book is “Healing With Hemp CBD Oil.” He is currently an Associate Professor at Chapman University, School of Pharmacy. Dr. Mindell has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Good Morning America, CNN, and the David Letterman Show.
About Prima Noce Packing
Prima Noce (www.primaverawalnuts.com) is a walnut grower, packer and distributor located in Linden, Calif., a farming community in the fertile San Joaquin Valley.
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Bishop Honors Rep. Jim Hansen from House Floor
WASHINGTON – Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) speaks from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the late Utah Congressman, James V. Hansen:
CLICK HERE for video
BISHOP: Mr. Speaker, this week my state lost a friend and a statesman. James V. Hansen, Utah’s longest serving member of this body, passed away on Wednesday. My condolences go out to his wife, Ann, and the rest of the Hansen family.
During his 22 years of service in the House, Jim became the first Utahn in history to assume the responsibilities of a full committee chairman.
In 1997, Jim was chosen to chair the infamous Ethics Committee. Former Leader Armey said, “it is one of the most extraordinary trusts that a body could put in another person.” in 2001, Jim was named chairman of the Natural Resources committee.
He was a trailblazer. Not just for Utah, but for me personally. I followed him into the state legislature, and as Speaker of the Utah House, and as a member of this body. Also, as a chairman of the Western Caucus, which Jim founded. And finally, as Chairman of the Resources Committee.
I will be forever grateful for the time he took to mentor me in each and every one of these roles. His impact on my life, and many others, cannot be overstated.
As chairman of the Resources Committee, Jim prioritized wise use of public lands while developing sound energy policies and passing numerous conservation bills.
As a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, he defended Hill Air Force Base as well as the importance of US Military needs.
Jim accomplished much without ever succumbing to arrogance. He was a good man, a fine leader, and a cherished friend. He will be missed.
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3 Reasons To Avoid – Or Delay –
Knee-Replacement Surgery
Hitting your 50s or 60s can bring several life changes, and increasingly those include artificial joints. For much of the aging U.S. population, knees in particular are wearing out.
More than 600,000 knee replacements are performed annually in the U.S., according to The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. That number is expected to swell to 3 million by the year 2030, the publication’s study reported, partly because people are working longer and obesity is on the rise.
But while knee replacements are becoming a popular elective surgery, some studies estimate 20 percent or more of recipients aren’t pleased with the result. Medical experts question whether replacement surgery is being done too soon – or whether some people need a new knee at all.
“Surgery should only be done as a last resort,” says Dr. Victor Romano (www.romanomd.com), an orthopedist and author of Finding The Source: Maximizing Your Results – With and Without Orthopaedic Surgery. “A knee replacement can be life-changing, but they can also be painful, wear down prematurely and become infected.
“If you have debilitating pain and difficulty walking because of degenerative arthritis, surgery may be your best option no matter your age. Otherwise, there are sound reasons to avoid a knee replacement, or at least to postpone it until a more appropriate time.”
Romano says there are three main reasons to avoid or put off knee replacement surgery:
“There are ways to at least buy time,” Romano says. “And there are patients who were told they needed a knee replacement, but with conservative therapy options, happily discovered otherwise and returned to their favorite activities without pain.”
About Dr. Victor Romano
Dr. Victor Romano (www.romanomd.com) is an orthopedic surgeon in Oak Park, Ill.,
and the author of Finding The Source: Maximizing Your Results – With and Without
Orthopaedic Surgery. He is board-certified in orthopedics and sports medicine with
over 25 years of experience in the field. He graduated cum laude from the University of
Notre Dame and completed medical school at the University of Loyola-Chicago.
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Hale Centre Theatre Thanks Patrons for an Outstanding First Year at the Mountain America Performing Arts Centre in Sandy
More than 500,000 theatre patrons will have attended 800 performances during the 2018 season
SALT LAKE CITY, November 16, 2018 – Hale Centre Theatre has seen exceptional growth and audience support after being housed for one year in the fully-completed Mountain America Performing Arts Centre in Sandy, Utah. The Hale is celebrating the first anniversary of its opening on Nov. 16, 2018 with a special customer appreciation night for theater patrons attending its productions.
“The public’s support has been breathtaking!” said Sally Dietlein, HCT co-founder, vice president and executive producer. “We would not be here today if not for the community’s love and demand for well-produced, innovative, family-oriented theater. We are incredibly grateful to our patrons, sponsors, elected officials, HCT board, amazing staff and performers for helping make our first year in Sandy a positive experience that has exceeded our expectations.”
“Our two new theaters are filling to capacity on a regular basis and we have added over 70 additional performances in this first full year,” added Mark Dietlein, HCT co-founder, CEO and executive producer. “By the end of this year, our regional, non-equity professional theater company will have staged 800 performances over 10 productions. As a result, HCT will have grown from 280,000 to 540,000 patrons in just over one year, making it one of the highest attended theatres in the nation. Season ticket sales have also jumped from 23,000 in 2017 to 29,000 in 2018.”
This growth has made Hale Centre Theatre the largest theater employer in the state, with 62 full-time and 150 regular part-time employees and 500 paid actors, compared to 40 full time and 75 part-time employees and 300 paid actors in 2017.
Not only has HCT contributed to the economy through wages, but it also has benefited the local economy to the tune of an estimated $14,256,000 million by the end of the year, based on industry survey data that says every theater patron generates $24.60 in gas, hotel, restaurant and retail sales. *
The Mountain America Performing Arts Centre is home to two stages: a 901-seat Young Living Centre Stage and a 467-seat Sorenson Legacy Jewel Box Stage. Eight of 10 productions have been performed thus far for the 2018 season including the Hunchback of Notre Dame, Music Man, Newsies and Tuck Everlasting. Wait Until Dark and The Scarlet Pimpernel are currently playing.
The world-class performance facility houses state-of-the-art stage automation solutions created by TAIT, an international live event entertainment technology company, providing storytelling opportunities like nothing else in the world. And, the innovative spirit continues to thrive at Hale Centre Theatre as more theatre-enhancing technology continues to be added including a giant 42-foot by 32-foot LED backdrop screen recently installed in the Sorenson Legacy Jewel Box Stage debuting during the 2018 production of A Christmas Carol in December. Hale’s exciting 2019 season of entertainment includes Matilda, Cinderella, An American in Paris and more favorites.
For ticket information call 801-984-9000, go to hct.org, or visit the box office at 9900 S. Monroe Street in Sandy City. Season tickets and individual tickets are now on sale for the 2019 season. For updates, contests and information on the current theater season, follow Hale Centre Theatre on Facebook.
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About Hale Centre Theatre
Hale Centre Theatre, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing “innovative, professional family theater and theater education that involves and elevates our community.” The 33-year old organization recently moved to the spacious new Mountain America Performing Arts Centre, at 9900 Monroe Street in Sandy, Utah. HCT employs a full-time staff of 62 with benefits, and a part-time staff of 150. The theater pays more than 500 actors each year for their performances, all who live and work in Utah. Since 2005, the theater has won the notable AACT Award, Pioneers of Progress award, and 28 Best-of-State awards in Theater Group/Director, Arts in Education and Professional Theater. HCT gives back to the community by donating theater tickets and providing free student matinees and tours for hundreds of school children and non-profit organizations throughout the year. For more information about the 2018 and 2019 theater season, visit hct.org.
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The National Parenting Center
America's Leading Parent Advocacy Organization
MEDIA REPORT
The National Parenting Center releases
Holiday 2018 Seal of Approval Report
28th Holiday Report released as all eyes turn to gift giving season
FRIDAY- November 16, 2018 - The National Parenting Center has released its 28th annual Holiday Seal of Approval report. The final report of 2018 follows two months of consumer testing by parents and children at The National Parenting Center's test centers. Parents can read reviews of all the award winning products from this and all three 2018 testing periods, Spring & Fall as well, at www.nationalparentingcenter.com. They can also find TNPC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and keep up with our posts on Instagram and Pinterest
The Seal of Approval evaluative process gauges consumer reaction to products currently being marketed to both parents and their children such as toys, games, books, videos, websites, educational products, etc. Each is reviewed on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, price, packaging, design, stimulation, desirability, age appropriateness, instructions and more. TNPC's Seal of Approval is ultimately a peer-to-peer review program to recognize and highlight products and services that have been met with a "thumbs up" by parents.
Since 1989, The National Parenting Center has established itself as North America's leading parent advocacy organization. TNPC offers advice and information to parents on issues that range from pregnancy through adolescence. The National Parenting Center's home page, offers visitors free access to hundreds of articles on parenting issues as well as Seal of Approval reviews.
To schedule interviews with the president of The National Parenting Center, David Katzner, please contact TNPC's Media division 818-225-8990 x-252. For electronic images and/or the official PDF report of the entire Holiday Report which features all the reviews of the winning products, please submit your request via email to media@tnpc.com
**The images below are a sampling of some of the new winning products,
you can read their specific reviews by clicking on the picture**
