The typical blood test for heart health measures cholesterol levels, aka lipids: the HDL (“good cholesterol”) and LDL (“bad cholesterol”). The test results are just three numbers: HDL, LDL and Total cholesterol. Can 3 numbers give a full and accurate view of your cardiovascular health? I don’t think so. While these numbers can be […]
Tag: heart health
Why You Need to Get the Lead Out of Your Water!
Thanks to the crises in Flint MI, Newark NJ and our own Portland OR, virtually everyone not living under a rock is aware of the prevalence of lead in drinking water across the U.S. What most people don’t know, is how serious its health effects are for young and adult humans alike. Here’s the scoop: […]
Skip the Salt, Shake on the Herbs, and Feel Your Heart Do a Happy Dance
It’s no news flash that reducing your salt intake can offer many health benefits, especially for your heart. But how many people want to give up the full-bodied flavor that salt (sometimes) brings out in foods? Nobody. Good news! Passing up the salt shaker doesn’t mean you have to endure a bland food diet that’s […]
Lap it Up! (Part 2 of the Swimming blog series)
In Water Baby, Part 1 of the Swimming blog series, I talk about my introduction to the water and how it got me through a grueling restaurant server job and boosted my health and fitness. During the last couple of years, I’ve been craving (and pushing myself) to get back into the pool and I’ve […]
The Top 5 Things I’ve Learned from My Dad
Early July brings fond thoughts of my father whose birthday is on the 6th. This year is a landmark: he hits 85 and I must say he hits it out of the park! I am so incredibly blessed to have such a model of health and fitness near and dear to me. In fact, his […]
Plant Talk: Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Lore & History: Native to southern France Her name – Ros marinus – means “fond of the sea”, not surprising since the plant thrives along the Mediterranean coast Garlands were worn on the head while studying in ancient Greece to improve memory Symbol of remembrance, friendship & love: worn at weddings – […]