Health Notes #3

Prevention of Winter Illnesses

What can be done about those dreaded, horrible, absolutely miserable, every-year winter illnesses? Let me give you some ideas that could make winter more enjoyable and much more healthy for all your family.

Number one "tip" is Exercise: Today's studies show that one of the most valuable things you can do on a regular basis to prevent winter illness is exercise. Do it preferably out-of-doors, each morning early. Take a brisk walk for a mile or two, or, as spring arrives, come closer to nature by getting out for some digging or planting of early vegetables. Early morning exercise helps to prevent colds and flu, as well as infections of almost every type. And remember to breathe deeply.

Number two is Diet. Avoid excessive sweets, candies, ice cream, extra helpings of those favorite desserts. Try substituting fresh or dried fruit, sweetened by the hand of God. The trace minerals they contain are far superior to candy. Experiment with the recipes enclosed or Apple Pie in "Health Notes #1". More recipes will be given in each new paper.

Bathing is "tip" three. It may sound strange, but it works. Take a hot bath (or shower) as warm as you can stand it comfortably, then follow with a cool shower for 20-30 seconds. Make sure the cool hits all sides of your body. This daily habit gets your circulation moving in a hurry and sends germs scooting out of your system before they overcome your defenses and produce infection. If you feel a bug is about to get you then do it three times in a row. 3-4 minutes hot and then a cool shower. Always end with the cool. Also remember to bathe the inside with 6-8 glasses of water daily.

Proper Clothing is number four. Be fashionable this year in as many layers of long-johns and socks as you need to be comfortably warm. Clothe all your body the same so that you have equal circulation. Not 2 sweaters and a heavy coat on top and only slacks on the legs. Thermal underwear under slacks and larger shoes or boots to accommodate an extra pair of heavy socks plus a warm hat of some sort are musts for optimum health. Many have been amazed at the vigor of health that is possible when the extremities are kept well and equally covered.

Ventilation is the number five "tip". Open the window at least a crack at night in your sleeping room. Be sure that there is some air circulating at all times but avoid sitting in a draft.

Natural Sweets

Polynesian Bars

2 c. chopped dates or raisins

1-20 oz. can crushed pineapple

Mix together, simmering in a saucepan until dates are soft and mixture is spreadable.

Crust:

1½ c. quick oats

¾ c. oat flour (blend oats in blender until oats are like flour)

½ c. coconut

½ tsp. salt

½ c. chopped nuts

¾ c. orange juice

Mix thoroughly with your hands until all the ingredients are damp and the mixture is crumbly. Put half the mixture into a sprayed 9X9 pan. Put fruit on top spreading evenly. Add the rest of the crumble mixture and press down lightly. Bake 350^o F. for 30 about minutes.

Banana Date Cookies

1½ c. mashed bananas

1 c. chopped dates

2 c. regular or quick oats

½ c. chopped nuts

¼ c. oil

1 tsp. vanilla

½ tsp. salt

Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes for the liquids to absorb. Drop onto lightly sprayed cookie sheet. Flatten slightly. They don't raise, so make them the size you want when finished. Bake 350^o F. for about 25 minutes.

Yield: 23 - (2 Tbs. size) cookies.

Did you know? That increasing your vitamin C intake increases the amount of iron your body will absorb. So add an orange or grapefruit to your breakfast menu! Also, surprise, surprise, ounce for ounce, raw green peppers have two times as much Vitamin C as oranges, and red peppers nearly four times as much.