Perkins, OK (PRWEB) January 25, 2012
“Something living, something new, something pretty, practical too.” These are the qualities of a unique gift idea, The Queen Anne Shiitake Log Kit from Lost Creek Mushroom Farm, according to designer Sandra Williams. The Queen Anne is a 12-inch shiitake log is seated in an Italian-style embossed metal vase. The log will grow organic mushrooms every two months for three to four years.
Williams, owner of Lost Creek Mushroom Farm, added ?This is a gift that keeps giving. It adds interest and beauty to a room. For people who love gardening and appreciate style, this is the perfect Valentine gift.?
Shiitakes are the world?s second-most sought after mushrooms. They are famous for their flavor, meaty texture, and nutrition: high in protein, low in fat, and rich in minerals. Prized for their health benefits, shiitakes can strengthen the immune system, lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and create feelings of gladness.
Williams says the mushrooms growing on the all-natural logs have an aesthetic appeal as well, ?They?re just lovely. A deep, rich brown with little white markings around the rim. I?ve been growing shiitakes for over 25 years, and their beauty can still take my breath away.?
?Shiitakes, like most mushrooms, thrive in their natural habitat ? in this case real trees.? The logs are hardwoods such as oak, gum, and hickory. Lost Creek Mushroom Farm gets the logs in the winter when the sap is down. Williams’ husband Doug drills holes with high-speed drills. Sandra and a few friends stuff spawn, the mushroom seed material, into the holes, then seal them with food-grade cheese wax. After months of incubation, during which the shiitake create mycelia (thin fibers that run through the entire log), the log is ?colonized.? Then it will fruit — produce mushrooms.
?Our log kits are ready to fruit. They’re eager to fruit and will produce mushrooms in larger and larger quantities as the log matures. Soak a log every two weeks in non-chlorinated room-temperature water. ?Shock? it with an ice-water bath to trigger the fruiting. Tiny mushroom buds, called pins, pop out through the bark in a few days. Within a week or so, the plump brown ?fruits of the shroom? are ready to harvest.?
The Queen Anne Kit sells for $ 48.00, including shipping and handling. Lost Creek Mushroom Farm has log kits, shiitake gift baskets and more, priced from $ 18-$ 80, s&h included. Kits include a log, instructions and recipes. Logs 10 inches and longer are fully guaranteed to fruit. The Shiitake Sampler Cookbook by Janet Bratkovich adds value to gift log kits at $ 7.95.
Williams and her husband Doug have twice served as volunteers in Ghana, West Africa, teaching mushroom production. They brought two people from Ghana to the US to tour mushroom farms. A portion of sales is donated to their Mushrooms in Ghana Project, a program of the Magical Child Foundation, providing laboratory equipment and training so farmers, most of them women, can support their families and communities.
The Queen Anne Kit is only available online at http://www.shiitakemushroomlog.com, and by phone, 800-792-0053. Amazon.com lists Lost Creek Mushroom Farm log kits and gift baskets at slightly higher prices. Mail orders go to Lost Creek Mushroom Farm, PO Box 520, Perkins, OK 74059-0520.
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Related Low Fat Recipes Press Releases
New York, NY (PRWEB) January 19, 2012
This one-day conference is a must-attend for any PR, communications or marketing professional looking for the latest ideas on how to prove the value of their social media efforts and improve effectiveness of their digital initiatives. Presented by the industry’s most trusted sources on PR and marketing – PR News’ Digital PR Summit will address the most critical digital issues and new opportunities facing communications professionals. Panel topics include social media, crisis communications, social media policy, measurement, online communities, how to develop and distribute online video and more.
More Information
PR News’ annual Digital PR Summit will bring together top communicators from the following companies, to share the smartest and most cost-effective tactics for your social media efforts.
Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB) January 23, 2012
By the time the end of January rolls around, many Americans who have resolved to lose weight this year, have given up on their resolutions all-together. But FindTheBest?s Diet Plans comparison makes it easy to find the perfect diet plan tailored to a particular person?s needs.
FindTheBest?s Diet Plans comparison allows users to find the best diets for them based on diet type, diet goals, diet focus, methods and Smart Rating.
There are hundreds of different diets?from healthy diets and diets for high blood pressure to detox diets and gluten free diets. To find the perfect diet, use FindTheBest?s smart filters and sorting tools to narrow options. Once a user has filtered down their options, FindTheBest?s comparison tool allows users to compare their top diets in a side-by-side chart.
When comparing diet plans side-by-side, users should take care to select one whose focus, method, type and goals match their needs. Also, note the diet plan?s Smart Rating, which combines expert reviews with quantitative scores. This single rating reflects the weighted average of scores from the most trusted experts and the Quantitative Rating, an unbiased scoring of the product or service?s key metrics.
Dieters should take care to make sure the diet method associated with the diet plan they choose is realistic. Diet methods range from calorie counting and fixed menu to exercise intensive and meal replacement. Dieters who are not conditioned for intense exercise should not choose a diet plan that involves rigorous exercise. Similarly, dieters who enjoy a broad range of foods should think seriously about whether or not they will be able to commit to a specific-food or fixed-menu diet.
For those who need some help finding their perfect diet, use FindTheBest?s Diet Plans Guide, which alerts users about what to look for and what to avoid when selecting a diet plan. The guide also explains and defines different types of diet plans?including cleanses, high-carb diets, high-protein diets, low-calorie diets, vegan diets, vegetarian diets, low-sodium diets and more.
When selecting a diet, it?s important to remember that diets should be personalized and tailored to the dieter; while one diet might work well for one person, it might not work for another. It?s important to be clear about desired goals and outcomes before looking for the right diet. Finally, remember that dieters serious about losing weight need to stick to a diet for several weeks before seeing results.
About FindTheBest
FindTheBest is an unbiased, data-driven comparison engine. We organize and present data in a consumer-friendly format so that you can make quick and informed decisions based on what’s important to you.
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Weight-loss Challenge: Stock only low-fat dairy
This gives you wiggle room to enjoy the occasional full-fat versions when you're dining out and don't have the option for, say, low-fat cheese. For slimming recipes, menus and health tips, visit joybauer.com and follow Joy on Facebook and Twitter.
Read more on msnbc.com
Israeli Couscous and Chickpea Salad
… cut in thin 2-inch slices 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground Salt to taste 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt (or use half olive oil) 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or mild chili powder (more to taste) 1.
Read more on New York Times
Healthy Appetizers for a Super Bowl Party
Even if you're not game for trying new recipes, you can make many of your old standby dishes healthier by using low-fat cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream or yogurt for dips or spreads and serve them with baked crackers and chips or thin slices …
Read more on Yahoo! Sports
Broccoli, Cabbage and Kohlrabi Coleslaw With Quinoa
… seeds (optional) 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt Freshly ground pepper 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese (optional) 1.
Read more on New York Times
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada (PRWEB) January 21, 2012
Kemptville District Hospital is committed to a patient-focused approach to healthcare in every department, and recently the dietary unit was honored with an award for demonstrating that approach.
KDH?s Food and nutrition Services group was named Regional Unit of the Year by Morrison, the healthcare division of Compass Group Canada, the hospital?s food service provider. The KDH unit was chosen from healthcare organizations all over the region, which encompasses Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba.
The Dietary Department at KDH is led by Andrea Corbett, a leader committed to quality and patient satisfaction. Corbett and her staff of 12 part- and full-time associates provide food services to all inpatients and Interim Long Term Care residents, as well as supplying the Ladies Auxiliary with healthy meals and snacks for their coffee bar, and providing catering within the hospital.
Since arriving at KDH two years ago, Corbett has undertaken a number of new initiatives: creation of a new menu, review of the interim long term care meal service, initiation of the partnership with the KDH Auxiliary for food service at the gift shop, and revision of vending machine stock to offer nutritious meals and snacks. Corbett accommodates special diets, consulting on sensitivities and allergies, and responding to patient preferences whenever possible.
Catherine VanVliet, KDH?s Director of Patient Services and Integration, commended Corbett and her team for responding to rapid organizational change by ?showing leadership, focus on quality service, and collegiality towards patients, staff, volunteers and visitors.?
This is the second award for Corbett, a registered dietician originally from Westville, Nova Scotia; after only six months in her current position she was named Morrison?s Regional Salaried Associate of the Year, an honor not usually bestowed on an employee with less than a year?s service to the company.
Morrison District Manager Jane McPherson speaks of Corbett in glowing terms: ?Andrea and her team have done amazing things. For Andrea, ?adequate? is not good enough: she envisions what could be and makes it happen. She?s exceptional and she proves it every day.?
Although Corbett is a Morrison employee, she volunteers on a number of KDH committees, chairing both the Wound Care Committee and Environment Team, and participating in the inpatient quality team, long term care quality team, and budget council. ?It?s a reciprocal relationship,? she explains. ?If I?m part of a team, I?m going to be a contributing member.?
For more information, please contact Jenny Read, jread(at)kdh(dot)on(dot)ca, mobile 613.285.0301. If you would like to make comments or suggestions about hospital services, please contact Kemptville District Hospital Chief Executive Officer Colin Goodfellow at 613.258.6133 extension 132, or by email at cgoodfellow(at)kdh(dot)on(dot)ca.
ABOUT KEMPTVILLE DISTRICT HOSPITAL
Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is a fully accredited healthcare facility committed to building healthy communities. KDH offers a range of services based on advanced expertise, technologies and patient care practices. The emergency department is open around the clock and provides prompt medical attention. The use of new medical applications such as Tele-health and remote diagnostic imaging has made KDH a service leader in Eastern Ontario. Further, the surgical program at KDH provides timely access to high demand specialists, while the staff’s dedication to patients has earned KDH a reputation for excellence in caring. Kemptville District Hospital consistently ranks among the top hospitals in Ontario for patient satisfaction.
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San Rafael, CA (PRWEB) January 23, 2012
It?s not too late for families to create New Year?s resolutions to be healthier and more physically fit. Renown integrated medical physician Elson M. Haas, MD and his kid-friendly cartoon persona, Dr. Sun, have just released a new children?s app that teaches kids about the body and nutritional health called Anatomix Comix.
Anatomix Comix is an early childhood educational tool that offers a fun, interactive approach to teaching children about the science of their bodies. Published by children?s entertainment company Seasons Studios and powered by mobile app developer RipplFX
Whitehall, PA (PRWEB) January 18, 2012
Protica has launched a new candy that they believe will help consumers have a healthier diet and even lose weight. Protein Twist is a one-ounce gummy candy with a similar taste and texture to the bear shaped gummy candies consumed by children and adults every day.
Unlike other gummy candies on the market, Protein Twist contains almost no sugar while still maintaining the same sweet taste of sugary candies. In place of sugar, Protein Twist contains 15 grams of protein, one full serving of fruit and two grams of fiber.
Protica hopes that this product will not only help people eat more healthy snacks but also help people lose weight. Protein Twist was designed to compliment weight loss diets that advocate that dieters eat several small meals throughout the day, instead of three big meals. The idea behind these weight loss plans is that a consumer?s metabolism will burn calories more efficiently when it is constantly working to digest healthy foods. ?One of my goals when creating Protein Twist was to create a snack that would help speed up the metabolism, which is why the candy contains 15 grams of protein and a serving of fruit. We want to change the way people eat, without them having to give up their favorite snacks like candy,? commented Jim Duffy, president and founder of Protica. Duffy hopes his nutrient-fortified candy will be the first of many snacks to provide healthy nutrition in foods that taste, look, and feel like foods consumers already enjoy eating.
When discussing protein Twist, Duffy hopes it will help satisfy consumers? cravings for candy with a product that provides necessary nutrients in place of sugar and calories while still tasting like candy. ?I have two young kids and they ask for candy all of the time. When I designed Protein Twist, I wanted to create a product that I could give to my kids and feel good about it — they are eating something healthy. I?m happy because they are eating a healthy snack, and my kids are happy because it tastes like candy. Of course, I eat them, too!? explained Duffy.
About Protica
Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a research-based nutraceutical firm headquartered in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. In its privately owned 250,000 square foot facility, Protica manufactures capsulized foods, such as Profect
Draper, UT (PRWEB) January 20, 2012
Today, Zrii LLC is launching a brand new Facebook page that will propel the company into the limelight for its innovative use of social media. The new Facebook page showcases the company?s fun, enthusiastic personality and passion for total life transformation through numerous interactive features, including:
New York, NY (PRWEB) January 20, 2012
Researchers from the Children?s Environmental Health Center at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York have found an association between exposure to the chemical group known as phthalates and obesity in young children ? including increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.
Phthalates are man-made, endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can mimic the body?s natural hormones. They are commonly used in plastic flooring and wall coverings, food processing materials, medical devices, and personal-care products. While poor nutrition and physical inactivity are known to contribute to obesity, a growing body of research suggests that environmental chemicals ? including phthalates ? could play a role in rising childhood obesity rates.
This study was the first to examine the relationship between phthalate exposure and measurements used to identify obesity in children. The paper is available online in the journal Environmental Research. The project was funded by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, the National Cancer Institute, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Mount Sinai researchers measured phthalate concentrations in the urine of 387 black and Hispanic children in New York City, and recorded body measurements including BMI, height, and waist circumference one year later. The urine tests revealed that greater than 97 percent of study participants had been exposed to phthalates typically found in personal care products such as perfume, lotions, and cosmetics; varnishes; and medication or nutritional supplement coatings. The phthalates included monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and other low molecular-weight phthalates. The team also found an association between concentrations of these phthalates with BMI and waist circumference among overweight children. For example, BMI in overweight girls with the highest exposure to MEP was 10 percent higher than those with the lowest MEP exposure.
?Research has shown that exposure to these everyday chemicals may impair childhood neurodevelopment, but this is the first evidence demonstrating that they may contribute to childhood obesity,? said the study?s lead author Susan Teitelbaum, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. ?This study also further emphasizes the importance of reducing exposure to these chemicals where possible.?
The percentage of obese children ages six to 11 in the United States has grown from seven percent in 1980 to more than 40 percent in 2008, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 15 percent of American children between the ages six and 19 are characterized as obese. In New York City, more than one in five children in public schools are obese.
Dr. Teitelbaum and the team at the Children?s Environmental Health Center plan to further evaluate the impact of these chemicals on childhood obesity. ?While the data are significant, more research is needed to definitively determine whether phthalate exposure causes increases in body size,? she said.
About The Mount Sinai Medical Center
The Mount Sinai Medical Center encompasses both The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Established in 1968, Mount Sinai School of Medicine is one of the leading medical schools in the United States. The Medical School is noted for innovation in education, biomedical research, clinical care delivery, and local and global community service. It has more than 3,400 faculty in 32 departments and 14 research institutes, and ranks among the top 20 medical schools both in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and by US News and World Report..
The Mount Sinai Hospital, founded in 1852, is a 1,171-bed tertiary- and quaternary-care teaching facility and one of the nation?s oldest, largest and most-respected voluntary hospitals. In 2011, U.S. News and World Report ranked The Mount Sinai Hospital 16th on its elite Honor Roll of the nation?s top hospitals based on reputation, safety, and other patient-care factors. Of the top 20 hospitals in the United States, Mount Sinai is one of 12 integrated academic medical centers whose medical school ranks among the top 20 in NIH funding and US News and World Report and whose hospital is on the US News and World Report Honor Roll. Nearly 60,000 people were treated at Mount Sinai as inpatients last year, and approximately 560,000 outpatient visits took place.
For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org/.
Find Mount Sinai on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mountsinainyc
Twitter: @mountsinainyc
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/mountsinainy
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Related Nutrition And You Press Releases
Houston, TX. (PRWEB) January 19, 2012
Healthhound.org has recently put a team of experts together that will be trying out the Mediterranean diet for the next 3 months. The team will be reporting on their findings on the site in three months time.
Ian Simmons, one the Directors on the site said that ?we have been looking to do something like this for quite some time with the Mediterranean diet. Our readers are always talking about it and commenting on it so we wanted to take things a step further and get a team of professionals together to really take a closer look at the diet. Our professionals have a background in nutrition and have done research on a number of different diet plans over the years. They will all be following the Mediterranean diet plan exclusively over the next few months and will be reporting back on any changes they experience in their weight. We feel that our readers will really benefit from following the team?s experience and will be in a good position to judge how effective the diet is after the team have completed their time on it.?
News of what the team have been doing has spread to a number of sites that are in the same health and fitness sector. There are now comments appearing on those sites that are praising what the team are doing that are trying out the Mediterranean diet. Other commentators are saying that they will be checking in on the site in 3 months time to see how the team have got on and if they have lost any weight by following the plan.
The team at health hound have another treat in store for their readers this week with a free report on quick and easy ways to lose weight. The report can be downloaded right now at http://www.healthhound.org/.
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