All Healthy Living posts

Re: Do you use CBD for your health?

SebastianB896370 — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 11:28:25 GMT

in fact cbd and cannabis doesn't cause addiction in the comparison to alcohol or cigarettes

Re: How long do you want live? 80, 90, 100?

Rhymesometimes — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 12:48:34 GMT

First, I want to welcome you to the on-line community! Next, you are a rock star of life! When many are slowing down, you're setting your sights on ambiguous goals and achieving them! All the best to you.

Re: How long do you want live? 80, 90, 100?

KayteS871061 — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 07:03:56 GMT

A good number for me? 110 or 120! I have so much more life to experience. Places to see, friends to meet, grandchildren to love! I'm 59 and back in college to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner...I will earn my doctorate in nursing. I have 22 beautiful grandchildren and one on the way. Life is such an adventure!

Re: For the truly retired: Do you still regularly use an alarm clock? Why or why not?

Rhymesometimes — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 03:13:06 GMT

Always been and early to bed ( 10 PM ), early to rise ( between 5- 5:30 AM ) gal. Still set an alarm for 6 or 6:30, very rarely need it.

Re: For the truly retired: Do you still regularly use an alarm clock? Why or why not?

Brightpool — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:12:32 GMT

You're not late. You're retired and right on time. 😎

Re: For the truly retired: Do you still regularly use an alarm clock? Why or why not?

MsStretch — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 00:03:15 GMT

Nope, kicked the alarm clock to the proverbial curb. And it is great!

Actually, I lie. On very rare occasions I do set it when I absolutely have to get up for one thing or another and I still have to set 2 alarms to go off at 5-min. intervals to make sure I pay attention to it.

(Edited: Wow, I just noticed I am really late to jump into this conversation. Should have set my alarm. 😁)

Re: THINKING SMART AND LIVING THE BEST LIFE

AARPRachelA — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 19:48:40 GMT

That's awesome ! I'm so glad you've been able to find balance and joy through food. What's one of your favorite meals to cook?

Re: Meatless Alternatives

Rhymesometimes — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 17:59:09 GMT

Completely agree there are advances in the market. Lots of money and research into plant-based products in last few years, and improvements and variety have skyrocketed.

Re: Meatless Alternatives

AvocadoDog — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 09:15:06 GMT

About a year and a half ago I had one of these "Beyond" Burgers at Carl's Jr:

I didn't realize it was meatless / plant-based until after I was halfway through eating it. I had a coupon for it and ordered it without reading it closely.

It was fine. Not great, not bad. It was a standard Carl's Jr. burger. I think because it was loaded with ketchup, mayonnaise, tomato, onion, lettuce and cheese disguised any potential difference in taste. (And any health benefits I might have gained from eating a plant-based burger were probably offset by the condiments!)

The real difference, I noticed, was in price. It would have been quite a bit more than the a normal burger without the coupon.

I'm not a vegetarian/vegan, but I'm not averse to eating plant-based foods. I think the manufacturers' hurdles have been making them taste like (and I guess have a very close consistency/texture to) meat, and the price.

I've occasionally bought plant-based stuff when it's been on sale and I've been a bit underwhelmed. But I think they've made some big advances over the last decade.

Re: Meatless Alternatives

Rhymesometimes — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 12:17:35 GMT

A followed up with Abbot's Butcher. Would not recommend the beef and chicken products. But will definitely continue their chorizo product. Going to order the Adda Veggie now, so I remember to do it.

Re: Aging and Exercise

GeraldAndersonEDOL — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:01:57 GMT

I think staying active is the key to it all. What's the difference between pilates and yoga??

Re: Happy National Coffee Day!

ReTiReD51 — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 16:09:08 GMT

I always start my day with a cup of drip grind coffee and a little half & half to lighten it up. Two cups a day is my limit. This morning we had a blend of Starbucks Maple Pecan and Peets Luminosa Breakfast Blend. My wife said it was so good she’ll let me make the coffee again tomorrow morning.

Re: RED, WHITE, and BLUE TIME!!!

WebWiseWoman — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 07:27:05 GMT

Exactly; so wish he/she was mine!

Re: RED, WHITE, and BLUE TIME!!!

WebWiseWoman — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 07:25:46 GMT

So BEAUTIFUL! TYSVM, Rosemary!

Re: Aging and Exercise

WebWiseWoman — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 07:15:56 GMT

I have been seriously following AARP exercise programs for years, especially Bryant Johnson and Lorraine Ladish! They work for me (older and not quite fit) and are available daily FREE via AARP!

Hope others check it out; think you'll enjoy!

1-Oct Las Vegas

Underbat — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 07:05:53 GMT

Moved to an appropriate area. Please follow the link.

Re: For the truly retired: Do you still regularly use an alarm clock? Why or why not?

ByeAll2021 — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 02:31:35 GMT

since retiring last year July and then quitting a retirement job due to virus, I now only set an alarm for doctors' appointments. Ahhh, the perks of retirement 😉

Happy National Coffee Day!

AARPRachelA — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 13:52:43 GMT

For many of us, every day is National Coffee Day ☕ Lucky for us, coffee has some surprising health benefits. Are you a coffee drinker? How do you take your coffee? I'm a cold brew with a splash of whole milk all year round person.

Re: Aging and Exercise

wilful — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 14:46:03 GMT

I'm with you Paula - in finding that exercise has become more important.

Re: Aging and Exercise

GeraldAndersonEDOL — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 22:07:44 GMT

I try to work out four times per week

Aging and Exercise

PWSwift — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 22:05:19 GMT

I am curious about how much time others are committed to making time for exercise as you age. Do you find it less important, about the same, or more important?

As I get older, I have found it more of a necessity to spend more time being active and spending more time outside.

Re: How has your diet changed as you’ve aged?

2Papa — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 05:44:21 GMT

I’m just happy that coffee and alcohol are now declared to be good for you, in sensible amounts.

Re: Meatless Alternatives

Rhymesometimes — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 00:58:54 GMT

Sounds like a great product. I'm going to pick it up. Thx for the tip!

Finding Joy Outside

AARPRachelA — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 19:52:45 GMT

As we transition from summer to autumn, I'm excited to take in the glorious outdoors. Fresh air is good for the soul, body and brain. Research shows that being in nature helps release stress and negative thoughts. When did you find your love for nature? Have you recently had a moment of solace outdoors that you'd like to share?

I was in Vermont recently, which provided a plethora of opportunities to be in nature. Two places I found myself awed by the beauty are pictured below. These places made me feel grounded and centered.

Appalachian Gap - Green Mountains, VT

Lake Champlain - Burlington, VT

For additional brain health information and tools, visit AARP Staying Sharp, a member benefit.

Re: Grilling Season!

AARPRachelA — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 19:19:42 GMT

That sounds so good ! Grilled veggies are so yummy 😋

Re: Grilling Season!

AARPRachelA — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 19:18:00 GMT

My family in MN also utilizes the grill year-round! ☃️🍖

Re: Meatless Alternatives

AARPRachelA — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 18:39:59 GMT

That sounds quite good ! I've also been dabbling in meatless alternatives. One thing I discovered recently is called Adda Veggie. It's a pea protein mix that you add to your own veggies to create patties, "meat" balls, taco filling, etc. I've used it with mushrooms and broccoli. It's really tasty and I like being able to add my own veggies to it!

Re: Daily Meditation

Pilgrim241 — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 16:29:22 GMT

I stumbled upon an article (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/01/transcendental-meditation-helped-ray-dalio-recover-from-financial-ruin.html?utm_content=makeit&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0ASonbADXRvg91yuWJQp96nCnipzrfZUgdm5qktXYdRWB2NyPpCxJgjfI#Echobox=1631306262) about Ray Dalio's experience with Transcendental Meditation (TM) and I couldn't help sharing it with our audience. Ray Dalio is a billionaire ($16.9B) and runs Bridgewater Associates, the largest hedge fund ($160B assets) in the world. But life was not always rosy for him as he had to go through some rough patches in the early eighties. His financial investments suffered colossal losses during this period. That's when he embraced TM and started practicing it regularly. TM not only helped him to regain his mental strength and creativity but also recoup his losses and rebuild his financial empire to its current status.

TM promotes physical and mental relaxation, stress relief and higher state of consciousness besides reducing some common health risks associated with heart disease and high BP. TM is a simple technique created by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950's and became popular since then all over the world. It got added boost when the Beatles became his disciples in the sixties and incorporated it in their daily lives.

The following steps could enable one to practice TM: (1) Choose a comfortable place and position, close your eyes and relax for 30 seconds. (2) Start with a chosen Mantra (e.g. "OM") and repeat it in silence or aloud for 20 minutes. (3) Experience a state of bliss or transcendence. (4) End the meditation by sitting quietly for a couple of minutes and open your eyes. (5) Practice TM twice a day, preferably before breakfast and dinner.

Re: Grilling Season!

cn8777 — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 21:47:10 GMT

I love making my Homemade Falafel burgers, then put on the BBQ with asparagus. So yummy!

Re: Grilling Season!

2Papa — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 05:49:05 GMT

I grille burgers and/or salmon year round. Yes, even in the snow!

Re: 1-3 Pieces of Health Advice

Rhymesometimes — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 03:27:20 GMT

Awesome advice on all three! Thank you.

Re: Daily Meditation

santaboba — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 18:59:42 GMT

So glad to hear how daily meditation has helped you, ! Thanks for letting me know about AARP's Staying Sharp mindfulness meditation videos. I will have to check them out.

Re: 1-3 Pieces of Health Advice

AARPRachelA — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 17:19:23 GMT

Great advice ! I'm honestly not as good about drinking enough water as I need to be. Some days, I'm on point, but on others, I will go hours before realizing I haven't had any water except for what was in my morning cup of coffee 😲

My first piece of advice would be to find activities you enjoy and nurture them into your routine. Exercise, as you mentioned, is a great activity as it provides physical and mental benefits. There are other brain-stimulating activities, like reading, writing or painting, that are less physical but incredibly beneficial to our overall health. Finding activities that fill your cup with joy and pleasure is vital to our emotional, physical and spiritual health.

My other piece of advice would be to find ways to get outside of your comfort zone. We are creatures of habit, and there are benefits to finding a routine that works for you. However, studies have shown that learning new skills challenges our brains, which increases the number of brain cells and connections between those cells. When you find yourself going through the motions, it's a sign that you're stuck in old habits. You'll benefit from finding healthy and enjoyable ways to shake things up and reconnect.

Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more brain health information and inspiration.

Re: Daily Meditation

AARPRachelA — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:24:49 GMT

I recently integrated a daily meditation practice into my routine, and have found it has helped with my mental health significantly. I take about 10-15 mins per day, but am looking to work up to 30 mins per day. I use the Shine App and also use AARP's Staying Sharp tools. Staying Sharp has an assortment of mindfulness meditation videos with calming imagery and sounds. They are really nice and relaxing.

Meatless Alternatives

Rhymesometimes — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 00:51:26 GMT

Anyone out there dipping their toe into a more plant-based diet? I've been embracing it more and more. Just found a delicious product. It's from Abbot's Butcher. They have meat free versions of beef sausage, chicken and chorizo. So far just tried chorizo, so good. They're soy free too! Emailed the company and got two free coupons. Looking forward to trying them out.

Do you have meat free products or recipes that you like?

Re: Daily Meditation

Pilgrim241 — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 17:28:28 GMT

I came across two other Meditation APPs, Headspace (https://www.headspace.com/) and Calm (https://www.calm.com/), besides Insight Timer. Headspace and Calm charge $69.99 for annual subscription whereas Insight charges only $59.99/year. Insight also provides limited access, free of charge, to some of their basic programs. These software companies have grown into multi-million dollar businesses with the increased appetite for meditation by the general public in recent years.

Re: Daily Meditation

santaboba — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:00:25 GMT

Thanks for sharing your practice, . Meditation is quite beneficial for my wife and I as well.

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

AARPRachelA — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 18:51:02 GMT

What a steal you got on that ground turkey ! It definitely pays to keep your eyes peeled for good sales...pun intended 😁 Your process of gradually making tomato sauce is great! One of my favorite things about this time of year is utilizing the produce bounty in creative ways so you can enjoy the flavors as the seasons' progress!

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

AARPRachelA — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 18:47:29 GMT

Buying store-brand products is a solid tip! Thank you for that .

Re: Daily Meditation

Pilgrim241 — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 00:07:22 GMT

My wife and I meditate every evening at 6:00 PM for about 20 minutes using our own tailor-made hymns and rituals. We don't use any APPs. We are benefitting from this routine immensely.

Meditation is a mind/body practice for increasing calmness, physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness (e.g. high BP, Pain, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, IBS) as well as enhancing overall health and well being. A quiet location, comfortable posture, a focus of attention and an open attitude will certainly contribute to the effectiveness of meditation. Currently, NCCIH ( National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health), a division of NIH is funding several studies on meditation. Combined with Yoga, Meditation is a powerful tool for a healthy lifestyle.

Re: How To Enhance Your Life In Your Assisted Living Enviornment

SIMPLEGAL — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 23:01:20 GMT

The computer is my constant companion...:)

How To Enhance Your Life In Your Assisted Living Enviornment

Lon1934 — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 19:50:27 GMT

Keep your computer skills intact. Your computer can be your best friend and companion.

I use mine to communicate with friends and family, to order things via Amazon and have delivered to me, to order via Grubhub occasional meals. Communicate with my medical providers. Research topics of interest.

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

TEWKCW — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 19:21:01 GMT

I have meal prepped for yrs. Best way to save money. Most people complain about meat prices but honestly when you see a sale - like I recently got ground breast turkey (Jennie-o) for $1.50 per pack / is usually $5 pack!! 10 packs for $15. normally $50 !!!

I made some into burgers & froze raw, made a couple of baked meatloaf & sliced & froze & made cooked crumbles for tacos & froze. Date them & then meals for when prices are high.

I am making canned pizza sauce with my summer tomatoes. I didn't have time to do them last month & had chopped & thrown in freezer. Thawed them out yesterday & will add to more garden toms & process today. Now I have pizza sauce, tomato sauce & many canned salsa for over the winter & into spring.

Does this take time & energy, yes! But you can carve out time to do even buying the meat on sale & putting in the freezer as is.... AND you are never too old to learn.

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

Rhymesometimes — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 17:14:30 GMT

That sounds delicious!

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

Rhymesometimes — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 17:13:38 GMT

Grocery prices on meat are insane. One more reason to go meatless a few days a week.

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

PaulH627938 — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 12:39:04 GMT

i don't prep for any meal except for "when" i eat. i wake up in the mourning & decide then what i'll have that day but every once in a while i'll plan for the next day what i'd like to have then i wake up & decide on something else. what i do save money on is buying store brands of products. they are just as good as the named brands!

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

baka232 — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 02:16:59 GMT

I haven't started doing it yet, but I bought the freezable containers. I'm waiting for meat & other food prices to get back to being affordable.

Re: 1-3 Pieces of Health Advice

Rhymesometimes — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 15:50:13 GMT

As usual, you rocked it! All of it is great advice. We are definitely wired to be social, and many seniors are still isolating. So many options to connect. A little bit of creativeness and courage, will reap dividends.

Re: 1-3 Pieces of Health Advice

MarkV847771 — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 14:25:00 GMT

Find a "tribe"! Humans a social animals and science has confirmed that feeling like you belong to a group has positive effects on both physical and mental health. Join a book club, church group, or just hang out every morning at your local donut shop. I guarantee at the donut shop there's a table of senior citizens chatting away and will welcome any new additions! Start a weekly neighborhood poker, bridge, dominos, or board game night. It doesn't need to be an "in-person" thing. A weekly or even daily online group chat with others is enough. The goal is to find or create a tribe that keeps tabs on you and you keep tabs on them. As much as we like to think otherwise, much of our body and brain is still hardwired to live in prehistoric times. Evolution hasn't caught up to the challenges of modern life.

-Mark

How has your diet changed as you’ve aged?

AARPRachelA — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 08:26:10 GMT

There’s no denying that as you age, your body changes. As a result, your diet also evolves. After 50, experts say, it pays to be choosier about your foods, and make sure you're getting enough nutritional bang for your buck.

Have you had to make significant changes to your diet? Or have you had to make small adjustments?

I’m fortunate in that I’ve been a healthy eater my entire life, but I do indulge in unhealthy things from time to time. I’m going to try making this Superfood Chopped Salad with Salmon & Creamy Garlic Dressing. It combines an assortment of superfoods, and it sounds delicious!

If you have other healthy and nutritional recipes that you enjoy, please share them.

Re: 1-3 Pieces of Health Advice

Rhymesometimes — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 15:05:48 GMT

I agree to a point. Exercise has been shown to be a HUGE help in decreasing and even preventing depressive symptoms.

THINKING SMART AND LIVING THE BEST LIFE

AnthonyT455007 — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 09:53:56 GMT

I DON'T DO FAST FOOD THESE DAYS AND IT'S NOT BY CHOICE . I REALLY NOTICE THE BENEFITS OF COOKING MY FULL BALANCE MEALS NOW. I DO LOTS OF LOW SALT AND LESS SUGAR MEALS 7 DAYS A WEEK. I FEEL GREAT AND I LOOK BETTER I MUST SAY. MY BLOOD PRESSURE HAVE NEVER BEEN THIS NORMAL IN OVER 20 YEARS AND I'M SO PROUD OF MYSELF. I HAVE NO NEED TO EAT JUNK FOODS ANYMORE AND I DON'T MISS IT AT ALL. ONCE YOU START FEELING AND LOOKING BETTER YOU'LL NEVER WANT TO CHANGE IT. PLEASE TRY COOKING YOUR FULL BALANCE MEALS AND START FEELING BETTER SOON.

THANKS

ANTHONY TAYLOR REALTY

Re: 1-3 Pieces of Health Advice

nctarheel — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 04:27:22 GMT

It would be to do whatever makes you happy as long as it is legal and doesn't make someone else unhappy. If you are an older person, depression can be a mitigating factor in a shorter life, worse than bad eating habits, worse than bad exercising habits. So, as the song says....."Don't Worry....Be Happy".

1-3 Pieces of Health Advice

Rhymesometimes — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 19:13:07 GMT

Mine would be drink more water, go to bed and get up same time and find a physical activity you love and keep doing it. For me: At least 8 glasses, 10 PM bedtime- 5:30 AM wake up and Zumba, rowing and stair climbing.

If you could pass on health advice that has helped you, what would it be?

Re: Grilling Season!

AARPRachelA — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 18:52:14 GMT

Yummmm that sounds so delicious 😋 There's nothing like fresh, grilled corn on the cob 🌽

Re: PSYCHEDELICS - A CURE FOR MENTAL DISORDERS?

Pilgrim241 — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 17:57:20 GMT

On September 2, I participated in a webinar on "Psychedelics in Psychiatry" hosted by Prof. Matthew Johnson at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The webinar was focused on clinical trials using Psilocybin derived from mushrooms. The trials clearly indicated that psilocybin leads to increased personality openness in healthy participants, decreased depression and anxiety in cancer patients, and increased biologically-confirmed quit rates in treatment-resistant tobacco cigarette smokers. For additional information, go to the link:

https://www.bigmarker.com/labx-media-group/Psychedelics-in-Psychiatry?bmid=852cc29beb60

Re: For the truly retired: Do you still regularly use an alarm clock? Why or why not?

WebWiseWoman — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 16:41:32 GMT

The first retirement action I took was not setting the alarm!

I do set if something important is scheduled but 300+ days per year, not!

I guess that was the thing I least thought about while working, but was the first thing I found happy when I retired!

Yes, I still set the alarm for volunteer opps, MD appts, important events; but not daily, and that probably makes me the happiest!

Perhaps corporate America might look at WFH as more important to health and productivity?

#StaySafe

Re: Gardening Tips 🌱 Quotes 🌸 Signs❗️

santaboba — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 11:44:15 GMT

Thank you, ! Okra is a favorite green veggie at our house.

Re: Gardening Tips 🌱 Quotes 🌸 Signs❗️

LindaB671 — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 22:42:38 GMT

Wow those tomatoes look delicious! I don’t know if I’ve ever had okra. It looks like zucchini to me.

Re: Gardening Tips 🌱 Quotes 🌸 Signs❗️

santaboba — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 21:17:29 GMT

I harvested a few veggies from our garden this morning. We're getting so much okra this year, I love it!

Daily Meditation

santaboba — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 21:15:04 GMT

In 2018, I began practicing meditation when I discovered the InsightTimer app. After learning about some of the many benefits that come with meditation I now try to meditate once a day, for 5-10 minutes. How many of you meditate? What apps do you use?

Re: Grilling Season!

LindaB671 — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 14:54:07 GMT

Hello to and the rest of the AARP Community!

My favorite is grilled corn on the cob. We buy the corn fresh from a farm stand up the road. To prepare it remove most of the husk; leaving a layer or two Remove the corn silk ‘hairs’. Soak the corn in water. Brush the corn with lemon garlic marinade or melted butter. Cover the corn back up with the husks and cook right on the grill. Mmmm….🌽🌽🌽🌽🌽🌽

Re: Gardening Tips 🌱 Quotes 🌸 Signs❗️

LindaB671 — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 14:23:56 GMT

I hope everyone is enjoying this season’s bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
September birth flowers are the aster and the morning glory. Asters are symbols of powerful love. Morning glories are simple symbols of affection. (Old Farmer’s Almanac) 🌱

Women, What is your number #1 coping ingredient you need?

kn64205082 — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 14:20:13 GMT

According to research:

Coping and subjective wellbeing in women with multiple roles by the NIH -

"Working women with multiple roles, enhancing problem and emotion focused coping by strengthening the use of the support network is important for wellbeing." - Kiran Rao, Mridula Apte, DK Subbakrishna

How do you handle the multiple roles?

Re: Hurricane Ida - report from a Red Cross shelter

AARPRachelA — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 21:30:48 GMT

Thank you for sharing this valuable information and also for volunteering and serving your community!

Grilling Season!

AARPRachelA — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 21:52:24 GMT

There's nothing like grilled food. Not only does it provide a delicious feast, but grilling is also a good way to gather with family and friends! As the summer season comes to a close, how are you making the most of the time left with the grill? What are your favorite foods to prepare? Share your tasty dishes!

I love grilled salmon on a cedar plank. This year, I also tried grilling tofu for the first time, and it's spectacular! I use extra-firm tofu, press it, cut it into two slabs, marinate it, then put it on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side. It gets wonderful grill marks, and the charred flavor adds depth.

Looking for some additional grill-spiration 😁? Check out this Grilled Peach-Lime Salsa recipe and get grillin'! 🍑

For additional recipes activate AARP Staying Sharp, a member benefit today!

Hurricane Ida - report from a Red Cross shelter

MarkV847771 — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 15:40:06 GMT

Hi all. I'm a Red Cross volunteer and just got back from a 3-day activation for hurricane Ida. The shelter I worked at is in Orange, TX which is about 120 miles west of the storm damage. We started taking in people on Monday, morning and it will likely continue to accept people until it reaches full capacity of 120 "clients".

Hopefully, none of you ever end up in a Red Cross shelter, but I thought I'd give you an idea on what to expect:

1. After being dropped off at the front door, one member of your family will fill out the registration info for your entire family. This is basic information such as name, date of birth, address, phone number, and if anyone is required to report their location to law enforcement agencies. You will also be given two copies of the shelter rules. You need to read one and sign it, showing that you understand the rules and that if you break the rules you may be removed from the shelter.

2. You'll be given two blankets, a towel which you need to use the entire time you're at the shelter, and a bag of toiletries containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, soap, shampoo, deodorant, comb, tissues, razor, shaving gel, and feminine protection. The kid's version of the toiletries bag has a small toy in it.

3. Once you have your stuff you'll be assigned to a cot. The cots are set up in a big room, 6' apart from other cots. There may be over 100 cots in the room, depending on the size. In the case of very special needs, it may be possible to set up a cot away from others.

4. Clients will receive two hot meals (lunch & dinner) and one cold meal (breakfast) along with one snack (chips, cookie) per day. Bottled water is available all day. Coffee may or may not be available. Extra snacks may or may not be available. The Red Cross contracts local restaurants and grocery stores to supply the shelter's food. We can NOT accept food prepared in their kitchens by people who just want to help. All food served to the clients must be prepared in an inspected, commercial kitchen following very stringent food safety regulations. This is because the Red Cross has learned over the years that a shelter full of people with food poisoning is bad.

5. Quiet time/lights out is from 10am to 6am.

6. Showering is scheduled, you'll have to sign up for a specific time. New arrivals needing to wash off mud or whatever get priority over scheduled showers.

7. No pets are allowed inside the shelter. Service animals, which have been trained to perform specific, physical tasks for the owner are allowed, but "emotional support" animals usually don't qualify as a service animal and won't be allowed in. We'll work with you to find a local animal shelter or pet hotel that can watch your pet while you're in the shelter.

8. Shelter volunteers work 8 and often 16 hour shifts for multiple days so please have some mercy and patience with us. Also, if you see us sleeping on a cot, please don't wake us. Find a volunteer that is awake.

Our goal is to get you out of the shelter in 2-3 days. We'll help you reach out to friends or family outside of the affected zone to see if they'll take you in. In extreme situations we might be able to pay to put you up in a hotel room, but that is generally only something done for those with special needs.

Most hotel rooms within 150 miles of the affected zone will be booked up by insurance companies as soon as they know where the disaster is taking place. These rooms will be for their claims adjusters and for their clients who's homes were rendered unsafe. Also, depending on the type of disaster, many of the hotel rooms will be taken by electrical linemen, tree removal crews, heavy equipment operators, and other people there to help. You may have to travel 150 miles to find a hotel room.

The most important thing is to always have an emergency evacuation bag packed and ready to go (also known as a "go bag"). Recommended items to have in this bag, assuming you're heading to a Red Cross shelter are:

1. Two sets of underwear and socks, 1-2 shirts, 1 pair of pants

2. Phone charging cable and wall power unit

3. Spare medications or at least a print out of the prescription medicines & their doses you take, including eyeglasses prescription

4. Spare set of reading glasses, if used

5. "Sleep kit" consisting of small, foam earplugs, sleep mask to cover eyes, an inflatable pillow, and maybe sleeping pills

6. Printed copy of contact (friends, family, work, your doctor and specialists) phone numbers and email addresses

7. Copies of insurance documents (home, car, etc)

8. Small transistor radio with earpiece to get local news. This saves your phone battery.

9. Entertainment items such as a book, deck of cards, dominos, etc

Everything in this bag should be in Ziploc-style bags to keep them dry and organized until needed.

I'm happy to answer any specific questions you may have...though these answers are not to be construed as official Red Cross statements.

-Mark

Re: For the truly retired: Do you still regularly use an alarm clock? Why or why not?

ReTiReD51 — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 13:19:45 GMT

Yes 5:53am, 7 days a week.

Even after 7 years of retirement Old Habits hardly die. At least my habit of getting up at the crack of dawn from my younger days is still with me. However, I do have the luxury of hitting the snooze button most anytime I want.

I like to get up early for a leisurely start to the day before the heavy lifting starts, my deciding what I’m going to do for the day. I’ve got a lot of life to live don’t want to waste it sleeping.

For the truly retired: Do you still regularly use an alarm clock? Why or why not?

Brightpool — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 22:55:36 GMT

In nearly a decade since I retired, I have used an alarm clock only when I absolutely had to. I've set an alarm for a doctor or dentist appointment I couldn't make for later in the morning, a funeral or viewing, vacation plans that included long drives or early flights, and so on. Most the time, I just shoot for 6 to 8 hours of sleep from the time I go to bed. My bedtime is based on several evening activities and factors, so I might go to bed between 10 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., or so.

What about you? Do you use an alarm clock? Do you get up about the same time each day, anyway? Tell us about it.

Stay well and enjoy!

-Lynn

Re: Exercise Equiptment

AARPRachelA — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 14:18:26 GMT

I didn't even notice the misspelling 😊

How does drinking hot water help in losing weight?

Boudadi — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 11:16:00 GMT

Water, hot or cold, keeps your body hydrated and healthy.

Some individuals say that hot water can aid digestion, ease congestion and even encourage relaxation when compared to drinking cold water.

Because there is no scientific study in this area, the majority of the health advantages of hot water are based on anecdotal tales. However, many people report that this treatment helps them feel better, especially when they use it first thing in the morning or immediately before bed.

The ideal temperature for consuming hot beverages is between 130 and 160°F (54 and 71°C), according to research Trusted Source.

Burns or scalds can occur at temperatures higher than this.

Try making lemon water by adding a twist of lemon to hot water for an added health boost and vitamin C.

This article examines 8 ways that drinking hot water might be beneficial to your health.

1-nasal congestion relief:
Steam is created by a cup of boiling water. Holding a cup of hot water in your hand and inhaling deeply may help clear your sinuses and possibly ease a sinus headache.
Because your sinuses and throat have mucous membranes, drinking hot water can help warm that area and ease a painful throat caused by mucus accumulation.
A hot drink, such as tea, offered fast and lasting relief from a runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and fatigue, according to an earlier 2008 study Trusted Source. The heated drink outperformed the identical drink served at room temperature.

2-help with digestion:

Keeping the digestive system moving is easier with water. The body's ability to remove waste improves when water travels through your stomach and intestines.
Some people feel that drinking hot water activates the digestive system very well.
Hot water, according to the belief, may help dissolve and disperse meals that your body has had difficulty digesting.
Warm water may have beneficial benefits on bowel motions and gas evacuation following surgery, according to a 2016 study Trusted Source.
Meanwhile, there's no harm in sipping hot water to help with digestion.

3-enhance the function of the central nervous system:
Water deficiency, whether hot or cold, can have a detrimental impact on nervous system function, altering mood and cognitive function.
Drinking water has been found to boost central nervous system function as well as mood, according to 2019 Trusted Source research.
Drinking water increased participants' brain activity during demanding activities while also lowering their self-reported anxiety, according to one study.

4-aid with constipation relief:
Constipation is frequently caused by dehydration. Drinking water is an excellent approach to alleviate and avoid constipation in many instances. Keeping yourself hydrated softens your feces and makes it simpler to pass.
Drinking hot water on a daily basis may help you maintain a regular bowel movement.

5-It helps you stay hydrated:
Although some data suggests that consuming chilly water is better for rehydration, water at any temperature can help you stay hydrated.
Women should drink 78 ounces (2.3 liters) of water per day, while men should drink 112 ounces (3.3 liters) per day, according to the Institute of Medicine. Water from fruits, vegetables, and anything else that melts is included in these numbers.
If you're pregnant or nursing, doing vigorous exercise, or working in a hot area, you'll need a lot more water.
Start your day with a cup of hot water and finish it with another. Water is required for almost all of your body's functions, therefore its importance cannot be emphasized.

6-It boosts circulation:
Everything from your blood pressure to your risk of cardiovascular disease is affected by good blood flow.
A warm bath encourages your circulatory organs — your arteries and veins — to grow and circulate blood more efficiently throughout your body.
It's possible that drinking hot water will have a similar impact. However, there is little evidence that this works.
Warmth from sipping hot water or showering at night may also help you relax and prepare for a good night's sleep.

7-aid in the cleansing of the body:
While there is no conclusive proof that hot water has a specific advantage in this area, a research published in 2020 claims it does. Drinking extra water, according to Trusted Source, can assist preserve the kidneys while also dispersing waste chemicals in the blood.
Drinking water is also crucial for cleaning out your body, according to the Arthritis Foundation. It can also aid in the reduction of inflammation, the lubrication of joints, and the prevention of gout.

8-aid in the relief of achalasia symptoms:

Achalasia is a disorder in which your esophagus has difficulty transporting food from your mouth to your stomach.
Achalasia is a condition in which people have difficulty swallowing. They may experience food being trapped in their esophagus rather than traveling to their stomach. Dysphagia is the medical term for this condition.
Researchers aren't sure why, but drinking warm water may help patients with achalasia digest more easily, according to a 2012 study Trusted Source.

Re: Exercise Equiptment

ToniS570313 — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 23:07:09 GMT

Oh man...

Well hopefully it is something that will come in the near future, especially with COVID still keeping us indoors for the most part and in light of the fact that AARP encourages and support us seniors staying fit and healthy. With the cooler weather coming I'll be taking my regular 6:30am walks inside and will need to buy a treadmill. I was hoping I could grab a deal. Thank you so much for your response. Appreciate it.

I see I misspelled Equipment - that's the second time I made a typo in the subject line. Maybe I need to be looking for a spelling class instead! LOL

Re: Exercise Equiptment

AARPRachelA — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 19:11:13 GMT

Hi , unfortunately, no, AARP does not currently offer discounts for exercise equipment. Visit our Member Benefits page for a comprehensive list of benefits.

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

Rhymesometimes — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 16:45:57 GMT

, I'm all in! Thank you for the recipe. Going to help up my veggie intake, especially greens.

Re: PSYCHEDELICS - A CURE FOR MENTAL DISORDERS?

OscarE1968 — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 15:56:26 GMT

The Native Americas in New England used the mushrooms for headaches and mental balancing as well. It's been our belief that the early settlers to the region accidentally ingested the " magic mushrooms" not knowing of the psychedelic qualities, which in turn, led to the infamous Salem Witch Trials.

Re: PSYCHEDELICS - A CURE FOR MENTAL DISORDERS?

Pilgrim241 — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 15:42:59 GMT

Thanks Oscar for sharing your personal experience with our audience. This is exactly the kind of input I was hoping for when I started this topic less than a week ago. Native Americans have used Psychedelics such as Peyote and Ayahuasca brews for centuries in religious festivals as well as for physical and mental healing. Peyote is a small spineless cactus containing the psychoactive compound Mescaline and Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew containing DMT extracted from plants and herbs in South America.

Cactus used for Peyote Brew

Plants and Shrubs used for Ayahuasca Brew

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

AARPRachelA — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 13:32:38 GMT

I think it would be tasty on salad, but I haven't tried it that way . It may need to be thinned out a bit with some oil as it's pretty thick the way I make it. I use about a cup of greek yogurt, 1 tsp of nutritional yeast, 1/2 tsp of onion powder, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of dill, a couple of dashes of white wine vinegar and salt and pepper. stir it all up, taste and add more of something if you want so it's to your liking. I use it as a dip for veggies and as a spread on sandwiches.

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

Rhymesometimes — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 11:23:25 GMT

Very creative! Would love to get your yogurt ranch dipping sauce recipe. Does it go well with tossed green salads?

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

AARPRachelA — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 19:56:42 GMT

I also recently discovered the goodness that is nutritional yeast! I make a yogurt "ranch" dipping sauce and add it to it, and I also add it to sauteed veggies. I just made veggie fried rice and added it to that as well!

Exercise Equiptment

ToniS570313 — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 20:48:12 GMT

Does anyone know if AARP offer any discounts for exercise equipment?

Re: PSYCHEDELICS - A CURE FOR MENTAL DISORDERS?

OscarE1968 — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 15:35:16 GMT

As a Native American, the use of psychedelics has been a part of our culture since time immemorial. The use of Peyote during our ceremonies has always been a source of cleansing the mind and a step in healing. I've used peyote since my coming of age and only thru ceremony have continued using it. As I've grown older I have noticed that I'm less stressed out, very ,if any, headaches. My memory is still intact and my mental state is normal. Of course I've never done drugs and have limited use of alcohol in my life. I believe in the power of Mother Earth to heal me. There is considerable proof that when used properly Marihuana, Mushrooms and Peyote can provide relief from certain mental conditions. It's better to depend on nature then to depend on chemicals that only mask the problem while creating more thru side effects.

Remember every known culture has at some point in time relied on Mother Earth to provide relief from illness .

PSYCHEDELICS - A CURE FOR MENTAL DISORDERS?

Pilgrim241 — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 01:48:12 GMT

Psychedelics belong to a group of hallucinogenic drugs that trigger non-ordinary states of consciousness or psychedelic experiences. These drugs activate the brain to combat mental disorders such as anxiety, depression and PTSD. According to WHO, depression is a leading cause of disability affecting more than 360 million people worldwide every year. Psilocybin produced from "Magic Mushrooms", DMT (N-Dimethyltryptamine) found in some plants and Ketamine, besides the notorious LSD, are examples of psychedelics. While psilocybin and DMT are undergoing clinical trials these days, ketamine is far more advanced and has already entered the marketplace as a treatment for anxiety and severe depression.

I am starting this thread to solicit our members' opinions on psychedelics as well as to get a feedback on their personal experiences if they they have used any psychedelic drugs to treat their mental disorders.

Finally, a warning is in order! Please do not use these drugs without consulting a Physician.

Pilgrim 241

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

Rhymesometimes — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 00:15:01 GMT

My husband and I are mostly vegetarian at this point, so we have been doing lots of bean and veggie soups. Often put quinoa in, sometimes brown rice. Just learned about nutritional yeast, great source of protein. Excellent on popcorn with avocado oil.

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

AARPRachelA — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 19:34:51 GMT

Mmm all of that sounds delicious and nutritious! What kind of soups do you like to make ? I also like to use silken tofu for a creamy effect in soup, and it adds protein 💪

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

AARPRachelA — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 14:44:49 GMT

Mmm that sounds so tasty ! I love shrimp 🦐

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

k105016d — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:59:46 GMT

I food prep all the time from breakfast to dinner one of my favorite dish is sautéed shrimp with parsley and cauliflower rice it’s so good

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

Rhymesometimes — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 10:28:18 GMT

I can totally understand. The problem for me, is that I don't know how much salt, sugar and fat is lurking in there.

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

emilyteagarden — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 03:30:26 GMT

🌷 Dear Rhymes,

Very easy & creative 21 Meals !

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

emilyteagarden — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 03:21:06 GMT

🌷Hi ,

I was surprised at your comment. And I have to say that I almost agree with you. It is a lot of hassle just to make the list check your food stuffs go shopping come back home, unpack put it all away and then cook iit !
🌷I think we all need a wife actually.
I have found what works for me and I don’t stick to this 100% because I’m human is:

I make one different soup every two days and I don’t add any protein to it. Instead for each meal I would add some varying protein ( chicken, fish, beans, eggs for egg drop soup, tofu ), to each meal to give it variety and also different spices and seasonings and most importantly some fresh herbs. 🌷 It’s very important not to eat food that is more than two days old~ the Chinese call that “wrecked food” and it really doesn’t nourish you and inspire you in your life because the life energy of the food sitting in the electrical refrigerator goes downhill after 48 hours.
freshly made meals every day make you feel like you’re turning back the hands of Time and de- aging.!

. I chose soups because according to traditional Chinese medicine, cooking soup mirrors what happens in your stomach which is the same thing you have like an inner cooking pot in your stomach that cooks your food & when you eat soups it’s like the perfect meal ~ soothing warming it’s very easy to digest and energizing. If it’s 90° out and you’re feeling hot you can make a soup but you don’t have to eat it boiling hot just let it cool a little bit. Last but not least you should store your food in glass storage jars and I wanted to mention that the only reason to use glass is because plastic has “dioxin” which is never a good thing to add to your stored meals.
For more info on eating healthy see Mary Estella’s great cookbook : “The Natural Foods Cookbook” & Paul Pitchford’s great book: “Healing With Whole Foods.” Both at libraries.

🌷Enjoy, ~ Nell

How does fiber lower blood pressure

JohnC348001 — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 08:16:26 GMT

Dietary fiber is essential for a daily meal

Increase your fiber intake. It's a phrase you've probably heard before. But do you realize why fiber is so beneficial to your health?

Dietary fiber, which is mostly found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, is well recognized for its ability to prevent and treat constipation. Fiber-rich meals, on the other hand, can help you maintain a healthy weight while also lowering your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

It's not difficult to find pleasant fiber-rich foods. Learn how much dietary fiber you need, what foods contain it, and how to incorporate it into your meals and snacks.

What is the significance of dietary fiber?

Dietary fiber, commonly referred to as roughage or bulk, refers to the components of plants that your body cannot digest or absorb. Fiber is not digested by your body, unlike other meal components such as lipids, proteins, or carbohydrates, which your body breaks down and absorbs. Instead, it passes through your stomach, small intestine, and colon relatively undamaged before exiting your body.

Fiber is typically divided into two types: soluble fiber that dissolves in water and insoluble fiber that does not dissolve in water.

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

2Papa — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 05:33:19 GMT

Avoid the cost and hassle of preparing, shopping, and cleaning up and eat out. In the long run it’s cheaper.

Re: Personal Training in 2021?

sandy — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 19:19:31 GMT

Hello , I live in Maryland and in-person personal training is happening. The trainers at my gym have a room where they can take folks if they don't want to mix in with the general public. However, most are training their clients in the gym with everyone else. I would call around to some of your local gyms to see what options are being offered.

I hope this helps.

Personal Training in 2021?

MikeD224041 — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 13:26:20 GMT

Hello everyone, does anyone know if personal training is still viable in the new normal. I'm looking into it and it seems like everyone is going Online personal training now.
With the way things are going this year, can anyone advise if this is still a viable option?
Thanks everyone, great community this is☺

A mean monster or a man with Wisdom

PatrickR720159 — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 20:39:38 GMT

I know I have been seeing my share of lies about the COVID-19 vaccine and have been watching all the outbreaks on the news. But what also burns me is why do some people think that if people have to drum up a lie about being vaccinated and wearing a mask. I had to block several people on Facebook and YouTube for making false statements about wearing masks and being vaccinated. Getting rid of the vaccine is certainly not going to come with a wave of a magic wand. That only happens in children's storybooks. I know some might say I am being just plain rude and being a mean monster, I am glad that people do say that if the virus does go down after I say a few words about the vaccine that people do pay attention. When people do listen to me, and yes, I do sometimes have to ask if the kids wants the video game stores to remain open and if they want the video game stores to remain open that they should get a vaccine against the virus and I tell them if the virus gets out of control, that video game stores could close.

Re: How long do you want live? 80, 90, 100?

Rhymesometimes — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 13:54:41 GMT

Happy Birthday! 🎉You are amazing! What a wonderful full and purposeful life you have lived. Love your positive attitude and sense of humor. Keep writing.

Re: How long do you want live? 80, 90, 100?

mimar — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 17:18:02 GMT

The big 94 is coming up Wednesday, August 11tth. My circle has shrunk to almost nothing, partly because so many have left me, partly because of Covid. My walking and exercise are also much much less. About the only thing left is the trusty typewriter, well, a keyboard anyway.

My sixth book, "Stories About the Hotel Westward Ho" came out a few weeks ago on Amazon and Kindle. I lived there for twelve years and tell about the changes from a top-notch luxury hotel to subsidized housing. The theme is History, Mystery and Love.

Currently I am doing promotion, which means writing about it everyplace I can.

A seventh book is on the way as long as my fingers will stay connected to the head.

For my birthday present, I am getting a new bathing suit (gained a few pounds this last year!) and the first day in swim physical therapy will be on Wednesday. It's as good a way as any to spend a birthday.

When the Door is opened, I am ready and happy to go. But in the meantime I'll keep the body as happy as I can and keep the keyboard oiled up. In the long run, I'll probably be around until the big 99 with maybe two more books. See you next birthday! Hugs to all, Mariam

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

MarkV847771 — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:01:19 GMT

As an avid backpacker, I'm very used to doing pre-trip meal preparations that are healthy, lightweight, and just need the addition of boiling water. One thing to note is that backpacker meals are generally higher in calories than is necessary for more sedate lifestyles. My personal favorite source of these recipes is https://backcountryfoodie.com/

This is a subscription service so you do need to pay to get to the majority of the recipes.

Free sources of dehydrated meal recipes include:

https://www.freshoffthegrid.com/backpacking-food-ideas/

https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/13-great-backpacking-meal-recipes-amp-food-dehydration-tips

https://www.backpackingchef.com/best-backpacking-recipes.html

-Mark

Re: Meal Prep to Save Time & Money

Rhymesometimes — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 13:32:29 GMT

I absolutely agree with all of those tips. I am trying to menu plan weekly. Because it's a relief to sit down only once a week to plan and then you don't have that 5:00 what's for dinner situation. Make it simple. Nearly every morning for breakfast same thing. Oatmeal, sunflower, pumpkin and chia seeds, throw in nuts and berries. That's 7 of your 21 meals done. Throw in four smoothies* and three soups** ( usually add yogurt to make creamy and for protein ) with fruit, another 7 down. We like veggie sandwiches ( 2 a week ), pasta dish (1) , salads (2), stir-fry (1) then leftovers or take out (1) It's working great for us.

*Smoothies three servings per blender full. ** One big pot makes at least six serving, especially if you extend with added yogurt before serving.

Re: How long do you want live? 80, 90, 100?

Rhymesometimes — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 10:28:31 GMT

Saw you were a newbie. Welcome to the on line community! Love the positive attitude. Who knows 104 or more.

Re: How long do you want live? 80, 90, 100?

Rhymesometimes — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 10:22:29 GMT

Welcome to the on line community. I think you have the right idea, having adventures and staying engaged. You can do it!