3 NATURAL WAYS TO BEAT SPRING ALLERGI ES TRY THESE SIMPLE TIPS TO PROTECT YOU FROM SPRING ALLERGENS! 1. Limit your time outdoors. Each spring, trees release billions of tiny pollen grains into the air. When you breathe them into your nose and lungs, they can trigger an allergic reaction. Staying inside can help, especially on windy days and during the early morning hours, when pollen counts are highest. 2. Tweak your home. Simple changes make a difference. Shut all windows to keep out pollen. Use an air conditioner to cool your home instead of a fan, which draws in air from outside. Take off your shoes at the door and ask guests to do the same. That keeps allergens outside. Finally, don’t allow guests, or yourself, to smoke inside the home. It can make allergy symptoms worse. If you or someone you live with smokes, now is a good time to quit. 3. Keep it clean! Be sure to wash all surfaces regularly with single-wipe dust rags (if using cleaning rags, be sure to wash them in hot water after each use). If you find mold, use water and detergent to clean, then let it air- dry completely. Finally, wash all bedding once a week in hot water and dry in a hot dryer.
E N J O Y T H E S W E E T L I F E
D A R K C H O C O L A T E B E N E F I T S
WHAT CAN DARK CHOCOLATE DO FOR ME? A bar of dark chocolate is actually more nutritious than you may think. If it has a high cocoa content, then it will also contain a good amount of soluble fiber and minerals. The bioactive compounds found in the cocoa of dark chocolate have also been known to improve blood flow and can help lower blood pressure. In turn, increased blood flow results in higher brain function, allowing you to stay sharp throughout the day Additionally, dark chocolate actually has a variety of powerful antioxidants – even more so than some fruits! DARK CHOCOLATE & PAIN RELIEF Perhaps one of the most important benefits of dark chocolate is that it can help relieve pain – seriously! The improved blood circulation that dark chocolate brings is a natural pain relief remedy. When blood is circulating efficiently through the body, it prevents muscles from becoming tight and resulting in discomfort. The act of eating chocolate also releases several “feel-good” hormones in your body, which naturally eases pain. So, you get the benefits of feeling good eating a sweet treat AND relieving pain in your body!
EXERCISE ESSENTIALS
R E L I E V E L O W N E C K P A I N !
BILATERAL SUBOCCIPITAL STRETCH While lying on a flat surface, put both hands behind your head, cupping the base of your skull with your thumbs. Tuck your chin downwards and apply a firm force up your skull with both thumbs to feel a moderate stretch in the back of the upper neck. Hold for at least 30 seconds.
CHIN TUCK SUPINE Lie with roll under neck. Without lifting head, tuck chin gently. Keep the large muscles in the neck relaxed. Repeat 3-6 times as needed.
IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF COMPLETING THESE EXERCISES OR EXPERIENCE PAIN WHEN DOING SO, STOP AND CONSULT YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
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VEGAN RECIPE
H O T C A U L I F O W E R W I N G S
INGREDIENTS • 1 head of cauliflower • 3/4 cup chickpea flour • 3/4 cup unsweetened almond or soy milk • 2 tsp garlic powder • 1 1/2 tsp paprika powder • 1 cup spicy BBQ sauce
• 1 tsp sriracha sauce (optional) • 2 green onions, cut into rings • salt & black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS Heat the oven to 350 °F. Carefully cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets. In a large bowl, combine chickpea flour, the plant-based milk, garlic powder, paprika powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined. Dip florets into batter so they’re completely coated. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay cauliflower florets on baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 °F. Once baked, transfer the cooked cauliflower wings to a bowl. Combine the BBQ sauce with a teaspoon of sriracha sauce and pour it over the baked cauliflower wings. Evenly coat them from all sides by stirring them a few times. Put coated hot wings back on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake again for 20 minutes at 350 °F. Serve immediately and sprinkle with green onions. Serve with vegan aioli or vegan ranch sauce.
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