FRESH AIR FIRST NATURE’S PATH TO IMPROVED HEALTH
Sometimes, the greatest medicine we’ll ever receive can be found right outside our door. While it’s not a revelation that spending time in nature (especially during good weather) is excellent for our physical and mental well-being, studies conducted over the past few years suggest that the extent of these benefits is far greater than previously imagined. For example, a 2019 study at the University of Chicago found that adults living in public housing units displayed better memory, greater attention, and stronger cognitive functioning in areas with green spaces than in those with limited natural environments. In a cognitive health
study in Australia, researchers found that simply looking at nature, even indoors, can significantly improve our problem- solving abilities. In the study, students were asked to engage in the intentionally dull task of pressing a computer key whenever a particular number appeared on their screen. Those who looked out the window at the flowers placed on a nearby roof halfway through the task for just 40 seconds made fewer mistakes on their computer than those who spent the same amount of time viewing a nearby plain concrete rooftop. Of course, some of the most significant benefits of natural sunlight have been known for some time. Taking advantage of sunny days can strengthen your immune
system, help combat depression, reduce inflammation, preserve cognitive abilities, and support bone health. Additionally, it’s a fantastic source of vitamin D, which the National Institutes of Health cautions is often lower in seniors than in younger people due to less time spent outdoors. Research suggests that it can take as little as 15 minutes in natural sunlight each day to help put these benefits into motion. So, the next time you feel low or restless, take a few minutes to enjoy the fresh air. You may be surprised by how little time it takes to make a huge impact on your mind and body. —Tim Hanbury
WORD SEARCH
ST. PATRICK’S DAY SHAMROCK SWIRL PIE
Inspired by MixUpRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS • 1 cup heavy cream •
• •
1/2 cup mint chocolate chips 1/4 cup green food coloring, for vibrant color 1 premade chocolate pie crust 1/2 cup chocolate syrup, for drizzling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
• •
1 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract
• •
1. In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. 2. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. 3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla to cream cheese, mixing until well combined. Then, gently fold whipped heavy cream into the mixture. 4. Divide mixture into two bowls. In one bowl, add mint chocolate chips and green food coloring. 5. Layer mixtures into chocolate pie crust, alternating between mint mixture and the plain mixture. 6. Drizzle chocolate syrup over top. 7. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set. Slice and serve chilled. DIRECTIONS
BASKETBALL BOOKS
LEPRECHAUN POPCORN RAINY SHAMROCK SUFFRAGE WINDY
DAFFODIL DAYLIGHT GUINNESS IRIS
888-335-9498
3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator