Michelle Toole

This Site Was Inspired By An Interest in Protecting the Environment: We had the privilege and joy of learning from Dr. Charlie Stine who instilled a love for the natural world through incredible field trips with the Johns Hopkins Odyssey Certificate program in Environmental Studies. At the time, the program was endorsed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Sadly, after Dr. Stine retired, the program was phased out. We hope that we honor his legacy by shining a bright light on environmental issues and sharing good news about the success of various conservation programs when possible.

Matcha Recipe Roundup

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How is it possible that researchers have uncovered dozens and dozens of health benefits of green tea, yet most people still rarely or never drink this super beverage? If you knew that there was a drink that could boost your metabolism, help you lose weight, reduce your risk of cancer, and regulate your sleep schedule, … Read more

Ten Zero Calorie Foods to Add to Your Diet

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Breakfast Ideas for Strong Bones and Osteoporosis Prevention Osteoporosis is a major concern, the older you get. It causes your bones to become more brittle, increasing the likelihood of broken bones. You probably already know that vitamin D and calcium are the best nutrients for strengthening your bones. Getting more of these nutrients will help prevent osteoporosis and other bone related problems. While you could take a multi-vitamin, the healthier solution is to eat meals filled with nutrients. As it turns out, some of the foods containing the highest levels of calcium, vitamin D, and other vital nutrients are essential breakfast foods. Orange juice, cereal, milk, and yogurt are all great sources of healthy nutrients. If you prefer to keep your breakfast light, or already have a set morning meal, salmon and various cheese are also good options for getting vitamin D and calcium. Nutrient Rich Breakfast Ideas Take a look at each of these breakfast options and try to choose one for each day of the week. Also notice the included calcium content of each meal, when picking out your breakfast: • 1 cup of calcium-rich cereal (500 milligrams of calcium) • 8 ounces of soy milk (80 to 500 milligrams) • 1 cup of milk (300 milligrams) • 1 cup of yogurt (300 to 400 milligrams) • 8 ounces of orange juice (200 to 340 milligrams) Various cheeses, and even eggs, have vitamin D and calcium; though, in smaller amounts than the items listed above. Consider having a cheesy omelet or scrambled eggs served with a glass of milk or orange juice. That alone would likely add up to at least 500 milligrams of calcium. Searching for Your Own Calcium Rich Foods The foods listed may not include your preferred breakfast choices. When searching for your own calcium rich foods, pay attention to the food labels. Food labels often list calcium and other nutrients as a percentage of the daily recommended value. The standard recommended amount of calcium that an adult should consume each day is 1000 milligrams. So, if a food label states that the product as 25% of your daily recommended value of calcium per serving, it would have 250 mg of calcium. Add another decimal point to the end of the percentage, and you have your total per serving in milligrams. Additional Tips for Stronger Bones Along with a healthy breakfast, there are a few other tips you should follow for stronger bones. If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, then you should consume 500 milligrams of calcium, three times a day. Make sure that each of your three meals is full of calcium to reverse the effects of osteoporosis. Strength training is another method that you can use for building bone strength. Regular exercise helps increase your flexibility, build muscle, and promotes stronger bone growth. The bottom line is that the key to strong bones is calcium and vitamin D. Get it any way you can, but preferably with your morning meal. Start basing your breakfasts around healthy foods that contain your essential nutrients, such as cereal, milk, and yogurt. Ward away osteoporosis and promote strong, healthy bones. References: http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/living-with-osteoporosis-7/diet-nutrition

Losing weight involves doing one of two things: consuming less calories or burning more calories. Counting calories is a major part of any successful weight loss program. In fact, it’s been said that as much as 80 percent of successful weight loss involves reducing caloric intake. To prove this point, let’s assume you eat the … Read more

Running Workouts

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For many people, running is simply the best workout available. It releases stress, helps burn fat, and can be done anywhere you have a pair of shoes and the right attire. However, running has lost some of its popularity in recent years, since many people think that it ruins your muscle development. New research says … Read more

Yoga for Menstruation

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Not only does yoga build strength, teach mindfulness, and improve your flexibility, it can help you navigate through pain and discomfort. In fact, yoga is one of the most popular workout routines when it comes to conditions like menstruation. The cramps and bloating associated with this time of the month can be made much easier … Read more

Kratom Leaf Weight Loss

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 In nature, you can find hundreds if not thousands of plants, leaves, and fruits that can help you enjoy a healthier life and get further on your weight loss journey. Look at kratom leaf as an example. Though this herb is rarely used in the Western world, it is a huge source of medicinal benefits … Read more

Foods high in Niacin

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Blood circulation is key to the functioning of your entire body. If your blood does not circulate as well or as quickly as it should, your organs and muscles may not get the blood they need to work at full efficiency.  In addition, proper blood circulation can increase your energy levels and give you more … Read more

Soaking Nuts and Seeds

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It is no secret that nuts and seeds are part of a healthy diet, particularly if you want to lose weight or if you are trying to maintain a healthy weight. Nuts and seeds have all sorts of health benefits, from increased fiber intake to vitamins and minerals that are rarely found in other foods. … Read more

Dangers Caused by Earbuds

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With the various types of technology that are being released on an almost annual basis, it should come as no surprise that at least some of these developments are going to pose a threat to your health. For example, consider earbuds.  Although doctors have never been a fan of headphones in general, they are especially … Read more