New workout equipment and fitness trends include:
- On-the-go wellness
- Community-driven fitness
The top 20 newest fitness trends are detailed and more information available here
Author Archives: argerlac
Green Bean Delivery February 2020 Newsletter
Three things that help you reduce heart disease risks include Omega-3’s, flavonoids, and monounsaturated fats. The recipe offered in the February Green Bean Delivery Newsletter contains many of these nutrients.
- 1 pound salmon, halibut or rockfish fillets
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- ½ cup roughly chopped cilantro, divided plus 1 tablespoon minced
- Juice from 2 limes
- 2 cups shredded green and/or red cabbage
- 3 green onions, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and sliced thin
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 avocados
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- 8 soft corn tortillas
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper and place the fish fillets on top. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat, sprinkle with ¼ cup of cilantro, and squeeze ½ of a lime over the top. Flake the fillets using a fork.
Meanwhile, mix together the cabbage, green onions, red bell peppers, ¼ cup of cilantro, pinch of salt, juice from 1 lime, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
In a small mixing bowl, add the avocado flesh and mash with a fork or potato masher until desired consistency. Stir in the garlic powder, cumin powder, pinch of salt, juice from ½ a lime, and 1 tablespoon minced cilantro.
To assemble tacos, place corn tortilla down on a plate, add the fish, the slaw, and then top with guacamole. Serves: 4
Helpful Suggestions for Medical Bill Reduction
“Medical bills are one of the most frustrating consumer experiences out there — they are up there with buying a used car because it is so opaque. Patients feel vulnerable and don’t know what they are getting into until after they have received care,” said Erin C. Fuse Brown, a health law professor at Georgia State University.
Perhaps not surprisingly, medical debt is a leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., according to the American Public Health Association.
Still, patients are’t entirely powerless. Here are simple steps patients can take when they can’t afford their medical bills or suspect they’ve been overcharged.
Ask for an itemized bill
As basic as it sounds, just asking the provider for an itemized bill, including the dollar amounts billed for specific products and services such as ibuprofen or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, can help reduce the total cost of a doctor’s appointment or hospital visit.
“It’s a good starting point because often patients don’t know what they are getting billed for,” Fuse Brown said. “In most cases, the process of just asking won’t resolve the bill entirely, but you can identify errors, like being charged for a test you were never given.”
Using online tools like Healthcare Bluebook and Fair Health Consumer also lets people compare what they were charged with other health providers’ rates to get a better sense of whether a bill is unfair. “You can negotiate around that,” Fuse Brown said.
Check for duplicate and unreasonable charges
Between 50% and 80% of medical bills contain errors, according to medical billing experts. Mistakes include improper coding and charges for products and services that were never provided. Notably, these errors rarely benefit the patient.
Things to look for include charges for tests that weren’t given or medicine that wasn’t provided.
“There can be billing errors, like you had a wellness check but were charged for a surgery. Or you brought your own medication to the hospital but you are being charged as if the hospital provided it to you,” Donovan explained. “Being vigilant, and watching out is important.”
Ask for financial assistance
Even a bill that’s accurate can be unaffordable. Hospitals don’t usually volunteer to provide financial assistance, but not-for-profit centers are required to make it available to those patients who qualify.
It’s key that the patient take the initiative by asking for a discount or negotiating a deal, like Kraft, the billing expert, did.
“You can explain if you are unable to pay for the service and see what are the options available. A lot of times they offer financial assistance and can work through that process with you to see if you qualify for a charity,” said Irene Filippo, a patient advocate.
Then, put together a monthly billing plan and be sure to stay on track with payments.
“You should have a number, working with your own finances, of what you can afford per month. You don’t want to promise $500 and realize you can’t afford that and go into collections after all this work,” Donovan said.
Check your state’s billing protection laws
So-called surprise medical bills can occur when a patient receives care at a hospital or other facility that is in-network, but they are inadvertently treated by an out-of-network physician. Similarly, a patient in an emergency situation might not have the capacity to select an ambulance provider within their network, leaving them with a steep bill.
Under some states’ “balance-billing” protection laws, insured patients who are treated by out-of-network providers are only responsible for the in-network cost-sharing amounts. California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland and New York are among the states with the most comprehensive protection for patients, according to the Commonwealth Fund, a health care advocacy group.
“If you go to an in-network facility, like a hospital, and inadvertently see an out-of-network provider in those states, you are only responsible for the in-network cost-sharing amount,” Donovan said. “You’ll only be charged your co-pay or co-insurance. They can’t bill you the balance of the bill — they need to work that out with the billing department and your insurer, and you are not held liable for it,” she added.
5. Use fundraising sites like GoFundMe
If financial help isn’t available and your provider is unwilling to negotiate rates, as a last resort patients can turn to outside sources like GoFundMe for help with medical bills.
Roughly 250,000 campaigns for dealing with health care costs are set up annually on the online fundraising platform, raising total contributions of $650 million per year, GoFundMe told CBS MoneyWatch last year.
One-third of the donations made through the GoFundMe site help people pay for medical care, according to CEO Rob Solomon.
“A significant percentage of the pages within GoFundMe are medical billing-related, which is really sad and should not be the case,” Donovan said.
Rarely does a campaign raise enough awareness — and money — to cover a patient’s entire medical bill. But it can help.
“When looking at a large bill in a dramatic situation, anything you can get will make a big difference,” Donovan said.
Valentine’s Day VIP
Hey you! Did you know that you’re very special? There is no other person in this world like you. You deserve to be loved not only by those around you but by the most important person in your life — YOU. Practicing self-love can be challenging for many of us, especially in times when we face serious challenges. It’s not about being self-absorbed or narcissistic, it’s about getting in touch with ourselves, our well-being and our happiness. We practice self-love so we can push through our limiting beliefs and live a life that truly shines.
So do yourself a favor, take a deep breath, give yourself a little hug and start practicing the following:
- Start each day by telling yourself something really positive. How well you handled a situation, how lovely you look today. Anything that will make you smile.
- Fill your body with food and drink that nourishes it and makes it thrive.
- Move that gorgeous body of yours every single day and learn to love the skin you’re in. You can’t hate your way into loving yourself.
- Don’t believe everything you think. There is an inner critic inside of us trying to keep us small and safe. The downside is this also stops us from living a full life.
- Surround yourself with people who love and encourage you. Let them remind you just how amazing you are.
- Stop the comparisons. There is no one on this planet like you, so you cannot fairly compare yourself to someone else. The only person you should compare yourself to is you.
- End all toxic relationships. Seriously. Anyone who makes you feel anything less than amazing doesn’t deserve to be a part of your life.
- Celebrate your wins no matter how big or small. Pat yourself on the back and be proud of what you have achieved.
- Step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. It’s incredible the feeling we get when we realize we have achieved something we didn’t know or think we could do before.
- Embrace and love the things that make you different. This is what makes you special.
10 Inexpensive Ways to Save on Heating Bills
10 Inexpensive Ways to Save on Heating Bills
The following are inexpensive ways you can shave your heating expenses this winter.
1. Use a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help you save 10-20% on your energy bill year round. Program your heater to come on right before you wake up, cool down when you leave for work, warm up when you return from work, and go down again right before you go to bed.
How much will it save you? You can save 1% off your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat over an 8 hour period. Many people can save enough money with their first month’s use to pay for the thermostat. Cost: $20 and up. Savings: 10-20% of your monthly energy bill.
2. Change air filters. Clean air filters permit a better flow of air through your heating system, allowing hot air to more easily flow through the vents and into your rooms. You also reduce the strain on your furnace, which can extend its life. Change your air filter monthly, or whenever it is dirty. Bonus benefit – cleaner, healthier air! Cost: $2-10.
3. Seal the leaks in your house. Your house leaks hot air! But if you seal most of these leaks, you can save between 10-20% on your heating bill this winter. To detect leaks, wait until it is cold outside; you will probably need at least a 30-degree difference in the indoor/outdoor temperatures to notice the difference.
Common areas to find leaks include around doors, windows, near the attic, where wires and cables enter your house, and around electrical outlets. Seal gaps around any pipes, wires, vents or other openings with caulk or weather stripping. Cost: $5 and up. Savings: 10-20% of your heating bill.
4. Add insulation to your house. Insulation helps keep the hot air in and the cold air out. This can not only save you money, but it can also be a tax-deductible home improvement which will give you an even better return for your investment!
Basement insulation is often overlooked and will help keep your house warmer during winter months. Cost: Depends on how much and which type of insulation. Savings: Depends on how much and which type of insulation and whether or not it is tax deductible.
5. Seal heating ducts. – Most ducts have small leaks that allow your heated air to slowly escape. You can prevent this with a roll of metallic tape for about $10 (don’t use duct tape – it degrades over time!).
You can also use a liquid or aerosol-based sealant, which sometimes works better than tape, but is messier. Pay special attention to sections of ducting with kinks, bends, breaks, and disconnections. Cost: $10 and up.
6. Insulate heating ducts: You can lose up to 60% of your heated air before it reaches the outlet if you have non-insulated ducts that travel through unheated spaces such as the attic or basement. Special duct insulation can help you retain heat and energy and save a lot of money over the long term.
This is a great idea if you will be living in your house for a few years. Cost: $10 and up. Savings: 10% of your energy bill or more.
7. Use space heaters. At night we turn the heat down to 55 in the house and use a space heater in our bedroom. This allows us to only heat the space we need. Be careful when using space heaters – keep them clear of walls and flammable objects. You should also exercise caution when using them around children. Cost: $15-$35
8. Humidifiers. Using a humidifier can reduce your heating costs because moist air retains heat better than dry air. There are other benefits to using a humidifier as well: they reduce static electricity (and annoying winter time shocks!), dry skin, and make it easier to breathe. Cost: $30 and up.
9. Air Vent Booster. An air-vent booster is a fan you install over your vent that works by drawing additional air into a room that is always way too hot or cold. I recently installed one in our “problem room,” and the results have been quite good. It helps lower our utility bills and saves a large amount of energy. The model I have is the AirFlow Breeze, which costs about $50. Cost: $40 and up.
10. Install plastic window treatments. Installing heavy duty clear plastic window treatments can reduce the amount of heat loss through your windows. This is a great idea if your windows are single pane windows. You can save up to 10% of your heating costs by installing these. Cost: $5 and up.
Of course, if you do all of these, you won’t be able to reduce your heating bill to nothing! There is a law of diminishing returns that must come into play somewhere.
But, most of these are inexpensive and easy enough for just about anyone to do. Not only do they save a lot of money, but they reduce your energy usage which is great for the environment.
https://cashmoneylife.com/save-on-heating-bills/
Fitness Trackers FAQ
How Fitness Trackers Work
All trackers use sensors to monitor your movements, often connecting and syncing wirelessly with a computer or mobile device to store data about your day-to-day activities. The types of activities monitored vary by tracker but can include number of steps taken, hours of sleep, heart rate, skin temperature, and perspiration levels.
Most trackers use an accelerometer to help measure your steps and other up-down, side-to-side, and front-to-back movements.
Additional sensors may include:
• Heart rate monitor to track your pulse during exercise and throughout the day
• Gyroscope to determine whether you’re standing, sitting, reclining, swimming, cycling, etc.
• GPS to track your location
• Magnetometer to detect specific movements and determine which direction you’re moving in
• Barometer to determine your altitude, which is used to calculate how many flights of stairs you climbed this morning to get to your office
Some activity trackers let you sync with external heart monitors, smart bathroom scales, and other devices that offer more precise readings. When paired with the companion software or mobile app (or even third-party apps, in some cases), trackers can give you insight into the habits that make up your lifestyle.
Other models offer smartwatch-like alerts for incoming calls, texts, instant messages, and e-mail. And they can provide motivational support in the guise of challenges, badges, interaction with online friends, and a vibrating alert when it’s time to get up and go. They can even share data remotely with your doctor.
Check Our Fitness Tracker Ratings for More
Fitness Tracker vs. Smartwatch
Fitness trackers are designed to accommodate a range of requirements. If you simply want to know how many steps you’re taking each day, opt for a basic model that costs less than $100.
If you want details on the speed, pace, and stride associated with your steps, along with your average heart rate and insights into how much (and how well) you’re sleeping, you’re going to need something more advanced. Some models can even provide data tailored specifically to the routines of avid swimmers, golfers, skiers, weight lifters, or marathon runners.
But, if you’re really into both productivity and fitness, check out our smartwatch ratings. These devices often offer more in the way of these features, though they tend to be more expensive.
Here’s what fitness trackers measure:
• Steps taken
• Heart rate
• Duration of exercise
• Active minutes
• Sleep time (sometimes divided into regular and REM)
Features to Consider
Once you’ve decided on the functions you want, you can refine your options based on personal taste.
Style
Many trackers are designed to be worn on the wrist, but some can be worn as pendants or clipped to your clothing. In the past, devices tended to look purely functional, but manufacturers are now more conscious of style. Look for a greater variety of materials, shapes, and colors—and some models created in collaboration with bona fide fashion designers. Choose a look you’ll feel comfortable wearing every day.
Display
The more advanced trackers reveal their data—using words, numbers, and symbols—on a watch-face-like display. Others share that info via a simple LED light display or only via an app. When you sync the data onto your smartphone or computer, the tracker’s companion app not only archives the information but also helps you interpret and analyze it. Before you make a final decision, preview the tracker’s companion app in the Apple App Store or on Google Play to make sure it lives up to your expectations.
Compatibility
Before you pull out your wallet, make sure the device is simpatico with your cell phone or computer. Some trackers sync only with Apple’s iOS; others, only with Android. And most do not work with Windows.
Accuracy
Trackers are not foolproof. They use sensors and algorithms to parse footsteps, punches thrown, stairs climbed, hours slept. That means there’s some degree of imprecision. If you need hard data, you may want to pursue a function-specific device. In general, heart rate monitors that strap to your chest and transmit info to your activity tracker are more precise than the in-device sensors applied to your wrist.
Battery Life
Depending on the sophistication of the device, battery life can stretch from one day to several months. The battery in a tracker with a color touchscreen and an armada of sensors will need to be charged more frequently than one in a simple band with a few LED lights on its face. It’s also worth noting that not all trackers are rechargeable. Some run on the coin cell batteries often used in cameras and calculators.
Water
How often do you encounter water when you work out? That’s an important consideration, too. Some trackers are just splash-proof. Others can withstand a hardy shower—indoors or out. But if you’re going to wear your tracker in the pool, it should be waterproof.
Healthy Road Trip Food Hacks
BRING THESE 30 HEALTHY SNACKS ON YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP
As tempting as it may be to grab that Snickers bar when you stop to fill up on gas for your road trip, you will definitely regret that decision.
Not only does a Snickers bar have absolutely no nutritional value to help your body get what it needs, it will actually put harmful chemicals in your body such as high fructose corn syrup.
By making sure that you pack good, healthy snacks for your road trip, you’ll find that you won’t be tempted to grab that Snickers bar because you know something better is waiting for you in your car.
Here are our top picks for healthy road trip snacks.
1. BEEF JERKY
This road trip snack is packed full of protein, which is one of the best ways to satisfy your hunger.
However, don’t opt for jerky from the gas station that comes loaded with preservatives, and whose sodium levels are off the charts.
Instead, pick up an organic, grass-fed one from your local natural foods store.
2. POPCORN
Popcorn is a great source of fiber and complex carbs that will help your body stay regular, and provide you with energy while on the road.
Make sure you’re not getting the microwave popcorn that is filled with chemicals. Instead, grab one from the natural foods store that has ingredients of just corn, salt, and oil.
Even better yet, pop some on the stove at home using olive oil or butter and just salt. That way, you know exactly what you’re getting.
3. HARD-BOILED EGGS
These little eggs are not only easy to prepare, they are easy to store, and easy to eat on the road. They’re fairly mess-free, and are packed full of protein that your body will need while on the road.
For some extra crunch and the perks of some quality complex carbs, add some whole wheat crackers to your egg snack for the perfect pick-me-up.
4. PROTEIN BARS
Be wise with your choice of protein bars.
There are countless protein bars out there that are full of nothing but sugar and crazy additives and preservatives that you’ve never heard of.
Instead, look for a protein bar full of natural ingredients that will give you the nutrients your body needs and wants, without the sugar crash.
5. STRING CHEESE
You’re never too old to eat string cheese, especially when you know the nutritional benefits it provides.
Pair your string cheese with apple slices, and you’ll have a snack that perfectly covers healthy fat, good protein, and complex carbs.
With this trio of nutrients, you won’t be hungry again for a while, and you’ll also feel your energy levels increase.
6. CARROTS
Though carrots do have fiber in them and other great nutritional value, one of the reasons we suggest this as a road trip snack is because oftentimes when on the road, you find yourself wanting to eat simply because you’re bored.
So, rather than fill that boredom with unhealthy snacks, munch on some carrots that will take you a while to eat, and will keep you busy without making a mess.
7. GRAPES
Similar to carrots, grapes are a great option for when you’re bored and want to eat something on the road.
Healthy, clean, and easy to eat, grapes will help stave off the boredom. Just don’t go overboard with the grapes — they do have a lot of sugar in them.
8. HUMMUS AND CELERY
Hummus is another great protein-packed snack that will help keep your belly full and happy.
In addition, hummus is full of B vitamins.
And celery is the perfect dipping stick. Low in calories, but high in water content, your body will love this hummus-celery combo.
9. GREEK YOGURT
Protein all the way with Greek yogurt. This little snack is full of it, and will help keep you full until your next meal.
Top your Greek yogurt with some nuts or fruit for some added fiber and energy.
10. PB SANDWICH (SKIP THE J)
Though we love jelly, it usually doesn’t offer up anything but loads of added sugar.
Instead, grab for quality peanut butter (be sure to check your ingredients and say “no” to peanut butter with sugar added to it) for a healthy dose of protein and fat.
Slather that peanut butter on some whole wheat bread, and you’ve covered your complex carbs, your protein, and your fat.
If you’re feeling extra hungry, grab a banana, slice it up, and throw it in between the bread and have yourself a PB&B.
11. PISTACHIOS
The protein from these nuts is plant-based, and they’re also packed full of unsaturated fats and fiber.
Not to mention, they’re much lower in terms of calories than other nuts. Pistachios weigh in at just 4 calories per nut, while Brazil nuts are 33 calories each.
12. WALNUTS
Pistachios aren’t the only great nuts on the block — walnuts are great for their own reasons.
They have the highest amount of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids when compared with all other nuts, which will help you feel full for a longer amount of time.
13. BAKED CHICKPEAS
These snacks are easy to make at home, and will give you great fiber without having to stuff yourself full of a bag of chips.
Simply drain and dry your chickpeas, then toss them with olive oil. Season with salt and other spices of your choosing and bake for 30-40 minutes at 450F.
Avoid Illness: Basic Handwashing Techniques
Good Food Feast
Join us for a monthly community celebration including a cooking demonstration and farm fresh food pickup! The Community Controlled Food Initiative is a cooperative started by community members that brings fresh affordable food to our community and supports local farmers like Lawrence Community Gardens. Come celebrate our efforts, enjoy good food, and build with us!
Bring a friend!
CCFI food share orders are reserved on the 1st Saturday of every month and picked up on the 2nd Saturday of every month. If you missed the deadline to order, we always offer CCFI food shares for sale to walk-ins, but they do sell out!
The Good Food Feast community celebration is free! CCFI food share bags cost: For one bag of farm fresh food, you pay $20, or $15 for seniors, or $7.50 for EBT/SNAP participants who pay with their SNAP/EBT card (discounted shares available while supplies last).