Lemon water is our new favorite drink. Refreshing, clean, no calories, and healthy, this is our drink of choice.

Growing up in California, I remember the abundance of lemon, lime and other citrus trees in our very own backyard and everywhere around So. California.  Just seeing the fruit with its beautiful bright yellow rind brings back fond memories of childhood.

Relief could be on the way for those suffering from osteoarthritis pain. According to researchers with the Baylor Research Institute, “tart cherries, in pill form, may be a promising pain-reliever for this common and debilitating form of arthritis.”

There is no nutritional value in drinking soda.  Most sodas are full of artificial flavors and chemicals. This should be one of the first things we eliminate from our diets.  Soda is being blamed for all kinds of health issues—weight gain being one of them.  But many believe that by drinking diet sodas, they are exempt from gaining weight.  Guess again!  Drinking diet sodas containing artificial sweeteners can actually increase your appetite instead of suppress it.

Pilates is an exercise system developed by Joseph Pilates to help strengthen the core, strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve balance.  This low impact exercise is relatively safe for all ages.  Pilates has been used by dancers as well as used for rehabilitation purpose.  Pilates can be performed on the floor, or on a piece of equipment called a reformer.  There are chairs, balls, rings and mats.  One of my favorites is the Balance Ball Chair or another name, Pilates Chair Ball.

When handling raw meat you have the potential of cross-contamination which is the transfer of harmful bacteria via your hands, working surface, utensils, etc.  Raw poultry has a higher potential of cross-contamination because it contains more liquid than red meats.  Here are a few tips to assure you keep your kitchen and your family safe from bacteria that can make you ill.