Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
And then it was Friday
I have studied and scribbled and rubbed my eyes and practiced and missed most of the Olympics and spent many hours alone being epically harassed by two cats while trying to study, scribble, etc. and it already has all been worth it. Another midterm week vanquished, so much more learned, new confidence found, new resolve born, and another corner turned towards being able to help people live healthy, empowered lives.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Hospital Infections: Deadly, Costly, And Potentially Avoidable - Shots - Health News Blog : NPR
Hospital Infections: Deadly, Costly, And Potentially Avoidable - Shots - Health News Blog : NPR: "Each year nearly 300,000 U.S. patients get serious cases of pneumonia and sepsis -- bloodstream infections -- during their hospital stays. Almost 50,000 of them die."
Just another sign that we urgently need to change the way we manage disease in today's world.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Family Guy Actress with Down Syndrome's Sarah Palin Smackdown Too Hot for NYT - sarah palin - Gawker
Family Guy Actress with Down Syndrome's Sarah Palin Smackdown Too Hot for NYT - sarah palin - Gawker: "In my family we think laughing is good. My parents raised me to have a sense of humor and to live a normal life. My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
YouTube - Chinese Bluegrass (REDGRASS): Red Chamber紅庭, Jaybirds
If you needed a demonstration of how global our society is becoming, of how music can bring people together, or of how we really aren't all that different from one another, I offer you this outstanding video:
YouTube - hang insomniac jam
I recently saw a live performance with this type of instrument at my college. It was incredibly beautiful. As he explained, this drum uniquely provides the drummer with the ability to not only set a rhythm, but also to play a melody. It's an ethereal sound. Enjoy! :)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Nature Conservancy: 2009 Nature Photography Contest Finalists Announced
Incredible nature photography. So jealous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Nature Conservancy: 2009 Nature Photography Contest Finalists Announced
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Easy rice bowls
I just finished eating an amazing home-made rice bowl, and despite the fact I should be working on an important assignment, studying for a number of important upcoming exams, etc., etc., I have to share with you how incredibly easy and delicious it is to eat healthily, and provide an example. Considering the overwhelming scientific research indicating the benefits of eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, I hope you enjoy some of the suggestions shared below. :->
I find when I have vegetables like peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, etc. washed and chopped beforehand, it makes everything sooooooo much easier, even when cooking for just one person (as I am). Having a little chest freezer is a godsend too, as you can freeze small containers of guacamole, cooked rice, cooked quinoa, cooked chicken/turkey, etc. Months ago I even bought large packages of cheddar cheese on sale, then cut them into smaller pieces (good for 1 – 2 meals, depending), and then froze them all in a big resealable plastic bag. (Yes, the cheese is crumbly after being defrosted, but yay! That means I don’t have to shred it for my meals – just taking a knife to it breaks it into many small pieces.) You can also chop raw peppers (perhaps bought on sale or in season) into pieces and freeze them in an airtight plastic container, and use them for soups and stews later.
And do NOT throw out those broccoli/chard/kale stems! They are fantastic in soups, stews, and stir-fries. They just need more cooking time, like onions.
Anyway, let me tell you about today’s rice bowl. I used my rice cooker (a necessity since I otherwise burn rice when I try to cook it in a pot) to prepare a large batch of delicious brown basmati rice. (Most of it destined for my freezer.) While I was waiting, I collected my other ingredients: a few chopped peppers, a handful of baby spinach (chopped), about a tablespoon of guacamole, about another tablespoon of crumbled feta, some very small broccoli florets, a little bit of leftover turkey (from the freezer, then defrosted, woohoooo!), and a couple of mushrooms (chopped, of course). When I added the hot rice (about three-quarters of a cup) to the other ingredients, everything got nicely heated and steamed, without any additional cooking! I then liberally drizzled some balsamic vinegar and olive oil* all over this creation, added a little salt, and voila!
As you can imagine, you can vary the ingredients quite a bit, so it’s new every time! (Although if you choose something that takes longer to cook - like carrots - you will need to cook them in advance, or shred them.)
Okay, now back to my assignment … Wish me luck!!!
*Olive oil is soooo good for you raw, terrible once you cook it. My nutrition prof actually prescribes some patients to take 1 – 2 tablespoons of raw olive oil a day, but strongly advises against cooking with it.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Medical training does change you
This is what medical training will do to you: I see an ad for fitness training on a web page with a picture of a shirtless, very muscular (and handsome) man. And my only real thought is: What the heck is that huge muscle just below his ribs? And then I geek out and drag out my Netter's and realize it's a large external oblique abdominal muscle. And then ... he's forever the external oblique guy.
