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Healthy You! – February 2024 edition

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This February’s Healthy You! focuses on matters of the heart. Your employees can learn how to prioritize their heart health, with tips for incorporating exercise into their daily routine. They can also discover how social self-care and kindness build powerful connections with loved ones. And this month’s recipe features a spinach salad made with heart-healthy salmon, avocado, cranberries, and walnuts.

Read the new issue.



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Unique and Inexpensive Date Night Ideas

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As busy parents, it can be hard to find time together for a date night. Life and kids happen, and while it’s wonderful, all these things make it a little harder to spend quality time alone. Not only is it hard to find the time to get away, but it can be costly between sitters and money for the date. Here are some fun (and affordable!) date night ideas for your next night out. 

Experts agree weekly date nights help couples have more intimate and lasting relationships. It’s important to find ways to keep your relationship healthy by spending time together. Maybe even rekindling some of the early dating spontaneity you once had (before kids)!

Since spending time together is important for a relationship, I’ve put together some fun date night ideas you can use to plan a great date.  Even better, they don’t require a lot of work or a lot of money. Some are cheap date ideas for you to do at home, while others involve going out. Try some of these ideas when you are looking for your next date night idea.

Date Nights: Then vs. Now

Before kids, if you wanted to go on a date, you just went! There wasn’t a lot of planning involved, and it didn’t cost as much because you didn’t need to pay a sitter. It was easy to grab dinner and a movie or listen to some live music. Life wasn’t as demanding, and dates didn’t require much planning or prep work. It was so easy to be spontaneous!

Now that kids are involved, dating takes more thought and planning. These days, it seems like going on a date is more of a ten-step process:

  • Decide to actually go on a date, check the family schedule, and then ask your significant other if they want to go
  • Call 3-5 potential babysitters until you finally find one who’s available
  • On the day of the date, make food for the kids to eat so they’re are well-fed (or make it even easier with these premade healthy meals!)
  • If the date is at night, also bathe the children so the babysitter doesn’t have to
  • Remind kids to clean rooms, do chores, etc., before the sitter comes over
  • Find something to wear… if you’re an overachiever, maybe even put on makeup and jewelry
  • Make a list of all instructions and emergency contacts for the babysitter
  • Finally, get out the door to go on the date
  • Almost fall asleep during dinner/movie/etc. because you have small children and aren’t used to staying awake after 9:30 PM
  • Come home to find all the kids are still awake, and drive the babysitter home

And then there’s the cost. Date nights before kids were much more affordable. Because there wasn’t a need for a sitter, the night wasn’t as expensive. Sometimes, having a sitter and actually taking the time and energy to plan a date raises the pressure to have a perfect date. This also means doing something nicer (that can cost more money).

Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it to get out kid-free. You’ll just want to find some creative and low-cost ideas that don’t take a lot of work. But if staying in for a date is more practical, the good news is there are still ways to make it special (and without doing the same old thing).

20 Creative and Fun Date Ideas That Don’t Cost A Lot

Want to make date nights with your significant other a priority, whether it’s weekly or monthly? The first thing to do is come up with some creative ideas that don’t cost a lot of money. Often, that means home date nights. Not only are you saving money and time, you don’t have to stay out late!

Other times, you might be able to leave the house, and you’ll need some fun (and inexpensive) date night ideas. The ones I’ve included are more creative ideas for dates out of the house instead of just the typical dinner and a movie. These are especially nice if you happen to find a friend you can swap babysitting with.!

At-Home Date Ideas

These cheap date ideas don’t require much money at all, and you don’t even have to leave the house. Put the kids to bed early and enjoy some time alone together at home, reconnecting and sharing. You can find plenty of fun things to do at home.

1. Couples Massage

As a mom, this is one of the best dates. Being pregnant, nursing, and carrying around toddlers create a huge demand on the body, and every mom could use a good massage. And there’s a lot of research about the healing properties of touch and how important it is to our nervous system. Unfortunately, a good 60-minute massage can cost at least $80 plus tip in most locations.

While there are some great massage devices to use at home (this is my favorite), a much more romantic way is to try an at-home massage course. This Melt Massage for Couples course is taught by a husband and wife team in a really easy-to-learn format. It’s the gift that keeps on giving since you’ll actually know how to give good massages to each other at any time.

2. Game Night

Games are so much fun to play together! This is the time to break out the board games that you aren’t able to play with the kids. Think of anything that requires attention and skill. Chess, Mancala, or Battleship are fun games of skill. Or take a stroll down memory lane and play Monopoly, Scrabble, Yahtzee, or Life.

 Try a new game like Ticket to Ride or Forbidden Island. Or try a trivia night at home and test each other’s knowledge of certain topics. Not only will you have some laughs, you might even learn some new strategies!

3. Rekindle the Fire (Literally)

Do you have a fire pit in your backyard? If so, it’s a fun way to enjoy a date night at home. You can make smores, drink some wine, talk, and do some stargazing. And twinkling lights aren’t just for Christmas.! Hang a few strands up or make these homemade tiki torches to create a romantic and cozy backyard atmosphere.

4. Documentary Date

Do you and your significant other enjoy watching documentaries together? This can lead to a good conversation about a controversial topic. There are so many great documentaries available on Netflix or Amazon to stream online.

Find a topic you’re both interested in and pick a show. Or, come up with something you don’t know much about and would like to learn more about. Then, spend some time talking about it afterward, sharing your thoughts and observations.

5. Personality Quizzes

Sitting on the couch in your living room tonight? Try one of these free personality tests you can take online, either just for fun or to learn something about each other. This is definitely a unique date idea. And you might learn things about your spouse that you never knew, which is always enlightening and fun!

6. Watch a New Show

It’s not a groundbreaking date idea, but it’s still relaxing and cheap.! Spend time together on the couch watching a show together. Love to laugh? Watch a comedy show! Interested in drama or mystery? Find something suspenseful to enjoy. Poll some friends to get some recommendations on their favorites to find some new ones to try. 

You can even make a homemade charcuterie board, churn some ice cream, or pop some popcorn while you relax together.

7. Cook Together

Feed the kids early, then spend time in the kitchen cooking together after they’re in bed. Try a new recipe or even take an online cooking class. This is a great chance to try new cuisines your kids might not enjoy. If you love wine, you can even pair this idea with a nice glass of my favorite wine to sip on as you cook.

8. Around the World at Home

Going out to an ethnic restaurant can be difficult with little ones. Plan a fun date themed around your favorite ethnic foods to enjoy at home once the kids are in bed. 

Make your own sushi and eat on the floor. Make healthy Mexican food and watch a movie in Spanish, or eat fondue by candlelight. Or do a combination of all, serving a different ethnic group for each course. Whatever you choose, set the mood with music and decorations to make it fun!

9. Paint Each Other’s Portrait

Feel a little funny staring into each other’s eyes? Painting a portrait is the perfect excuse. Reconnect in an unusual way by reviving or learning a new skill. Lots of laughs will be had, I promise! It’s ok to just have fun with it, but I also recommend an online class from Udemy if you really want to learn some new skills.

10. Just Do Nothing!

Seriously… all parents know it’s harder than it sounds! Once the kids are in bed (and repeatedly asked to return to bed), choose to de-stress by ignoring everything else that needs to be done. Ignore electronics, too… hide them if you have to!

Dim the lights, light some beeswax candles, turn on your favorite playlist of relaxing music, and just hang out together. Talk, laugh, cuddle, explore each other… just like the old days.!

Going Out Date Ideas

Do you have a friend you can swap childcare with or have family who live in town? Or do you have a babysitter your kids love that they beg to see? These creative date night ideas include heading out of the house, but most don’t cost a lot of money.

11. Get Outdoors

Love to spend time in nature? Go for a hike! Go kayaking or paddleboarding. Hop on your bikes and take a spin. Spending time outdoors and disconnected from technology is a great way to reconnect. Look up local parks and try a new spot you haven’t yet explored.

12. Exercise or Do Something Active Together

Exercise can be fun as a couple! Pick a new sport to learn: tennis, pickleball, basketball, or swimming… just pick something you enjoy. For an active activity, play mini golf or laser tag, try axe throwing, take a dance class, enjoy bike riding or canoeing, or go horseback riding. These are often the best times to talk, and you get the chance to develop a new hobby or skill.

13. Breakfast Date

Typically, dinner is the date meal, but why not try something different?! Breakfast is a healthier (and cheaper) meal to eat out. Head to a diner or local restaurant for an early morning brunch, and reserve the rest of the day for some good couple time. It can also be easier to get babysitters on a Saturday morning or set up a playdate at a friend’s house.

14. Embark on an Adventure

This is a fun way to share experiences instead of gifts when you give a gift to your spouse for a birthday or Christmas (or another holiday). It’s fun getting out of your comfort zone when you have an adventurous date. Visit an indoor rock climbing gym, go kayaking, race go-karts, try ice skating or roller skating, visit an escape room, or if you’re really brave … go to a karaoke bar and sing your heart out!

15. Go Camping

This certainly isn’t for everyone, but it usually promises to be a bonding experience and is really healthy for you too. Always fun as a family, but if you can sneak away for a night, go camping as a couple. The alone time around the campfire will give you a chance to really catch up and look at the stars. And the potential for unforeseen circumstances (wild animals, rain, etc.) makes it an adventure.

16. Volunteer

This is a great way to get closer as a couple. Focus on a cause you both believe in and volunteer together. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, raise money for a cause or pick a service project at your church. It might make you grateful for what you have and there will certainly be some quality time with your love! Another advantage… spreading the love doesn’t cost a thing.

17. Visit a Local Attraction

We often forget about the things that others come to our town to see. Make a bucket list of things to do in your area and act like a tourist in your own city. Visit a drive-in if your town still has one. Tour the art gallery or local museum to see beautiful works of art. Find an arboretum or botanical garden and walk around. 

You can even just browse a local bookstore together and read excerpts from your favorite books, then chat over a cup of coffee. If it’s in season, visit an orchard or pick-your-own farm or take a tour of a local brewery or vineyard for a wine tasting. Check out the local amusement park if you’re feeling adventurous!

18. Recreate Your First Date

Want to travel back in time? A fun way to relive your first date is to visit your first date spot if you can. If your date spot is in another city (or no longer open), find something similar to enjoy together and talk about your memories. Share what you felt when you first met each other. You can talk about how you’ve grown and all the hopes and dreams you have for your future together.!

19. Visit a Farmer’s Market

A date that also has another benefit… healthy food! Check out the farmers’ markets in your area to find fresh foods. Walk the aisles together, finding new things you can make and exploring farmers and ranchers in your area. Sample some food from the food trucks before heading home with your bounty.

20. Do a Scavenger Hunt

Another fun way to check out your city is by enjoying a scavenger hunt. There are lots of online options for inexpensive deals on scavenger hunts in lots of cities. Don’t have one in your city? Create a DIY one! When you’re done, visit a local food truck for lunch or dinner to finish off your date.

Most Importantly: Turn Date Ideas into Reality

Making time to spend as a couple can be much more challenging than it should be, especially with kids. Make the decision to make your relationship a priority. Take the time to brainstorm new date ideas and make them happen… no need to wait for a time like Valentine’s Day to have an excuse to spend time together!

What was your best (or worst) date ever? Would you try any of the date ideas above?



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Assessing and Improving the Health-Related Quality of Life Among People Who Inject Drugs


Photo credit: Pexels/Mart Production

Drug use is a topic we’ve increasingly worked to address, ranging from providing needle exchange programs, harm reduction strategies, mental health services, and seeking to address marginalization and access to care. Following a pandemic that amplified many stressors, there is a renewed interest in trying to better support people who inject drugs (PWID) and struggle with addiction.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, reports that in 2019, 1.5% of the Australian population aged 14 years and older reported injecting a drug in their lifetime.1 In 2023, 56% of PWID noted that methamphetamine was the most commonly used injected drug. Moreover, they noted that globally in 2020, over 11 million people injected drugs and 1.4 million of PWIDs were living with HIV.

Given the health risks for PWID, researchers and public health teams have worked to better assess and improve health-related quality of life. In the latest Quality of Life Research journal, researchers published their findings in assessing the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) within a cohort of PWID in Australia.2

Establishing an observational cohort study from 2014-2018 across 15 sites in Australia, the team provided finger-stick samples for point-of-care hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing as well as a liver disease assessment. A questionnaire, the EQ-5D-3L, was utilized to measure current self-perceived health including components related to mobility, self-care, ability to do usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Regression models were utilized to assess clinical and socioeconomic pieces of these scores across the 751 participants.

What You Need to Know

Globally in 2020, over 11 million people injected drugs, and 1.4 million PWIDs were living with HIV, emphasizing the global scale and impact of injection drug use.

Interestingly, current HCV infection, liver fibrosis stage, high-risk alcohol consumption, and gender were not found to have a statistically significant impact on HRQoL.

The findings underscore the need for tailored support and intervention efforts among PWID, especially in light of the reported HRQoL scores.

The authors noted that the median age was 43 years and 67% of those participating were male. Sixty-three percent reported using injection drugs in the last month and 43% had a current HCV infection. In addition, 29% reported completing high school or higher education and 85% received government assistance as the main source of income. 68% of participants had no or mild liver disease.

The authors found that, “the mean EQ-5D-3L score and EQ-VAS score for the overall population were 0.67 and 62, respectively. The mean EQ-5D-3L scores were the highest among participants who were employed (0.83) compared to those receiving government assistance (0.73). There were no significant differences among people with and without recent injecting drug use (mean: 0.66 vs. 0.68, median: 0.73 vs. 0.78, P = 0.405), people receiving and not receiving OAT (mean: 0.66 vs. 0.68, median: 0.73 vs. 0.76, P = 0.215), people self-reporting HCV infection and no HCV infection (mean: 0.67 vs. 0.66, median: 0.73 vs. 0.73, P = 0.716) and people with and without confirmed current HCV infection (mean: 0.67 vs. 0.67, median: 0.73 vs. 0.73, P = 0.964).”

These findings highlight important information for better support and intervention efforts among PWID, as there is much work to be done. Moreover, it’s interesting to note that current HCV infection, liver fibrosis stage, and high-risk alcohol consumption appeared to have little impact on HRQoL, and gender was not found to be statistically significantly related either. Employment and stable housing were found to have higher mean and median HRQoL scores, which should drive stronger effort to ensure both are more accessible.

References

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Alcohol, tobacco, & other drugs in Australia. Dec 13, 2023. Accessed January 29, 2024.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alcohol/alcohol-tobacco-other-drugs-australia/contents/priority-populations/people-who-inject-drugs

2.Cheng, Q, Bajis S, Cunningham, E. et al. Health-related quality of life among people who inject drugs in Australia. Qual Life Res 32, 3195–3207 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-023-03465-3



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Red Velvet Oreos | The Recipe Critic

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This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.

These vibrant red velvet Oreos are filled with a sweet cream cheese frosting and are irresistibly cute! Super easy to make from a red velvet cake mix, but SO delicious that no one will ever know.

Red velvet desserts are my love language! I love the mild chocolate flavor. I also love that red velvet often involves cream cheese frosting! It’s the best of both worlds. Try these cupcakes, this incredible cheesecake, or my red velvet brownies!

Close view of red velvet Oreos stacked.

Red Velvet Oreo Cookies

Decadent cream cheese frosting sandwiched between two chewy red velvet cookies. It’s a match made in heaven and delicious in EVERY way! If you’ve ever made homemade Oreo cookies before you’re going to love this recipe! It’s a delicious twist with red velvet flavors. The red velvet cake mix makes it super easy and they come out super soft and chewy. Every bite is a delight, and they’re also a fun and festive treat to serve. Perfect for holiday parties at Valentine’s and Christmas!

Red velvet has a signature flavor. The foundation uses a small amount of cocoa powder, but it gets its vibrant red color from food coloring. I love a good red velvet cake recipe! And any cream cheese frosting paired with red velvet desserts is a win in my book. It adds a sweet overall tang that compliments the flavors perfectly. But if you’re looking for a cake recipe with more chocolate flavor, try my classic chocolate cake!

Ingredients in Red Velvet Oreos

The best part of these delicious red velvet cookies is how simple they are. This recipe uses a boxed cake mix to make the dough…and it doesn’t get any easier than that! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Cookies

  • Cake Mix: Use 1 box of your favorite red velvet cake mix.
  • Baking Powder: Give the cookies a little lift when baking.
  • Vegetable Oil: The oil makes the cookies soft and moist!
  • Eggs: Use large, room-temperature eggs.

Cream Cheese Filling

  • Cream Cheese: This should also be softened to room temperature because it will mix better. The cream cheese adds a creamy tanginess to the frosting.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter that has been softened to room temperature.
  • Vanilla Extract: This will add a sweet flavor to mix in with the tangy cream cheese.
  • Powdered Sugar: You use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar because it dissolves into the frosting making it nice and smooth.
  • Milk: I used 2% but any milk works! Use more if the frosting is too thick. 

Red Velvet Oreos Recipe

Making homemade red velvet Oreos is a lot easier than you would think! These are simple and come together quickly, making them a great go-to dessert to impress any guest! It’s also fun to let the kids help you make them!

  1. Preheat Oven, Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. Combine and Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, baking powder, oil, and eggs on medium speed until combined.
  3. Scoop Dough: Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them.
  4. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges will look set but the middle will look underbaked, and that’s okay! They will continue baking as they cool on the tray. Let them cool on the tray for 4 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Cream Cheese Filling

  1. Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter: Add the cream cheese and butter to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until combined.
  2. Add Vanilla, Powdered Sugar, and Milk: Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and add the vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk.
  3. Beat Until Smooth: Mix on low speed until the sugar is absorbed before increasing the speed to medium. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Add Filling, Assemble Cookies: Spread or pipe a tablespoon of frosting onto the bottom of one cookie then sandwich another cookie on top. Pressing just enough for the filling to meet the edge of the cookies. Repeat with the remaining cookies. You should end up with 18 completed sandwich cookies.
First process photo of the cake mix, oil, eggs, and baking powder in a bowl. Second process photo of the cookie batter mixed. Third process photo of the dough scooped on a cookie sheet. Fourth process photo of the frosting added to a cookie.

Red Velvet Oreo Tips

Follow my tips and ideas below when making these red velvet Oreos! You’ll love how fast they come together. They are the perfect cookie to make when you’re short on time.

  • Cake Mix: Use a different cake mix! Obviously, that means the cookies won’t be red velvet, but the recipe will work just as well with a spice cake, carrot cake, or any other cake mix you desire! You could make lemon Oreos by using lemon cake mix and adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the frosting.
  • Don’t OVERBAKE! Do NOT overbake these cookies!! You might be tempted to give them a few extra minutes because they WILL look raw and doughy coming out of the oven, but don’t do it! These cookies continue to set up as they cool. If you want soft, chewy cookies and not hard, crunchy cookies, don’t overbake them!
  • Tip to Soften Cookies: If your cookies do end up on the hard side, store the unfrosted cookies in a plastic bag or an air-tight container with a couple of slices of sandwich bread overnight and they should soften up. They will also soften a bit after they have been filled with frosting and stored in the refrigerator overnight.

Overhead view of red velvet Oreos on a baking sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Storing Leftover Cookies

These darling red velvet Oreos are irresistible, so I highly doubt you will have leftovers. But if you do, follow my tips below!

  • On the Counter: Place assembled red velvet cookies in an airtight container. Leave on the counter at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • In the Refrigerator: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Make in Advance: Make them a day or two in advance so the filling has time to soak into the cookies. The cookies get soft and decadent! You can also store them unassembled if you prefer. Keep the filling in the fridge and the cookies in an airtight container. Assemble them right before serving!

Close view of red velvet Oreos on a plate with a bite out of one of the cookies.

More Delicious Cake Mix Desserts

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Cookies

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

  • In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, baking powder, oil, and eggs on medium speed until combined.

  • Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them.

  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set. The middle will look underbaked, but that’s okay! They will continue baking as they cool on the tray. Let them cool on the tray for 4 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Cream Cheese Filling

  • Add the cream cheese and butter to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until combined.

  • Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and add the vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk.

  • Mix on low speed until the sugar is mostly absorbed before increasing the speed to medium. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

  • Spread or pipe a tablespoon of frosting onto the bottom of one cookie then sandwich another cookie on top. Pressing just enough for the filling to meet the edge of the cookies. Repeat with the remaining cookies. You should end up with 18 completed sandwich cookies.

Calories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 2gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 246mgPotassium: 119mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 192IUCalcium: 56mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.





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Want coverage that starts January 1?

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Published on November 30, 2023

December 15 is the last day to get 2024 coverage that starts January 1. You only have 2 weeks left to visit HealthCare.gov and apply for, renew, or change your Marketplace plan.

Have 2023 coverage & happy with your current plan?

Great! You’ll still want to log into your account and update any expected income or household changes. This makes sure you get the right amount of savings. There may also be new plans that better fit your needs.

Applying for Marketplace coverage for the first time?

Notice:

Make sure your insurance starts January 1. Visit HealthCare.gov today and beat the December 15 deadline.



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Interpreting the Clash of Force: HIIT versus Cardio

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The excursion for a practical and time-powerful rec center routine has driven wellbeing darlings to examine the spaces of Unpredictable oxygen consuming activity (HIIT) and ordinary Cardiovascular Action (Cardio). The two strategies have their advantages, zeroing in on different pieces of health and fascinating to grouped tendencies. In this article, we will dive into the assessment of HIIT versus Cardio, researching the benefits, burdens, and which might be the better choice considering individual health targets.

HIIT – The Exceptional Challenger:

Definition: Outrageous cardio practice incorporates short blasts of serious movement pivoted with seasons of rest or lower-power activity.

  1. ** Viability in Time:**
  • “For HIIT:” HIIT gatherings are oftentimes more restricted than regular cardio practices anyway can yield relative or even pervasive results to the extent that calorie consume and cardiovascular wellbeing.
  1. ** Afterburn Effect:**
  • Star HIIT: HIIT prompts Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Use (EPOC), customarily known as the afterburn influence. This suggests your body continues to consume calories even after the activity is done.
  1. ** Burning fat:**
  • Pro HIIT: HIIT has been shown to be strong in consuming both natural and subcutaneous fat, adding to weight decrease and further created body piece.
  1. ** Variety of Exercises:**
  • Accurate HIIT: HIIT is significantly flexible and can combine different exercises, making it versatile and securing.
  1. ** Metabolic Benefits:**
  • Star HIIT: HIIT has been connected with overhauls in insulin mindfulness, glucose rule, and metabolic prosperity.
  1. ** Assurance of Fit Muscle Mass:**
  • Virtuoso HIIT: HIIT places a basic demand on muscles, potentially saving and regardless, building fit mass, especially when gotten together with strength getting ready.
  1. ** Flexible for Different Health Levels:**
  • “For HIIT:” HIIT can be adapted to various health levels by changing the power and length of the stretches.

Cons of HIIT:

  • Centered energy may not be proper for novices or individuals with explicit clinical issue.
  • Potential for overtraining and extended possibility of injury if not executed with genuine design.

The Consistent Companion, Cardio:

Definition: Cardiovascular activity, otherwise called cardio, is a sort of activity that keeps the pulse raised for quite a while through consistent, musical development.

  1. ** Increasing endurance:**
  • Ace Cardio: Cardio rehearses redesign cardiovascular constancy over an extended time, adding to additional created heart prosperity.
  1. ** Accessibility:**
  • “Star Cardio”: Cardio practices are every now and again open to individuals of all wellbeing levels and can be performed with immaterial stuff.
  1. ** Demeanor Enhancement:**
  • “Genius Cardio”: Steady state cardio has been associated with the appearance of endorphins, propelling a positive perspective and diminishing tension.
  1. ** Long-Range Calorie Burn:**
    Pro Cardio: While the calorie consume during the activity might be lower than HIIT, reliable state cardio can achieve an upheld calorie consume all through the gathering.
  2. ** Low-Impact Options:**
  • Ace Cardio: Low-impact cardio exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming give joint-obliging decisions to individuals with versatility issues.
  1. ** Fitness Center for Amateurs:**
  • Master Cardio: Cardio is habitually recommended for juveniles as it manufactures a supporting of wellbeing and prepares the body for more serious action.
  1. ** Useful for Longer Periods:**
  • Ace Cardio: Stable-state cardio, as opposed to HIIT, can be performed for longer timeframes, making it reasonable for individuals who appreciate turning out for significant stretches of time.

Cons of Cardio:

  • May be drawn-out for individuals with involved plans.
  • A couple of kinds of cardio may have a lower calorie consume every second stood out from HIIT.
  • Possible exhaustion with dreary activities.

Picking the Right Approach:

  1. ** Weight decrease and Fat Burning:**
  • Tendency for HIIT: In the event that time proficiency is significant and the objective is to consume however much fat as could be expected in a more limited measure of time.
  • Tendency for Cardio: on the off chance that you favor a consistent state way to deal with weight reduction and appreciate longer exercises.
  1. ** Wellbeing of the heart and endurance:**
  • Tendency for Cardio: if improving cardiovascular endurance and overall heart health is an essential objective.
  1. ** Muscle Assurance and Building:**
  • Tendency for HIIT: if bulk is important for keeping up with or getting fit.
  1. ** Fluctuation and adaptability:**
  • Tendency for HIIT: on the off chance that you like working out in a dynamic and shifted manner and can switch practices habitually.
  1. ** For the most part Prosperity and Well-being:**
  • Tendency for Both: An even methodology that integrates both cardio and stop and go aerobic exercise (HIIT) can give complete wellness benefits.

Conclusion:

The battle among HIIT and Cardio at last depends upon individual tendencies, health targets, and lifestyle. Uniting a mix of both can offer a reasonable health plan, watching out for various pieces of prosperity and success. Whether you bloom with the force of HIIT or find solace in the cadenced thought of Cardio, the key is to pick an activity style that lines up with your tendencies, fits into your schedule, and adds to your overall health adventure.

Treating Geographic Atrophy: What to Consider

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By Diane Marshall, as told to Keri Wiginton

The choice to get treatment for the wet form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a no-brainer. You have to get shots to save your vision. Fast intervention may even improve your eyesight.

And for those of us with geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of dry AMD, there’s hope for the future now that the first-ever treatment was approved. The pros and cons aren’t so clear-cut, but after talking to my retina specialist and people in my AMD community, I decided to go for it. 

I got my first eye injection earlier this summer. I felt a weird sensation of pressure but no pain. And I’m fine with that.

I hope this treatment slows the growth of my GA lesions. Though, I’ll admit I’m conflicted about whether to keep getting shots in my eye every month or so for the rest of my life. But here’s a little more about the thought process behind my decision. 

What the World Looks Like With Geographic Atrophy

My optometrist diagnosed me with early-stage AMD at the age of 54. At the time, the retina specialist told me not to worry too much about it. Fast forward 22 years. 

At 76, I have GA in both eyes. Recently, I became legally blind in the left one. That’s a bit of a misnomer because I can still see out of it, but I tell people to imagine looking at life through a lens coated lightly with petroleum jelly.

Areas of my central vision, especially in the left eye, are also blank or grayed-out. For example, I can’t see the corner of my TV if I look straight at it. Letters are sometimes so faint, I can’t read them. Entire words at the end of a sentence disappear.

And like many people with GA, I can’t make out facial details. Someone can be 5 feet in front of me, and I may not know who they are unless I pay close attention to their body language. Even my face is foggy when I look in the mirror.

My depth perception is also off. The other day, I tried to pour water into a glass and spilled it all over the counter. 

Why I Asked My Doctor About Geographic Atrophy Treatment

This new treatment won’t reverse vision loss but may slow the growth of GA lesions by 18% to 22% in the first 12 months. That rate may go up to 36% if you get monthly shots for 2 years. Those numbers seem minimal to me, which is why I was against getting the shot at first.

But my retina specialist gave me some shocking news several months ago. 

The visual acuity in my left eye was no longer stable at 20/70. At first it was 20/150. But it didn’t stay there. When I went in for a checkup a month or two after that visit, my vision had quickly progressed to 20/200. That qualifies me as legally blind in that eye. 

In the past, changing my prescription made a big difference. But my optometrist told me there’s not much he can do to correct my vision past this point. That’s when I realized I needed to do something to stabilize the sight in my left eye.

I asked my retina specialist if this new shot could work for me. While he didn’t bring it up first, he agreed eye injections might be helpful to slow the progression of GA in both my eyes. And I can always switch to better treatment if one comes along, he assured me.

While I went ahead with treatment in my left eye, I still have a basket of questions running through my mind. Some you may want to ask your doctor are: 

  • Do the shots boost my chances of wet AMD? If so, by how much?
  • What happens if I get shots for GA, and then I need them for wet AMD?
  • How much will the shots slow GA over time? Do the benefits build up over time?
  • Are there long-term side effects we don’t know about yet?
  • Do the risks and time commitment outweigh the benefits?
  • How bad is it really to lose all my central vision?

Will I Keep Treating My Geographic Atrophy?

My retina specialist says the choice is mine, and I can stop whenever I want. For now, I plan to keep getting the shots. And I’ll get treatment in both eyes at my next appointment. That means one needle poke in each eye on the same day.

My right eye was 20/60 the last time my eye doctor checked, but I think it’s worse now. And I need to protect it as best I can. So far, it can fill in some of the blank spots in my left eye. And I always close my left eye when I read so I can focus with my right eye only.

If I knew safe stem cell therapy or gene therapy was close at hand, I would probably pause the shots for a little while. But we don’t have a timetable for advances in treatment for GA. 

And I’m worried that if I don’t act now, my vision might completely deteriorate. If that happened, I would regret not doing more when I had the chance.



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The Cross-Roads Of Artificial Intelligence & Infectious Diseases Education: Witty Insights From ChatGPT


In this article, ChatGPT provides witty insights into the cross-roads of artificial intelligence and infectious diseases. 



Interview with: ChatGPT by OpenAI

Interview by: Timothy P. Gauthier, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCIDP


Article Posted 7 June 2023

With the exception of the questions in bold, this entire text was written by ChatGPT. The only thing removed from the questions is the instruction “in a witty way” and a character limit was used in each of the questions. 

Welcome to a contagiously captivating conversation with ChatGPT, the one and only “Infectious Intellect.”

Today, we dive deep into the realm of infectious diseases education, where ChatGPT’s encyclopedic knowledge meets its silver-tongued charm. Infectious diseases, like mischievous gremlins, have always plagued humanity, making it crucial to arm ourselves with knowledge to defeat them. From the common cold to zoonotic outbreaks that leave us scratching our heads, there’s no riddle too puzzling for ChatGPT to unravel.

So, grab your metaphorical lab coat, a dash of humor, and prepare to be immunized with fascinating insights. Whether you’re curious about pathogens, preventive measures, or the latest advancements in research, this interview will inoculate your mind with an infectiously delightful dose of information. Get ready to catch the fever of enlightenment with the wittiest conversationalist in the digital domain!

1. How can students in the classroom learning about infectious diseases can use artificial intelligence?

Ah, picture this: a classroom buzzing with eager students, their minds primed to battle infectious foes. But wait, what’s that sneaky sidekick hiding in the corner? It’s none other than Artificial Intelligence, donning a lab coat and ready to join the educational brigade!

Like Sherlock Holmes with a digital twist, AI can sleuth through mountains of data, unraveling the secrets of infectious diseases faster than a caffeinated cheetah. It can serve as the ultimate tutor, regaling students with interactive lessons, answering their queries with the wisdom of a thousand scholars. With AI by their side, students can explore virtual worlds, witness microscopic battles, and even simulate epidemiological scenarios, all from the safety of their classroom.

But here’s the twist: AI isn’t just a know-it-all, it’s a savvy detective. It can analyze patterns, detect outbreaks, and forecast potential epidemics with an accuracy that puts Nostradamus to shame. By harnessing AI’s power, students become disease warriors armed with predictive insights, ready to protect their communities from sneezes and coughs.

So, dear students, embrace the AI ally in your quest for infectious knowledge. Together, you’ll conquer the microbial realm, armed not just with textbooks, but with the virtual superpowers of artificial intelligence. Welcome to the age where brains meet bytes, where curiosity meets algorithms, and where learning becomes an epic adventure in the fight against infectious villains!

2. How can students in a clinical setting learning about infectious diseases can use artificial intelligence?

Listen up, future doctors and nurses, because I’ve got a prescription for infectious disease education that’ll make your stethoscopes tremble with excitement! Say hello to your newest colleague in the clinic: Artificial Intelligence, the savviest sidekick since Dr. Watson.

With AI in your corner, diagnosing infectious diseases becomes a turbocharged task. Gone are the days of sifting through dusty tomes; AI can analyze patient symptoms, medical histories, and lab results faster than you can say “antimicrobial resistance.” It’s like having a digital Sherlock Holmes, spotting patterns and uncovering elusive diagnoses with lightning speed.

But wait, there’s more! AI is no one-trick pony. It can be your trusted mentor, guiding you through virtual patient cases and simulating real-world scenarios. With its virtual scalpel, it dissects complex data sets, revealing hidden insights and treatment options that even the most seasoned doctors might miss.

So, grab your white coat and let AI be your wingman in the clinical battlefield. It’s the ultimate pocket-sized genius, armed with the power to improve patient outcomes, streamline workflows, and turn you into an infectious diseases superhero. Embrace the AI revolution, my clinical comrades, and together, we’ll conquer pathogens with a wit and precision that would make Florence Nightingale blush!

3. Can you describe how learners of infectious diseases should not use artificial intelligence?

Hold your lab coats, folks, because we’re about to explore the forbidden territory where Artificial Intelligence, like a rebellious pet, needs to be kept on a short leash. When it comes to learning infectious diseases, AI may have its kryptonite moments.

First off, imagine a student relying solely on AI for their infectious disease education, like a clueless hiker following a GPS blindly into a swamp. AI, for all its digital prowess, lacks the finesse of human experience and intuition. It can be like a know-it-all without the practical wisdom to back it up, leading learners astray with misinformation.

Furthermore, relying too heavily on AI can turn students into passive spectators rather than active seekers of knowledge. It’s like watching an action-packed movie instead of strapping on your own superhero cape. Learning infectious diseases requires hands-on engagement, critical thinking, and discussions with experienced mentors.

Lastly, AI is still a work in progress. It’s the mischievous classmate who sometimes blurts out absurd answers just to confuse you. It may not always provide the most up-to-date information or understand the context fully, leaving learners vulnerable to incomplete or even inaccurate insights.

So, dear learners, let AI be your sidekick, but not the captain of your infectious disease ship. Use it as a tool to complement your journey, but always keep your curiosity and human intellect at the helm. Remember, the real superheroes in this battle against pathogens are the eager minds and relentless pursuit of knowledge.

4. Can you describe innovative ways teachers of infectious diseases can use artificial intelligence?

Attention, infectious intellects of the teaching realm, behold the AI revolution that’ll turn your classrooms into a high-tech laboratory of contagious knowledge! Buckle up, because we’re about to explore the innovative ways you can wield artificial intelligence in your quest for infectious enlightenment.

Picture this: AI as your trusty assistant, sniffing out the juiciest research papers, deciphering complex data, and serving up the most delectable morsels of information on a silver platter. With AI’s help, you can stay ahead of the ever-evolving microbial landscape, bringing cutting-edge research and breakthroughs straight to your eager students’ desks.

But wait, there’s more! AI can transform your lessons into captivating experiences. From virtual reality simulations that transport students inside the human body to interactive gamified quizzes that make learning infectious diseases as addictive as popping bubble wrap, AI injects a dose of excitement into the classroom.

With AI as your partner, you become the maestro of infectious education. Harness its power to tailor lessons to individual students, identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest. Think of it as a personalized tutor on steroids, boosting engagement and deepening understanding like never before.

So, dear teachers, embrace the AI toolkit and unleash a whirlwind of innovation in your classrooms. Let it be the secret sauce that elevates your infectious disease teachings to legendary status. Together, we’ll revolutionize education and create a new generation of pathogen-busting geniuses, armed with the combined brilliance of human expertise and artificial intelligence wizardry. Let the infectious enlightenment begin!

5. Can you describe how teachers of infectious diseases should not use artificial intelligence?

Attention, pedagogical pioneers, prepare to navigate the perilous pitfalls of artificial intelligence in your quest to conquer the realm of infectious diseases! Strap on your critical thinking caps, because we’re about to explore the forbidden territories where AI may lose its infectious charm.

First, imagine relying on AI as the all-knowing oracle of infectious diseases, like a magic eight ball that spouts questionable wisdom. AI, while a digital whiz, lacks the human touch, making it about as reliable as a sneeze during a hay fever outbreak. It’s like trusting a rubber chicken to diagnose a patient – entertaining, but not exactly accurate.

Furthermore, leaning too heavily on AI can transform classrooms into mindless drone zones. It’s like swapping enthusiastic students for sleepy robots, robbing learners of the interactive and engaging experience that only human teachers can provide. After all, who needs a robotic lecturer when you can have a passionate expert in the flesh?

Lastly, let’s not forget that AI is still a young prodigy, prone to making the occasional faux pas. It may misinterpret nuances, feed on outdated data, or even worse, propagate harmful misconceptions. Trusting AI blindly in the realm of infectious diseases is like performing surgery with a butter knife – not recommended!

So, dear teachers, treat AI as a quirky sidekick rather than the star of the show. Let it complement your infectious disease teachings, but always wield your expertise, experience, and good old human intuition. Remember, it’s the infectious intellect within you that truly captivates and nurtures the minds of budding disease warriors.

Closing comments from ChatGPT

And with that, we bid adieu to our infectious intelligence extraordinaire, ChatGPT, as it retreats back into the digital abyss.

From unraveling microbial mysteries to slaying ignorance with witty banter, ChatGPT has proven itself to be a viral force of knowledge in the realm of infectious diseases education. So, dear readers, remember to wield the power of artificial intelligence with caution and wit, for it can be a marvelous ally in our battle against pathogens.

But let us never forget the irreplaceable magic of human curiosity, intuition, and the occasional bout of uncontrollable laughter. Together, with AI as our sidekick and humor as our secret weapon, we shall fortify the minds of future disease fighters and leave no microbe unchallenged.

Until we meet again in the quest for intellectual contagion, stay curious, stay witty, and keep those neurons buzzing!


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Spam Fried Rice Recipe | The Recipe Critic

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This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.

This combination of salty, pan-fried spam, fluffy rice, eggs, and veggies will have you hooked. With how delicious and easy-to-make spam fried rice is, be prepared for it to be a regular in your dinner rotation!

If you haven’t cooked with Spam before, now’s the time to try! Its salty, savory flavor is so delicious. Another great recipe to try is this one for Spam musubi, a classic Hawaiian snack!

Spam fried rice in a wok, being stirred with a wooden spoon.

Spam Fried Rice Recipe

If you’re not a spam lover, I know what you’re thinking. Spam fried rice? Don’t knock it ‘till you try it! For a long time I didn’t want to cook with Spam, but then I tried spam fried rice and musubi and everything changed. Its tender texture and salty flavor is actually the best.

Especially in fried rice! The Spam gets cut up into small cubes and then is pan-fried until it gets a nice golden sear. From there, it’s all of your usual fried rice suspects- a tasty mix of veggies, scrambled eggs, and fluffy white rice. All cooked together to flavorful perfection! Spam fried rice is a popular dish in Asian and Hawaiian cooking, and for good reason. I know you’ll be a believer too once you try it.

Ingredient List

This is everything you’ll need to whip up this tasty dish! I also have ideas for more mix-ins and sauces below if you want to customize it.

  • Canned Spam: The good news is, you can use any kind you want! I have been loving the hickory smoke and bacon flavored Spam lately. Use the lite spam if you want to cut down on sodium in this dish.
  • Sesame Oil: Any cooking oil will work here, but I love the extra nutty flavor this adds to the Spam fried rice.
  • White Onion: Diced to add bits of sharp, savory flavor to each bite.
  • Frozen Peas and Carrots: Thawed so the mixture doesn’t steam and get mushy. You can swap this out for any veggie mix you want.
  • Eggs: These get scrambled and then added to the fried rice for a protein boost.
  • Cooked Rice: White rice works best here.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds the best flavor to the Spam fried rice. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you don’t want the dish to be too salty.
  • Green Onions: Chopped for garnish.

How to Make Spam Fried Rice

Get that skillet nice and hot, because it’s time to make a batch of flavorful, delicious Spam fried rice! It’s great served on its own or with things like teriyaki chicken or garlic shrimp.

  1. Cook Spam: Preheat a large skillet or wok to medium heat. Pour sesame oil in the bottom. Add the diced spam and cook to the desired doneness. We like the spam to be golden brown on the outside. 
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, peas, and carrots. Cook and stir until the onions soften, about 5 minutes. 
  3. Scramble Eggs: Slide the spam and veggies to the side, and pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Using a spatula, scramble the eggs. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the spam and vegetable mixture.
  4. Add Rice: Add the rice to the wok. Stir and fry the rice and veggie mixture until heated through and combined. 
  5. Mix in Sauce, Serve: Pour in the soy sauce and mix into the fried rice. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste then enjoy!
4-photo collage of the Spam being cooked, then the vegetables, then the egg, and then the rice.

Tips, Tricks, and Variations

Okay, I’m going to let you in on a few secrets to make some seriously delicious fried rice. Try a few of these variations next time you make a batch!

  • Add More Flavor: Soy sauce is a good place to start for seasoning your Spam fried rice with, but if you want to kick things up a notch, add oyster sauce, eel sauce, or hoisin to taste!
  • Throw in Some Fresh Garlic: To add even more savory flavor to the dish, I like to cook my Spam with minced garlic. I use the squeezable kind for easy prep, but fresh is great too! It gives the whole dish a roasted garlic flavor that is SO good.
  • More Veggies: Add broccoli, baby corn, bamboo shoots, edamame, you name it!
  • Drizzle on Some Sauces: One of my new favorite things to add to a bowl of fried rice is a drizzle of sauce. Yum yum sauce is my go-to, but sriracha mayo is delicious too if you’re wanting a little spice. Both add a tasty creaminess to the fried rice. I usually just add this to individual servings in case someone doesn’t want it on theirs.

A serving of fried rice in a black bowl.

Storing Leftovers

Spam fried rice is the king of leftovers! Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for about 4 days.

Reheat over the stove on medium heat or cook individual portions in the microwave. 1 minute intervals, stirring in between should do the trick!

Picking up a piece of cubed spam with chopsticks.

More Tasty Fried Rice Recipes

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  • Preheat a large skillet or wok to medium heat. Pour sesame oil in the bottom. Add the diced spam and cook to the desired doneness. We like the spam to be golden brown on the outside.

  • Add the onion, peas, and carrots. Cook and stir until the onions soften, about 5 minutes.

  • Slide the spam and veggies to the side, and pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Using a spatula, scramble the eggs. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the spam and vegetable mixture.

  • Add the rice to the wok. Stir and fry the rice and veggie mixture until heated through and combined.

  • Pour in the soy sauce and mix into the fried rice. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste then enjoy!

Calories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 11gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 954mgPotassium: 257mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2355IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.





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Understanding The Difference Between In-Network and Out-Of-Network Provider Coverage

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A lot of things can happen to put you in the market for a new doctor. Maybe you’ve moved to a new town and need to find a pediatrician for your kids’ well-visits. Or your primary care physician (PCP) recommends you follow-up with a specialist. Or you’ve turned 45 and are due to get your first colonoscopy. Whatever the reason, you want to be sure you’re choosing the right doctor.

All health insurance plans have a network of doctors, and selecting one who is in that network can save you money. In fact, some plan types require you to see an in-network provider. So, how do you find a provider who’s in your health plan’s network?

Recommendations from friends, family, and your PCP are a great place to start. Your next stop should be our Find a Doctor tool, which makes it easy to find in-network doctors and other health care providers, such as labs, hospitals, urgent care centers, and outpatient surgery centers. Review the questions and answers below to help you understand the difference between in-network and out-of-network and how to choose a doctor.

What is a provider?

A health care provider is a person or company that delivers a health care service to you. Types of providers include your primary care physician (PCP), specialists, and even facilities, like labs, hospitals, and urgent care centers.



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