by Chip LaMarca

(NAPSI)—Florida has now sustained 117 direct hits by hurricanes in recorded history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This is almost twice as many major storms as the runner-up state of Texas.

In fact, in Florida’s annual hurricane season, which runs from June through November, residents can anticipate tropical storm and hurricane warnings for all or parts of the state.

From the effects of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, to more recent Hurricanes Maria and Irma, we’ve been here before—and, sadly, know all too well the aftermath that comes with them.

Floridians typically expect the storms to hit somewhere along the Sunshine State’s 1,350-mile shoreline, but how prepared are their homes, offices and other buildings to withstand the potential damage? Not very, it seems. Continue reading →

(NAPSI)—To help veterans, active-duty members of the military and their families better cope with stress and trauma, the American Red Cross created a new set of workshops teaching easy-to-use skills that promote wellness through mind-body connection.

What They Do

These Mind-Body Workshops focus on the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social and spiritual factors can directly affect health.

The first workshop, Using Mind-Body Skills for Performance, helps participants explore the use of breathing, mindfulness techniques, stretching, movement and guided imagery to aid healing.

The second workshop, Using Mind-Body Skills, guides participants through using mind-body techniques for personal growth and healing through drawing, journaling, meditation, mindfulness, body scan, progressive muscle relaxation and self-directed imagery. Continue reading →

(NAPSI)—Owning a car can be a dream or a nightmare depending on how well you take care of your vehicle. Here are six things that many motorists do that can harm their cars and their wallets.

1. Ignoring the check engine light. Ignoring an illuminated check engine light can result in serious engine trouble and costly repairs. At the very least, this warning light could alert you to an engine problem that is negatively impacting fuel economy.
2. Failing to change fluids and filters. Many fluids are required for operating and protecting vehicle systems and components. Checking fluid levels regularly, along with the filters, helps ensure that your vehicle runs dependably and extends its vehicle life.
3. Neglecting your tires. Your vehicle’s tires should be checked frequently for inflation and tread depth. Underinflated tires can wear out more quickly and need to be replaced sooner, plus they can negatively affect safety, gas mileage and performance.
4. Not following a service schedule. Because many car parts and components wear out or become damaged over time, vehicles need to be routinely serviced to perform optimally. Routine inspections and timely repairs will help keep your car running efficiently and help you avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
5. Keeping a dirty car. Allowing your car to go too long without a wash leads to buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt, increases the potential for rust from road salt and interferes with proper visibility needed for safe driving.
6. Being a severe driver. Whether it’s stop-and-go traffic, extreme weather, rough roads or heavy loads, it can sometimes be difficult to limit severe driving conditions. However, you can drive smart and improve fuel economy by observing the speed limit; avoiding aggressive driving, including quick starts and stops; not hauling unnecessary items; and keeping your vehicle properly tuned.

Continue reading →

It’s Flu Season: CDC Reminds Public That Antibiotics Do Not Treat Flu

(NAPSI)—Flu season is upon us and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wants patients and families to remember that prescription antiviral drugs, not antibiotics, are the treatment for influenza (flu). Antibiotics do not treat viruses that cause colds and the flu. They are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria.

Remember that the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is by getting your annual flu vaccine. It’s not too late to get vaccinated.

KNOW WHAT’S GOT YOU SICK

Viruses cause infections like the common cold, flu, runny noses and most sore throats, and none of these are treated with antibiotics. Illnesses like strep throat, pneumonia and whooping cough are examples of illnesses caused by bacteria that can be treated with antibiotics. Continue reading →

Why—And How—To ‘Heart’ Your Kidneys, Every Day

(NAPSI)—Many people don’t know it, but when your kidneys stop working, so do you. Your kidneys are as essential to life as other vital organs, such as your heart. Kidney healthy is also heart healthy, so when you “Heart Your Kidneys,” you also show love for your heart. That’s because the No. 1 cause of death in people with kidney disease is heart disease.

The Problem

More than 30 million American adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, and most are unaware of it. One in three American adults is at risk for chronic kidney disease. It’s the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S., and growing in prevalence. For many people, dialysis or a transplant is needed just to stay alive. Continue reading →

Ingredients

• 6tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 2tablespoons honey
• 8bone-in chicken thighs, skinned
• 2tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Continue reading →

(NewsUSA) – It’s not just you.As a nation, America is getting older – with another 10,000 Boomers turning 65 every day. And whether you like to admit it or not – and who does? – odds are you’re probably already experiencing at least some of the same nagging health issues you once thought only happened to your parents.What’s also likely, assuming you’re one of the nation’s 100 million chronic pain sufferers, is that you’re seeking a safer alternative to opioids after being scared off by news headlines of people becoming addicted and even dying from them. Read on to see if drug-free chiropractic care may be right for what ails you.* Back and neck pain. It’s the primary reason older Americans visit doctors of chiropractic every year. Continue reading →

(NewsUSA) – Hearty stews and belly-warming soups are coming out of the kitchens; frost is sparkling, and winter jackets are coming out of hiding. Families are craving slow-cooked, savory meals that yield health benefits and leftovers.
Delicious, savory winter-recipe ingredients that will surely satisfy are white beans and Oso Sweet Onions, an onion grown at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Onions are not only believed to be a cancer preventative, their low-salt, low-fat health benefits are the proactive equivalent to superhero powers. Onions have 25 compounds that lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent thrombosis, inhibit strokes and battle heart disease, says the American Heart Association. Continue reading →

(NewsUSA) – Tired of the same boring dinner, night in and night out? Don’t let dull, tasteless meals become the norm. Instead, try this catfish recipe that is sure to spice up your night.
Catfish with Peppercorns on a bed of Sautéed Spinach and Matchstick Vegetables subjects taste buds to flavors that are sure to entice any lover of spice. The U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish has a pleasing, mild taste that blends flawlessly with the pepper and vegetable flavors.
This simple catfish recipe boasts a long name with a simple preparation: Continue reading →