Tuesday, July 24, 2018

The Miracle Season Starring Helen Hunt and William Hurt

Looking for a new movie to watch on movie night? Well, The Miracle Season Starring Academy Award® Winners Helen Hunt* and William Hurt**, arrives on DVD and Digital July 31st, 2018. That's only a few days away, so mark your calendar now for the upcoming DVD release.
The Miracle Season Starring Helen Hunt and William Hurt

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and LD Entertainment present THE MIRACLE SEASON, arriving on DVD and Digital July 31st, 2018.  Helen Hunt and William Hurt star in this triumphant film based on the inspiring true story of the Iowa City West High School girls’ volleyball team. After the tragic death of their star player, Caroline “Line” Found (Danika Yarosh), the team must band together under the guidance of their tough-love coach (Hunt) and Caroline’s iron-willed father (Hurt) in hopes of winning the state championship. Together they regain their strength and spirit in order to “Live Like Line!”

This movie is based on a true story. Have you seen it yet? If so, what did you think? We're big fans of Helen Hunt and our favorite Helen Hunt movie is Twister. Got a favorite movie that she's starred in?

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Grilled Chicken & Veggies Recipe

It has been extremely hot around here and I've been trying to prepare my family's meals by using our outdoor grill. There is no way that I'm heating up my kitchen by using the oven on 90+ degree hot & humid days. For the past 3 weeks, I've been utilizing my crockpot and our backyard grill. Today's guest post recipe is courtesy of Pasta Fits. You can find oodles of free recipes on their website.
Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Grilled Chicken & Veggies Recipe
Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Grilled Chicken & Veggies Recipe

4 oz. ziti
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil for brushing
1 (6 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breast
8 oz. romaine hearts, halved lengthwise
8 oz. ½ bunch asparagus, trimmed of tough stems
½ tsp. lemon zest
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. grated garlic

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook the ziti according to package directions. Drain and reserve.

Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan over high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and a little of the oil. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 3 – 4 minutes per side or until cooked through. Reserve. Brush the romaine and the asparagus with the remaining oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the romaine and asparagus on the grill. The romaine will start to char on the outside, turn to allow all sides to get a little char, about 3 minutes total. Remove from the grill and reserve. The asparagus will turn bright green and have grill marks when it’s ready, also about 3 minutes. Remove from grill and reserve. When the chicken, romaine and asparagus are cool enough to handle, chop the chicken into bite-sized chunks, roughly chop the romaine, and slice the asparagus into 2” pieces. Reserve.

In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. Place the chicken, romaine, asparagus and ziti in a bowl and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

How Gum Disease is at the Root of 5 Serious Health Issues

Your dentist keeps warning you about bleeding or inflamed gums for a reason. They can be a gateway to serious health issues.

Periodontal disease, the result of infections and inflammations of the gums, affects nearly 50 percent of U.S. adults aged 30 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The problem increases with age; 70 percent of U.S. adults 65 and over have some form of periodontal disease. Those sizable portions of the population are at increased risk heart disease, stroke, cancer, erectile dysfunction, and prostate problems.

“Lousy gums can lead to more health concerns than many people may realize,” says Dr. Harold Katz, a dentist, bacteriologist and developer of TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse (www.therabreath.com). “The bacteria in our mouths can spread throughout the body, and the results can be devastating.

“When you brush, floss and rinse regularly, you are doing more than caring for your teeth and gums. You are also taking care of your overall health.”
How Gum Disease is at the Root of 5 Serious Health Issues

Katz says major health concerns researchers have associated with gum disease include:

Heart disease. Several studies have shown a link between periodontitis and heart disease. “The same bacteria causing periodontitis symptoms like inflammation, bleeding, and bone loss around teeth can travel through the bloodstream to the arteries,” Katz says. “Bacteria can latch onto the walls of the arteries and cause small blood clots, increasing the risk of restricted blood flow to the heart.”

Stroke. The findings from a study titled "Impacts Of Periodontitis On Nonfatal Ischemic Stroke" showed that patients who suffered a stroke also had evidence of an oral infection. “Research has indicated that gum disease is nearly equal to high blood pressure as a source of causing strokes,” Katz says.

Cancer. “Bacteria swells the gums, and it can cause similar reactions to other tissues,” Katz says. A study published in Cancer Research found that some of the same types of bacteria that trigger periodontal disease may also be linked to a higher risk of esophageal cancer. Another investigation, in the Annals of Oncology, found that men with an advanced form of periodontitis were 45 percent more likely to get diagnosed with cancer. “More proof you are simply endangering yourself while leaving bad gums unattended, allowing bacteria to spread,” Katz says.

Erectile dysfunction. Research has suggested there’s a connection between systemic inflammation – the kind that could be caused by that traveling bacteria in your mouth – and increased risk of developing impotence. In research from Taiwan, men with erectile dysfunction were 79 percent more likely to have been diagnosed with chronic periodontal disease.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA). When the prostate becomes inflamed or infected, PSA levels increase, notes the American Academy of Periodontology. “The AAP states that men with indicators of periodontal disease tend to have higher levels of PSA, as well as more inflammation of the prostate,” Katz says. That can lead to a condition known as prostatitis, which can be manifest in painful irritation, difficult ejaculation, and urination urgency.

“It’s simple: Maintaining healthy gums increases your chances of a healthy body,” Katz says. “Poor oral hygiene causes infection of the gums. It can send toxins into the bloodstream. It’s being proven that having good oral hygiene is one of the most important preventative health measures one can take.”

Dr. Harold Katz (www.therabreath.com), developer of TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse, received his degree in bacteriology from UCLA and is the founder of The California Breath Clinics and author of The Bad Breath Bible. He has been featured on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” CBS’s “Early Show” and “The View” with Barbara Walters and countless other TV shows. Dr. Katz has developed oxygenating compounds that have been used by millions around the world to eliminate bad breath. He is also the bearer of the now famous “Halimeter,” which tests the sulfur compounds in the mouth that cause bad breath. Dr. Katz’ website offers a free online bad breath test – as well as a sneaky way to tell someone they have halitosis.