Category: Health

To Sleep In or Not to Sleep In?

Scientific studies in the past have supported the common knowledge that sleeping in on the weekend will just make it that much more difficult to get up on time for work or school. However, a new scientific study seems to actually give credence to the urge most of us have to use the weekend as a chance to catch up for insufficient sleep during the week.

A study published in the journal Sleep indicated that catching up on sleep during the weekend can in fact help to restore your normal performance levels for the week to come. Getting enough sleep is what’s most important, rather than precisely what sleep routine is used. “The bottom line,” stated Dr. David Dinges, chief of the Division of Sleep and Chronobiology at the University of Pennsylvania, “is that adequate recovery is important for coping with the effects of chronic sleep restriction on the brain.”

So here’s to a great weekend sleep!

The Numerous Benefits of Cranberries

CranberryCranberries are tiny fruits with enormous benefits. Most people are familiar with these sweet red berries, but are unaware of how healthy they really are.

First of all, cranberries are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system, as well as prevent problems in the cardiovascular system and possibly even cancer. The proanthocyanidin minerals in cranberries cleanse the urinary tract, digestive and reproductive systems from waste and harmful bacteria, minimizing the risk of infections. There is also a theory that the quinic acid in the fruit can also prevent the formation of kidney stones.  Last, but not least, cranberry juice is incredibly healthy for teeth and gums. It keeps the mouth free of plaque-causing bacteria in a natural way.

Cranberry juice is a sweet, delicious drink that most children enjoy. Try serving it at meals instead of carbonated drinks or even other juices, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, to ensure that your children reap the incomparable benefits of cranberries.