3 Reasons You Need Pineapples In The Age Of This Coronavirus

As we find ourselves in midst of the Coronavirus we should turn to pineapple for a helping hand. I know, I know… Ya all probably think this is trash talk but hear me out. I have three specific reasons why pineapple should be the fruit mascot for all things Covid-19. You ready?

1. Respiratory Health

Pineapple is rich in Bromelian which is an enzyme with a positive record for treating upper respiratory track infections. Several studies including “The Use of Bromelain in Pneumological Therapy” published in 1978, as well as the 1967 publication of “A Double-Blind Clinical Evaluation of Bromelains in the Treatment of Acute Sinusitis” both reported effective results in treating respiratory illnesses. For those suffering from pneumonia and bronchitis, bromelain can apparently help suppress coughs and reduce sputum which is the mucus-y stuff coughed up from the respiratory track. Bromelain is reported to decrease such secretions, helping to increase the capacity and function of the lungs! Holla! Additionally, pineapple is loaded in vitamin C and manganese which are essential for antioxidant defense. In short, that means immunity boosting nutrients, and with Coronavirus cases continuing to rise, this is the time to feed your body with nourishment that might literally help you or a loved one fight for their life.

Granted, pineapple is no substitute for medical intervention but right now we are in a time of uncertainty and medicines with a cure are still being researched. If there is one take away we can all observe right now, it’s that those with compromised immune systems and underlying health condition are facing greater risks against this virus. We don’t have all the answers as to how we as a people get sick, but we do have a lot of them. Heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure are illnesses threaten by the Covid-19 and all of which correlate back to diet. Now has never been a better time to take a good hard look at what we are eating and take a proactive step toward improving our health. I know this virus has us feeling as though life is out of control but this is something you can do. You can make pineapple part of your diet. It's quite possible this fruit can help and if nothing else, we can at least trust that it won’t hurt.

2. Pineapple Propagation

That’s right folks! Growing food should at least be in the back of everyone’s mind. I don’t want to be an alarmist but when you hear stories about global border closures, record plunges of the stock market, collapsing healthcare systems, and a growing viral pandemic, it’s a bit naive to assume all will turn-out rosy. Shit is going down right now and our leadership is floundering. And this is not a political statement. This is just glaringly obvious by every single Facebook or Instagram post highlighting the states of panic, depression, concern and ambivalence rampant among us. People don’t know what to do and what’s worse is management of every kind seems just as clueless.

But folks, I have some news for you. If you find yourself waiting to be lead forward by anyone in a “crisis”, the joke’s on you. There is no white knight. No hero is at the helm standing watch, waiting for the right moment to lift you from the storm. YOU are the only one that can do that, and the sooner you come to terms with this sad misfortune the better off you’ll be. Let that sink in for a bit. There is a good change you won’t get it right now but I promise you that at some point it will click and rather than some enlightened awakening, you might experience something more akin to a great thaw. It wasn’t enlightening to learning that I was single-handedly patching cracks in our system so my family,( myself included) could remain afloat. The legal system demanded my parents receive care (Read About page) which personally hamstrung me to the broken healthcare system. Naturally that then tethered me to the financial system. And then that system fettered me to the welfare system. And then that system, to the food system.. You see where I’m going with this? You might remember my old posts about needing new glasses, getting by on $50 a week (for me and my dad), or just wanting a hair cut… It was an extremely rough time made rougher by isolation. But guess what? No hero in sight except, m y s e l f…

{Insert the epic “thaw” here. }

For the first time in probably two or three years I saw the true reality of the situation. It was my shit sandwich and I had to swallow it. We all know that expression “to eat shit” but until the load is on your plate, the magnitude of the task ahead is peripheral. Well, that shit was not peripheral. That shit, was a diarrhea of a shit and it was front and center. It was the cold, and cruel reality of a dangerous uncertainty and no sooner did I choke it down, did the ice begin to melt. First, my eyes cleared and I started taking in the big picture. Then the rage formed, just as I started to shake my shoulders lose. By the time I could free my elbows, I was ready to throw punches. But the punches never came. Turns out hands are harbingers for solutions and as soon as mine were loose they were called to action. I started cranking out spoons to help supply us with more income. And I started reading the Wall Street Journal to better understand the f’ing stock market. Financial security was food security and I realized the risk of having only one pillar in play. You follow me?

The whole point of this rant is to shake you out of your ice. Do not allow yourself to become frozen in place, paralyzed by the news and your new found circumstance. Think forward. Think ahead and prepare now. Start a garden if you can. We’ve just entered Spring and the ground is ripe for new seeds. No room for a garden? Try a container version instead, or just a single plant. We literally Do. Not. Know. What. Is. Going. To. Happen! So, let’s be a little proactive. At best, growing some of our own food makes us individually more sustainable. At worst we have a sad little plant that produced nothing but root rot. Either way it’s win-win. This provides you something purposeful to do with your new home-bound life as well as a new found respect for the hard working farmers that keeps us fed!

As for the pineapple, it’s just easy to propagate. You can just get one at the store (assuming they remain available) , cut the top off, and plop it right into the soil and it will grow. It does take a while but it’s seriously easy. Mine grew (I have two) and I was far less methodical with my attempt than the link above. They also work in pots and if it doesn’t fruit, it still looks good. This might be your first step in having a Victory Garden. Why not get a jump?

3. Pineapple Recipes

This segment should be obvious. Not only are pineapples good for respiratory health and easy to grow, but you can also cook with them. Duh… You get the most nutritional density by just eating the fruit unaltered but don’t let that stop you from incorporating it however you can. You might only be able to find pineapple frozen or in a can and I realize that might influence how you choose to consume it but either way, go for it! One of my favorite ways of consumption for small children, elderly, or anyone feeling sick is via a smoothie or glass of pineapple juice. I don’t think you need a recipe to do this. As long as you have the basic ingredients to build a smoothie just go for it. My only suggestion is to think about the color wheel when mixing ingredients. It’s kinda like grade schools when you were mixing paints for art class… If you mix red fruit with leafy greens, you’ll likely get a brown smoothie. Gross! However, if you mix red fruit with yellow fruit you’ll get orange. Or yellow fruit and leafy greens will create a lighter green smoothie. The saying goes, and I believe this, “you eat with your eyes”. I don’t know about you, but the only brown smoothie I’m into is chocolate or coffee something. Stop making gross looking smoothies! Jamba Juice doesn’t do and neither should you. In addition to drinks, pineapple has a place in both sweet and savory recipes. Along with the typical pineapple upside-down cake it goes well with chicken and pork or mixed in with some rice and beans. Really, just take yourself to Pinterest if you need inspiration. This is not rocket science.

Alright, and on that note, I gotta, GOTTA, GOTTA finish this up. When I said I was going to dive into more posts about isolation I didn’t think pineapple was going to be the first rabbit hole I’d send you down. And if you are still here, I’m impressed! And please comment and let me know how you feel cause if you want me to talk some real talk about isolation, then here’s a dose… How about the fact that I posted this blog for years, A L O N E, during the hardest time in my life and rarely a peep did anyone make here to encourage me on. That’s not a guilt trip. It’s just a fact. And worth thinking a bit on what it means to “show-up” for someone when you physically can’t be near them. I can tell you from experience that it’s gonna take more than a Facebook like. Likes don’t save lives. Nor will they save the livelihoods of the millions of people that will be effected. So buckle folks. This ride has only just started.

Also, pineapple for the win! Just sayin’…;)

4 Reasons You Should Consider Using Affordable Tech to Manage Diabetes Symptoms

Hey Folks!

I know it’s been all but forever since the last time you’ve seen a post here but that’s a tale for another time. Today I’m fortunate to have Justin Bennett from healthyfit.info, your one-stop shop for the best exercise routines, motivational tidbits, and more from across the world wide web. He’s got some tips on using tech to help manage diabetes. Read below for his suggestions then head over to his web page to get fitness news you can use.

Here’s Justin:

---

With insulin and prescription prices on the rise, many diabetics may be looking for more affordable solutions to manage their symptoms. Although tech may not be high on that list, adding health and fitness gadgets to your daily routine can actually make controlling your diabetes and improving your well-being so much easier. Wondering how tech can help those with diabetes and how tech can fit into your budget? Then these tips may be of interest to you.

1. With Dicks Coupons, Tech Can Be Low Cost

If your fears about cost are keeping you from investing in tech that can make managing your diabetes easier, you should know that some of the most helpful tech can also be some of the most affordable for your budget. When you shop for health and fitness gear at stores like Dicks Sporting Goods, not only can you take advantage of in-store discounts that can save you money, but you can also use online coupons that can save you even more. Some of these promotions offer cashback bonuses on your purchases, so you can invest in even more tech for your health and wellness. Fitness trackers can come in handy for monitoring stats, like your heart rate and daily steps, so you can better manage diabetes symptoms.

2. Tech Could Potentially Save a Life

Basic fitness trackers from are great gadgets for monitoring basic vitals, and can provide the motivation diabetics need to stay active. If you want even more for your money, though, you should consider investing in a smartwatch that has additional safety features. For instance, Apple’s latest smartwatches, like the Series 4, come loaded with features like a heart rate monitor, electrocardiogram and fall detection features that can be especially useful for older adults with diabetes. SOS and Medical ID can also be helpful for diabetics, and could even save your life in the event that you are unable to dial 911 during a medical emergency. Many Garmin smartwatches also have similar health and safety features, like an emergency contact list and an incident detection setting, if you are not an Apple fan.

3. Tech Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

There are definitely gadgets on the market that have been created with diabetics in mind. Things like glucose tablet holders and glucose monitors can be easy to use and effective for helping those with diabetes manage their condition. Really, though, the most powerful way that tech can help you manage your diabetes is by encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. For example, if you are affected by Type 2 diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your need for insulin, and the latest weight loss apps can make attaining your diet and fitness goals so much easier. Best of all these apps are simple to use and allow you to track things like food choices and activity levels, plus most of them offer low-cost or free memberships.

4. Tech May Be Covered By Medicare or Insurance

 If you’re still anxious about fitting health and fitness gadgets into your budget, know that there may be one more option for getting those devices paid for without impacting your personal finances. Under many Medicare and insurance plans, certain fitness trackers may be provided at no additional charge to those covered. These basic fitness trackers are only available to employees or seniors who are included in these select insurance plans, but there may be additional options to help pay for smartwatches as well. Aetna is now offering free Apple watches to customers, so long as those folks commit to specific health and wellness goals. So if you are covered by these plans, you could score free tech to manage your diabetes.

We already use technology to make so many other areas of life more convenient. So why not find ways to use tech that makes managing your diabetes less stressful? Investing in health and fitness tech can be fairly affordable, when you use the tips above. Plus, you may even be able to reduce your need for costly medications, which can improve your budget and your overall quality of life.

---

Since I’m always one to add my own two cents, I thought I would share my recent experience managing diabetes. My partner’s father has struggled with the condition for years. We spent the holidays navigating everything from appointments with a dietitian for nutrition education, podiatrist appointments for treatments for his diabetic neuropathy, to struggles sourcing his Freestyle Libre, the blood glucose monitor that eliminates the use of fingersticks. On top of everything else, he’s also visually impaired due to the disease which increases complications of all kinds. Long story short, diabetes can control just about every aspect of your life. Without early intervention the condition can escalate, compounding one’s physical health and increase demand on caregiver support.

As many of you know, I was a long time caregiver to both my parents so I can’t help but advocate for the health and well-being of caregivers. However, as the demands of the “industry” increase, the most prudent way to support that demographic is by prioritizing your own personal health and remain vigilant in managing your own self-care. Outsourcing your health to others and assuming that third party is going to “fix” you is a medical misunderstanding. You have to be your own advocate. It’s up to YOU to do the work. Time and time again, I have seen the healthcare system crumble around the needs of those in desperate situations. The heartache of disappointment is almost as painful as illness itself. If there is anything I have learned from years of caregiving, it’s that the support we seek when illness befalls us, might not be there.

I hate to sound so grim but I’ve seen the shortcomings of the healthcare system up close. Even with great insurance there is risk in assuming you’ll receive “great” care. My advice to you is to hope for the best. Truly hope for the best and take advantage of what healthcare really provides. Take advantage tech and gadgets that can help put you in control. But also prepare for the worst. Do that by being proactive with your own health and being realistic about they type of care you can expect to have. Not only will this potentially alter your personal health for the better, but it might even help elevate the growing caregiving crisis we are experiencing as a nation.

Senior Pantry Staple: Oats

Steel Cut

The focus here is really on the oats that unfortunately cannot be seen in this picture because they are buried under a mountain of goody!  But fear not.  Below all this beautiful topping is a nutritious blob of health.  Trust me.  It’s ok that it’s not visible.  Oatmeal is like the naked body and all the fixings are what help make us presentable.  Yikes! And with that statement I hope not to diminish the value of the naked body.   Just like oatmeal, they are one in the same, a strong foundation to build upon.  The glory of oatmeal is its simplicity and that’s what makes it so special.  You can dress it up or down, incorporating your favorite items for a tailor made breakfast.

Tradition

Historically oats have been around since the BC era but really started to make their mark in the last 500 years.  500 Years?!  Yes, apparently so.  Oats came to the USA around 1600AD and relatively quickly positioned itself as a versatile crop for cereals, groundcover, feed grains and biomass.  Oats are basically a star of agriculture.  More good news for oats is that they remain relatively safe from the threat of GMO’s.  Oats as a crop don't compete economically with that of corn or soy in this country so politically the economic investment for such science is just not there.  I would call this a major win for “We the People” especially given this day in age.

Condition

The therapeutic properties of oats are many, showing positive impact on blood sugar stabilization, cholesterol, nerve inflammation, constipation and skin irritations.  What does that mean?  Well, if you are or are at-risk for Diabetes, heart disease, bowel disruptions, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or psoriasis then it might be wise to consider some oats!  The good news is that oats are a current over the counter food medicine that is proven to address many health ailments without a prescription.   I do not suggest going off any prescription drugs that you are already taking, but rather I encourage you to add oats to your diet (or bath!) so some of nature's finest can assist you in feeling better.

Nutrition

There is plenty of nutrition out there well beyond the layperson’s knowledge so, simply put, oats pack a major punch when it comes to fiber, B vitamins, and vitamin E.

Fiber - This is what makes oats a complex carbohydrate.  It contains both soluble and insoluble fiber which aids in the slow release of sugar to the blood stream stabilizing glucose, assists with trapping and flushing bad cholesterol (LDL) while helping absorb good cholesterol (HDL).  Add to it the fact that fiber serves as an intestinal scrub brush and you will be well on your way to bowel regularity.

B Vitamins- These are complex (nutrition nerds rejoice!).  What I mean by this is that B vitamins are plural, consisting as a group of water-soluble nutrients.   The important thing to note here is this water-soluble classification.  Unlike fat-soluble vitamins which are dissolved in the blood-stream and stored in the body for availability when needed, water-soluble vitamins are not. They dissolve in water and pass frequently with urine.  That means, we need to consume them often.  B Vitamins participate largely in cell regeneration helping to building genetic material and maintain nervous system function.  Think about all those pregnant ladies consuming Folic Acid.  Folate, Folacin and Folic Acid are all the same thing (see how complicated this gets?) and just one of the nutrients participating in the B vitamin team. 

Long story short is this cluster is a game changer for healthy growth.  Metabolizing B vitamins encourages healthy regeneration of our bodies both inside and out.  We can’t begin to understand the depth of nutritional science so rather than get too deep, it’s better just to trust that these vitamins are a must, doing a many great things.  And with consideration to the turn-over of healthy cells, nerves and otherwise, it seems a sensible bet to consider them a healing agent.  There is a reason that Nicolas Culpeper made a poultice of oats in 1652 to address the perils of leprosy.  Should we discuss DIY beauty treatments?  Later!  For now just know that oats are where it’s at.

Vitamin E- If you are looking for a workhorse, look no further.  Vitamin E is a compound of tocopherols and tocotrienols that together form a powerful antioxidant that helps fight crimes of cell oxidation.  With all the cellular regeneration I just mentioned with the B vitamins above, it’s a good thing Vitamin E comes along for the ride.  Additionally, the tocotrienols are said to inhibit cholesterol synthesis helping to lower blood cholesterol which is frequently used as an indicator for heart health. 

Go oats!