“The largest study of its kind finds that older Americans who eat large amounts of red meat and processed meats face a greater risk of death from heart disease and cancer. The federal study of more than half a million men and women bolsters prior evidence of the health risks of diets laden with red meat like hamburger and processed meats like hot dogs, bacon and cold cuts.

Calling the increased risk modest, lead author Rashmi Sinha of the National Cancer Institute said the findings support the advice of several health groups to limit red and processed meat intake to decrease cancer risk.

The findings appear in Monday’s Archives of Internal Medicine.

Over 10 years, eating the equivalent of a quarter-pound hamburger daily gave men in the study a 22 percent higher risk of dying of cancer and a 27 percent higher risk of dying of heart disease. That’s compared to those who ate the least red meat, just 5 ounces per week.

Women who ate large amounts of red meat had a 20 percent higher risk of dying of cancer and a 50 percent higher risk of dying of heart disease than women who ate less.” (Yahoo! Health 3/24/2009)

Excerpt from an article written by: By CARLA K. JOHNSON, AP Medical Writer – Mon Mar 23, 9:15 PM PDT

I am  a Vegetarian, and while I feel it is better for the Earth and our bodies, I am not telling you to become one, too. There are alternatives to eating so much read meat, better for us and the planet! Eliminating one meat meal for the week, could decrease your risk for heart  disease, cancer, and reduces green house gases!

I feel very comfortable recommending this quality alternative to, dare I say daycare.Many of you know and love Brittany from Zen Baby, and although we were sad to see ZBB go, she is keeping active in the community, doing what she loves working with children. If you are looking for childcare that is a cute above standard in-home childcare, I would seriously consider sending Brittany an e-mail @ BrittanySmart@gmail.com

I am starting an in-home childcare/preschool out of my home, in Ponderosa Trails, beginning mid-March with the help of a very qualified, experienced assistant. We have over 7 years childcare experience out of our home and 9 years experience working with children. We also have children of our own ranging in age from 1 year to 8 years of age. We have our CPR and First Aid certificate and have been fingerprinted and background checked by the FBI. My home offers a clean, bright, wide open space within walking distance to Ponderosa Trails Park on a quiet street. We will be taking children up to age 5 with an emphasis on a preschool-based curriculum. The focus is to provide a loving, fun, educational environment that is based on Nature, Practical Life, Sensory Development, Mathematics, Language, Sciences, Geography, and Art. The curriculum will always be developing and growing with the children. Our goals are to: To stimulate the growth of the total child. To provide a warm and accepting environment in which each child feels secure, respected and loved. To provide an enriched, stimulating environment with safe limits, allowing the child to be an active explorer and learner. To encourage the child to become self-directed. To provide a framework of discipline through which a child can develop self-discipline and personal strength. To develop creativity and a positive self-image. We provide wooden toys, healthy meals, an abundance of hugs and loads of patience! At Smart Start, you will have the peace of mind that your child is in good hands. We offer engaging activities throughout the day including: arts and crafts, music, nature walks, and educational activities using a Montessori-based method. We will also offer dance, indoor free play, a multitude of outdoor games, and much more. Children will be fed nutritious meals and snacks, all homemade using organic/natural foods (Breakfast, Lunch, and Afternoon snack). Our hours of operation will be 7:30am to 5:30pm. References are available. You bring diapers (cloth or disposable) and formula/breast milk. Please email me with any questions or to set up an interview!! We look forward to speaking with you!

Brittany Smart