Parenting Information? Check Out the Library

Peggy R. Anderson

Extension Agent

May 5, 2010

Parenting Information? Check Out the Library

The Divide County Library has purchased several parenting books in 2010 to complement their expanding list of parenting books. They have books on every parenting topic I can think of. Check them out! The new books purchased in 2010 are:

·         Helicopters, Drill Sergeants & Consultants: Parenting Style and the Messages They Send

·         Parenting with Love and Logic (Updated and Expanded Edition)

·         Parenting Teens with Love and Logic (Updated and Expanded Edition)

·         Love and Logic Magic: When Kids Leave You Speechless

·         Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting from Birth to Six Years

·         Taking Stress Out of Raising Great Kids

Antioxidants Act Like Superheroes 

We've all heard of Batman and Robin, Superman and Wonder Woman. But have you heard of antioxidants? Antioxidants are your body's form of superheroes, fighting crime along your body's superhighways.  

The body is an amazing machine. Our trillions of cells work hard each day to carry out daily functions. For the most part, the process goes smoothly. Sometimes, however, cells can be damaged. 

Environmental factors such as smoking, ultraviolet light and pollution cause oxidative damage to cells and form what are known as free radicals. Oxidative damage caused by free radicals contributes to health problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes and cancer.  

The good news for us is that antioxidants are here to help save the day. Antioxidants are compounds found in some foods that defend our body from oxidative damage. 

Some of the most commonly known forms of antioxidants are carotenoids (which form vitamin A in your body), vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium (a mineral) and various phytochemicals (natural plant chemicals). 

Our bodies naturally produce some protective chemicals, but the process isn't 100 percent effective, and it declines with age. 

Scientists say that some of the best sources for antioxidants are certain foods we eat. If you are looking for more disease-fighting antioxidants, add more of these foods to your diet:

·         Berries: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, blackberries

·         Beans: kidney, pinto, black

·         Fruits: apples (with peel), avocados, cherries, grapes, plums, pineapple, pomegranates, kiwi

·         Vegetables: artichokes, spinach, red cabbage, red and white potatoes (with peel), sweet potatoes, broccoli

·         Beverages: green tea, coffee, red wine, fruit juices

·         Nuts: walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts

·         Herbs: cloves, cinnamon, turmeric powder, ginger, dried oregano

·         Grains: oat-based products

·         Dark chocolate 

What about antioxidant supplements? Supplements usually contain only one form of an antioxidant, while antioxidant-rich foods contain several different forms of antioxidants. Scientists also think that the groups of antioxidants in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables create compounds that are even more powerful working together.  

Enjoying a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains in the diet can have a protective effect. Besides antioxidants, fruits and vegetables provide fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, and are low in cholesterol and saturated fat.   .

Schedule

Wednesday, May 5 – Burke County

Thursday, May 6 – Divide County

Friday, May 7 – Burke County

Monday, May 10 – Burke County

Tuesday, May 11 – 4-H In-Service