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Campbells's tips on freezing & Thawing Foods

If cook food to be used later or to be frozen (ground beef, chicken, etc.), wrap it only after it has reached room temperature. Wrapping food while still warm can cause harmful bacterial growth. Bring foods to room temperature as quickly as possible by removing them from their cooking containers and spreading out on baking sheets or pouring into shallow containers. Chill or freeze as soon as they cool down.

If freezing soups and sauces, divide them into storage containers, leaving at least ½ inch at the top of the container to allow for expansion. Let cool to room temperature before freezing.

Always mark packages clearly with the name of the contents and the date on which it was packaged. Write directly on the bag or on a piece of masking tape on the package using a permanent marker.

Freeze items for no longer than six months; refrigerate for up to three days. Generally speaking, most foods can be frozen without worry. Casseroles, soups, stews and chilies do very well; thaw completely before reheating. Breads, cakes, & cookies freeze well too. It is best not to freeze fresh vegetables unless they have been cooked briefly, (blanched) first. Milk or dairy items, like cream soups & cheese sauces tend to separate after freezing; this will not affect flavor but it does affect appearance. Never refreeze meat that has already been frozen and thawed, refreezing makes the neat texture mushy.

Gargling with salt water does temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat according to Mayo Clinic, and what our mothers have been saying for years. Doctors believe that the salt works by reducing swelling & inflammation. This is the recommended dose:
¼-½ teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of warm water.

Decrease Chances of Catching Cold & Keep Fit at the same Time

A study from the Appalachian State University in North Carolina found that exercise reduces the frequency & severity of cold more than any other lifestyle factor. Participants in the study who exercised 5 times a week took 43% to 46% fewer sick days.

When they did get sick, their symptoms were milder than their those who did not exercise. Experts believe that exercise triggers immune cells to temporarily circulate, fighting infection.

Why it is a good for you to be able to touch your toes

Do try this:
Sit on the floor with legs straight, toes pointing up. Bend bring your hands forward to touch your toes.

Research shows that lack of trunk flexibility, if you are unable to touch your toes, may mean that your arteries are as rigid as the rest of you. Stiff arteries can be a precursor of heart disease. Researchers believe that stretching may not only keep your limbs more flexible but also slow down arterial stiffening.

Cranberries may reduce Cavities

The antibacterial components of cranberry juice is known to prevent urinary tract infections in women. Research now reveals that cranberries may also inhibit bacterial growth in the mouth. This is the biggest cause of cavities and peridontal disease.

However, be aware of cranberry drinks with added sugar as it defeats the purpose. The good part is that 1 cup of cranberries has just 51 calories.