January 2012 CareNotes From Home Care Assistance

Jan. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- Benefits of Broccoli  

I am always looking for different ways to stay healthy and the easiest way to accomplish this is by choosing fresh, organic (if possible) and nutrient rich options when it comes to food.  You often hear how important it is to eat your fruits and vegetables, but recent research has shown that a certain super vegetable can provide many unexpected and positive health benefits.  That food is broccoli, one of the least liked of all vegetables (or so it seems).  We all know that broccoli is high in fiber, iron and other vitamins such as Vitamins A, B, C, and K.

In short, broccoli is extremely healthy for you and has many hidden benefits that other vegetables do not have.  And broccoli has long been known for its’ cancer fighting power.  

Below, Beth Gilbert, M.D., lists seven more key benefits broccoli provides older adults:
1)    Improves immunity with its high vitamin C content.
2)    Can help fight depression, containing the mood boosting B vitamin folate.
3)    Enhances bone health as a result of high calcium content.
4)    Rich in potassium, broccoli can help neutralize your sodium levels.
5)    Broccoli can offer some protection against heart disease and stroke.
6)    Broccoli improves digestion.
7)    Broccoli contains lutein, which is important for eye health. Studies have shown that lutein helps prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

For those of you who aren’t very fond of plain broccoli, there are many ways you can add flavor to the vegetable without decreasing its nutritional value. Add broccoli to a whole wheat pasta dish with some chicken for added protein or sprinkle reduced-fat parmesan cheese over steamed broccoli for added flavor.

To read more, click here: http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/build-a-bett...

Recipe of the Month - Broccoli Casserole with Rice & Cheese  
This is a tasty broccoli casserole recipe for an everyday family meal or potluck dinner. If you make this without mushrooms or use fresh mushrooms, add an extra 1/4 cup of milk (or broth) to make up for the mushroom liquid.
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients:
2 bags or packages (10 to 12 ounces each) frozen broccoli florets, cooked and drained
2 cups cooked long grain rice
1/2 cup chopped onion
4 tablespoons butter, divided
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/4 cups milk
1 can (approx. 4 ounces) sliced mushrooms, with liquid
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Preparation:
Heat oven to 350°. Grease a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli and rice; blend well.  In a saucepan, cook the onion in 3 tablespoons of butter until softened. Add the flour and stir until blended. Stir in the milk and cook, stirring, until thickened. Add mushrooms with liquid (approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup) and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese. Stir until cheese is melted. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Stir into the broccoli and rice mixture and spoon into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
Toss bread crumbs with remaining melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole. Bake for 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and topping is browned.
Serves 6

News From Home Care Assistance  
15 Minutes of Fame

Home Care Assistance would like to invite you to attend its Healthcare Industry Networking Meeting.  It is called "15 Minutes of Fame".  This includes:  15 Minute Presentation/Q&A by Meeting Sponsor, No Membership Dues, No Attendance Criteria, No Referral Criteria, No Sit Down Lunch/Breakfast, Come and Go As Your Schedule Permits, PURE OLD FASHION NETWORKING.  We have one scheduled for the Raleigh Area.  Home Care Assistance has partnered with Preferred Living Solutions for the Raleigh Area.  Information is as follows:

Raleigh - 15 Minutes of Fame
When:  Second Tuesday of Each Month, January's Meeting is January 10th.
Time:  4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location:  Sunrise North Hills, 625 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC  27609
Also, please mark your 2012 Calendars for the dates for the Raleigh 15 Minutes of Fame:
February 14
March 13
April 10
May 8
June 12
July 10
August 14
September 11
October 9
November 13
December 11

Durham - 15 Minutes of Fame
When:  Fourth Wednesday of Each Month, January's Meeting is January 25th.
Time:  4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location:  Carolina Point, 5935 Mt. Sinai Road, Durham, NC  27705
Also, please mark your 2012 Calendars for the dates for the Durham 15 Minutes of Fame:
February 22
March 28
April 25
May 23
June 27
July 25
August 22
September 26
October 24
November - not scheduled
December - not scheduled

Our December GPS Giveaway for our employees went to Alisa Yarborough.  CONGRATULATIONS, LISA!!!!!!  

Shannon Tippette, Director of Marketing
Home Care Assistance, Professionally Trained. Personally Committed
Changing the way the world ages.
6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 205A
Raleigh, NC 27615
Office 919-844-9898
Cell 919-710-6779
Fax 919-866-1942
www.homecareassistance.com
www.homecareraleighnc.com

Ask Us About Our Balanced Care Method

# # #

Home Care Assistance of Raleigh is locally owned and operated and has been serving the Triangle since 2005. For more information visit www.homecareraleighnc.com, www.homecareassistance.com or call 919-844-9898