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QUIZ ANSWERS:

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CARAMEL-APPLE FRENCH TOAST (Courtesy of Rhonda)

 Ingredients:

1 c.  brown sugar, 1 stick  butter, 2 T. light corn syrup, 2 Granny Smith apples, 12-16 slices bread(enough to cover pan), 1 ½ c. milk, 6 eggs, 1 tsp. vanilla, ¼ tsp.  nutmeg, 1 ½ tsp.cinnamon, 1 cup pecans, and ¼ tsp. salt.  Topping syrup is ½ of the bottom layer caramel sauce ingredients.

 

Cook in small saucepan:

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 stick of butter

2 Tablespoons light corn syrup

Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. 

Pour into a 13x9 inch baking dish prepared with non-stick spray.

Sprinkle ½ cup finely chopped pecans over the syrup.  Place 6-9 slices of bread on top of the syrup/pecans.  Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans over the bread.  Place 2 finely chopped granny smith apples over the pecans. Top with remaining bread slices. 

Combine in a blender:  6 eggs, 1 ½ cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla, ¼ tsp nutmeg, 1 ½ tsp cinnamon, and ¼ tsp salt.  Pour evenly over top layer of bread.

Chill overnight.

Bake uncovered in pre-heated oven for 40-45 minutes or until lightly browned.  Additional caramel sauce can be drizzled over the top or you can use regular syrup.  ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar, ¼ cup butter, and 1 Tablespoon light corn syrup. (half of the above recipe)  Cook until thickened stirring constantly.  

You can use a variety of breads for this recipe.  I used cottage bread for the BOTS breakfast.  You can also add chocolate chips to the recipe. Be creative.

(Recipe courtesy a bed and breakfast site)                     
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Fabulous Health and Fitness Facts 

* A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University with 586 individuals found that persons with a more optimistic outlook on life had half as many heart attacks, cardiac incidents, and sudden death incidents over a 5-12 year period. The researchers indicated that while more research is needed, a possible explanation is that positive thinkers produce lower levels of stress hormones. Lets all get positive and go to aerobics!!!!     

*In our society we are seeing more overweight children due to excessive eating and more time with sedentary games such as video based games, use of the computer, and watching TV. The current fitness guidelines through ACSM stress that children should get at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity daily which may include briefer 10-15 minutes of more vigorous exercise. Sadly, according to the American Council on Exercise, 40% of 5-8 year olds in the United States have at least one risk factor for heart disease. A recent study published in Obesity Reviews (2017) found that childhood obesity not only creates risks for the child, but it may also lead to lastin garterial damage which can contribute to life threatening illnesses as an adult. Remember, as with any individual, children should receive regular physical checkups to assure they are in good health. 

*In the field of rehabilitation we are seeing increasing numbers of children affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects. As with any other developmental condition, early intervention is vital due to the increased neuroplasticity in the developing brain. Neuroscience now knows that the brain is plastic throughout life, but we can often make the greatest gains through early intervention. Through the years I have worked with many programs and crisis homes that service children and families affected by many difficulties including FAS/FAE . The impact of excessive prenatal alcohol is devastating on children, families, and society!!! 

*According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, runners experience knee problems more than any other type of injury. A study from the University of Nevada suggested that increasing runners who increased their stride by 10% received less stress and shock to the body, thereby potentially decreasing knee injuries.

* With the increasing numbers of drownings publicized in recent years in Minnesota, there have been increased efforts to promote swimming programs and lessons. Please encourage parents of young children to enroll them in water safety and basic swimming lessons.. it may save a life!

*As the Purple Pumpers prepare to go on yet another MS 150 venture to raise money for MS research, one of my colleague friends, Virgil Mathiowetz, and Yu, published in the 2014 American Journal of Occupational Therapy a systematic review of occupational therapy (my profession) interventions for Multiple Sclerosis. The study found high efficacy for programs that included rehabilitation, fatigue management, and health promotion.

*As the weather is still warm for about another month remember to remain well hydrated, especially when running and working out in the humidity.

The above information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace the advise of your health care professional.

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***I am mindful of the irony as sadly this month the country saw the most powerful hurricane to hit the country as Hurricane Laura sent devastation. There is much irony as 15 years ago I wrote the poem below as I had friends in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. ... Later Rita also brought devastation to the South.

May we always remember we have the capacity to make a difference, there are several relief efforts right now. I include below the poem I wrote at the time of Katrina.  May we all seek to work towards unity, and to reach out and help how we can. 


AP Photo- Credit: Bill Feig

Wept as Those are Swept

Devastation hits the south
With Raging winds and rain
Turning concrete into cotton
Bringing loss and pain
Places of beauty where once stood
Now a garbage filled sea
As waters mixed with chemicals
Waste land, and man and tree

The people call, "please come and help"
I hunger and I thirst
Yet sadly it has only begun
We haven't seen the worst
The media runs to cover the story
As people cry and plea
Please no camera, just give me food
Have compassion on me

A woman is seen pushed from a bus
My baby she screams and yells
Separated from her child
The personal trauma swells
Another man beat his breast
In torment as he wept
I tried to hold onto my wife
But away with the floods she swept

Some are seen looting the streets
others lend helping hands
Some become violent and assaultive
making impossible demands
Conditions worsen as cities once were
are lost forever to sea
As chaos mounts and turmoil grows
The people cry their plea

America "The Super Power"
The seemingly invulnerable place
Is caught off guard, not used to this
Devastation shows its face
It's always in another land
The wars and refugees
As now we struggle and search to find
How to Cope while ill at ease

Yet the smallest of countries open their hearts
and say, "we'll help you through"
Sri Lanka a poor small nation
asserts, "we're here for you"
And people from nearby states
open their doors and lands
Willing to do, all that they can
Extending helping hands

Why is it that in devastation
We see the poles arise?
Those willing to give all that they can
To dry the tearful eyes
And those who seek to take advantage
Acquiring all they can
Is it desperation, or deep frustration
That affects the hearts of man?

And what of our society's response?
We need a generous source
To help in crisis and rebuild
Can we unite in collective force?
To open our homes, our hearts and hands
as individuals, and nationally
to come to agreement and develop a plan
we must work collectively

The beauty of our depth of existence
Requires unity
As questions of the "why" remain
Existentially
I know in my heart as we cry
God hears our every tear
Praying in our broken state
His love and strength are near

And in our torment and despair
It's love that carries on
As we reach to extend with open arms
Hope is never gone
So let us pause in prayer and silence
searching from within
How it is we'll each respond
And where we should begin

As each seeks answers to the question
What is my next step?
Will I help or will I loot
Or will I just forget?
A serious ponderance for each of us
How to react, and when
Yet if each takes just one small step
Beauty will shine again

Kristine  Haertl   9/05  

Red Cross Hurricane Laura Disaster Relief Page
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In Memory....
Sadly this past month we lost another member of our group fitness family and a long time member of our Purple Pumper team...Pam Shaw. She contributed so much to so many! Our team had a chance to pay tribute at a Memorial.
We miss you Pam!




                                                                                                         A Fun Group Event at Mojo Coffee Gallery 2019

                                                                 
                                                                                                              Members of the Purple Pumpers at Pam's Memorial






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Blessings to Each of You!!!
Kristi