July 2011

July 1, 2011 in 2011 by Mary Ireland

July: In this Issue

Special Days and Monthly Celebrations

Dr. Grandma really enjoys celebrations and special days; so each month she shares a few ideas that she thinks are interesting.

Good Health Can Be Yummy

Dr. Grandma’s blog – the Foodland Chronicles – has recipes and thoughts on making food taste great and build healthy bodies. Links to last month’s Foodland Chronicles are provided.

Special Days and Monthly Celebrations

July is for celebrating our independence and freedom along with enjoying the summer days with friends and family.

National Baked Beans Month

According to the National Restaurant Association, the Narragansett, Penobscot, and Iroquois Indians created the first baked bean recipes. The Pilgrims readily adopted the dish, substituting molasses for the maple syrup that Native Americans used. Baked beans became so popular in Boston, that the city was given the nickname “Bean Town.” Baked beans are still popular today as a favorite dish at summer potluck barbeques. Make your baked bean dish healthier by substituting Dr. Grandma’s Delight for molasses, maple syrup, brown sugar or whatever added sugar your recipe calls for.

National Blueberry Month

Another food enjoyed by Native Americans is the blueberry, which is indigenous to the United States. The Wampanoag Indians taught the settlers at Plymouth how to gather blueberries. They also taught them how to dry them under the summer’s sun and store them for use in the winter. Not only do blueberries taste great with cereal, salads and baked goods, they are loaded with phytonutrients and antioxidants.

UV Safety Month
With summer in full swing, its time to make sure you protect yourself from overexposure to the sun. Not only is long term exposure to the sun bad for your skin, it can also lead to potentially blinding conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Be especially careful of sunlight reflected off of water. Is more dangerous because it is intensified.

To ensure your eyes are protected, wear sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat. Select sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays. Also, remember to protect children’s’ eyes with sunglasses and a hat.

Fireworks Safety Month (June thru July 4th)

Another tip for saving your eyesight is to remember to take precautions when using fireworks. Although fireworks are a tradition in our July 4th celebrations, it is important to exercise caution when using them. Some important tips are:

  • Use fireworks outdoors only.
  • Obey local laws.
  • Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
  • Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.
  • Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

See The National Council on Firework Safety for a list of tips and a video.

National Parks Month

National Parks are a treasure that everyone in this country should treat themselves to. Visiting a National Park is a great getaway vacation that can be very educational and a lot of fun. You can reduce vacation expenses by finding a park near you and experiencing nature while camping from your car. Planning day hikes will allow you to see more of the area, commune with nature and get exercise. If you are more adventurous, plan a backpacking trip to see sights and terrain that most people will never experience.

National Picnic Month

Picnics are fun and they can be healthy. The posts Summertime — Managing the Grill and More Summertime Ideas are a great place to start when planning a healthy picnic. Although it may seem as though some of your picnic guests have a bear of an appetite, preparing some dishes from Dr. Grandma’s recipes can tame the most ferocious appetites in a very delicious way.

Weekly Observances in July are:

  • First Week of July:
    Freedom From Fear Of Speaking Week

  • Second Week of July:
    Therapeutic Recreation Week (National)

  • Third Week of July:
    Hug Week

  • Fourth Week of July:
    National Salad Week (See Dr. Grandma’s ideas for salads)

Special Day Observances in July

July 3rd, Dog Days

According to Wikipedia, “Dog Days” are the hottest, most sultry days of summer. In the northern hemisphere, they usually fall between early July and early September. In the southern hemisphere they are usually between January and early March. The actual dates vary greatly from region to region, depending on latitude and climate. The name comes from Roman times when it was believed that Sirius, the Dog Star, was responsible for the hot weather due to its close proximity to the sun.

July 4th Independence Day

A day to celebrate our independence and freedom; a day to reflect on the responsibility that freedom brings. Our First Lady Michelle Obama put it succinctly when she said, “… I believe that each of us – no matter what our age or background or walk of life – each of us has something to contribute to the life of this nation.” Independence Day is a great time to reflect on how we can contribute to our nation that offers us so many possibilities and opportunities. Take a few minutes to determine what your unique contribution can be.

Other July Observances Include:

  • Anti-Boredom Month and National Recreation Month
    These two complement each other nicely: recreate to get rid of boredom.

  • National Ice Cream Month
    Try making your own ice cream substituting Dr. Grandma’s Delight for sugar.

  • National Hot Dog Month
    All I can say is don’t do it — don’t eat that hot dog. It isn’t difficult to find a healthier alternative. In fact, here is an entire list of celebrations to avoid:
    • National Fried Chicken Day, July 6th
    • Macaroni Day, July 7th
    • National Sugar Cookie Day, July 9th
    • National French Fries Day, July 13th
    • Ice Cream Soda Day, July 20th
    • National Junk Food Day, July 21st
    • National Cheesecake Day, July 30th
  • Cheer Up the Lonely Day, July 11th
    Lend a hand, an ear or some time to someone who is lonely.

  • Cow Appreciation Day, July 18th
    Give them a break and go vegetarian.

  • National Lasagna Day, July 29th
    Make a healthy lasagna.

  • Ramadan Begins, July 31st
    Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality.

    Good Health Can Be Yummy

    Recipes and thoughts on making food taste good and build healthy bodies.

    Did you miss any of these articles? These were some of the most popular blog posts and the most fun to write:

    Other Links of Interest

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