Probiotics are beneficial living microorganisms that support healthy gastrointestinal and immune systems. Hundreds of diverse microbial species, some essential for health, others pathogenic, inhabit or pass through the gastrointestinal tract. In a healthy digestive system, these microorganisms coexist in a balanced harmony. Research has shown that diverse probiotic strains are able to inhibit the growth and control populations of pathogenic microbes by competing for nutrien

The New Year is right around the corner, an exciting time filled with hope and possibilities. A clean slate, a time to start fresh and begin anew! What do you have planned? Each New Year many of us take stock of our lives and waistlines, make resolutions, join fitness clubs, clean out the refrigerator, cut up our credit cards and make lists of all the nifty new habits we're going to adopt. We're motivated and inspired to make big changes. This is the year it all happens! Then

Researchers studying depression have found that certain citrus fragrances boost feelings of well-being and alleviate stress by upping levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that affects mood. For an all-day pick-me-up, dab a little lemon or orange essential oil on a handkerchief to tuck in your pocket. Do less, enjoy more "We go overboard to please others during the holidays: shopping, cooking, sending cards, and attending every event," says George Pratt, PhD, a psychologist at

10 servings (1/2 cup each) Ingredients 2 cups Cheerios®, or whole grain cereal 1 cup old-fashioned oats ½ cup almonds, unsalted ½ cup walnuts, unsalted 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 Tbsp. water ½ cup raisins, no sugar added ½ cup dried cranberries, no sugar added Directions 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 2. Mix Cheerios, oats, almonds, walnuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large bowl. Stir water and vanilla extract into the oat mi

In winter, bad weather can strike unexpectedly, causing roads to be iced over and snowy. But staying safe at home doesn’t mean you must give up being physically active. Here are some ideas to get your heart pumping at home: • Do some lunges. Take a couple laps around the living room – you’ll engage your thigh and buttock muscles. • Try stretching. Stretch your whole body, focusing on legs, then arms, then abdomen and back. • Do pushups and crunches. Do three sets of 10 each w