Fresh Ginger Cider
Make extra for savoring while sitting on the porch and neighboring, taking in a little sunshine and Vitamin D at the same time. (Don’t forget the sunscreen; dermatologists recommend no more than ten to fifteen minutes of unprotected sun exposure a day.) Served hot or cold, this drink quenches your thirst, revives your spirits, and nourishes your body. Not bad for a drink with only two ingredients. Pour it into a thermal container and take it with you tailgating, no matter what the weather, or to a friend who could use a little TLC, as this drink both invigorates and soothes.
Makes 4 cups; serves 4 • Prep Time: 5 minutes • Cook Time: 5 minutes
4 cups apple juice or apple cider
1 (3-inch) piece fresh unpeeled ginger, cut into thin rounds (see here)
Calories 115 • Total Fat 0g • Saturated Fat 0g • Carbohydrates 28g • Protein 0g • Dietary Fiber 0.5g • Sodium 10mg
Let the music begin!
In just a few minutes of listening to music, many people are able to think more clearly and face the day with a more positive attitude.
“Many years of research have shown me that there is no set prescription, no particular piece of music that will make everyone feel better or more relaxed,” says Suzanne Hanser, EdD, chairperson of the music therapy department at Berklee College of Music, and a music therapist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, both in Boston. “What counts is familiarity, musical taste, and the kinds of memories, feelings, and associations a piece of music brings to mind. The key is to individualize your musical selections.”
The December 13, 2009, Spin magazine story, “Happiest, Saddest, Most Exhilarating Songs Ever,” describes how British researchers determined the saddest, happiest, and most exhilarating tracks in music history. Dr. Harry Witchel used a list of songs compiled by the Official U.K. Charts Company to determine the “tune trigger quotient” of study participants by measuring heart rate, skin temperature, and breathing patterns. The Top Ten Happy Songs, according to the study: