CAREGIVER TRY THIS!
By Carrie Vittitoe
Eat This!
O
ne reason to enjoy spring is because more food options are available. Asparagus is one of those spring produce favorites. “Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable that is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, especially folate and vitamins A, C, and K,” says Raegan Stremel, marketing and events manager at Rainbow Blossom Natural Food Markets. She suggests roasting it with lemon for a healthy side dish.
Roasted Asparagus With Lemon INGREDIENTS: • 1 bundle of fresh asparagus
INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• 1 whole lemon
Wash and pat asparagus dry and trim the stiff ends off.
• 1 tsp olive oil
Place asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for clean up ease).
• Salt/pepper to taste
Drizzle olive oil over asparagus to coat.
• Garlic (optional)
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Slice whole lemon and place thin pieces on top of asparagus. You can dice garlic and sprinkle over asparagus if desired. Place the baking sheet in oven for eight to10 minutes.
Take This!
For those living in the Ohio River Valley, now is the time when allergies can flare. A possible way to ease symptoms is to try nettle. “Nettle is a natural antihistamine that can help with allergies. It’s gentle enough to give to children with direction from a pediatrician, but may provide seasonal allergy relief in adults, too. You can find it in tincture, capsule, tea, and whole plant forms,” Raegan says. Some people even make their own soup using fresh nettles, but the plant does have hairy fibers on it that can cause skin irritation so be careful if you go this route. 80 Spring 2022 / TodaysTransitions.com
Do This!
After a long winter spent inside with little physical activity, our bodies may not adjust easily to increased walking or running when the weather warms up. Our shoes may also be worn which can cause plantar fasciitis-type foot pain. Raegan suggests myofascial release therapy, which can be done using a small ball. While a tennis ball works, some people may want to purchase an acupressure ball like a Spoonk Groove Ball. “Myofascial release can improve your range of motion, reduce soreness, help assist the tissue recovery process, help the body relax overall, improve circulation, and release tension, knots, and even stress,” she says. spoonkspace.com • Sit in a comfortable chair or on a sofa. • Place a Spoonk Groove Ball (or small ball) on the floor, just under your foot. • Roll the ball around with your foot until you find a sensitive spot or pressure point. • Press down with your foot just enough to feel the point soften. • Hold for three to five minutes. Andrea McGrath, Rainbow Blossom wellness category manager, also contributed to this article.
