“Studying Tomorrow’s Treatments Today.”
Clinical Study Spotlight
Depression
Most common in ages 18-25
Women are twice as likely to be depressed as men
Estimated 6.7% of the U.S. adult population experiences a major depressive episode each year
The WHO estimates more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression
Depression
Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S. Current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
There are several forms of depression, and no two people are alike in how the symptoms are presented. Some people may experience few symptoms, while others may experience many.
Are You or a Loved One Battling Depression?
A research study is now enrolling for adults diagnosed with depression.
Qualified participants are:
- Between the ages of 18 and 65
- Unhappy with their current treatment for depression
- Additional criteria apply
FREE MEDICAL SCREENINGS
Memory
Depression
Diabetes
Lung Function
Blood Pressure
Call Today To Schedule an Appointment
Clinical research studies can be a great opportunity for people to receive medical services at no cost and to learn more about their medical condition. Volunteers in medical research studies, in most cases, are compensated for their time and travel commitments in the form of a stipend. At ActivMed, we ensure volunteering is a positive experience for every participant.
For More Information about other studies click here.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!
Events
We had a great time at the
Seacoast Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s
September 23rd in Portsmouth, NH!
We were a sponsor at the event and met some great people who are eager to learn more about our studies for Alzheimer’s Disease and free memory screenings.
We look forward to meeting more people at the upcoming
Andover, MA Walk – October 14th, 2018!
October 4th, 2018
ActivMed will be attending in support of the Rocktober Vibe fundraiser. to benefit elders in the Merrimack Valley that encounter urgent or emergency needs, held at the Andover Country Club.
Contact Us
Methuen- 978-655-7155
Lawrence- 978-655-7155
Portsmouth- 603-319-8863
Beverly- 978-969-6897
info@activmedresearch.com
www.activmedresearch.com
What is Quinoa??
Pronounced “keen-wah”
This Incan superfood has been eaten for thousands of years in South America and has recently gained momentum as a healthy food option.
Quinoa counts as a whole grain food, although it is really a seed, eaten like a grain. This naturally gluten-free food is low on the Glycemic Index (about a 53) and may improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
One of few plant foods that contains all nine essential amino acids, quinoa is also high in fiber and these nutrients:
– Magnesium
– B vitamins
– Iron
– Potassium
– Calcium
– Phosphorous
– Vitamin E
– Antioxidants
This nutrient packed food can be easily prepared and is very versatile in recipes with its nutty flavor.
Check out this Quinoa Fried Rice recipe from the food blog Gimme Some Oven. This recipe swaps out rice with protein-packed quinoa for a healthier alternative to your favorite take-out side dish!
“Studying Tomorrow’s Treatments Today.”
Clinical Study Spotlight
HEALTH SCREENINGS
1 in 3 American adults have high blood pressure
About 1 in 6 American adults has high cholesterol *
Nearly 800 Americans die each year from heart disease and stroke
*CDC: High serum total cholesterol—an indicator for monitoring cholesterol lowering efforts; U.S. adults, 2005–2006. VIEW PDF »
What is a health screening, and why is it important?
Health screenings look for diseases or risk factors, while they are still easy and less expensive to treat. Knowing the risk factors for diseases or conditions can allow you to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk over time. Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose levels are some key factors in your health. Nearly 800,000 Americans die each year from heart disease and stroke.
While we may or may not be diligent in scheduling our annual exams, it is important to take the time to see how our bodies are performing.
A screening is an easy way to get answers to other health concerns that you may not think about when you have an annual physical. Have you been forgetting things, and aren’t sure if it is due to the natural aging process, or beginning signs of dementia? Are you having trouble breathing, and are concerned it might be more serious than just shortness of breath? Or perhaps you have been feeling blue and it lingers longer than you think is normal. Could it be depression? Our mental health is rarely addressed during primary care visits, and you may not know how to address it.
Sometimes we have symptoms that nag at us, but maybe we don’t want to schedule extensive testing, due to money, time, or privacy issues. A health screening could be the answer.
At ActivMed, your screening is conducted with our clinical staff, and may include physical exams, medical exams, laboratory tests, or blood draws, and are all HIPAA privacy protected. There is no obligation to participate in a study.
All Screenings are by appointment only and are provided at no cost to you or your insurance.
ActivMed has conducted over 800 Clinical Trials
FREE MEDICAL SCREENINGS
Memory
Depression
Diabetes
Cholesterol
Lung Function
Blood Pressure
Call Today To Schedule an Appointment
Clinical research studies can be a great opportunity for people to receive medical services at no cost and to learn more about their medical condition. Volunteers in medical research studies, in most cases, are compensated for their time and travel commitments in the form of a stipend. At ActivMed, we ensure volunteering is a positive experience for every participant.
For More Information about other studies click here.
Summer fun in the sun!
Check out our NEW
Resources page
For Alzheimer’s &
Parkinson’s Disease
Upcoming Events
Catie’s Closet-Fill the Bus
It’s that time of year again!
We will be collecting donations for Catie’s Closet, to help give kids in need ages 4-19, clothing and the basics they need to start school with confidence! We will be accepting donations in 3 of our locations.
Questions? Contact Christine McIntosh at cmcintosh@activmedresearch.com
2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
We are proud to sponsor the Walk to End Alzheimer’s again this year.
We are sponsoring two local walks this year:
2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s:
Seacoast September 23, 2018- Portsmouth, NH
Andover September 16, 2018- Andover, MA
Click here for more information- http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=11258&pg=entry
Contact Us
Methuen- 978-655-7155
Lawrence- 978-655-7155
Portsmouth- 603-319-8863
Beverly- 978-969-6897
info@activmedresearch.com
www.activmedresearch.com
Summer days can be a hectic time for meals. After a long day of activities, it’s nice to be able to throw together a simple sheet-pan dinner. I came across this recipe years ago in one of my trusty Taste of Home magazines. I adapted to meet my family tastes (omitting onions and adding lots of seasoned salt). Here is a link to the original recipe. With plenty of garden vegetables on hand, and an easy to grab package of sausage, this Kielbasa with vegetables meal is sure to become one of your family’s regular meals!
~Enjoy!
Nikki – ActivMed Staff
Originally published as Kielbasa and Roasted Vegetables in Taste of Home June/July 2013
“Studying Tomorrow’s Treatments Today.”
Clinical Study Spotlight
Parkinson’s Disease
Psoriasis affects 2.2 % of the population, 7.5 million Americans
10 and 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis
60% of people with psoriasis reported that the disease is a large problem in their daily life Depression is common for people with psoriasis
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease affecting more than 7 million Americans. An overactive immune system sends out signals that causes an overgrowth of skin cells, causing lesions, redness, swelling, or pustules. There are 5 main types of psoriasis. Each type has different characteristics, and they can affect people differently.
Psoriasis often appears between the ages of 15-25, but can develop at any age, and with varying severity. People may have more than one type at a time, or even different types at different times.
There is no cure for psoriasis, so it is important to work with your healthcare provider to find a treatment plan to target your symptoms.
Some ways to manage the disease are:
• Biologics- an IV or injection of living sources such as human, animal, or bacteria cells, targeting the overactive parts of the immune system to decrease inflammation
• Oral treatments- these aim for calming down the immune system
• Phototherapy (light treatment)- ultraviolet (UV) light is used on the skin to decrease redness/inflammation. This should only be done under a physician’s supervision
• Topical treatments- applied directly to the skin in the form of lotions, creams, ointments, or shampoos. These treatments vary from OTC (over-the-counter) to prescription strength
• Other approaches involve a more holistic viewpoint. Natural products, changes to diet, and lifestyle changes
*Not all people respond to treatments the same way
Summer time is a difficult time to deal with psoriasis. Many people are embarrassed about their skin and tend to wear long sleeves. The heat and sweat on the skin can irritate it and make it worse. Some limited exposure to the sun can show improvement in symptoms. Sunscreen should be worn to limit sun damage to the skin surrounding the affected areas.
If you or someone you love is struggling to manage psoriasis symptoms, ActivMed is currently enrolling in studies for those seeking new treatment options. Qualified candidates who participate will receive study-related care at no cost and receive compensation for travel. To learn more and see how you or someone you love may qualify for a study, click HERE.
Currently enrolling for the Beverly, MA and Portsmouth, NH location.
Here we grow again!
ActivMed is proud to announce that we have expanded our working space within the office at Methuen Massachusetts. After interviewing the community, we learned that there was a need to have a space for people to gather for learning. Limited public space rentals for medical training seminars and small business functions will be available. ActivMed will be holding free seminars for the community about Alzheimer’s Disease, and CEU programs to local physicians and medical care providers during the year.
ActivMed has conducted over 800 Clinical Trials
FREE MEDICAL SCREENINGS
Depression
Blood Pressure
Memory
Diabetes
High Cholesterol
Call Today To Schedule an Appointment
Clinical research studies can be a great opportunity for people to receive medical services at no cost and to learn more about their medical condition. Volunteers in medical research studies, in most cases, are compensated for their time and travel commitments in the form of a stipend. At ActivMed, we ensure volunteering is a positive experience for every participant.
For More Information about other studies click here.
Summer fun in the sun!
Check out our NEW
Resources page
For Alzheimer’s &
Parkinson’s Disease
Contact Us
Methuen- 978-655-7155
Lawrence- 978-655-7155
Portsmouth- 603-319-8863
Beverly- 978-969-6897
info@activmedresearch.com
www.activmedresearch.com
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plus 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 premade angel food cake, cut into 1-inch slices
- 16 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups heavy cream, at room temperature
- 2 pints blueberries
- 2 pints strawberries, hulled and sliced
Directions
Heat 1/4 cup sugar, the lemon juice and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond extract.
Brush both sides of each slice of cake with the syrup. Cut the slices into 1-inch cubes.
Beat the remaining 2/3 cup sugar and the cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed until smooth and light. Add the cream and beat on medium-high speed until smooth and the consistency of whipped cream.
Arrange half of the cake cubes in the bottom of a 13-cup trifle dish. Sprinkle evenly with a layer of blueberries. Dollop half of the cream mixture over the blueberries and gently spread. Top with a layer of strawberries. Layer the remaining cake cubes on top of the strawberries, then sprinkle with more blueberries and top with the remaining cream mixture. Finish with the remaining strawberries and blueberries, arranging them in a decorative pattern. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
“Studying Tomorrow’s Treatments Today.”
Clinical Study Spotlight
Parkinson’s Disease
60,000 Americans Diagnosed each year
7-10 million people Worldwide have PD
Men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson’s than women
Estimated costs around $25 billion per year in US
Why Join a Study?
Participating in a fundraising event is great, but it’s only part of the journey to finding a cure!
Volunteers are needed to help further investigate new treatments and better therapies.
Parkinson’s Disease
(Stiffness, Shaking, and Tremors, and so much more)
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the development of a resting tremor that typically presents in one part of the body but can become more global in nature with time. It frequently begins around ages 50-60, and is commonly associated with the loss of movement intellect and independence. Parkinson’s disease is usually diagnosed as being idiopathic (unknown cause), but we commonly find that many sufferers have a history of traumatic brain injuries. The symptoms may be brought about or made worse, by medications utilized to treat other illnesses as diverse as depression, dementia, psychosis, or even gastrointestinal disorders. The disorder can result in the loss of balance, ability for independent walking, sense of smell, spontaneous facial movements, blinking frequency, and intellect. As the disorder becomes more severe, dopaminergic medication interventions can result in an on/off syndrome during which patients suffer from increased slowness or stiffness alternating with increased muscle fluidity and the possibility of increased abnormal jerking or dyskinetic movements. Medication also appear to influence cognitive and perceptual abilities, such as visual or auditory hallucinations or illusions. Symptoms of the disorder can fluctuate greatly and mimic those of psychotic disorders or even a delirium. Ultimately, this disorder can be associated with the development of severe tremors, orthostatic blood pressures, frequent falls, depressed mood, almost constant perceptual disturbances and the unfortunate isolation that results from both physical limitations and a reduced ability to communicate verbally.
– Robert Portney, MD – 04/24/2018
ActivMed has conducted over 800 Clinical Trials
FREE MEDICAL SCREENINGS
Depression
Blood Pressure
Memory
Diabetes
COPD
High Cholesterol
Call TodayTo Schedule anAppointment
If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and are experiencing memory loss, you may qualify for a currently enrolling study. Qualified candidates who participate will receive study-related care at no cost and receive compensation for travel.
Currently enrolling for the Lawrence, MA location.
Clinical research studies can be a great opportunity for people to receive medical services at no cost and to learn more about their medical condition. Volunteers in medical research studies, in most cases, are compensated for their time and travel commitments in the form of a stipend. At ActivMed, we ensure volunteering is a positive experience for every participant.
Summer fun in the sun!
Check out our NEW
Resources page
For Alzheimer’s &
Parkinson’s Disease
Contact Us
Methuen- 978-655-7155
Lawrence- 978-655-7155
Portsmouth- 603-319-8863
Beverly- 978-969-6897
info@activmedresearch.com
www.activmedresearch.com
Could Eating more fish prevent Parkinson’s Disease?
A new study from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden shows that a protein found in fish, Parvalbumin, helps prevent the formation of certain protein structures associated with Parkinson’s Disease.
Fish has long been touted as a “super food.” Fish is a great source of low-fat protein, and is full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins such as D, B2, calcium and phosphorous. Fish is also a great source of minerals, such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. Fish has also been linked to long-term cognitive health.
The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two times per week as part of a healthy diet. Fish is packed with protein, vitamins, and nutrients that can lower blood pressure and help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Increasing the amount of fish we eat could also help reduce our risk for Parkinson’s, since high quantities of the helpful protein, Parvalbumin is found in many species.
“Studying Tomorrow’s Treatments Today.”
Clinical Study Spotlight
Alzheimer’s Disease
6th Leading cause of death in the U.S.
– Since 2000, deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased by 89%*
5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s
*Source: Alzheimer’s Association. 2017 Facts and Figures Sheet.
Why Join a Study?
1. Receive Great Medical Attention by participating in a study, you are seen regularly, and given medical care that is monitoring all your symptoms and concerns.
2. Some New Treatments may prolong the process in Dementia patients
Alzheimer’s Disease: Not a Normal Part of Aging
A brain disorder that is irreversible and progressive. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia that impacts parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Dementia is not a disease, but a general term used to describe the overall decline in mental ability that affects daily living.
Scientists have identified several key Alzheimer’s brain abnormalities, including:
• Plaques- clumps of proteins, tangles- twisted strands of the protein called “tau”
• Loss of connections among brain cells
• inflammation
• eventual death of brain cells
To learn more about changes in the brain, take the Interactive Brain Tour, put together by the Alzheimer’s Association. ( www.alz.org )
Making an Impact
In order to help move science forward, volunteers are needed.
Are you or someone you know experiencing memory loss? Are you or someone you know having trouble retaining information? This may be an indication of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, which is a type of dementia that causes problems with an individual’s memory, thinking, and behavior. Consider taking part in a clinical trial that is currently enrolling to treat early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
ActivMed is now enrolling for an Alzheimer’s Disease study at our Methuen, MA or Portsmouth, NH locations.
To qualify, participants must:
• Be between 55 and 79 years old
• Have at least 8 years of education
• Have noticed or have had a loved one notice changes in participant’s memory
• Additional Criteria may apply
Qualified candidates will receive study-related care at no cost and receive compensation for travel.
Currently enrolling for our Methuen, MA and Portsmouth, NH locations.
ActivMed has conducted over 800 Clinical Trials
FREE MEDICAL SCREENINGS
Memory
Diabetes
COPD
High Cholesterol
Breathing
Call Today
To Schedule an
Appointment
Clinical research studies can be a great opportunity for people to receive medical services at no cost and to learn more about their medical condition. Volunteers in medical research studies, in most cases, are compensated for their time and travel commitments in the form of a stipend. At ActivMed, we ensure volunteering is a positive experience for every participant.
For More Information about our studies click here.
Spring is in the Air!
Caregivers
Tips for Managing Stress
Educate yourself – learn about the diagnosis and how to properly care for your loved one- as well as safety concerns
Plan – involve the person being cared for, if possible, in financial, and long-term plans. This will help relieve stress later
Stay Organized – Keep all medical and legal documents organized
Build a Support System – You are not Alone! Communicate with friends, family, and medical team. Don’t be afraid to accept help, or for others to lend a hand
Take Care of Yourself – Your health and well-being is important. Ensure that you get enough rest, exercise, and mental breaks
Resources for Caregivers
The National Alliance of Caregivers has a variety of resources to help caregivers
Contact Us
Methuen- 978-655-7155
Portsmouth- 603-319-8863
Beverly- 978-969-6897
info@activmedresearch.com
www.activmedresearch.com
We received a very nice “Thank You” from our friends at Salisbury Council on Aging, after our participation in the Salisbury Senior Center Winter Carnival! We played games, had a lot of laughs, and scheduled Free Medical Screenings.
We love our community partners!
BBQ & PICNIC WEATHER IS HERE!
Salads are a staple of backyard parties everywhere. Easy to make, don’t require refrigeration, and can feed a lot of people.
Try this great bean salad, loaded with a mix of Mediterranean flavors. It’s sure to become your BBQ Go-To salad.
Mediterranean Bean Salad
Yields 6 Servings
1 Can (15 oz) garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
1/2 Cup black olives
1/2 Cup green olives
1/2 Cup chopped marinated artichokesDressing:
1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil
4 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 Cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 Cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 Cup Feta cheese, crumbled
1 Tsp italian herbs
Thyme, oregano, rosemary
1 garlic clove
Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Whisk dressing ingredients together. Set aside.
2. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a large salad bowl. Pour in dressing, and mix until well coated.
3. The salad will keep well, covered, in the refrigerator for a few days.
Recipe adapted from The View from Great Island
http://theviewfromgreatisland.com
“Studying Tomorrow’s Treatments Today.”
Clinical Study Spotlight
Type 2 Diabetes
A chronic disorder that affects the way your body processes blood sugar (glucose), and important source of fuel for the body
High glucose levels occur when your body does not make enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose
Why Join a Study?
According to the US Census Bureau, more than half of the people in America take prescription medications. Volunteers are needed to conduct the trials necessary to bring new drugs through the approval process of the FDA.
Research studies explore new medications, treatments, & devices.
Type 2 Diabetes
A complex metabolic disorder, consisting of two main types, known as Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults. The high glucose levels occur because the body’s immune system is attacking the cells that make the pancreas produce insulin. This type of diabetes is less common, only accounting for around 5% of all diabetes cases, according to the Center for Disease Control.
With Type 2 Diabetes, insulin resistance occurs, when your body does not make enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level, resulting in high glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar into cells, and out of the bloodstream, to use it for energy. When there is a build-up of too much glucose in the bloodstream it can lead to other health problems. High blood sugar levels can, over time, affect your vision, nerves, kidney, and heart.
ActivMed Research is currently enrolling qualified candidates for a research study for Type 2 Diabetes at our Methuen, MA location.
Qualified participants include:
• Adults between 18 to 75 years of age
• Those diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, and have been on 2 or more oral antidiabetic medications for at least 6 months (with or without insulin), and an HbA1C value as follows:
o If not on insulin, A1C ≥ 7.0% and ≤ 11.0%
o If previously on insulin, A1C ≤ 11.0%
• BMI < 45 kg/m²
• Additional criteria apply
Qualified candidates will receive study-related care at no cost and receive compensation for travel
Fast Facts
30.3 million people have diabetes
(9.4% of the population)
23.1 million diagnosed
7.2 million undiagnosed
25.2 % of Americans age 65 and older have Diabetes
1.5 million Americans diagnosed each year
7th leading cause of death in the United States in 2015
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/statistics/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdf
2017. Accessed on 2/15/2018
FREE MEDICAL SCREENINGS
Diabetes
Memory
COPD
High Cholesterol
Breathing Testing
Call Today
To Schedule an
Appointment
For More Information about our studies click here.
Spring is in the Air!
Challenges of Diabetes Management
Researchers in the UK estimate that only 1% of a patient’s time is spent managing their diabetes with health care professionals.
-Source: BMC Health Services Research
Managing your diabetes can be challenging. It is important to educate yourself on your diagnosis.
Gather support from your regular doctor, as well as family and friends. Having a support system can help you as you balance your glucose monitoring, diet & exercise, as well as the other things going on in your life.
National Prescription Drug
Take Back Day
April 28, 2018
Contact Us
Methuen- 978-655-7155
Portsmouth- 603-319-8863
Beverly- 978-969-6897
info@activmedresearch.com
www.activmedresearch.com
We’ve all heard the adage that
“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
Eggs are one of the best foods you can eat to start your day. These protein-packed superfoods are a powerhouse of nutrients, protein, and amino-acids. At around 75 calories, you get a lot of bang for your buck! Bursting with Vitamins A, B12, Selenium, Folate, and Choline, eggs are great for weight loss, eye health, heart health, and overall cell functions in the body.
For a great start to the day, try these add-ins to boost your Vitamin-rich breakfast even more:
• Diced Onion
• Diced Peppers (red, green, even jalapeno)
• Tomatoes, carrots
• Lean ham or turkey bacon
• Low-fat cheese
Scrambled eggs are a great way to add veggies to your breakfast. You can customize to what your family likes, or whatever you have on hand.
Add a side of fruit and a cold glass of milk, and you have an Egg-cellent start to your day!
Adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years old who have been diagnosed with OCD may qualify for a research study. Qualified candidates who participate will receive study-related care at no cost and receive compensation for travel.
Qualified participants include:
- Adults between 18 and 65 years of age
- Those diagnosed with OCD
- Those whose current OCD medication is not working
- Additional criteria apply
Clinical Study Spotlight
Obsessive
Compulsive
Disorder
An anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted thoughts or fears that lead to repetitive behaviors.
Some people are aware that these thoughts and urges are irrational, but are unable to stop them.
1 in 40 Adults have OCD
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, lifetime prevalence of OCD among U.S. adults was 2.3%.
Currently enrolling for our Portsmouth, NH location
Why Join a Study?
- Help Move Research Forward by helping discover new or better ways to:• Prevent• Diagnose• Treat• Cure
- Help your Loved Ones. If your disease/condition is hereditary, new treatments may be available for them in the future.
- Access to New Treatments
ActivMed has conducted over 750 Clinical Trials
For More Information about our studies click here
Spring is in the Air!
Keep Moving!
Gardening is a great way to get outside and be active!
Are you daydreaming about lush green leaves, bright flowers, and warm sun on your face? Spring is almost here! Many of us can’t wait to get our gardening gloves on and get digging!
Before it’s time to play in the dirt, spend some time planning your garden.
What will you be planting? Flowers, vegetables, herbs, or a variety? Is your garden outdoors in the ground? In containers, or inside? Another thing to consider, is whether you will use seeds or starter plants.
Some plants can be started early indoors, and moved outside after the last frost. Others can wait to be planted directly in the ground. Whatever you plant, timing is everything! To find the best dates to plant and harvest in your area follow the link here.
Healthy Benefits of Gardening:
*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16411871
Whether you are going green for St. Patrick’s Day, or anxious for Spring, try blending up a Green Smoothie, for your health!
1 Cup of liquid (cold water)
1 Cup of Greens (spinach/kale)
The gals over at Simple Green Smoothies, have created a customizable formula to help you blend up your own combinations of the fruit and veggies you love.
Their website also has recipes and tips for smoothie success.