HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Hello everyone and Welcome to another WELLNESS WEDNESDAY. May is always a busy month. And, with May Day and Cinco de Mayo now behind us, it’s time to celebrate MOTHER’S DAY, which has quite a history of its own.
Apparently, the concept of honoring motherhood goes back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptian goddess Isis was believed to be the mother of the mythological ruler of Egypt, Horus. In turn, Isis became known as the “mother of all pharaohs” and each year celebrations were held in her honor — marking the beginning of our traditional Mother’s Day.
Now in the United States, our official Mother’s Day was the creation of a schoolteacher named Anna Jarvis. According to American Enterprise magazine, she believed that on the anniversary of her mother’s death — May 10 — “all Americans ought to honor the women who gave them birth.” And in agreement, Mother’s Day was officially recognized as a national holiday by an Act of Congress in 1905.
Accordingly, I’m devoting this week’s Blog to Mothers everywhere by suggesting three very different — and healthy — gift ideas for all the wonderful women in our lives.
1) First, let’s address our taste buds. How about something sweet, chocolate and healthy? And yes, we can have all three at the same time. Chocolate Covered Strawberries may not be the most novel idea around, but it’s a gift from the heart that becomes a bit more special if you make it yourself!
To begin, BOTH strawberries and chocolate are powerhouse foods that are packed with healthy benefits. Strawberries are one of the best sources of vitamins A and C, fiber, calcium, iron and potassium. And chocolate — especially dark chocolate – contains magnesium and theobromine which increase our “feel good” chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. In turn, this dynamic duo reduces stress, increases energy, improves brain function and makes us feel, well, downright good.
And, both are loaded with antioxidant flavanols, which help prevent a number of cancers and fight damage from free radicals.
Moreover, it’s so easy to combine the two in an awesome Mother’s Day Treat. Just melt a little chocolate in a pan or double boiler on the stove, let the mixture cool slightly, dip the strawberries in the mixture and place them on a sheet of wax paper to harden. It just doesn’t get easier, healthier or more delicious!
2) Second, how about treating the Mother in your life to a massage? You see, beyond simple relaxation massage offers many health benefits. It’s a technique that has been used for thousands of years for a number of different reasons. Massage can alleviate anxiety by lowering the levels of our stress hormone cortisol by up to 50 percent. It also increases the production of neurotransmitters in our brain that help reduce depression and elevate our mood.
What’s more — there are many types of massage from which to choose, including full body massages, foot massages, head massages, pregnancy massages, hot stone massages and sports massages — just to mention a few. So, you can tailor-make a massage perfect for the lucky person on the receiving end of your gift!
3) Third, why not schedule a preventative cancer screening test for your Mother, sister, daughter or friend? Perhaps a full body check with your dermatologist — or a mammogram at the local clinic or medical center?
For ladies, this is something you could do together. Make a day of it, spend time with one another and share the experience of doing something important while enjoying each other’s company. It’s a gift that can help ensure you and your loved one spend not just this holiday together, but many future holidays as well.
Now, I know a cancer screening test may not sound like the most exciting idea in the world. But honestly, I can’t think of a better way to say,
“I love you and I want you to be around for a long, long time!”
In any event, I know you’ll find the perfect gift for the Mothers in your life and I wish you all a very HAPPY and HEALTHY MOTHER’S DAY with those you love. 😊
Thanks again everyone for joining me. Until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! 
Massage can be very effective in reducing body aches and pains, including back pain, headaches and debilitating migraines. It can support and improve our immune system, reduce stiffness or soreness and improve sleep.
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