Archives for December 2011

Save Some Green: Safely Skip Organic Versions of These Vegetables

With all of the hubbub about organic produce, the truth is that you don’t have to buy organic everything to eat healthfully. Organic growing methods make a big difference in some produce and virtually no difference in others. If you’re looking to save a little money, here are five vegetables that are safe and delicious when conventionally grown:

  • Onions are a bulb vegetable and they absorb very little pesticide through the growing process. In addition, growing onions organically is very expensive, as their stalks are vulnerable to a wide variety of insects.
  • Sweet corn is also very acceptable to purchase conventionally-grown. While there's a great deal of concern over genetically-modified corn in the open market, the majority of sweet corn is not GMO and can be consumed with confidence.
  • Avocados are also a food that grows better under conventional techniques. The thick skin of the fruit prevents contamination from airborne pesticides, and considering that the vast majority of avocados are grown abroad it’s difficult to find affordable organic options.
  • Sweet potatoes, unlike standard potatoes, are fine to eat conventionally-grown. The less starchy flesh is less likely to absorb toxins through the soil.
  • Cabbage has thickly-packed leaves don’t hold pesticides and chemicals like lettuces do.

Managing Your Money During Retirement

You saved, sacrificed, and planned ahead for retirement. But now that you’re able to kick back and enjoy life, money management poses some unique challenges. Whether you’re newly retired or a long-term retiree who wants to maintain financial stability, consider these tips to get the most from your money.

Budgeting. On a fixed income, budgeting is more important than ever. When making a long-term budget, make sure to factor in fluctuating or tough-to-predict expenses like insurance, medication, and long-term care options.

Debt. Debt can wreak havoc on your savings and your ability to live life to the fullest. When possible, pay down your debt. This will not only create long-term stability, it will help aid your peace of mind.

Health. Staying mentally, physically, and socially active will improve your health and save you money. Take a class, a walk, a day trip, or go for a meal with friends. A little prevention now will pay off down the road.

 

 

Big Numbers: The Highest Rated TV Shows Of All Time

When a TV show gets a big rating, you know that America is watching. It’s rare that our fractious populace can unite behind one thing, but in the case of these five top-rated TV shows, they did:

  • M.A.S.H. was one of the most popular TV shows of all time, but that doesn’t explain the incredible turnout for the show’s finale in 1983. 50 million households tuned in for the show, a staggering 60% of homes that had a TV set.
  • Dallas was one of the landmark nighttime soap operas ever aired, and the “Who Shot J.R.” storyline was its peak. The episode that solved the mystery of the Texas oil baron’s assailant aired in 1980 and was watched by 41 million people.
  • Roots, Alex Haley’s epic story of slavery and redemption, was one of the most popular television miniseries of all time. The finale of the story aired in January of 1977 and, buoyed by strong word of mouth from the prior episodes, drew an audience of 36 million.
  • Super Bowl XVI is one of many football games that rank high on this list. The contest between the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals in 1982 was watched by 40 million people.
  • 1983’s Super Bowl XVII was also seen live by 40 million people.

Hearing Loss: What You Can Do

Hearing loss is the third leading health problem for people over 50, surpassed only by arthritis and hypertension. It’s a natural consequence of getting older; even if you worked in a quiet library all your life, your hearing is likely to dull with age.

The problem can sneak up on you. It typically occurs gradually, with extreme frequencies (high or low-pitched sounds) affected more than others. Often this results in temporary difficulty understanding speech, which can easily be blamed on other factors. By the time hearing loss affects your lifestyle, it may be too late to correct.

If you find yourself routinely asking people to repeat themselves or turning up the television volume beyond others’ comfort level, hearing loss may be a problem. Another sign may be buzzing or ringing in the ear, especially after leaving a noisy environment. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor for a hearing test. When caught early, hearing loss can usually be corrected to an almost normal state.

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