When you think of calcium, you probably imagine your bones. This mineral is essential for creating your skeleton, but that’s not its only function. It’s also vital for blood clotting, maintaining normal heart rhythms and preserving neurological homeostasis — keeping your nerves operating as they should.

However, your body doesn’t produce this mineral. You need to consume it through the foods you eat.

Here are six tips to get enough calcium in your diet.

Roasted Fig, Walnut and Goat's Cheese Salad

1. Consume More Dairy Products

The most obvious way to consume more calcium is to up your dairy product consumption. Milk and milk products are high in this mineral while providing other benefits. For example, the casein in milk covers your teeth in protective protein, preventing decay, while the magical mineral helps maintain them from the inside.

Enriched dairy foods also contain vitamin D, an essential nutrient for absorption. Without this substance, your body can’t form enough of the hormone calcitriol — aka active vitamin D. Your body takes calcium from your bones if you don’t get a sufficient intake, weakening them instead of vice versa. Fortunately, your body also manufactures vitamin D with adequate sun exposure, but many people don’t get enough.

What if you’re one of the many whose stomach revolts when you drink a glass of the white stuff? Some lactose-intolerant folks can tolerate certain cheeses, such as Swiss, Parmesan, cheddar or feta. Yogurt is another excellent choice, providing a gut-healthy dose of probiotics with your calcium. Many plant-based milks such as cashew milk  also provide a decent amount of calcium.

Considering the potential challenges of incorporating dairy into your diet, especially for those with gut issues, exploring alternatives becomes crucial. If mornings are a rush and dairy isn't your go-to, perhaps a Morning Kick Supplement rich in power greens, probiotics, and ashwagandha could be a convenient way to ensure you meet your daily nutritional needs.

Low Carb Fisherman's Pie

2. Get a Little Fishy

Other excellent sources of calcium and other essential nutrients like vitamin D are fish like salmon, shrimp and sardines. These benefit your body with omega-3 fatty acids, which are also critical for heart and neurological health. You need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but many people get too much of the latter because of our over-reliance on vegetable oils in processed foods. The unbalance may contribute to various diseases — correcting it can help.

The long summer days make it a snap to wrap some snapper in baking paper with a few lemon slices and fresh herbs from your garden, popping it on the grill for a few moments. You get juicy and delicious perfection without smelling up your house. What can you do during the winter months? Pop a few lemon slices in your Pyrex baking dish with a touch of rosemary to keep odors at bay. You’ll also impart a few extra nutrients and antioxidants in your meal.

Roasted Sweet Potato with Vegan Pesto and Chopped Leafy Green Salad

3. Think Deep, Leafy Greens

“OK,” you might think, “calcium and vitamin D matter, but what if I practice a vegan lifestyle?” If so, you can still get enough of this precious mineral in your diet from plant-based sources.

One of your best options is deep, leafy greens like kale, broccoli and Swiss chard. These foods also offer rich reserves of vitamin K, another nutrient essential for blood clotting and cardiovascular health. Sauteing vegetables like spinach in olive oil makes this nutrient more bioavailable because it’s fat- and not water-soluble.

You don’t have to do much to get more of these foods in your diet — without living on salad. Add a slice of kale or a few spinach leaves to your lunchtime salad or wrap. Fill your next breakfast omelet with arugula. Make a delicious vegan burger with black beans and dark, leafy greens baked right into the patty, perhaps adding a few hemp seeds for texture.

4. Shop Milk Alternatives

You might also have luck with plant-based milk alternatives. A quick perusal of your grocery shelves reveals scores of brands with more calcium than dairy. Many of these products are enriched with this nutrient, but they can still increase your intake.

For example, many commercial brands of almond milk contain more calcium than dairy. Some varieties, such as hemp and fresh soy without additives, also have hefty doses of vitamin D. Many versions are lower in fat and calories, helpful for those watching their weight.

5. Consider a Supplement

Consider a supplement if you still harbor concerns about your calcium intake. Western minds seem to think more is automatically better for some reason, but this consumerist principle does not apply to the human body. It helps your bones, heart and nervous system, but too much can have the opposite effect. Your best bet is to keep a food and supplement diary to share with your doctor.

You have four choices for calcium supplements:

• Calcium carbonate: The cheapest form contains 40% elemental calcium, and you can find it in products like Tums. Hello, affordability.
• Calcium citrate: This form is in many popular supplements because of its absorbability but is less potent.
• Calcium gluconate: This version is available in prescription strength to fight osteoporosis and some over-the-counter preparations.
• Calcium lactate: This popular food additive also stabilizes and firms food.

Waffles with Fresh Strawberries and Coconut Yoghurt

6. Have Your Cake

Let’s end this list on a sweet note. Many of your favorite desserts are high in calcium, so consider finishing your meal with a flourish of delight if you’re concerned about your intake.

Ice cream and yogurt are obvious choices — and you can find non-dairy versions of each if you’re vegan. Many cultures end their meals with cheese and fruit, so get a bit continental and do the same.

Get Your Calcium

Calcium is an essential mineral for several body functions. Are you getting a sufficient intake? Calcium benefits many parts of the body, including bones and teeth. If you're concerned about your children's dental health and want to discuss more about calcium you should reach out to a dentist for kids who can guide you and inform you about your child's dental health and calcium intake

If you’re worried, follow the tips above to get enough calcium in your diet. You’ll enjoy stronger bones and a healthier heart and nervous system.

With the hectic lives many of us lead these days, it can become difficult to relax and unwind. Many people find it really hard to switch off, and they tend to churn things over in their minds all the time even while at home. This can make it very difficult to rest and can impact sleep and life quality as well as quality time with loved ones.

If you're one of the many people who struggle when it comes to relaxing and switching off, you may find that CBD offers the ideal solution.

There are all sorts of CBD products you can choose from including CBD gummies, and these can make a big difference when it comes to your ability to unwind and let your mind rest and recharge. In this article, we cover some of the ways in which CBD can help. Did you know you can even cook with it? 

Why You Should Consider CBD for Relaxation

There are many reasons why CBD can help you to unwind, relax, and switch off. It has proven extremely effective in a variety of ways, and is a popular choice for a variety of conditions.

Some of the ways in which CBD can be used is to help:

Reduce Anxiety Levels

One of the things you can look forward to when you use CBD products is a reduction in anxiety levels. When you're always on the go and constantly have things on your mind, it can lead to elevating anxiety and stress levels. This makes it even more difficult for you to switch off and relax.

By incorporating CBD products into your wellness routine, you can help to reduce the levels of anxiety making it much easier for you to relax and unwind and benefit from the positive effects on your health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

Make it Easier to Sleep

Getting enough sleep is vital to your health and wellbeing, but if you struggle when it comes to switching off, you may find that getting quality sleep becomes impossible. This will then impact other areas of your life, so it is important that you address the issue.

CBD can boost your serotonin levels, and this can help to regulate sleep patterns and provide you with far better rest. As a result, you'll feel far more rested and you can reduce the risk of a range of problems that can stem from lack of sleep.

Have a Calming Effect

CBD is also a good tool for calming you down and helping you to relax, and this will also make it easier for you to feel together and centered. Many people use CBD products to help them with relaxation and it has proven hugely effective for many users. Just another way in which CBD can help when it comes to switching off.

If you're one of the many people who struggle when it comes to relaxing and switching off, you may find that CBD offers the ideal solution.

While CBD-based products are a bit pricey compared to other natural remedies out there, you can find plenty of dispensary deals that will make them more affordable.

By using CBD to help you to relax, you can look forward to a simple and effective solution that is affordable and has a proven track record. 

Have you ever tried CBD products? Let me know in the comments section below.

Easter is a fun time to relax and catch up with friends and family. The best way to achieve this is to meet, converse, and eat food. As a parent, if you have children learning another language, this time of the year can be an opportunity for them to practice the dialect. With the right recipes, you can get your children excited about making food during Easter. Furthermore, they can get much-needed language practice as they indulge in fun activities. As such, this article presents how to make Easter recipes a fun language-learning activity for kids.

Visual Aids

Before you select the recipes to use, you will want to have in place all the material required to develop visual aids. With these tools, you can easily present new concepts and words in a new exciting, and engaging manner. If you intend to make brownies for the holiday, you should make a presentation showing the steps involved. In addition, you should present all the ingredients in the language you want them to master. If you need help creating content for your presentation, you should consider using professional translation services. These platforms will help you develop high-quality versions of your content in a foreign language.

Select Easy Recipes

When dealing with children, you would not want to indulge in making something complicated. Selecting a complex recipe with not resonate with your kids. Instead, you should find and choose recipes that are easy to prepare. Research what people around the world are eating during Easter time and try some of the recipes. Examples of foods you should consider making include:

• Cookies;
• Brownies;
• Cake;
• Buns or rolls.

Present New Words

Learning the words of a new language can be tricky. Therefore, you should take your time to introduce kids to new or complex vocabulary. You must highlight and translate the names of each kitchen tool or ingredient you want to use. Doing this simplifies all the activities you have planned for them.

Take a Multicultural Approach

Language learning is usually closely related to people’s culture and traditions. As such, you will want to make the entire process immersed with the cultures and traditions of the target language. If you intend to use an Arab recipe during Easter, it may benefit the learning process if you use a Mid-Eastern theme. Doing this helps your children visualize the dialect they are trying to learn. Likewise, it makes the process fun and aids the retention of new words. This approach can take a lot of time you might lack due to your college assignments. If so, try WritingUniverse to aid with your tasks. This way, you will have more time and energy for planning cool Easter activities.

Encourage Writing and Reading

The core of mastery of every dialect is the ability to read and write. While preparing Easter recipes, you can introduce activities that help your kids write and read in the target language. For example, each child should read out the specific recipes before you start preparing them. Similarly, you should encourage each child to write a list of the items they need to make a meal.

Sharpen Listening Skills

Explain clearly all the recipes you have planned for your kids. Encourage them to listen to you as you describe each process in the target dialect. Through these processes, your children can develop invaluable skills that may aid listening and comprehension. In addition, you will want to encourage them to ask questions when things are unclear.

Prioritize Communication

If you want to make an Easter party that is fun and aids language learning for kids, you must prioritize communication. When children engage in cooking and baking, you must encourage them to interact using words and phrases of the target dialect verbally. To achieve this, you must engage with them. Also, you will want to support them by correcting them and coming to their aid when they find it challenging to articulate themselves. Doing this helps reinforce the learning process. It also enhances your children's overall confidence.

Take Advantage of Math

Learning another language involves knowing numbers. Thus, it will benefit your kids if you engage in simple mathematics. You can achieve this by counting the items to use when making meals. As such, counting out items in another dialect should help improve their vocabulary. Also, this can be a great chance to enhance your children's math skills.

Conclusion

Making Easter recipes can be a fun language-learning activity for kids. To achieve this, you will want to use visual aids. Furthermore, you should use easy recipes and highlight new and complex words. Also, taking a multicultural approach can enhance comprehension. You should sharpen their listening, writing, and reading skills. Finally, you should prioritize communication and utilize math when making meals. Try these tips, and you will be able to engage, entertain and educate your kids during Easter time.

At Supercharged Food we’re always thinking about food. Food, food, food! We love trying natural ingredients to supercharge our meals and drinks. Sometimes, like now, we even put them into a container and offer them to you.

Which is all a roundabout way of saying we have some exciting new products to show you that we are releasing today! They all form part of the Love Your Gut range as they each have some love to give to your fabulous tummy region.

I'm also sharing a wonderful gut friendly salad below which features a dressing using one of our supercharged ingredients.

Without further ado (but with an imaginary drum roll, if you please) here are the four new products we are launching;

• Wild Organic Tasmanian Seaweed

• Organic Beef Liver Capsules

• Organic Curcumin + Black Pepper

• Australian Zeolite

Phew! There are quite a few new products actually! In any case, we’re super excited to share them with you. They’ve been years in the making, with sourcing by me, a qualified clinical nutritionist, from quality, passionate producers across Australia.

Holmes-made products

I'm here to give you the heads-up on how and why I developed these four new Supercharged Food products.

“I’m always playing with food ingredients and nutrients. It’s my job as a clinical nutritionist but it’s much more than that, it’s my passion. Not only that, it’s just super fun to find new ingredients or new ways with familiar ingredients.

This new batch of products have been in development in my clinic and kitchen for around 18 months now. They are all highly nutritious and ideal for your gut health regime.

Read on to find out more about how I worked on them…

Wild Organic Tasmanian Seaweed. It's so nutrient dense! I’ve been adding a pinch of seaweed into my cooking for years now. The only issue was the ‘bitty’ texture can be off-putting. So I worked with our team to make our seaweed superfine - it’s now barely perceptible in taste and texture. No one needs to know they’re getting wildly nutritious, organic Tasmanian Seaweed in their meals or smoothies. It’s a great source of prebiotic fibre for the gut too.

Organic Beef Liver Capsules. Many people are craving the nutrients of beef liver. But not many want to actually eat beef liver. I certainly don’t! These capsules make it easy to get beef liver's wonderful vitamins and minerals. Our liver is Australian too and grass-fed and grass finished. 

Freeze dried beef liver is a good source of Vitamin B12 and Iron. I love to dump the gelatin caps out into a smoothie, you can't taste it at all. 

Organic Curcumin + Black Pepper. I’ve been a fan of curcumin for gut health for years now. Curcumin, a polyphenol, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can support gastrointestinal health.

Years ago, I created our ever-popular Golden Gut blend with turmeric (of which curcumin is the active ingredient). Now you can have the benefits of curcumin in a convenient vegan capsule.

Australian Zeolite. No pun intended (well, maybe a little intended) but Zeolite is an 'underground' sensation in nutrition and naturopath circles. It’s a mineral straight from the pristine Australian desert. It’s beneficial for gut health and chronic eczema and rosacea. It’s supercharged with naturally occurring negative ions. In fact, it’s one of the world’s best sources of negative ions. Negative ions counteract the, mostly, positively charged ions emitted from modern day appliances (screens, air-conditioners, microwaves) and pollution.

Well, there you have it! A new batch of gut-loving ingredients for you to consider. To celebrate their launch we’re offering 20% off each of the products for a limited time!

All you have to do is type in ‘NEW PRODUCTS’ in the promo code field at the checkout.

• Wild Organic Tasmanian Seaweed

• Organic Beef Liver Capsules

• Organic Curcumin + Black Pepper

• Australian Zeolite

And now for a delicious recipe...

Roasted Leek, Goat’s Cheese and Avocado Salad (Supercharged with Superfine Wild Seaweed Dressing).

Why not add more nutrients to your meals by supercharging them with a delicious wild seaweed dressing? The leeks and onions in this dish are a great source of prebiotic fibre for the gut and when they become caramelized, they sweeten up in the oven, adding a gorgeous depth of flavour.

Serves 4

• 5 medium trimmed leeks, washed and sliced 3cm thick
• 2 brown onions sliced into quarters
• 3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups kale washed and roughly chopped
• 2 avocados peeled and diced
• 2/3 cup Goat’s cheese

Wild Seaweed Dressing

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup tightly packed fresh herbs such as coriander, parsley, dill, basil and mint
• 1 garlic clove
• Pinch of Wild Tasmanian Seaweed
• ½ teaspoon Celtic Sea salt
• Black pepper, to taste

Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth 

To make the salad:

Preheat the oven to 190°C

Toss the leeks and onions with three tablespoons of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place leeks and onions on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until starting to soften, turning once or twice.

Place kale into a large bowl and add avocado. Pour the dressing over the leeks and pile on top. 

Scatter goats cheese over the top!

Think about how often you've skipped a workout because you didn't want to go to the gym. Or how often you've been unable to exercise due to a packed schedule. Having a home gym means no more excuses and wasted gym memberships. It's a convenient and cost-effective way to stay fit and healthy from the comfort of your home.

With the right equipment, a little bit of creativity, and a few simple tips, you can create a home gym that will help you reach your fitness goals. This guide will show you how to create the perfect home gym on a budget and enjoy the benefits.

Understanding Your Budget

Setting a budget is the first step in creating the perfect home gym on a budget. This will help you determine what you can and can't afford and make smart decisions about what equipment to buy.

When setting your budget, consider the following factors:

1. Equipment costs

This includes the cost of workout machines, weights, and accessories. Make a list of the equipment you need and research prices to know how much it will cost.

2. Maintenance costs

Remember to factor in the cost of maintaining your equipment, such as replacement parts and regular cleaning supplies.

3. Space costs

Consider any costs associated with converting a room or area of your home into a gym, such as flooring, lighting, and storage.

4. Ongoing costs

Think about recurring expenses, such as electricity and fitness subscriptions, that you'll need to budget for.

Once you clearly understand your budget, you'll be able to make informed decisions about what equipment to buy and how to maximize your space.

Remember, you don't need to buy everything all at once. You can start small and build your home gym over time as you grow and expand your collection of equipment. A full-body workout machine can be a great starting point for your home gym.

Essential Equipment for Your Home Gym:

Once you have a budget, it's time to start thinking about the equipment you need for your home gym. While buying every piece of equipment under the sun may be tempting, focus on the essentials.

Here are some of the most essential pieces of equipment to consider:

1. Resistance bands: Resistance bands are a great way to build strength and flexibility without adding bulk. They're also relatively cheap and take up minimal space.
2. Dumbbells or kettlebells: Free weights are essential to any home gym. They allow you to work on multiple muscle groups and target specific areas for improvement.

3. A full-body workout machine: A full-body workout machine can complete a workout and target multiple muscle groups in one exercise. Consider one that offers adjustable resistance for a challenging workout.

4. A yoga mat: A yoga mat provides a comfortable, non-slip surface for stretching, yoga, and other exercises.

5. A stability ball: Stability balls improve stress and target core muscles. They're also relatively cheap and take up minimal space.

6. A jump rope: A jump rope is a simple, portable, and effective way to get your heart rate up and burn calories.

Making the Most of Your Home Gym

Once you've set up your home gym, it's essential to make the most of it. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your investment:

• Set goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your home gym and set achievable goals. Write them down and track your progress to stay motivated.
• Create a routine: Create a workout routine that fits your schedule and stick to it. A consistent routine will help you see results faster.
• Mix it up: Doing the same home exercises over and over can get boring. Mix your routine by incorporating different movements, adding weights, and changing the intensity.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your workout is crucial for optimal performance.
• Get support: Having a workout buddy or joining a fitness community can provide accountability and support. You can also join online forums or hire a personal trainer[, and even consider getting an athletic training CEUs to expand your knowledge and] to help you stay on track.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect home gym doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up a home gym that meets your needs and fits your budget. Whether an early bird or a night owl, you can work out at your convenience and avoid commuting to a gym.                                                                                                        

Medicaid and Medicare are federally funded health care coverage programs. People who are 65 or older or who are disabled and meet specific requirements are eligible for Medicare.

People who meet Medicaid's income guidelines receive financial assistance. These two programs heavily impact the government budget. If you want to know more, read on to see how every one of these initiatives is addressed.

What is Medicaid

Medicaid is the United States government-run health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. Each state and the national authorities contribute to the program.

Since it is managed on a state level, the scope of services and how they are administered differ significantly between jurisdictions. This program is restricted to households that meet specific income requirements.

People who get this aid are either U.S. citizens, lawful immigrants, or permanent residents. As of September, of that year (2020), Medicaid enrolled about 70.6% of the population.

Individuals cannot receive medical care via Medicaid. As an alternative, it pays for all their medical expenses, such as visits to the doctor, hospitalizations, custodial care, long-term medical care, and more.

Who is covered, what kind of coverage, and how providers and facilities are reimbursed are all matters left to the discretion of individual governments. That's because the Medicaid program is a matter for each particular state to govern and administer.

Depending on the state, there is a statutory baseline of 50% federal match and a peak of 83% federal matching. Participation in Medicaid is voluntary for the states, but all of them provide it.

What is Medicare?

Medical coverage is available through Medicare for anyone 65 or older or disabled and satisfies specific financial and health requirements according to this website. Typically, insurance companies are hesitant to insure anyone over 65.

This is because persons at this age are disproportionately affected by extremely costly medical diseases. In 1965, while Lyndon B. Johnson was president, the federal government started the Medicare program to address this issue.

Medicare was developed as part of the broader Social Security system. The Social Security program, which was established in 1935, offers an income in retirement to those who are 62 or older, as well as to those people with impairments. Medicare is an auxiliary service of the Social Security Administration.

Medicare is an elevated health insurance program that does not require applicants to undergo a medical or financial underwriting process. In general, Medicare does not charge a premium for its covered services. Those who meet the requirements can now participate in the program.

Eligibility to Medicare and Medicaid Programs

There are prerequisites for participating in each course.

Medicare eligibility

Their age determines a person's Medicare eligibility. Eligibility requirements include being at least 65 years old and a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen.

The number of years of Medicare taxation determines both premiums and plan eligibility. Disabled individuals under 65 who meet specified criteria are an exception to this rule.

Medicare recipients typically also obtain Social Security disability or retirement payments. Additionally, Medicare coverage may be expanded to:

• A widow(er) above the age of 50 who is applying for benefits under the Disability Insurance program
• Someone who pays Medicare taxes for a certain number of years while at a public service job

Medicaid eligibility

Medicaid qualification is generally income-based. Individuals may be eligible depending on their household income and composition.

Because the required income requirement is the same across the nation, the Affordable Care Act has expanded coverage to bridge healthcare shortages for individuals with the lowest wages.

Eligibility is determined by having an annual income of less than 133 percent of the national poverty line for most individuals under 65. The average cost for a four-person family in 2021 is estimated to be $26,500, while an individual would pay about $12,880 if using Healthcare.gov as a guide.

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) income limits for families with children vary by state.

Medicaid also has specialized programs that provide health insurance to vulnerable populations, like pregnant women and people with severe medical conditions, who otherwise would not qualify for the program.

Medicare and Medicaid coverage

Medicare coverage

Medicare covers various medical expenses through its many segments.

Inpatient treatment is covered by Medicare Part A, including hospitalization, hospice, skilled nursing, and home health aide services.

Subpart B of Medicare covers medical services received outside of a hospital setting. Outpatient hospital treatment, doctor visits, preventative care, and some medical equipment are only some of the things that are covered.

Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage is a commercial insurance program that provides the same coverage as Original Medicare (Parts A or B) but is administered by private companies. Dentistry and vision care and insurance for medications may be available under these policies for an additional premium.

Prescription medication coverage is provided via Medicare Part D, administered by approved plans per government regulations.

Medicaid coverage

Medicaid's coverage varies by state, although all offer at least some of the same services.

These include:

• X-ray and laboratory testing
• Hospital care for both in- and outpatients
• Contraception and other forms of family planning assistance (e.g., nurse-midwife care)
• Nursing home care for seniors and preventative medicine for kids
• Surgical, dental care is available for adults.

Since Medicaid laws vary from state to state, it's a good idea to speak with a counselor in your area to evaluate your eligibility and assist you with enrolling.

In the United States, Medicaid and Medicare are two government-run healthcare programs available. Medicaid's eligibility criteria mostly center on financial needs, while Medicare primarily covers senior adults and people with specific chronic diseases or disabilities.