Gazpacho is served chilled, which makes it perfect for a summer meal starter. This cold tomato-based soup is low in calories and almost fat-free. Include peppers and other seasonings in the soup too.

After a morning of cross-country skiing or sledding with the kids, nothing’s more warming than a bowl of hearty vegetable soup for lunch. We frequently make a double batch, freezing half for another meal. Team this soup with some crisp winter apples or pears and a serving of low-fat cheddar cheese, and you’re ready for company.

This healthy appetizer takes only minutes to prepare but offers a lasting taste. Simple ingredients are combined to make an easy-to-serve dish. A combination of tomatoes, olive oil, basil, and parmesan cheese cover bread, making bruschetta a tasty snack or a complete meal.

Hummus has become a very popular dip – it is low in fat, vegetarian and full of protein. Try it with variations, or the traditional way on a toasted pita wedge, baked tortilla or your favorite whole-grain cracker. It’s also a delicious and healthy alternative to mayonnaise on a burger!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! So why not add to the "health experience" by adding some granola and fresh berries! Granola is simple to make and fun to eat. Mix together nuts and fruit to make a healthy granola snack. You might even eat it without the ice cream.

Snickerdoodles are an easy-to-make cookie, perfect for those just starting out in baking. They're popular with both kids and adults. Sinckerdoodles would make a great addition to any party you throw!

If you're interested in expanding your customer base, consider selling snickerdoodles at your child's lemonade stand. You'll have a hard time keeping them in stock!

This Turkey Chili recipe is made with oregano, cumin and peppers. A warm and delicious meal for those cool nights.

Tabbouleh is a popular type of Middle Eastern salad made from bulgur, parsley, mint and tomatoes seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice. This tabbouleh recipe uses extra lemon juice and more fresh herbs. The result is incredible – a delicious taste of lemon with every bite of grain and a burst of freshness from the blend of fresh herbs with every mouthful!

This Mock-A-Rita has all of the taste of a margarita without any of the alcohol. Enjoy as many as you like without having to worry about the side effects of alcohol. If you do go out for alcoholic drinks, make sure to pick a designated driver before you leave. (With thanks to Canyon Ranch Health Resorts for this wonderful idea.)

Don’t let the holiday season be a reason for you to not eat right. Put those candy canes to extra use with this scrumptious dessert from Canyon Ranch. Serving-sized pieces can be individually wrapped and kept frozen to give as gifts. Enjoy!

Room temperature or right out of the oven, this colorful quiche is perfect for an afternoon book club or gathering of friends. For appetizers, pour quiche in an 8 x 8-inch square pan and cut into small squares.

No Need to Fear Seeing Your Doctor

Any person who experiences a fluttering or abnormal beating of the heart should be evaluated promptly, say Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute specialists. Heart rhythm disturbances occur across a range of ages and result from problems with the electrical impulses traveling through the heart.

Atrial fibrillation most common

Bruce Lindsay, MD, Head of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing notes that the

Did you know that cancer of the womb and cervix used to be the number one cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States? That fact was true in 1930s and early 1940s. Today this disease has fallen to number seven. When you regularly get a test known as a PAP smear, you greatly reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.

What is Cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a tumor or growth in the tissue of a woman's cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the womb, or

Are You Thinking "It Can't Hurt" to Take a Holiday From Healthy Foods?

It's okay to indulge in rich foods and decadent desserts during the holidays, but keep the portions healthy - a little bit here, a little bit there. If you do overindulge, make sure you get in some extra exercise to burn off those extra calories. Taking small steps — using the stairs instead of the escalator, parking further away at the mall — adds up to big strides at the end of the day. Remember to eat

You can make a difference in your blood glucose control. To keep your blood glucose levels within goal range, you need to balance your food, diabetes medications (if taken), and physical activity. By familiarizing yourself with each of these factors, you will be able to achieve optimal blood glucose goals.

What is the role of carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source. About half of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates. Carbohydrate choices

Doctor’s Visits Still Important in Midlife and Beyond

Just because you’re through your childbearing years doesn’t mean you can stop seeing your gynecologist. Health screenings and preventive care are as important during and after menopause as they were when you were young.

It’s imperative that you find the right doctor. While the ob/gyn who delivered your children may have a special place in your heart, he or she may or may not be as knowledgeable about the issues you are

What is a breast self-exam?

A breast self-exam is a way a woman can examine her breasts to look for changes (such lumps or thickenings) that may signal breast cancer. When a woman detects breast cancer in its early stages, she greatly improves her chances for surviving the disease. Most breast lumps (80 percent) are not cancerous, but you can help ensure your breast health by regularly performing a breast self-exam.

When should I perform a breast self-exam?

You

Q. I thought that drinking red wine was good for your heart. Now I read that it can cause breast cancer. Should I give up my nightly pinot noir?

A. Many women have taken to drinking one glass of red wine in the evening ever since researchers linked it to a reduced risk of heart disease. But recent reports that all types of alcohol, including wine, increase a woman’s chances of breast cancer understandably raise concern.

Heart disease and

Make a Travel Medicine Clinic Your First Stop

The new low airfares and bargain travel packages are truly tempting if you want to:

Take that dream cruise Study abroad Volunteer your time to help the less fortunate Conduct overseas business

Wherever you’re headed, cruise on into a travel medicine clinic first

A travel medicine specialist can review your unique itinerary, length of stay and current travel conditions/advisories before you go.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that are made up of the muscle and connective tissue from the wall of the uterus (womb). Fibroids may grow as a single nodule or in clusters and may range in size from 1 mm to more than 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter. They may grow within the wall of the uterus or they may project into the interior cavity or toward the outer surface of the uterus. In rare cases, they may grow on stems projecting from the surface of the uterus.