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QC01162014

34 The QUEE NS Courier • wellness • january 16, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com wellness s Dispelling 5 common myths about depression There are more than 19 million adults in the United States living with depression and many more people could be suffering but are unaware that what they are feeling is depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This common and treatable illness affects people from all walks of life and can significantly interfere with a person›s behavior, physical health and interaction with others. The more you know about depression, the more likely you are to be able to help yourself or help others. While great strides have been made in recent years to educate the public about depression and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness, many myths still remain about the condition. • Myth - Depression is a character flaw. Depression is not a personal weakness and it should be viewed as any other medical condition. People who are depressed are often unable to function as they had in the past and struggle to accomplish everyday tasks. Both young people and adults who are depressed need professional treatment. • Myth - Only certain types of people have depression. Depression affects all ages, races and genders. Sometimes people believe that only certain types of people can be depressed. Even people who seem to have everything including a good job and healthy relationships can have depression. While statistics show that some groups, like older adults, are more likely to suffer from depression, anyone can struggle with the illness. It can run in families, but anyone, even those without a family history, can be depressed. • Myth - Depression causes people to be violent. People who are depressed are no more likely to be violent or commit crimes than members of the general population. Although some people with depression do experience feelings of anger and sometimes have outbursts, the vast majority of people who have depression never harm anyone. • Myth - Depression is not a big deal. If left untreated, depression can lead to extreme changes in your mood, thoughts, behaviors and bodily functions, and for some people suicidal thoughts. Almost everyone who dies by suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. • Myth - Depression will go away on its own. Positive thinking is not enough to cure depression. Some people who have mild depression can make lifestyle changes which can help alleviate symptoms of depression, but many others need to seek treatment to get better. A mental health professional can help them learn more positive ways to think about themselves, change behaviors, cope with problems, or handle relationships. A clinician can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms of depression. For many people, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is beneficial. Early detection is extremely important because 80 percent of people who receive some form of treatment for depression can learn to manage the condition and live a fulfilling life. • Fact - Help is available. If you think you or someone you know might be struggling with depression, you are encouraged to visit HelpYourselfHelpOthers. org and take an online mental health screening. Online screenings are free, anonymous and available 24/7. Although the screenings are not diagnostic, they do provide valuable insight helping to identify if you are exhibiting symptoms associated with depression and connecting you with appropriate treatment resources. NOTE: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide, call 911 immediately. If there is no immediate danger but rather a need to talk to someone, call the national suicide prevention line at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). Courtesy BPT KEEPING HEALTHY-EATING RESOLUTIONS New Year’s resolutions are good things - unless you set yourself up for failure with grand, ultimately unachievable goals. Rather than frustrate yourself with overwhelming changes, try making smaller ones that will positively impact your life and encourage other healthier decisions throughout the year. Sticking to your New Year’s resolutions doesn’t mean that you can’t continue to take pleasure in the joys of the season. It’s OK to indulge in a sweet treat every now and again - even if you promised that you would steer clear of those baked confections in the new year. Simply lighten up the recipe with a few key substitutions, such as replacing fatty shortening, margarine or butter with olive oil. Small substitutions are easy to do and make a noticeable difference. By replacing 1 cup of butter with 3/4 cup of olive oil, you will save approximately 430 calories and 48 grams of fat calories. You won’t have to hesitate to treat family and friends to warm, rich baked goods because they have fewer calories and more nutritional value. You won’t feel like you have lost sight of your goals either. You can use olive oil in any of your favorite old family dessert recipes or try Chef Fabio Viviani’s delectable double chocolate truffle cookie or delicious olive oil cake recipe. Next time you need to make a sweet treat for an event or special occasion, give olive oil a chance. You may be surprised at how wonderfully a simple change can make a big difference. As you are breaking out the stand mixer and baking pans this year, consider replacing cholesterol-laden butter, canola oil, or shortening with Bertolli Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil. The light flavor of this olive oil is virtually undetectable and will not compete with the sweetness of your secret cookies, brownies or cakes recipes. Bertolli Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil doesn’t have the distinct olive flavor that other olive oils have, making it ideal for baking. You won’t have to worry about serving a dry dessert, because olive oil will help to keep your family’s favorite dessert recipes moist down to the last crumb. Making the switch is a smart option for your new year’s resolution and your health. Olive oil is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat that is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage. Double Chocolate Toffee Cookies Ingredients: 3/4 cup Bertolli Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil 1 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 eggs 1 cup all purpose flour 1 cup cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 tablespoons hot water 1 teaspoon sea salt and extra for sprinkling 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup toffee bits or chocolate toffee Directions: In a stand mixer, beat the olive oil, sugar and extract until well mixed. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water and set aside. Add cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the mixer. Mix until rich dough comes together.- Add in the dissolved baking soda. Then mix in the chocolate chips and toffee. Scoop the dough using a small ice cream scoop onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball. Bake at 350 F for 8 minutes, until the edges are set. Let cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to wire rack or plate. Courtesy BPT


QC01162014
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