Issue Date: March 18, 2007
Relax at a hot springs resort
Years before spas became the rage, Americans "took the waters" in hot springs throughout the country. Most of these thermal springs are not only still thriving but also affordable.
The Hot Springs Lodge & Pool in Glenwood Springs, Colo. -- about an hour from Aspen -- claims to be the world's largest outdoor hot springs pool. The water in the main pool is maintained at about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Free for those staying at the lodge, a dip is less than $15 per adult for day-trippers.
Try this relaxing, affordable alternative to a spa.
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At the Berkeley Springs, W.Va., Bathhouse, which opened in 1930, you can take a Roman bath in mineral waters that flow from the springs and are heated to a temperature of 102 F. A Roman bath and 30-minute massage cost up to $45.
The venerable Saratoga Springs, N.Y., about 40 minutes north of Albany, is the centerpiece of Saratoga Spa State Park, with its natural geysers, golf courses, tennis courts and the Roosevelt Baths and Spa. A mineral bath is only $20.
In Hot Springs, Ark., visit the Buckstaff Bath House, which has been in operation since 1912. A whirlpool mineral bath costs just $20.25.
Everett Potter is an award-winning travel writer.
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Delay kindergarten?
Experts say it doesn't help to wait a year.
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As parents register their little ones for kindergarten in the fall, some may wonder, "Will he be ready?" I did, briefly, because my son won't turn 5 until September.
Despite the fact that an average of 9% of kids a year are being held back by their parents, there is no clear evidence to show that it helps. In fact, a recent U.S. Department of Education study revealed that by third grade, delayed and non-delayed kids are equal in both math and reading skills.
So-called redshirting even could be detrimental. Studies show that delayed kids have more behavioral issues and are almost twice as likely to need special-education services.
"If you delay kindergarten, [these kids] are not getting early intervention, so you're doing the opposite of what would be most desirable," says Elizabeth Graue, co-author of a study on the topic.
For my part, I have no doubts: This fall, my son Ben will be riding on the big yellow school bus.
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To stop smoking: Exercise
The benefits of exercise just keep growing. In a recent study done at Otto Wagner Hospital in Vienna, researchers found that 80% of cigarette smokers who engaged in both exercise and nicotine-replacement therapy successfully quit smoking, compared with 52% who used only nicotine-replacement therapy.
Exercise also can help curb the urge to replace smoking with snacking. "One of the main problems people have after smoking is that their addictive personality craves food," says Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., co-author of "You: On a Diet" (Free Press, $25). "So, offer exercise as the addiction instead of food."
To get started, resolve to walk 30 minutes daily. And don't procrastinate when it comes to reclaiming your health! Notes Oz: "Life expectancy rapidly returns toward normal for every month that you are off cigarettes."
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Try a hearty soup with springtime mint
Lentils are great for your blood sugar, helping suppress rapid rises. And the mint adds a tasty surprise.
Golden Lentil Soup with Mint Pesto
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery with leaves
3 crushed garlic cloves
8 cups fat-free, reduced-sodiumchicken broth
2 cups dried yellow lentils
4 tsps. ground cumin
2 bay leaves
2 Tbs. tomato paste
1 cup chopped parsley
2 Tbs. lemon juice
In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, celery and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes. Add broth, lentils, cumin, bay leaves and paste. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until lentils are soft, 30 to 40 minutes.
Add parsley, lemon juice. Simmer 2 minutes. Serve in bowls; top with pesto.
Serves 8
Per serving: 376 calories, 20g protein, 41g carbohydrates, 16g fat (2g saturated), 2mg cholesterol, 10g fiber, 447mg sodium
Mint Pesto
1/4 cup unsalted almonds
1 cup fresh mint
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Pulverize almonds in food processor. Add mint and cheese; process. Drizzle in oil; process until smooth.
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