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Health

Health line

By TIMES STAFF
Published April 17, 2007

Stop and shop for routine medical needs

In-store medical clinics are opening at the rate of 15 a week, says the AARP Bulletin. Such clinics are typically fast and inexpensive, performing routine tests and giving immunizations. But the newsletter warns that the staff, usually registered nurses, cannot treat emergencies such as chest pain, broken bones or serious burns. Nor can they write prescriptions for chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma.

Shaping up for the beach scene

Want to look trim for the swimsuit season but need guidance? For free training workouts and meal plans, go to www.Met-Rx.com. The site is created by the Met-Rx company, which is staging a "body improvement" competition that requires contestants to buy its products. But the firm is offering an eight-page booklet of workouts, on the site.

A 'healthful' bar can hide calories

Though the word "granola" signifies wholesome to many, the Web site www.iVillage.com notes that granola bars can total more than 200 calories from sugar and saturated fat. If you must have one, buy those low in fat and made with whole grains.

In the kitchen, the peanut's a big deal

Americans eat more than 600-million pounds of peanuts - and 700-million pounds of peanut butter yearly, according to those who grow and process the legume. You can do your part by taking 10 minutes to make a peanut spread. This recipe, from www.Planters.com, makes about six servings of two tablespoons.

Ingredients:

1 cup peanuts

2 tablespoons peanut oil

1 tablespoon honey

Place peanuts in food processor, cover, grind. Add oil and honey, process another 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth. Store in airtight container, at room temperature, up to three days.

Nutrition information per serving: 200 calories, 17 g total fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrate, 2 g dietary fiber, 4 g sugar, 6 g protein.

On the calendar

Friday , noon-2 p.m., free discussion on understanding your blood cell count and testing, presented by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Suncoast Chapter, and the Wellness Community of Southwest Florida. At the Wellness Center, 410 Fourth Ave. E, Bradenton. Lunch is provided, and registration is required; contact Beth Robinson, 813 963-6461, ext. 11, or e-mail Beth.Robinson@lls.org.

Sunday , 2-6 p.m., Hispanic/Latino Alzheimer's Caregiver Outing, presented by the Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. Event includes picnic food, entertainment, at Al Lopez Park, Tampa. RSVP is required; for more information, including respite care for your Alzheimer's patient, call toll-free 1-800-772-8672.

[Last modified April 17, 2007, 06:32:12]