Looking for ways to lick the heat this hot summer? Well, did you know that the month of July was designated National Ice Cream month by former president Ronald Reagan?
The origins of ice cream can be traced back to at least the 4th century B.C. Early references include the Roman emperor Nero (A.D. 37-68) who ordered ice to be brought from the mountains and combined with fruit toppings, and King Tang (A.D. 618-97) of Shang, China who had a method of creating ice and milk concoctions. Ice cream was likely brought from China back to Europe. Over time, recipes for ices, sherbets, and milk ices evolved and served in the fashionable Italian and French royal courts.
After the dessert was imported to the United States, it was served by several famous Americans. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson served it to their guests. In 1700, Governor Bladen of Maryland was recorded as having served it to his guests. In 1774, a London caterer named Philip Lenzi announced in a New York newspaper that he would be offering for sale various confections, including ice cream. Dolly Madison served it in 1812.
The first ice cream parlor in America opened in New York City in 1776. American colonists were the first to use the term “ice cream”. The name came from the phrase “iced cream” that was similar to “iced tea”. The name was later abbreviated to “ice cream” the name we know today.
The United States is the largest consumer of ice cream in the world, followed by New Zealand and Denmark. The favorite flavor for most is vanilla, followed by chocolate, and strawberry. So, stay cool this summer and eat your favorite ice cream!

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The National Fire Protection Agency reports that about 1,000 structure fires and 3,400 outdoor fires were caused by barbecue grills in one recent year. It is important to realize that safe grilling begins before the cooking starts. So, here are some tips to ensure all your summer grilling is safe.

• With gas grills, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to be sure it is working properly and not leaking. If you suspect a leak, put soapy water on the area and watch for bubbles to discover where it is. Never use a match to check for a gas leak, and never light the grill until the leak is fixed.
• Position any grill on a level surface that is at least three feet away from other objects, including the house and shrubs or bushes. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
• When you are ready to barbecue, protect yourself with a heavy apron and oven mitts that fit well over your forearm.
• When the party is over, store the grill outside and away from the house. Make sure the valves are turned off.
• For charcoal grills, use only starter fluids designed for that purpose. Never use gasoline. If the fire is slow, add dry kindling. Don’t add more liquid starter or you could cause a flash fire.
• Remember to soak the coals with water before you put them in the trash.
• Never use a barbecue grill indoors or in an unventilated space. It’s a fire hazard and could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

And now, since you know what you need to do to be safe, fire up the grill and barbecue to your heart’s content.

According to the Home Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of unintentional home injury death, accounting for an average of 5.1 million injuries and 6,000 deaths each year. As a result, here are some home safety tips and valuable information to help individuals and families, especially those with aging parents avoid being a statistic. Here are some quick safety tips to look for in your home, or your parent’s home, to prevent falls.

• Make sure stairs and steps, indoors and outside, have handrails on both sides that go form top to bototm.
• Make sure top and bottom of stairs, indoors and outside, are well lit.
• Small area rugs are easy to trip on. Tape them to the floor, or get rid of them.
• Keep stairs clear of stuff, inside and outside.
• Have night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways.
• Use a bath mat or non-slip strips in the bathtub and shower.
• Use non-slip rugs on the bathroom floor.
• Install grab bars in the bathtub and shower.
• Wipe up spills when they happen, and keep bathroom floors dry.
• Make sure porches are well lit.
• Keep sidewalks and paths in good repair, and clear of toys and other things.
• Fix broken stairs or chipped sidewalks as soon as possible.

This June, and throughout the year, make sure your home is a safe place to live.

Summertime is when you can graze your way through the stacks of fresh produce now available in grocery stores, at farmers’ markets and, if you are fortunate, at nearby roadside stands. June is designated as National Fruit and Vegetable Month and this is a wonderful time for everyone to eat more fruits and vegetables and to select foods that promote good health.
Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.
Why eat more fruits and vegetables? Let me give you at least ten reasons.

1. Color and texture – Fruits and vegetables add color texture and appeal to your plate.
2. Convenience – nutritious in any form, fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice, so they’re ready when you are.
3. Fiber – Fruits and vegetables provide fiber that helps fill you up and keeps your digestive system happy.
4. Low in calories – Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories.
5. May Reduce Disease Risk – Eating plenty of fruits and veggies may help reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers.
6. Vitamins and Minerals – Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals that help you feel healthy and energized.
7. Variety – Fruits and vegetables are available in an almost infinite variety, so there’s always something new to try.
8. Quick, Natural Snack – Fruits and vegetables are nature’s treat and easy to grab for a snack.
9. Fun to Eat – Some crunch, some squirt, some you peel, some you don’t, and some grow right in your own backyard.
10. Taste Great – Enough said. They just taste great!

May is National Stroke Awareness Month
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is also a leading cause of serious long-term disability. While most strokes occur in people aged 65 years or older, strokes can occur at any age. Knowing the symptoms of stroke and calling 9-1-1 immediately if someone appears to be having a stroke are crucial steps in getting prompt emergency medical care for a stroke. New treatments are available that can reduce the damage caused by a stroke for some victims, but these treatments need to be given soon after the symptoms start.
Know Your Signs and Symptoms
The American Stroke Association notes these five major signs of stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

If you think someone is having a stroke, you should call 9–1–1 or emergency medical services immediately. Receiving immediate treatment is critical in lowering the risk of disability and even death.
Quick Facts

• Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
• In 2006, 137,119 people died from stroke in the United States.
• Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability.
• About 795,000 strokes occur in the United States each year and about 610,000 of these are first or new strokes.
• About 185,000 occur in people who have already had a stroke before.
• Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people aged 65 years or older.
• The risk of having a stroke doubles each decade after the age of 55.
• Strokes can—and do—occur at ANY age.
• Nearly 25% of strokes occur in people younger than age 65.
• Stroke death rates are higher for African Americans than for whites, even at younger ages. According to the American Heart Association, stroke will cost almost $73.7 billion in both direct and indirect costs in 2010.
• It has been noted for several decades that the southeastern United States has the highest stroke mortality rates in the country.
• It is not completely clear what factors might contribute to the higher incidence of and mortality from stroke in this region.
• People with a family history of stroke have a higher risk.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices Can Lower Your Stroke Risk
Knowing your risk of stroke and doing what you can to decrease or control your risk is the best approach to preventing stroke and stroke-related disability. All people can take steps to lower their risk for stroke, whether they have had a stroke or not. Things you can do to lower the risk of stroke include steps to prevent and control high blood pressure, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercise, not smoking, and not drinking alcohol.