MD Anderson study recruits survivors

Are you or your child a survivor of a childhood brain or childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumor?  If so, you may be eligible to participate in the MyChoice research study.  Researchers at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital and Texas Children’s Cancer Center have joined forces to learn more about eating practices among survivors of childhood brain and CNS tumors.  We need your help to complete a web-based survey. 

You may be eligible to participate if you are: 

• 15-39 years old
•  a survivor of a primary childhood brain or CNS tumor
• have access to the Internet
• able to speak, write and read in English 

For more information, please call:  713-794-1760 or email:  mchang1@mdanderson.org.   Study details are available at ClinicalTrials.gov:  NCT01682824.   

MICHAEL & SUSAN DELL CENTER for HEALTHY LIVING: Voices for Healthy Kids...No Matter Their Backgrou...

MICHAEL & SUSAN DELL CENTER for HEALTHY LIVING: Voices for Healthy Kids...No Matter Their Backgrou...: Last week the American Heart Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched a new national initiative, “ Voices for Healthy ...

UTHealth - HealthLeader: Truth or Dare

UTHealth - HealthLeader: Truth or Dare (Something to consider...)

gardein korean soft tacos

YUM!  gardein korean soft tacos 

Vegan/Vegetarian Butternut Squash and Pumpkin "Mock" Risotto

We recently stocked up on soups and canned vegetables because my husband was dealing with some health issues that affected his swallowing ability.  Now that he is feeling much better, "mushed" food is no longer what he wants to eat.  This change in diet meant that I am left with a pantry full of soups and canned vegetables.  The penny-pincher in me just could not stand the thought of letting all of these foods go to waste because of infrequent use.  I thought long and hard on what I can cook quickly and be able to use up as many of the soups/cans as I can in one shot.  I then had an "Aha!" moment the other day when I came across a "mock" risotto recipe.  So I rummaged through my pantry and found the following ingredients:

1. 1 carton of organic low sodium butternut squash soup

2. 1 can of organic pumpkin puree (great fiber source)

3. 1 carton of organic low sodium no-chicken broth 

4. 1 box of Acini de pepe

Based on the ingredients I found, I decided to make my own version of the butternut squash and pumpkin "mock" risotto in the crock pot.  To my surprise, the "mock" risotto turned out REALLY good and we had enough left over for our lunch boxes!  I hope you and your family will be able to enjoy it too.  Bon appetit!

VEGAN/VEGETARIAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH & PUMPKIN "MOCK" RISOTTO

Prep time:  8-10 minutes 

Cook time: 5-6 hours

Ingredients:

1 carton of organic low sodium butternut squash soup

1 can of organic pumpkin puree

1 carton of organic low sodium no-chicken broth

1 box of acini de pepe

2 tbsp No salt added Italian seasoning

1 tbsp No salt added oregano

1.5 cup of frozen peas

2.5 cups of frozen spinach, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetarian options:  Add parmesan cheese, shredded to taste or you can also add scrambled eggs

Directions:

1. Pour the butternut squash soup and no-chicken broth.

2. Stir in the pumpkin puree, acini de pepe, Italian seasoning, oregano, frozen peas, and frozen spinach.

3. Set the crockpot setting on low and let it cook for 5 to 6 hours.

4. Vegetarian options:  Add scrambled eggs into the crock pot at the last hour of the cooking or add parmesan cheese at the table.  

  

A Sparkling Drink for the 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July for Rhea and I!

July 4th is that time of the year when many people would get together for a cook out and enjoy the spectacular fireworks late into the evening.  As you prepare for a day in the sun, be sure to remain hydrated in this HOT HOT weather and don't forget to put on sun block.  Hopefully the following sparkling drink will inspire you to stay hydrated.  Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July!

Independence Day Sparkles
(AKA:  non-alcoholic mimosa)

Ingredients:
Fresh strawberries, quartered
Fresh blueberries
Fresh orange juice
Lite grapefruit juice
Sparkling Apple Cider
Sparkling Water
Disposable Tumbler cups
Ice

Directions:
1. Put some strawberries and blueberries into the tumbler cups
2. Put some ice in the cups
3. People can then choose to either pour in 1/3 of the orange juice or 1/3 of the grapefruit juice
4. Then they can choose to pour in 2/3 of the Sparkling Apple Cider or the Sparkling Water
5. Last step is to enjoy your own creations together!