So we asked ourselves whether we could come up with satisfying, nutritious and speedy recipes in 30 minutes or less that don’t require a chef’s culinary army and use foods available in the grocery store. Our test kitchen came up with some sensational sandwiches just for the veteran couch potato. But don’t squirm away at the word “sandwiches”-these aren’t your regular bag lunch-processed meat varieties!

Havarti-mustard sandwiches

Handful nuts of your choice
Quarter cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons marmalade OR
1 tablespoon frozen orange concentrate
4 slices dark pumpernickel rye bread
6 slices smoked ham
4 thin slices Havarti cheese

Stir nuts together with mustard and marmalade. Spread each bread slice with some orange pecan mustard. Add ham and cheese and pack up for lunch! (makes 2 sandwiches)

Mushroom-cabbage sandwiches

Green or red cabbage, thinly sliced/shredded, enough to fit onto bread slices
Handful of watercress, rinsed and dried (optional)
half tablespoon plain yogurt and olive oil each
5 canned white mushrooms, dried and sliced
two thick slices whole wheat bread
cayenne pepper or chili flakes to taste

In a bowl whisk yogurt into olive oil while bread toasts in oven at 400F or in toaster. Spread each toast with yogurt mix. Sprinkle liberally with chili or cayenne and add mushroom slices, watercress and cabbage before closing sandwich. (makes one sandwich)

Seafood sandwiches

3 plum tomatoes
half teaspoon salt
half teaspoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices thin bacon, ham or luncheon meat
3 tablespoons canned crabmeat, rinsed and left to drip dry
quarter cup plain yogurt
a pinch of cayenne
two inch-thick slices focaccia or whole wheat bread
quarter cup packed watercress, arugula, or beet leaves

Preheat oven to 450F. Halve tomatoes lengthwise and in a bowl toss with salt, garlic and 1 tablespoon oil. In a shallow baking pan, arrange tomatoes, cut sides up, and roast about 15 minutes until golden and bubbling. (Or, place in microwave on High for 4 minutes or until golden and bubbling.) In a bowl, stir together crab, yogurt, lemon juice, cayenne and olive oil, with salt and pepper to taste. Spread mixture on both slices of bread, layer with tomatoes, bacon and watercress, then close sandwich.

Cobb sandwiches
(Chicken, avocado and cheese sandwiches)

6 bacon slices
leftover chicken OR skinless, boneless chicken breast
4 slices firm sandwich bread, preferably whole grain
quarter cup blue cheese, softened
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 firm-ripe Haas avocado
4 small crisp lettuce leaves like Romaine

For 15 minutes at 400F in the oven, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. If using uncooked chicken, pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Roast in oven for 15 minutes, at the same time as bacon. Meanwhile, pit and peel avocado and thinly slice. Transfer chicken to cutting board and let stand 5 minutes before cutting into chunky slices.

Toast bread in the cooling oven and spread 2 slices with blue cheese, the remaining two with plain yogurt. Divide chicken, bacon, avocado and lettuce between blue-cheese bread slices and top with remaining two slices. (Makes 2 sandwiches)

Leftover quesadillas

Leftover beef, chicken, turkey or other meat-like dish, including tofu curry or thick, non-watery stew
1 chipotle chili
grated Parmesan, Monterey Jack or white Cheddar cheese
two 6- to 8-inch flour tortillas
1 tablespoon olive oil

Finely chop chili and toss well with cheese. Put one tortilla in a hot skillet with the olive oil and sprinkle evenly half of the cheese. Cook until cheese just begins to melt. Arrange meat or meat substitute evenly over cheese mixture and use a spatula to fold tortilla into half. Cook tortilla until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes. Make another quesadilla in the same manner. Makes 2 quesadillas.

Young lads around the world have made a concerted decision that braving the path of sweat and pain is far better than drinking competitions. Chilies are the inevitable and perfect substitute for the manly competition of seeing who can hold down the most liquor before passing out. Not only is the act of eating chilies more civilized, there are far more numerous situations where chilies are an appropriate source of testosterone measurement.

In Laos, bird’s eye chilies or chili padi are so small they rarely grow past your first knuckle. But young Laotian monks have weekly competitions with these fiery chopped peppers in soy sauce or fish sauce. These salty condiments together with chilies serve to whet the appetite for their otherwise bland and restrictive vegan diets. The difficulty in predicting the hotness of chilies from their appearance adds much surprise to daily meals. Shouts ring out in the courtyard as they dash for water, one by one. The goal is to eat the greatest number of chilies without water in one meal; the record is 72. Painful tongues, swollen lips and fiery stomachs make it difficult to sit and meditate, and causing such painful trouble for each other is an endless source of amusement.

Water is rarely a big help to get rid of burning tongues and watering eyes, as party goers in Manchester, England are finding out. The heat comes from capsaicin, stored in the form of volatile oils, especially in chili seeds. When chewed, or touched, these oils are released and they get stuck on the tongue.

Starchy foods, such as bread, noodles or pretzels are far better for removing these oils than water, beer or juice. If water is all that is available, hot water is more painful to drink, but it works better than cold liquids.

England is a country filled with curry lovers, but the trend towards eating whole chili peppers among young men is an amusing new party game. This is the land where Scotch bonnet peppers are used in lamb curries and chicken stews to turn Indian food into impossibly hot dishes to please the British palate.

For young guys gathering at a friend’s house for a game of billiards or catching up on the latest action films released on DVD, miniature chocolate bars and other candy are added with whole chilies to the gorp bowl. Then the party planners wait for the guys to explode straight out of their seats after eating a ’spiked’ handful! Generally, the rules are as follows.

They can take the challenge to eat another without anything to soothe the pain, they can eat more candy as a delay tactic or they can choose to be a LOSER and not be daring enough to try another handful. The guy who can take the most pain is, of course, the man of the night.

In Texas, USA, there are also one-on-one challenges, sort of like arm wrestling for the mouth. Here lies ground zero for chili variety; ranging from grilled poblanos and serranos, to pickled bird’s eye and jalapenos. Guys at BBQ stands inhale a few pounds of chops, bacon, trifle and sausages before they remember to breathe…if only so that they can yell in pain. The pain doesn’t last long because the other spices and smoky flavor of Texan BBQ neutralizes much of the heat. Then the guys go back to inhaling meat products, challenging each other to eat more of the hot links until one of the two guys can’t take it any longer.

It’s the return of the victory for the guy who breaks the least sweat. Except nowadays the victories aren’t determined by guns or beers, but by the masochistic food lover’s ability to tolerate the pain of hot chilies.

Here’s our example recipe for the heat lover in you:
Curry of Manly Challenge

2 cups dried chickpeas or 1 can, drained
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1 large onion, diced
1 large carrot, diced
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 hot green chilies, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
2.5cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated
1 handful ground almonds or almond slivers
1 bunch fresh spinach, rinsed
1/2 cup shelled peas
salt
1 lime
1 can coconut milk, shaken
parsley or coriander leaves to garnish

Soak the chickpeas overnight. Rinse and cover by 2 inches of water, place in microwave on High (100 percent power) for 20 minutes, pausing to stir once. Let sit for 30 minutes in hot water.
In a skillet over moderately high heat, cook onion and carrot in the vegetable oil for 5-7 minutes. Add chili, garlic, spices, chickpeas, and ginger. Fry everything together, using a little more oil only if necessary.

Add almonds, stir, then add water to barely cover. Bring to a simmer then keep on a very low heat for about 15 minutes for slivers, or until the ground almonds have thickened the curry, about 25 minutes. Add the spinach and peas (if using). Season with salt and lime juice, add the coconut milk, simmering for 3 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining coriander on top and serve with rice and bottled mango chutney.

Vitamin supplements are also often recommended to especially include Vitamin D (400-600 IU/daily). Avoidance or limitation of certain foods such as those high in sodium which is contained in a variety of food products such as canned soups, bacon, sausage, ham, pickles, sauerkraut and even dehydrated soups is highly recommended for the arthritis patient on steroid therapy.

Most arthritis patients are treated with anti-inflammatory medicines other than steroids. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including among others, ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin are useful for reducing pain, but there is no scientific evidence that they alter the course of arthritis or reverse or repair the erosions of cartilage and bone which are hallmarks of arthritis pathology. Patients whose joint swelling and pain cannot be controlled by NSAIDs are often treated with other remittive therapies, which often include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and more recently, drugs which neutralize the inflammatory provoking action of soluble mediators of inflammation such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

While NSAIDs generally control pain, diets supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids at high doses may actually result in the production of prostaglandins, which are less inflammatory. Thus, decreasing saturated fat (such as found in meat and dairy products) while increasing omega-3 or fish oil products may reduce the level of inflammation. While certain forms of oil such as canola oil and soy oil contain omega-3, the amounts are small compared to the omega-3 content of fish or fish oils. Employing omega-3 as a dietary supplement does not result in an “instant fix.”

Research has shown that while fish oil diet supplementation results in less painful joints and reduced stiffness of joints upon wakening from sleep, it often takes up to three to four months of continuous daily consumption for any benefit to become apparent. Mackerel, salmon, sardines and trout are particularly rich in fish oils. Foods rich in omega-6 fat have also been suggested to have similar anti-inflammatory properties similar to fish oil.

Changes in diet to include fish oils should always be discussed with a physician, as there are potential adverse side-effects, which include increased bleeding time. Arthritis patients with co-morbid conditions such as diabetes should be particularly wary of fish oil diet supplementation as fish oils potentially raise blood sugar levels and increase wound healing time.

Nutritional supplements, which have received considerable recent attention in the popular press, include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Both substances are natural substances, and as such are classified as dietary supplements and not drugs which means that there is no regulation by the FDA to control strength and purity of product. Because glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are produced in the body as building blocks for the formation of cartilage matrix they are essential for the maintenance of the health of that and other tissues. Thus, it is likely that dietary supplementation with glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate may promote the biosynthesis of cartilage matrix in healthy individuals.

Whether or not these dietary supplements influence cartilage matrix formation in the patient with arthritis has not been examined in large trials with acceptable scientific methodology. The National Institutes of Health supported a three-year clinical trial on this matter, which began in 1999. Other nutritional supplements, including copper, zinc, and Vitamin B have been claimed to help arthritis patients. If there is any scientific evidence to support their efficacy in treating arthritis, there have also been reported adverse side-effects, which limit their effectiveness.

The choice of eliminating certain foods from the diet of arthritis patients may result when arthritis patients keep a diary of which foods exacerbate or reduce arthritis symptoms. A careful record maintained over a period of time is recommended. A time period of up to six months may be required to reduce the potential that an arthritis flare is merely coincidental with the consumption or elimination of a particular food product. As always, care must be taken not to eliminate so many foods that a balanced, nutritious diet is compromised.

What if any evidence exists to suggest that foods alter the course of arthritis? The Primer on Rheumatic Diseases published by The Arthritis Foundation discusses, “foods, diet and nutritional supplements” in the chapter, entitled, “Questionable Remedies.”

This chapter, authored by the rheumatologist, Dr. Richard Panush, presents the status of “diet and arthritis” in a balanced fashion, because first and foremost, the available scientific data indicates that “recent, careful, placebo-controlled double-blind studies confirmed that, for selective patients, inflammatory arthritis may be associated with foods.”

Thus, it is quite possible that some patients develop arthritis in response to foods which contain proteins which when acting as antigens stimulate the bodies immune system resulting in the onset of inflammatory arthritis. However, it is also stated that, “there is virtually no evidence to suggest that anything other than a balanced diet supports the person with arthritis.”

Previous studies by Dr. Panush in 2001 revealed that diets purporting to show that “eliminating red meat, additives or preservatives, fruit, dairy products, herbs, spices and alcohol” alter arthritis symptoms receive no scientific support. However, since nutritional status is known to affect the quality of the immune response and components of inflammation pathways (especially those pathways involving eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which alter immune reactivity), it follows that foods containing certain oils that might alter the synthesis of these mediators of inflammation might improve the symptoms of arthritis patients.

It must also be stated that arthritis patients receiving steroid therapy to control their inflammation must be particularly cognizant of diet since steroids have strong “anti-nutritional” effects, which must be compensated for by maintaining a healthy diet. Thus, steroids, which reduce inflammation, also reduce protein synthesis. Steroids also make it difficult for the body to absorb calcium and to metabolize Vitamin D. Calcium and Vitamin D are critical in the maintenance of normal bone metabolism. Arthritis patients receiving steroids are often advised to increase their intake of proteins such as contained in legumes, tofu, lean meat, poultry and fish; to increase their calcium intake to 1,000 mg daily (especially if their diet includes dairy products) or to as much as 2,000 mg daily, if dairy is omitted.

to be continued…

Passing through a gap in the hedge that surrounded the premises, she made her way to a small tent. A sign post stated: “MADAME GERALDINE reads your FUTURE” and “Buy your voucher at the gate”. Two chairs and a small table stood in the middle of the darkened tent. The woman took out a small candle and put it on the table. It would give little light when lit. That was as it should be. For once, the identity of the fortune-teller was not to be revealed. Grimly she smiled to herself and sat down. She had a long wait before her first customer arrived, but she did not mind. She was sure that in the end it would be worth it.

Steeple Norford was a small village. However its annual fete was always well attended. People from the surrounding villages considered it quite quaint for a day out, whilst its inhabitants and the parents of school children would not have missed it for anything.

The clairvoyant knew that volunteers had carried out all the necessary works. Committee members would complete the finishing touches. The gates would open at ten sharp. Lights would be tested, loudspeakers checked, background music prepared and small flags securely tied. The weather was clement and everyone was sure of success.

Hearing the first hustle and bustle, the woman rose and peeped out. Not far away she could see the thin figure of Mrs Hunt, as always an eager and avid organiser of the fete. Mrs Hunt would have a good opportunity to indulge in her favourite pastime that day: eavesdropping on her neighbours. There was no sign of her husband. The clairvoyant knew he had to stay at home, having been assigned some despicable chore. With an air of authority Mrs Hunt strode enthusiastically to the book stall to meet her assistant Miss Bregton, the new teacher.

The stall and the tent were not far from each other. Straining her ears, the clairvoyant heard bits of conversation. Mrs Hunt pointed at the books.

“We have better books,” replied young Miss Bregton. “Once the council managed to get their hands on that derelict old house…..”

“Good job the village won the court case….”

“Was it abandoned or was… she forced to leave?”

Mrs Hunt’s sharp voice rose a few decibels. “You haven’t been living here long, have you? It’s best to bury the past. Some persons are best forgotten.”

Miss Bregton clung to a book she wanted to buy. The fortune-teller knew what was written on its flap. “To Miss Marina, our affectionate teacher.” Miss Bregton stared at the book, obviously wondering why Miss Marina had left, but no one was prepared to discuss it in public.

The clairvoyant’s piercing eyes wandered towards the food stall where Mrs Reed and the cherubic faced Mrs Agron, the two fattest women in Steeple Norford, were in charge. It gave them the opportunity to stay together and taste every cake on the sly.

A bell clanged, the gates opened and background music blared, interrupted for short announcements. In the tent the clairvoyant lit the candle. She took a waxed stick out of her bag. This too was lit, but not for light. A faint smell of incense filled the tent. Some even seeped outside into the fresh air. People always noticed the smell of incense. Somehow it increased their interest.

The first customers arrived. “Please give me your voucher,” she asked, but not to helpers. Those had free vouchers.

The woman considered herself the best of clairvoyants. She had a knack of learning new crafts. It was something inborn. She knew what to say, how to make lives happy, how to instil hope, how to give some bad news with a touch of grace, always adding that things would improve. It was extraordinary how everyone expected some bad news from her. Somehow it made her prophecies more credible.

Like the oracles of old, she had the knack of tempering her predictions. If you do this…. Should that were to occur….! She would take some time over a hand, deliberating over every contour of the palm. Always she studied the cards. They were her favourites. She even had a special set given to her by a friendly gypsy, but these were used only on special occasions. Today she was prepared to bet even her life she was going to use them. She was not to be disappointed.

Mrs Hunt was the first to enter the tent, displaying all the authority of a committee member. She was not asked for her voucher. Neither was she asked to upturn her hand. The special cards were deftly produced. Mrs Hunt was invited to shuffle them. Then she was asked to choose some and place them on the table.

“I thought that was your job.” The old woman’s tone was biting. She peered at the clairvoyant but it was too dark to see.

Ignoring her, the clairvoyant spoke softly: “What is it you want to know?”

“What about my future? I know my past well enough.”

“You have no future. Your husband is in love with someone else. You’ll not find him at home today. Henceforth you’ll spend your days alone. Each day will be a repetition of the day before. People will talk. No one will respect you again. Alas, nothing can change this situation.”

Mrs Hunt stood up, upsetting her chair. “Do you expect me to believe you?” Her hoarse voice jarred in the quietude of the tent.

The clairvoyant remained calm. “Why, it’s written in the cards!”

“Other woman! He wouldn’t dare!”

“There are other forces at work. See this card. It is plain an enemy seduced your husband. I can almost read her name. No, it’s not clear. Marian perhaps. Alas I’m not sure!”

The clairvoyant grinned as the woman left the tent in a huff. She saw her going straight to the telephone. Mrs Hunt dialled a number, but got no reply. She tried again. Still no one replied. Music blared cheerfully but Mrs Hunt seemed in a bad mood.

Another customer entered the tent but soon Mrs Argon’s cherubic face peeped inside the darkened tent.

“Come in. I was expecting you. It’s in the cards, see. I turn this card and behold a nice plumb woman. However this card does not count. Shuffle them yourself, please.”

Mrs Argon, quite red in the face, settled mesmerised in her chair. “I see you’re a widow. You’re still young. Pity. You wish to marry again. Alas, it is impossible. A past scandal. People talk. No man would dare marry you.”

“But…. I ….I didn’t do nothing wrong. It was another…”

The clairvoyant ignored the stuttering and bad grammar. Mercilessly she stuck to her subject. “Yes, I see a person. A teacher! You were involved. People know you were involved. People suspect ulterior motives. No, the cards are plain. You will never marry again. Try not to be too unhappy. You are not that bad.”

Mrs Argon left, her face no longer cherubic. The clairvoyant saw her return to her stall where an indignant Mrs Hunt was whispering something to Mrs Reed, who immediately walked out of the stall and wobbled to have her fortune read.

“Shuffle the cards.” The inviting voice was low and sweet. Surely, thought Mrs Reed, Mrs Hunt must have exaggerated. Madame was always a nice person.

“You live in a divided house. This happened because of a woman. Marina? Your husband has done his utmost to drive you away. You will never be reconciled. Alas you will remain as lonely as ever. This war of nerves makes you eat much more than you need. It could be the end of you, you know!”

“Who are you?”

“I am Madame Geraldine, no?” Indignantly Mrs Reed left. Quickly the clairvoyant left the tent for her car. At the gap in the hedge she looked back. An investigating committee member found the tent empty. He would phone Madame Geraldine. Madame would be indignant. After all, someone had cancelled her appointment.

Her replacement waited no longer. She was not to be identified. She got into her car and sped away. She smiled in a cat-like way. Soon she was sure she would feel the thrill of satisfaction for what she had done. Instead she felt only a strange sadness. She was not feeling as elated as expected! “Why?” she thought. For all her fortune telling, she would never understand why!

My words were my dagger, stabbing the grief and loneliness with sharp blows. My words were my armor, and they were my comfort. Like a warm blanket on a blustery day, they warmed me down deep inside, where we all live, in that secret, special place. By releasing my fears and anger upon the page, I unburdened my soul of that weighty mire of self-pity and pain.

When we grieve, we must go through various stages of pain, loss, and yes, even anger. At first, I was in a thick fog. Days would float from one into the other. I had trouble sleeping, eating, and I couldn’t concentrate. This is pretty normal. I knew my mom was going to die, since she had a terminal stage-4 cancer, but yet, I was still somewhat unprepared. Losing your mom is like losing your lifeline.

My mom was only fifty-nine years old when she died. Only three and a half months after her diagnosis with cancer, she was gone. Poof! No more would her warm smile light up the room. No more will her big brown eyes dance with mischief. I won’t hear her robust, musical laughter. She is gone.

At the time that my mom was diagnosed, I was a full-time college student. I dropped all my classes to be her caregiver. During her illness we grew closer than we had ever been, and we bonded during this time more than we had since I was a child. This is the most precious time that I have ever spent. I treasure those days. The days that I was caring for her. Many times I write of these days, remembering her amazing physical presence, her strength and her incredible mental strength. Other times I write about things that I wish that I could have changed. No matter what I write, it helps me to deal with my feelings.

After she was gone, I was lost, so I wrote. I wrote about her. I wrote about the emotions that plagued me. I wrote about the anger that I felt. Much of what I wrote were some of the beautiful memories that I wanted to savor- things that would stay with me forever. Some of what I wrote centered on how unfair it was for a youthful woman to be struck down in her prime. I wrote poetry, articles about cancer, and articles of inspiration. I vented really.

This is one of the best things that anyone can do when faced with grief. Whether the person is a writer or not, writing down feelings and thoughts can be liberating. I always feel better after writing. I am more relaxed, centered, and happy. My soul can breathe free. One of my best outlets after my mom died was poetry. I wrote a lot of poetry probably because poetry should be emotional and deep. The writing that I am speaking of is for your eyes only; it does not have to be shared with anyone. That is, of course, your choice.

Keep a personal journal both when your loved one is sick and also after they have passed. This will help you immensely. I know that writing gave me the escape that I needed at a very hard time in my life. Not only did it keep me busy, but it also gave me an outlet for that muck of emotion that weights down our mind and soul after a loved one passes.

Bereavement is a time of pain, but it is always a time of discovery and faith. Embrace this time in your life. I know that this is very difficult right now, but until you see the beauty in your loved one’s death, before you see the need for them to be at peace, you will be unable to be at peace yourself. Imagine how painful it would have been for them to continue struggling. They were sick. They are better off now. I never knew the meaning of that phrase until my mom was on her deathbed. I never understood, but I do now. Even if the death was an accident, miscarriage, or other untimely death, we must come to accept the death. We must also come to understand that it was for the best. Would he or she have been functional and happy if they survived? Perhaps this is where faith comes into the equation.

We all know that it is best, but it is our own selfish needs that we cling to desperately. Even if it was an accident, we must ask ourselves if they would be happy and functional if they survived? I wanted her to be here to enjoy life, but I also wanted my mom to be here for me. The sooner we come to terms with the need for their passing, the sooner we will be able to move on with our lives. Writing about all of these different things is what helped me, and it has helped countless other people. Why do you think the most popular topic in all poetry is? Spanning the globe and centuries, the most popular topic of all poetry is death. (With the possible exception of some Eastern cultures that have very different views of death.) Writing about death helps us understand our humanity. Writing helps us to vent. This is great therapy for anyone dealing with a loss.

I wrote about my frustration and pain, and what I discovered was that this was what I was meant to do. That first day that I picked up a pen, I wrote a poem. All of my pain, acceptance, and love were in what I wrote that day. Yes, I had thought about writing before, but never seriously. Yes, I had been told that I had writing talent from my professors, but I wanted to change the world. I was thinking of a career in either Psychology or Sociology, and then I realized something. I realized that my words could touch people, inspiring them to action. This is the day that I knew I was meant to be a writer. I knew that this is how I could change the world- one letter at a time. Perhaps it was my mom guiding me that day.

Here is the poem. I wrote this while trying to comprehend what my mother went through when she passed from one place to another. When we die, I think we are probably missing or family and friends; we are scared; and we are hopeful. This is why I think an angel cries.

Aquarius (January 21st through February 19th): this month appear to be a great time to accomplish a large quantity of work at home, but be sure to keep an eye peeled for hazards around the home. If you have culinary talents, this is a great time to use them. If a move is in your future, timing is perfect. The opportunity is there for romantic and creative activities.

Pisces (February 20th through March 20th): The good news is, you will be full of competitiveness and energy over the course of the next few months. Use this to your advantage. Expand on your personality, skill, and productiveness, and leave the recklessness behind. This is a time for you to shine.

Aries (March 21st through April 20th): You may feel the need to travel over the next two months. Pending judgments may come to a close. Don’t waste your energy on useless pursuits.

Taurus (April 21st through May 21st): This is a good time to accomplish all those unfinished tasks. Domestic chores should hold a top priority over the next couple of months. Be sure to watch out for those unexpected hazards though.

Gemini (May 22nd through June 21st): Your inspiration is at a peak during these next couple of months. This is a good time to take on those creative projects. Be sure to take some time out to get in touch with nature and reflect a bit. You may feel a bit sensitive during this time too, so don’t indulge in issues that can push you over the edge.

Cancer (June 22nd through July 23rd): Indulge in social activities over the next couple of months. Don’t be selfish, or you may gain new enemies. If you have any deals in the works, this is a good time to bring them to a close.

Leo (July 24th through August 23rd): Although it is your tendency to live dangerously, put a halt to any strenuous activity for a few months. Social and romantic activities abound. Take full advantage of them, and remember to lighten up a bit and have some fun.

Virgo (August 24th through September 23rd): If you have other people’s money entrusted to you, attention will be on that aspect over the next couple months. Confidential matters, research, and surveys will also be on your “high priority” list. Keep a halt on your suspicions and be less assertive right now.

Libra (September 24th through October 23rd): Your sense of belonging is amplified right now. Take time to be around friends, co-workers, and family. Get those needed projects around the house finished. Find time to relax. This is a good time for short trips.

Scorpio (October 24th through November 22nd): The next few months offer you may chances to succeed and come out on top. Rather it be personal, professional, or just for fun, this is a time when your competitive nature is at an all time high. Get out there and shine.

Sagittarius (November 23rd through December 21st): Your artistic and creative skills will be shining through. Romance and fun are on the agenda. Don’t miss out on social activities these next few months. This is also a great time for self-improvement.

Capricorn (December 22nd through January 20th): Friendships and acquaintances can become stronger ties during these next few months. Financial gain is possible, and this is a good time to enter into contracts you’ve been considering. Romance and sexual desire are at a peak.

Can patients with fibromyalgia go on antidepressants? They have been found effective in treatment of aches and pains and fatigue in many people with fibromyalgia - even when depression is not present. According to one study, patients who use antidepressants for the treatment of fibromyalgia are 3 times more likely to see a betterment in symptoms.

The journal of the AMA reports that antidepressants have definite benefits for patients suffering from fibromyalgia. German researchers examined the data collected from 18 very high quality clinical trials.  They found that fibromyalgia can clearly reap benefits from the use of antidepressants. Tricyclics are an older group of antidepressants that came into use during the 1960s.  These old and established drugs have proven very effective in treating the aches, pains, and sleeplessness associated with fibromyalgia. The older groups of antidepressants seem more effective than newer SSRI’s.

This study indicates that, of all prescription medications, tricyclics are the most highly effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia.  They are especially beneficial for addressing the sleeplessness and moodiness many patients experience. While tricyclic medications can be beneficial, they also have a number of side effects; therefore, they shouldn’t be taken until one has made some changes in their lives.

Many patients have found that participation in a daily exercise program consisting of half an hour of aerobics is very helpful in reducing symptoms during the day and helping with sleep at night. Another thing that might help would be to eat healthier by avoiding processed foods and reducing one’s sugar intake. Especially if there are problems with sleeping, caffeine should be avoided. Depressed mood, fatigue and pain can often be treated with such methods as massage therapy and meditation. Such holistic remedies could cut out the need for one to take drugs, which in certain instances could produce side effects.

While the natural method of treatment is preferred, some patients who have fibromyalgia and have already made some changes to their lifestyle could see some benefits from taking tricyclic antidepressants.

To make sure this doesn’t happen, you may want to follow these basic tips.

Supplements — People frequently think if the supplements are purchased at a pharmacy, then they are safe. Lots of supplements may cause side effects, especially when used in large doses.

There aren’t very many people that take vitamins everyday, even if a doctor suggests it. However, you do need to know how the minerals within these vitamins interact with the medication.

Moreover, determining the proper level of supplements is scientifically complex and the information often insufficient. Take, for example, using the calcium. In general calcium supplements have been determined to be safe and can help. But calcium pills must be used with caution because they may increase the risk of accidental death in elderly women due to cardiovascular disease.

Talk to your doctor before starting a supplement.

Prescription Drugs — It has been found that about 12% of medication errors are due to confusing medicine names. According to the World Health Agency, or WHO, this confusion is a big problem that needs to be solved. Happily, a lot of the mistakes can be avoided by increasing public awareness.

Question it and ask. Be sure the drugs you receive from the pharmacy or hospital are the ones prescribed according to your doctor’s orders. It was found by researchers at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences that 89% of errors in medication use were due to either the wrong drug or the wrong dosage being administered.

Locate a pharmacist or a drug store that works for you and buy medicine from that one spot. When the pharmacist has enough time to know you, then it is very probable that he will notice when something is not right with your prescription.

Talk about it with your pharmacist. This will ensure that you receive the correct prescription and that you fully understand its side effects. Be familiar with the physical characteristics of the medicine you frequently use, such as the size, color, and shape of the pills. Be sure to look at this medicine carefully. Be sure to check the label on the drug to ensure it is the one prescribed by your doctor.

Double check the prescription before you leave the pharmacy. Many people just leave after paying. Be sure it is your name on the medicine bottle or box. Then take out the medicine bottle or package and investigate the label.

Find out if your medication interacts with other medications. Side effects may still be experienced even with common drugs that are used often and effective. Some drugs also may be toxic when combined with other drugs, or may cause allergic reactions in some users.

See if your medication interacts with any food. For example, grape juice can drive up the blood level if ingested together with sedation drugs and others, and calcium in dairy products can prevent the proper absorption of some popular antibiotics such as tetracycline and ciprofloxacin. Clarify any questions you have with your doctor and be sure to read the info sheet that comes with your medication.

Be sure you can read the prescription before you leave the doctor’s office. If you are unable to read it, then the pharmacist may not be able to either.

You need to inquire of your physician as to how often and for how long you should take your medication as well as if you need to take the medicine on an empty or full stomach, and if you should not take part in certain activities or consume certain foods or beverages.

Also be sure to find out about possible side effects, and what to do if they do occur.

If it won’t cause a problem, then don’t use drugs that are still on the two-year list for review by the medicine approval board. Normally, drugs are safe based on small studies. It is best to select the medication that has a proven track record as being safe.

–Turn intimacy into an experience that is not so intimidating. Don’t focus too much on stress caused by your erectile problems.
–Add variety to your intimate life. Go out and get a room at a hotel or motel. Purchase some sexy lingerie to give your wife. Don’t allow your sex life to become a mundane, everyday thing.
–Anxiety may be a primary component in problems of poor performance. Make sure you get sound sleep, and make an effort to relax each day.
–A chief culprit of sexual troubles is marital or relationship anguish. It is paramount to avoid accusations when verbalizing your emotions.
–Talk with one another about your personal preferences during intimacy.
–Refrain from using alcohol prior to having sex or your sexual abilities will be impaired.
–Have confidence in yourself in order to have a successful sexual encounter.
–If your sexual partner participates, this may help resolve your intimacy issues.
–Avoid having a sense of guilt over your intimacy issues. There is nothing abnormal about you.
–Find some books and articles that pertain to this subject. You may find some helpful insights into your situation within them.
–Penis size is not the only thing that matters. Being imaginative about your intimacy provides pleasure.
–Use fantasy imagery while engaged in sex in order to boost your arousal.
–Consider masturbation as a way to relieve stress caused by sexual performance worries.
–Don’t hesitate to turn to help from experts like sex therapist professionals.
–You could take Viagra. Viagra, the brand name for citrate salt of sildenafil, is a drug that has successfully treated several health conditions.