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A finger exercise known as “pinky time” has gained widespread attention on social media.
Many posts claim that performing the exercise for just a few seconds each day can strengthen the brain and reduce the risk of dementia.
The growing interest reflects the fact that many people are looking for simple ways to protect their brain health as they age.
What does the research say?
Monika McAtarsney Kovacs, a cognitive neuropsychology researcher at Anglia Ruskin University, told The Conversation, as reported by The Sun, that the trend is partly based on established knowledge about the brain.
Learning new and challenging hand movements stimulates the brain.
Research has also shown that activities such as playing a musical instrument or knitting can benefit memory and improve the brain’s ability to learn.
Researchers also use finger exercises to study how the brain changes with age. However, these exercises are used solely as research tools.
The pinky finger exercise
According to Monika McAtarsney Kovacs, there is no research showing that this particular finger exercise can detect early signs of dementia or prevent the disease.
How well a person performs the exercise may depend on factors such as flexibility, previous injuries, and prior experience.
The exercise involves keeping the index and middle fingers together while touching the thumb with the ring finger. The little finger is then moved up and down for approximately 10 seconds.
Instead, Alzheimer’s Society and the NHS point to regular physical exercise, good-quality sleep, social interaction, and maintaining good vision and hearing as some of the measures most likely to help reduce the risk of dementia.
Key takeaways:
Brain stimulation: Learning new and challenging hand movements can stimulate the brain, similar to activities like playing music or knitting, which benefit memory and learning.
Pinky exercise limits: The “pinky time” exercise involves moving the little finger for 10 seconds, but there is no evidence it can detect or prevent dementia.
Proven strategies: Experts recommend regular physical activity, quality sleep, social interaction, and maintaining good vision and hearing to reduce dementia risk.
Strawberry Mango Salsa is a healthy and refreshing summer salsa that the whole family will love! (New recipe).
Strawberry mango salsa
This Summer Strawberry Mango Salsa recipe combines sweet strawberries, ripe mango, and zesty lime for a refreshing summer dip or topping. Bursting with vibrant colors and bold tropical flavors, it’s ideal for barbecues, picnics, or as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or tacos. A quick and easy no-cook recipe that’s gluten-free, vegan, and packed with nutrients, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite. Perfect for healthy snacking or entertaining guests with a fresh twist.
Author:Eliana Recipes
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:10 minutes
Yield:2 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:no cook
Cuisine:Mexican-American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
Salsa
1 cup ripe mango, peeled and diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste
In a medium bowl, combine diced strawberries and mango.
Add in the red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
Condiments & Dressings
Squeeze in the lime juice and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
Season with salt to taste.
Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
For extra sweetness, add a dash of honey or agave.
Can be made up to 4 hours in advance—store covered in the fridge.
Serve with tortilla chips, over grilled meats, or as a taco topping.
Customize with avocado or cucumber for added texture.
Each month, the Amazon Editors reveal our picks for the Best Books of the Month. Then, once the summer reading season approaches, we revisit these selections to discuss, debate, and vote on the best of the best for the first half of the year.
Many of the Best Books of 2026 So Far feel both timely and timeless, exploring the cultural zeitgeist while telling stories that will resonate for years to come. This is certainly true of our number one pick: Tayari Jones’s Kin—a moving story about two motherless “cradle friends” who come of age in the Jim Crow South. Jones’s latest is just one of several from literary luminaries that did not disappoint. And readers will also discover unforgettable debuts from authors who are destined to become household names.
Below you can learn more about the top 10 but be sure to explore the full Best Books of the Year So Far list for additional picks in all your favorite genres. There’s a book, or five, for every kind of reader.
1. Kin
2. London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family’s Search for Truth
3. Yesteryear
4. Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage
5. Night Objects: A Novel
6. Land
7. American Men
8. Cherry Baby
9. Nothing Tastes as Good
10. Crux
Rember, these are the best of the best for the first half of the year.
Superfoods like olive oil, avocados, whole grains, and cruciferous vegetables contain health-boosting nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
Eating a variety of these foods can help protect against disease and promote well-being. But how much of each to eat? Below you will discover just how much and how often to eat many of these superfoods.
Cancerians are symbolized by the crab, a creature with a hard shell and soft underbelly. This reflects the duality of Cancer’s personality: they are tough and protective on the outside but nurturing and emotional on the inside. Learn more about Cancer’s personality and compatibility.
Cancer Signs
The symbol of the Cancer Zodiac Sign is usually the crab and its claws. Sometimes, you may see the crab sign symbol depicted as a sideways “69” to represent crab claws or a woman’s breast.
Cancer, the water sign symbolized by the crab, is a creature of both strength and sensitivity. Ruled by the emotional Moon, Cancers wear their hearts on their sleeves. They possess a deep well of intuition, allowing them to understand others’ feelings and their own. Like the crab’s hard shell, Cancers project a protective exterior. However, within lies a nurturing and caring soul. This emotional depth can lead to mood swings. However, their compassion and strong bonds with loved ones make them fiercely loyal friends and family members.
Cancer Personality
You are the Patriarchs and Matriarchs of the Zodiac. Family means everything to you. You watch over your brood with determination and zeal. You can be counted upon to be at every graduation, wedding, surprise party, or barbecue that has anything to do with your relatives. They are definitely your tribe, and you are very generous with all of them.
Many of you have very strong careers, as you know that this is the best way to provide for your family. Others love being stay-at-home parents because who could care more about your children than you? You want to see them succeed and will do everything in your power to make that happen.
Home and family are so important to you that you are willing to submerge your own wants and desires for the good of your immediate group. Often quite ambitious, you seek to get ahead in order to provide the best for your loved ones.
A natural chef
Cooking comes naturally to you as you understand that nourishment is the key to good health. Chefs are among your ranks, as are nurses and doctors who take care of the physically disabled or ill. You are sensitive to the extreme and can always tell when something is wrong with one of your charges. Walking into a room full of depressed people instantly depresses you.
You like soft tones and low lights and prefer to allude to the things that you find difficult. You may have trouble being direct like your totem, the crab who sidesteps. This can lead to misunderstandings, so you need to find a way to be clear. Writing things may be a solution.
Interestingly, on July 4, 1776, there was not just one planet in Cancer, but four. Since we celebrate our birthday as a nation on this date, is it any wonder that we have trouble dealing with our issues?
As a partner or a parent, you are among the best. All those around you never have to wonder if you care because you show it repeatedly.
Cancer Personality Traits
Strengths: Nurturing and Caring, Highly Intuitive, Tenacious and Determined, Loyal and Protective, Creative and Imaginative
Weaknesses: Overly Sensitive, Prone to Mood Swings, Can be Clingy or Possessive, Dislikes Change or Discomfort, Takes Criticism Hard
Likes: Spending time with loved ones, Creating a warm and inviting home, Helping others, Exploring their creativity, Feeling secure and loved
Dislikes: Conflict or arguments, Feeling insecure or rejected, Cold or impersonal environments, Change or disruption to routine, Deception or dishonesty
Cancer Astronomy
The Crab is a faint constellation best seen during summer nights in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s one of the zodiac constellations, meaning the sun passes through its path during the year. Despite its lack of bright stars, Cancer has a long history. Ancient Greeks mapped their stars centuries ago.
Spotting Cancer can be a challenge. Look between the constellations Gemini and Leo. You’ll need a dark sky for the best view. However, Cancer holds a hidden gem: the Beehive Cluster (also called M44). This cluster of hundreds of stars is visible to the naked eye under clear skies, earning it the nickname “Beehive” for its resemblance to a buzzing hive.
Cancer Compatibility
Most Compatible Signs
Taurus knows how to make you their one and only, and the back rubs are to die for. Pisces understands your sensitive nature and is always willing to listen to the tales of your day.
Compatible Signs
Scorpio can read your moods and will delve into the levels of emotions with you. Virgo will keep things organized and make sure that the rent gets paid.
Famous Cancers
Over the course of history, there have been a number of historical figures, politicians, musicians, and celebrities who were Cancers. These include:
We’ve all been there: had a bad day at work, the kids won’t stop screaming and there is nothing in the fridge for dinner. It never ends. You feel like you will never catch up. Life is full of surprises. We can’t go back, and we can’t predict the future.
And sometimes, you forget to take care of yourself in the process.
You could be going through a tough time. Perhaps you’ve just had a recent breakup or did a sudden move.
You may also be struggling with anxiety or depression. If that is the case, it’s best to talk to a professional and get it properly treated. Causes of anxiety or depression vary from environmental to chemical.
Self-care should not be something you do once in a while when you’re exhausted. You need to get into the practice of taking care of yourself every day. This helps prevent burnout.
When you learn how to take care of yourself, you feel better about yourself — it shows. Your family and friends will also notice.
It’s so important to make sure you take good care of your body, mind, and soul every day, not just when you get sick. Learning how to eat right, reduce stress, exercise regularly, and take a time-out when you need it are touchstones of self-care and can help you stay healthy, happy, and resilient.
Why Do We Often Fail at Self-Care?
Practicing self-care isn’t always easy. Most of us are crazy busy, have stressful jobs, or are too consumed with technology to make time for ourselves. Me-time is usually last on the agenda. Worse, we can sometimes feel guilty about taking the time required to take care of ourselves. So getting started with self-care can be challenging. In my new book, Outsmart Your Smartphone: Conscious Tech Habits for Finding Happiness, Balance, and Connection IRL, I teach folks how to find time and make space for self-care. But here are some additional tips that you won’t find in the book to get you started with your self-care.
How Do You Engage in Self-Care?
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to engage in self-care. You can read about self-care strategies, join self-care programs, or work with a coach or therapist who can help support your progress. No matter what you choose, the goal is to figure out which self-care strategies work best for you, learn how to use these strategies, and implement them in your regular routine so you can boost your well-being not only today but forever.
If you feel yourself close to shutting down from stress and burnout, here are 12 self-care tips to try.
1. Make sleep part of your self-care routine.
Sleep can have a huge effect on how you feel both emotionally and physically. Not getting enough can even cause major health issues. But stress and other distractions can wreak havoc on our sleep.
What do you do to make sleep part of a self-care routine? Start by thinking about your nightly routine. Are you eating or drinking immediately before bed? If so, it’s especially important to stay away from caffeine and sugar, which tend to keep you awake.
Reducing stress is also key. If you have work-related stress, think about the best ways to calm yourself after a hard day or relax more while on the job. You might talk to your employer about lessening your workload or settle a disagreement with a coworker.
Next, make sure your bedroom is the best possible place for you to get good REM sleep. It should be free of distractions (such as a television, laptop, cellphone, etc.). And make sure you have room-darkening curtains to keep the sun from waking you up too early in the mornings.
2. Take care of yourself by taking care of your gut.
Your gut health can have a significant impact on your health, well-being, and feelings of vitality. The types of foods you eat crucially impact the bacteria that live in your stomach, resulting in a cascade of either positive or negative outcomes. Healing the gut can lead to an unhappy person, and vice-versa.
3. Exercise daily as part of your self-care routine.
We all know exercise is good for us, but do we really know how good it is? Daily exercise can help you both physically and mentally, boosting your mood and reducing stress and anxiety, not to mention helping you shed extra weight.
Of course, it might be hard to go to the gym every day, so try to incorporate other exercises, such as walking, tennis, or yoga, which may be able to fit into your schedule more easily. The most important thing is to create a routine that works for you.
4. Eat right for self-care.
The food we eat has the potential to either keep us healthy or contribute to weight gain or diseases such as diabetes, but it can also keep our minds working and alert. Eating the right foods can help prevent short-term memory loss and inflammation, both of which can have long-term effects on the brain and, in turn, the rest of the body. Some of the most amazing self-care foods include fatty fish, blueberries, nuts, green leafy veggies, and brassicas, like broccoli.
5. Say no to others, and say yes to your self-care.
Learning to say no is really hard; many of us feel obligated to say yes when someone asks for our time or energy. However, if you’re already stressed or overworked, saying yes to loved ones or coworkers can lead to burnout, anxiety, and irritability. It may take a little practice, but once you learn how to politely say no, you’ll start to feel more self-confident, and you’ll have more time for your self-care.
6. Take a self-care trip.
Taking a self-care trip can make a huge difference in your life. Even if you’re not feeling particularly stressed, getting away for a weekend every now and then can help you disconnect, relax, and be rejuvenated. These self-care trips don’t have to be costly; simply drive to the next town over and see the sights, or go camping nearby. The goal is to veer away from your normal schedule and take the time to do something just for yourself.
7. Take a self-care break by getting outside.
Spending time outside can help you reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and live in the moment. Studies have even shown that getting outside can help reduce fatigue, making it a great way to overcome symptoms of depression or burnout. Getting outside can also help you sleep better at night, especially if you do some physical activity, like gardening, hiking, or walking while you are outside.
8. Let a pet help you with your self-care.
Pets can bring a boost to our lives. From giving unconditional love to providing companionship, pets can be hugely beneficial for our self-care. Dogs especially can help reduce stress and feelings of anxiety and can even lower blood pressure. In fact, many people who suffer from disorders like PTSD have benefited from working daily with animals, which is why service dogs have become so helpful for these individuals.
9. Take care of yourself by getting organized.
Getting organized is often the first step to becoming a healthier you because it allows you to figure out exactly what you need to do to take better care of yourself. A small change, like keeping a planner or a calendar on the fridge, can help you write down all your responsibilities and appointments, while at the same time keeping your life a bit more organized. You can also create an area to keep keys, purses, backpacks, briefcases, and coats, and make sure they’re ready to go for the next day.
10. Cook at home to care for yourself.
Many people don’t take the time to make themselves meals, preferring instead to stop for fast food or popping a pre-made meal in the microwave. But these “fast” meals aren’t usually sufficient when it comes to feeding your body the right kinds of calories and nutrients. Even if it’s only once a week, consider making a healthy meal for yourself or your whole family. You could even look into a meal delivery service or meal kit that can help you get started.
11. Read a book on self-care for self-care.
In today’s fast-paced world, we tend to turn to our phones for entertainment or comfort, scrolling through news feeds that can contribute to our stress and worries rather than helping it. Instead, consider bringing a self-help book with you when you leave the house. Even better, bring books on self-care so that you can learn more about how to take care of yourself while you are taking care of yourself. You might be amazed at the difference it can make when you slow down instead of always looking at your phone. Not only can it help improve your mood, but it can also help you to stay more present and mindful.
12. Schedule your self-care time, and guard that time with everything you have.
It can be hard for us all to find extra time. But it’s extremely important to plan regular self-care time. Moments alone can help you to ponder the best ways to move forward in your life and keep you grounded. And moments with friends can help you feel more connected and relaxed.
Whether you decide you want to go for a long walk, take a hot bath, or enjoy a good movie with friends, taking self-care time is imperative. Look for small ways you can incorporate it into everyday life; for example, you might wake up 15 minutes earlier to sit with a cup of tea and practice deep breathing before the chaos of the day begins, or you might take a walk around the block on your lunch break. The more you can work self-care time into your schedule, the better you’ll be able to grow, enjoy your life, and thrive.
There are many ornamental plants, herbs, and even vegetables that reseed. Some need a favorable environment to reseed, such as well-drained, fertile soil, and mild winters. Others seem to self-seed where they drop, regardless of the conditions. Birds and wind, too, help disperse the seeds, so you may find plants all over the place.
If you want to manage self-seeders, you can harvest the seeds yourself before they drop. Watch for the ripening seeds in late summer or fall and collect them when they mature, usually when they turn dark brown. Plant them where you want them or hold them over till spring.
8 Great Self-Seeding Plants for Your Garden
Many vegetables, such as tomatoes and squash, may return the next year, although hybrid plants won’t be the same as the parent. Herbs, such as parsley, dill, fennel, chamomile, and cilantro drop seeds that easily grow. Self-seeding plants may take a while to appear in gardens. Many will not germinate and grow until the soil heats up.
Here are the best self-seeding plants to add to your garden.
Annuals
1. Borage
((Image credit: Paul Grace Photography Somersham / Getty Images))
Borage (Borago officinalis) is an all-purpose herb with superstar qualities. It isn’t bothered by pests and disease, it is a great companion plant for veggies, it attracts pollinators, blooms all summer, and is edible! It self seeds readily, but if it gets out of hand, the seedlings pull up easily and can be composted. Seeds develop when the flower petals drop off.
2. Larkspur
((Image credit: Alamy))
Larkspur (Consolida ajacis) is one of those plants that once you grow it, you will welcome its tall pink, blue, white, or purple flower spikes every summer. Rich, well-drained soil in full sun is its preferred environment to return. The slender seed pods rattle when the seeds are dry if you brush against them. Pull the stems up, crush the seedpods open and shake them over your garden.
3. Mexican Sunflower
Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) is prized for its bright orange, daisy-like flowers on tall, branching stems. Tithonia is a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, and once discovered by hummers, they will guard it as their own. If some of the flowers are left to go to seed, they will form after the petals drop. Squirrels and birds may eat the seeds, so leave plenty to reseed, or collect them from the seed head. It may not show up till mid-summer, so do not give up.
Biennial/Perennial
4. California Poppy
((Image credit: Getty Images))
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) feels right at home in loamy, well-drained soil. It is a short-lived perennial with ferny foliage and orange, cup-shaped flowers that work well in the front of the border or in rock gardens. After flowering, elongated seed pods form. Leave them on the plant till the seeds turn dark brown. When ripe, the seed pod splits, ejecting the seeds from the plant.
5. Parsley
(Image credit: Mint Images / Getty Images))
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial herb grown for its nutrient-rich, flavorful leaves that look attractive tucked in among other plants. Seeds are formed the second year after flowering. If left undisturbed, seeds mature and drop. Parsley is a host plant for the Eastern Black Swallowtail butterfly so you may see its caterpillars munching on the plant. Be sure to grow extra!
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is another superstar plant with medicinal qualities; a pollinator favorite; lovely, daisy-like dark-pink flowers, and food for birds. After flowering, seeds form in the center cone. Finches relish the seeds and may beat you to them. The plant readily self seeds so be prepared. The clump also expands.
7. Sea Holly
((Image credit: Alex Manders / Shutterstock))
Sea holly (Eryngium planum) is a self-seeding perennial plant with a rigid stem structure and unusual, spiky, blue flower heads. It blooms all summer, and butterflies frequent the unique flowers. It will grow in poor, dry soil and works well in a cottage or rock garden or in containers. You can deadhead the faded blooms but leave some alone to go to seed.
8. Tall Verbena
(Image credit: Flower Garden / Shutterstock))
Tall verbena (Verbena bonariensis) is a tender perennial that is hardy in USDA zones 7-11. It readily self seeds in colder climates. Pollinators love the tiny purple flowers borne on tall, stiff stems. Tall verbena could be moved to the thug list because it is on the invasive plant list in Georgia and Oregon.
Green tea gets plenty of buzz for its blood pressure benefits, but dietitians say other beverages may offer more.
High blood pressure causes your heart to work harder and puts extra force on your arteries, which can make them stiffer and less flexible over time. Left unmanaged, it can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular complications.
Your lifestyle, including what you eat and drink, plays an important role in blood pressure management. “Food and drink affect how much fluid the body holds onto, the balance of important minerals like sodium and potassium, how well blood vessels work, and overall health factors such as inflammation and gut health,” explains Dani Lebovitz, M.S., RDN.
Green tea often gets attention for its blood pressure benefits, thanks to plant compounds called catechins that may help blood vessels relax and support smoother blood flow. But it’s not the only beverage that may help. Learn more about the drinks dietitians recommend for even more blood pressure–supporting benefits.
1. Prune Juice
Although research on prune juice and blood pressure is limited, prune juice contains compounds associated with heart health and blood pressure reduction. Prunes are an excellent source of antioxidants, potassium and fiber. One cup of canned prune juice provides 2.5 grams of fiber and 707 milligrams of potassium, which is 27% of the recommended daily value for potassium for women. “Research shows that higher fiber intake is associated with better blood pressure and cardiovascular health, and emerging evidence suggests the gut microbiome may also play a role in blood pressure regulation,” explains Lebovitz.
Prune juice is a great on-the-go option to support blood pressure. “Many brands offer convenient single-serve cans that are easy to keep in the pantry, toss into a lunch bag or enjoy alongside breakfast without much prep work or overthinking,” shares Lebovitz.
2. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is a refreshing herbal beverage that you can drink hot or iced. Polyphenols in hibiscus tea help relax blood vessels, contributing to lower blood pressure. Additionally, hibiscus may inhibit enzymes that are involved in regulating blood pressure, thus helping to lower it.
Lebovitz recommends steeping the tea for 5 to 10 minutes to bring out the flavor and beneficial plant compounds. “During the hot summer months, its tart fruity flavor is great served cold with frozen berries,” she adds.
3. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate contains antioxidants, like punicalagins and anthocyanins, that support arterial elasticity and inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, which influences blood pressure, per Payton Brewer, M.S., RD, CPT. According to one analysis, regular consumption of pomegranates is associated with reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Brewer recommends choosing 100% pomegranate juice with no added sugar, rather than cocktail versions. “Try diluting it with sparkling water if the tartness is too intense,” she adds.
4. Beet Juice
Beets are a significant source of dietary nitrates. “The body turns these into nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and widen so blood can flow through more easily,” describes Lebovitz. Research shows that consuming beetroot juice daily can significantly lower systolic blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
Drinking just 2.5 to 8 ounces of beetroot juice can have meaningful effects on blood pressure and heart health. The amount of nitrates in beetroot juice varies, depending on whether you use juice or concentrate. Make sure to choose a beetroot juice instead of a cocktail to ensure greater potency.
“Beetroot juice has a bold and earthy flavor,” explains Lebovitz. “Because of its intense flavor, try combining it with another juice like apple or zesty flavors like lemon or ginger,” she adds.
5. Orange Juice
Oranges contain the compound hesperidin, a flavonoid recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that drinking 500 milliliters of orange juice or hesperidin-enriched orange juice per day (roughly the equivalent of two 8-ounce glasses) for 12 weeks was associated with reductions in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure among individuals with pre- and stage-1 hypertension, explains Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LD. “The researchers also noted that the hesperidin-enriched version showed acute benefits after just a single dose, with stronger effects emerging after sustained intake over time,” adds Manaker.
Two big glasses of juice are a pretty big daily portion, and most of your fruit should be whole fruit for the fiber benefits. However, enjoying a small glass of orange juice with your breakfast or as a post-workout recovery drink may be a good idea for blood pressure.
Other Tips for Better Blood Pressure
Beverages can be a helpful addition to your routine, but the biggest blood pressure benefits come from pairing them with other heart-healthy habits.
Work with a health care provider. “Blood pressure is also highly individual, influenced by genetics, sleep, stress and body composition, which is why working with a cardiologist and registered dietitian can help identify which levers matter most,” says Brewer.
Exercise regularly. “Engaging in daily physical activity like brisk walking, swimming or cycling strengthens your heart muscle, allowing it to pump blood with less effort,” says Manaker. Blood pressure decreases in a dose-dependent manner with each additional 30-minute aerobic exercise session, with the largest reduction at 150 minutes per week. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic plus two strength-training sessions each week for the greatest blood pressure benefits.
Manage stress. High stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Practicing stress management techniques, such as meditation, can significantly lower blood pressure in adults with and without hypertension.
Reduce sodium and prioritize potassium. Diets with higher potassium intake and lower sodium intake are associated with better blood pressure levels. Potassium-rich foods include fruits, vegetables and legumes. Most sodium in the diet comes from dining out and packaged foods. Consider reducing how often you dine out and making half your plate nonstarchy vegetables to support healthy blood pressure.
Our Expert Take
Green tea isn’t the only beverage you can sip for blood pressure benefits. Prune juice, hibiscus tea, pomegranate juice, beet juice and orange juice each offer unique nutrients that may support healthier blood pressure levels.
Still, no single drink can make up for an overall lifestyle pattern that works against heart health. “The research on these drinks is compelling but just adding these juices to a high-sodium, low-fiber diet will not move the needle the way the studies suggest,” explains Brewer. For the greatest benefit, pair these beverages with other habits that support blood pressure, such as moving your body regularly, managing stress and incorporating more potassium-rich foods into your diet.
These basic English lessons provide the most important learning points for beginning level English learners. Use these short lessons to study for tests, review basic English essentials, or check your understanding of the basics.
Lesson 23: Present Continuous Tense
Use the present continuous to speak about what is happening at the present moment in time.
Positive Form
Subject + to be + verb + ing + objects
He is watching TV.
They’re playing tennis at the moment.
Negative Form
Subject + are not + verb + ing + objects
She isn’t studying at the moment.
We aren’t working now.
Question Form
Wh? + do + subject + verb + ing + objects?
What are you doing?
Are you cooking dinner now?
NOTE: We use time expressions like ‘at the moment, currently, this week – month’ with this form of the present continuous.
Lesson 24: Present Simple vs. Present Continuous
Use the present simple to talk about activities or routines which take place on a regular basis.
I often go jogging on Saturdays.
He usually has coffee for breakfast.
Use the present continuous to speak about what is happening at the present moment in time, around the present moment, or for a future scheduled event.
We’re working on the Smith account this month.
She’s watching TV at the moment.
Stative verbs are verbs which express a state. Action verbs are verbs which express something a person does.
I hope to see you soon. (stative verb)
He is cooking dinner at the moment. (action verb)
Stative verbs cannot be used in the continuous forms. Here is a list of common stative verbs:
believe
understand
think (opinion)
want
hope
smell
taste
feel
sound
look
seem
appear
Lesson 25: When to Use the Past Simple and the Present Perfect
Sometimes the past simple and the present perfect are confused. It is important to remember that the past simple is used to express a finished past action which occurs at a specific moment in the past. The present perfect is used to express something that happened at an unspecified moment in the past. For example, if I visited Paris in 2004, I could express this in two ways:
Past Simple
I visited Paris in 2004.
I went to Paris a few years ago.
Note that the moment in time is specific – in 2004, a few years ago.
Present Perfect
I’ve been to Paris.
I’ve visited Paris.
In this case, the moment of my visit is not specific. I am speaking about an experience that I have had in my life up to this moment in time.
This is the key to understanding the difference between the past simple and the present perfect. The past simple expresses something which happened at a specific time in the past. The present perfect expresses something that I have experienced in my life without giving the exact time.
This brings us to the end of the Basic English Series. I hope you have stayed with me to this final lesson and enjoyed your learning experience. Please continue to follow my website for more English lessons.
Thank you for doing this and continued success in the future!
You probably know that hostas are the perfect plants for shady spots and people who don’t have a lot of time to fuss over their gardens. They’re bold, beautiful, and add some impressive structural elements to those peaceful and shady areas of your yard. But what if you want to grow a plant that flowers profusely to attract butterflies and other pollinators? For that, you’ll need a species that can handle partial shade and appreciates moist, organically rich soil. While there are actually quite a few companion plants to grow alongside your hostas, there’s one that’s a standout for its stunning flowers, and that is clematis.
Clematis are perennial climbing and vining plants that will grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. Also, you can choose from any of the 400 species and additional hybrids and cultivars. Since the stems of these plants are quite fragile, they will require some type of support structure that you can place behind your hostas. To create an attractive display, grow the clematis up a wall or fence, then position hostas in front to add ground-hugging interest. Clematis flowers, which come in a whole range of colors, are filled with nectar and pollen, making many varieties irresistible to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. As a bonus, other small birds like to use the cover of the vines for nesting.
Growing Clematis
Clematis grow best when they receive morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in areas that experience hot summers. Keeping these vines protected from the scorching rays will prevent the flowers from fading, so you can enjoy their brilliant colors longer. You’ll find that the best place to plant clematis in your garden is next to your hostas because the latter species will shade the roots of the vines, which is what they prefer. Clematis plants will absolutely flourish if their upper foliage and flowers receive at least 6 hours of sunshine daily, but the roots and lower part of the plants are well-shaded.
Watering
Like hostas, clematis appreciate moist soil that contains plenty of organic matter and drains well. This means that the watering requirements of both plants are virtually identical. Basically, it ensures that you can keep your clematis from wilting by providing adequate hydration. To keep your clematis growing to its full potential, you’ll want to fertilize it at least once a year with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer around spring or after the first lot of flowers, depending on the type that you’re growing. This will also benefit your hostas, which tend to put on a lot of new growth during this time. Just take care not to fertilize clematis when they’re just starting to form flower buds or are in full bloom.
