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Author: puroa

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With the arrival of warm weather comes the inevitable change in our diets! What better time to take advantage of the season as produce becomes more abundant at this time of year! While a Snickers bar or a bag of chips might sound like the ideal snack to hold you over during long study sessions, there are actually several options that are healthy and bound to give you an extra boost of energy - without all the granulated sugar. 

Did you know that there are many different varieties of trail mix, most of them which you can make at home? Skip the grocery store, these recipes are natural, healthy, and perfect for a grab-n-go snack. Greatist has 21 healthier trail mix recipes that will satisfy any sweet or savory craving. What is your favorite? The PB & J and Deconstructed Puppy Chow trail mix definitely has captured my attention. Make sure you have an air tight container such as a mason jar to store your creative concoctions!

Want to keep it simple? An apple a day will….you know, reduce cravings and hunger, help you lose weight, and reduce your risk of diabetes. If you are in the city, and unsure where to locate some wholesome and delicious produce, Whole Foods just down the street from the Himmelfarb Library has plenty of good produce options for you. Feeling spontaneous? Why not make some peanut butter on celery sticks? Fun snacks are not just for kids and don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone if you sprinkle some raisins on top. 

Fellow popcorn lovers, hear me now: popcorn can be healthy! If you have not already, it might be worth investing in an air popping machine. Yes, the process is just a little bit more involved than simply unwrapping a package and tossing it in a microwave, but the result will be worth the wait, and plus, who doesn’t like to watch freshly popped popcorn fall into your bowl? You can never go wrong with popcorn for a snack, just remember to go easy on the salt and the butter. If you want to spice it up, add some buffalo sauce and shake it up! If spicy is not your flavor, why not try making your own popcorn seasoning? 

Still craving a bag of potato chips? Try these Spicy Roasted Chickpeas that are bound to give you a crunch and a flavor that will make you realize that you forgot about those chips. If you are looking for a more sweet alternative, these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Chickpeas are much healthier than the cereal, and require no milk or spoon. 

Don’t forget to take care of yourself during those long study days! Remember to take breaks, stretch, hydrate, and don’t be afraid to try one of these natural energy boosting snacks during your next study break! 

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As many of you know, tomorrow is Earth Day! This annual event is not only celebrated in the United states, but the entire world as we know it. What is it, and why does it matter to us? In the late sixties, Earth day was founded by peace activist John McConnell to honor the Earth and the concept of peace. The holiday was later sanctioned in a proclamation at the United Nations. Not even a month later, the United States joined in the notion by holding a nationwide environmental teach day on April 22nd. To this day, Earth Day continues to be a reminder of the critical role we play in preserving our planet. 

 What may seem like a light hearted concept actually requires a lot of work and effort to maintain. If you are like me, a human being who values their Netflix subscription, chips and salsa and outdoor trails at the local park, Earth day might be something to stop and think about. 

Everything from the butter we spread on our toast, the shoes we wear, and the paper we write on consumes valuable resources from the planet. Not only do our daily requirements use up what the Earth has to offer at an alarming rate, but our plastics, vehicles, and chemicals continue to negatively impact our home.

Life on earth is part of a vulnerable cycle, and one that we are all a part of. The choices we make today, no matter how small, will reflect on us tomorrow. You would be surprised at what even the smallest changes to our habits can do for the environment. Do you have a poor track record of recycling? Or perhaps you are neglecting that trip to get your vehicle emissions tested. Never fear! There is no time like the present to change your mind. To assist, here are some ways you can help to celebrate Earth day not just today, but to make it a new healthy, and mindful habit. 

A few ways you can help:

  • Conserve water: That might mean shortening those long showers to ten minutes or less and turn off your faucet while brushing your teeth; even an extra minute of being turned off can conserve gallons that would have gone down the drain otherwise. 
  • Use reusable shopping bags: a one time purchase that is not only trendy, but durable as well. What if they were bought en masse, imagine just how much it would reduce the need for plastic bags as a whole. Ask yourself, how many plastic bags do you have lying around right now, and do you really need them? 
  • Plant a tree! For as little as one dollar, you can plant a tree in a country of your choosing at https://onetreeplanted.org/
  • RECYCLE: Not sure what you can recycle? DC has put together a helpful list of what can be recycled and what belongs in the trash. 
  • Give the gift of a cleaner Earth: 4ocean offers beautiful handmade bracelets for sale in exchange for one pound of trash to be cleared from our oceans. Proceeds also go to non profit organizations that are focused on maintaining our beautiful planet. 
  • Meatless Mondays: Consuming less meat is a popular and effective way to help reduce climate change since meat production is a large producer of greenhouse gases. 
  • Take a Walk or Bike Ride: If you need to run an errand and your destination is within walking or biking distance, resist the urge to drive. Walk or bike to your destination and reduce emissions while you get the added benefit of getting some exercise and some fresh air!

Financial donations or not, the most valuable donations we can make to the Earth is to offer our time, consideration and effort to keeping our own environment sustainable and free of pollution and waste.  

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Research is without a doubt one of the most important keys to deepening our understanding of medicine today. What we do with our research and how we publish it, is just as important as the process of research itself. It may seem like a daunting and confusing process, but it does not need to be.

At Himmelfarb Library, we have developed several resources to support you when it comes to making important decisions such selecting a journal. 

Journal Selection Webinar: detailed information about how best to find a journal in your field.
How to Spot a Predatory Publisher - learn the warning signs found in unsolicited emails and on journal websites that can tip you off that the journal may be predatory in nature.
Preprint Servers: Balancing the Pros & Cons - preprint servers can get your research into the public sphere before publication in a journal.  This video defines preprints and discusses benefits of the preprint model and some challenges that may impact scholars and researchers. 



You may also want to check out our Scholarly Communications Short Video Library for a variety of topics such as setting up your Google Scholar profile and how to change your citation styles from AMA to APA.  And, our Scholarly Publishing Libguide also provides a host of tools and guidelines to help you publish in a way that will not only be advantageous to you, but also help you protect your work as well.

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In case you haven’t noticed, Spring is just around the corner! After a long winter filled with hearty and savory recipes, it is time to enjoy what the flourishing season has to offer! 

Are you looking to zest up a chicken dish? This Crispy braised chicken thigh recipe includes artichokes, tarragon and leeks, all of which are in season! Never cooked with an artichoke before? Don’t worry, there are highly detailed photos and instructions that show you how to turn the leafy green globe into goodness! 

If you are on a weight loss journey, Woman’s Day has thirty nutrient-packed smoothie recipes which include Berry Beet, Mango Chia Seed, and a protein packed Blueberry Muffin Batter smoothie! Talk about a win/win situation, blueberries are packed with antioxidants and are also high in vitamin C and potassium.

For all of you vegetarians out there, EatingWell has a White Bean & Avocado salad that requires absolutely no ranch dressing! Additionally, this vegan BBQ Pizza with crispy cauliflower combines a bold flavor with unique toppings that will surely satisfy any who are looking to try something new.  

If you are trying to avoid sugar but are craving something sweet, Simplysohealthy has a Sugar Free Strawberry Lemonade that only requires four ingredients to make! In similar fashion, this Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta pound cake can be made in a single bowl. Talk about a perfect treat to brighten any spring afternoon. 

We wish you a warm, safe and healthy spring season filled with many colorful and new dishes!




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Published on 1 Comment on Interlibrary Loans: “Free Fifteen” and what it means

Have you taken advantage of our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service? If you are unfamiliar with ILL, it is a service that allows you to request articles and books that are not currently a part of the current Himmelfarb collection. If you are interested in learning more about our Interlibrary, or “ILL” service, feel free to check out our ILL guide. Our guide also provides answers to questions such as “How long will my request take?” Or “How much does a rush request cost?” 

GW SMHS, SON, and SPH faculty, students, residents and staff are entitled to 15 free requests through the period of January to the end of June. Starting July 1st, the number resets and our SMHS, SON, and SPH users are able to request another 15 through the period of June to the end of December. The limit will reset again on January 1st.  

Any requests past the allocated 15 will incur a $10 charge. Users will be notified of this before their request is submitted and we will not proceed until the user agrees to pay for the additional request/s. 

As always, if you have any questions you can contact our ILL department at mlbdoc@gwu.edu. We are more than happy to answer any and all inquiries you may have! 

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Across the nation, many workers have this upcoming Monday off. While this extra day off might seem logical to continue our relationship with our beloved Netflix shows, it might also be a good time to take a moment and to think about why we were given this day of remembrance. 

Why do we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. day, do you ask? Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) day was established to celebrate not just ife, but the birthday of a man whose vision and sacrifice changed the way our country not only thinks, but acts as well. 

King, who was the spokesperson for the Civil Rights Movement, was one man. A man who one day in August, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial, shared with us his vision and what it means to be truly free. You can hear Dr. King in his own words and his voice in the audio transmission.

The entire speech is worth listening to, and worth holding onto. One of the most memorable passages from King was:

“I say to you today, my friend. And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal."

This MLK day, take a moment not only to be grateful for King’s message, but to remember his ideals, and ask yourself what you think it means to be truly free? How can you apply those beliefs, those thoughts, and turn them into actions that can bring us closer not as Americans, but human beings. What can we do to encourage, teach, and to protect equality in our own circles? (While maintaining social distancing, of course.) 

During his speech, King also said:

“...When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the “unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Yes, you read correctly, the very roots that uphold our country’s standards were written with freedom and equality in mind, regardless of skin color. 

Reflect. What do Dr. King’s words mean to you? Respect. Realize that not one, but a great many lives were lost fighting for the chance to be considered equal. Remember: one of the most disrespectful things we can do is to forget the lessons that our forefathers have taught us, the rights they have given us and fought so hard to turn their visions of equality into reality. 

Last but not least, challenge yourself to make a difference not only in thought, but also in action. GW has implemented a Day of Service and Leadership workshop. Open to all GW students, staff and faculty members, the Virtual Service and Workshops will be on a variety of topics that will help you better engage your GW, DC, and hometown communities in service.

The event takes place on Monday, January 18th, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. Registration is limited, so sign up early! 

Be safe, be healthy, and treat others as you wish to be treated. Wishing you a memorable MLK day this year from the Himmelfarb Library. 

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Out with the old, and in with the new. I don’t know about you, but I am grateful to say ‘bon voyage!’ to 2020. While we take the time to celebrate the coming of the new year, what an excellent time to ask ourselves “How am I going to make this next year different?” or “What do I want to accomplish this time around?” We have all heard the word resolution before, but have you ever taken a moment to consider what it actually means? It all comes down to a simple decision, a choice, intent or aspiration. Once you have that spark, that desire, you are already halfway there to setting your resolution!

Cliche or not, it’s the thought process that matters and the dedication to actually see your resolution through. It is one thing to say: “I want to lose 30 pounds next year” and it is another to do it. Some say actions speak louder than words, but why not fuel your actions with the intent of a resolution? It’s time to make a game plan. One that allows for mistakes and setbacks, while still keeping yourself accountable so you can continue to put your best foot forward. 

Here are some simple tips when it comes to creating reasonable, responsible and accountable goals. 

  1. Honesty matters. If you did not run that mile today, or skipped your daily study session for a night of Netflix, acknowledge that, and accept that it has happened. Write it down even! Looking back on a previous week to see that you skipped all those sessions you planned to work on your resolution is great data to work with in order to curb your current schedule and habits to better set yourself up for success.
  2. Accept that it is not going to be easy, and that’s okay! We are only human after all. Be reasonable with yourself. Even studying for 20 minutes a day is better than not studying at all. No matter how small or large the milestones you have created for yourself, understand that your resolution might take some time, and not every day will be the same. Some days you will have great successes, others, not so much. Even the smallest bit of effort and time spent on that resolution can be the difference between an accomplished goal and an emotional setback.  
  3. It is okay to have a cheat day. Setting and sticking to goals is not easy. Give yourself some time to recover from your newly changed habits. Sometimes reserving a cheat day is more fun, and gives you something to look forward to while still staying on track. Make Saturday your pizza and tv day! You can get back to your goal the next day. 
  4. Create a schedule. By using a planner, or Google Calendar, whichever is your favorite, checking in with yourself several times a day I find helps us tremendously in staying on task. You can also use this schedule as a tracker too. Track how many glasses of water you had, or how many hours you spent studying, whatever it is, keeping track of your progress will only bring you one step closer to the finish line.
  5. Set realistic milestones. I don’t know about you, but I do not think I could read an entire book in a week. Examine your schedule, and identify when you are able to make time towards your goal. It might be more reasonable to commit to one or two chapters a week. Be realistic, and honest. No one is judging you or expecting you to accomplish your goal in a week. 
  6. Check in with yourself. Bi-weekly, or monthly, what better way to regroup from a busy life than to take a moment and to simply ask yourself “Where am I at with my goals? How is my goal going so far?” See what works for you. Maybe you would benefit from studying earlier, or later in the day. Use data from your previous weeks to fine tune your schedule to be more supportive of what you can realistically handle!

Making a resolution, or setting a goal is rarely a simple task to do, but it can be if you are honest and accountable with yourself. Don’t worry, none of us are expecting you to accomplish a substantial task within days, many goals take months, and years to accomplish. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “It’s not about the destination, it’s the journey.” 

Wishing you a safe and healthy 2021, and all the best when it comes to planning out your resolutions! 

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This is it - the time of the year for which you've been waiting! 2020 has been an experience for us all, and what better time to treat ourselves to some sweet and savory delectables. At the same time, if you are like many of us out there, you might have been hit by the ‘Covid 15.’ Pounds, that is. If you are looking to watch your weight, and have the dedication to make healthy choices during the holidays, we have some suggestions for you that can help to keep the numbers on your scale down!

If you are looking for some appetizers to impress not only your friends, but also to keep your waistline from growing, EatingWell has these alluring Easy Stuffed Mushrooms that should be relatively easy to make. Remember, the less moisture in your mushrooms the better! I would refrain from washing them prior to making this dish. Or if you are looking for something without meat, dairy or nuts, these Vegan Scalloped Potatoes are not only high in fiber but also low calorie too! 

For the main course, this low carb Perfect Prime Rib will give a new definition to Rosemary and Thyme! Not feeling beef? This Cotter Crunch Cranberry Balsamic Roasted Chicken combines both sweet and savory ingredients that will have anyone asking for seconds! For a side course, why not try Country Living’s Chopped Salad that requires absolutely no store bought dressings or kits? A little red wine vinegar with some dijon mustard and olive oil has captured my attention more than any bottle of ranch could! They also have an entire slideshow of recipes you can incorporate into your healthy Holiday meal. 

Last but not least, to wrap up our feast with something sweet, something festive that we would not make any other time of the year. If you are up to the challenge, Delish has a Gluten Free Christmas Pudding that will add a taste of English History to your table. Or, if you’re craving a bit of cinnamon, these Cheesecake Stuffed Apples are bound to be packed full of a rich and creamy flavor that will satisfy that desire without the side of nutritional regret. 

Want to skip refined sugar all together? This fructose packed Kiwi & Strawberry Christmas Tree has got the colors on point! If I were you, I would add a few raspberries to the mix too.

We wish you the absolute best of holidays and remind you to stay safe, and healthy during these uncertain times. 2021 is around the corner, and hopefully we will be seeing you sooner rather than later!

Additional Reading: 

https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g4738/healthy-christmas-recipes/

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/17959/holidays-occasions/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g1875/healthy-diet-christmas-recipes/

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Yes, believe it, it is already November! As is tradition to many, this is a fantastic time of the year to remember what we are most thankful for. Despite the pandemic, and the other list of things that have happened this year, now might be a great time to ask yourself, what are you thankful for? Is it your family, and friends? Good health, or overcoming health obstacles? Perhaps it is your beloved pet, or a creative hobby. Maybe it is a goal you are working on.

Speaking of goals, what better time to make it a goal to celebrate this Thanksgiving with recipes that don’t break the bank, or your beltline? 

Did you ever think that Spinach dip could be healthy? That’s right, at only 81 calories per serving, Cooking Light’s take on a Caramelized Leek and Spinach Dip has my mouth watering! Looking to try something way different, and just as appealing as a bag of greasy chips and onion dip? Try their Smoked Salmon in Cucumber Cups. I don’t know about you but it would be impossible for me not to go back for seconds...or thirds.

If you, or someone in your family has food allergies EatingWell has a Roasted Fennel & Italian Sausage Stuffing that is dairy, nut, egg, and soy free. Or, check out Food Network’s Gluten-Free Green Bean-Mushroom Casserole with Panko-Style Fried Onion Rings.

For the main course, let’s take a look at this savory Herb Roasted Turkey. The versatility in the ingredients really grabs my attention! (Extra Rosemary and garlic, please.) If you are after a vegetarian main dish, this Sweet Potato, Red Onion & Fontina Tart might certainly suit your appetite. The American Heart Association chipped in with their very own Mom’s Roasted Turkey with Butternut Squash and Asparagus too! 

For Dessert, what better way to impress your Quarantine buddy than with Delish’s Bloomin’ Apples? As one who has a total weakness for all things apples and cinnamon, I’m on board for that one. They also have this, yes you heard it here; a Keto Pumpkin Pie. 

Feel free to check out other fantastic and healthy Thanksgiving recipes at Delish, EatingWell, Brit+Co, and Bonappetit! 

Wishing you and your family and friends, a safe and healthy Holiday season from the Himmelfarb Library! 

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Ghostbusters, 1984

Halloween is just around the corner, and while many of our favorite holiday traditions are on hold because of the pandemic, there are still ways you can have a spook-tacular night at home! Grab some popcorn and your favorite autumnal beverage, because we surveyed Himmelfarb staff for our favorite Halloween movies. From spoopy to spooky to scary, there’s something for everyone! 

For those of us not interested in scary movies, or who perhaps have children at home, the spoopy category provides just the right combination of spook and cute.

Our Spoopy picks are:

  • Hocus Pocus - Susan, Laura & Stacy
  • Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit - Sara
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas - Stacy
  • Coraline - Sam
  • Kiki’s Delivery Service
  • Paranorman
  • James and the Giant Peach
  • Halloweentown
  • E.T.
  • Labyrinth - Andy
  • It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

For our patrons who like films lighter on the frights, we have some great spooky suggestions for you.

Our Spooky picks are: 

  • Practical Magic - Anne
  • Beetlejuice - Jo Linda & Ian
  • Young Frankenstein - Catherine & Jo Linda
  • The Addams Family films - Paul
  • Edward Scissorhands
  • Ghostbusters
  • The Sixth Sense
  • Little Shop of Horrors
  • Gremlins
  • The Village
  • Pan’s Labyrinth 

If you are one of our brave horror enthusiasts, we also have some suggestions for you. Both new and old, these films would certainly keep us up at night!

Our Horror picks are:

  • Interview with the Vampire - Andy
  • Halloween (1978)
  • Sleepy Hollow - Lonnie and Ruth
  • Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) - Velda
  • Paranormal Activity - Ian
  • 1408 - Laura
  • The Shining - Ruth
  • Bram Stoker's Dracula
  • Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Flynn Street
  • The Crow
  • Crimson Peak

If you are broken-hearted about missing out on trick or treating, Halloween parties, or wild and wacky costume contests, you are not alone. We hope that our lists provide you with ideas for something new, or something tried and true. As always, stay safe and healthy during this festive season. Happy Halloween from Himmelfarb!

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