Healthful Eating Made Easier

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Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2557 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Healthful Eating Made Easier New Tax Credit Includes Current Homeowners (NAPSA)—Many current homeowners can now qualify for up to a $6,500 home buyer tax credit. The initial success of the $8,000 firsttime home buyer tax credit convinced Washington to expand the program and extend it until April 30, 2010. This extension, however, will be the last. Under the extended home buyer tax credit, current homeowners are eligible as long as they have lived in their present residence for five consecutive years within the past eight. First-time home buyers who haven’t owned a home in the past three years are still eligible for up to an $8,000 tax credit. Singles who make up to $125,000 and married couples who make up to $225,000 can qualify for the full credit. Those who exceed those income limits may qualify for a reduced amount. “The new provisions and modifications make an already enticing real estate market even more attractive and accessible. Interest rates are low and home prices are more affordable now than they have been in decades,” said National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “There’s never been a better time for potential buyers to invest in their future through homeownership.” Many areas are already seeing a rise in home prices and demand, with multiple bids on properties becoming more common. According to the NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, first-time home buyers became homeowners in record numbers over the past year, comprising 47 percent of all Working For Wellness (NAPSA)—People living with cancer now have access to highquality psychological and social support through a network of nearly 50 affiliate centers, more than 100 satellite locations and online support services. These services are provided by the Cancer Support Community (CSC), a new organization formed by the union of The Wellness Your home can house a terrific tax credit. home sales between July 2008 and June 2009. This flood of activity helped shrink housing inventory levels. Reduced inventory is a sign the market is returning to a more balanced state and helps sustain home values. Yun said that while the housing crisis isn’t over, the extended and expanded tax credit is a step in the right direction. “The bottom line is that the housing market is doing much better now than one year ago, and the home purchases using the tax credit should continue to reduce inventory to acceptable levels. The extension is a big win for consumers, but to take advantage of this rare opportunity, would-be buyers need to get the ball rolling and contact a Realtor who can help them on the path toward owning a home.” For more information about the tax credit, visit www.HouseLogic. com/homebuyertaxcredit. New resources are available who people who are now living with cancer. Community and Gilda’s Club. Since the best cancer care includes emotional and social support, CSC offers these services to all people affected by cancer free of charge. CSC recently updated the booklet “Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Lung Cancer,” which discusses both the practical matters and emotional concerns people face while living with lung cancer. Jointly sponsored with Lung Cancer Alliance, this booklet features updated treatment guidelines based on current published research and National Cancer Institute recommendations. For a free copy, visit www.cancersupportcommunity.org. (NAPSA)—When you’re looking for an economical, easy and enjoyable food that’s both weight-wise and heart-healthy, look to peanuts—especially USA-grown peanuts. Protein-packed peanuts fuel you up without weighing you down or leaving you unsatisfied. Scientific evidence suggests that eating 1.5 ounces of nuts, such as peanuts, every day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, peanuts are a good source of plant-based protein, and plant-based diets are considered a good way to shed unwanted pounds, keep certain types of cancer at bay and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. What’s more, peanut flour is gluten free and can be used as a thickener for soups, in a variety of breads and pastries and as a creative and flavorful coating for meat and fish. One marvelous meal you can make with peanuts is this: Posole-Green Chili Peanut Stew 1 can (151⁄2 ounces) golden hominy 1 can (14.5 to 15.75 ounces) fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 cup water 1 medium onion, chopped (about 11⁄2 cups) 4 medium garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced (2 tablespoons) 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies* 11⁄2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 ⁄2 cup dry roasted, unsalted peanuts, chopped 1 can (103⁄4 ounces) low-fat, low-sodium cream of mushroom soup This hearty stew is fast and easy to make and serves as a satisfying, full-flavored luncheon or light supper. Drain hominy and combine with broth, water, onion, garlic, chilies, cumin and chili powder in large saucepan. Bring to boil and simmer 10 minutes to blend flavors. Add peanuts and mushroom soup and stir until evenly mixed. Return to boil and simmer 5 minutes longer. Garnishes: parsley sprigs, dashes of chili powder or paprika and extra peanuts. *For a milder stew, use 1⁄2 can (4-ounce size) green chilies. Nutrition per serving: 280 calories; 9g protein; 35g carbohydrate; 12g fat (5g monounsaturated; 2g saturated); 2mg cholesterol; 6g fiber; 740mg sodium. Peanuts and peanut butter are versatile and fit into almost any eating plan. Whether you are trying to eat gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan or heart-healthy meals or just maintain healthy eating habits, peanuts can be part of your diet and add great flavor to your favorite recipes. More recipes, tips and information are at www.nationalpeanut board.org.