Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato BruschettaPerfect Appetizer for a Holiday Party

Share good cheer when you bring this low-fat appetizer to your next holiday gathering. It’s visually appealing and equally satisfying.

Ingredients: yields 14 servings • 3 pints cherry tomatoes• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil• 3 cloves minced garlic• 1/2 tsp. salt• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper• 1/4 c. sliced fresh basil• 1 tbsp. red-wine vinegar• 14 slices baguette, toasted

Directions: Preheat oven to 325°F.1. Toss tomatoes with oil, garlic, salt and pepper. 2. Place on a baking sheet and roast 45 to 55 minutes.3. Combine the roasted tomatoes with basil and vinegar.4. Top baguette slices with the roasted tomato mixture.

Note: Garnish slices with sliced fresh basil for a festive look.

Nutritional Information: serving size: 1 sliceCalories 69; Fat 1g; Carbohydrates 13g; Protein 3g; Fiber 3g; Sodium 178 mg; Potassium 157mg

Eating Well

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW)December 6-12

It’snottoolatetogetyourflushot.NationalInfluenzaVaccinationWeek(NIVW)encourageseveryonesixmonthsandoldertogetvaccinatedagainstinfluenza.Thefluvaccineisespeciallyimportantforprotectingthosewitha high-risk of developing complications including:• Young children• Pregnant women• Adults 65 years and older• Anyone with chronic health conditions like asthma,

diabetes, and heart disease

Blue KC wants to keep you and your family covered this fluseason.Formoreinformationonstayinghealthyandvaccinecoverage,seeourflyer,Team Up With Blue KC Against The Flu.

CDC BlueKC

Love the Holidays...But Dread Gaining Weight?

Don’t let good cheer spread to your waistline. You don’t have to avoid the holiday parties, just the extra cookie and those second helpings. Enjoy gathering with friends and family but arm yourself with these tips to ensure you avoid the holiday bulge.

December 2015

Continued…

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

MyBlueKC.com Insta

Trim back on trimmings. Avoid cream sauces, gravy, butter and whipped cream.

Wear snug clothing.Thecloserfittingyourclothesare,the more likely you are to restrain from overeating.

Don’t skip meals the day of a party. Eat a healthy breakfast.

Wait a half an hour before eating. Check out the food choices and eliminate the ones you don’t want.

Limit the appetizers. Eat the fruits, veggies, or a small handful of unsalted nuts.

Add just two items to your plate at a time. Wait before re-filling,togiveyourbodytimetodigest.

WebMD

The Truth Behind Vitamins and SupplementsDo they work?

Mostofthefoodpeopleeatisfortifiedwithvitaminsand nutrients. However a person’s diet holds the key to whether they’re getting the right amount. If you’re doing yourbesttoeathealthyfoodsbutstillaredeficientinsomeareas, supplements can help.

Calcium - Thumbs up. Extra calcium to protect bone health is safe and routinely prescribed for adults who get too little from food.

Fish oil - The American Heart Association continues to recommendfishoilsupplementsforthoseathighriskofaheart attack.

Antioxidants - Researchers are still studying whether supplemental antioxidants might slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and perhaps prevent noise-related hearing loss.Nutritional profiles are not all the same. Recommended intake varies by age, gender, and even race. Before taking vitamin and mineral supplements, talk to your doctor about your personal dietary plan.

USNews Heart.org

Gifts To Fit Your Budget Holiday Giving

Whetherpartakingintheofficeholidaygiftexchange,white elephant gift exchange or simply looking for that little somethingtogivetoafamilymemberorlovedone,findingthat unique item at the right price can be time-consuming and stressful. Here are some ideas to get you started:

10 GIFTS UNDER $20

$4, Apple Memo Pad - 3D notepad is great for a teacher or the kitchen. kikkerland.com

$5, 3D Specs Contact Lens Case - never lose site of your contacts. francescas.com

$8, Booklight Clothespin - enjoy reading in bed with this four-inch spotlight. kikkerland.com

$8, We Are Happy Sippy Cup - a twist on the iconic deli to-go cup. Great for a new mom. givesimple.com

$8.50, Twizzlie Lollipops -for the chocolate lover.quincandy.com

$10, Feather Pen - a great way to remind and inspire others in handwritten communications. zgallerie.com

$10, Molla Space, Inc. Fork Chopsticks - for the beginning sushi eater, these utensils, transform into “forks.” wayfair.com/RSgifts

$16, Cuba Variety Colognes - a manly set of four totable scents in cigar-shaped glass bottles. fragrancenet.com

$16, Princess Crown Hair Clip - for the girlie-girl - tulle, glitter, and pearls - in one majestic two-inch hair clip. 11main.com

$14-$18 Pet Cookie Cutter - A recipe plus cutter (in paw, bone, or breedshape)fortheanimallover. namethatcookie.com

Real Simple