Holidays http://bestneighborsever.com Wed, 15 Aug 2018 08:00:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Enjoy the Holidays with Food Allergies http://bestneighborsever.com/enjoy-holidays-food-allergies/ Fri, 01 Dec 2017 16:04:17 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=4834 Thanksgiving has passed and now that the holiday season is in full-swing, prepare yourself for more gatherings and even more food. Creamy dips, cheesy casseroles and homemade sweets will likely be on the menu, but what can guests with food allergies enjoy? Adults and children alike suffer from food allergies and this can lead to…

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Thanksgiving has passed and now that the holiday season is in full-swing, prepare yourself for more gatherings and even more food. Creamy dips, cheesy casseroles and homemade sweets will likely be on the menu, but what can guests with food allergies enjoy? Adults and children alike suffer from food allergies and this can lead to feeling left out of the festivities. Here are some helpful tips so both hosts and guests can enjoy this season’s eatings.

For hosts:

  • Offer alternatives. If guests want to contribute, suggest having them bring holiday napkins, utensils or beverages. This way you can limit the amount of food and be mindful of friends with food allergies.
  • Consider making a “natural” turkey. All-natural fresh turkeys are free of antibiotics, hormones and allergens. Some pre-basted turkeys may contain soy, wheat and dairy.
  • Avoid cross-contamination. When preparing food, care with utensils and surfaces is a must. Always scrub all utensils and surfaces with soap and water and wipe clean. Trace amounts of food can cause a reaction for highly allergic people.
  • Label your table. It’s always a good practice when hosting a gathering to label what you are serving, especially if a dish contains nuts or gluten.

 

For guests:

  • Offer to contribute. A polite guest always offers to bring something to the party. A bottle of wine is always a good option. When in doubt, fresh flowers or a festive centerpiece can always be a nice touch.
  • Bring a dish that’s safe. If you have food allergies and even if the party you’re invited to isn’t necessarily a potluck, still bring a dish or two that is safe to eat. This way your guaranteed there’s something you can eat and enjoy with everyone else.
  • Snack beforehand. Nervous about what’s going to be served? Have a light meal before the party and then lightly sample what the host has served. This way you won’t be famished during the party and you can still sample to your liking.
  • Bring medication. Have Benadryl and an EpiPen ready just in case you or someone you know starts exhibiting symptoms of an allergic reaction. Inform others as well on how to administer the medication if needed.

Following these tips will help you plan your menu or at least help organize your holiday game plan with some food allergy knowledge in mind. Just because food allergies exist doesn’t mean you or your friends can’t have a great holiday party.  Always remember to consult your physician if you are unsure if you are allergic to a particular food. Happy Holidays!

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Mueller ER 4th Annual Holiday Charity Toy Drive http://bestneighborsever.com/mueller-er-4th-annual-holiday-charity-toy-drive/ Tue, 23 Dec 2014 10:10:46 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=1393 On Saturday, December 13, 2014, the Mueller Neighbors Emergency Center participated in the 4th Annual Holiday Charity Toy Drive. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children and their families donated new or gently used unwrapped toys so that children in need can have a toy to open on Christmas Day.

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On Saturday, December 13, 2014, the Mueller Neighbors Emergency Center participated in the 4th Annual Holiday Charity Toy Drive. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children and their families donated new or gently used, unwrapped toys so that children in need can have a toy to open on Christmas Day.

Children who donated a toy got to have their picture taken with Santa for free and enjoy Christmas carolers and delicious holiday treats.

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Many children participated in the toy drive and were very excited to see and talk to Santa. All toys will be donated to the Toys for Tots program and distributed to local children in need.

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The Mueller ER is located at 1801 E. 51st. St., Bldg. H., Austin, TX 78745 and can be contacted by phone at 512.322.5104. All of the Neighbors Emergency Centers are ready to treat any emergency quickly and thoroughly 24/7, 365 days a year. Find your nearest Neighbors location at nec24.com.

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Stay Energized During the Holidays http://bestneighborsever.com/stay-energized-holidays/ Sun, 21 Dec 2014 10:00:54 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=1377 This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but most of us are overwhelmed with parties, shopping, and family obligations that it’s hard to enjoy the holiday season. Even though Christmas Day is almost here, and New Years Eve will follow shortly thereafter, that doesn’t mean you’re any less stressed. It seems the closer we get to the big holidays, the more frazzled we get. Here are some easy tips to give you more energy as you enter the holiday home stretch.

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The Most Stressful Time of the Year

This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but most of us are overwhelmed with parties, shopping, and family obligations that it’s hard to enjoy the holiday season. Even though Christmas Day is almost here, and New Years Eve will follow shortly thereafter, that doesn’t mean you’re any less stressed. It seems the closer we get to the big holidays, the more frazzled we get. Here are some easy tips to give you more energy as you enter the holiday home stretch.

Easy Does It

One of the easiest things to do is overeat during the holidays. From office parties to neighborhood potlucks, a bounty of tempting dishes abound. There is nothing wrong with sampling a little of each, but make sure not to binge. When you binge or overeat, the blood in your body rushes to your digestive system to break down all that food leaving you tired and lethargic.

Just a Spoonful

While you are avoiding bingeing, you should also limit your sugar intake. You might get a slight surge of energy after consuming sugary treats, but your blood sugar will spike and then it will plummet leaving you even more tired.

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The best time to eat sweets is with a meal that includes fat, fiber, and protein. These will help metabolize the sugar better into your bloodstream and give your digestive system something substantial to convert to energy.

Caffeine Boost

If you do indulge in some sweet treats, go for chocolate, preferably dark chocolate. This will give you a little pick-me-up because chocolate has caffeine. If you need even more of a caffeine boost, go ahead and have a cup of coffee.

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Try to stay away from those holiday drinks served at coffee shops though. Most are loaded with sugar and will cause an energy crash after the caffeine wears off.

Lace Up Those Sneakers

It may seem counterintuitive, but keeping up with your fitness routine is a great way to have more energy. After a long day, the last thing you may want to do is go to the gym or get in a quick run, but if you force yourself to get in some physical activity, studies show it can boost energy levels.

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Working out can also reduce stress levels, which as we know, can be quite high during the holidays.

These tips may seem difficult to incorporate during one of the most stressful times of the year, but trying at least one may give you a bit more energy, which you will need when your in-laws stay longer than you agreed upon.


If your energy is low due to illness, remember, Neighbors Emergency Centers treat severe cold and flu symptoms like excessive coughing and high hever. Neighbors is open 24/7, 365 days a year, even on Christmas and New Years Day. Find your nearest Neighbors at nec24.com.

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Annual Holiday Charity Toy Drive a Huge Success http://bestneighborsever.com/4th-annual-holiday-charity-toy-drive-huge-success/ Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:00:08 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=1362 On Saturday, December 6, 2014, the Neighbors Emergency Center in Kingwood participated in the 4th Annual Holiday Charity Toy Drive. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children and their families donated new or gently used unwrapped toys so that children in need can have a toy to open on Christmas Day.

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On Saturday, December 6, 2014, the Neighbors Emergency Center in Kingwood participated in the 4th Annual Holiday Charity Toy Drive. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children and their families donated new or gently used unwrapped toys so that children in need can have a toy to open on Christmas Day.

Children who donated a toy got to have their picture taken with Santa for free and enjoy Christmas carolers and delicious holiday treats.

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Many children participated in the toy drive and were very excited to see and talk to Santa. All toys will be donated to the Toys for Tots program and distributed to local children in need.

The Kingwood ER is located at 1120 Kingwood Dr., Kingwood, TX 77339 and can be contacted by phone at 281.358.8488. All of the Neighbors Emergency Centers are ready to treat any emergency quickly and thoroughly 24/7, 365 days a year. Find your nearest Neighbors location at nec24.com.

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Healthy Holiday Dishes for Parties and Potlucks http://bestneighborsever.com/healthy-holiday-dishes-parties-potlucks/ Tue, 16 Dec 2014 22:15:02 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=1350 The post Healthy Holiday Dishes for Parties and Potlucks appeared first on .

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The Most Yummy Time of the Year

During the holiday season, parties and potlucks abound. There are always several high calorie dishes to choose from, but if you’re trying to eat healthy, these events can be stressful and can possibly derail your weight loss efforts. Here are some healthy and delicious ideas for dishes you can bring to your holiday soiree.

Eat Your Greens (and Reds and Whites)

No one wants to be that person who brings a salad to a party, but the Cucumber Avocado Caprese Salad does not contain one leaf of lettuce or alfalfa sprout. Another bonus: it’s so easy to make.

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You might think it’s more of a summer dish, but the red tomatoes and green cucumbers, avocado, and basil embody the classic Christmas colors, and the white mozzarella reminds us of snow. Very festive!

Take a Dip

Spinach artichoke dip is a party staple, but it’s not the most healthy dish on the table. Traditional recipes include cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Just one serving can contain over 300 calories and 19 grams of fat.

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This lighter version contains heart-healthy olive oil and protein-packed Greek yogurt. You can also bring homemade baked pita chips to dip, which makes this appetizer even healthier.

The Sweet Spot

No holiday party is complete without dessert. There will be tons of pies, cakes, and cookies to choose from, but you will feel good bringing these Pumpkin Carrot Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

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For one, the pumpkin and carrots are full of vitamin A. Secondly, the cream cheese frosting will make people think they are decadent, but with ingredients like light cream cheese and skim milk, they are relatively guilt-free but still delicious.

You will be the hit of your next holiday party or potluck, and you can rest easy knowing that you aren’t sabotaging your healthy eating plan or weight loss efforts. Happy holidays!

Here at Neighbors, we know that emergencies can still happen during the holidays. That’s why we are open 24/7, 365 days a year, which means we are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Find your nearest Neighbors at nec24.com.

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Put Those Holiday Leftovers to Work http://bestneighborsever.com/put-holiday-leftovers-work/ Sat, 13 Dec 2014 10:00:23 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=1314 Let’s admit it. Leftovers have it pretty rough. They sit around in the refrigerator for days after their debut, and they usually get pushed to the side and forgotten about until it’s too late and they end up in the garbage. The holidays are prime time for leftovers because of all the parties. Now, instead of throwing out all of that delicious food, here are some exciting recipes to turn those leftovers into crowd-pleasing dishes.

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Languishing Leftovers

Let’s admit it. Leftovers have it pretty rough. They sit around in the refrigerator for days after their debut, and they usually get pushed to the side and forgotten about until it’s too late and they end up in the garbage. The holidays are prime time for leftovers because of all the parties. Now, instead of throwing out all of that delicious food, here are some exciting recipes to turn those leftovers into crowd-pleasing dishes.

Cheese, Please

At many holiday get-togethers, many people serve cheese as appetizers, or you might be fancy and have an entire cheese course during your meal.

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Instead of eating cheese and crackers everyday for a week, you can make mac and cheese from scratch, and just use the cheese leftovers in your recipe. This recipe, made specifically for leftover cheese, is perfect for a weeknight meal or to take to a potluck.

It’s Not the Holidays Without Pizza

Is ordering pizza more your style than hosting a seven course holiday feast? If so, you are bound to have leftover pizza the next day. Instead of eating it cold for breakfast like you did in college, try making a leftover pizza breakfast casserole.

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Are guests staying with you over the holidays? If you want to impress them, make a leftover pizza quiche for breakfast one morning, or have breakfast for dinner.

The Big Bird

During the holidays, a roast turkey is ubiquitous on many dinner tables, and there is usually a lot of it left over. There are only so many turkey sandwiches you can eat, so how about turning that bird into enchiladas, chili, or a tasty pot pie.

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Turning holiday leftovers into mouth-watering meals is so easy, and no one will be the wiser that they were from the night before. Remember, Neighbors Emergency Centers are open 24/7, 365 days a year, which means we are even open on holidays. We hope you don’t need to see us on a holiday, but if you do, we’re here for you.

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Help Us Give Back http://bestneighborsever.com/help-us-give-back/ Sat, 06 Dec 2014 00:18:19 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=1288 Taking care of the people in our communities means the most to us. Of course, for medical emergencies, we’re always here, ready to help. We also want to take care of people, especially during the holidays, through giving.

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Taking care of the people in our communities means the most to us. Of course, for medical emergencies, we’re always here, ready to help. We also want to take care of people, especially during the holidays, through giving.

Fourth Annual Holiday Charity Toy Drive

This December, Neighbors will hold our fourth annual Holiday Charity Toy Drive at our Kingwood, Mueller, and Pearland locations. The Kingwood Toy Drive will occur on Saturday, December 6th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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The Mueller and Pearland locations will host their Toy Drives on Saturday, December 13th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donate a new or gently used toy, and we will redistribute these gifts to children in need.

Invitation to a New Year

Neighbors will be starting the new year off by continuing our dedication to those around us. We will participate in An Epicurean Evening at the Tower Club at the Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas. This event, scheduled for Thursday, January 29th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., will feature delicious dishes from local restaurants.

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Neighbors is proud to attend this event alongside the Baytown Chamber of Commerce. We have donated two tickets and two gift baskets for some lucky guests. With good food and entertainment from local businesses, this promises to be a fun night for all. Tickets may be purchased from the Baytown Chamber of Commerce.

Remember that Neighbors Emergency Centers are here for you to treat any emergency you may have. We are open 24/7/365, and we have short wait times to get you back to doing what you love most. Find your nearest Neighbors at nec.24.com.

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Have Your Dessert and Eat It Too http://bestneighborsever.com/dessert-eat/ Fri, 05 Dec 2014 23:32:24 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=1277 In various countries and cultures, meals typically end with a dessert dish. A sweet treat is a nice way to round out a nutritious dinner. The nutrition doesn’t have to end with the main course, though. Plenty of dessert dishes can be healthy alternatives to heavy cakes and ice creams. During the holidays especially, it’s helpful to remember that these lighter alternatives can make for healthier holiday feasts.

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In various countries and cultures, meals typically end with a dessert dish. A sweet treat is a nice way to round out a nutritious dinner. The nutrition doesn’t have to end with the main course, though. Plenty of dessert dishes can be healthy alternatives to heavy cakes and ice creams. During the holidays especially, it’s helpful to remember that these lighter alternatives can make for healthier holiday feasts.

Getting Fruity

Fruit-based desserts are a great way to replace more sugary and starchy meal cappers. Beyond their natural sweetening and higher fiber content, fruits offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These benefits mean less guilt about grabbing a dessert plate and digging in.

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In addition, a fruity dish can often be a cheaper option, since it often requires less sweetening and thickening agents, like sugar or flour.

Sweet through a Straw

Dessert doesn’t have to arrive on a plate. You can have lots of fun designing desserts to serve in a glass. Dessert beverages allow for similar flavor profiles of traditionally heavier recipes, like cakes, but are often lower in calories and a lighter option after a meal.

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Coffee makes a great base for a liquid dessert, and it’s versatile, so you can spice it up in a variety of ways. Plus, it will give you a little pep in your step for cleanup duties. Add a dollop of lightly whipped cream, and you’ve got a surprisingly healthy and satisfying dish.Here’s a great recipe that allows you to feature the flavors of gingerbread in a coffee cup.

Sugar-free Without Sacrifice

Hardly anyone can deny the wonderful taste of sugar. However, sugar consumption is often linked to health risks like tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes. Replacing the sugar in your recipe with a naturally sweet alternative can provide a healthier way to indulge in dessert.  

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Maple syrup, honey, and molasses can all be used as replacements for traditional white sugar in baking, and coconut sugar can stand in when a recipe calls for granulated sugar.

Remember that Neighbors Emergency Centers are here for you to treat any emergency you may have. We are open 24/7/365, and we have short wait times to get you back to doing what you love most. Find your nearest Neighbors at nec.24.com.

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Enjoy Holiday Meals Without Overdoing It http://bestneighborsever.com/enjoy-holiday-meals-without-overdoing/ Thu, 04 Dec 2014 22:21:08 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=1268 The holidays are a time of merriment and celebration for many. The season offers a chance to gather around a delicious meal, relaxing with friends and family. When faced with all those delectable treats, however, it’s easy to overdo it and end up feeling uncomfortably full or gaining a couple of extra pounds. Here are a few ways to avoid too much stuffing.

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The holidays are a time of merriment and celebration for many. The season offers a chance to gather around a delicious meal, relaxing with friends and family. When faced with all those delectable treats, however, it’s easy to overdo it and end up feeling uncomfortably full or gaining a couple of extra pounds. Here are a few ways to avoid too much stuffing.

Remember to Exercise

With all the planning and cooking, gift-getting and carol singing, exercise might get put on the back burner this time of year. It’s important, though, to try your best to keep up with your regular exercise routine through the holidays.

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Regular exercise will help maintain a healthy metabolism, keep your circulation flowing for those colder evenings, and unclutter your mind to make meal and shopping planning much easier. If you don’t yet have a regular workout routine, the holidays are a great time to start. You can get a jumpstart on all those resolutions by committing yourself to a new exercise plan and welcome the new year with a healthy, positive outlook. Best of all, with so many friends and family around, you might find a workout partner for that extra bit of motivation.

Savor the Meal with the Moments

We’re often encouraged to slow down and enjoy our time with relatives and loved ones during the holiday season. Of course, we agree! It’s also a good idea to slow down while we’re eating our holiday meals. Remember that it takes at least 20 minutes for our brains to register that our stomachs are full. So take your time and savor all the hard work and love that went into the food you’re having. Try eating in smaller portions and guessing at what spices were used in the recipe.

Pretty soon, you’ll be learning how to prepare a new dish from someone at the table, and you’ll have given your stomach time to tell your brain you’re satisfied.

BYOV (Bring Your Own Vegetables)

If you’re attending a holiday potluck, you can help ensure there are lots of healthy options on the table by bringing a dish with a vegetable-heavy ingredient list. Large salads, leafy greens, and vegetable casseroles are all great dishes to contribute to a potluck.

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These items are usually easy to prepare, taking some of the stress out of holiday cooking. Plus, everyone will be thanking you for helping them make healthier choices as well.

Remember that Neighbors Emergency Centers are here for you to treat any emergency you may have. We are open 24/7/365, and we have short wait times to get you back to doing what you love most. Find your nearest Neighbors at nec.24.com.

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We’re Getting in the Holiday Spirit http://bestneighborsever.com/getting-holiday-spirit/ Fri, 21 Nov 2014 18:11:55 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=1254 As the holidays get into full swing, Neighbors will be attending several events throughout the different communities. Come by and see us!

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As the holidays get into full swing, Neighbors will be attending several events throughout the different communities. Come by and see us!

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Timbers Holiday Festival

On Friday, December 5, 2014, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Neighbors will be at the Timbers Holiday Festival at Timbers Elementary School in Atascocita, TX.

There will be vendors, crafts, games, food, and much more! Come have some jolly holiday fun with us! Timbers Elementary School is located at 6910 Lonesome Woods Trail, Atascocita, TX 77346.

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Holiday Tree Lighting and Santa’s Workshop

Also on Friday, December 5, 2014, Neighbors will participate in the Holiday Tree Lighting and Santa’s Workshop in Cedar Park, TX. From 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Neighbors will be at Heritage Oak Park to help kick off the holiday season.

Over 60,000 lights will illuminate the largest live oak tree in Cedar Park. Immediately following the tree lighting, Santa’s Workshop will begin. There will be live music, carriage rides, games and prizes, arts and crafts, and free photos with Santa (please bring your own camera). Admission is free, so bring the whole family for an evening of holiday fun!

At Neighbors Emergency Center, we’re dedicated to providing quality 24 hour emergency care in Houston and Austin, and to giving back to the community. We’re always looking at ways to keep being the best neighbors ever!

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