Jessica Simpson I'm more confident about my body now

Simpson: New Beau, New OutlookJessica Simpson has been the subject of cruel comments about her weight and appearance. Read on to learn how she's gaining her confidence back!

Few celebrities receive more brutal scrutiny on their weight fluctuations than singer and reality star Jessica Simpson. Now, she's speaking out in hopes of encouraging other women to love themselves for who they are.

The cruel taunting has taken its toll on Simpson.

"There's no way you're not going to be affected by the ugly things people say about you," she told USA Today. "It's very hurtful. It definitely brings up a lot of your own insecurities."

30: a turning point

Simpson credits her positive outlook to maturity and a strong relationship with her family.

"The moment I turned 30, I really did feel a switch in my life … I had this coming of age moment … I love the woman inside of me," she said

And her family, including sister Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, is there help boost her self-esteem when she needs it.

"It takes a great family and wonderful friends – and love definitely helps, too -- to get through it."

Boyfriend love

Simpson is also quick to gush about her relationship with New Orlean's Saints football player Eric Johnson.

"I'm the most confident I've ever been," she said of her relationship with Johnson. "[He] brings out a lot of light in me."

Simpson jumped into the relationship with both feet and she's got marriage on her mind -- though not right away.

"[I] definitely dreamed of being married my whole life and having children, so hopefully that's in my future."

More on health and fitness

Marie Claire blog post infuriates readers
Holiday diet tips to stay slim and trim
The secret to avoiding holiday weight

How long do eggs stay good in the refrigerator

Egg Survival It's important to get tips on how to protect yourself and your family from food-related illnesses. It's sometimes easy to determine when food in your refrigerator has gone bad. All you usually have to do is check for mold, or for a foul odor.

Question: How long can you keep eggs in the fridge?

Expert answer: We tell consumers to look to the egg carton dates to judge freshness. A couple of bits of info regarding the sell-by date: The USDA says that the date can be no further ahead than 30 days after the packing date. Your store can choose any day within that 30 days to date the eggs.

If you don't find a date on the carton, using the eggs within three weeks of the carton date should allow them to be used within optimum quality. By "optimum quality," we refer to the fact that the yolk will be high and upstanding, and the white will be tall and firm. As the membrane releases from the shell, the whites spread out, so you want to use fresh eggs for poaching and other recipes where shape is important, and save the older eggs for scrambled eggs and recipes that includes eggs.

Question: How can you tell when eggs have gone bad?

Expert answer: Eggs are one of the few animal foods that you can keep in your fridge and still be optimum quality. Eggs are unlikely to go bad in a refrigerator setting, but would dry up over time. Eggs don't automatically go bad or spoil after date.

If the eggs do not already have salmonella, it will not grow in an egg as it sits in your fridge. If it does contain salmonella, the number of bacteria will be quite small because it does not grow in cold environments, like a refrigerator, and with proper handling, cooking, and other food safety measures, the bacteria will be killed.

More on food Safety

5 Food safety myths debunked
The savvy seven: How to protect your plate
Tips for evaluating food safety after power outage

5 Steps to a healthy social life

Be Social,
Stay HealthyAs we get older, it becomes harder and harder to maintain a healthy social life. But research shows going out and having a ‘girl’s night’ or nurturing old friendships is vital to our long-term mental and physical health. Feeling connected to others reduces stress and is good for the heart. Here are a few things that you can do to improve your social life.

1. Join a book club – or any club!

Meeting new people can be intimidating, but it's much less nerve-wracking if you know you're about to meet people who share a common interest with you. So look in your local newspaper or even on Facebook for "social" or "activity" groups that interest you. You'll instantly feel engaged once you start chatting about your passion with like-minded people.

2. It's not all Sex and the City

While the idea of having a group of gal pals a la Sex and the City may seem like the norm, it's not. In fact, fewer women can say they've been friends with the same group of people since high school. Why? Because as we get older we change. Our wants, desires, likes and dislikes evolve, and so do the types of people we spend time with. So the next time you're feeling disconnected, look around you, you're probably surrounded by people with whom you've developed casual relationships. Whether it's someone from work or someone you see weekly at your book club, all it takes is an invitation for coffee or a run to deepen a bond with another person.

3. Head to happy hour

A great way to enhance your social life is to become more engaged in your work life. Your co-workers and even your boss all have lives and personalities you probably don't see while you're crammed into cubicles during the 9 to 5 grind. By going out after work or catching up with co-workers on their time, you may realize you have more in common with them than you think. And keep in mind, you do, after all, already share the fact you work together.

4. Volunteer

Volunteering is one of the best ways to learn more about your community and become more positively involved in people's lives. Whether you volunteer at a pet shelter or sign up to be a Big Sister, you'll meet tons of people who share the same passions as you do. What's more, most organizations won't ask for more than a few hours of your time each week, so you'll be able to meet like-minded people in a well-spent short period of time.

5. Learn the art of small talk

Striking up a conversation with a random stranger can seem like an incredibly daunting task, but if you hone the art of small talk you may realize it's not as awkward as you first thought. First, get over the fear that you're going to make a fool of yourself and just be yourself. Second, approach any new person you meet with a sincere smile; it will immediately put them at ease. From there, start asking the person questions about their likes or dislikes; if you know you share something in common, such as looking at the same exotic produce in the supermarket, use that as your conversational catalyst. Within minutes, you'll likely find yourself in the midst of a fun get-to-know-you discussion.

You have to be social to improve your social life and, in doing so, you'll also be bettering your health.

Healthy ways to boost your social lifeBreaking the rules of social behavior When gossip is actually healthy How to be a great friend

Heart-shaped brownie treasure boxes

Fill Their Hearts With Love On Valentine's DaySurprise your special valentine with a heart-shaped brownie treasure box. Fill it with candy, ice cream or chocolate kisses and wrap it with a sweet message to proclaim your love.

Skip the traditional card and give your honey an edible valentine instead. Who could resist breaking into a heart-shaped brownie treasure box to find out what sweet surprise is hiding inside? These boxes are bursting with love and will bring a smile to your loved one's lips.

Heart-shaped brownie treasure box recipe

Yields 5-8 completed brownie treasure boxes, depending on size of mold

Ingredients and supplies: 1 box of brownie mixEggs, vegetable oil and water to prepare mixChocolate frosting or chocolate candy meltsItems to put inside: candy, ice cream, strawberries, chocolate kisses, etc.Heart-shaped cookie cutter, the same size as your heart-shaped moldHeart-shaped acrylic boxes for molding brownies (found in most hobby stores)Ribbon or string, for messageSmall slips of paper, for messageDirections:1Bake brownies

Bake brownies in a 9 x 13-inch pan, according to directions on box. While they are still warm, cut brownie hearts with a cookie cutter.

2Fill heart containers

Place each brownie inside a heart-shaped acrylic container.

3Shape brownie hearts

Press them down inside the molds with a spoon or small melon baller. Allow them to cool completely.

4Remove brownie hearts

Remove brownies carefully from plastic molds with a small knife.

5Fill 'em up!

Fill brownies with desired candy, ice cream, strawberries, etc.

6Seal brownie treasure boxes

Pipe a line of chocolate frosting or chocolate candy melts along the edge. Align the tops and press closed to seal shut. Clean off any excess frosting or chocolate candy melt from edges.

7Add your Valentine's Day message

Tie your sweet message around the brownie boxes with a ribbon or string, if desired, and present to your valentine.

More food crafts

Fruit Roll-Ups fortune cookie valentines
Edible teacup cookies
Pop-up groundhog cookies

Tonight's Dinner Creamy polenta with sausages and roasted grapes recipe

Grapes Get Even Sweeter When RoastedDuring these summer months there's so much fruit available you could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner and never have the same kind twice. And while fresh, raw fruit is delicious as a meal or a snack, roasting or grilling it makes for an even sweeter treat.

Sausage is a delicious protein. It doesn't matter if you grill it and stick it in a bun with mustard or chop it up, fry it and serve it with eggs. No matter how you choose to eat your sausage, it's always a delicious, savory option. But when you roast sausage with your favorite fruit, you not only get a sweet side dish, you also get a sweeter protein.

This is where it gets difficult, though. What kind of fruit should you use? While peaches and plums are a scrumptious choice for roasting and grilling, seedless grapes are also good and a slightly more unusual choice this time of year. That's because the juice that escapes when they're cooked combines with the juice of the sausages to create an awesome sauce that blends perfectly with the polenta.

Creamy polenta with sausages and roasted grapes

Serves 4

Ingredients:1/2 cup cornmeal2 teaspoons ground thyme, dividedSalt and pepper to taste2 tablespoons unsalted butter1 pound hot or sweet Italian sausage1/3 cup chicken broth1 pound red seedless grapes, cut into bunches1 shallot, finely chopped1/3 cup dry white wine, like chardonnayDirections:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.Whisk together the polenta, one teaspoon of thyme and two-and-one-half cups of water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a plate and microwave for four minutes. Carefully remove the plate and whisk the polenta. Cover and microwave for another four minutes. Repeat until the polenta is thick and creamy, about 12 minutes. Stir in the butter, season with salt and pepper and set aside.While the polenta cooks, heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausages and fry until browned, about four minutes. Add the broth, remaining thyme, grapes and shallots and place in the oven. Roast until the grapes begin to carmelize and the sausages are cooked through, about 15 minutes.Spoon the polenta into shallow bowls and place the sauasages and grapes on top.Deglaze the pan with wine, drizzle the sauce over the sausages and serve.

More Tonight's Dinner recipes >>Other grape recipes

Banana grape milk
Concord grape glogg
Spinach, grape and bacon salad

Star Jones Heart disease happens to women

Rise up
& fight heart disease

I, like a lot of women, grew up being told that I could be whatever I wanted to be and do whatever I wanted to do if I just put my mind to it. What we don’t often hear until it may be too late is that heart disease can cut our big plans short.

Heart disease happens to women

When I thought of heart disease, I always thought that's an old, white guy disease. I told myself, “That could never happen to me.” But three years ago, it did happen to me. And it happens to countless other women across the country each day. Heart disease affects more than 43 million of our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends in the US. Not only is it the No. 1 killer of women, but it kills one in three women each year.

A healthy lifestyle can inspire

I didn’t know it when I was growing up, but my family history had already placed me at risk for developing heart disease. Coupled with obesity and a past lifestyle that was sedentary and unfit only added to the risk. I made major changes to change my health. Weight loss surgery, a healthier diet and exercise resulted in a 150-pound reduction of my weight. Yet heart disease still found its way to my door. I found out that I had fluid around my heart, a faulty aortic valve and a genetic disorder that required open-heart surgery to save my life. Immediately, I decided to take control of my body, my health and my future. Facing down heart disease gave me purpose and inspired me to help the countless others in this sisterhood who represent the faces of heart disease.

Rise up and join your sisters to fight heart disease"Heart disease affects more than 43 million of our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends in the US."

For more almost three years now, I’ve served as the National Volunteer for the American Heart Association (AHA) and have learned more about how I fell into the crosshairs for heart disease. It turns out that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for all women, and while African American and Hispanic women are naturally at a greater risk for developing heart conditions, only about 20 to 30 percent of us actually think that we’re at risk. How can we expect to fight the disease if we don’t even know we are in danger?

This is exactly why the passionate women involved in the Go Red For Women movement have been raising their voices for 10 years to share the truth about heart disease. I’m thankful every day that I’ve been able to rise up with my sisters to fight against heart disease, and now I’m rallying others to join this fight. Let’s shout even louder to spread the word and encourage our sisters to take the Go Red Heart CheckUp to assess their own risk factors.

Commit to lifelong heart health

Making heart-healthy decisions is a life-long commitment, and it takes a lot of work. This February, for American Heart Month, I’m engaging in a month-long personal nutrition and fitness challenge where I will participate in a physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, whether it be working out with my Equinox trainer, just taking a long walk or joining my favorite SoulCycle spinning class. I've decided to kick my heart health into high gear by "restarting" my nutritional clock with a month-long nutrient filled Daily Benefit program for optimal heart health. I’m also committed to supporting my heart sisters in style by wearing red every day throughout American Heart Month, starting on February 1, which was the 10th annual National Wear Red Day.

This year, you can support the cause by participating in the Go Red For Women America Goes Red Challenge, which is asking women across America to go red bigger than ever this year! So help us fight against this silent enemy and put an end to heart disease. Because our health is non-negotiable, because we have the power to save our lives and because the best force for women is women.

For she who has health... has hope, and she who has hope... has everything!

More heart-healthy tips for women

New research on women and heart disease
Natural ways women can prevent heart disease
How the flu can hurt your heart health

7 Best exercises during your period

Top Workouts
For Your PeriodStudies vary widely regarding menstruation's effects on workouts. Some say it helps, while others say it harms. Still others say it’s easier to get injured. The truth is that there’s only one real rule for working out during your period: Listen to yourself.

If you're cramping in a major way, listen to your body and take the day off. One day off every month really isn't a bad thing. Then again, if you forego your fitness routine from the first hint of PMS to the last day of your period, you'll be sitting on the couch for nearly two weeks every month without exercise -- and that's too long. So, here are seven exercises that might be perfect for you during your period.

Walking

Even experts against a hardcore workout on your period have to agree that a walk gets you moving without injury or danger. So, put on some sneakers and sunblock, and hit the road. Walking by itself isn't a huge calorie burner, but you will feel good about the fact that you exercised. Don't stress the exact calorie count.

Running

If you're feeling up for a jog, go for it. The endorphins you release during an intesnse cardio workout can help you beat the period ickies that you may be feeling. Hydrate well before, after and during your run, if possible; some researchers say you dehydrate more easily on your period. Whether that's true or not, err on the side of safety and keep drinking.

Yoga

Yoga is very customizable; many poses have options to match your skill level. Inversions aren't recommended during your period, although this has no definitive medical basis. Still, having the option to relax in the goddess position if you're not up for a headstand is nice.

aerobics

Sometimes, when you're on your period, you just want to go a little crazy. Aerobic exercise is the perfect way to let loose. Plus, aerobics classes are typically held in a low-pressure environment where the focus is on fun.

dancing

Shaking it up on the dance floor isn't exercise in the traditional sense, but it will rev your heart rate and burn some calories. This is a great option because it doesn't feel like exercise -- and when you're on your period, you might need a little motivation to get gussied up and feel great about who you are. Stepping out into an evening of dancing and fun will certainly give you that extra oomph and make you feel fabulous.

Planking

When it's that time of the month, all you want to do is stay home and watch Lifetime movies. Make the most of your TV time by holding a plank position during the commercials: 

Get down on the floor.Put your arms and elbows under your chest.Raise your body using just your forearms and toes, and hold.

This is an intense all-over workout. Start by holding your plank during every other commercial and work up to holding through an entire commercial break.

Working out from home

Pop in an exercise DVD or pull up an on OnDemand workout. You don't need to dress in fancy workout gear, and quitting early won't be embarrassing if you're just doing it in your living room. Only you will know that you sweated to the oldies in your flannel nightie for exactly 14 minutes before sinking back into your couch to watch the Real Housewives reunion. (Nothing makes you feel less hormonal than watching legit crazy people, right?)

Don't use your period as an excuse to forget your fitness routine -- but do listen to your body if you need a break from it. Give some of the above workouts a try.

More health tips for women

Quiz: Do you take good care of your body?
Pap Smears 101: What you need to know
6 Ways to boost your body confidence

Meatless Monday Avocado, roasted red pepper and provolone panini

Flatten Your Food!Sometimes it's hard to get a bite of a sandwich that's piled high with ingredients. Enter the panini: Perfectly pressed to easily enjoy!

Taking part in Meatless Monday? This recipe for avocado, roasted red pepper and provolone panini is simple, but sure to satisfy. The peppers in this pressed sandwich are hearty and might just take the place of the meat. Mashed avocado serves a few purposes: They're delicious, they'll stay on the sandwich better mashed and you won't need sandwich spread like mayo. The provolone cheese provides all the gooey goodness!

No panini press? No problem!

You can still enjoy a pressed panini sandwich at home, even if you don't own a panini press. Here's a DIY press method that makes great sandwiches:

Prep your sandwiches and place them near the stove.Place one skillet over medium-high heat and add nonstick cooking spray.Put the sandwich on the skillet. Place the bottom of the second skillet on top of the sandwich.Carefully place four canned goods in the skillet to help weigh it down, pressing on the sandwich.Cook for a few minutes until the sandwich begins to toast slightly.Remove the canned goods and top skillet, flip the sandwich and replace the skillet and canned goods until the second side is toasted.Avocado, roasted red pepper and provolone panini recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients:2 ripe avocados, peeled and mashed4 slices thick, Italian-style bread4 slices provolone cheese, divided6 ounces roasted red peppers, divided3-4 tablespoons softened butter or vegetable spread, divided1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepperDirections:

If using a panini press, preheat it to 375 degrees F and set it to medium-high.Lay out all four of your bread slices and spread one side of each slice with the butter or vegetable spread.On a plate, flip over two slices of bread so the butter is on the bottom of the plate.Add the salt and pepper to the mashed avocado and mix well.Divide the avocado evenly and spread it on the bread.Lay the roasted red peppers over the avocado, then top with two slices of provolone cheese per sandwich.Top with the remaining slices of bread so the buttered side is on the outside of the sandwich.If you're using a panini press, add the sandwiches to the griddle and close the press. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted on both sides.If you're using your own press method with the two skillets as described above, cook your sandwiches for about five minutes, flipping once, so both sides are golden and toasted and the cheese is melted.

A flattened — and delicious — sandwich is great on a Meatless Monday!

More Meatless Monday recipes

Pasta with cremini mushrooms
Green bean and ricotta frittata
Black bean and corn green chili enchiladas

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Turkey panini with a spicy strawberry spread

Date Night Dishes...
Panini PicnicKick up your feet, sit back and relax while your man plans date night. An indoor picnic and a tasty sandwich will be just the remedy for a long week.

Turkey panini with a spicy strawberry spread

Sometimes ladies long for a fancy date night complete with a cute dress, a swanky restaurant and a bottle of wine. Then there are other times when staying in and reading a magazine while your date prepares a meal sounds just as appealing. Taking the time to plan a romantic night in and do the cooking is not only appreciated, but it will save you some cash too. An indoor picnic is a fun way to switch things up and make the date feel like something special. Spread a blanket on your living room floor, add in a few bottles of beer, a small jar filled with hand-picked flowers and some finger foods and you are set. It's not fancy or expensive, but your leading lady will appreciate your sweet gesture and you'll appreciate not having to leave a tip.

If cooking a meal gives you anxiety, keep it simple by sticking to standard picnic fare. This Panini doesn't involve unheard of ingredients, fancy kitchen tools, or impossible techniques, but the end result will make you feel like a true chef and your lady will feel sufficiently pampered!

Serves 2

Ingredients: ¼ thinly sliced deli turkey4 slices of thickly sliced, crusty sourdough bread2 slices of provolone cheese1 small avocadoOlive OilSalt and Pepper1 clove of garlic¼ cup strawberry jam½ of a Serrano pepper2 tablespoons of diced green chilesDirections:

Brush one side of each piece of bread with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. On the opposite side of the bread layer the turkey, cheese, and avocado. Slice the Serrano pepper in half and remove the seeds. Dice the Serrano pepper into tiny pieces and mix that and the green chiles into the strawberry jam. Spread the mixture on one side of the sandwich. Place the sandwiches oiled side down on a Panini maker or on a flat pan on the stove. Cook each side until it is light brown and crispy and the cheese has melted. Remove from heat and rub each side with the clove of garlic.Serve immediately.

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Planning tips for meals on the go

Work Now,
Eat LaterBusy families need healthy and nutritious meals, but eating right isn't easy when you’re always on the run. With a little planning, you can make sure your family is getting what they need to keep those energy levels high.

Shop smart

Meats and poultry: Buy your main-course meats and poultry in bulk; divide it into meal-size portions and freeze in containers. Before bed or first thing in the morning, transfer one of the containers to the fridge for that evening's dinner. Always keep a supply in the freezer, and you'll always be prepared for meals.

Fruits and vegetables: Cut up fruits and veggies as soon as you get home from the store. You'll eat more of them if they're always ready to eat. Plus, chopped vegetables will always be ready to toss into a quick salad or dinner side dish.

Grains: Cook a large batch of grains (e.g., rice) and freeze in meal-size portions. Grains thaw quickly, and you'll be ready to stir fry in no time at all.

I thought my family was too small to buy in bulk, but I've learned how to use my freezer to our advantage. Now I buy more food at a time, which saves me money and time. I shop monthly rather than weekly. ~Deb

Buying in bulk: What you should know >>

Cook once & serve twice (or more)

You already have your main-course foods stored in portion-sized containers in the freezer. Brown your ground beef and cook your chicken, and you'll have the main ingredient to many of your family's favorite meals: tacos, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken stir-fry, meatloaf, casseroles and more.

Save even more time by browning or cooking several meat/poultry portions. Use what you need now and refrigerate the rest to use over the next three days.

As soon as your bring your ground beef home, form it into hamburger patties. Place a cupcake liner between each patty, wrap first with waxed paper and then with heavy-duty foil, and place in a freezer bag. Label it with the date and contents. ~Genevieve

Tasty recipes with leftovers >>

Make ahead & serve later

Many of us find that cooking on a weekend afternoon is easier than during the week. If this applies to your household, take advantage of those weekends to fill your freezer with a week's worth of meals.

Then, each weekday morning, you can simply retrieve one dinner, put it in the fridge to thaw and warm it up in the oven or microwave for dinner. You'll enjoy the affordability and nutrition of a home-cooked meal with the convenience of a store-bought frozen dinner.

Don't forget dessert! Make a batch of cookie dough, wrap 1-tablespoon balls in waxed paper, and freeze. Right before dinner, pull out as many as you need, place on a cookie sheet and bake at 325F until done (about 10 minutes).

7-Day meal planning: Save money and time >>

Store appropriately

When you prepare food in advance and eat meals on the go, having the proper food storage and travel containers is important.

Freezing: Every layer you put between your food and the freezer will help prevent freezer burn.

Bread: Wrap in waxed paper, seal with tape and place in a freezer bag. (When used this way, freezer bags are reusable.)Meat: Place meat portions (cooked or uncooked) in waxed paper, wrap with foil and place in a freezer bag.Soup or stew: Line a freezer container with foil, pour in the soup/stew, cover with another piece of foil and seal.

With a Sharpie and some masking tape, label every item you freeze with the date and contents of the package.

6 Freezer staples you shouldn't be without

Traveling: If your family is too busy to eat at the table, at least make sure their food is transported safely. Insulated containers are a must to keep foods at the appropriate temperatures and prevent spoiling.

More on-the-go food ideas

Great food accessories for travel
On-the-go snack essentials
Satisfying snack ideas

Living with epilepsy

Tips To Deal
With EpilepsyWhen Veronica Crowe was a young girl, she would often feel herself "spacing out" for 30 seconds or so when staring at the television. She couldn't see the screen clearly or hear sounds around her. Doctors did not realize that the staring spells were actually seizures until Veronica was 13 years old when she had a more serious seizure, saw a neurologist and, after months of testing, was finally diagnosed with epilepsy. Now at 29, she's reaching out to help others overcome the hurdles of living with epilepsy.

Having epilepsy doesn't mean limiting your life

Veronica Crowe works as a librarian at a Dallas law firm. She is planning, for the first time, to travel independently abroad. She's going to Italy for her 30th birthday. It's quite a leap for a woman who moved back home with her mom after college, fearful that a seizure would land her in the hospital.

Crowe is one of three million Americans living with epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurring unprovoked seizures. She credits her current independence and happiness to her supportive family, and determination to find the right doctor. She wants to inspire others to take control of their own situations and become an advocate for their own health with the medical community.

"Finding the right medication took away some of the fear, giving me the strength to believe I didn't need to have someone to watch over me constantly so I could finally live the life of an independent adult," she says. "Now I am ready to travel, even alone if necessary. As long as I take the proper precautions, I feel very safe on my own."

Build a support network for information and courage

Crowe is starting her own support group, and is considering a graduate degree to become a counselor.

"Starting a support group is important to me because I hadn't met another person with epilepsy until six years after I was diagnosed," Crowe says. "Had I known someone else in my same situation in those early years, I would not have felt so abnormal and confused. This feeling never fully goes away because so many people do not understand seizures, so it's helpful to have others around who understand exactly what you are going through."

Spot the signs: Kids who "space out" may need help

Crowe would "space out" while she was watching television, unable to hear or speak. Sometimes her mom would call her and become angry when Crowe didn't respond. She thought Crowe was ignoring her. These staring spells turned out to be seizures, but remained undiagnosed until she had a larger seizure at age 13 and went through months of testing.

"I knew this was not normal and should not be happening," she says of the episodes. "I was upset that my mother did not understand what was happening to me but I could not explain something I did not understand either."

Initially, Crowe was treated by a neurologist who frequently changed her medications, but Crowe never felt like he had a real interest in helping her attain "seizure control."

At 18, she took charge. She found an epilepsy specialist who has treated her for more than 10 years. The turning point came when the specialist suggested Crowe enroll in a clinical trial for a new medication. Success followed; Crowe finally had seizure control and the independence that she was seeking.

Finding a competent, understanding doctor is important

Crowe is determined to inspire others to take similar control of their health care and find the right solutions.

"Epilepsy is a confusing and frustrating disorder and I believe patients need specialists who will listen and have their best interests in mind instead of switching to and from different medications each time one does not work," she says. "Specialists have more options to offer a patient, such as clinical trials, vagal nerve stimulator, or surgery. The main point is to aim for seizure freedom with minimal side effects."

Tell others what to expect from seizures

Crowe recommends talking about your seizures with your loved ones and others with whom you spend time. Most people living with epilepsy tend to warn the people around them about what to do if they have a seizure, but most can't explain exactly what happens, she says.

"Unfortunately when someone sees you have a seizure for the first time, they will be scared and refuse to believe you are 'back to normal' for a long time," she explains. "It is important for people to know."

Advocate for your own health care

Crowe recommends the following tips to help others with epilepsy advocate for their health:

Visit EpilepsyAdvocate.com as a starting point to begin research and find a support group. Ask questions. Don't be afraid that you're question is silly or off-base. Just ask. Don't be afraid to seek a new physician if you're not satisfied with the answers or care you are receiving. Bring your family and friends into your confidence. They can not only help you manage your illness, in some cases, but can be excellent sounding boards as you sort through everything there is to know. Do your own research. Never give up.

Epilepsy is a daunting disease, but it can be managed and you can live a full and happy life if you take charge of your health.

More on epilepsy Breakthrough treatment for kids with epilepsy Epilepsy medications may cause sexual disorders Beckhams son has epilepsy

Gluten-free Goodie of the Week Fruit and nut clusters

Chewy And
Gooey Treats!These clusters are more of an ooey-gooey, sit-down treat than grab-and-go snack bar, but that's okay. They taste so good you really won't mind!

Mix up a treat that has a little of everything: dried fruit, nuts, gluten-free cereal and chocolate chips, too, if you choose. If you're looking for a Gluten-free Goodie of the Week recipe to please, try this one… it pairs perfectly with a tall glass of milk! The choices are yours when it comes to the ingredients. Mix things up by using your favorite nuts and dried fruit for a personalized combination.

Note: Gluten can be found in many different foods and products, from ketchup to soy sauce to candy and seasonings. While SheKnows.com tries to ensure these recipes are gluten-free, carefully read the ingredient labels of all food and food products you use for these recipes to ensure they are also gluten-free.Fruit and nut cluster recipe

Yields about 20 clusters

Recipe adapted from Bob's Red Mill

Ingredients:1-1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten-free Quick Rolled Oats1-1/2 cups gluten-free flakes cereal1/2 cup chopped almonds1/2 cup chopped peanuts2/3 cup dried apricots, diced1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)2 tablespoons butter3 tablespoons brown sugar2/3 cup honey1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon ground ginger2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract1 teaspoon saltNonstick cooking sprayDirections:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil. Lightly spray one with nonstick cooking spray, and set it aside.Add the rolled oats to the baking sheet without the cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly toasted, then remove from the pan from the oven and set aside.When the gluten-free oatmeal has cooled, add it to a large bowl along with the gluten-free flakes cereal, almonds, peanuts, and apricots and mix well.Add the butter to a large saute pan over medium heat. When the butter melts, add the honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and salt to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat.Immediately pour the butter mixture over the cereal, nuts and fruit. Use a rubber spatula to mix all the ingredients together so they're well coated.*Add the mixture to the reserved baking sheet. Use a rubber spatula to spread out the mixture so it's about 1/2-inch thick, in the shape of a rectangle.Allow the bars to cool completely, then use a butter knife to carefully cut into clusters or squares.

Note

If using chocolate chips, allow the butter mixture to cool a bit, then add the chocolate chips to the cereal, nuts and fruit mixture. Once cooled, pour the butter mixture over all the other ingredients.

These clusters make a great Gluten-free Goodie of the Week!

More Gluten-free Goodie of the Week recipes

Oatmeal-apple cookies
Chocolate truffle cakes
Cinnamon graham crackers