Blog - Well Rooted Wellness

Refreshing Green Juice Recipe

Health

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January 1, 2026

Green juice has become more popular in recent years, especially during fasting or detox. It’s one of those wellness trends people either swear by or completely write off. For some it’s a daily habit that brings energy, while others just notice blood sugar spikes and get hangry (hungry + angry).

I’ve experimented with green juice for years. And while they’re not a magical cure all, they can have some very real benefits. It depends on how you use it, what you put in it, and when you drink it.

Instead of framing it as simply a detox or a meal replacement, I look at green juice as a healthy addition. When used intentionally as a nutrient boost (not a nutritional crutch) it can be a really helpful addition to a whole-foods lifestyle.

Green Juice as a Meal Replacement

One of the most common ways people use green juice is as a breakfast replacement or as part of a juice fast. It sounds great: flood the body with vitamins and give your digestion a “break.” But in reality, that approach can backfire.

Juicing removes most of the insoluble fiber from fruits and vegetables. Fiber plays an important role in slowing down sugar absorption, feeding beneficial gut bacteria, and helping us feel full. Without it, juices, especially fruit juice, can quickly raise blood sugar. Sugary juice for breakfast means higher cortisol levels, energy crashes, sugar cravings later in the day, and disrupted hunger hormones.

This is why I’m not a huge fan of drinking only juice for breakfast. I like to front-load my hydration and protein early in the day to stabilize blood sugar and support hormones. Research consistently shows that higher-protein breakfasts keep us feeling fuller longer. They also help with insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health compared to carbohydrate-heavy ones. Starting the day with juice alone doesn’t offer those benefits.

That said, a green juice doesn’t have to be sugary or metabolically disruptive.

Green Juice as a Nutrient Boost

I prefer to think of green juice as concentrated nourishment. A well-made green juice is naturally lower in sugar than most juicing recipes. Plus you get a large amount of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that are easily absorbed.

According to the CDC, about 90% of Americans don’t eat enough veggies. Even with the best intentions, getting several cups of leafy greens, herbs, and hydrating vegetables into meals every single day is a challenge. Green juice is an easy way to get more veggie nutrition without all of that chewing.

Another benefit is hydration. Green juices contain potassium, magnesium, sodium, and trace minerals that help water actually move into cells. This is why many people find green juice more hydrating than plain water alone. Proper hydration isn’t just about fluid, it’s about electrolytes, and vegetables naturally provide them in balanced amounts.

Of course, eating whole fruits and veggies is still important!

Juicing vs. Smoothies: Why Both Have a Place

I love smoothies, especially ones that combine fruit, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. They’re filling, support healthy blood sugar, and taste refreshing. Sometimes drinking a thick smoothie feels like too much though. It can be heavy, especially if digestion is sluggish or appetite is low. Juicing is a great alternative.

By removing most of the insoluble fiber, you’re able to get the nutrients without getting full so fast. Vitamins and antioxidants are absorbed quickly in liquid form since our body doesn’t have to work as hard to digest them. For someone recovering from illness, dealing with low appetite, or just looking for an easy nutrient boost, juicing can be incredibly helpful.

Juicing isn’t better than blending, it’s just different. Smoothies are more complete and filling. Juices are lighter and more concentrated. Having both tools gives you flexibility instead of forcing one approach to fit every situation.

Hydration at the Cellular Level

Hydration is about more than drinking enough water. Our cells need minerals for proper fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle function. When we don’t have enough minerals, water doesn’t hydrate as effectively.

Vegetables like celery and cucumber are naturally rich in electrolytes, especially potassium and sodium. Coconut water adds additional potassium and small amounts of magnesium. Together, these ingredients support cellular hydration.

Studies on electrolyte balance show that fluids with minerals are retained better than plain water, especially during physical activity or periods of stress. While green juice isn’t a replacement for water, it can be a meaningful complement to hydration. Especially for anyone struggling to drink enough fluids throughout the day.

The Benefits of Green Juice Ingredients

I’ll get to the actual recipe in just a second, but first I wanted to explain why I chose these ingredients. You’ll notice there’s a whole lot of veggies and not a lot of fruit here. And the fruits I do use are naturally very low in sugar. This combination offers hydration, micronutrients, antioxidants, and gentle digestive support.

Celery

I’m a big fan of celery juice even by itself. Celery is high in water, potassium, and sodium, which is great for hydration and electrolyte balance. Unlike conventional sports drinks, celery provides these minerals in a whole-food form our body recognizes and uses more efficiently. It’s great for anyone who feels dehydrated despite drinking water.

Celery also has antioxidant flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin, which have been studied for their anti-inflammatory effects. You’ll also get vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and iron with celery.

Cucumber

Next to celery, cucumbers are one of the most hydrating vegetables, with over 95% water content. They also provide small but meaningful amounts of potassium and vitamin K to support fluid balance and normal blood clotting. Their high water content also helps dilute some of the stronger flavors in green juice.

Beyond hydration, cucumbers have antioxidants like cucurbitacins and flavonoids. Researchers have found that the compounds in cucumbers have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects. Plus, cucumber is just so refreshing.

Green Apple

Green apples add just enough natural sweetness to balance out the bitter greens without adding too much sugar. Compared to sweeter apple varieties, green apples are lower in fructose and have a more gradual impact on blood sugar when used in small amounts.

They also have polyphenols like quercetin, an antioxidant that helps support the immune system. Not only does quercetin show anti-cancer activity, but it’s also antiviral and supports healthy blood vessels. And with potassium, B vitamins, and vitamin K, it’s a delicious and healthy addition to green juice.

Kale

Most green juice recipes feature leafy greens like spinach, kale, or chard. Kale is really nutrient-dense, providing vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate and manganese. These nutrients support immune function, collagen production, and normal blood clotting, all of which are essential for overall health.

More importantly, kale is low in oxalates compared to greens like spinach and Swiss chard. It also has calcium, which can bind to oxalates in the digestive tract and reduce absorption. Not everyone has issues with high oxalate foods, but over time, especially in large amounts, they can cause problems.

Lemon Juice

Lemon adds brightness and some tang from vitamin C, a key nutrient for immune health and collagen synthesis. Vitamin C also enhances the absorption of certain minerals, including non-heme iron from plant foods. Lemon stimulates digestion and can help green juice feel lighter, especially when combined with mineral-rich vegetables.

Some recipes call for adding a peeled lemon to the juicer, but I don’t want to bother with peeling a lemon. Instead, I just cut it in half and squeeze the lemon juice in. It’s also great for grip strength!

Ginger

Ginger has been used for thousands of years to support digestion, circulation, and immune health. Modern researchers have looked at its active compounds for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ginger can help calm nausea and move food from the stomach into the intestines for better digestion.

It’s warming and I love the bit of a spicy kick it adds.

Parsley

When you think of parsley, garnishes on restaurant plates and hospital food may come to mind. In reality though, parsley is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in vitamins C and K and chlorophyll to support immune function, detox, and blood health.

Parsley also has apigenin, a flavonoid known for its antioxidant and cell-protecting properties. Traditionally, parsley has been used to support kidney and urinary health.

Coconut Water

Optional, but I like adding this sometimes for more electrolytes. Coconut water naturally contains potassium, magnesium, and sodium to support electrolyte balance and hydration. These minerals are vital for regulating nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and fluid movement into cells.

When used in moderation, coconut water gives the green juice an extra hydration boost without overdoing it on the sugar. Be sure to look for coconut water without added sugar!

Oxalates, Greens, and Context

Oxalates are naturally occurring and found in many plant foods. They often get labeled as bad, but it’s not so simple. We only absorb about 2–5% of oxalates in our food. When we eat high-oxalate foods on an empty stomach or in large amounts (especially in liquid form) absorption can increase to around 10–12%.

Too many oxalates can irritate the kidneys and contribute to kidney stones for some people. It’s also important to note that only about 20% of our oxalates come from food. The rest are produced in our bodies naturally through metabolism and other factors.

This is one reason I prefer kale over spinach in green juice. Kale is low in oxalates and also contains calcium. Oxalates carry a negative charge and readily bind to positively charged minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. When we eat oxalate-rich foods alongside calcium, it reduces the absorption.

Who Should Drink Green Juice?

Green juice can be especially helpful for people who:

Struggle to eat enough vegetables
Have low appetite or difficulty digesting large meals
Need extra hydration and electrolytes
Want a light, nutrient-dense snack between meals
Want a nutrition boost

Green juice that’s heavy on fruit isn’t ideal for anyone with unstable blood sugar or as a meal replacement. Like most wellness tools, it’s about using it intentionally.

Green Juice Recipe

This delicious green juice has a pleasant earthy taste with a sour twist from the lemon.

4 stalks celery (leaves removed)
1 green apple (cut in quarters)
1 cucumber
6 leaves kale
2 inches fresh ginger
½ cup fresh parsley
½ lemon
¼ cup coconut water (optional)

Add all of the ingredients except lemon and coconut water to the juicer.
Once the juice is pressed, squeeze in the lemon juice and add the coconut water if desired.
Keep in the fridge for up to 72 hours.

Nutrition Facts

Green Juice Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 113
Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 0.2g1%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g

Sodium 127mg6%

Potassium 849mg24%

Carbohydrates 25g8%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 15g17%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 5083IU102%

Vitamin C 78mg95%

Calcium 178mg18%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Opt for organic produce as much as possible.
Add more or less of certain ingredients to suit your tastes.
With my juicer, I found it worked best to add the leafy greens first before adding the other veggies.

How To Make Green Juice Without a Blender

If you don’t have a juicer, you can still make green juice. Add all of the ingredients to your blender and add just enough water or coconut water to get the mixture to blend. After you’ve blended it to a smooth consistency, use a fine mesh strainer to remove the fiber.

How Long Does Fresh Green Juice Last?

I’m a big fan of bulk meal prepping whenever I can for faster meals. Juicing doesn’t always work well with that strategy though. Low-acid green juices (like this recipe) will last for 24-72 hours in the fridge before they start to go bad. I like to drink it fresh as soon as I make it, but you can make a few days’ worth at a time if you prefer.

Final Thoughts on Green Juice

While green juice does help our bodies detox and function better, you don’t need to go on a full green juice cleanse. It is however a great way to pack in some extra nutrition from fruits and veggies. When used thoughtfully, it can support hydration, boost nutrition, and overall vitality without sabotaging blood sugar.

Using green juice alongside real food and prioritizing protein and healthy fats helps support the body rather than overwhelm it. Play with the ingredients and the amounts to suit your tastes!

Are you a fan of green juice? What are some of your favorite ways to use it? Leave a comment and let us know!

What to Do with a Christmas Tree After Christmas?

Gardening

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January 1, 2026

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What to Do with a Christmas Tree After Christmas?

So… Christmas is over. The lights are packed away, the ornaments are back in their boxes, and now you’re standing there looking at your tree thinking, “Okay, what now?”

Good news — your Christmas tree’s job isn’t finished yet.

Real Christmas trees are 100% biodegradable and surprisingly useful long after the holidays end. Instead of tossing it to the curb, you can give it a second life that’s good for your garden, wildlife, and even your community. Let’s break down all the clever ways to make the most of it.

Composting and Mulching

One of the easiest and most eco-friendly options is turning your Christmas tree into compost or mulch.

Pine needles break down slowly, helping improve soil structure and prevent compaction. They’re especially helpful in gardens with heavier or alkaline soil. If you have a wood chipper, run the tree through it and add the chips to your compost pile or spread them around garden beds.

No chipper? No problem. Cut the tree into smaller sections and let them break down naturally. Many cities also offer Christmas tree recycling programs where trees are shredded into free mulch for community use — definitely worth checking out.

Also Read: How Long Does Christmas Tree Last?

Garden Protection and Support

Your tree can keep working even in the coldest months.

Lay branches over garden beds to insulate plants from harsh temperatures and sudden freeze–thaw cycles. This natural cover helps protect roots and keeps soil from eroding during winter storms.

The trunk can also be repurposed as a sturdy support for climbing plants like beans, peas, or cucumbers in the spring. Bundle several trunks together to create a simple garden trellis or teepee structure that looks rustic and functional.

Creating a Wildlife Haven

Old Christmas trees make excellent shelters for local wildlife.

Set one up in your yard and decorate it with bird feeders, pinecones, or suet cages. Birds will quickly turn it into a safe haven for resting and nesting. The dense branches offer protection from wind and predators, making it especially valuable during colder months.

If you live near a lake or pond, some wildlife agencies accept trees for fish habitat projects. Submerged trees provide shelter for fish and help improve underwater ecosystems. Just be sure to check local guidelines before placing a tree in water.

What Happens to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree?

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has a second life that’s just as meaningful as its time in the spotlight.

After the holidays, the massive Norway spruce is carefully removed and transported to a milling facility. There, it’s cut, dried, and transformed into lumber. That wood is donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it’s used to build homes for families in need.

This tradition has been going strong for years and even inspired a children’s book, The Carpenter’s Gift, celebrating the tree’s journey from holiday icon to symbol of hope and community.

Firewood and Ash Benefits

If you have an outdoor fire pit, your Christmas tree can double as fuel.

Evergreens burn quickly and hot, making them great for outdoor fires (but not indoor fireplaces due to sap buildup). After burning, the ash can be sprinkled into garden beds to add potassium and trace minerals to the soil.

Just be sure you’re using clean, untreated wood — and skip coal ash, which isn’t garden-safe.

Check this: 20 Christmas Tree Alternatives to Try

Creative DIY Projects

Feeling crafty? Your tree has plenty of creative potential.

Dry the needles and use them in sachets for natural air fresheners. Slice the trunk into wooden rounds to make rustic coasters, ornaments, or decorative accents. Once dried and sealed, they add a charming, handmade touch to any space.

These small projects are a great way to hold onto the holiday spirit a little longer — without clutter.

Replanting a Living Tree

If you chose a live, root-balled tree this year, you’re in luck.

With proper planning, you can replant it outdoors and enjoy it for decades. Dig the hole before the ground freezes, and gradually reintroduce the tree to outdoor temperatures after the holidays to prevent shock.

Once planted, your Christmas tree becomes a permanent part of your landscape — a living reminder of holidays past and a gift to the environment for years to come.

Also Read: 29 Farmhouse Christmas Decor Ideas that are Rustic

Conclusion

When the holidays come to an end, your Christmas tree doesn’t have to become waste—it can simply begin its next chapter.

Whether you compost it, turn it into garden mulch, support local wildlife, reuse it for DIY projects, or even replant it for years of growth ahead, there are plenty of meaningful ways to extend its purpose.

Choosing a sustainable option not only reduces waste but also turns a seasonal tradition into something that continues giving back to your home, garden, and community. With a little creativity, your Christmas tree can live on long after the ornaments come down.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting

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Add health insurance costs to problems facing American farmers : Shots

Health

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December 31, 2025

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Add health insurance costs to problems facing American farmers : Shots

Prairie Star Farm in Allamakee County, Iowa is home to 180 dairy cows. Owners Meghan and John Palmer say growing health care costs add to the financial pressures facing many farm families, including theirs.

Meghan Palmer

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Meghan Palmer

It’s been a tough year for farmers. Between falling prices for commodity crops like corn and soybeans, rising input costs for supplies like fertilizer and seeds, the Trump tariffs and the dismantling of USAID, many in agriculture won’t be profitable this year.

The enhanced subsidies that many Americans, including farmers, rely on to purchase health insurance are set to expire at the end of this month.

James Davis, 55, who grows cotton, soybeans and corn in north Louisiana, said he doesn’t know how he and his wife will afford coverage next year, when their insurance premium will quadruple, jumping to about $2,700 a month.

“You can’t afford it. Bottom line, there’s nothing to discuss. You can’t afford it without the subsidies,” Davis said.

More than a quarter of the agricultural workforce purchases health insurance through the individual marketplace, according to an analysis from KFF, a nonprofit health policy research organization.

That 27% rate is much higher than the overall population — only 6% of U.S. adults have non-group coverage.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and other Republican leaders discussed health care plans with a vote regarding an extension of the ACA subsidies looming.

Farmers are used to facing challenges like unpredictable weather and fluctuating commodity prices. But the loss of the enhanced subsidies, coupled with the challenging economic conditions, will make coverage unaffordable for many.

Without major intervention from Washington, farmers say they’ll have to choose between being uninsured or leaving the farm work behind for a job that offers health insurance.

Forgoing insurance is a bad gamble for farmers

Farming is dangerous work. Agricultural workers spend much of their time outside and exposed to the elements. Many of their duties can lead to injury or illness: they drive and operate heavy machinery, work with toxic chemicals, and handle large animals.

Work-related deaths are seven times higher for farmers than the national average.

Close-up of a cotton boll on a farm in Richland Parish in northern Louisiana.

Drew Hawkins

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Drew Hawkins

The financial toll of non-fatal farm injuries is also significant. A study from the University of Nebraska Medical Center found that the average cost of a farming injury was $10,878 in medical care and $4,735 in lost work.

It’s essential that farmers can purchase comprehensive insurance, said Florence Becot, a rural sociologist and associate professor in agricultural health and safety at the Pennsylvania State University where she studies the social and economic needs of farm households.

In a 2022 study, Becot found that more than 20% of U.S. farmers had medical debt exceeding $1,000, and more than half were not confident they could cover the costs of a major illness or injury.

“That shows you the level of vulnerability and concerns that farmers are facing,” she said.

Mental health is also a concern. Farmers are roughly twice as likely to die by suicide compared to the general population. Mental health hotlines that serve rural communities are seeing an uptick in calls this year.

These concerns around farmers’ increased emotional distress coupled with a rise in bankruptcies conjures memories of the farm crisis of the 1980s, according to Michael Klein of the industry group USA Rice. During that decade, there was a raft of foreclosures and hundreds of farmers took their own lives.

“We’re really afraid of what’s going to happen,” Klein said.

Farmers can be reluctant to admit that they rely on government-subsidized insurance, said Meghan Palmer, 42, who runs a dairy farm in northeast Iowa with her husband, John, 45.

“We’re not handout takers,” said Palmer.

Among dairy farmers, more than 40% lack health insurance — one of the highest uninsured rates throughout all agricultural sectors.

Prairie Star Farm has been in Meghan Palmer’s family for three generations. She hopes that one day one of her kids will want to take over operations, but it’s getting harder for a farm to be profitable.

Meghan Palmer

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Meghan Palmer

But going uninsured is not an option for the Palmers.

During their first year of marriage, the couple recalled being uninsured and having to pay out-of-pocket for two unexpected health crises: Palmer had an appendectomy, and her husband John needed stitches after getting kicked in the face by one of his cows.

“It was stupid of us,” said Palmer of the decision to forgo coverage.

But next year, the combined out-of-pocket monthly cost of their plans will increase by more than 90%, to $368.18. For both, their 2026 deductible is $7,200.

Ellen Allen is photographed outdoors. She is wearing glasses and smiling.

Palmer has started to search for an off-farm job, though she anticipates that whatever she earns will mostly pay for additional insurance costs and there will be little left over. In addition, her absence would create a greater burden for her husband, which worries her.

“John is working exhausted most of the time,” she said. “That’s when mistakes get made and you end up in the ER.”

Political consequences

Even after the enhanced subsidies go away in 2026, the Palmers estimate their income will still be low enough that they’ll qualify for some tax credits to purchase coverage.

However, another change in health care is that repayment limits are being eliminated, so if the Palmers have a surprisingly profitable 2026, they’ll be forced to pay some, if not all, of that subsidy back at tax time.

A farmer’s income can vary drastically year-to-year, said Becot, partly because commodity prices can fluctuate rapidly.

Some farmers might deliberately choose to not grow their businesses, because too much profit might cause them to lose access to health care subsidies.

A tractor in Richland Parish, Louisiana.

Drew Hawkins

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Drew Hawkins

Farmers who are insured through Medicaid have similar concerns, Becot said. Prioritizing health care affordability by suppressing operational growth will have long-term consequences for a farm’s success.

Palmer, in Iowa, and Davis, in Louisiana, are both upset that lawmakers aren’t more sensitive to the economic demands of farming and how those have coincided with rising health costs.

Trump did recently pledge $12 billion in one-time bridge payments to row crop farmers, but that’s not going to stop health care costs from ballooning.

Republicans are aware that health care is a problem and have put forth proposals, said Donna Hoffman, a political scientist at the University of Northern Iowa, via email. But most don’t support extending the enhanced ACA subsidies because they don’t see subsidies as a good solution to the problem of rising health care costs.

This story comes from NPR’s health reporting partnership with KFF Health News.

Learn How to Grow String of Nickels (Dischidia)

Gardening

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December 31, 2025

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Learn How to Grow String of Nickels (Dischidia)

Fertilizer

Each time you water during the spring and summer, use a balanced liquid plant food diluted to a quarter strength.

A 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio is suitable. Reduce feeding to every other watering in the fall and discontinue feeding altogether during the winter when growth slows down.

Learn more about fertilizing houseplants here.

Where to Buy

You’ll find string of nickels plants available from specialty nurseries or those that carry a good selection of succulents and vining plants.

String of Nickels

A specimen in a two-inch growers pot is available from The Plant Farm Store via Amazon.

Maintenance

Slow-growing string of nickels is an easy-care houseplant with few maintenance requirements. It prefers a snug-fitting pot with a diameter about an inch wider than the plant’s width.

A close up top down image of a string of nickels (Dischidia nummularia) growing in a pot indoors.

Every two to three years, in the spring, change the substrate, regardless of whether you need to increase the container size or not.

Substrates break down over time, compacting and retaining water, which deprives the roots of oxygen as mentioned above.

Additional care includes removing damaged or dead stems to restore vigor and visual appeal.

Cut the affected stems just below a leaf, rather than mid-stem, for rapid and attractive regrowth.

Propagation

Because the tiny seeds are not dependable growers, the best ways to start a new plant are by taking a stem cutting from an existing one or buying a nursery start. Let’s discuss.

From Stem Cuttings

Take stem cuttings in the spring. Wear protective gloves to avoid contact with the irritating sap.

Sanitize your garden scissors with a 10 percent bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) and rinse them well.

A close up horizontal image of the foliage and aerial roots on a string of nickels (Dischidia nummularia) pictured on a soft focus background.

Select a healthy stem with plump leaves and visible aerial roots protruding near the leaf pairs.

Cut a three- to four-inch length of stem with at least two leaf pairs.

Place a small clump of sphagnum moss on a saucer and lightly moisten.

Snip off the lower pair of leaves, closest to the cut end of the stem.

Dip the cut end of the stem end into rooting hormone powder.

Gently insert the powdered stem end into the moss to anchor it, burying the nodes where the leaves were cut. These natural growing points will produce roots.

Place the saucer in bright, indirect sunlight.

Create a self-watering humidity dome by inflating a quart or sandwich-sized plastic bag over the saucer and tucking it loosely underneath.

Do not make it airtight, as excess moisture may develop and cause the cutting to rot.

New roots should be established in about two months.

Once it has established roots, remove the cutting from the moss and transplant it to a two-inch pot filled three-quarters full of orchid potting medium.

Use a chopstick or pencil to tease the moss away from the roots.

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Flu is on a major upswing in the U.S., new CDC data shows : Shots

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December 31, 2025

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Flu is on a major upswing in the U.S., new CDC data shows : Shots

There have been at least 7.5 million illnesses and 3,100 deaths from flu this season, according to CDC data. And flu cases are expected to rise significantly in the coming weeks.

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Flu season is off to a rough start this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the virus arrived as expected, cases are rising faster, compared with previous years.

Last week, more than 19,000 patients with influenza were admitted to hospitals, up about 10,000 from the previous week, according to new CDC data. To date, the CDC estimates at least 7.5 million people have been sickened, and over 3,100 people have died from the flu.

The surge seems to be driven primarily by a new strain of the virus — subclade K of influenza A(H3N2) — that emerged in Australia over the summer.

“Anywhere we detect this virus, you can see a large surge of influenza cases coming afterwards,” says Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In the U.S., “the timing is not that much different from other flu seasons, but the number of cases, and how quickly those cases are increasing is something that is not usually seen this time of year.”

New York has been hit especially hard, with state health officials announcing over 71,000 cases last week — the most cases ever recorded in a single week in the state. But other states are seeing high levels of flu activity, particularly in the northeast, midwest and south.

“The map is mostly red,” says Pekosz, indicating high levels of disease that will likely increase over the coming weeks.

Hnoi Lathitham, 57, holds a bowl of Gang Liang in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, February 7, 2025. Hnoi, who has continuously adapted to a changing world, has been sharing the wonders of Thai food with people around the world in various professional capacities for over 30 years.

“When you’re in the middle of seeing the curve start to go up, we just don’t have any sense of where it’s going to stop,” he says. “That’s the big concern in most of the medical communities right now.”

What’s driving the upswing?

So far, there’s no indication that this new strain is more severe, or even more contagious than previous years, says Florian Krammer, a virologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

But there have been changes to the virus that may allow it to get around our immune defenses, he says. “There’s less immunity to it, and that’s allowing the virus to spread very quickly and extensively.”

There are some concerns that this season’s flu vaccine may not be a perfect match to the new strain, given it emerged after the formulation was decided last February. “I think we’re going to have a mismatch between the strain circulating and the vaccine,” says Demetre Daskalakis, who led the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at CDC until he resigned in August. “But the vaccine is still the best protection we have, even if it’s imperfect protection.”

Preliminary data from the United Kingdom, which saw an early surge of flu this year, suggests the vaccine is about 30 to 40% effective at preventing hospitalization in adults. “Those numbers are in line with what you would typically see,” says Krammer, though he stresses those are preliminary estimates.

How to respond to the surge

Flu vaccines only offer protection if people get them and in the U.S., only 42% of adults have gotten a flu shot this year. That leaves many people unprotected in face of a likely bad flu season, says Daskalakis. He’d like to see the CDC do more to encourage vaccination.

“You’re not seeing the robust communication that you would expect,” he says. “Usually you’d expect to see more alerts coming out of CDC, more recommendations to be vaccinated.”

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) scientist in a protective air-tight suit handling Influenza A Virus specimens, Biosafety Level-4 (BSL-4) laboratory, Atlanta, Georgia, 2005.

In response to that criticism, a CDC spokesperson said, “the CDC is strongly committed to keeping Americans healthy during flu season. CDC launched a new national outreach campaign designed to raise awareness and empower Americans with the tools they need to stay healthy during the respiratory illness season,” adding “the decision to vaccinate is a personal one. People should consult with their healthcare provider to understand their options to get a vaccine and should be informed about the potential risks and benefits associated with vaccines.”

In an interview with NPR, Lisa Grohskopf, a medical officer in the CDC’s influenza division emphasized the importance of vaccination. “It’s definitely not too late to get a flu vaccine if you haven’t done it already,” she says.

There are other ways of protecting yourself too.

“If you’re using public transportation, if you’re in the room with a lot of other people, if you’re in a healthcare setting, it’s really smart to wear a mask,” says Krammer, especially higher-quality masks. “I was taking the subway yesterday in New York City. I was wearing an N95 mask.”

Social distancing, especially when you or someone in your household is infected, can help minimize the spread too.

If you get infected, there are effective treatment options, especially when started with 48 hours of infection. “If you get an infection with influenza, that’s really a reason to see a physician, get diagnosed, and then take next steps,” says Krammer. “It’s not an infection that you should take lightly.”

Top row from left: pirão de galina from Brazil, North America, a berry soup from the Salish tribe in North America; an herbal soup popular in the Tamil community in Singapore. Bottown row: a Botswana soup is prepared with a leafy green called Morogo; a Nigerian waterleaf soup; and a soup from Madagascar made with Zebu organs.

Reflections on Some Favorite Winter GPODs

Gardening

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December 31, 2025

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Reflections on Some Favorite Winter GPODs

Hi GPODers and Happy New Year’s Eve!

To wrap up this year I wanted to celebrate some gardens that make this season so special. Inspired by Carol Verhake’s gorgeous submission of fresh snow in her garden (Fresh Snow in Carol’s Pennsylvania Garden), I dug into the Garden Photo of the Day archive to find some fabulous winter garden photos that show how lights and dazzling decor are not needed for an exciting late-season landscape.

January in Carol’s Garden

We’re kicking it off with the queen of the cold season herself, Carol Verhake in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. Carol has shared some gorgeous photos of her garden coated in snow, but her landscape is also filled with plants that reach their peak in winter and put on a spectacular performance with or without the white stuff.

‘Amethyst’ witch hazel (Hamamelis ‘Amethyst’, Zones 5–8) is a beautiful shrub with reddish flower. The long, narrow petals open on warm days and curl up on the colder ones. Witch hazels are one of the best winter-flowering shrubs, even in climates with very cold, snowy winters.

Celebrating Winter Beauty

Next up we head to Wellesley, Massachusetts for the incredible shapes and patterns in Barbara Owen’s winter garden. Her space is another that highlights the additional beauty a layer of snow can bring to a winter landscape.

The trees outlined with delicate lines of snow

Mid-Winter in Lynne’s New Zealand Garden

Switching gears, the winter garden of Lynne Leslie’s in Wellington, New Zealand emerges when gardens in the Northern Hemisphere are at their summer peak. Along with the winter season falling during a different time of year, her garden features a unique array of plants throughout its “down” time.

Another winter favourite is flame vine (Pyrostegia venusta, Zones 9–11). It grows so rapidly that I must cut it back hard after flowering. Great for picking and such a bright light in the garden.

Winter Favorites

I’m sure plenty of readers dream of tropical winters (or potentially escape cold climates for sunnier weather down south), but other readers dream of snowy days from their warm-weather locations. Beth Tucker, who currently lives in Waxhaw, North Carolina, shared photos of winter from her previous home in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

My gnarled hazel, Harry Lauder’s walking stick (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’, Zones 3–9), after a snow. I loved it best in the winter when you could really see the shape.

Winter Interest in Jay’s Garden

Conifers are some of the most colorful stars in a winter landscape, and Jay Sifford’s garden in North Carolina is a masterclass in colorful trees and shrubs. The award-winning landscape designer creates gardens that dazzle in every season, but his home landscape is one I always circle back to this time of year.

One of my favorite parts of the garden, particularly in winter, is this hillside filled with conifers, heaths, and heathers. This view, taken from my living room window, shows the scrim effect of the ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, Zones 5–9) seed heads that I’ve planted as part of my foundation planting.

Winter Beauty in Bonnie’s Garden

Of course, conifers aren’t the only foliage plants that show off when weather gets cool. Bonnie Plikaytis in north Georgia has a wonderful mix of evergreens in her winter garden that provide structure and color, as well as some deciduous plants that keep providing interest when other leaves have already dropped.

Sometimes winter interest doesn’t come from an evergreen at all. The dark burgundy color of the large leaves of this oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Ruby Slippers’, Zones 5–9) certainly holds one’s attention. (Note that this shrub has grown much larger than the predicted size!) The photo shows a Southgate^® Grace™ rhododendron (Rhododendron ‘Elizabeth Ard’, Zones 6–9) in the foreground and a Japanese plum yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia, Zones 5–9) to the side.

Cleo’s Washington Garden in Winter

A more recent submission (from February of this year) shows that there really is no limit to the beauty your can create in a winter landscape. Cleo Raulerson in Bellevue, Washington has shared her garden through the seasons, so it was absolutely no surprise that her winter landscape still displayed layers and layers of interest.

Layers on a garden bank: red berries of rockspray cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis, Zones 5–7); soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum, Zones 6–8); and ‘Speedy Silver Rose’ cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium ‘Speedy Silver Rose’, Zones 5–9) tucked in among mossy boulders.

Snow in Carla’s Garden

One last celebration of snow comes from Carla Zambelli Mudry in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Carla’s woodland landscape is full of interest thanks to a wide range of mature trees and shrubs, but her winter landscape also highlights the importance of art for added interest when flowers and other garden elements are lacking.

Carla’s owl sculpture, carved from the stump of a tree, looks beautiful every day of the year but is especially magical in the snow.

Margot’s Winter Garden

When the ground hasn’t yet thawed, containers can add wonderful splashes of color to winter gardens. This colorful creation from Margot Navarre in Bellevue, Washington was a great prelude to the snowdrops, cyclamens, crocus, and hellebores that flood her landscape in late winter and the earliest days of spring.

Cyclamen coum (winter cyclamen, Zones 5–8) has beautiful leaves and it blooms in late winter to early spring. Leaves range from solid silver to complex patterns of silver and green, and flowers range from white to dark pink. Here, two plants show off in a container so you can easily get up close to appreciate the detail of their foliage and flowers.

Cherry’s Fresh Winter Wreaths and Swags

Lastly, we can’t talk about winter without talking about the decor, and Cherry Ong in Richmond, British Columbia takes wreath making to the next level. Cherry has sent many spectacular designs over the years so it was nearly impossible to pick just one to showcase. This silvery blue creation is just one of many favorites.

Dark and elegant wreath for a friend who loves horses.

Ingredients:

Laurustinus viburnum (Viburnum tinus, Zones 5–7) berries
Silver dollar eucalyptus (Eucalyptus cinerea, Zones 8–11)
Silver Bell eucalyptus pods
Black velvet ribbon
Ornament of your choice – my choice for this gift was a cowboy boot

Thank you to all of the contributors who have shared their winter gardens over the years (featured here, or not), and thank you to all of the gardeners who have shared their gorgeous gardens this year. I hope you all had a great 2025, and if the year brought its fair share of struggles then I hope that 2026 brings you a little bit more peace and positivity.

Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!

We want to see YOUR garden!

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, fill out the Garden Photo of the Day Submission Form.

You can also send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here

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Garmin Venu® 4, 41mm, Advanced Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, Bright and Colorful Display, Built-in Flashlight, 10 Days of Battery Life, Silver with Periwinkle Silicone Band

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December 30, 2025

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Garmin Venu® 4, 41mm, Advanced Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, Bright and Colorful Display, Built-in Flashlight, 10 Days of Battery Life, Silver with Periwinkle Silicone Band

Price: $549.99
(as of Dec 31, 2025 04:57:23 UTC – Details)

Featuring a stainless steel design, the Venu® 4 GPS smartwatch provides advanced features you need — all on a bright, colorful display — to better understand your body and promote a healthier lifestyle. Keep pushing day after day with up to 10 days of battery life. Body Battery™ energy monitoring tracks your body’s energy levels to find the best times for activity and rest. Help improve the quality of your sleep with personalized sleep metrics, including the sleep alignment feature to understand if you’re in sync with your internal cycle. The health status feature looks for changes in your health data that could indicate added stress to your body, so you can know when you’re trending away from your usual range. Make every activity count using personalized Garmin Coach training plans for running, cycling, strength and fitness. And switch up your activities with easy-to-follow animated workouts, daily suggested workouts and more than 80 built-in sports apps — including for active wheelchair users. Log custom or preset daily behaviors — such as caffeine and alcohol intake — to view reports in the Garmin Connect™ smartphone app on how your lifestyle choices may impact your overall health. All smartwatch data presented is intended to be a close estimation of the metrics tracked. Plus, make and take calls right from your wrist when paired to your smartphone.
Smaller-sized smartwatch with a bright, colorful display, stainless steel design, and built-in flashlight; up to 10 days of battery life gives a more complete picture of your health
Make improvements to promote a healthier lifestyle and know your body better with extensive health monitoring features, including wrist-based heart rate, Body Battery energy monitoring, fitness age, stress tracking, meditation and more (device data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
Get a sleep score and personalized sleep coaching, including recommendations for how much sleep you need, tips on how to improve, alignment on your inner sleep cycle by using circadian rhythm and more; breathing variations feature uses Pulse Ox to check your level of variations while sleeping (this is not a medical device, and device data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox is required and not available in all countries)
The health status feature looks for changes in your health data that could indicate added stress to your body for key metrics such as heart rate, HRV, skin temperature and more, which could be related to factors such as physical activity, potential illness or other health changes (device data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
Log custom or preset daily behaviors — such as caffeine and alcohol intake — and view reports in the Garmin Connect smartphone app on how lifestyle choices may impact your sleep, stress and HRV to help you make more health-conscious decisions (device data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
Find new ways to keep your body moving with daily suggested workouts and more than 80 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, mobility, mixed session to track multiple activities in one session and more; plus, get easy-to-follow workouts for several activity types or even create your own workouts in the Garmin Connect app
Reach for your goals with Garmin Coach training plans for running, cycling, strength and fitness, which can provide personalized workouts based on your health, fitness and recovery metrics
Enjoy the convenience of making and taking phone calls from your wrist — even use your smartphone’s voice assistant to respond to text messages and more (when paired with your compatible iPhone or Android smartphone); plus, you can respond to texts via voice, or Android users can text directly from the smartwatch
ECG app can record your heart rhythm and check for signs of atrial fibrillation (not available in all regions; for people 22 years or older)
Take on any fitness journey with advanced training features such as workout benefit — which helps you understand how each workout affected your body — and training readiness to help determine whether you should go hard or take it easy plus training status for insight into your overall effort