Your week
YOUR HEALTH
Want to cut down on sick days this winter? You might want to increase your time on the treadmill.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that regular exercise is more important to maintaining good health than diet, weight or other factors.
A brisk walk for 30 to 45 minutes a day increases the number of immune system cells that circulate in the body, which helps reduce the number and severity of upper respiratory infections like the common cold.
» Find more health and fitness tips in Tuesday’s Today section.
YOUR HOME
If you’re trying to reduce the rodent population around your household, striking oil could be the answer.
Castor or peppermint oils have an asphyxiating effect on rats, mice, chipmunks, moles, squirrels and shrews.
A cotton ball with four to five drops of either oil placed where mice appear (and out of reach of cats and dogs) should be sufficient to chase the intruders away.
» Find more home and garden ideas in Sunday’s Today section.
YOUR FOOD
Looking to curry favor with your family at the dinner table? Try a quick curried chicken in a savory sauce made with whipping cream and apricot jam. For the recipe, see page C5.
» Find more recipes and restaurant news in Wednesday’s Food section.
YOUR FUN
Here’s what’s on the schedule for this week:
On CD (Tuesday)
Bruce Springsteen, “The Promise”
Keith Urban, “Get Closer”
Kid Rock, “Born Free”
Rascal Flatts, “Nothing Like This”
Pink Martini, “Joy to the World”
On DVD (Tuesday)
“Avatar (Three-Disc Extended Collector’s Edition)”
“Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore”
“Disney’s A Christmas Carol”
“The Last Airbender”
“The Kids Are All Right”
In theaters (Friday)
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” (fantasy)
“The Next Three Days” (action thriller)
On TV
“Glee”: Gwyneth Paltrow guests as a substitute teacher who fills in as glee club coach. (Tuesday, 8 p.m., Fox)
“Top Chef: Just Desserts”: The remaining three confectioners compete in the season finale. (Wednesday, 10 p.m., Bravo)
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”: Get a head start on the holidays with the 1966 Dr. Seuss classic. (Friday, 8 p.m., TBS)
“2010 American Music Awards”: The 38th annual honors, based on a poll of music buyers. (Sunday, 8 p.m., ABC)
On stage
Paul Taylor 2 dance company: Tonight, The Fox
“Disney on Ice: Let’s Celebrate”: Wednesday-Sunday, Spokane Arena
“White Christmas”: Spokane Civic Theatre, opens Friday
Spokane Symphony: Saturday-Sunday, The Fox
Around town
Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting: Friday, River Park Square
Holiday Wine Festival: Friday-Sunday, Spokane area wineries
Custer’s Christmas Arts & Crafts Show: Friday-Sunday, Spokane County Fair and Expo Center
Fall Folk Festival: Saturday-Sunday, Spokane Community College
» Find a full arts and entertainment roundup in the Thursday and Friday Today sections.