Putting for Patriots is an annual fund raising event conducted by the Pirate's Island, Jungle Golf and Pirate's Cove chains of adventure golf courses. We proudly support their efforts in raising funds for three pre-screened charities, that as a group efficiently serve our wounded, their families and the survivors of fallen military members. The event takes place each May, culminating on Memorial Day weekend. Each year, 36 participating courses donate a % of their total sales on the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Weekend and accept customer donations, which are turned over to the charities.  

This is the second year Discover Teas joins forces and will be sponsoring a hole as well as promoting this event in an effort to support our troops and our local community. This is truly a win - win situation. You get to enjoy a beautiful weekend playing adventure golf and it will go towards helping three charities that are filling in the gaps in the coverage our government is taking care of.

To find a participating location near you, visit http://www.puttingforpatriots.com/locations.php. Here is a breakdown of the charities being supported and how you can reach them to lend your support even if you miss this great event.

TAPS—Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
•    Main Focus: "Caring for the families of the fallen..."
•    Website link: http://www.taps.org/

Homes for our Troops
•    Main Focus: "Assist severely injured Servicemen and Servicewomen and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and to coordinate the process of building a home that provides maximum freedom of movement and the ability to live more independently."
•    Website link: http://www.homesforourtroops.org

HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS®
•    Main Focus: Enhance the quality of life for those Service Members and their families who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty, via a wide array of programs.
•    Website link: http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org

There are many factors that play into heart health; diet, exercise and proper nutrition are the basics that should never be ignored. There are also many other things we can do to support our hearts and bodies. Many studies have been done that show drinking 3-5 cups of tea a day may help lower blood pressure and balance cholesterol.

In addition to tea, there are specific herbs that have been historically linked to improved circulatory function and lower blood pressure as well. Angelica Root for example has been used for hundreds of years for heart health, and studies in the last century have backed up the claims. Damiana is another herb that has been shown to have beneficial effects on increasing circulation to the periphery of the body. Chamomile helps calm the nervous system which may help with hypertension. White willow bark is one of the original sources of salicylic acid. The same was used to create aspirin, which is often recommended by doctors as a part of a heart health program.

Another great herb with a multitude of uses is Honeybush, similar to Rooibos. It has vitamins and trace minerals that are the building blocks of our cells. So combining just a few herbs with the Honeybush, we created our Happy Heart WellTEAing Herbal. With properties that may help with increased circulation, strengthening tissues, lowering blood pressure, balancing cholesterol and a great flavor, Happy Heart can be a tasty adjunct to proper nutrition and exercise.

Personally I believe taking a moment to nurture ourselves with a great tasting cuppa has many great benefits too, and taking the time for a couple of cups of our Happy Heart WellTEAing Herbal always makes my Heart a Happy Heart <3