Are You Eating Too Much Red Meat?

See the MedlinePlus article to find out about the controversy on eating read meat.  Research suggests that going meatless even a few days a week can significantly reduce the risk of many devastating diseases.  However the Beef Association gives a different perspective, "The scientific evidence to support the role of lean beef in a healthy, balanced diet is strong and there is nothing in this study that changes that fact," said Shalene McNeill, a registered dietitian and executive director of nutrition research at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.


MedlinePlus: Trusted Health Information for You

What To Look for in a Sport Shoe

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says you should pay attention to these features when shopping for athletic shoes:

• Shoes for aerobic exercise need sufficient shock absorption, cushioning, a flexible sole and enough stability.
• Shoes for court sports need a good sole that is specific to your sport.
• Shoes for field sports need cleats, spikes or studs, and a cushioned insert.
• Winter-sport shoes should have a snug fit and plenty of ankle support.
• Track and field shoes depend on the sport, so it's important to ask your coach about proper shoes.
• Specialty-sport shoes should fit according to the sport -- for instance, cycling shoes should fit snugly.
• Outdoor-sport shoes need warmth, good tread and plenty of support.

Healthy Foods, Healthy People, Healthy Communities

The St. Louis County Extension Office is conducting a one-day conference on home fruit and vegetable production as a part of its Healthy Foods Initiative to improve access to healthier food as a means of improving the health of individuals and communities.  Topics include information on vegetable varieties, small space gardening, growing hardy fruiting shrubs, small fruits and fruit trees, and success secrets for the northern gardener.

The conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday March 17, 2012 at the Clinton Community Center, 8907 Hwy. 37 in Iron, MN.

The program will feature Dr. David Wildung, Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota, Robert Olen and Kendall Dykhuis of the County Extension Office, and several area gardeners.  Dr. Wildung developed the Minnesota half high blueberries and co-introduced several other fruit cultivars including Snowsweet and Honeycrisp apples, and Mesabi Strawberries.  He will discuss tree fruits, small fruits and fruiting shrubs including the recently introduced “Honeyberries”.  Robert Olen will present recent research on vegetable and tomato varieties for northern Minnesota as well as information on container and small space gardening.  The program will also feature a gardeners’ round table discussion and “Secrets to Success: What Every Gardener Should Know.”

The cost of the program is $40 which includes lunch, refreshments, and a 2012 reference book developed specifically for the program.  For more details, call 218-733-2870 or visit www.stlouiscounty.org/ext.

Brochures for the program are available at the Hibbing Public Library.

In 1994 the "Velvet & Iron" Women's Conference was created by three area women.  They wanted women to have the opportunity to attend a local wellness event that would be educational, inspirational, and give them an opportunity to socialize and have fun.

Since that time the conference has continued to be an annual event and is sponsored by many community organiztions.  Once again, the program will be at the Hibbing Memorial Building on Friday, April 13, 2012.

Registration Fee $25.00

Pre-register and pay by Wednesday, April 6, 2012

To register call:  218-362-6264

Mail registrations payable to Fairview UMC-M to:

Lisa Schneider

Accounting Department

Fairview RRHS

750 East 34th Street

Hibbing, MN  55746

Recipe Finder from SNAP

Need help finding creative ideas to use leftovers, low cost proteins, "one pot" meals, and recipes with a limited number of ingredients that are commonly found?  Try the Recipe Finder on the Snap-Ed Connection.

The majority of recipes in the database were submitted by nutrition educators in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additional recipes are from government agencies or other health professionals and organizations. Unless stated, recipes have not been tested.

Recipe Finder

Over-the-Counter Drugs

Over-the-counter drugs (OTC drugs) can be bought without a prescription but should be treated and taken with the same care as prescription drugs.  It is very important to read the label and to use the drug in the best and safest way.

The FDA has passed a law about the labels on OTC drugs.  The label on an OTC product will use common words that are easy to understand, the print should be big and easy to read, and the label should look the same and be in the same place on every product.

The following facts should be listed:

1.  Active ingredients - what is in the product that makes it work.
2.  What the drug is for.
3.  What problems it is used to treat.
4.  Who should not take the product and problems to watch out for.
5.  How much to take and when to take it.
6.  What else is in the product.  People should check if they are allergic to something in the drug.

By reading the label you should be able to compare products and choose the best one for your illness.  The product will work its best because you can use it the right way and you will have all the information you may need if there are problems.

To learn more go to the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

Source of the above information:  FDA Office of Women's Health.

Setting Realistic Exercise Goals

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests how to set exercise targets:

• Talk to your doctor about exercise, and set up time on your calendar to work out.
• Establish long-term goals, including incremental increases to your exercise plan.
• Make your goals specific and measurable so you can gauge whether or not you're meeting them.
• Make your goals attainable and realistic.
• Make your goals relevant to living a healthier, longer life.
• Set realistic time limits for achieving your goals.