Friday, May 17, 2013

Minnesota Public Health Database


Minnesota Public Health Data Access is an online portal within the Minnesota Department of Health website that provides access to “health and environment” data.  Librarians, students, and the public can now access and download data for use in research projects, grant applications, and for public awareness. 

Minnesota developed this portal in collaboration with the National Tracking Network which includes data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 states, and New York City.  Nationally consistent data and measures may be used to compare trends over time and geographic patterns at the county, state, and national level. 

·        Explore data on over 17 health and environment topics, including asthma, cancer, childhood lead poisoning, and air quality, drinking water, and more
·        Find resources about common risk factors and disease prevention measures
·        Sign up for regular email updates

Check it out today!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Fast Food Has Not Gotten Healthier

Researchers analyzed 14 years of menus from familiar U.S. chains.

MedlinePlus: Trusted Health Information for You

Don't Over Cook Those Vegies


The Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition offers this advice:
  • Use a soft brush and water to clean produce with thick skins. By contrast, soaking them may cause some nutrients to dissolve in the water.
  • Steam produce instead of cooking in water.
  • If you do cook produce in water, save the water for later use.
  • Microwave vegetables, as the shorter cooking time may help keep key nutrients.

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Don't Eat When You are Stressed


The Harvard Medical School mentions these alternatives to emotional eating:
  • Meditate, which may help you ease stress and improve impulse control.
  • Engage in regular exercise, especially in forms such as yoga or Tai chi.
  • Seek support from friends and loved ones when stress takes over.
  • Get rid of high-fat, high-sugar foods so you're not tempted when under stress.

Friday, May 03, 2013

Fit Family


The Shapeup.org website offers these suggestions for family-fitness activities:
  • Start a regular family tennis match.
  • Head out with the family pet for a jog or a walk.
  • Go to the park and rent a paddleboat, or hit the trails for a walk or run.
  • Take a yoga class together.
  • Play a family game of whiffleball or volleyball.
  • Dance to your favorite music, or use steps or a solid bench to do some step-aerobics together.
  • Challenge your clan to walk as many city blocks as you can.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Healthier Tailgating


The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these tips for enjoying healthier tailgating fare:
  • Serve baked/whole-grain pita chips, carrots or celery with hummus.
  • Make a yogurt-based vegetable dip with fresh cut veggies.
  • Make whole-grain tortilla rollups with black beans, avocado, salsa and low-fat cheese.
  • Dig into a whole-wheat pasta salad tossed with low-fat cheese, olives, cucumbers and low-fat dressing.
  • Pack sandwiches made with whole-grain bread, lean meat, tomato, onion, spinach and low-fat dressing.