Friday, April 30, 2010

Be Aware of the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder that affects an estimated 10 million Americans. While it occurs most often in women, it strikes men and children, and all ethnic backgrounds. For those with severe symptoms, fibromyalgia (FM) can be extremely debilitating and interfere with basic daily activities.

May 12th is National Fibromyalsia Day.  The local support group currently has an informational display in the library's exhibit window.  Stop by, learn more about this chronic pain disorder, and get contact information for the local group.

With a diagnosis, help, and support, chronic pain sufferers can be physically fit and active.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Omega 3s may help cut colon cancer risk

Check out what new research says about fish oil and other omega 3 fatty acids at:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_97997.html

Friday, April 23, 2010

Trends and Tools to Prevent Prescription and OTC Medication Abuse

The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Spring Forum is being offered here in HIbbing on Tuesday, May 11th.

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in Minnesota, as well as nationally.  To advance the understanding of the multifaceted nature of this issue and the extent to which it is a concern in minnesota, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the Department of Human Services, together with the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center, are presenting regional forums.  The forums will benefit prevention professionals, law enforcement, addiction counselors, public health personnel, educators, pharmaceutical personnel, nurses and all others who are interested in this important public health issue.

Details:
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Fairview Plaza, Taconite Room
1200 East 25th St., Hibbing, MN

Registration and continental breakfast begin at 9:00 am.  The session will adjourn at 2:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is required:
Online at http://www.emprc.org/springforums2010
The fee is $20 payable to MPRC.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Earth Day

Earth Day suggestions:

Take a walk

Ride a bike

Sit in the sun and enjoy our beautiful spring

Think about going "green" - start by buying green cleaning products

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Hibbing’s Walk/Bike to School Day is May 6th!

All 3rd graders will receive bike safety education and a bike helmet in school on Wednesday, May 5. Encourage older students to dust off their bikes and helmets and ride to school. Children at the Washington and Greenhaven can walk to school with a parent. Take advantage of our early spring weather, get some exercise and encourage walking and biking as a great way to get around.

Some benefits of walking or biking to school:

o Participate in physical activity as part of their day.

o Foster healthy habits that could last a lifetime.

o Gain a sense of independence.

o Arrive at school alert and ready to learn – children who get more exercise get better grades.

o Reduce traffic congestion around schools.

Interested in starting a Walking School Bus in your neighborhood? A Walking School Bus is simply adults walking kids to school. Melissa Grzybowski will be starting a group in the Highland Park area. Contact her to join in or for help getting a “Bus” started in your neighborhood. 218-929-3125 or grzybowskim@communityhealthboard.org.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Broccoli Cheddar Bake

By Mayo Clinic staff
Dietitian’s tip:

Well-cooked broccoli should look bright green and crisp but be tender when pierced with a fork. Because the florets cook faster than the stalks, cut the stalks in half lengthwise to increase their surface area. This ensures more even cooking.



Serves 6

Ingredients

4 cups chopped fresh broccoli

½ cup finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons water

1 ½ cups egg substitute

1 cup fat-free milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ teaspoon ground black pepper



Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.

In a nonstick skillet, combine the broccoli, onion and water. Saute over medium-high heat until the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Keep adding water to prevent the vegetables from drying out, but use as little water as possible. Drain and set aside when the broccoli is done.

In a bowl, combine the egg substitute, milk and ¾ cup cheese. Add in the broccoli mixture and pepper. Stir to mix well.

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Set the baking dish into a large pan filled with about 1 inch of water. Bake uncovered until a knife inserted in the center comes out clea, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheese. Let stand about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Analysis (per serving)

Calories 168
Cholesterol 21 mg
Protein 15 g
Sodium 266 mg
Carbohydrate 8 g
Fiber 2 g
Total fat 9 g
Potassium 472 mg
Saturated fat 4 g
Calcium 237 mg
Monounsaturated Fat 2 g

Friday, April 16, 2010

Help Your Kids Stay Active

According to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation it is eas to help your children get their recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.  Join in and make it fun.

For other tips see their article in Health Day on Medline Plus.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Pirates of the Carrot Bean

The UMD Voyageurs will be presenting "Prirates of the Carrot Bean" in the Lincoln elementary School Gym in Hibbing.  The captain and her crew are on a quest for the long lost "Pirate Cookbook".  Along the way they discover mysterious creatures and the pick up a few new (healthy eating) habits.  This is an interactive musical performance for the whole family.

Lincoln Elementary School Gymnasium
1114 East 23rd Street, Hibbing, MN

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

6:00 p.m. Healthy Snacks & displays in the cafeteria

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Performance in gymnasium

This performance is sponsored by:  UCare, SuperOne Foods in Hibbing, Hibbing Healthy Lifestyles Coalition, Fairview Range, and SHIP.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Farm to Cafeteria

NETWORKING & PLANNING WORKSHOP Thursday, April 29, 2010
Cloquet Forestry Center, 175 University Road, Cloquet, MN

2:00—7:30 pm

Come and join others like yourself—farmers, food service directors, schools, institutions, distributors, parents, school board members, administrators, teachers, wellness committees, rural and economic development specialists, Extension educators, Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) coordinators,
non-governmental organizations, and other community experts.

Learn how to bring locally grown foods to the Cafeterias OF OUR SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES, HOSPITALS & NURSING HOMES.

THIS NETWORKING & PLANNING WORKSHOP aims to inspire, inform, build support, & increase collaborative work for Farm to Cafeteria in our region.

SPACE IS LIMITED. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY APRIL 26.


Workshop Fee $10.00

To Register Online: http://www.misa.umn.edu/NE_Farm_to_Cafeteria.html

follow the link to Farm to Cafeteria or contact Jane Grimsbo Jewett at jewet006@umn.edu, 218-845-2832

This workshop is a collaborative effort among the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota, Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Statewide Health Improvement Program, Renewing the Countryside, Minnesota Grown, University of Minnesota Duluth Sustainable Agriculture Program, University of Minnesota Extension.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Cross Training is for Everyone

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests how to create a cross-training exercise program:
Opt for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times weekly as one component of your cross-training. Examples include walking, climbing stairs or skating.

Perform strength training exercises twice weekly, although not on consecutive days. An example is lifting weights.

Focus on flexibility as the third component. Examples that can be performed for five to 10 minutes daily include stretching or yoga.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Encourage Kids To Eat More Fruits & Veggies

Finding creative ways to encourage fruits and vegetables in your child's diet, can be fun for the entire family.

1.  Keep a bowl of fresh fruits on the counter.  Refrigerate cut up fruits and vegetables in small bags for easy snacks on the run.

2.  Serve fruits and vegetables at every meal.  Add grated or cut vegetables into entrees, side dishes, and soups.  Top off cereal with fruits or add frozen fruits to smoothies.

3.  Challenge family members to reach their daily fruits and vegetable goal.  Reward the winner with a prize of his or her choice.

4.  Ask that fruits and vegetables be offered at school functions, after school programs, and in vending machines.

5.  Try dressing up sandwiches with faces and smiles made from fruit and vegetables.

6.  Keep trying.  For some foods, it may take multiple times before a child acquires a taste for it.

Friday, April 09, 2010

Keep Walking Ladies

A Brisk Pace May Keep Stroke at Bay


Women who walked for 2 or more hours per week cut risk by 30%, study found.
 
See the recent HealthDay article at:
 
 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_97281.html
 
Remember to sign up at Community Education for the annual May "Walk Your Buns Off".

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

More Food Boredom Busters

Try fixing some of your favorite foods different ways.  Ask friends or relatives about their favorite foods and recipes.  What you will find is that there are a multitude of easy and tasty recipes.  You just have to be introduced to them.

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

A Light Night Out in April

This month the Pizza Ranch in Hibbing is the Hibbing Healthy Lifestyles featured restaurant.
Make your own healthy choices.

Featured items include:

* Salad bar only- for $4.25, customers have access to all-you-can eat soup and salad bar, which features 32 items and various dressings.

*Wraps -Ranch wraps come in three flavors and are delicious without the dressing or with dressing in moderation. For $6.49 it comes with chips, but the food is just as good without them.

*And, of course, pizza - The Prairie Pizza is a veggie pizza featuring mushrooms, onions, black and green olives and green peppers. The Texan Pizza is a taco pizza with toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes and onions, among others. Ask for them with a thin crust.

Pizzas are "build your own," which allows a customer to design their own version of "healthy." They offer 18 toppings, six kinds of sauce and three variations of crust. Try a cheese-less pizza, or fill a thin crust with fruits and veggies - the possibilities are endless. Prices vary.

Pizza Ranch is located at 2502 E. Beltline in Graysher Mall. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Buffet is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. daily.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

Food Boredom Buster

On your next trip to your favorite grocery store go to the produce section and pick out a fruit or vegetable that you have never eaten.  Find something that looks interesting but that you have no earthly idea of what it is or where it comes from.

When you get home, look it up on the internet and find a great new recipe.