Snacking

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says snacking smartly can help you get valuable nutrients and help you avoid overeating.
Here are the academy's suggestions:

• Keep a variety of healthy snacks at home, work and in your bag. Options may include: trail mix, whole-grain crackers, instant oatmeal, dried fruit, low-fat cheese and low-fat or fat-free yogurt.
• Stick to small portions, rather than eating out of a large container.
• Don't snack when you are stressed, bored or lonely. Snack only when you feel hungry.

Heat Stress Prevention

See the last four weeks of "Fire Talk" on the city's website for tips on avoiding Heat Stress by the Hibbing Fire Department.

Remember that extreme heat is a real concern that can cause serious health problems like exhaustion, heat stroke, cramps, sunburn and rashes.

This week, take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Make sure to drink more fluids; avoid alcoholic and sugary drinks; wear lightweight, light colored and loosely fitting clothing; limit outdoor activity to the morning or evening and stay in an air-conditioned place during the afternoon heat.

How Much Sodium?

Reading food labels can help you slash sodium. Here's how to decipher them:

• "Sodium free" or "Salt free": Contains less than 5 milligrams of sodium per serving.
• "Unsalted" or "No salt added": No salt has been added.
• "Very low in sodium": Provides 35 milligrams of sodium (or less) per serving.
• "Low in sodium" or "Contains a small amount of sodium": Contains 140 milligrams of sodium (or less) per serving.
• "Reduced sodium" or "Less sodium": Provides at least 25 percent less sodium than the traditional product.

For more tips see the Kids Eat Right page.

Why See a Gynecologist?

Take responsibility for your body and its health.  Go to girlshealth.gov  for all the great reasons to schedule regular appointments with your gynecologist.

Healthy Living Tips

The CDC says it is never to early (or too late) to change your lifestyle.  Put your whole family on the road to a healthier, longer life with the tips on their website.

  Center for Disease Control :  http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ChildHealth/

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Spice Up Your Food

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these suggestions to spice up your food without piling on the calories:

• Use techniques that employ high heat for more intense flavor, such as broiling, grilling or pan-searing.
• Use fresh herbs and seasonings, such as cumin, cilantro, basil, caraway, chives, rosemary, ginger or garlic.
• Add a sprinkle of a sharp cheese to your favorite vegetable, rice or pasta.
• Add dried ingredients, such as sundried tomatoes, dried plums, cranberries, figs, apricots or red pepper flakes.
• Use brightly colored peppers to add flavor, and a splash of hot sauce or jalapenos.
• Add a squirt of citrus juice or grated peel from lemons, limes or oranges.

Not All Diets Burn the Same Calories

Dieters have long been told that to lose weight, you simply need to cut calories. But new research suggests that some combinations of foods may burn more calories than others.

See the complete article at Medline Plus.