Actively Aging

Staying physically active is one of the most important things older adults can do for their health. Physical activity can prevent many of the health problems that may come with age.

How Much Activity Do Older Adults Need?

If you are age 65 years or older, are generally fit, and have no limiting health conditions, you should be able to follow these guidelines. However, no matter what your health status is, be sure to check in with your health care provider before increasing your activity level.

• 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms). OR
• 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., jogging or running) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms). OR
• An equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).

Older adults at risk of falling should do exercises that maintain or improve their balance. For best results, they should do these exercises at least 3 days a week, using exercises specifically shown to reduce falls.

Source: CDC, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2011.

For the complete article go to the CDC website.

Early Childhood Screening and Kindergarten Registration

When:  Monday, September 24 thru Thursday, September 27 from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Where:  Greenhaven Elementary School Office
               323 East 37th Street
               Hibbing, MN  55746


All children need to have a health and developmental screening before entering Kindergarten.  The purpose is to assist parents in improving the health of children by early detection of any health or developmental problems.  This is not a test for Kindergarten readiness.  Early Childhood developmental screening helps a school district identify children who may benefit from district and community resources available to help in their development.

Early childhood developmental screening includes a vision screening that helps detect potential eye problems but is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.

Children need to be screened one time before entering Kindergarten.  Beginning at age 3, your child can be screened.

The Hibbing School District provides free screenings during the school year.  All appointments are scheduled so preregistration is necessary.  This process also completes your child's registration to enter Kindergarten.

When you register, bring the legal birth certificate (not the hospital certificate) and the child's immunization record.  If you have any questions or need more information call:  218-263-8322.

Fish Oil Failure

In brand new research, just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a team from Greece analyzed the records of nearly 70-thousand patients involved in 20 previous studies. All of the participants had regularly taken omega-3 fatty acid supplements for their heart health benefits.

See the report for more information:
MedlinePlus: Trusted Health Information for You

Buying Health Insurance

Picking a health insurance plan that provides the coverage you and your family need can seem overwhelming. There are a lot of options, and it can be hard to narrow down your choices to find a plan that offers comprehensive coverage and still fits your budget. USA.gov suggests you ask these questions as you’re evaluating plans:

•  Are specialists such as eye doctors and dentists covered? 
• Does the plan cover special conditions or treatments such as pregnancy, psychiatric care and physical therapy? 
•  Does the plan cover home care or nursing home care? 
•  Will the plan cover all medications my physician might prescribe? 
•  What are the deductibles? Are there any co-payments? 
•  What is the most I will have to pay out of my own pocket to cover expenses? 
•  If there is a dispute about a bill or service, how is it handled? In some plans, you may be required to have a third-party decide how to settle the problem.

You can learn more about your health care options and how to pick a plan that gives you the coverage you need at USA.gov at http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Health/HealthInsurance.shtml

Pick the Quiet Restaurant

If you want help limiting your calories when you eat out then pick the place that is quiet and soothing.  Just as music and lighting can influence what shoppers buy, toning down the tunes and dimming the lights in a fast food restaurant can help diners enjoy their meal more and eat less, according to a U.S. study.

Read the article at Medline Plus:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_128816.html