Stability Balls

The American Council on Exercise says that using a stability ball helps the following:

• Strengthen the core muscles in the abdomen and lower back.
• Improve balance of strength between the abdominal and lower back muscles.
• Improve posture.
• Improve balance.
• Help create a stronger core that better supports your body during any activity.

Recipe Finder

Check out the USDA's new recipe finder at this location:

http://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov/

Make Cooking a Family Affair

Make meal time more fun by having your kids help in the kitchen.

The American Academy of Pediatrics mentions these suggestions:

• Always make sure that while anything is cooking, an adult is closely supervising a child.
• Teach your child to point sharp edges away from himself or herself.
• Teach your child how to properly measure and weigh ingredients.
• Always cook on the stove's rear burners and turn pot handles inward.
• Instruct your child to always use potholders.
• When finished cooking, be sure to turn off stove burners and the oven.

Get Up and Move Around

People who spend hours each day without getting up and moving around should take heed: A new study suggests that the more people sit each day, the greater their risk for chronic health problems, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

See this MedlinePlus article for more information on the study.

Every Day Activities Keep You Fit

Study finds that more people who did short bouts of exercise met federal activity standards than those who went to gym.

Read this recent HealthDay article about how every day activities help to keep you fit and healthy.

Prepare for Your Next Checkup

Preparing for Your Next Checkup

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions:

• Update your family health history to include any new health problems among close relatives.
• Create a list of any recent symptoms, issues or questions for your doctor. Topics may include changes in eating or sleep habits, or recent symptoms of depression or anxiety.
• Think about your future, and discuss any health-related issues or changes with your doctor. Such issues may include quitting smoking or losing weight, etc.

Tips for Marathon Runners

The American Council on Exercise mentions these suggestions for the hours and days after the big race:

• When you've finished, gradually cool down for five to 10 minutes. Promptly change into dry, warm clothes.
• Ice your tired muscles (avoid a hot bath for one to two days) and lightly massage the muscles that are sore or hurt.
• Drink plenty of fluids, including water and juice, to help replenish lost electrolytes and sodium.
• Drink a protein or carb shake within 15 minutes of finishing the race.
• Check for injuries such as blisters or rashes, and promptly treat them.

Pasties on the Food Network

"Keep your food simple.  The more processed food is, the less fiber and the more fat and salt."
Eric Enberg, MD Denfeld Medical Clinic Duluth, MN
(originally appeared in St. Luke's newsletter)

So keep it simple and use some of the available seasonal vegetables in the Food Network recipe shared by the Duluth Grill


Pasties on the Food Network

Easy Changes that Improve Your Diet and Your Health

Shifting the Balance of Sodium and Potassium in Your Diet

Most Americans consume far too much sodium and far too little potassium, an eating pattern that puts them at higher risk of heart disease and death.

See more information in the article posted by Harvard School of Public Health.

Mind Altering Exercise

Researchers at The Cooper Institute have found evidence that being physically fit in mid-life, may lower your risk for Alzheimer's Disease and other types of dementia later on.

Find out more on MedlinePlus. 

American Heart Month

Almost everyone knows someone who has suffered from heart disease or a stroke. As the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular disease claims 2,200 lives every day. February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart health.

 Symptoms of heart disease include chest pain or discomfort, which can make your heart feel heavy, or as if someone is squeezing it. Shortness of breath, fatigue and general weakness are also signs. While many people do feel these symptoms, some people with heart disease won’t experience any of them. Doctors can also run certain tests before making a diagnosis.

Start Small and Make It Fun

"Exercise to stimulate, not to annihilate.  The world wasn't formed in a day, and neither were we.  Set small goals and build upon them."  Lee Haney

It is not really exercise if it is an activity you enjoy.  You may love to dance or cross country skiing a beautiful trail through the woods may be your thing.  Try bowling or go shopping and visit very store in the mall.

Pediatric Speaker Information Night

Presenter, Lois Warner is the program founder and director of Mediation Works North, Inc.  Learn how to communicate and resolve conflicts when you disagree with your parenting partner.  This informational event is free of charge and intended to provide additional support and information for parents and any other interested members of the community.

"When Parents Disagree"

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Greenhaven Elementary School Cafeteria

3rd Ave. East & 37th St., Hibbing

FREE

Child care is provided but space is limited and certificates of attendance will be available.  You must register to attend and to reserve childcare.  Please call the Womens Education Coordinator at the Fairview UMC-M at 362-6846 or 888-870-8626, ext. 6846.  Sponsored by:  Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi, Fairview Mesaba Clinic-Hibbing, Essentia Health Hibbing Clinic, St. Louis County Public Health Department, and Hibbing Early Childhood Family Education.