Not So Sweet

It may be that artificial sweetners are not helpful:

• People who get used to the very sweet taste of these products find that the normal flavor of fruits and vegetables just isn't as appealing.
• They may also feel hungrier after having foods and drinks containing artificial sweeteners. As a result, people may take in more calories afterward.
• And artificial sweeteners may encourage the body to develop new fat cells

See this MedlinePlus article for details of the study.

Snack Attack!: MedlinePlus Health News Video

Snack Attack!: MedlinePlus Health News Video

Sometimes snacking will actually help with your weight control. The time of day you snack could be important. See this MedlinePlus video for details.

If you're keeping an eye on your weight, the next time you reach for a snack no matter the time of day be sure that:

• It doesn't have too many calories. 100 calories is a reasonable limit.
• And it should offer good stuff that you need, like vitamins and fiber. Fresh fruit, baby carrots, and air-popped popcorn are good options.

Diabetes Education & Support Group Meetings

DeAnn Zimmer, OTR/L will be presenting easy exercises and New Year's resolution worksheets.  This meeting will be on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at Fairview University Medical Center Mesabi in the Hull Rust Rooms.

Call 218-262-4881 for time and more information.

Quit Smoking

"Keep working at it" could be key to success, studies suggest.  Quiting is never easy but this MedlinePlus HealthDay article gives hope to all who want to try.  Don't give up.

A Great Start to Your Morning

Fresh Herb Omelet with Cheesy Tomatoes

(about 450 calories)

Wisk together:

2 eggs, 1/4 cup 1% cottage chees, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as chives and parsley) in a skillet.

Cook mixture in 2 teaspoons olive oil, season with salt and pepper.

Cut 2 roma tomatoes in half lengthwise, and top with 1 1/2 tablespoons grated parmesan.

Broil for 5 minutes.

Serve with 1 slice whole-grain toast spread with 2 tablespoons low sugar jam.

Enjoy!

Laugh More

You have heard the quote "Laughter is the best medicine".  Even Dr. Oz believes.  Number one of twenty-five health tips is, "Laughing not only eases stress, promotes social bonding, and lowers blood pressure, it may also boost your immune system. So bring some humor into your life, whether it's through friends or even a new TV show (preferably mine)."


If you think you need more than laughter than check out 52 more ways to control stress In this "Men' Health" article.

Get Your Whole Grains

Whole grains are fiber-rich, heart-healthy foods. But it may be a challenge to find good sources.  See this HealthDay article for tips on finding good whole grain foods.

Peanut Butter Recall

The J.M. Smucker Company today announced a limited voluntary recall on two specific Best-If-Used-By dates of 16 oz. Smucker’s® Natural Peanut Butter Chunky because it may be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

 

 

The affected product, which is packaged in 16 oz. jars, is as follows:

• UPC: 5150001701 (located on the side of the jar’s label below the bar code)
• Production Codes: 1307004 and 1308004
• Best-If-Used-By dates: August 3, 2012 and August 4, 2012
• Chunky product only (not creamy)
• Impacted product would have been purchased between November 8 - 17, 2011

 No other products of The J.M. Smucker Company are affected by this recall.

 

 No illnesses related to this issue have been reported and the product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution for consumer safety.

 

Consumers who have purchased Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter Chunky with the above Production Code and Best-If-Used-By dates are urged to discard the product immediately and call the company at 1-888-550-9555 for a replacement coupon.

 

Learn more about this recall from the

Food and Drug Administration.

Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is that one day a year when you should indulge just a little.  This year if you do not want to cook at home but would still like to have some Thanksgiving fellowship then consider the Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Thursday, November 24, 2011
Dinner will be served from 11:45 to 2:00 p.m. at the St. Leo's Hall in the Assumption School, 2328 7th Avenue East, Hibbing.  The school is handicapped accessible.

Volunteers are needed. 

For deliveries or a ride to the dinner (or information about volunteering) please call Judy
263-5764, 262-5513 or 208-7-64
or email stjameshibbing@gmail.com. 
Leave a message with name, address, and phone number by Monday, November 21st.  Dinners will be delivered to those who are elderly and/or homebound starting at 11:15 a.m.

This event is being co-sponsored by St. James Episcopal Church and Blessed Sacrament Church.

Make Thanksgiving Safe, Delicious, and Happy

USA.gov offers these tips to keep your Thanksgiving safe and fun:

• Make sure all food is cooked properly.  Know how to prevent bacteria from getting into the food and causing food borne illness.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture posts advice on storing and preparing food for groups whether you are cooking in advance or the day of the event.
• A good rule of thumb when buying turkey is to allow one pound per person.  Always follow these important guidelines while preparing the turkey.
• Remember to keep young children out of the way of the oven and other hot cooking appliances.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just contributing to the meal, remembering these food safety tips can help keep your holiday happy.

Stand Up for your Health

The evidence is coming in from all directions: Sitting on a chair or couch for too long may put you at risk of cancer.
Moving, on the other hand, may be one of the best prescriptions for prevention.

See MedlinePlus for more details.

Car Seat Clinic

There will be a Car Seat Clinic on Wednesday, November 9th at the south end of the Hibbing Fire Hall.

The clinic is free.  It is preferred that you make an appointment:  call Cheryl at 312-3012 or Roberta at 929-3334.

Flu Shots Available

Project Care in Hibbing (3112 6th Avenue East) will be giving flu shots on Thursday, November 17th from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The following are the guidelines:


Uninsured patients

No cost

Limited Quantity

First Come First Serve Basis

No appointment necessary / must register as Project Care Patient

Picture ID required

Available to patients 19 years and older only

The vaccines are being provided to Project Care by Walgreens Pharmacy.

Jay Jaffee Community Presentation

Raising a teen can be tricky enough without trying to keep up with current substance abuse trends.  Find out what is happening around these issues:  synthetic drugs (marijuana & bath salts), prescription drugs, and caffeine/energy drinks.

There will be a community presentation (open to the public, free admission) on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. in the Hibbing High School auditorium.  The presenter will be Jay Jaffee, Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Coordinator, MN Department of Health.  Jay has been the coordinator for 17 years.  Prior to joining the state, he worked in substance abuse prevention in schools and communities.

This event is sponsored by the Hibbing Chemical Health Advisory Committee, Fairview Range and ISD 701.  If you need more information contact Cheryl at 218-312-3012.

Exercise Will Help Sore Knees

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says exercise may actually help strengthen aching knees, reducing stress on the joints and helping to alleviate pain.

Read more at MedlinePlus.

Skeleton and Brain Dip

Kraft Foods offers this fun way to get kids excited about eating their vegetables:

What you need:

1/2 leaf lettuce leaf

1 cup light Ranch Dressing

4 cups assorted cut-up fresh vegetables (red and yellow bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, snow peas, mushroom slices, celery sticks, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets).

Make it:

Line half of small bowl with lettuce for the skeleton's hair; fill with dressing.  Place at one end of large tray or baking sheet for the skeleton's head.

Arrange vegetables on tray to resemble skeleton's body.

For nutritional information and more recipes go to Kraft foods



Healthy Cooking Classes

Hibbing Community College Culinary Arts Professionals are presenting an evening of hands-on healthy cooking.  Learn about healthy food choices and how best to prepare foods that are high in nutrition and low in calories/fat.

This class is the first of a series of monthly healthy cooking classes.  Each month, prepare a healthy appetizer, entree, or side dish feauring new seasonings, herbs, and a variety of methods of preparation.

The first session will be held Thursday, November 10th from 6 to 8 p.m. in the culinary arts kitchen.  Class size is limited to 12.  The cost is $29 per person.

To Regiser call Denise (218-362-5905).

Sign up early and bring your apron and your appetite.

Overzealous Parents, Coaches Take the Fun From Kids' Sports: MedlinePlus

It is great when children are able to take part in organized sports programs. Remember not to ruin the fun of the activity. For more information see:

Overzealous Parents, Coaches Take the Fun From Kids' Sports: MedlinePlus

Perk'ing Up: MedlinePlus Health News Video

A growing body of research shows that coffee drinkers, compared to non coffee drinkers are:

less likely to have type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and dementia 

have fewer cases of certain cancers, heart rhythm problems, and strokes

There is definitely more good news than bad news about coffee. Get more details at MedlinePlus.

Perk'ing Up: MedlinePlus Health News Video

Food Variety and Your Health: MedlinePlus Health News Video

Here's an interesting health fact: An adult's large intestine is about five feet long, and experts have found that cancers grow differently depending on where they pop up in the organ. A new study from the Journal of the American Dietetic Association finds that different fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of colon cancer in particular locations.

See MedlinePlus Health News for more details.

Food Variety and Your Health: MedlinePlus Health News Video