Create a Healthy Living Space

It is time for some spring cleaning.  Here ate some tips from USA.gov to help you make your living space healthier:

• Mold can grow easily in places you use every day, such as the sink, bath tub, heater or AC unit. It’s important to stay on top of cleaning these areas as soon as you notice the mold. Left untreated, mold can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home, and lead to health problems.
• Household products such as disinfectant, cleaning supplies and polishes can help make your cleaning duties much easier, but it’s important to remember they can be hazardous to your family and home too. The EPA offers guidelines on being smart when storing, using and disposing of your household products.
• Dust can pile up during the winter months when your windows stay closed, adding to allergies and other health problems. Increased dust could also mean you need to change your furnace or air purifier filters more often. Find out the ways dust can enter your home and ways you can remedy the situation.
• Unfortunately, unwanted rodents can show up in your basement, attic and other spots throughout the house any time of the year. Learn the appropriate steps for cleaning and disinfecting the areas and furnishings they’ve contaminated, and how to dispose of them properly.

Never to Late to Start

Exercise has benefits at all ages. 

See this Medline Plus article for great tips on exercising at any age.

Runners Tips

If you run marathons or other shorter events, remember that in addition to advance preparation you need to take care of your self the day of and day after the race.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these reminders:

• Make sure you eat properly and drink plenty of water.
• Lubricate the skin on any places where you may develop chafing or blisters.
• Dress in layers, so you can shed clothing as you get warmer during the race.
• Warm up with the walk to the race site and/or some light stretching.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to the race site.

Have a Healthy Approach to Eating

The womenshealth.gov website says these factors can trigger an unhealthy attitude toward food among girls:

• Seeing that their mothers are very concerned with their weight.
• Having a mother who worries too much about her daughter's appearance and weight.
• Gaining weight naturally during puberty.
• Being influenced by peer pressure about appearance and weight.
• Having issues with self-esteem.
• Seeing examples of the "ideal" very thin body among images in the media.

Take Time for Health

Heart association finds Americans struggle to eat right, exercise and brush their teeth regularly.  Read this HealthDay article to find out if you are one of the people just too busy to be healthy.

Ask About Aspirin

Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of men and women.  In Minnesota over 75,000 people have had a stroke and approximately 144,000 have coronary artery disease.

Daily aspirin can help prevent a first heart attack or stroke.  You may be a candidate if:

You are a male between the ages of 45-79

You are a female between the ages of 55-79

You have not had a bleeding ulcer from the stomach or intestines

You are not allergic to aspirin

You are not taking any other clot-preventing or anit-inflammatory medications

Know for certain.  Ask your doctor or primary healthcare professional and go to

askaboutaspirin.com for more information.

 

 



Are You Eating Too Much Red Meat?

See the MedlinePlus article to find out about the controversy on eating read meat.  Research suggests that going meatless even a few days a week can significantly reduce the risk of many devastating diseases.  However the Beef Association gives a different perspective, "The scientific evidence to support the role of lean beef in a healthy, balanced diet is strong and there is nothing in this study that changes that fact," said Shalene McNeill, a registered dietitian and executive director of nutrition research at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.


MedlinePlus: Trusted Health Information for You

What To Look for in a Sport Shoe

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says you should pay attention to these features when shopping for athletic shoes:

• Shoes for aerobic exercise need sufficient shock absorption, cushioning, a flexible sole and enough stability.
• Shoes for court sports need a good sole that is specific to your sport.
• Shoes for field sports need cleats, spikes or studs, and a cushioned insert.
• Winter-sport shoes should have a snug fit and plenty of ankle support.
• Track and field shoes depend on the sport, so it's important to ask your coach about proper shoes.
• Specialty-sport shoes should fit according to the sport -- for instance, cycling shoes should fit snugly.
• Outdoor-sport shoes need warmth, good tread and plenty of support.

Healthy Foods, Healthy People, Healthy Communities

The St. Louis County Extension Office is conducting a one-day conference on home fruit and vegetable production as a part of its Healthy Foods Initiative to improve access to healthier food as a means of improving the health of individuals and communities.  Topics include information on vegetable varieties, small space gardening, growing hardy fruiting shrubs, small fruits and fruit trees, and success secrets for the northern gardener.

The conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday March 17, 2012 at the Clinton Community Center, 8907 Hwy. 37 in Iron, MN.

The program will feature Dr. David Wildung, Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota, Robert Olen and Kendall Dykhuis of the County Extension Office, and several area gardeners.  Dr. Wildung developed the Minnesota half high blueberries and co-introduced several other fruit cultivars including Snowsweet and Honeycrisp apples, and Mesabi Strawberries.  He will discuss tree fruits, small fruits and fruiting shrubs including the recently introduced “Honeyberries”.  Robert Olen will present recent research on vegetable and tomato varieties for northern Minnesota as well as information on container and small space gardening.  The program will also feature a gardeners’ round table discussion and “Secrets to Success: What Every Gardener Should Know.”

The cost of the program is $40 which includes lunch, refreshments, and a 2012 reference book developed specifically for the program.  For more details, call 218-733-2870 or visit www.stlouiscounty.org/ext.

Brochures for the program are available at the Hibbing Public Library.

In 1994 the "Velvet & Iron" Women's Conference was created by three area women.  They wanted women to have the opportunity to attend a local wellness event that would be educational, inspirational, and give them an opportunity to socialize and have fun.

Since that time the conference has continued to be an annual event and is sponsored by many community organiztions.  Once again, the program will be at the Hibbing Memorial Building on Friday, April 13, 2012.

Registration Fee $25.00

Pre-register and pay by Wednesday, April 6, 2012

To register call:  218-362-6264

Mail registrations payable to Fairview UMC-M to:

Lisa Schneider

Accounting Department

Fairview RRHS

750 East 34th Street

Hibbing, MN  55746

Recipe Finder from SNAP

Need help finding creative ideas to use leftovers, low cost proteins, "one pot" meals, and recipes with a limited number of ingredients that are commonly found?  Try the Recipe Finder on the Snap-Ed Connection.

The majority of recipes in the database were submitted by nutrition educators in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additional recipes are from government agencies or other health professionals and organizations. Unless stated, recipes have not been tested.

Recipe Finder

Over-the-Counter Drugs

Over-the-counter drugs (OTC drugs) can be bought without a prescription but should be treated and taken with the same care as prescription drugs.  It is very important to read the label and to use the drug in the best and safest way.

The FDA has passed a law about the labels on OTC drugs.  The label on an OTC product will use common words that are easy to understand, the print should be big and easy to read, and the label should look the same and be in the same place on every product.

The following facts should be listed:

1.  Active ingredients - what is in the product that makes it work.
2.  What the drug is for.
3.  What problems it is used to treat.
4.  Who should not take the product and problems to watch out for.
5.  How much to take and when to take it.
6.  What else is in the product.  People should check if they are allergic to something in the drug.

By reading the label you should be able to compare products and choose the best one for your illness.  The product will work its best because you can use it the right way and you will have all the information you may need if there are problems.

To learn more go to the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

Source of the above information:  FDA Office of Women's Health.

Setting Realistic Exercise Goals

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests how to set exercise targets:

• Talk to your doctor about exercise, and set up time on your calendar to work out.
• Establish long-term goals, including incremental increases to your exercise plan.
• Make your goals specific and measurable so you can gauge whether or not you're meeting them.
• Make your goals attainable and realistic.
• Make your goals relevant to living a healthier, longer life.
• Set realistic time limits for achieving your goals.

Generic Drugs

A generic drug is a copy of a brand name drug. 

• Generics work the same.
• Generics are safe and effective because they use the same substances.  It will also have the same risks as the brand name drug.
• Generic drugs are just as strong, pure, and stable. 
• Generic drugs may look different because inactive parts such as colors and flavors may be different.
• Generics work the same way and in the same amount of time.
• Both brand name and generic drug factories must meet the same standards

Brand name drugs are protected by patent for 20 years.  A patent gives only that one company the right to sell the drug.  This protects those who create the drug and pay to research, develop, and market it.  When the patent expires, other drug companies can create generics, but they must be tested by the maker and approved by the FDA.  The generics can sell at a lower price because there are no up-front costs for research and development.  Also, there are more people trying to sell the drug and this keeps the price down.

Today, almost half of all prescriptions are filled with generic drugs.  Contact your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company for information on using generics.

To learn more about Generic Drugs go to the Food and Drug Administration.

The source of the above information is from the FDA Office of Women's Health.

Health Tip: Offer Healthy Breakfast Choices

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these healthier breakfast choices:

• Eliminate doughnuts in favor of whole-grain waffles and reduced-sugar syrup.
• Instead of regular bacon, opt for turkey bacon or Canadian bacon.
• Cut white toast in favor of whole-wheat or whole grain toast, and top with reduced-fat peanut butter.
• Skip sugary cereals in favor of whole-grain, low sugar cereals topped with berries.

Source: HealthDay

New book on "Wheat in Your Diet"

Dr. William Davis is Medical Director of the Track Your Plaque program and advocate of early heart disease prevention and reversal. He practices preventive cardiology in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  His new book (now available at Hibbing Public Library) is "Wheat Belly:  lose the wheat, lose the weight, and find your path back to health."

According to Dr. Davis
Wheat Can…

1. Accelerate weight gain* as it is one of the largest sources of carbs.
2. Cause Celiac Disease, nervous disorders, and other maladies due to Gluten.
3. Accelerate weight gain* due to its high Glycemic Index (comparable to table sugar).
4. Cause protracted sugar highs and lows (usually 2 hours apart) contributing to weight gain*.
5. Cause inflammation, osteoporosis, arthritis, joint pain, etc. due to its acidity.
6. Stimulate appetite, contributing to weight gain*.
7. Accelerate glycation leading to accelerated aging, skin deterioration, acne, rashes, and hair loss.

* weight gain is a known risk factor/precursor for cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, etc.

Read Dr. Davis' book, discuss it with your doctor, and decide for yourself if cutting wheat from your diet is good for you.

What's in Your Lunch Box?

What a healthy lunch can look like, whether you are packing it from home or eating out.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

11:30 am -  1 pm

Hibbing Community College

Eat a healthy lunch and listen to speaker: Katherine N. Brau, Professor Physical Education / Health at Hibbing Community College.  Learn important basic nutrition and healthy choices that you can make at home or eating out.

Self serve salad bar and beverage

Cost for lunch is $12 for Chamber members / $14 non-members

Space is limited!

RSVP by February 28th to hibbcofc@hibbing.org or call 218-262-3895

Sponsored by Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce, Women's Innovative Network and Hibbing Community College.

Go Red for Women

Enjoy wine, cheese, and chocolate while learning about the importance of women and heart disease.

Speaker:  Dr. Teresa St. George, Family Medicine at Fairview Mesaba Clinic, Mt. Iron

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Crown Ballroom, Hibbing (old Elks building)
5:30 p.m. - Reception
6:00 p.m. - Presentation

Learn about:

• Risk factors that increase risk of developing heart disease
• Symptoms of heart disease
• Simple strategies and healthy behaviors to maintain heart health
• Local cardiology services

$5.00 to attend

RSVP to 362-6224 by February 14, 2012.

Sponsored by Fairview Range, Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce, and Women's Innovative Network.

Show your support for women and heart disease by wearing red.

Back Pain and Your Weight

See this HealthDay article.

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months.

If your back pain is severe or doesn't improve after three days, you should call your health care provider

Beat the Winter Blues

Check out the following web sites for valuable information on seasonal depression or SAD.

Medline Plus information on Seasonal Affective Disorder

FDA site with information on signs of depression

T2 Mood Tracker AP for you iPhone or Android


Don’t let the winter blues keep you down. Use this information to help you take the steps you need to begin to feel better.