Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Some tips to help you get a grip...
From "Portion Control" at fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org,
At Home
At Home
- Serve food on individual plates instead of putting the bowls on the table.
- Eat small frequent meals (4 to 6) or have a glass of water or some fruits/vegetables about a half an hour before a meal.
- Be aware of serving sizes on packages. Many individual meals are actually 2 servings or more!
- Use a bowl for your snack instead of just grabbing from a bag or container.
- Divide fruits, vegetables, and other foods into bags so that you easily know how much you're eating.
- When you are first served your meal, wrap half to take home.
- Order the smaller portion options from the menu (or from the kids menu!).
- Drink water right before you eat your meal.
- Eat slowly! You'll realize you are full sooner than if you just scarf down your food!
- Don't super-size... EVER!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Top 10 Healthy Ways to Cook Fruits & Vegetables
From fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org, "Top 10" tips to Cook It Up the Healthy Way:
10. Bake... 2) Peaches for a sweet snack. Slice in half, drizzle on some honey and sprinkle with ginger and pecans.
9. Boil... 1) Diced or crushed tomatoes in a vegetable or chicken broth for the base of a homemade tomato soup! Add fresh herbs and spices to make your own unique recipe.
8. Steam... 2) Any of your favorite vegetables with citrus juice and zest added to the water to create bold, new flavors. Try lemon juice with spinach, orange with broccoli or grapefruit with carrots!
7. Stir-Fry... 2) Zucchini, yellow squash, diced tomatoes and mushrooms with olive oil and herbs. Add some diced jalapeno for an extra kick and serve over brown rice.
6. Sauté... 5) A variety of different colored peppers with onion. Serve as a side dish.
5. Roast... 5) Thin slices of sweet potato to make chips.
4. Grill... 3) Pineapple, peaches or mango. Top with a dollop of low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt or sherbet.
3. Stew... 4) Frozen corn, onions, peppers, celery, and salsa. Serve over rice. Add some red or black beans and call it a meal!
2. Blanch... 2) Basil and parsley leaves. Blend together with olive oil, pine nuts, garlic and a little lemon juice for a great pesto!
1. Microwave... 1) Any of your favorite chopped veggies in a bowl with an egg or two for a quick, nutritious breakfast.
For a complete list of these "Top 10" tips, go to http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/top-10-healthy-ways-to-cook-fruits-and-vegetables.
10. Bake... 2) Peaches for a sweet snack. Slice in half, drizzle on some honey and sprinkle with ginger and pecans.
9. Boil... 1) Diced or crushed tomatoes in a vegetable or chicken broth for the base of a homemade tomato soup! Add fresh herbs and spices to make your own unique recipe.
8. Steam... 2) Any of your favorite vegetables with citrus juice and zest added to the water to create bold, new flavors. Try lemon juice with spinach, orange with broccoli or grapefruit with carrots!
7. Stir-Fry... 2) Zucchini, yellow squash, diced tomatoes and mushrooms with olive oil and herbs. Add some diced jalapeno for an extra kick and serve over brown rice.
6. Sauté... 5) A variety of different colored peppers with onion. Serve as a side dish.
5. Roast... 5) Thin slices of sweet potato to make chips.
4. Grill... 3) Pineapple, peaches or mango. Top with a dollop of low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt or sherbet.
3. Stew... 4) Frozen corn, onions, peppers, celery, and salsa. Serve over rice. Add some red or black beans and call it a meal!
2. Blanch... 2) Basil and parsley leaves. Blend together with olive oil, pine nuts, garlic and a little lemon juice for a great pesto!
1. Microwave... 1) Any of your favorite chopped veggies in a bowl with an egg or two for a quick, nutritious breakfast.
For a complete list of these "Top 10" tips, go to http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/top-10-healthy-ways-to-cook-fruits-and-vegetables.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Eat Better: "The Weight of the Nation"
"Weight of the Nation" Documentary debuts tonight at 7pm CST on HBO. This article provides tips for eating better, eating for weight control, and more: http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com/themes/eat-better#section-2
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Monday, May 07, 2012
"San Diego Center Promotes Maternal Health And Infant Development"
By Dwane Brown
Almost a half-million babies are born prematurely every year in the U.S. The encouraging news is early births are declining compared to several years ago. The Center for the Promotion of Maternal Health and Infant Development opened in San Diego this week and is the first center in California to focus solely on improving the health of mother and baby.
One-year-old Nicolas doesn't know he's being tested to check his visual, language, and receptive skills. It's all part of a statewide effort to educate women who've had some kind of exposure during pregnancy.
Dr. Christina Chambers, PhD with UC San Diego School of Medicine, helped establish the program.
"Maybe they have to take a medication, they might have asthma, they might have hypertension or a seizure disorder," she said.
Or maybe they drank alcohol before they discovered their pregnancy. Dr. Chambers said this new center located across the street from Rady Children's Hospital is also designed to connect San Diego schools with clinical and research information.
"The affects of alcohol take place before birth so the baby is affected, but often times the problems with learning and behavior are not really recognized until the child gets to school age," Dr. Chambers said.
That's where the Center for the Promotion of Maternal Health and Infant Development comes in. Dr. Kenneth Lyons Jones was the first to identify fetal alcohol syndrome in babies in 1973.
"Kids with fetal alcohol syndrome are small in terms of height, weight, their head size and have very specific abnormalities of facial development," he said.
Dr. Jones said drinking alcohol before or during pregnancy is a bad idea. The center also has a health information hotline and web component to provide women answers to various concerns.
California represents about 20 percent of the births in the U.S. The hotline receives a substantial amount of calls from Hispanics who represent the fastest growing population in the country.
Source: http://www.kpbs.org/news/2012/may/04/san-diego-center-promotes-maternal-health-and-infa/
Almost a half-million babies are born prematurely every year in the U.S. The encouraging news is early births are declining compared to several years ago. The Center for the Promotion of Maternal Health and Infant Development opened in San Diego this week and is the first center in California to focus solely on improving the health of mother and baby.
One-year-old Nicolas doesn't know he's being tested to check his visual, language, and receptive skills. It's all part of a statewide effort to educate women who've had some kind of exposure during pregnancy.
Dr. Christina Chambers, PhD with UC San Diego School of Medicine, helped establish the program.
"Maybe they have to take a medication, they might have asthma, they might have hypertension or a seizure disorder," she said.
Or maybe they drank alcohol before they discovered their pregnancy. Dr. Chambers said this new center located across the street from Rady Children's Hospital is also designed to connect San Diego schools with clinical and research information.
"The affects of alcohol take place before birth so the baby is affected, but often times the problems with learning and behavior are not really recognized until the child gets to school age," Dr. Chambers said.
That's where the Center for the Promotion of Maternal Health and Infant Development comes in. Dr. Kenneth Lyons Jones was the first to identify fetal alcohol syndrome in babies in 1973.
"Kids with fetal alcohol syndrome are small in terms of height, weight, their head size and have very specific abnormalities of facial development," he said.
Dr. Jones said drinking alcohol before or during pregnancy is a bad idea. The center also has a health information hotline and web component to provide women answers to various concerns.
California represents about 20 percent of the births in the U.S. The hotline receives a substantial amount of calls from Hispanics who represent the fastest growing population in the country.
Source: http://www.kpbs.org/news/2012/may/04/san-diego-center-promotes-maternal-health-and-infa/
Friday, May 04, 2012
Free Exercise Classes in South San Diego County: Familias Sanas y Activas
What is the Familias Sanas y Activas Program?
Familias Sanas y Activas is a program that promotes physical activity to Latino families in South San Diego County. There are two parts to the program: 1) exercise classes that are open to the public in a variety of locations in South San Diego County, 2) a research study in which study participants attend exercise classes and healthy lifestyle classes designed to help them make healthy choices for themselves and their families.
Click here for more information about Familias Sanas y Activas and to view the Exercise Schedule for free classes in San Ysidro and Chula Vista.
Familias Sanas y Activas is a program that promotes physical activity to Latino families in South San Diego County. There are two parts to the program: 1) exercise classes that are open to the public in a variety of locations in South San Diego County, 2) a research study in which study participants attend exercise classes and healthy lifestyle classes designed to help them make healthy choices for themselves and their families.
Click here for more information about Familias Sanas y Activas and to view the Exercise Schedule for free classes in San Ysidro and Chula Vista.
May Community Events
Health Impacts of Border Crossings Conference 2012
Friday, May 4 from 9:00am to 2:30pm at the San Ysidro Civic Center
This binational conference focuses on local health impacts of the U.S.-Mexico border. The emphasis is on avenues for reduction of exposures to traffic pollutants experienced by people crossing the border at the U.S.-Mexico Ports of Entry, workers and the community on both sides of the border. The conference includes participation of researchers and stakeholders from the San Diego-Tijuana region and other areas along the U.S.-Mexico border with similar issues. For more information, visit http://www.healthyborders2012.com/. Registration Fee: $25 (lunch will be provided)
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Sunday, May 6 from 11:00am to 5:00pm on Third Avenue
The Third Avenue Village Association invites you to experience a taste of Mexico at the Festival Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, May 6. Festival guests will receive a true cultural experience as they sway with Mexican dancers, peruse the work of local artisans and taste authentic south of the border cuisine. For more information, visit http://www.thirdavenuevillage.com/.
Chula Vista Community Fun Run
Saturday, May 19
Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Chula Vista Community Fun Run set for Saturday, May 19. Held at the inspirational U.S. Olympic Training Center, walker, runners, families, and kids are welcome to partipate in this fun and engaging 5K event. Strollers and four-legged friends on leashes are welcome. To register, visit www.chulavistaca.gov/goto/funrun.
Child Care Provider Appreciation Day
Saturday, May 19 at UltraStar Cinemas in Hazard Center
Sunday, May 20 at PETCO Park
As San Diego County's largest child care provider, the YMCA Childcare Resource Service will honor more than 1,000 child care providers from all around the county at two events for this year's Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. On Saturday, May 19 we will be hosting a movie morning at UltraStar Cinemas in Hazard Center and on Sunday, May 20 we will be at the Padres vs. Angels game at PETCO Park. For more information, visit http://www.crs.ymca.org/events.html.
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem (in Spanish)
Thursday, May 24 from 9:00am to 10:30am at the Southwestern College Family Resource Center
Have you ever questioned your own child's self-esteem? Learn the importance of self-esteem for children and various techniques to build your child's self-esteem in a positive environment. RSVP Required: (619) 216-6672
Dementia Care Without Drugs: A Better Approach for Long-Term Quality of Care
Monday, June 4 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Vi and Joe Jacobs Center, Market Creek
The use of anti-psychotic drugs nearly doubles the risk of death for seniors with dementia-- and yet they are often the first-line of treatment! Join us for a symposium to learn about new breakthroughs in non-pharmacological dementia care. To reserve your spot, visit http://www.seniorlaw-sd.org/. Registration Fee: $30 (lunch will be provided)
Friday, May 4 from 9:00am to 2:30pm at the San Ysidro Civic Center
This binational conference focuses on local health impacts of the U.S.-Mexico border. The emphasis is on avenues for reduction of exposures to traffic pollutants experienced by people crossing the border at the U.S.-Mexico Ports of Entry, workers and the community on both sides of the border. The conference includes participation of researchers and stakeholders from the San Diego-Tijuana region and other areas along the U.S.-Mexico border with similar issues. For more information, visit http://www.healthyborders2012.com/. Registration Fee: $25 (lunch will be provided)
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Sunday, May 6 from 11:00am to 5:00pm on Third Avenue
The Third Avenue Village Association invites you to experience a taste of Mexico at the Festival Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, May 6. Festival guests will receive a true cultural experience as they sway with Mexican dancers, peruse the work of local artisans and taste authentic south of the border cuisine. For more information, visit http://www.thirdavenuevillage.com/.
Chula Vista Community Fun Run
Saturday, May 19
Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Chula Vista Community Fun Run set for Saturday, May 19. Held at the inspirational U.S. Olympic Training Center, walker, runners, families, and kids are welcome to partipate in this fun and engaging 5K event. Strollers and four-legged friends on leashes are welcome. To register, visit www.chulavistaca.gov/goto/funrun.
Child Care Provider Appreciation Day
Saturday, May 19 at UltraStar Cinemas in Hazard Center
Sunday, May 20 at PETCO Park
As San Diego County's largest child care provider, the YMCA Childcare Resource Service will honor more than 1,000 child care providers from all around the county at two events for this year's Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. On Saturday, May 19 we will be hosting a movie morning at UltraStar Cinemas in Hazard Center and on Sunday, May 20 we will be at the Padres vs. Angels game at PETCO Park. For more information, visit http://www.crs.ymca.org/events.html.
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem (in Spanish)
Thursday, May 24 from 9:00am to 10:30am at the Southwestern College Family Resource Center
Have you ever questioned your own child's self-esteem? Learn the importance of self-esteem for children and various techniques to build your child's self-esteem in a positive environment. RSVP Required: (619) 216-6672
Dementia Care Without Drugs: A Better Approach for Long-Term Quality of Care
Monday, June 4 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Vi and Joe Jacobs Center, Market Creek
The use of anti-psychotic drugs nearly doubles the risk of death for seniors with dementia-- and yet they are often the first-line of treatment! Join us for a symposium to learn about new breakthroughs in non-pharmacological dementia care. To reserve your spot, visit http://www.seniorlaw-sd.org/. Registration Fee: $30 (lunch will be provided)
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Water, please!
Written by: Alison D. Olsen
Next time you are thirsty, maybe it's time to have a glass of refreshing water.
In any case, water should be part of your everyday life. Your body needs water to survive and stay healthy!
Next time you are thirsty, maybe it's time to have a glass of refreshing water.
Did you know that water has no calories and no sugar?
Water is a healthy alternative to drinks with high sugar and calories such as soda and juices. Water is the perfect beverage for the whole family, especially someone with serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Water has many other health benefits as well. Water cleans your body and gets rid of wastes.
Water is a healthy alternative to drinks with high sugar and calories such as soda and juices. Water is the perfect beverage for the whole family, especially someone with serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Water has many other health benefits as well. Water cleans your body and gets rid of wastes.
Did you know that the United States has some of the safest water in the world?
Another great fact about water is that it is usually free! If you are trying to save money, water will definitely help you lower your food costs. If you think water is boring, you can always add a slice of lemon or lime to give the water some flavor.
Another great fact about water is that it is usually free! If you are trying to save money, water will definitely help you lower your food costs. If you think water is boring, you can always add a slice of lemon or lime to give the water some flavor.
In any case, water should be part of your everyday life. Your body needs water to survive and stay healthy!
Learn more about the benefits of drinking water:
How to Help your Child Gain Healthy Eating Habits
While
physical activity is an important part of life for a healthy weight and a
healthy mind, having a balanced diet also increases your energy and makes you
feel better. When you eat different vegetables, fruits, and whole grains each
day, and limit sugary and high fat foods, you have more energy and can do
things without feeling so tired. When you feel good, you want to move.
It is the same for your children, but children do not think about how many servings of vegetables they have in a day. All they want to eat is what tastes good, which is why they need your help.
If you are worried about your child being overweight or not getting enough physical activity, you may ask "How can I help?"
Here are some tips to helping your child gain healthy eating habits and feel better about it too. If they have a healthy diet, they will be able to do better in school and have more energy to play.
Bring lunch to school
If children eat school lunches, they sometimes pick the unhealthy option and skip the fruits. Try to plan ahead and have them help you make a sandwich and pick out healthy snacks. Some ideas: carrots or celery with peanut butter, cut up fruit for easy eating, yogurt, small amount of cheese, whole grain crackers or tortilla chips.
Don't force your child to eat
During dinner, use smaller plates. If your child is full before they finish, let them stop. Making them eat all of their food will teach them to eat more even when they are full. Children will eat when they are hungry.
Drink more water
Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water. Children usually do not drink until they are really thirsty. Water is always the best thing to drink. Limit juices and soda. Try low fat milk instead.
Make grocery shopping fun
Grocery shopping can be good physical activity, but can also be a great area for kids to learn about how to pick healthy foods. Let your child help as much as they can. Theymay look for coupons or pick out fruit for their dessert in their lunch. Have them help make a list ahead of time so they will not ask for many sweet foods.
Be a good role model
Children want to do what their parents do. If you try new fruits, vegetables, and grains, and drink low fat milk instead of juice or soda, your children may try them too. Also, playing outside with your children and taking family walks will show them how being physically active can be fun!
Starting healthy habits when your children are younger will help them grow into healthy adults!
It is the same for your children, but children do not think about how many servings of vegetables they have in a day. All they want to eat is what tastes good, which is why they need your help.
If you are worried about your child being overweight or not getting enough physical activity, you may ask "How can I help?"
Here are some tips to helping your child gain healthy eating habits and feel better about it too. If they have a healthy diet, they will be able to do better in school and have more energy to play.
Bring lunch to school
If children eat school lunches, they sometimes pick the unhealthy option and skip the fruits. Try to plan ahead and have them help you make a sandwich and pick out healthy snacks. Some ideas: carrots or celery with peanut butter, cut up fruit for easy eating, yogurt, small amount of cheese, whole grain crackers or tortilla chips.
Don't force your child to eat
During dinner, use smaller plates. If your child is full before they finish, let them stop. Making them eat all of their food will teach them to eat more even when they are full. Children will eat when they are hungry.
Drink more water
Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water. Children usually do not drink until they are really thirsty. Water is always the best thing to drink. Limit juices and soda. Try low fat milk instead.
Make grocery shopping fun
Grocery shopping can be good physical activity, but can also be a great area for kids to learn about how to pick healthy foods. Let your child help as much as they can. Theymay look for coupons or pick out fruit for their dessert in their lunch. Have them help make a list ahead of time so they will not ask for many sweet foods.
Be a good role model
Children want to do what their parents do. If you try new fruits, vegetables, and grains, and drink low fat milk instead of juice or soda, your children may try them too. Also, playing outside with your children and taking family walks will show them how being physically active can be fun!
Starting healthy habits when your children are younger will help them grow into healthy adults!
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