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Posts Tagged ‘healthy choices’

Try Tea!

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on June 10, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

Tired of drinking just water? Are you a tea drinker? Do you enjoy iced tea in the summer? Well, pour a cup of tea and enjoy. It’s good for you.cup of tea

Benefits from tea include:

• May lower risk of heart disease, stroke and some other chronic diseases.

• May lower your blood pressure as drinking just one cup of black tea daily lowered blood pressure levels in men in one study.

• Drinking green tea helped increase bone formation in postmenopausal women.

• Green tea increased activity in the part of the brain used for memory processing showing promise that it may prevent the formation of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.

• The caffeine plus L-theanine in tea helps reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.

• Encourages healthy bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract. Most of these benefits come from the “flavonoids” in tea. Flavonoids provide beneficial antioxidant and biochemical effects.

Considering there are little to no calories, a tea leaf is very high in flavonoids. Using hot water to steep the tea will provide you with the most flavonoids. Other methods of tea such as cold-brewed glass of iced teaand powdered mixes don’t usually obtain the same flavonoid levels. Sun tea brewing is not recommended as molds or bacteria on the tea leaf are not destroyed as they would be with using hot water. Tufts University recommends using 175⁰ to 185⁰ Fahrenheit (F) water to brew green tea, 195⁰ F to brew oolong tea and 212⁰ F (boiling water) to brew black tea. Adding some lemon or other citrus juice adds little calories and reduces the risk of flavonoids loss through the digestion process.

One caution: Although tea has only about half the caffeine of coffee, if you are caffeine sensitive you may have to be cautious. If you can’t handle caffeine try the decaffeinated teas or herbal teas that don’t contain caffeine. Most of the flavonoids are still intact in the decaffeinated teas.

Calorie Caution: Some sweet teas have as much added sugar as a soda. Try unsweetened tea with fruit or juice added.

Enjoy tea or iced tea this summer and don’t be afraid to try some of the new flavors of tea. There are many different teas with additional flavors that make delicious iced tea. I really enjoy brewing my own flavored iced green tea to sip on during the hot days of summer.

Author: Pat Brinkman, Extension Educator Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension

Reviewed by: Michelle Treber, Extension Educator Family and Consumer Sciences, Pickaway County, Ohio State University Extension

References:

Tufts University, [2013]. Drinking Tea Protects Your Head, Heart and Bones, Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, April 2013, Vol. 31 (2) p 4-5.

Tufts University, [2013]. Green Tea Protects Brain Cells, Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, June 2013, Vol. 31 (4) p 7.

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Growing Good Habits for Children – Garden-Related Health and Fitness

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

There are maMP900202043ny wonderful reasons to be involved with gardening and especially to involve children. Children love digging in the dirt, looking for worms and insects, watering the garden and themselves! Besides having fun, there are many benefits to gardening with children.

The National Gardening Association has documented that teachers and youth leaders describe how gardening benefits kids’ health and well-being, their attitudes towards learning and the environment, their connections to community and so much more.

What other activity can you think of that can help us eat healthier, provide strength and cardio training, increase flexibility plus relieve stress! Gardening can provide all of these plus so much more.  Vary your gardening activities to keep your interest and to broaden the range of benefits.

By introducing children to the joy of gardening at an early age, you are exposing them to what can become a lifelong passion and healthy habit!  Children will also enjoy the special time they are spending with an adult in the garden – someone who is encouraging their creativity and curiosity.

Gardening – check out some of these Hidden Benefits:

  • Stress Reduction
  • Physical Activity
  • Connecting with Others
  • Exposure to New and Different Foods
  • Pride and a Sense of Well-being

Healthy Eating

While many children and some adults will not eat a variety of vegetables,  they are much more likely to at least taste something that they have grown themselves. Gardening provides fresh fruits and vegetables and the encouragement to eat them. These foods are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and other compounds that help fight disease.

The most recent USDA Dietary Guidelines which are pictured on MyPlate recommend that ½ of our plate should be made up of fruits and vegetables. (2 ½ cups veggies, 2 cups fruit) Most Americans are only eating about ½ of the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day.  By increasing the amount and variety of fruits and vegetables that we are eating, it can help with the current obesity epidemic that we and our children are facing.

Both Physical and Mental Wellness

As many adults can attest – that first day in the spring working in the garden can bring sore muscles the next day! As the summer goes along, our muscles are strengthened and we find that we are able to do more than we imagined on that first day out! Our endurance also increases as the season goes along.

Many children lack opportunities for physical exertion. Sometimes they don’t have safe places to play outside or they just aren’t interested in “exercise”.  Gardening provides the opportunity to encourage children to walk away from the computer, TV, video games, etc. and introduce them to a fun and productive activity.   Gardening is an excellent way to get physical activity. Active people are less likely than inactive people to be obese or have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, depression, colon cancer, and premature death.

Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles. You can burn 150 calories by gardening (standing) for approximately 30-45 minutes. Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day. If you have been inactive, start out with just a few minutes of physical activity each day. Gradually build up time and intensity.

Gardening also can help reduce our stress levels. Relaxation and stress reduction are one of the biggest hidden benefits of gardening. Research has shown that working in a garden can help create a more positive outlook by the participants.

We sometimes forget how much stress children can have in their lives. Spending time in the garden – focusing on the garden even if just for a short time can help them relax and rejuvenate.

Gardening can also increase the feeling of belonging. Again, many children do not have that sense of being an important part of their community. By working together in a garden, that sense of community develops and children can begin to appreciate that they can contribute to their community in a meaningful way.

We don’t want to forget that one of the most important benefits from gardening with children is the opportunity to have fun. You have probably heard  the phrase of having “good clean fun”.  Well, gardening may not be clean, but it surely can be fun and good for us at the same time!

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

http://www.cdc.gov/family/gardening/

http://www.kidsgardening.org/node/13152

Writer:  Marilyn Rabe, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Franklin County, Ohio State University Extension, rabe.9@osu.edu

Reviewer:  Michelle Treber, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Pickaway County, Ohio State University Extension, treber.1@osu.edu

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Color Matters with Vegetables and Fruits

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , on May 29, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, vary your colors, cooking methods, and consumption for optimal nutrition. fruits-veggies

If you are concerned about preventing or controlling many of the chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, consider visiting MyPlate.gov and consume the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables recommended for your age, gender, and activity level. For example – 2 cups fruits and 3.5 cups of vegetables for active male. For additional health benefits, consider the three C’s: color, cooking, and consumption.

Consuming a variety of colors can make a difference to your health. Red fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and tomatoes, contain lycopene which is a phytochemical, or plant chemical, that can lower the risk for certain cancers, especially prostate cancer. Anthocyanin, found in red raspberries and strawberries, and also in purple produce, such as blackberries, blueberries and eggplant, is a powerful antioxidant that can also lower the risk of cancers and heart disease. Orange fruits and vegetables, such as mangoes, squash, oranges, and carrots contain plant pigments called carotenoids which can also lower risk of certain cancers, heart disease, but also eye diseases. Dark green vegetables have phytochemicals such as lutein, which can protective of eye disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Yes, even fruits and vegetables devoid of color can be beneficial to health. Onions, garlic, and parsnips, have pigments called anthoxanthins which are thought to be helpful with blood pressure.

In addition to consuming a variety of colors, consider how you consume and prepare fruits and vegetables. Many fruits and vegetables are healthiest when consumed fresh. There are exceptions however. However, the lycopene in tomatoes is more available to your body if you consume cooked tomatoes or if you consume tomatoes with a little bit of oil (try adding a little olive oil to your tomato soup!). For many vegetables, prolonged boiling can be detrimental to many phytochemicals that are heat unstable. Consider steaming or microwaving with a small amount of water to retain nutrients. Dried fruits and vegetables can add fiber to the diet, but they lose the health promoting phytochemicals during the drying process.

Sources:

Produce for Better Health Foundation, http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov

North Dakota State University Extension Service, http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/food

Writer: Daniel Remley, Field Specialist, Ohio State University Extension.

Reviewer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension.

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Hide-and-Seek, Tag and Hop Scotch – Did You Play These Games?

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 29, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

Playing GamesDo you remember any these games? Red Rover, Simon Says, Hop Scotch, Four Square, Kick- the- Can, Hide-and-Seek, Tether Ball or Tag? I recently asked my sister about the games we played as kids. She quickly fired off the names of these games for me. We have many fond memories of playing outside, especially in the summer, from the time we got up to dusk or dark.
We had a TV of course but our main source of entertainment was being outside and playing with the kids in the neighborhood and our siblings. We created games, enjoyed friendly competition, and learned about teamwork by playing together.

Being physically active helps us feel better, burns calories and can contribute to a sense of well being. Now is a great time to explore ways that you and your family can be more physically active.
Here are a few suggestions you can try:
• Take family walks in the evening after dinner.
• Play tag, hop scotch or kick-the-can with your kids or grandchildren.
• Dance to your favorite music.
• Plant a family garden.

Play a Game
• Limit screen time to two hours or less each day. This includes TV, computers, cell phones, and video games.
• Exercise while watching TV. Challenge family members to stretch and move during commercials or during the program.
• Stand for meetings. Instead of sitting during the entire meeting, stand up and burn a few extra calories.
• Schedule a walking meeting at work – you can walk, talk, plan and be productive while getting some physical activity.
• Take a fitness ball to work and sit on it for brief periods during the day.
• Stretch and move with a fit band during webinars or conference calls.
Run, Jump and Play

• Walk, run, swing, bike or play at your local park or bike trail.
• Visit a state or national park. Check out the National Park Service website for informative videos, information, and details about National Parks located near you. http://www.nps.gov
Be creative and explore ways to increase your physical activity. Think about games you may have played as a child, plant a garden, take a bike ride or walk to the park. Make physical activity fun and enjoy the spring weather!

Writer: Michelle Treber, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County/Heart of Ohio EERA, treber.1@osu.edu

Reviewer: Linnette Goard, Field Specialist, Food Safety, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension.

Sources:
Healthy Ohio Program http://www.healthyohioprogram.org/
National Park Service http://www.nps.gov

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Local Farmer’s Markets Helps Local Economy and Improves Diet Quality

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , on April 25, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

Spring is in the air. Mornings are becoming brighter, the sound of birds returning, and the trees are beginning to bud. Returning with the (sometimes) pleasant weather in  Ohio are the local farmer’s markets. There are many different farmer’s market here in Ohio. To find one near you follow this link http://www.ohioproud.org/searchmarkets.php .   Purchasing from these locations is obviously a great way to support the local economy, but it also can improve your diet quality.

ohio proud470334_10151224932924753_1335094555_o

An article published in the January issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics looked at the diets of college students and their views towards local, organic, sustainable, and non-processed foods (typically those you’d find at your local farmer’s market). Researchers found that those who held more positive views towards these types of foods and practices tended to have a better diet.

Of the 1201 students surveyed, about half placed a moderate to high importance on these types of foods and practices. These same students also ate more fruits, vegetables, and fiber. They also ate fewer calories from fat, less sugar, and fast food less frequently.

Because this study was limited to college students, it is unknown whether the same effects would be observed in other populations. Regardless of whether or not these findings apply to other groups, there are many benefits to supporting your local market.

If quality is of importance to you, the foods found at your local market are some of the highest quality you can find. If you prefer the freshest foods you can find, look no further than the farmer’s market. Travelling only a matter of several miles preserves freshness better than those which traversed the nation.

While you’ll save a great deal of money by shopping at farmer’s markets, you will also be supporting the local economy. But, most importantly, you may be doing yourself and you’re family a very large favor by improving everyone’s overall health. This spring and summer, peruse your local market for the best seasonal fruits and vegetables. Be sure to bring along your family and friends in order to spread the word about all the great qualities about local farmer’s markets!

Here is more information on finding local farmer’s markets.

http://www.northernohiotourism.com/farmers_markets.htm

http://wood.osu.edu/topics/agriculture-and-natural-resources/2010%20Brochure.pdf/view

http://www.ohioproud.org/markets.php

Ohio proud facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ohio-Proud/104588964752

Written by : Susan Zies, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences and Ryan Leone, dietetic intern with Wood County Extension FCS Program, currently pursuing these advanced degrees- Master Food and Nutrition Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Master of Education in Human Movement, Sports, and Leisure Studies, Focus in Kinesiology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.

Reviewed by Dan Remley, OSU Extension Field Specialist.

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Be Safe in the Sun

Posted in Healthy People, Healthy Relationships, tagged , , , , , , , on April 22, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

Got your Sun Screen on?  Hopefully, you are enjoying the nicer, sunny weather and protecting yourself from skin cancer.  Although it may not seem to be very intense, the sun can be the same intensity as it is in late August or September.

Most weather reports now give the Sun Intensity value which is from 0-10+ with 5-6 moderate, 7-9 high and 10+ very high.  Anything above a 4 means we should be taking some precautions. This is a reminder that we need to protect ourselves so that we prevent skin cancer in the future.

Most of us get too much sun because we don’t take precautions.  That’s why we are seeing so much skin cancer.  Did you know that it is estimated that 90% of the new cases of skin cancer each year are preventable if we would just practice skin safety measures?

Follow these few simple practices to make a difference.

v  Wear sunscreen.  Sunscreen protects the skin from burning as quickly.  Select a waterproof or water resistant sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or above.  Remember to apply it 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two to three hours or sooner if swimming or perspiring on a hot day.  Be sure to apply sunscreen on your children over the age of 6 months.  It is best to keep infants and young children out of the sun as much as possible.  Image

v  Also protect your lips with lip balm that contains sunscreen.   Some medications increase sun sensitivity so be careful if you are on medication.

v  If possible stay out of the sun between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when the Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the highest. Remember that even on cloudy days you can get sunburn so protect yourself.  Avoid sunlamps and tanning salons as these also damage the skin.  Just four visits to the tanning salon a year increase your risk of non-melanoma skin cancer by 15% and melanoma by 11%.

v  Wear a broad brim hat.  A three-inch brim is recommended to provide the best protection.  Forget the baseball caps!  They do not provide protection for the ears and back of the neck.  A sun safe hat is dense enough to block UV rays from the sun.

v  Wear sunglasses that filter out the UV radiation.  They should provide 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB protection.  Not all sunglasses do so check carefully.  UVA and UVB protection is clear and not determined by the color of the sunglasses.

v  Consider clothing choices.  Long sleeve shirts and pants provide additional protection but can be hot on warm days.  Looser styles and woven rather than knits are usually cooler to wear.  Light colors provide the least UV protection.  A wet white T-shirt is no protection against UV rays.  Darker colors provide a high UV protection but are hot to wear, so find a medium color, which will provide some protection with comfort.  Detergents with optical brighteners can increase the UV resistance of fabrics.  This can help provide some extra protection, but you still need to wear sunscreen.

Making some changes can help reduce your risk of skin cancer and damaged skin, which gives the wrinkled leathery look as you age.  You can enjoy the warmer, sunny weather and still protect yourself if you follow these precautions.

Writer:  Pat Brinkman, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension Fayette County, Miami Valley EERA

Reviewer: Elizabeth Smith, Family Nutrition Program Specialist, Ohio State University Extension

Reference:

Brinkman, P.  (2007). Sun Exposure:  Precautions and Protection” Ohio State University Extension, available at http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5550.html

Sun Protection Guidelines, available at http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/prevention-guidelines

Sunscreen FAQs available at http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens/sunscreen-faqs#.UXAZxcruyIA

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Is it a Serving or a Portion?

Posted in Healthy People, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , on April 18, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

I’m sure you have noticed how large the meals are that we are served when we eat out. Often the amounts we serve ourselves or our families at home are just as oversized as the restaurant portions. How can we control the calories we are eating each day to help us maintain a healthy weight?

One simple helpful tool is to recognize the difference between a “serving” and a “portion”.

A “portion” is the amount of food or beverage a person chooses to eat or drink. A “serving” is a standard amount established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. People commonly portion out more than one serving to eat or drink at a time.

For example, a serving of soda is 8 fluid ounces. Sixteen fluid-ounce bottles of soda are common, and many people choose to drink 16 fluid ounces in one sitting. Even though a 16-fluid ounce bottle is commonly viewed as one “portion,” it is actually two servings! Many cups at fast food restaurants are 32 ounces or even 44 ounces. Think how many servings you are having if you refill the cup before you leave?deck of cards

A serving of meat or fish is 3 ounces – about the size of a deck of cards. But the portion that you have on your plate may be 6 – 9 ounces or more!  Now, think of the calories that you are consuming if you eat the “portion” instead of a “serving.”

One 3-4 ounce hamburger has about 330 calories; a 6 – 8 ounce hamburger comes in at about 600 calories!

We know that just 100 extra calories per day could lead to a 10 pound weight gain in one year. It would take about 1 hour and 30 minutes of exercise to burn off the extra calories from the double burger!

Research has shown that if people are given food in larger serving size packages, they are likely to eat the entire package. For example, a 10.5 ounce bag of potato chips contains about 11 one ounce servings (about 13 chips). Each 1 ounce serving gives you 140 calories, 8 grams of fat and 180 mg of sodium. If you multiply those by 11, you are eating 1,540 calories, 88 grams of fat and 1,980 mg of sodium!

It might be helpful it you divided a larger package into individual serving sizes. When you first open the bag, divide the chips into 11 separate baggies and you will be less likely to mindlessly eat the whole bag while watching TV!

To help you visualize how big (or small!) a serving actually is here are some helpful hints using everyday items to determine the size of a serving.

  • A 3 oz. serving of meat, fish and poultry = a deck of cards or the size of a computer mouse
  • 2 Tbsp. of peanut butter =      a ping pong ball
  • 1 ½ oz. cheese = 4 stacked dice
  • ½ cup of ice cream = ½ of  a baseball
  • 1 baked potato = a fist
  • ½ cup of cooked rice, pasta or potato = ½ of a baseball

As you can see, a serving is much smaller than the portions we typically put on our plate!  You can download a portion card at: http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/portion/servingcard7.pdf

Choosemyplate.gov has the following suggestions to help you:

Measure out foods you regularly eat (such as a bowl of cereal) once or twice, to get a sense of how big your typical portion is. Also measure out what 1/2 or 1 cup portion size looks like to help you estimate how much you eat. Don’t forget to check the serving size information on the Nutrition Facts label of packaged foods. It describes what the “standard” serving size is, and how many are in the package.

How much we eat each day is just as important as what we are eating.  Be sure to eat nutrient rich foods to supply the calories as part of your daily health plan.  Don’t forget to include some physical activity that you enjoy each day to balance the calories in the foods you are eating.

Written by:  Marilyn Rabe, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Franklin County, Heart of Ohio EERA, rabe.9@osu.edu.

Reviewed by:  Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ross County, Ohio Valley EERA, barlage.7@osu.edu.

Resources:

North Carolina School Nutrition Action Committee, http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/TrendsEffectsSolutions/Texts/RightSizeYourPortions.pdf

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/portion/servingcard7.pdf

USDA, Choose My Plate, http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/weight-management/current-consumption.html

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Pedometer + Walking = Fitness

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , on April 3, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

Hopefully we may finally be in for some nice spring weather. Once it hits, many of us are ready to get out of winter hibernation mode and literally “step into spring”. If you’re like me, sunny skies and warmer temps will motivate you to get out and get moving.

But don’t think that you have to join a gym or an aerobics class to get the physical activity that you need. It can be much simpler than that. Try walking; it’s the most popular form of physical activity in the U.S. Just put on some comfortable shoes with good support and head out your door.

“Walking ranks among the most prevalent and beneficial forms of exercise” reports Van Wormer. Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can ease you into a higher level of fitness and health. It is one of your body’s most natural forms of exercise. It’s safe, simple, doesn’t require practice, and there are many health benefits. The health benefits walking can provide include:
Father and Son Walking
• lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol),
• raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol),
• lower your blood pressure,
• reduce your risk of or manage type 2 diabetes,
• manage your weight,
• improve your mood, and
• stay strong and fit.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults get at least two and a half hours (150 minutes) a week of physical activity at a moderate effort (a fast-paced walk). Children should get one hour of activity every day. However, according to the CDC, less than half of adults get enough physical activity to benefit their health.

To help stay motivated and make meeting walking goals easier, try a pedometer for counting your steps. Research shows that the pedometer – a small and typically inexpensive device that counts steps – is an excellent motivational tool for walking, as well as other physical activities. Pedometers are easy to use and can be used by almost anyone. Studies show that people walk more when they wear a pedometer.

So, to take best advantage of the long awaited spring thaw, get a pedometer, get walking and get fit.

Sources:
Van Wormer J. Pedometers and brief e-counseling: Increasing physical activity for overweight adults. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis 2004.

Mayo Clinic (2008). Walking for fitness: How to trim your waistline, improve your health [on-line]. Retrieved June 25, 2009. From http://mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ01612.

Pollard, J. MPH, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Health Hints: Pedometers Motivating Fitness. Sept 2009.

Writer: Polly Loy, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Belmont County, loy.1@osu.edu.

Reviewer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, barlage.7@osu.edu.

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Oral Health – Does It Matter?

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 4, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

Did you brush your teeth this morning?  Did you floss? brushing teeth

Most of us know we need to brush and floss, but we get in a rush. So, why is brushing our teeth so important.  We all know that brushing our teeth can prevent tooth decay.  What about other diseases?

Having good oral health can help prevent or lessen the chance of these diseases or problems:

  • Cardiovascular Disease – Gum disease (periodontitis) from oral bacteria may be a link to heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke according to some research.
  • Endocarditis – Gum disease may cause this infection to the inner lining of the heart
  • Premature birth and low birth weight has been linked to gum disease.
  • Alzheimer’s disease – Losing teeth before age 35 puts you at risk.
  • Osteoporosis may be associated with tooth loss and periodontal bone loss.
  • Having Diabetes increases your risk of gum disease.

So, we all need to work into our schedules brushing our teeth at least twice a day. Try to make one of those times be before you go to bed.  Use good technique taking time to do a thorough job.  (See tips below.)  You can use an electric/battery or manual toothbrush, whatever works best for you.  Foods that are acidic or contain sugar or starch can produce acids in your mouth that can harm tooth enamel for 20 minutes or more.  After consuming these foods avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes.

Floss your teeth at least once a day, as flossing helps decrease your risk of having gum disease and tooth decay.  Use whatever kind of floss or flossing tool works best for you.

Did you know your toothbrush could make you sick?  Here are a few tips to help you prevent that:

  • Wash your hands.  Be sure to wash your hands before and after to avoid spreading germs into your mouth and to others after brushing. toothbrush
  • Use a new toothbrush very four months.  Toothbrushes can wear out.  Replace your toothbrush after an illness..
  • After brushing rinse your toothbrush with water and store upright allowing it to air-dry. Don’t cover it until completely dry.  Store your toothbrush so that it doesn’t touch other toothbrushes.   Airborne bacteria grow well in the warm, moist environment like a bathroom.
  • Don’t share your toothbrush with others.  .
  • It is not necessary to sanitize your toothbrush using a mouthwash, sanitizer, dishwasher or microwave oven.
  • When someone is sick have them use a different  tube of  toothpaste, such as a travel size.  Sharing tubes of toothpaste can result in cross-contamination of germs.

Author:  Pat Brinkman, Extension Educator Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Miami Valley EERA

Reviewed by:  Liz Smith, M.S., R.D., L.D. NE Regional Program Specialist, SNAP-ED, Ohio State University Extension.

References:

Delta Dental, [2012]. Can Your Toothbrush Make You Sick,  Downloaded from http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/toothbrush.html on February 19, 2013.

Mayo Clinic Staff, [2011].  Electric Toothbrush:  Better than a Manual Toothbrush?  Answered by Alan Carr, D.M.D.,  Downloaded from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/electric-toothbrush/AN01705   on February 18, 2013.

Mayo Clinic Staff, [2011].  Oral health:  A Window to Your Overall Health, Downloaded from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE00001 on February 18, 2013.

Mayo Clinic Staff, [2011].  Oral Health:  Brush up on Dental Care Basics, Downloaded from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE00003  on February 18, 2013.

Mayo Clinic Staff, [2010].  When to brush Your Teeth, Answered by Alan Carr, D.M.D., Downloaded from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/brushing-your-teeth/AN02098 on February 18, 2013

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Celebrate February Heart Health Month

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on February 4, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

HeartFebruary is American Heart Health Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Ohio for both men and women. We can reduce the risk of heart disease by promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle. One key to heart health is eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium. Choose foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Eating a well-balanced diet includes a combination of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy. To celebrate Heart Month, take the time to evaluate your diet to make sure you are eating heart healthy foods.

Heart Healthy Foods
• Whole grains: brown rice, oatmeal, whole grain pasta
• Vegetables: broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, spinach & red bell peppers
• Fruits: oranges, blueberries, red grapes, cantaloupe, papaya
• Beans: red, black or kidney beans
• Omega-3 fatty acids: tuna, salmon, olive oil, flax seed
• Nuts: almonds or walnuts

This baked oatmeal recipe is a good source of fiber, fruit and calcium. This recipe is a great make ahead treat to reheat for a quick healthy breakfast or snack. It also is great to serve for overnight guests.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Servings 4-6
2 cups old fashioned oats (not instant)
1 ½ cups fat free milk or soymilk
2 egg whites
¼ cups packed brown sugar
½ cup applesauce
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon melted margarine
1 ½ cups diced apple

Optional Toppings:
Raisins
Dried Cranberries
Chopped almonds

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8 by 8 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together egg whites, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, applesauce, margarine, and cinnamon together.
3. In a larger bowl combine the oats and baking powder. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the oats and mix well. Gently stir in diced apples. Pour oatmeal mixture into prepared pan. Bake 30-40 minutes, until top is firmed and a toothpick comes out clean in the center. Remove from the oven and serve warm. Add additional toppings to baked oatmeal if desired. Also, you may refrigerate and reheat for use later. Make a big batch on Sunday to use as a healthy breakfast all week long!
Nutritional Facts: 1 square equals 160 calories, 3 g fat, 80 mg. sodium, 4 g protein, 3 g fiber, 30 g total carbohydrate
Start today to take better care of your heart health by including heart healthy foods, exercising and promoting a healthy lifestyle!
Written by: Beth Stefura M Ed, RD, LD, Ohio State University Extension Educator

Reviewed by:
Carolyn W. Gunther, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Extension State Specialist, Ohio State University
Cheryl Barber Spires, R.D., L.D. Program Specialist, SNAP-Ed, Ohio State University Extension
Liz Smith, M.S., R.D., L.D. NE Regional Program Specialist, SNAP-ED, Ohio State University Extension

Sources:
Be one in a million this American Heart Health Month. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/

http://www.odh.ohio.gov/healthstats/vitalstats/deathstat.aspx

http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/apple-cinnamon-baked-oatmeal/

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