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Posts Tagged ‘Heart Disease’

Steps to a Healthier Heart

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , on February 10, 2023| Leave a Comment »

As many of us know, February is known as American Heart Month, a time to spotlight cardiovascular diseases or heart disease. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States and Worldwide. Heart disease actually describes a range of conditions: coronary heart disease (CHD), congenital heart disease, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. Because I’m not a medical professional, I’m going to leave discussions about those conditions to someone who knows a lot more about them than I do – say the American Heart Association. I do spend a fair amount of time working to offer people easy ideas that they can use in their everyday lives to improve their health. Here is a list of small steps that you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease:2 heart shaped bowls of fresh fruit

  • Eat another vegetable and fruit each day. Make sure you vary the colors, eat high potassium fruits and veggies, and include leafy greens and berries.
  • Make your breakfast count. Include lots of whole grains like whole oats, brown rice, or whole wheat. Eat at least one fruit or vegetable. Watch the pre-packaged foods that may include more fat, sugar, or sodium than you would like to have.
  • Include protein rich beans, legumes, and nuts. Beans and legumes are packed with minerals and fiber, but don’t have the saturated fats of animal proteins. They contain fiber and will often help you to feel full longer. Add them to your salad or eat them for a snack.
  • Add some fatty fish. Salmon, trout, tuna, herring, orange roughy, halibut, and mackerel are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. These fats help keep plaque from clogging your arteries. Just avoid fried fish.
  • Have a hobby. Enjoying a hobby can actually lower your stress, promote mental health, and improve relationships. What are your favorite hobbies?
  • Be positive! When you have a more positive outlook or attitude you often have lower blood pressure, lower levels of stress and depression, and better blood sugar levels. Try the “No complaining challenge” for a day and build to a week. Smile more and let go of things you can’t control.
  • Write down 3 funny things. Take time every day to write down 3 funny things that you heard, saw, or did. Encourage others to share funny things that happened to them.3 note cards on clothes line Research has found that humor is powerful. When we laugh, we reduce depression and increase blood flow that can strengthen our heart. Take time to journal funny things every day to have long-term health improvements.

While there are numerous other things you can also do to improve your health, if you pick one or two of these easy steps you can be on your way to a healthier heart. I personally work on my positivity and just recently started looking at the funny things. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the funny things practice.

Writer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County. From materials developed by the Live Healthy Live Well Team.

Reviewer: Ken Stewart, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Monroe County.

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Enjoy Oats Today

Posted in Healthy People, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on February 14, 2022| Leave a Comment »

Rolled Oats
Rolled Oats

As a young child I remember my dad eating oatmeal every morning for breakfast. I’m not an oatmeal fan at all and I remember thinking to myself, how could he eat the same thing repeatedly. For me it’s something about the texture that I can’t get past. However, now that I’m older I’ve realized that my dad was eating oatmeal for the health benefits that oats provide. Healthline lists 9 benefits:

  1. Oats are incredibly nutritious. They are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber along with important vitamins and minerals.
  2. Whole oats are rich in antioxidants. Some of the antioxidants have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects along with leading to better blood flow.
  3. Oats contain a powerful soluble fiber which helps in reducing cholesterol levels and blood sugar response.
  4. They can lower cholesterol levels reducing both LDL and total cholesterol.
  5. Oats can improve blood sugar control by delaying absorption of glucose into the blood.
  6. Oatmeal is very filling and may help you lose weight. The feeling of fullness helps reduce calorie intake.
  7. Finely ground oats may help with skin care and have long been used to help treat dry and itchy skin.
  8. Research suggests eating oats can decrease the risk of childhood asthma.
  9. Studies also indicate that the fiber from oats may help relieve constipation.

Oats are considered a whole grain and whole grains have been shown to help reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases.

With all of those amazing benefits, I wanted to find a way to incorporate oats into my daily living. Some ways that my family and I enjoy oats are in:

What’s your favorite way to enjoy oats?

Sources:

https://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000727.htm

Author: Amanda Bohlen, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Washington County, bohlen.19@osu.edu

Reviewer: Dan Remley, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition, Wellness. Ohio State University Extension, remley.4@osu.edu

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February is the Month of Love!

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , , , , on February 7, 2022| Leave a Comment »

As a Registered Dietitian, I love when February rolls around! I break out my wardrobe of red and heart themes to raise awareness of heart disease and best practices to take care of your heart in honor of American Heart Month. 

In January of this year, we learned of a new study led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health revealing people who consume higher amounts of olive oil may lower their risk of premature death overall from specific causes including cardiovascular disease.  According to this study, swapping out the butter or other artery-clogging fats in your diet may add years to your life. 

This study revealed that individuals consuming more than a ½ tablespoon of olive oil daily are less likely to die from heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or lung disease when compared to people who consume less of this healthy fat.

Researchers encourage individuals to pay attention to their overall diet quality and lifestyle. A key factor is to add olive oil into the diet as a substitution for other, unhealthier fats. Olive oil is rich in healthy antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins and is a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

After this study was revealed, a great discussion was held with my colleagues.  We were encouraged by the results of this new information and began examining how to add more olive oil into our diets.

We determined that replacing a fat is different from adding one to your diet, and one of the easiest ways to replace butter and other animal fats is with olive oil. To make an easy transition and introduce olive oil into our diets, if a recipe contains butter, cut out half the butter and replace it with olive oil. Introducing more olive oil into our diets can also be accomplished with using infused olive oil to flavor whole grains, vegetables, and proteins, or by  dipping bread into olive oil bread dip. This easy and healthy dip is made by combining high quality extra virgin olive oil (richer in flavor and intended for dipping) with spices such as garlic powder, oregano, rosemary, basil, or crushed red pepper flakes. Use a crusty bread or Artisan loaf for dipping.

Living heart-healthy involves understanding your risk, making choices, and taking steps to reduce your chances of getting heart disease. By taking these preventive measures, you can lower your risk of developing heart disease and improve your overall health and well-being.

Written by:       Beth Stefura, RD,LD, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Mahoning County,                The Ohio State University, stefura.2@osu.edu

Reviewed by:     Jenny Lobb, RD,LD, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Franklin County, The Ohio State University, lobb.3@osu.edu

References

American College of Cardiology (2022). Higher olive oil intake associated with lower risk of CVD mortality. Science Daily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220110145249.htm

American Heart Association (2021). Saturated Fat. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats

Gordon, B. (2021). Choose Healthy Fats. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/dietary-guidelines-and-myplate/choose-healthy-fats

Palmer, S. (2011). Olive Oil California Style! This Golden-Green Liquid Is Fragrant, Flavorful, and Bursting With Heart Health Benefits. Today’s Dietitian. https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/100111p30.shtml

Webb, D. (2013). Phytochemicals’ Role in Good Health. Today’s Dietitian. https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/090313p70.shtml.

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You Are Invited To Be Strong @ Heart

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , on January 26, 2021| Leave a Comment »

What do David Letterman, Burt Reynolds, Reggie Lewis, Barbara Walters, Bill Clinton, Hank Gathers, Toni Braxton, Kelsey Grammar, Dick Cheney, and Bret Michaels all have in common? All of them have or had some form of heart disease.

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States? Even if you do not have a personal or family history, it is likely that you will still be impacted in some way by heart disease during your lifetime. Whether it is a friend, a co-worker, a professional athlete, a celebrity, a neighbor, or a loved one, if you don’t already know someone who has been diagnosed, you likely will.  

Mittens holding a heart shaped scoop of fresh fallen snow

The Live Healthy Live Well Team invites you to get “Strong @ Heart” with us this February as we celebrate American Heart Month. You may be thinking, yeah, yeah, yeah, but I don’t want a bunch of medical jargon thrown at me. Great! The Strong @ Heart email challenge will give you some information about heart disease and some tips on how to help you stay healthy, but it will be relatable. You see, many of the writers have personal stories as to why this topic is so important to them.

We know that 2020 was a rollercoaster for most people, and 2021 might feel the same. During the Strong @ Heart challenge, we hope to connect with you on a more personal note about how heart disease has impacted and continues to impact the lives of many of us.

What can you expect? Two weekly e-mails will be sent directly to you from an OSU Extension Professional from February 1, 2021 – March 10, 2021. A few of the topics covered include: prevention, signs and symptoms, sleep, physical activity, dining out, good fats, mindfulness, hobbies and laughter.

Become Strong @ Heart with us! You can register by finding your county link below. If your county is not listed, please use the link for Ohio at the end.

Strong @ Heart photo with red, stitched heart
Ohio CountyRegistration Link
Belmontgo.osu.edu/LHLWBelmont
Brown, Clermont, Hamiltongo.osu.edu/LHLWCincinnati
Butlergo.osu.edu/LHLWButler
Carrollgo.osu.edu/LHLWCarroll
Champaigngo.osu.edu/LHLWChampaign
Clarkgo.osu.edu/LHLWClark
Coshoctongo.osu.edu/LHLWCoshocton
Cuyahogago.osu.edu/LHLWCuyahoga
Darke, Mercer, Preblego.osu.edu/LHLWWest
Fairfield, Hockinggo.osu.edu/LHLWFairfield
Fayettego.osu.edu/LHLWFayette
Franklingo.osu.edu/LHLWFranklin
Fulton, Williams, Defiance, Henry, Pauldinggo.osu.edu/LHLWArea1
Greenego.osu.edu/LHLWGreene
Hardingo.osu.edu/LHLWHardin
Holmesgo.osu.edu/LHLWHolmes
Licking, Knox, Muskingumgo.osu.edu/LHLWLicking
Lucasgo.osu.edu/LHLWLucas
Mahoninggo.osu.edu/LHLWMahoning
Meigsgo.osu.edu/LHLWMeigs
Miamigo.osu.edu/LHLWMiami   
Montgomerygo.osu.edu/LHLWMontgomery
Morrowgo.osu.edu/LHLWMorrow
Noblego.osu.edu/LHLWNoble
Perrygo.osu.edu/LHLWPerry
Pickawaygo.osu.edu/LHLWPickaway
Pikego.osu.edu/LHLWPike
Rossgo.osu.edu/LHLWRoss
Sandusky, Ottawago.osu.edu/LHLWSandusky
Trumbullhttps://go.osu.edu/lhlwtrumbull
Tuscarawasgo.osu.edu/LHLWTuscarawas
Vintongo.osu.edu/LHLWVinton
Washingtongo.osu.edu/LHLWWashington
Warrengo.osu.edu/LHLWWarren
Waynego.osu.edu/LHLWWayne
Woodgo.osu.edu/LHLWWood

Strong @ Heart Ohio link:  https://go.osu.edu/lhlwopen

Writers: Misty Harmon, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Perry County, harmon.416@osu.edu and Patrice Powers-Barker, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Lucas County powers-barker.1@osu.edu

Reviewers: Michelle Treber, Lisa Barlage and Jenny Lobb, Extension Educators, Family and Consumer Sciences

References:

When It Comes to Heart Health, Americans Don’t Know Their Numbers. (2017). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 01/22/2021 from https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2017/02/01/comes-heart-health-americans-dont-know-numbers/

Scammahorn, R. (2021). What does it take to be strong @ heart? Live Healthy, Live Well, Ohio State University Extension. Retrieved 01/22/2021 from https://livehealthyosu.com/2021/01/18/what-does-it-take-to-be-strong-heart/

Heart Snow photo from Pixabay

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Heart Health Updates

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , on January 11, 2021| 1 Comment »

Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the United States (about 1 in 4 deaths). In this blog we have shared how dietary choices, including adding more plant foods reduces the risk of heart disease. Increasing physical activity is another important way to strengthen our hearts and bodies. Researchers are always learning more about heart health and ways to reduce the risk of disease. Here are some recent updates and recommendations.

Add some steps.  A 2020 study supports the evidence that increasing your daily step count reduces the risk of mortality of all causes. That’s right, all causes. The intensity of these steps did not have a significant difference on the overall reduction of risk. The takeaway? Make it a goal to take 8,000 steps each day, for your heart and your overall health. Movement does not have to make you sweat buckets to have a positive, long-term impact on health.

Schedule your flu shot. Did you know getting a flu shot can help to protect your heart? It is true! The flu can cause stress or damage to our heart and other organs. In a study of over 80,000 U.S. patients hospitalized with the flu, more than 1 in 10 had an acute cardiac event before discharge. An acute cardiac event could be acute heart failure, a heart attack, or a hypertensive crisis. Almost a third of those patients then required intensive care.

Image of a blooming tea flower in a clear mug on a wooden table.

Make time for tea. Studies have shown that adding tea to a heart-healthy diet can have many benefits. Some benefits may include:

  • improved brain function
  • protection against some cancers
  • better weight maintenance
  • increased HDL or “good” cholesterol
  • decreased LDL or “bad” cholesterol
  • better smelling breath

Adding sweeteners like sugar and honey can counteract the benefits that come from drinking tea. Tea contains tannins and drinking too much can lead to poor iron absorption. Tea also contains caffeine, which can cause anxiety or trouble sleeping. Most healthy individuals can safely consume 3-4 cups of tea each day. Check with a healthcare professional before starting a new diet or exercise routine.

When taking care of our heart, small changes can make a big difference. Check back to this blog often for new research findings. If you are interested in learning more about heart health join our Strong @ Heart email challenge that starts February 1! Sign up here: go.osu.edu/LHLWopen

Written by: Courtney Woelfl, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Cuyahoga County, woelfl.1@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Shannon Carter, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Fairfield County, carter.413@osu.edu

References: https://www.heart.org/en/around-the-aha/aha-names-top-heart-disease-and-stroke-research-advances-of-2020

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It’s Time for a Break

Posted in Healthy People, Healthy Relationships, tagged , , , , , , , , on August 27, 2020| Leave a Comment »

In July  I set an out of office message.

“I am out of the office on vacation. I will be seeing national parks, family, friends, and the Rocky Mountains; I will not be seeing emails.”

And I left.  For two whole weeks! It was glorious and much needed.  

My daughters enjoying the North Rim of the Grand Canyon July 2020

According to research done by the U.S. Travel Association, Americans left 768 MILLION vacations days unused in 2018. That statistic surprised me given how often a friend, neighbor, or colleague says, “I need a vacation!” in conversation.

Allow me to persuade you on why you should use your vacation days:

Are looking for better physical or mental health? Want to achieve a goal you’ve set? Take a vacation!!!

Several studies have shown that taking time away from your job can have physical and psychological health benefits. People who use their vacation time have lower stress and less risk of heart disease.

You may be familiar with stress when it comes to your job. Vacation helps with that too! Stress contributes to heart disease and high blood pressure. Chronic exposure to the stress hormone cortisol can alter our brain structure. This can contribute to anxiety and depression.  Time away from work can increase feelings of calm and relieve stress.   This allows our brains to heal in ways it can’t when it is under pressure.

Physically, the benefits are positive too.   For both men and women, the New York Times reported, taking a vacation every two years compared to every six will lessen the risk of coronary heart disease or heart attacks.

People who vacation also have a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve their goals. One study three days after vacation found subjects’ physical complaints, quality of sleep, and mood had improved as compared to before vacation found.  These gains were still present five weeks later, especially in those who had more personal time and overall satisfaction during their vacation. Returning to work can increase mental focus, creativity, and productivity. 

If you are thinking that your current budget or financial situation does not allow a vacation at this time, allow me to point out none of this research says WHERE or WHAT you have to do for these benefits. Those benefits are available when you take a break from work! A Caribbean island may sound relaxing, but there is plenty of relaxation to be found close to home. Recently the popularity of staycations has grown.  You may be missing some great destinations right in your backyard.  Stay close and get creative if you have to, just don’t add your vacation days to that 768 million. 

Wherever your vacation takes you, we hope it is relaxing!

Author: Alisha Barton, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Miami County, barton.345@osu.edu

Reviewer: Amanda Bohlen, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Washington County, bohlen.19@osu.edu

Resources:

COVID 19: Staycation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/covid-19/documents/eap-staycation-ideas.pdf

Harmon, M. (2020). It’s Vacation Time. Live Healthy Live Well, Ohio State University Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences. https://livehealthyosu.com/2020/06/29/its-vacation-time/

Importance of taking vacation. (n.d.). Retrieved August 25, 2020, from https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/thrive/importance-of-taking-vacation

Kim, A. (2019, August 16). A record 768 million US vacation days went to waste last year, a study says. Retrieved August 25, 2020, from https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/unused-vacation-days-trnd/index.html

US TravelAssociation (2019). PAID TIME OFF TRENDS IN THE U.S. Retrieved from https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/media_root/document/Paid%20Time%20Off%20Trends%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf?utm_source=MagnetMail&utm_medium=email&utm_content=8%2E15%2E19%2DPress%2DVacation%20Days%20Release&utm_campaign=pr

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Act FAST, Save a Life

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , on May 18, 2020| 1 Comment »

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Did you know that every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke?

Every stroke and TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack, aka “mini-stroke”) is a medical emergency. If you know the warning signs of a stroke and act FAST, you could save a life. FAST is the acronym for noticing the major warning signs of a stroke and taking action:

Face Drooping – one side of the face is drooping or numb. Ask the person to smile and look for this sign.

Arm Weakness – The arm is weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms to the side. One arm may drift down.

Speech Difficulty – The speech may be slurred or difficult to understand. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase, such as “the sky is blue”.

Time to call 9-1-1 if any of these signs are present.

Learn the signs of stroke. Face. Arms. Speech. Time to call 9-1-1. cdc.gov/stroke

More than 40% of Americans cannot recall the major warning signs of a stroke. If you are one of them, now is the time to commit them to memory! Recognizing these signs could save a life because every moment counts when someone is having a stroke. Unfortunately, emergency rooms across the country are reporting declines in the number of non-coronavirus patients they are seeing, and doctors are worried that coronavirus fears are keeping patients from calling 9-1-1 when they need help. A stroke is not something to “tough out” at home. Recognize a stroke for what it is – a medical emergency – and encourage friends, family members and love ones to seek help when needed.

To prevent strokes from happening in the first place, make healthy lifestyle choices – like eating nutritious food and getting enough physical activity– and encourage friends, family members and loved ones to do the same. The CDC estimates that up to 80% of strokes are preventable. If you have suffered a stroke, making healthy lifestyle changes is still worth the effort, as they can help prevent future potentially more serious strokes from taking place.

A healthier you starts with change. Change starts with you. What changes will you make to become a healthier you? Take action today to avoid falling victim to a stroke, and commit the FAST acronym to memory to help save the lives of others.

Written by: Loretta Sweeney, Senior Series Program Assistant, OSU Extension Franklin County

Reviewed by: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Franklin County

SOURCES:

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What is CHD?

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , on February 13, 2020| Leave a Comment »

 

CHD

February is not only a time to celebrate love and Valentine’s Day with hearts, it is a time to raise awareness of Congenital Heart Defects and Diseases. Two years ago, I would have let February pass by like any other month, with the exception of flowers and candy from my husband. However, everything changed in the summer of 2018 when I was pregnant with our son. The day we heard our doctor say what no parent ever should have to hear, “We can’t see a clear picture of his heart”. After weeks of tests and ultrasounds, he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (CHD) – structural deformities that are present at birth and can be “fixed” or “repaired” after birth.  There are also congenital heart diseases which also have abnormalities within the heart but have lifelong impacts; and are often more severe in nature

Once we started researching with our doctor, we learned how common CHDs were in infants. It is the most common birth defect occurring in almost 1% of births. More than 40,000 infants are born each year in the United States with a CHD.

There are many types of CHDs that range in severity. The CDC website lists information for some of the more common ones. Our son has Tetralogy of Fallot, which is one of the most common, and easiest to repair. However, it is often difficult for me to explain his diagnosis. That is why I find this website helpful.

Many of the congenital heart defects require surgery; over 25% of children will need it. Some of the defects even require it before the age of 1 year old, and/or involve multiple surgeries. Our son is the 1 in 110 that was born with a CHD, and required surgery at 3.5 months old. He continues to have complications post-surgery, even after a successful repair. CHD is something he will live with the rest of his life, as will we, and the thousands of others that have been diagnosed with them will live with them for the rest of their lives.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for CHD, but there are ways to bring awareness to these defects and their lifelong impact. If you would like to learn more or help support those with congenital heart defects, please visit the Pediatric Congenital Heart Association website.This is a great organization that provides support to local families, advocacy at the state and national level, and education to communities. There are also various organized CHD awareness walks, fundraisers, and other events throughout the year.

Another way to show care is by volunteering or giving to the closest Ronald McDonald House, many children and families with CHDs spend several months over their lifetime in the hospital. If you have friends or family that are, pregnant or planning to try to conceive encourage them to get all of their prenatal care.

 

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, November 12). Specific Congenital Heart Defects. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/specificdefects.html

Mended Hearts. (2020). Retrieved from Mended Hearts: https://mendedhearts.org/

Pediatric Congenital Heart Association. (2020). We are Conquering CHD. Retrieved from Pediatric Congenital Heart Association: https://www.conqueringchd.org/

Written by: Bridget Britton MSW, LSW Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension, Carroll County

Reviewed by: Emilee Drerup  MPH, CHES Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension, Hancock County

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The “Beet” Goes On

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , on March 7, 2019| Leave a Comment »

beets

Numerous health and wellness media outlets have printed various “The Best Foods You Aren’t Eating” articles over the last few years. Included in many of those lists are beets.  I have to admit they were not on my ‘favorite’ veggie list when I was a kid. But I’ve grown to like them as an adult, and would like to encourage you to think about incorporating them more often into your diet.

What nutritional benefits can you get from eating beets? 

  • Beets are part of the chenopod family. Other members include chard, spinach, and quinoa.
  • The reddish purple pigments in beets contain phytochemicals called betalins. Betalins help lessen growth of tumor cells in the colon, stomach, nerve, lung, breast, prostate, and testicles.
  • Beets are especially protective of our eyes and our nervous system. They also help protect against heart disease, birth defects, and cancer.
  • Beets are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and manganese.
  • Beets help reduce inflammation. Heart disease and diabetes are two chronic health problems aggravated by inflammation.
  • The fiber in beets is unique, and may provide health benefits in the digestive tract and cardiovascular system.

Preparing Fresh Beets

Cut the majority of the leaves and stems off.  Leave about 2” of the stems on to prevent bleeding.  Do not wash before storing.  Place in a plastic bag or saran wrap and wrap tightly to keep out air. They will keep about four days in the refrigerator.

Raw beets do not freeze well.  However, you can freeze cooked beets. To begin preparing beets, run them first under cold water to clean. You may notice that beets “bleed” a little and turn your hands red.  You can remove the temporary dye by rubbing your hands with lemon juice.

Cut beets into quarters, leaving 2” of the tap root and 1” of stem.  Cook as lightly as possible by steaming or cooking in a small amount of liquid. When you can insert a knife or fork easily into the beet, they are done.  Peel beets on a cutting board and use gloves to prevent staining your hands. You can also eat beets raw by grating and adding to salads.

Easter Tradition

You may want to try this unique beet recipe for Easter dinner. “Beets and horseradish” is a side dish used on ham. I learned how to make it years ago from my father-in-law whose ancestors came from Czechoslovakia. It is an Eastern European tradition.

Beets and Horseradish

1 bunch fresh beets (4-5)

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

4 tablespoons vinegar

1 tablespoon grated horseradish

Boil beets until soft.  Skin and cool to room temperature. Grate beets by hand, do not use a food processor. Add remaining ingredients. Refrigerate. Canned beets may be substituted for fresh (save the beet juice to make pickled eggs).

Written by:  Donna Green, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Erie County, green.308@osu.edu

Reviewed by:  Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County, stefura.2@osu.edu

Sources:

https://www.health.com/nutrition/beets-health-benefits?slide=327494#327494

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311343.php

https://foodandnutrition.org/november-december-2015/beets-deserve-spotlight/

https://www.justbeetit.com/beet-nutrition

 

 

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From My Heart to Yours

Posted in Healthy People, tagged , , , , , , on February 11, 2019| Leave a Comment »

two hands with mittens holding a heart-shaped snowball
What comes to mind when you think of February? For many, it’s Valentine’s Day, others may think of a dreaded month of winter weather. Some may know February as Black History Month. Still others, like me, may think of American Heart Month. While all of these are accurate, one is nearer and dearer to my heart, pun intended.

You see, at the end of my junior year of high school, my dad had his first heart-related incident two days after his 37th birthday. He had to have angioplasty for a blocked artery. A month or so later, my dad’s brother John had to have open-heart surgery ON his birthday. My dad had already lost his oldest brother to a massive heart attack. Uncle Bill was in his forties when he collapsed after coming home from work. My dad’s brother Jim had suffered a heart attack and had a couple of heart procedure in subsequent years as well. My dad had another angioplasty when I was a freshman in college.

My dad attended cardiac rehabilitation after both of his angioplasties. The first time, I attended some of his sessions since I was out of school for the summer. While attending Ohio University, I learned about a program that would enable me to work in cardiac rehab. I never realized this was something I would be able to do without becoming a physician. I completed the program and was fortunate to find a position right away working for a cardiologist who had cardiac rehab as part of his practice. I worked there for 5 years before taking a position in a hospital cardiac and pulmonary rehab facility.

My dad had his first open-heart surgery shortly after he turned 44. Yes, you read that right. My dad’s oldest living brother Bob, had open heart surgery a couple months later the same year. My dad had his second open-heart surgery 2 days prior to his 57th birthday, which he celebrated in the hospital. A month or so prior to this, my uncle by marriage had to have a stent. He attended cardiac rehab at the hospital where I was working. When my dad had his second open-heart surgery, he started cardiac rehab 2 weeks after his surgery because he was recovering so well and my uncle was able to drive him. This was an interesting experience for me. The person who had always taken care of me, was now in my care. It was also a relief because I knew he was getting the best of care.

My dad will turn 67 at the end of May. I am happy to say that he is doing fairly well. He finally quit smoking once and for all. Yes, he quit each time he had a heart event, but he eventually started back. He takes his medications as directed. Stress is really not an issue for him. He could stand to be more active and eat a little better, both of which would help his weight. Overall, everything considered, he is fortunate. I am also happy to report that I turned 46 in August and I have no signs or symptoms of any heart-related conditions.

As you may have figured out, heart disease is very near and dear to me. I obviously learned at a young age that I have a strong family history. So, I have taken steps to try to help reduce my risk for developing heart disease. While we hear about all sorts of other diseases and conditions, heart disease has been and still remains the number one killer of men AND women in the United States. So, if you have not been taking the best care of your heart, it’s not too late to start. What better month than February to begin?!

10 Things You May Not Know About Heart Disease [Infographic]

Written by: Misty Harmon, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County, harmon.416@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Tammy Jones, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Pike County, jones.5640@osu.edu

Photos:

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/heart-facts-infographic

https://pixabay.com/en/heart-snowball-gloves-winter-hands-1416344/

Sources:

American Heart Association, (2019). Found at: https://www.heart.org/

American Heart Association, (2019). Cardiovascular disease affects nearly half of American adults, statistics show. Found at: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/01/31/cardiovascular-diseases-affect-nearly-half-of-american-adults-statistics-show

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2015). Preventing Heart Disease: Healthy Living Habits. Found at: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/healthy_living.htm

CNN Staff, (2019).  Meet the man who created Black History Month. Retrieved from: https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/01/us/history-of-black-history-month-trnd/index.html

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, (2013). Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Changes. Retrieved from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-healthy-lifestyle-changes

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Learn more about heart disease. Retrieved from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-month/learn-more-about-heart-disease

Office of Women’s Health, (2018). Retrieved from: https://www.womenshealth.gov/heart-disease-and-stroke

 

 

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