Students invited to participate in Genesee Health Plan’s 5th annual Health Heritage Essay and Scholarship contests – Grandblancview

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FLINT Genesee Health Plan (GHP) today announced it is accepting entries for its Fifth Annual Health Heritage Essay Contest. This year Sovita Credit Union is sponsoring the contests, which are open to all students in Genesee County.

The essay contest is for elementary (grades 5 and 6 only), middle/junior high and high school students. Two scholarships will also be awarded to high school seniors pursuing a career in the healthcare field.

Knowing your family health history is a key part of prevention and living a healthy life. Our annual Health Heritage Essay Contest is one way we encourage students to think about their health today and in the future, said Jim Milanowski, GHP President and CEO. This year we are excited to announce that Sovita Credit Union is sponsoring the essay and scholarship contests.

Students are encouraged to interview one or more of their family members and write an essay about their findings, as well as their plans for their personal health and their future health. The specific essay guidelines are outlined below and can also be found at geneseehealthplan.org.

Elementary (grades 5 and 6 only) & Middle/Junior High School

200-350 words

Essay must be typed or clearly handwritten

First place winner will receive a $200 gift card; second place winner will receive a $100 gift card

High School

500-750 words

Essay must be typed

First place essay contest winner will receive a $400 gift card; second place winner will receive a $200 gift card

Health Care Career Scholarship Contest

High school seniors planning to pursue a career in the healthcare field may enter an essay for the opportunity to receive a scholarship. The essay must include information about the health career they plan to choose and why, the importance of good health, their goals and the impact they hope to make in their chosen field. Two $1,500 scholarships will be awarded.

750 words or more

Essay must be typed

The name Sovita celebrates the life of the community, said Jen Shew, Sovita Credit Union Director of Marketing. We serve the healthcare and educational community, so this partnership is a great fit for Sovita. We are honored to support the work Genesee Health Plan does to educate students and families about making healthy lifestyle choices and are very excited to sponsor this years essay contest.

All essay submissions are due on or before Friday, March 27. Both scholarship recipients will be honored at Genesee Health Plans Health Care Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on April 17.

The contest also provides an opportunity for teachers to participate for the chance to win prizes. The middle/junior high school teacher who has the most students from their classes enter the contest will receive a $300 gift card and the high school teacher who has the most students from their classes enter the contest will receive a $500 gift card. Both winning teachers will also be recognized at the Health Care Hall of Fame Awards Dinner.

Essays can be submitted electronically to: healthheritage@countyhealthplans.org.

Contact Sherika Finklea at (810) 232- 7740 ext. 217 with any questions.

For more information including specific contest rules and guidelines, visit geneseehealthplan.org/2020essaycontests. L.R.

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Students invited to participate in Genesee Health Plan's 5th annual Health Heritage Essay and Scholarship contests - Grandblancview

Letters to the editor – Opinion – Utica Observer Dispatch

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Child caregivers can contact WIC

More and more children are being raised by grandparents or other caregivers in our community. In fact, it is estimated that over 130,000 grandparents are raising grandchildren in New York state.

Single fathers, foster parents, and other relatives like aunts and uncles, cousins and siblings are full-time caretakers for many children as well. While there are a lot of reasons why a child may need to live with a grandparent, relative or foster parent, one thing is certain: there are services that can help make life easier.

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is a program that can do exactly that. WIC provides healthy food, nutrition advice and referrals to other helpful services for children younger than 5. Caregivers of a child younger than 5 can apply on behalf of that child. WIC promotes and supports a healthy lifestyle. For free, confidential help with WIC, contact your local WIC Help Specialist at 315-624-9930 ext. 2390.

Nicole Nardozza, Rome

Nardozza is a WIC Help Specialist with Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency in Rome, serving Oneida & Onondaga counties.

A couple seconds can save your life

Ive been driving for over 55 years, and was a salesperson for over 30 years. So Ive seen a lot and learned even more through the driving experience.

I have a tip for you today. When you approach a stoplight and you are the lead car and the light turns green, take a second or two and look both ways before you move your vehicle. That one or two seconds can save your life or prevent a bad accident.

So many times people dont take time and just take off. So remember to take two or three seconds and look both ways because that other person may not stop when they should. Be smart and be safe.

Greg Riddle, Mohawk

Utility companies can help businesses

I recently had a conversation with a county legislator, and I proposed to him my idea of assistance for small businesses that are already severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

I proposed that utility companies that charge a commercial rate for gas and electric service adjust that rate back to a residential rate. The theory behind the commercial rate is they can pass it along to their customers.

To some local businesses, customers are in short supply. Our local business owners could sure use the help, and it isnt like the utility companies arent getting anything, just a lower rate.

I think the utility companies can afford to compromise on this issue until our economy begins to improve.

Jeff Zahniser, Mohawk

Tenney clearly the right choice

In the past 20 years, I know the county has had five different representatives in Congress: Sherwood Boehlert, Michael Arcuri, Richard Hanna, Claudia Tenney and now Anthony Brindisi. However, only one has been the most successful, and it isnt the one you think.

When Claudia Tenney was first elected in 2017, she hit the ground running, putting Upstate New York on the map with President Trump by meeting with him and showcasing our wonderful region whenever possible.

Tenney got to work almost immediately for veterans and our military, advocating for Rome Labs and a strong increase in defense spending in the first Defense Bill that she would vote on.

Tenney then went on to advocate for Sherrill Manufacturing and was able to get the group to showcase their product at the White House while simultaneously passing bills that increased accountability in the Veterans Administration and cut dangerous regulations in our financial sector. By the end of her first term, Tenney had passed a number of bills and worked directly on both the Tax Bill and the Farm Bill and held forums across the district.

It would be a big mistake for NY-22 to fail to send this great leader back to Congress to work alongside of President Trump in 2020 to help keep NY-22 great. In my eyes on a scale of 1 to 10 Claudia is Ten----ney!

Kevin C. Moreau Sr., Whitesboro

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Letters to the editor - Opinion - Utica Observer Dispatch

Doctor delivers better health options – The Cross Timbers Gazette

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Date: Saturday, March 28, 2020

Dr. Thomas Fliedner is excited to be celebrating 20 years in the Flower Mound/Lewisville area as a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist.

I have delivered thousands of babies in the North Texas area. I have enjoyed helping so many families, said the partner with four other doctors at North Texas OBGYN.

I participated in developing the minimally invasive surgical programs locally including performing the first robotic GYN surgery in Lewisville. I was one of the original practitioners at the Flower Mound hospital when it opened. And I have served in a variety of committee leadership capacities and mentored new practitioners.

Fliedner is more than just an OBGYN specialist as he has expanded services to women and men.

Doctors grow with their practice. When I was young I was most interested in delivering babies and I still love that, he said. As I mature and my patient base matures I find great interest in helping people enjoy better health. Preventing disease is more powerful than treating disease.

After considerable research, he launched North Texas Vitality in 2018 as a way to better focus on using hormones for both men and women. He said using the right hormones can very much help patients enjoy their best health.

While some studies have connected synthetic hormones to some health issues, Fliedner said quite the opposite is true for natural hormones which enhance peoples health. He firmly believes using the right hormones at the right time will maintain good health and restore vitality. He also advocates a healthy lifestyle including exercise, sleep and a good diet.

Its very rewarding to deliver my patients babies, he said. Its also rewarding to help people overcome their health issues and feel great. I enjoy every aspect of what I do.

I wish to thank all of my patients who have allowed me to help them these 20 years and look forward to providing continued service.

Call 972-436-7557 for more information.

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Doctor delivers better health options - The Cross Timbers Gazette

This Map Reveals the Healthiest (and Unhealthiest) Cities in America – Thrillist

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Ask most of my NYC friends what it means to have a "healthy lifestyle" and they'll tell you it's sleeping at least four hours a night and having a balanced negroni. That said, New Yorkers walk half a mile from their jobs to the bar, snack on heart-healthy oysters during happy hour, and drunkenly tell their sad friends to see a therapist.

It can be difficult to measure "health" in communities, but the prevailingculture of NYC -- the built-in exercise of a commute, healthier bar snacks, a focus on mental health -- is what earned the city spot No. 6 out of 174 in WalletHub's new ranking of the healthiest and unhealthiest cities in America. To achieve this ranking, the personal finance company compared more than 170 of the most populated cities across 43 key indicators of good health. They also focused on four key dimensions: 1) Health Care, 2) Food, 3) Fitness and 4) Green Space, according to a summary of the findings.

The healthiest cities in the US

20. San Jose, CA19. Boston, MA18. Fremont, CA17. Burlington, VT16. Salt Lake City, UT15. Minneapolis, MN14. Huntington Beach, CA13. Honolulu, HI12. Los Angeles, CA11. Austin, TX10. Chicago, IL9. Scottsdale, AZ8. Irvine, CA7. Denver, CO6. New York, NY5. Washington, DC4. Portland, OR3. San Diego, CA2. Seattle, WA1. San Francisco, CA

The unhealthiest cities in the US

20. Amarillo, TX19. Fayetteville, NC18. Lubbock, TX17. Columbus, GA16. Jackson, MS15. Baton Rouge, LA14. North Las Vegas, NV13. Toledo, OH12. Corpus Christi, TX11. Mobile, AL10. Detroit, MI9. Fort Smith, AR8. Augusta, GA7. Huntington, WV6. Montgomery, AL5. Memphis, TN4. Shreveport, LA3. Gulfport, MS2. Laredo, TX1. Brownsville, TX

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This Map Reveals the Healthiest (and Unhealthiest) Cities in America - Thrillist

Eat, Drink And Be Murphy: For health, and flavor, think plants – MPNnow.com

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Also: Area breweries host beer and Girl Scout cookie pairings

CANANDAIGUA Pssst. Matt Wooster has a secret.

Wooster, a Geneva native who is the lead culinary instructor at New York Kitchen and has been a chef for over 30 years, has tried some of the so-called impossible burgers offered at the big fast-food chains. The burgers, so to speak, are plant- and not meat-based, hence the "impossible" moniker.

What comes next from Wooster, who cooked at his own family restaurant and for community-living facilities after he grew tired of the long hours and weekends, might come as a surprise.

I have to be honest, Wooster said. Ive had some of those products and I cant tell the difference.

With that confession out of the way, you can take it to the bank what he has to say about the glazed lentil walnut apple loaf, which students will be learning how to make at a sold-out whole-food, plant-based cooking class next week.

It looks like meatloaf. It tastes like meatloaf, Wooster said. Its a delicious meatloaf.

Only itsa dishwithout the meat.

The classes are popular. New York Kitchen offers at least one whole-food plant-based cooking class a month, and they sell out tremendously, Wooster said.

Most likely, the reason comes down simply to health.

Diet is a really big part of a healthy lifestyle, according to Linda Rowsick, a registered dietician and nutrition clinical coordinator at UR Medicine Thompson Health.

Many heart conditions can be regulated in part by a whole-food plant-based diet, Rowsick said.

They can be tasty, as many students in the NYK classes learn, but for those who stick to the familiar and absolutely salivate at the thought of a medium rare grilled steak but are urged to instead dine on veggie-based entrees take heart.

Make changes gradually, Rowsick suggested, perhaps with one meal at first, like breakfast. Changing lifestyles is a trip for the long haul.

Whichever meal is easiest to start with, Rowsick said. Each person is different.

Also, be patient, as it takes a good one to two weeks to adjust to a new diet and for some, as long as a month, particularly thosewith love of cheese and sugar. But the benefits begin to show almost immediately, Rowsick said.

Done right, a diner can enjoy a nice full meal of, say, roasted Brussels sprouts, baked potato and side salad, instead of a beef-, pork- or chicken-dominated dish. People just need to eat more vegetables, Rowsick said.

If you eat those foods first, you will be fuller and eat less of the animal food, Rowsick said.

Soon enough, you'll come to relish the variety of dishes. So many great plant-based recipes are really flavorful with the right kind of seasoning, and the method of cooking can really transform a meal, Wooster said.

You dont really miss the meat anymore, Wooster said.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle may be an adjustment, but dont let cooking those meals stop you. In fact, it can be a challenge, Wooster admitted, but at the same time, it can be fun and creative.

Take the jackfruit, which is a large green or yellow fruit native to South India.

Its sweet tasting, good for you and its texture resembles that of shredded meat. Throw a little heart-healthy barbecue or a sloppy Joe sauce (you can learn this one at NYK, too) on top, add some red beans, and tomato and cucumber salad on the side and now youre talking about a dish that could make the collective mouths water over at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.

Youre almost tricking the senses, Wooster said, but if done properly, it works.

Its fun to turn jackfruit into pulled pork, Wooster said. Veggies and grains can mimic those proteins. You mold them, you turn them a certain way. Close your eyes and youre like, Oh my God! Is that pulled pork or is that jackfruit?

Go back in time and discover ancient grains like farro and quinoa and add them to a meal. Or, keep it simple. Beans are good for the heart, as any first-grade jokester knows.

You dont have to have a million different ingredients, Wooster said. You dont really want to totally mask what youre cooking with you want to have nice spices.

Woosters overall message: Be fun. Be creative. Be healthy.

I think the effort goes a long way, Wooster said. If you develop a great recipe, its something healthy and people enjoy it, you hold onto it.

Above all, give it a try for a month or two and embrace the change, Rowsick said.

Youll feel better, Rowsick said.

For more information on New York Kitchen classes and events, visit https://www.nykitchen.com/classes-happenings/. Visit ReInvention Brewing Co., at 9 N. Main St., Manchester, at http://www.reinventionbrewing.com/.

Reinventing cookies and beer

Certain styles of ReInvention Brewing Co.s craft beer taste better with a cookie, as Kristy Aldrich will tell you. And every cookie tastes better with a craft beer.

No one has to tell you that very few mortals can resist a Girl Scout cookie, so it stands to reason that the two are a pairing made in heaven.

And for those who want to test the theory out, the Manchester brewery this weekend is hosting two days of Girl Scout cookies and beer pairings.

This is the third year of the event, but the first time that it will be held for two days; noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

We look forward to putting this on, said Aldrich, who is co-owner with her husband, George. It has grown considerably every year.

Heres why.

The menu will offer five pairings, which will be unveiled Saturday. Three beers and six cookies for $10. But, heres a hint.

The ever-popular Thin Mint cookie will be paired with a schwarzbier, a light, easy-to-drink black lager. The Lemon Ups cookie will be paired up with one of the brewerys IPAs.

Last year, 92 boxes of Girl Scout cookies were enjoyed in the pairing there should be some sort of badge for that and Girl Scouts from Canandaigua and Red Jacket will also be available if you need to buy some cookies to take home (and who doesnt, by the way?).

These pairings have been taste tested trusther on this one when she calls some mind blowing.

Its a tough job, Aldrich admitted.

A heated tent outside will help handle the expected crowd and keep the Girl Scouts warm, Aldrich said. Milk and cookies will be available for the kids and those whod rather pass on the beer.

We work really hard to improve it each year, Aldrich said. People are always happy with the pairings. We take notes on how we can do better.

Also, New York Beer Project in Victor will be doing a similar pairing event, from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. According to its Facebook page, Thin Mint cookies will be paired withNYBP'sIrish coffee stout, shortbread cookies will match with the Victor lager, Caramel deLites go with the Aberdeen stout, and Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookieswill bewith barrel-aged peanut butter porter.

On TV

Don't forget to tune into the Discovery Channel's"Master Distiller" show on Tuesday night.

Peter Cheney, owner of Cheney Funeral Home in Phelps, will be one of three distillers in a booze-making competition. If you missed Daily Messenger freelancer Andrea Deckert's story last month, click here.

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Eat, Drink And Be Murphy: For health, and flavor, think plants - MPNnow.com

Eat Dates In The Morning For A Perfect Kick Start To Your Day: 10 Health Benefits That Cannot Be Missed – Doctor NDTV

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Dates health benefits: Dates are one of the healthiest, most nutritious fruits on this planet. You need to consume them regularly if you want healthy bones, glowing skin, healthy weight and much more.

Dates benefits: Vitamin C-rich dates can boost immunity and improve skin quality

Dates are one of the healthiest fruits on this planet. They have a chewy and sweet flavour and an excellent nutrition profile. Most calories in dates come from carbs. Calorie content of dates is similar to other dried fruits like raisins and figs. The fruit is rich in fibre, protein, potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron and Vitamin B6. In this article, we are going to talk about the benefits of starting your day with dates and how this can benefit your health.

Dates are a great source of instant energy. Starting your day with dates is kind of a perfect way to begin your day on a fresh and energetic note. Dates are a powerhouse of soluble fibre which help in improving digestion and preventing constipation. Smooth bowel movement is all you need to feel light and healthy all day.

Eating dates in morning can keep constipation awayPhoto Credit: iStock

Also read:Warm Up Your Winter Mornings With Tea: Try These Healthy Teas To Fight Different Winter Ailments Naturally

1. Dates are a rich source of iron: Iron intake is important to prevent anaemia and regulation of blood flow in the body. A good supply of blood and oxygen throughout the body can make you feel more lively and energetic.

2. Eating dates in morning help you get rid of fatigue and tiredness.

3. Dates are great source of potassium. This is beneficial for blood pressure patients.

4. Dates can reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body. This reduces risks of blockage in arteries and heart disease.

5. Regular consumption of dates can be beneficial for bones. Dates contain Vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, all of which can improve bone health. Dates also contain Vitamin K-which is a micronutrient that can help in improving bone density.

6. Dates can be included in weight loss diet. Those who workout in the morning can especially benefit by eating dates before their workout. The energy boost you get by eating dates is just what you need for a pumped up morning workout session.

Also read:When Are Workouts More Effective: Evenings Or Morning? Find Out Here

7. Date sugar is a healthy alternative to white sugar.

8. Iron content in dates can help women who face trouble with irregular periods. Regular intake of dates has been linked to hormonal balance, which is an essential prerequisite for regular periods.

9. Dates have been known to improve brain function. Regular consumption can prevent age-related memory loss and development of the likes of Parkison's, Alzheimer's and dementia.

Dates can improve brain function and reduce risk of age-related memory lossPhoto Credit: iStock

10. Eating dates in morning can help you have a fresh and glowing skin because it contains Vitamin C. Vitamin C can increase production of collagen and maintain skin's elasticity.

When consumed as part of a healthy lifestyle, good diet and regular exercise, dates can do wonders for improving your overall health. Include them in your daily diet today!

Also read:Make Your Morning Rituals Healthier With Lemon Water! Reason Why You Should Start Your Day With This Healthy Drink

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Dietitians explain why you don’t have to ‘quit sugar’ to be healthy – KSL.com

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SALT LAKE CITY Many New Years resolutions include becoming healthier in one way or another.

A popular diet challenge has emerged the last few years which has people "quitting sugar" altogether. But do you really need to eliminate all sugar from your diet to lead a healthy lifestyle? Registered dietitians shared their thoughts on quitting sugar this new year.

To start, Amy Good, registered dietitian from the Toledo Center for Eating Disorders, says "Sugar is an umbrella term that can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. When someone says to me 'Im cutting out sugar,' I have no idea what that means to them."

To some, sugar might be only added sugars, which include foods like candy, soda, cake, ice cream, cookies, chocolate, pastries, pies and so on. To others it might go so far as to include entire food groups like fruit and dairy.

Good goes on to say, "In general, sugars are carbohydrates and are necessary for survival. They are our bodies' preferred fuel source and provide us with short-term energy. Carbohydrates are also our only source of fiber, which is vital for a healthy gut."

Sarah Pflugradt, registered dietitian nutritionist of Salubrious RD says we live in an all-or-nothing diet society, and that needs to change.

"Those who cut out all sugar leave behind so many good foods like fruit and dairy. We need to educate on eating so much added sugar and how it contributes to inflammation," Pflugradt says. "Keeping your added sugar below the American Heart Association recommendation is a great way to enjoy all the yummy foods but still stay within a healthy boundary."

Registered dietitian Sarah Schlichter of Bucket List Tummy says villainizing sugar contributes to a good-and-bad food mentality, which can lead to feelings of guilt or shame when someone eats something considered "bad."

"This tarnishes a person's relationship with food and teaches them to make decisions based on external rules and factors rather than intuition," she says. "When youre making a decision based on something you want and enjoy, you realize that if you ate high amounts of sugar all the time, you probably wouldnt feel your best. Whereas, if you include it moderately youll find that you also crave and choose other nutrient-dense foods, as well. I tell my clients to focus less on the individual ingredients and more on the overall pattern of intake and health behaviors, since health is far from 'all-or-nothing.'"

Registered dietitian nutritionist Kelsey Lorencz, of Simply Nourished Home encourages people to stop fixating on how horrible certain ingredients are and look at the diet as a whole instead.

"If all you eat is sugary foods, you will likely feel those health consequences. Eating sugar yes, even refined added sugars is not dangerous or unhealthy when consumed as part of a diet that includes several other nutrient-dense foods."

"When we consider health, its so important to consider every aspect of ourselves. By not demonizing sugar or trying to completely cut it out, we can allow it to be an enjoyable part of a varied diet, not an emotionally consuming ingredient," she adds.

Registered dietitian nutritionist Lauren Harris-Pincus, of NutritionStarringYOU.com and author of "The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club," suggests following the American Heart Association guidelines of 24 grams of added sugar per day for women, or 36 grams for men.

"Choose wisely and really enjoy what you choose," she says. "Make sure the bulk of your diet includes produce, nuts, beans, seeds, whole grains and lean proteins so the sugar you do eat is merely an addition to a nutritious diet."

Registered dietitian nutritionist KeyVion Miller, of themillerskitchen.com, believes a true healthy lifestyle leaves room for a little sugar.

"It can actually be the difference between someone drinking milk (dairy or non-dairy) or eating yogurt," Miller says. "Quite honestly, plain yogurt is pretty boring! Adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup could be that difference maker in adding probiotics and calcium to someones diet. I think this is so important when we know many people fall short of calcium and live, active cultures to support our gut health."

Registered dietitian Sarah Chapel says a healthy lifestyle is all about balance.

"A diet that is completely sugar-free would be void of all fruit, whole grains and dairy foods we know offer many nutritional benefits," Chapel says.

She suggests, instead, taking an honest look at how many foods in your normal diet have added sugar.

"The fancy sugary coffee drink, the 'nibbles' here and there, your overall portions of sweet stuff. Eliminating all sugar isnt realistic or encouraged. Instead, figure out your norm and decrease. Used to having ice cream after dinner? Reduce to a 1/2 cup portion or try fruit or yogurt."

My No. 1 tip to keep added sugar intake in a reasonable range while still enjoying your food is to cook from scratch at home when possible. This way you are in charge of what goes in your food including how much added sugar. Sometimes it may be the full amount when baking a birthday cake, while other times you might choose to swap out sugary cereal for some homemade oatmeal.

The main thing to remember is that what you eat is your choice and that it's not only OK, but it's definitely possible to include some sugar in your diet and be healthy at the same time.

About the Author: Brittany PoulsonBrittany Poulson is a Utah registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. She shares her passion for health, food and nutrition on her blog, http://www.yourchoicenutrition.com, where she encourages you to live a healthy life in your unique way.

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Dietitians explain why you don't have to 'quit sugar' to be healthy - KSL.com

Nickels selected to 4-H Healthy Living Ambassador team – Enid News & Eagle

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ENID, Okla. Living a healthy lifestyle is an important focus for Oklahoma 4-H clubs, and one local student is playing a key role in that mission.

Madison Nickels, a freshman at Enid High School and a member of the Enid 4-H Club, has been selected to serve Garfield County as one of the state's Healthy Living Ambassadors.

Currently in its fourth year, Ambassadors use leadership, public speaking and other life skills to help fellow club members, peers and members of the public live a healthy lifestyle, as well as meet the Healthy Living Mission Mandate.In addition to Nickels, the new Healthy Living Ambassadors are Ellise Barcum and Casey Cruzan, Cleveland County; Cortney Evans and Hunter Kelsey, Grady County; Hunter Haxton, McClain County; Emma Lewis, Washington County; Ethan Shoemake, Muskogee County; Rose Smith, Pontotoc County; and Emily Ward, Mayes County.

A healthy lifestyle is not just about eating right and getting enough exercise, said Cathy Allen, 4-H curriculum coordinator at the state 4-H office at Oklahoma State University.

The 4-H Youth Development Program has become a national leader in health-related education, and our new ambassadors are excited to help with this mission, Allen said. Healthy living includes not only good nutrition and physical activity, but also social and emotional health, as well as the prevention of tobacco, alcohol and other drug use.

The newly selected ambassadors represent all three districts in the state and soon will be available to present programs around the state. They will use hands-on teaching strategies to share their research-based information on healthy living in order to help others lead healthier lifestyles.

Theyll receive training on all aspects of healthy living, then return to Oklahoma to start sharing the information they learned, Allen said. The great thing about this program is that it can be used with all project areas in 4-H. For those involved in the beef project, the Healthy Living Ambassadors can present a program on the importance of protein in a healthy diet. If youre doing a workshop on childcare, a lesson on healthy snacks and fun outdoor activities would fit right in. For counties that have a special interest in helping youth learn the dangers of vaping and smoking, our ambassadors can provide a program for you. Bullying continues to be an issue faced by todays youth and the ambassadors have information to address that issue. What these youth do truly is about physical, social and emotional health.

The Healthy Living Ambassadors are available to come to a county to present at a 4-H club meeting, a summer day camp, the local library reading program in addition to more activities throughout the year.

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Nickels selected to 4-H Healthy Living Ambassador team - Enid News & Eagle

Brookfield Girl Scout teaches kids the importance of a healthy … – Danbury News Times

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Photo: Lisa Weir / For Hearst Connecticut Media

Brookfield Girl Scout teaches kids the importance of a healthy lifestyle

BROOKFIELD - Children gather around high-school junior Erica Morey as she tells them why they should eat their fruits and vegetables. The kids sit in front of a poster board that displays the U.S. Department of Agricultures Choose my Plate graphic, which promotes a healthy diet.

Morey pulls out a box of plastic toy grapes, oranges and other foods. She instructs the kids to sort them into the categories: fruits, grains, proteins, vegetables, dairy and fats, oils and sweets.

Four-year-old Jack Dunkerton picks up a plastic pie and nearly puts it in a slot labeled fruit.

It has fruit in it, but is pie healthy for you? Morey asks.

Dunkerton moves it with the fats, oils and sweets.

The activity at the Brookfield Public Library Sunday morning was part of Moreys Girl Scout Gold Award project. The highest honor a Girl Scout can earn, the Gold Award is given to a girl who has created a project that will have a lasting impact on her community.

For her project, Morey wanted to encourage kids to live healthily in several classes during the spring.

I hope they have a better idea of [how] what theyre eating affects them, she said. And it can be fun. Its not just kale.

Morey has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten, and earlier completed her bronze and silver awards.

To kickoff the event, personal trainer Kerry Swift, whose daughter is in Moreys troop, led the kids in a series of exercises including squats, lunges and ab workouts.

Theres a huge obesity crisis in the country and the world, Swift said. Its important to get kids moving early and for them to enjoy fitness and make it a part of their daily routine.

The kids also decorated paper Get Well Bags that will go to Brookfield Social Services to be distributed to sick children. The bags, which Morey put together, include an animal word search, hand-drawn pictures to color, fuzzy socks and a brochure with information on healthy eating, exercise and how to avoid being sick.

The bags could go to kids with a range of illnesses, from the flu to cancer, Morey said.

It keeps them distracted and it gives them something to do, so they dont have to sit there and be sick, she said.

Kathy Morey, Ericas mother and troop leader, said her daughter, who is normally shy, has grown because of the project.

Shes taking charge and shes realizing she has to communicate with people, whether its over email or text or a phone call, she said.

Andrea Urvina, a Girl Scout Brownie leader whose daughter attended the event, is encouraging her troop to participate, and not just for their health. She also hoped they would be inspired as young women.

Its important for young girls to see older girls lead, Urvina said.

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Brookfield Girl Scout teaches kids the importance of a healthy ... - Danbury News Times

THE POWER OF POSITIVITY! (Quick Fit Tips) – Truthful Fitness with Elizabeth Panos – Video

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THE POWER OF POSITIVITY! (Quick Fit Tips) - Truthful Fitness with Elizabeth Panos
Positivity is one of the most important fundamentals to leading a healthy lifestyle... check out some quick tips on how to be more positive in your life! Weekly Videos: Mondays - Quick Fit...

By: Elizabeth Panos

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THE POWER OF POSITIVITY! (Quick Fit Tips) - Truthful Fitness with Elizabeth Panos - Video

[Video Interview] 06-14-2014 MAFS presents free health screening-Healthy Lifestyle – Video

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[Video Interview] 06-14-2014 MAFS presents free health screening-Healthy Lifestyle
Event: MAFS presents free health screening [Healthy Lifestyle] Time: 9:00am - 12 noon Date: Saturday - June 14, 2014 Venue: Naperville Senior Center, 1032 E. Ogden Ave, Naperville, IL60563.

By: Prashant Kumar

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[Video Interview] 06-14-2014 MAFS presents free health screening-Healthy Lifestyle - Video

Dr Ayham Alomari explains the Healthy Lifestyle Community – Video

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Dr Ayham Alomari explains the Healthy Lifestyle Community
Dr. Ayham Alomari works in the Health Department at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. He explains what Healthy Lifestyle Community is about and why you should...

By: Healthy lifestyle community

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Dr Ayham Alomari explains the Healthy Lifestyle Community - Video

‘I Started Rethinking Cheat Days And Got Into RunningAnd I’ve Lost 94 Pounds’ – Women’s Health

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The basics: I'm Nakeshia Thompson (@keeshnicoletv), 25, and I live in Austin, Texas, as an assistant property manager. After breaking my ankle at 240 pounds and losing some of my mobility, I realized I needed to make a change and overhauled my diet and fitness routine. I've lost 94 pounds.

Food was my comfort whenever I dealt with anything that was remotely emotional in my life. Whether I was feeling happy, sad, angry, or bored, I felt as if there wasnt an emotion that food couldnt fix.

My idea of a good time was being as sedentary as possible and loading up on delicious foods, rotating between salty, savory, and sweet. I hated the idea of working out because I viewed it as something I would never actually be able to master.

I would look at big, beautiful women on Instagram and think, maybe if I act like Im a proud, plus-size girl, Ill learn to be happy in the body Im in. But the truth of the matter was, I couldnt fool myself forever. Deep down, I hated the way I looked.

Things eventually got so bad that I would avoid the mirrors in my home and out in public so I wouldn't see how big I was getting. I even hid from taking full-body photos like it was the plague.

I had tried to lose weight a couple of times in the past, only to gain it back and then some. Obesity runs in my family, too, so I also carried the belief with me that I was destined to be overweight..forever.

Losing my mobility over the months that followed helped to bring into perspective just how completely out of shape I was and how little I would be able to do for myself if I ever lost my mobility permanently.

Even hopping on one leg to grab the remote felt like running a 10k to me. I flat out told my doctor that crutches would not be an option because I couldn't bare the weight of my own body. I vowed to myself that the minute I could stand on two feet again, I would begin to change my lifestyle and commit to losing weight.

As time progressed (and with clearance and guidance from my doctor), I was able to complete more treadmill and elliptical workouts. Once the number on the scale finally started to move, I became even more excited and began incorporating healthier snacks and home-cooked recipes into my diet, which ultimately helped kick my weight-loss journey into full effect.

Ive learned that the secret to losing weight and keeping it off is choosing a diet that youll be willing to stick to for the rest of your life. Diets that require extreme calorie restriction or completely cutting out an entire food group are almost certain to fail in the long run. I mean, who really could go for the rest of their life avoiding bread? Thats absurd to me.

So instead, I increased the amount of healthy food I was eating and decreased the less nutritious onessimple as that. Its okay to have a cupcake once in a while, I know. The point I try to make is to not over-indulge in those foods, but to treat myself here and there so I never feel deprived.

My "all the time" foods included fresh/frozen vegetables, water, lean meats, fresh fruits, plain yogurts, etc. My "sometimes" foods included chips, juice/soda/alcohol, sweets, fried foods, red meat, and others.

For me, sometimes meant about once every week or two, and all the time meant at any point during breakfast, lunch, as a snack, or dinner, every day. Thinking of food as part of these two categories allowed me to learn how to eat to livenot the other way around.

Also, it allowed chips and candies to become more of a treat for me, and I quickly grew to appreciate those foods much more than when I was eating them on the regular.

An important point here that I wish more women realized is that on the days when you do decide to have a slice of chocolate cake, if youve been working your butt off up to that point, you can't beat yourself up about it. Girl, close your eyes and savor every piece of that slice. Guilt-tripping yourself will only rob you of the pleasurable experience cake is designed to offer. As long as you pick right back up where you left off on your healthy lifestyle, your journey will still be right on track (trust me).

I've also learned how to savor a cheat meal, as opposed to a cheat day. Enjoying my favorite foods doesnt always have to end in a binge. Ive learned to enjoy one delicious meal without going overboard with breakfast, lunch, dinner, *and* snacks in between just because I feel like it.

I would walk until I started to work up a sweat and I could feel my heart beating at an uncomfortable, yet tolerable pace. From there, I began walking on an incline. Inclines turned into light jogs, and jogs turned into full-blown running. Now I run every day, sometimes indoors and other times outside. I also suffer from asthma, so running used to be *such* a struggle, but now I fight to push my pace on the regular.

In the past year or so Ive also been incorporating more strength exercises. Muscle mass helps to burn fat, so once Im done with a run I take about 10 to 20 minutes to lift dumbbells and perform a few bodyweight exercises such as lunges, push-ups, and crunches.

Not all victories are won on the scale, I realized. So I came up with other metrics to use for measuring my progress. Obsessing over my weight did nothing but make me lose confidence. Instead, I now put more emphasis on other types of measurements such as:

Using more than just my scale weight or waist inches as measurement has proved to be much more satisfying than throwing myself to the mercy of a scale each week.

No matter what the scale says, no matter how my clothes fit, no matter what the reflection in the mirror staring back at me looks like, choosing to keep going on this journey is the number one reason why Ive lost so much weight. I am a force to be reckoned with because I refused to give up on myself.

This journey is beyond worth it. I feel like Im living a new life in a new body. Losing weight has impacted so many other facets in my life outside of just getting better in the gym. My self-discipline is so much more refined in every aspect of my life, and it impacts the way I work, the way I do business, and even the way I treat others.

This journey has been long and hard, but to have it any other way would be to lose the magic of the process. As the J.Cole lyric goes, Theres beauty in the struggle."

See the article here:
'I Started Rethinking Cheat Days And Got Into RunningAnd I've Lost 94 Pounds' - Women's Health

Red Cap Ambassador 2020: Robert Miller continues an active lifestyle after surviving heart disease – WKTV

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UTICA, N.Y. Robert Miller is a Red Cap Ambassador for the American Heart Association walking the three-mile walk with his wife this year.

Red Cap Ambassadors are survivors of heart disease or stroke who share their stories to inspire hope for others.

After living a relatively healthy lifestyle, Robert says he ended up in the emergency room after he noticed he was short of breath, and his legs were swelling from fluid retention last winter.

He was hospitalized with congestive heart failure, and had to have a valve repaired and a pacemaker procedure.

But Robert says hes come out on the other side, and continues to make healthy choices and be active, saying, I go to the gym every day. I either work on the elliptical machine or treadmill, I do some light weights. Im not back to where I was before I got sick, but Im much better off than I used to be.

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Red Cap Ambassador 2020: Robert Miller continues an active lifestyle after surviving heart disease - WKTV