Healthy Tips - December 2010

 

HEALTHY TIP - Dec. 27, 2010
 

Safe driving for a healthy new year. We all want to ring in the New Year with a bang, not a crash! Prepare for safe, responsible driving ahead of time and avoid driving while under the influence. 

• Plan ahead New Year’s Eve and designate a driver so there is no confusion and you are ensured a safe ride home.
• Don’t be afraid to take the keys of an impaired friend or family member.
• Be a helpful host and take stock of who drove and how people are getting home.
• Supervise teen drivers.
• Take winter weather into account.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going.
• Do not drive when you are too tired.
• Do not drive with more people than your car allows (i.e., if it seats 5, then only ride with 5).  
• Never ride with open containers in the vehicle.
• If you end up drinking a little more than you planned, call for a taxi or ask a friend to drive you home.
• If possible, spend the night at a friends so you don't have to drive home at all.  
• Risks are up during the holiday, be alert by not drinking, eating, smoking, talking on cell phones or applying make up while driving.
  

Safe driving is important for the New Year festivities, but it also extends through out the entire year. Make the resolution to drive safely in 2011 and beyond. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

Related Articles & Resources   
Blood alcohol levels & the breath alcohol test   
Safe driving tips from the CDC 

 

 

 

HEALTHY TIP - Dec. 20, 2010

Indulging in a balanced holiday. The holiday gatherings are here and along with them come the festive meals and drinks. On the other hand, the extra calories usually are unintentionally invited. The average American consumes approximately 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat from a traditional holiday meal! This year pick and choose healthier options whether as a host or a guest.

We all want to enjoy ourselves, the company and the delicious celebration. Here are some tips on lighting-up the affair.

1. Shop for fresh, whole ingredients
2. Start the party with light appetizers
3. Choose simple produce for sides rather than heavy sauces
4. Fozen and canned fruits and vegetables offer an economic option
5. Swap calories for lower fat dairy ingredients
6. Roast or grill for rich flavor and fewer calories
7. Try a healthier dessert such as chocolate-covered strawberries
8. Skip the eggnog and try holiday wine or low-cal mixes such as diet soda or mix diet 7up and cranberry juice
9. Set aside time for fitness each day
   

Always speak with your doctor before changing your diet. If you need help scheduling an appointment, let us help make an appointment today!

Related Articles & Resources   
Eat right during the holidays  
Holiday eating tips  

 

HEALTHY TIP - Dec. 6, 2010  

Make healthier comfort foods. Now that the really cold weather is here, you may be reaching for mom’s old recipes for those comfort foods that warm you up. However, many of those dishes are not as healthy as you would like them to be. Don’t skip the comfort foods this winter! Instead, enjoy them with a healthy twist.

There are healthy modifications you can make to a lot of recipes. Find ways to work vegetables in and fat out. When appropriate, try these tricks: Use egg substitute or egg whites instead of a whole egg

• Use skim milk instead of whole
• Mix in walnuts or pecans instead of mixed nuts
• Try non-fat mayonnaise
• Try fat free or low-fat cream cheese
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey breast
  

Looking for some healthy comfort food? Try some of these recipes.

• Apple crisp  
• Baked whole wheat spaghetti  
• Beef & bean chili  
• Minestrone soup     
• Oatmeal apricot cookies  
• Oven fried garlic chicken  
• Turkey meatloaf  
  

Do you have a favorite healthy comfort food dish you want to share? Let us know by sharing your recipe.

Always speak with your doctor before changing your diet. If you need help scheduling an appointment, let us help make an appointment today!

Related Articles & Resources   
Low fat recipe modification suggestions  
Recipe modifications (IN.gov)

 

HEALTHY TIP - Nov. 29, 2010

 

 

Plan a weekly family sports night. Set aside time once a week for the whole family to get some exercise. Plan on at least 30 minutes of play time, which of course might not be enough! Activities such as basketball, catch, baseball, soccer, swimming, bike riding and tennis can get your heart moving and provide fun and good health for each member of the family.

Make it interesting by selecting a different activity each week or have the winner (or loser) choose the game/activity for the following week. Be sure to ask everyone which activities they might enjoy and include everyone in the sports night no matter what age.

Not much for sports? Try yoga night. Plan a walk through the neighborhood. Play at a park, play "tag" or throw a Frisbee®. Play catch with the dog.

There are many ways to get up and get going – find what your family likes and stick to it! Tell us what you and your family enjoy doing!  

Always speak with your doctor before changing your exercise routine.  If you need help scheduling an appointment, let us help make an appointment today!

Related Articles & Resources   
Finding fall family fun