National Humor Month

April is National Humor Month! We have all heard the saying that "laughter is the best medicine" but did you know that laughing may actually have some health benefits?  Check out this article to read about some of the health benefits of laughter:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/25/national-humor-month-laug_n_1441488.html

So, take some time to laugh today - it's good for you!

Whole Grains

Looking for an easy way to eat healthier? Try switching to whole grains. According to healthcastle.com, whole grains are often a better source of beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants than fruits and vegetables, and are a good source of B vitamins, Vitamin E, magnesium, iron and fiber.

Whole grains decrease cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood coagulation, reducing the risk of heart disease and have been found to reduce the risks of many types of cancer. For diabetics, whole grains may help regulate blood glucose.

Common types of whole grains include:

• wild rice
• brown rice
• whole wheat
• oatmeal
• whole oats
• barley
• whole rye
• popcorn

It is recommended that all adults eat half their daily servings of grains as whole grains – that’s at least 3 servings per day. So reap the rewards whole grains have to offer, and try incorporating them into your diet.

Have a great week! ~ Adam Burns, Accounting Assistant

8 Valentine's Treats Under 80 Calories

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

74 Calories

2 strawberries dipped in 1 tablespoon Baker’s Dark Semi-Sweet Dipping Chocolate

Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate

79 Calories

22 pieces of Hershey's Special Dark Pieces

White Hot Chocolate

68 Calories

1/2 tablespoon Ghirardelli Sweet Ground White Chocolate Powder with 1/2 cup skim milk and a dash of cinnamon

Chocolate Sticks

60 Calories

5 MarieBelle La Famille Fine Chocolate Sticks

Valentine’s Cookie

79 Calories

Valentine’s Lace Cookie from Flour

Mini Chocolate Fondue

69 Calories

1/3 ounce melted dark chocolate chips with 10 miniature marshmallows

Berries and Whipped Cream

54 Calories

10 raspberries with 1/8 cup light whipped topping

Happy Valentine's Day! ~ Christina Aaron, Customer Service

National Children's Dental Health Month

Every February the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM)! Oral health is extremely important and starting children out with good oral health habits is an excellent way to make sure they keep their teeth and gums healthy for years to come.  Here are some tips to help ensure your children have outstanding oral health:

• Take your children for their semiannual dental visits
• Avoid snacking between meals
• Brush teeth twice daily (don't forget to brush your tongue!)
• Floss teeth every day
• Avoid excessive sugary drinks and candies 
• Do not put your infant to bed with a bottle
• Talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments and sealants 

Also, check out the ADA's website (http://www.ada.org/5578.aspx) for fun activities your children can complete for NCDHM.

Flu Prevention Tips

The holidays have come and gone and we are left with the nasty gift of the flu season. For many of you, this blog post is coming out a wee bit late. However, here are some ways to help prevent the infection of the flu this cold season.

 

-WASH YOUR HANDS!

-Drink plenty of Water

-Exercise

-Eat an Organic plant based diet

-Take a vitamin D supplement

-Take Probiotics

-Eat elderberry syrup

-Use essential oils

-Get your omega-3s!!

I hope these tips help keep the mean old flu away!!!

~Jean Sauder, Administrative Assistant - Safety Office

Finding Time to Exercise

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but many of us have a hard time actually doing it. We either don’t have the time or motivation, or we just come up with excuses.

There are many good reasons for exercising, even for 5 minutes each day. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise:

·         Controls weight

·         Combats health conditions and diseases

·         Improves mood

·         Boosts energy

·         Promotes better sleep

·         Can be fun

Check out this website to find tips for fitting exercise into your schedule.

Have a happy & healthy 2013! - Adam Burns

Proper Posture

Back pain is a very common problem for many individuals; however, sometimes it can be corrected just by teaching yourself to sit differently.  Take a look at these tips to help you improve your posture and help alleviate (or prevent) back pain.

Posture for driving:

• Slightly recline the back so the angle between the back and legs is approximately 110 degrees.
• Shift the body often, but stay close to this position.
• Position the steering wheel to keep elbows as close to the sides as possible, minimizing reach.
• Vary your seat position slightly every 30 to 60 minutes to vary the stress on your body.
• Knees should not be higher than the hips.

Posture for sitting at a desk:

~Christina Aaron