This is from our May 2008 Article
Spring in to a Healthy Lifestyle
The birds are chirping,
flowers are blooming, and the clock is springing
forward. After a long, cold winter, it is the
perfect time to dig out those sneakers and get
active. If you need more motivation to get moving,
read on:
May is American Stroke Month. Every 45 seconds,
someone in America has a stroke. It is the number 3
cause of death. Stroke is preventable. Risk factors
for stroke include smoking, having high cholesterol,
high blood pressure, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle,
and obesity. Signs of a stroke include the
following: sudden numbness or weakness of the face,
arm or leg, especially on one side of the body;
sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding;
sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden
trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or
coordination; and sudden severe headache with no
known cause. If you or someone you know experiences
any of these signs, you should 9-1-1 immediately. To
learn more about stroke, call 1-888-4-STROKE or
visit www.strokeassociation.org.
The American Stroke Association’s International
Stroke Conference was held in February. At this
Conference, several studies were released that may
help encourage you to become more physically active.
One of these studies indicated that increasing
obesity rates have been linked to more strokes among
women aged 35 to 54. Obesity is defined as having a
body mass index greater than 30. To determine your
Body Mass Index, visit the National Institute of
Health website at www nhlbisupport.com.
A second study revealed that a moderate level of
aerobic fitness can significantly reduce the stroke
risk for men and women. “ Fitness has a protective
effect regardless of the presence or absence of
other stroke risk factors, including family history
of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood
pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and high body
mass index,” said Steven Hooker, PhD, the lead
author of the study.
Participation in daily physical activity can also
aid in weight loss and maintenance of a healthy body
weight. As little as 30 minutes of moderate
intensity physical activity can improve your health
and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Examples of
equivalents of 30 minutes of moderate intensity
physical activity include playing volleyball for 45
minutes, shooting baskets for 45 minutes, gardening
for 30-45 minutes, bicycling 5 miles in 30 minutes,
dancing fast (social) for 30 minutes, and stair
walking for 15 minutes.
The Presidents Council on Physical Fitness
encourages all Americans to take part in the “A
Healthier Nation: It’s Everyone’s Challenge!” The
National President’s Challenge is a six week
physical activity challenge designed to get America
up and moving. Registration for the program began on
March 1st and the official kick off date was March
20th. Individuals of all ages are encouraged to sign
up and join the challenge. You simply sign up
on-line, spend at least 30 minutes being physically
active a day, five days a week, and record your
activity for six weeks. At the end of the challenge,
you can download a free certificate of completion.
Participants can register as individuals or as
groups such as a family, friends or worksites. For
more information, visit www.presidentschallenge.org.
Submitted by: Mimi F. Dean, MS
Resources: American Stroke Association
President’s Council on Physical Activity
National Institute of Health
The Strawberry
The strawberry is a member of the Rose family and is
the only fruit with its seeds on the outside rather than the inside.
Strawberries are not only a delicious fruit that can now be enjoyed
almost all year, but they are one of nature’s most nutrient packed
fruits. Strawberries have more Vitamin C ounce for ounce than citrus
fruits. They are high in fiber, folate and potassium too. And the
best part- they are low in calories with only 55 per cup, about 8-10
strawberries.
Strawberries have many antioxidant qualities that can possibly lower
cholesterol levels and bind cancer causing chemicals. In fact they
rank 2nd among the top 10 fruits for antioxidant capabilities. A
recent study done at the Nutrition & Health Research Center has
shown that eating 1 serving a day can significantly lower blood
pressure which may decrease your risk of heart disease.
Whatever your reason to enjoy the strawberry, health or mouth-
watering taste, you are not alone as strawberries are now eaten by
94% of Americans! So enjoy the fresh strawberry or get creative with
the many recipes available.
Here is an easy healthy one to enjoy!
Strawberry Mousse
4 servings
1 package fat free cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
1 package sugar free strawberry Jell-O
˝ cup boiling water
2 cups thawed Cool- Whip, sugar free
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Beat the cream cheese and vanilla until well blended. Set the
mixture aside.
Stir ˝ cup boiling water into the Jell-O until it is completely
dissolved. Add ˝ cup cold water and stir until it thickens slightly.
Gradually add the cream cheese, beating as you go.
Stir in 1 ˝ cups of the Cool-Whip and the strawberries.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm.
Garnish with the remaining Cool-Whip and extra strawberries
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Calories: 43
Protein: 2.6 grams
Carbohydrate: 5.2 grams
Fiber: 0.6 grams
Fat: 1.5 grams
Cholesterol: 1.3 grams
Am I at Risk?
Take Our On-Line Risk Assessment by
clicking here
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