ACIDOPHILUS

Got yogurt? Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria, found in most yogurts containing active yogurt cultures, have been linked to health benefits in some studies. These benefits include improved resistance to infection. Yogurt is also an excellent source of protein and calcium.
Choose plain low-fat cultured yogurt mixed with fresh fruit for a snack or a dessert.


Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

WORKOUT BUDDY

If you find it hard to motivate yourself to exercise, consider finding a workout partner. According to our fitness experts, a lot of people miss fewer workouts when they are scheduled to meet someone else.
Meeting a friend for a regular walk or gym session makes you accountable to each other. It also gives you time to catch up and often makes your workout more fun!

CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

More than 12,000 families will hear the words “your child has cancer”
this year alone. The emotional aspects of getting a cancer diagnosis and caring for a child with cancer can be overwhelming. If someone you know is in this situation encourage them to reach out to neighbors, co-workers, friends and extended family for help. Assistance with things like shopping, cooking and cleaning allows a caregiver to have more time and energy to take care of their sick child, be with their other children and stay connected with their partner. For resources and information about childhood cancer visit: www.curesearch.org.


Source: CureSearch for Children’s Cancer

PREVENTING FOOD POISONING

You cannot see or smell most of the bacteria that cause food poisoning. Under the right conditions, these same bacteria can double in number every 20 to 30 minutes! Food is safest when you avoid conditions that allow bacteria to thrive. This is why it is important to wash, cook and store food appropriately. Don’t leave food at room temperature longer than two hours, use leftovers within three days, and when in doubt, throw it out.


Source: Food and Drug Administration

STRENGTH TRAINING FOR THE GOLDEN YEARS

Do you think that age 65 is too old to be lifting weights? Not true!
Weight training is one of the secrets of aging gracefully. Weight lifting can help you reduce your risk of falling, improve your balance and coordination, increase everyday functioning and help maintain a healthy weight. These benefits don’t require heavy lifting. Use weights that are light enough so that you can do about 10-15 repetitions of an exercise for each muscle group. Aim to do muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days of the week. If you are not sure what to do, ask a qualified fitness trainer.

BODY WEIGHT

Believe it or not, occasional overeating does not have to make a big impact on body weight. The extra calories can often be offset by exercise or careful choices on other days. But eating extra calories daily is different. Overeating by a consistent 100 calories per day can cause roughly a 10-pound weight gain over a year. That's fewer calories than you'll find in a 12-ounce can of sugared soda, a typical candy bar or a half-cup of regular ice cream. Focus on eating a balanced diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products.

KNOW SUICIDE RISK FACTORS

Suicide is a preventable public health problem. Depression and other mental or substance abuse disorders and a family history of mental disorders or substance abuse are some of the main risk factors for suicide. Prevention starts with early recognition and treatment of depression. If you or someone you know feels depressed and hopeless, seek help though your employee assistance program, physician or mental health professional.


Source: National Institute of Mental Health