HEALTHY Lifestyles
A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers • Summer 2019
• Activities for the family • Exercise advice • Summer safety tips
Page 2
Protect your skin
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Summer 2019
Tips to guard against bites and burns this summer For families – and everybody else for that matter – protecting skin should be a top summer priority. After all, there is no shortage of summer skin woes you’ll want to avoid. Here are some top insights that will help you and your family enjoy a safer, more comfortable summer.
Sunscreen – get it right When it comes to sunscreen, it’s important to understand and follow sun safety guidelines. Fewer than half of moms (48 percent) knew the correct amount of sunscreen to apply to the face and body while at the pool, lake or beach, according to a NO-AD Sun Care-commissioned survey on sunscreen. The correct amount of sunscreen to be applied – or reapplied – is at least 2 tablespoons. More alarming still, the majority of those surveyed (54 percent) believe the proper time to apply sunscreen is as soon as they start feeling their skin burning. Experts say that parents should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to themselves and children 15 to 20 minutes before going out in the sun in order to give it time to bond to skin, and then reapply at least every two hours or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel
drying. Unfortunately, 17 percent of moms were unaware that after an initial slathering of sunscreen, they needed to reapply it following extended exposure. Beyond application, the type of sunscreen you use matters, too. Luckily, there are quality products at great value, which means you don’t need to skimp on the amount you apply or reapplication. For example, NO-AD has been protecting families for generations at an affordable price per ounce. And for those who want to avoid added fragrance, parabens, alcohol, retinyl palmitate, BPA and dyes, consider trying NO-AD Naturals Clear Mineral Formula SPF 50, which is developed with naturally sourced active ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, offers broad-spectrum UVA/ UVB protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Oxybenzone- and Octinoxate-free – both of which are chemicals considered harmful to coral reefs – is also a good choice for the eco-conscious. Parents take note: the line, which offers great value, also carries pediatrician-tested versions for kids and babies. Other safe sun habits include limiting time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m, and wearing long-sleeve shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses.
FAMVELDMAN/STOCK.ADOBE.COM Healthy Lifestyles
By knowing the facts, you can better ward off bites, burns and other summer skin pitfalls.
Bite-free summer Summer days are full of outdoor fun in backyards, parks, baseball diamonds and more. And any time you and your kids are outdoors, you are at risk for insect bites. Unfortunately, a bite can carry risks beyond discomfort. Mosquitoes can carry Zika, West Nile, Dengue Fever and Chikungunya viruses. Consider streamlining skin protection
with a two-in-one combination such as BullFrog Mosquito Coast SPF 50 Continuous Spray Sunscreen + Insect Repellent, which is DEET-free, Oxybenzoneand Octinoxate-free, and a good choice when you want to pack light or send kids to camp or sports with a simple sunscreen and insect repellant solution. You can also dodge mosquito bites by wearing loose long sleeves and pants and by keeping the yard free of (STATEPOINT) standing water.
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Summer 2019
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Page 3
5 ways travel
improves mood and personal health HEALTHY Vacations can be great ways to see the world, soak up some culture and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But traveling can have benefits that last longer than a one- or two-week vacation. Traveling can have a positive effect on personal health and well-being, as various studies point to how travel can boost one’s state of mind and overall mood. The following are five ways that traveling can positively affect travelers’ mood and health.
Increases happiness People are happiest when they have a trip coming up, according to researchers at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. A 2014 study from researchers at Cornell University confirms the findings, noting people get more happiness from anticipating a travel experience than from an object they can acquire.
Stress relief Travel is a great way to get away from obligations at home and at work, allowing the mind to reset without having to make decisions beyond figuring out which activities to do during the day or which foods to grab along the way. The mental wellness site Psych Central adds that vacations take people away from the places and activities that contribute to their stress levels.
Enhances creativity The brain is influenced by new environments and experiences, which is the hallmark of travel. Researchers at the Columbia Business School found that travel can encourage people to embrace different ways of living and influence their outlook on life.
Fosters change Remembering pleasurable experiences from vacations when one returns home can be a positive behavioral intervention. Dr. Tamara McClintock Greenberg, a San Francisco-based clinical psychologist, says you can incorporate those feelings into daily life by recreating food or experiences at home.
Summer 2019
Lifestyles
A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers www.MyRacineCounty.com 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 EDITOR:..........................................Tracy Ouellette SECTION DESIGNER:........................ Jen DeGroot CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR:......................................... Heidi Schulz SPECIAL SECTIONS ADVERTISING:............................Vicki Vanderwerff For advertising opportunities in our publications, call (262) 725-7701, ext. 134.
Encourages exercise Vacations can be full of swimming, walking, sightseeing, or participating in other fitness pursuits. According to the World Heart Federation, moderate exercise lowers risk of heart attack by 30 to 50 percent, suggesting that traveling is good for the mind and the body. Exercise also has been shown to combat depression and help reduce stress and anxiety. (METRO CREATIVE)
Above: Traveling can improve one’s mental health and overall well being. Making time to take vacations is an important component of staying healthy. STOCK PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Summer 2019
Fit family summer ideas and activities Oh summertime. The kids are out of school, and you’re already running out of ideas to keep them active. While watching television and eating ice cream may be at the top of their lists, you know how important it is that they keep moving. In fact, summers are the perfect time to put family fitness routines into practice. Here are three ways to get started – and three shoes to try to keep your family comfortable and stylish this summer season:
LEARN A NEW SPORT
From tennis to golf to touch football, there are a variety of ways to experience healthy activities as a group. Sporty, fashionable and comfortable, the New Balance M520 men’s sneaker is wellsuited for a variety of athletic adventures. Its lightweight, cushioned midsole provides comfort with every step, and the mesh construction adds breathability.
PARTICIPATE IN A CHARITY RUN
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or have just signed up for your first 5K, many fundraising races are designed to accommodate the whole family. For younger children, search for events that allow baby strollers or that host a separate fun run for the kids.
For a style that brings comfort fashion forward, consider the Nike Tanjun. It comes in pops of colors, or in classic grey, black or white, and sizes are available for every member of the family – ranging from infant to adult.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
The next time you go to the gym or hit the court for a quick pick-up game, bring the kids with you. By highlighting the value of exercise and modeling proper form, you can help your kids gain the skills they need to be active for life. (Plus, the enthusiasm you have for your favorite hobby can be contagious!) For observers, there are a variety of on-trend summer sandals that are a comfortable and stylish choice for any outing. Cupcake Couture offers a gladiator silhouette as a fun addition to any girl’s wardrobe and its Micah sandal also features a lightly padded footbed to ensure comfort. When it comes to shoes, it’s important that every family member have the highest performing, most comfortable options available for summer activities. For a one-stop-shopping experience and shoe trends for families, visit the Athletic Shop at Rack Room Shoes in stores or online at rackroomshoes.com/athleticshop. (STATEPOINT)
STOCK PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles
Exercise shouldn’t be a chore. With new gear, a great attitude and a sense of adventure, getting fit as a family will be fun.
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Summertime cuts & scrapes Summer 2019
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Page 5
3 simple steps to help prevent infection
ummer is a time to get the family back outside to play after a long winter of being stuck inside. Those outdoor adventures - for kids big and small – may also bring a few unexpected injuries. “As parents, we want to protect our kids, especially when it comes to treating the minor cuts and scrapes that are an inevitable part of growing up,” says Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician and healthy child advocate. “Knowing the correct way to treat a minor cut, scrape or burn, and the first aid treatment you should have on hand, can help you feel prepared to face the unpredictable.” Burgert stresses that parents need to be focused on prevention. “Infection prevention is priority number one in first aid. When your child gets hurt, your first line of defense is a topical antiseptic to protect against germs and help prevent infection,” she notes. Burgert says infection protection is easy with three simple steps:
CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREA
If there is any minor bleeding, get that under control first by applying gentle pressure with a clean tissue or cloth. Next, wash your hands to help prevent the spread of germs, and then gently clean the affected area. Make sure to remove any dirt, gravel or debris that may be stuck in the skin. Once the wound looks clean, you can begin treatment.
USE ANTISEPTIC, EVERY TIME
It’s important that you select the proper first aid product with the right ingredients; it’s not one size fits all! A topical antiseptic like Betadine (which has been used in healthcare clinics and hospitals for decades to help prevent infections) is the first line of defense. After the minor wound is clean, apply Betadine to kill germs and help prevent infection. Its golden-brown color allows
STOCK PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles
Parents never want to see their kids hurt, but when those minor cuts or scrapes do occur, it’s important to know what to do – and what to use – to help prevent infection and get little ones back to their adventures.
you to easily see where it has been applied and that it is working. Your child will be excited to show off their latest “battle wound” and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you chose an antiseptic that supports healthy healing.
BANDAGES TO THE RESCUE
Not all scrapes will require a bandage. However, if there is open skin of any kind, it’s
wise to keep it covered to reduce exposure to outside germs. Keep in mind, the psychology of a bandage can have a big impact on kids, so even if it might not be necessary, providing one could help calm nerves. “Smart parents know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” says Dr. Burgert. “Understanding what to do when your child gets a minor cut, scrape or burn, makes you feel confident that you are
taking the steps necessary to help prevent infection. By cleaning the wound, applying an effective antiseptic and covering it with a bandage, you’re taking the correct precautions to support healthy healing for your child.” Learn more about tips for caring for your children’s minor “battle wounds” at www.betadine.com.
(BPT)
Prevent blisters while hiking Blisters can sideline seasoned hikers and amateurs alike. Preventive measures can help hikers stay out on the trails.
STOCK PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles
Hiking is a popular sport that takes people into the great outdoors on a regular basis. Hiking over varied terrain and up inclines and down declines is a great way to push the cardiovascular system and build up muscles in the lower body. There are many opportunities to have a wonderful time out on the open trails. However, there are also chances for injury if hikers are not cautious. Perhaps surprisingly, one of the most prevalent hiking-related injuries also is one of the smallest. Blisters can sideline hikers and even lead to infection if allowed to fester. The Victoria State Government’s Better Health Channel states that a blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is a common response to injury or friction. Blisters can be filled with serum, plasma, blood, or pus, depending on how
and where they form, states Medical News Today. The purpose of a blister is to protect and cushion the layers of skin below the epidermis and to stop further damage to allow the tissue time to heal. Despite the temptation to pop blisters, it is best to leave them intact to protect against infection in the underlying skin areas. Preventing blisters from forming allows hikers to enjoy comfortable hikes again and again. According to Podiatry Today, high skin temperature and sweat exacerbate friction that can increase the chances of developing a blister. Therefore, choose socks that will wick away moisture, such as those made from wool or other breathable materials, rather than cotton. A study conducted at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that people
See BLISTERS, Page 8
Page 6
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Summer 2019
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Page 7
Expert tips for a better night’s sleep For many, sleep doesn’t come easy. Up to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome. Nights are spent staring at the walls as insomnia takes control, or frequently waking from snoring or gasping for air due to untreated obstructive sleep apnea. Fortunately, achieving the recommended seven hours of healthy sleep and managing a sleep disorder is possible with help. “Sleep should be a restorative experience, but sleep disorders are notorious for robbing us of that nightly pleasure,” said Patti Van Landingham, chairperson of the American Alliance for Healthy Sleep. “Whether recently diagnosed with a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, or just noticing warning signs, such as snoring, choking during sleep or fatigue and daytime sleepiness, people need to seek support so that they can experience the joy of sleep again.” However, where do you start and what resources are available? The AAHS, a patient-focused membership organization made up of health care providers and patients with sleep disorders, shares the following three tips to manage your sleep better:
Talk to your doctor As a society, we often deprioritize sleep issues despite a patient’s need to address a lack of sleep. Many patients do not proactively talk to their primary care physician about their sleep during routine exams, mainly due to a perceived high cost of treatment. By asking the right questions or finding an accredited sleep center for testing and consultation, you’re one step closer to a good night’s sleep. A sleep physician can help outline a treatment strategy that can last a lifetime, helping you take back control and reduce the cycle of the frustration of losing valuable sleep.
Connect with others
STOCK PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles
Another way to improve quality of life if you suffer from a sleep disorder is to identify a one-on-one peer support group. Mentorship provides long-term
See SLEEP, Page 8
Many people find that they can effectively workout at home with little to no equipment necessary. With such convenience, individuals may find they make more time for exercise, which is an important component of a healthy lifestyle.
How to start exercising at home A healthy diet and an active lifestyle are great ways to achieve a healthy weight and good overall health. Many people no doubt associate exercise with fitness centers and gym memberships. While gyms certainly are effective places to break a sweat, exercising at home can be an effective way to get fit as well. Working out at home may require some creativity, as even homeowners with gyms in their basements may not have as much equipment at their disposal as they would at a local fitness center.
Get outdoors for cardio
STOCK PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles
Getting the recommended seven hours of sleep a night doesn’t have to be a struggle. Talk to your doctor to get help creating a treatment strategy.
A mix of cardiovascular activity, which puts a strain on the heart and lungs to build up stamina, can help shave off the pounds when paired with strength training exercises. Take to the great outdoors near home to get in a good cardio workout. Rally Health, a digital, data-based health advisory company, says that walking can constitute a cardio workout if one goes at a brisk pace of around three miles per hour. Walking on an incline also can constitute vigorous exercise that’s on par with running or biking, particularly when it’s a steep hill. Home-based cardio workouts also can include cycling, swimming in a backyard
pool or playing a pickup sports game with the kids.
Body weight exercises Body weight exercises include pushups, planks, squats, and lunges. Alternating incline and positioning of the body when performing some of these exercises is a great way to work various muscle groups. Body weight exercises do not necessarily require equipment, and that may disappoint some people. That’s because, with no added weight – and only one’s own body weight to provide resistance – it’s difficult for a person to challenge himself or herself effectively and gradually build up progress.
Set up a home gym With a few barbells, dumbells and a weight bench, it’s easy to create a home gym in a basement or garage. Extra equipment, such as TRX resistance training equipment or an elliptical machine, can be added to make the gym more complete. A home gym also can be a place to do strength and stretching exercises like yoga or pilates.
(METRO CREATIVE)
Page 8
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Summer 2019
We provide support and respite for caregivers by offering affordable alternative care for their loved one through our senior social day program
• Sleep
(Continued from page 7)
support to patients who are newly diagnosed by connecting them to patients who have experience managing their sleep disorders. Patient mentor programs, such as the one offered by the AAHS, allow experienced patients to share their stories and use their firsthand experience to help guide others. For example, a newly diagnosed narcolepsy or sleep apnea patient is connected with an individual who was diagnosed with the same disorder at least two years prior and is managing his or her sleep disorder with an evidence-based treatment option. The result is a support system that offers encouragement and a new perspective on sleep at a peer level.
Our Harmony Club Inc. is a non-profit social day program that offers caregivers alternative care for their loved one.
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horizon. From new sleep monitoring technology and more comfortable positive airway pressure machines, researchers continue to focus on new ways to provide high-quality patientcentered care. By joining together, patients and their family members can learn more about healthy sleep, access exclusive news affecting the sleep community and ultimately be a part of a collaborative discussion that furthers the success of the sleep disorders community. Together you can advocate for increased and improved care for patients and rally for more significant research funding to improve the understanding and treatment of sleep disorders. To learn more about improving your life through healthy sleep, visit www.sleepallies.org. (BPT)
(Continued from page 5)
who wear all-cotton socks are more likely to form blisters. Foot powders can dry out moisture even further and prevent the wrinkled, pruned skin that will easily chafe. Another way to prevent blisters is to reduce the chances for friction. Thicker, more cushioned socks can reduce friction, as can high-quality, well-fitting hiking boots. Shoes that are too large
or too small will create friction and discomfort. Pack along a breathable, sticky bandage tape that can cover up hot spots on toes and heels in a pinch. Several times on the trail, take a seat and allow the feet to rest and air out. Change socks as needed to remain comfortable.
(METRO CREATIVE)
A PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY Betsy Press, NP
Betsy Press, NP takes time to become familiar with your medical history and know you personally. She is an integral part of your community. Our other personalized health care services include: state-of-the-art laboratory testing, x-ray services, EKG and minor surgery.
Get to know Betsy today. Appointments: (262) 882-1151
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Summer 2019
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Page 9
STOCK PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles
Weight training can help teenagers build strong bodies. When paired with supervision, patience and safety, weight training programs can help teens grow into strong adults.
How to introduce teenagers to weight training Strength training is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength training helps people reduce their body fat, increase their lean muscle mass and efficiently burn calories. In fact, in its 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans report, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends all adults perform moderate or greater-intensity muscle strengthening activities on two or more days per week. Recognizing the benefits of strength training, many parents encourage their teenagers to begin strength training regimens. If some scoff at the notion of promoting strength training to youngsters whose bodies are still developing, they shouldn’t, as the DHHS recommends children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 17 include muscle-strengthening exercises as part of their daily physical activity on at least three days per week. A teenagers’ introduction to weight training should be different than an adult’s. So adults who began weight training regimens in their 20s after their bodies had fully matured should not ask their teenage children or teenagers in their care to approach weight training in the same way
they did. In fact, Stanford Children’s Health notes that the human skeleton isn’t mature until a person reaches his or her early 20s. As a result, lifting too much weight before the body reaches that maturity point can stress joints and ligaments and may even separate growth plates. Safety should be a priority when introducing children to weight training. Stanford Children’s Health even notes that it’s important for adults and teenagers to recognize that weight training is different from weightlifting and bodybuilding. Weight training is an integral part of a total fitness regimen that aims to build musculoskeletal strength, while weightlifting and bodybuilding are competitive sports that focus on highintensity training. Make sure teenagers understand this distinction, as enthusiastic teens might conduct some research on their own. If they are unaware that weight training and weightlifting are different, they might be risking injury and longterm consequences because they’re following advice designed for competitive weightlifters rather than for teenagers interested in weight training. Supervision is another precaution
parents should take when introducing teenagers to weight training. According to Stanford Children’s Health, a good weighttraining program for teens will focus on toning muscles with light weights. Teens should never aspire to “bulk up,” as their bodies are not ready to handle the training necessary to build all that muscle. Unfortunately, teens might feel pressure to add bulk if they see classmates or adults in the gym who are considerably larger. That’s why it’s important for parents to go to the gym with their teens during weight training sessions. A gradual approach is also an effective way to help teen bodies acclimate to weight training.
Encourage teens to start with simple body weight exercises, such as push-ups, before moving on to free weights and weight machines. Stanford Children’s Health notes that teen strength training programs should emphasize proper techniques and work different muscle groups on different days. Two to three weight training sessions per week on alternating days should be enough for teen bodies. (METRO CREATIVE)
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Summer 2019
A beginner’s guide to
running
Running is a way of life for many individuals. When others witness just how fit and content some runners seem to be, they may want to follow suit. Running has many health benefits. In a 2015 study published in Neuropharmacology, researchers discovered that running can cause the same kind of neurochemical adaptations in brain reward pathways as some addictive drugs. Runners can get a happy “high” from the sport. Running also can help a person lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Runner’s World magazine indicates that regular running exercise boosts the afterburn, also known as excess post oxygen consumption, or the number of calories one burns after exercise. Getting started with running is not as simple as lacing up one’s sneakers and hitting the road. To be safe, prospective runners can consider these tips.
Start with the gear Wear comfortable clothing and shoes so you can run without discomfort. Choose a running shoe that has support but also at least half an inch of space between the big toe and the end of the shoe to allow for proper foot movement.
Start gradually You may need to walk before you can run, just as babies crawl before they walk. Forget about establishing distance or timed trials. Rather, it’s more important to just get outside (or indoors) and run. Matthew Meyer, a certified trainer in New York, says a good beginning running target is 20 minutes, three days a week. Gradually increase the number of days and minutes spent running as you develop endurance.
Try running slower Beginners need to start out slowly to avoid injury. However, running more slowly is effective for seasoned runners as well. Slow miles can help a person enjoy running as a sport.
Take more steps Develop good form to reduce stress on the body. When studying elite runners, most take around 180 steps per minute, which is roughly 30 more steps than amateurs. Short, quick steps mean the feet spend less time in contact with the ground, leading to smaller impacts with each contact. Running in a way that ensures you land on your midfoot with light steps is another technique to consider. Running is a healthy, beneficial pastime. Getting started requires the right gear and some patience. (METRO CREATIVE)
STOCK PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles
Exercise is important to heart health for several reasons; it’s never too late to get with a fitness regimen to prevent or reverse cardiac episodes.
How exercise benefits your heart Improved health is a primary motivator among people who routinely exercise. Exercise can help people feel better about themselves and their appearance, and it has considerable effects on various parts of the body, including the heart. Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States,. Exercise can be one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk for cardiovascular issues like heart attack, high cholesterol and more. In fact, cardiologists at the New England Baptist Hospital say exercise is not only a risk preventative, but also a healing balm of sorts for heart health. Exercise can help the heart become more efficient and more capable of pumping blood throughout the body, says the health experts behind Kaiser Permanente health plans. Even light to moderate exercise can be highly effective at improving heart health. Harvard Medical School says exercise also promotes positive physiological changes, such as encouraging the heart’s arteries to dilate more readily. Exercise also can help with the body’s sympathetic nervous system (which controls heart rate and blood pressure) to be less reactive. Ischemic preconditioning is another way that exercise can potentially benefit the heart. According
to a 2017 article in JAMA Cardiology, heart disease patients who exercised found that exercise could trigger short periods of ischemia, or reduced blood flow to the heart. After resting for a few minutes, these people saw improved performance when they renewed exercise and got their heart rates up. It is believed that small doses of IPC can help the heart adapt more readily with ischemia and avoid a major response issue down the road. Those at the Cardiovascular Performance Program at Harvardaffiliated Massachusetts General Hospital found that IPC could reduce damage from heart attack by as much as 50 percent. Physical activity also allows better blood flow in the small blood vessels around the heart, potentially preventing clogs that can lead to heart attacks. Furthermore, there is some evidence that exercise can help the body grow more blood vessel branches so there are additional routes blood can take if a usual path is blocked by fatty deposits or narrow arteries. Johns Hopkins Medical Center says exercise also works like a beta-blocker medication that can slow the heart rate naturally to alleviate hypertension. It also can raise levels of HDL, the good cholesterol in the body, helping to improve overall cholesterol levels.
(METRO CREATIVE)
Summer 2019
Tips for eating healthier this summer Summer is possibly the easiest time to stick to a healthier lifestyle. It’s warm outside so we’re more likely to be active, plus there’s plenty of good, fresh produce available. With the recent focus on organic ingredients and the farm-to-table approach, home cooks and anyone interested in a healthier lifestyle are looking for ways to boost their health through better food choices. Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to eat healthier.
fresh, organic ingredients for your cooking.
GROW YOUR OWN
When you’re preparing meals, using fresh, organic ingredients means that you’re providing the best quality, healthful food for yourself and your family. Cooking food with plenty of nutritional content, like high-quality proteins, fresh vegetables, fruit and legumes, along with organic spices and flavorings, will ensure that every meal you make contributes to the overall health of your family. Look for recipes that are not only delicious, but that use lots of nutrition-packed ingredients. Whether by growing some of your own food or becoming more selective about the sources of your food, everything you cook and eat will be more nutritious. By putting extra thought into the quality of ingredients you use in your cooking, you can ensure that you and your family will be eating healthier not just this summer, but throughout the year.
Summer is a great time to get into gardening. Even if you don’t have much of a yard or a lot of time, you can grow just one vegetable, or even herbs like basil or oregano, in a planter, indoors or out. Some neighborhoods even have communal garden spaces available. Plenty of fruits and vegetables are not that difficult to grow, depending on where you live, from berries and melons to lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and beans. Whatever you decide to grow, you’ll feel good knowing exactly where your food came from.
USE FARMERS MARKETS
You can support your local, organic farmers by shopping at farmer’s markets or signing up for community-supported agriculture in your area. The benefit to you is that the quality of the produce will be high, and you’ll have access to all kinds of
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Page 11
SHOP ORGANIC
Buy your cooking ingredients from companies certified as organic by the leading third-party organic certifier, Quality Assurance International (QAI). For example, Simply Organic offers a wide variety of delicious organic spices, seasonings, sauces, cooking mixes and packets for making marinades and dips that are all certified organic products.
COOK HEALTHIER
(BPT)
SPICY GUACAMOLE STUFFED POTATO SKINS INGREDIENTS 1/2 teaspoon Simply Organic Black Pepper Medium Grind Simply Organic Spicy Guacamole Mix Sauce 4.0 fl. oz. 8 medium-sized yellow potatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 2 ripe avocados 1/2 cup quartered grape tomatoes 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup green onions, sliced 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash potatoes to remove dirt from skins. Cut potatoes in half. Using a melon baller or small cookie
scoop, remove center flesh from potatoes. Place potato halves on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and rub oil over flesh and skin of each one. Sprinkle with salt, coating the flesh and skins. Sprinkle on pepper. Bake, flesh-side down, for 30 minutes or until potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork. In a medium bowl, mash avocados. Add guacamole mix sauce and stir to combine. Let potatoes cool for 5 minutes, then fill each skin with guacamole (about 1 teaspoon per potato). Top with tomatoes, sour cream, green onions and cilantro (if desired). Serve warm. Makes 16 servings.
Meet Your Friends at Geneva Crossing! Lake Geneva’s Premier 55+ Neighborhood
Come Make Yourself at Home! Where an Active Lifestyle Is Affordable for Adults 55 or Better
Senior ApArtmentS
Offers 1 Or 2 BedrOOm fLOOr pLAns
317 S. Main Street, Delavan, WI 53115
(262) 728-9948 Located just 2 Blocks south of Historic downtown delavan Professionally Managed by Oakbrook Corporation 309268
The Terraces & Highlands
Farmer’s/Artisan Market
Active Senior Living 55+
Local farm products, specialty foods and arts/crafts
Arbor Village & Village Glen
Saturdays June 1 - October 5 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. • Open Rain or Shine
Assisted Living and Memory Care Neighborhood
Stop by and support your local vendors! 262-215-6139 • genevaoutdoormarket@mail.com
262-248-4558
N3252 County Rd. H, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 347840
Next to Tommi’s Garden Blooms 2018 Voted Best Floral Shop in Walworth County!
www.genevacrossing.com
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Summer 2019
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