"For generations, kids have toted UNICEF's collection boxes door to door on Halloween, calling out "Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF!" They have raised more than $170 million since 1950 to help children around the world - funds that have enabled UNICEF to save and improve children's lives by providing health care, improved nutrition, clean water, education, and more."
There are healthy Halloween snacks to choose from when going to the market. Read the label - Make sure fruit snacks are made with 100 percent real fruit; choose treats without trans fats, and look for items with whole grain.
The following items are available in snack-size packages: 1. Whole-grain cheddar flavored crackers 2. Fruit snacks made with 100% fruit with added vitamin C 3. Fruit leathers made with 100 percent fruit
4. Animal-shaped graham crackers made without trans fat 5. Raisins 6. Individual fruit cups 7. Low-fat pudding cups 8. Baked, unsalted pretzels 9. Popcorn
Stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without blood, brain cells can be damaged or die. Depending on which part of the brain is affected and how quickly the person is treated, the effects of stroke on survivors can be devastating to a person’s body, mobility and speech, as well as how they think and feel.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally. It can happen to anyone at any age, and impacts everyone: survivors, family and friends, workplaces and communities. From making individual changes, to advocating globally and locally for policies that will deliver healthier communities, we can all do something to prevent stroke.
This year the focus of the World Stroke Campaign is Prevention. On the 29th October 2017, World Stroke Day, we are calling on our members, partners and stroke stakeholders to do what they can to improve community and individual awareness of stroke risk and take action to prevent stroke at individual and population level.
Stroke Warning Signs
If you notice one or more of these signs, don't wait. Stroke is a medical emergency.
Call your emergency medical services and get to a hospital right away!
Learn the warning signs of stroke
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
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Take action in an emergency
Not all the warning signs occur in every stroke. Don't ignore signs of stroke, even if they go away!
Check the time. When did the first warning sign or symptom start? You'll be asked this important question later.
If you have one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay! Seek immediate medical attention!
If you're with someone who may be having stroke symptoms, immediately call one of the emergency rescue service numbers. Expect the person to protest — denial is common. Don't take "no" for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action.
The FAST test
Facial weakness, arm weakness and speech difficulties are common signs of stroke. You can use the FAST test to remember the signs of stroke
The FAST test involves asking three simple questions:
Face – Can the person smile, has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can the person raise both arms?
Speech – Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time – Act FAST!
If you answer yes to any of these questions, act FAST and call for medical emergency help immediately.
Stroke is always a medical emergency. Remembering the signs of stroke and acting FAST could mean saving a life.
What causes stroke
High blood pressure (Hypertension is the most common and treatable risk factor in stroke)
Smoking
High cholesterol
Diabetes mellitus
Obesity
Sedentary life style
Atrial fibrillation
Stroke warning signs
Heart disease
Carotid artery disease
Alcohol
It is possible to prevent stroke
Good control of blood pressure
Good control of diabetes
Lower cholesterol
Regular exercise
Quit smoking
Lose weight
Never ignore a small stroke
Nutrition Tips for Stroke Survivors
Healthy food habits can help reduce risk factors for stroke — poor cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and excess weight. Diets high in saturated fat and trans fat can raise blood cholesterol levels. Diets high in sodium can contribute to increased blood pressure, and high-calorie diets can contribute to obesity. A diet with five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day may reduce the risk of stroke.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association offers these recommendations for a healthy diet:
1. Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
2. Choose whole-grain, high-fiber foods.
3. Eat fish at least twice a week.
4. Limit saturated fat and trans fat. Avoiding partially hydrogenated oils will reduce trans fats.
5. Choose lean meats and poultry, and prepare them without using saturated or trans fats.
6. Select low-fat dairy products.
7. Cut back on drinks and foods with added sugars. The AHA recommends that no more than half of your discretionary calories should come from added sugars. For most American women, the discretionary calorie allowance is no more than 100 calories and no more than 150 calories for men.
8. Choose and prepare foods with little salt (sodium). The AHA recommends consuming less than 1500 mg of sodium a day.
9. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Limit yourself to one drink per day if you’re a non-pregnant woman or two drinks if you’re a man. To Get the Nutrition You Need
Some stroke survivors have a loss of appetite. For others, eating may be difficult due to swallowing problems or limited hand or arm movement. In any case, talk to your healthcare team to make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need. To make eating a little easier again, try these steps:
Choose healthy foods with stronger flavors, such as broiled fish and citrus fruits. Also, spices add flavor to food and serve as a good substitute for salt.
Choose colorful, visually appealing foods, such as salmon, carrots and dark green vegetables.
Cut foods into small pieces to make them easier to chew.
Pick softer, easier-to-chew foods, such as yogurt, bananas, whole-grain hot cereals, and low sodium soups.
If you have trouble swallowing, talk to your speech therapist or doctor. This condition can be treated.
If weakness in arms or hands is a problem, you might try adaptive eating utensils. Some types of flatware have thicker handles that are easier to hold, and “rocker knives” make it possible to cut food using one hand.
Making Mealtime Easier
When stroke survivors have lost their appetites, caregivers can help by:
Sharing meals with the survivor at regular times during the day.
Setting a leisurely pace for the meal.
Serving foods that the survivor wants.
Encouraging healthy snacks or small meals throughout the day.
Reducing distractions during meals.
Watching for any problems the survivor may have with chewing or swallowing.
For thousands of years, people have been eating foods grown in the wild; such as wild greens, mushrooms, roots, fruits, berries, vegetables, and flowers.
How to identify and eat wild plants and
how to cook Fish over an open fire.
Today, the gathering of wild foods has become increasingly popular. People consider wild foods healthier and eco-friendly.
Resources: 1. Edible Wild Food 2. How to Find Wild Edible Plants
The National Farm to School Network advocated for the creation of National Farm to School Month and now organizes the annual celebration in October. National Farm to School Month was designated by Congress in 2010 to demonstrate the growing importance of farm-to-school programs as a means to improve child nutrition, support local economies and educate children about the origins of food.
The National Farm to School Network has also developed resources and activities to promote Farm to School Month in schools, communities and media outlets. All of these tools are available on farmtoschool.org.
Here are some ways you can help us get the word out about Farm to School Month:
Learn more about the movement throughout October. They will be sharing stories and information on their blog about how farm to school is empowering children and their families to make informed food choices and contributing to their communities.
The resource database is home to even more information and includes searchable tags for Farm to School Month as well as topics like farm to preschool, school gardens and procurement.
Celebrate National Farm to School Month
Many farm to school programs begin with a small activity generating interest and engages the whole community.
Organizations and Businesses • Become an official Farm to School Month partner! Partners commit to using their communications channels to spread the word about Farm to School Month. Suggested messaging and weekly updates will be provided by NFSN. Contact: info@farmtoschool.org
• Show your support for Farm to School Month by becoming an official sponsor! Contact: info@farmtoschool.org
Teachers
• Plan nutrition education activities, such as Harvest of the Month, featuring a local food product that is in season.
• Connect instructional school gardens and garden based learning activities to the curriculum.
• Organize farm tours or trips to the local farmers’ market.
• Send information about Farm to School Month to parents.
School food service professionals
• Promote Farm to School Month on the school menu and in the cafeteria. Find logos, posters and more at farmtoschool.org
• Do a taste test of local products or feature one item for lunch, breakfast or snacks.
• Create a farm-to-school salad bar using local products.
Farmers
• Connect with your local school and offer to conduct a classroom session during October or offer to host a visit to your farm.
• Promote Farm to School Month on your farm or at your farmers’ market booth with posters and other materials, which can be downloaded or ordered from farmtoschool.org.
Families
• Visit your local farmers’ market. Buy something you’ve never tried before, cook it and share with your family and friends.
• Cook with seasonal products as much as possible. Find out what products are grown in your region and when. Most State Departments of Agriculture or Buy Fresh Buy Local chapters can provide you with a regional crop calendar. • Volunteer at your local school to support a school garden or classroom educational activity.
Pumpkins are thought to have originated in North America. The oldest evidence, pumpkin-related seeds dating between 7000 and 5500 BC, was found in Mexico.
The color of pumpkins derives from orange carotenoid pigments, including beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha and beta-carotene, all of which are provitamin A compounds converted to vitamin A in the body.
Pumpkins Is anything more fall-like than a pumpkin? These orange winter squashes are chock-full of vitamin A and deliver 3 grams of fiber per ½-cup serving of cooked sugar pumpkin, plus potassium. Note that the pumpkins you carve into jack-o’-lanterns are not the same type of pumpkins you eat. Try pumpkin puree mixed into mac-and-cheese or with hummus for a seasonal spread. Looking for more options? Add pumpkin to pancake batter, oatmeal, smoothies or your kid's favorite chili.
Nutritional Profile
And don't forget about roasting the seeds! Pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthy snack and a good source of several nutrients, including zinc, which is essential for many body processes including immune function.
To toast your pumpkin seeds, first, rinse to remove pulp and strings. Spread seeds on a baking sheet that has been coated with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over seeds. Bake at 325°F for about 30 minutes or until lightly toasted. Stir occasionally during cooking. Take a look at your spice rack and try a seasoning on your toasted seeds such as garlic powder or Cajun seasoning.
Welcome to Our Food Day Celebration! From Our Garden
Food Day inspires Americans to change their diets and our food policies. Every October 24, thousands of events all around the country bring Americans together to celebrate and enjoy real food and to push for improved food policies.
6 FOOD DAY PRINCIPLES
1. Reduce diet-related diseases by promoting safe, healthy foods.
2. Support sustainable farms and limit subsidies to big agribusiness.
3. Expand access to food and alleviate hunger.
4. Protect the environment and animals by reforming factory farms.
5. Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids.
6. Support fair conditions for food and farmworkers.
Planning Our Food Day Meal
Every family is unique. When planning our meal, we considered foods from our garden, finances, physical abilities, including finger foods and easy to chew and swallow, and color – the theme for our dinner. Our family and friends come from diverse backgrounds with physical and emotional challenges or chronic illnesses, such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Heart Disease.
Our Meal
The main course is a tri-color pasta with various toppings to choose from. Our garden provided us with tomatoes, onions, broccoli, cucumbers, and basil. We purchased spinach, pasta sauce, locally grown fruits, and part-skim mozzarella, and for the meat-eaters, we had ground turkey meatballs and shredded chicken.
In addition, we prepared a red, white, and green grilled cheese sandwich from the US Dept of Health and Human Services cookbook “Keep the Beat Recipes,” recipes. A free copy of the cookbook is available on their website. The dessert was a big hit. We made fruit kabobs using locally grown fruits and paired them with low-fat ice cream, and for Jake, we prepared a smoothie using the same ingredients.
Adaptations and Individual Preferences
My son Jake was born with Cerebral Palsy and is quadriplegic. He is unable to hold utensils and requires a straw to drink fluids. Finger foods and a weighted cup with a flexi straw usually provide him the most independence.
Music: The Wonderful World of Color, Walt Disney and Disney World.
Eat Right with Colors explores the health benefits associated with eating foods of many colors. Including color diversity in your meals and food choices enhances your intake of a wide range of nutrients.
Red and Pink Foods
Apples, Beets, Cayenne, Cherries, Cranberries, Guava, Kidney Beans, Papaya, Pink Beans, Pink/Red Grapefruit, Pomegranates, Radicchio, Radishes, Raspberries, Red Bell Peppers, Red Cabbages, Red Chili Peppers, Red Corn, Red Currants, Red Grapes, Red Onions, Red Pears, Red Peppers, Red Plums, Red Potatoes, Red Tomatoes, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Watermelons
Green Foods
Alfalfa, Artichokes, Arugula, Asparagus, Avocado, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Broccoli rabe, Brussels Sprouts, Celery, Chives, Collard Greens, Cucumbers, Dandelion Greens, Edamame, Endive, Fennel, Green apples, Green Beans, Green cabbage, Green Grapes, Green Olives, Green Onion, Green Pears, Green Peas, Green Pepper, Green Tomatoes, Honeydew, Kale, Kiwi, Leeks, Lettuce, Limes, Mint, Okra, Oregano, Parsley, Pistachios, Snow Peas, Spinach, Sugar snap peas, Swiss Chard, Tarragon, Tomatillo, Wasabi, Watercress, Zucchini
Blue and Purple Foods
Blue Grapes, Blue and Purple Potatoes, Blueberries, Dried Plums, Plums, Eggplant, Pomegranates, Elderberries, Juniper Berries, Kelp (Seaweed), Purple Belgian Endive, Purple Cabbage, Purple Figs
White: Cauliflower, Coconut, Garlic, Ginger, Green Onions, Scallions, Horseradish, Jicama, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Millet, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Quinoa, Shallots, Soy Products, Sunflower Seeds, Tofu, Turnips, White Beans, White Corn, White Sesame Seeds
Black: Black Beans, Black Cherries, Black Currants, Black Mushrooms, Black Olives, Black Quinoa, Black Raspberry, Black Rice, Black Sesame Seeds, Black Soybeans, Blackberries, Boysenberries, Prunes, Raisins, Seaweeds, Tamari (Soy Sauce)
Wellness News employs adults with "Special Needs" (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy). Many of the photographs are available for purchase, with the proceeds going to special needs adults. Contact Dr. Sandra Frank for additional information (recipenews@gmail.com).
Nuts once considered a high fat, high-calorie food is now being recognized as a Nutritious Snack with essential fatty acids, omega fats, protein, and many vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients 2 medium apples 1/2 cup bran flakes 1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened 1 Tbsp raisins 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Core and slightly hollow out the apples with a spoon, leaving the bottom of the apples intact to create a well for the filling. Place the apples in a pan. 3. In a bowl, combine the bran flakes, applesauce, raisins, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Fill and top each apple with the cereal mixture. 4. Bake for 40 minutes or until the sides of the apples are soft and easily pierced with a knife.
Free 7 Day Healthy Meal Plan (April 29-May 5)
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A free 7-day, flexible weight loss meal
plan including breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas and a shopping list. All
recipes include macros and Weight Watcher...
Roasted Cabbage and Chickpea salad
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Sometimes as a vegetable cabbage doesn't get used enough, but it's cheap
and very versatile and fabulous roasted. This is a fun and tasty recipe
usin...
