September Wellness News

Current News, Resources, and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety, and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers, and Health Professionals. Wellness News is updated daily and includes weekly and daily events. 

Celebrate the flavors of September Produce! Fresh, seasonal, and nutritious. @Healthyfamprj https://healthyfamilyproject.com/whats-in-season-for-september/

September Health, Nutrition, and Food Events

 

Monthly

Hunger Action Month
National Childhood Obesity Awareness
National Food Safety Education Month
Fruit and Veggies - More Matters Month
Better Breakfast Month
Family Meal Month
America on the Move
Go Wild During California Wild Rice Month
Great American Low-Cholesterol,
 Low-Fat Pizza Bake Month
National Biscuit Month
National Italian Cheese Month
National Chicken Month
National Cholesterol Education Month
National Coupon Month
National Ethnic Foods Month
National Honey Month
National Mushroom Month
National Organic Harvest Month
National Papaya Month
National Potato Month
National Prime Beef Month
National Rice Month
Whole Grains Month
Hug a Texas Chef Month
Healthy Aging Month
National Yoga Month
Malnutrition Awareness Month
Baby Safety Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
National Recovery Month
Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month
National Menopause Awareness Month
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
National Service Dog Month
World Alzheimer's Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month
(September 15 October 15)
National Preparedness Month
College Savings Month
Library Card Sign-up Month
Update Your Resume Month
International Women's Friendship Month
Pain Awareness Month
Self-Improvement Month
Mold Awareness Month

Weekly

1-7 International Enthusiasm Week

1-7 National Nutrition Week (India)
6-12 National Waffle Week
6-12 Suicide Prevention Week
20-26 International Clean Hands Week
20-26 National Farm Safety and Health Week
21-27 Remember to Register to VOTE 

21-27 National Dog Week

Daily

1. National Cherry Popover Day; National Gyro Day; Random Acts of Kindness Day

2. Blueberry Popsicle Day; World Coconut Day; National Grits for Breakfast Day

3. National Welsh Rarebit Day; National Baby Back Ribs Day

4. Macadamia Nut Day; National Wildlife Day; Spice Blend Day

5. National Cheese Pizza Day; International Day of Charity, National Food Bank Day, Stand Up To Cancer Day

6. National Coffee Ice Cream Day; National Read A Book Day; Great Egg Toss Day, National Play Outside Day, National Tailgating Day

7. National Beer Lover’s Day; National Acorn Squash; National Salami Day; Bacon Day, Grandparents' Day

8. Intl Literacy Day; World Physical Therapy Day, Chef Appreciation Day

9. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day; California, 31st State; National Steak Au Poivre Day; National Wiener Schnitzel Day; Ants On A Log Day

10. World Suicide Prevention Day; Swap Ideas Day; TV Dinner Day

11. Patriot Day; Natl Hot Cross Bun Day; Day of Service and Remembrance

12. National Chocolate Milkshake Day; National Report Medicare Fraud Day

13. National Celiac Disease Awareness Day; National Peanut Day; Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day; Snack A Pickle Time, Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day, International Chocolate Day

14. Eat a Hoagie Day; National Kreme Filled Donut Day; National Coloring Day

15. National Linguine Day; National Cheese Toast Day; National Creme de Menthe Day; Greenpeace Day; National Online Learning Day; National Double Cheeseburger Day

16. National Guacamole Day; Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day; National Working Parents Day, National GED Day, National Voter Registration Day
17. Constitution Day; Apple Dumpling Day; National Monte Cristo Day

18. National HIV/AIDS &Aging Awareness; World Water Monitoring Day; National Cheeseburger Day; Read an E-book, National Teach Ag Day, Air Force Birthday, National Pawpaw Day

19. Butterscotch Pudding Day

20. National Punch Day; National String Cheese Day; National Pepperoni Pizza Day; National Fried Rice Day, International Eat An Apple Day, National Clean Up Day

21. World Gratitude Day; UN Intl Day of Peace; National Pecan Cookie Day; World Alzheimer's Day; National Chai Day

22. Rosh Hashanah, sundown; National White Chocolate Day; American Business Women’s Day; Dear Diary Day; National Ice Cream Cone Day; Family Day a Day to Eat Dinner with Your Kids

23. National Great American Pot Pie Day; National Snack Stick Day; Za'atar Day,  Dogs in Politics Day, Teal Talk Day

24. National Cherry Jubilee Day, National Familial Hypercholesterolemia Day, Women's Health & Fitness Day

25. World Ataxia Awareness Day; National Crab Newburg Day; National Cooking Day; National Quesadilla Day; National Lobster Day

26. National Pancake Day; National Dumpling Day; National Johnny Appleseed Day; National Better Breakfast Day, Hug A Vegetarian Day, National Bakery Day, Native American Day

27. World Tourism Day; National Chocolate Milk Day; National Corned Beef Hash Day, Vegan Bakery, Family Health and Fitness Day USA, R.E.A.D. in America Day,

28. National Strawberry Cream Pie Day; National Drink Beer Day, National Good Neighbor Day, World Rivers Day

29. World Heart Day; National Biscotti Day, International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Reduction, National Coffee Day, National Energy Drink Day

30. World Maritime Day; National Mulled Cider Day; National Chewing Gum Day; Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day; National Potato Month

	Months
	January	July
	February	August
	March	September
	April	October
	May	November
	June	December

 

Banana Lovers Day

Selection

Choose bananas that are firm and free of bruises. Bananas are best to eat when the skin color is solid yellow and speckled with brown. Bananas with green tips or with practically no yellow color have not developed their full flavor. Bananas are overripe when they have a strong odor.

Storage

To ripen bananas leave at room temperature for a couple of days. Once ripe store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. The peel may turn brown in the refrigerator, but the fruit will not change.

Recipes

If you love bananas, Eating Well has a collection of Banana Recipes you are sure to enjoy.

Chiquita Banana The Original Commercial 

Produced by Disney Studios in the 40's, this commercial appeared only in movie theaters, and for over 50 years kept us humming its catchy tune.

DOLE Banana Growing and Planting
Dole explains the growing and planting of bananas.

Banana Farm

The banana farm at EARTH University uses socially and environmentally responsible practices at every stage of the process. The farm plants trees along river banks to promote biodiversity and reduce harmful erosion. In addition, they do not use herbicides. The farm's eco-friendly practices produce some of the most flavorful bananas in the world.

August 22, Eat a Peach Day - Nutrition, Safety and Presentation

Presentation. Transform a peach into an eloquent dessert by cutting it into slices or cubes and serving it in a dessert glass. The presentation somehow makes the peach taste sweeter and the experience more filling.

Peach, a Versatile Fruit

Peach Nutrition

Low fat; saturated fat-free; sodium free; cholesterol free; 

Good source of vitamin C.

From Fruits and Veggies, More Matters:
Peaches

How to Select
Choose peaches with firm, fuzzy skins that yield to gentle pressure when ripe. Avoid blemishes.

How to Store Peaches and Nectarines
Store unripe peaches in a paper bag. When ripe, store at room temperature for use within 1-2 days.

Resources.
Georgia Peach Council
Fruits and Veggies, More Matters. Peaches
Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Peaches 

National Tooth Fairy Day Nutrition and Your Child's Dental Health

Healthy teeth are important to your child's overall health. From the time your child is born, there are things you can do to promote healthy teeth and prevent cavities. For babies, you should clean teeth with a soft, clean cloth or baby's toothbrush. Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle and check teeth regularly for spots or stains.

For all children, you should
1. Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are two years old. You might start sooner if a dentist or doctor suggests it.
2. Provide healthy foods and limit sweet snacks and drinks
3. Schedule regular dental check-ups

Forming good habits at a young age can help your child have healthy teeth for life.

Resources
1. WebMD. Nutrition and Your Child's Teeth
2. National Institute of Health, Child DentalHealth

Growing Together: Connecting Generations Through Gardening & Healthy Eating National Senior Citizen Day

National Senior Citizens Day 

On August 19, 1988, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5847 creating National Senior Citizens Day to be August 21.

On this day, we are encouraged to recognize and show appreciation for the value and contribution of older people to home, family and society. It is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude for what seniors have achieved in their lives and their contributions to our communities.

Things to do with Older Adults
- Spend time together.
- Show our appreciation.
- Volunteer to help.
- Enjoy a walk together.
- Go out for dinner.

If you are a senior citizen, enjoy your day. Make sure to take advantage of senior citizen discounts and specials.

The goal is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. 

Growing Together: Connecting Generations Through Gardening & Healthy Eating

Resources and References

to Help Eating Well as We Age

Resources for Seniors from Nutrition.gov

From Farm to Table: The Journey of Eggplant

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable used in cuisines worldwide. Known for its glossy skin, soft texture when cooked, and ability to absorb flavors, eggplant can be grilled, roasted, baked, sautéed, or stir-fried. Before it reaches our plates, however, eggplant goes through several important stages, from growing and harvesting to market selection and proper storage.

Growing Eggplant

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) belongs to the nightshade family, along with tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. It is a warm-season crop that grows best in warm soil and plenty of sunlight. Seeds are commonly started indoors about six to eight weeks before outdoor planting. Transplant young plants after the danger of frost has passed, and nighttime temperatures remain above about 50°F.

Eggplants grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5 is suitable for growing eggplant. Plants also need consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Depending on the variety, eggplants are generally ready for harvest about 65 to 80 days after transplanting.

Eggplants come in many varieties. The familiar American or globe eggplant is large, oval, and dark purple, while Asian varieties may be long and slender. Other varieties can be white, green, lavender, or striped.

Harvesting

Knowing when to harvest is important because eggplant quality declines when the fruit becomes overmature. A ripe eggplant should have smooth, shiny skin and feel firm when gently pressed. If it stays on the plant too long, the skin may become dull, the seeds can become hard and brown, and the flesh may develop a bitter or pithy texture.

Farmers and gardeners should cut eggplants from the plant with a sharp knife or pruning shears rather than pulling or twisting them. Leaving a short section of stem attached helps prevent damage to the fruit and plant.

From the Farm to the Market

After harvesting, eggplants need careful handling because they are highly perishable. Producers sort the vegetables for quality and size before packing and transporting them to markets, grocery stores, restaurants, or other buyers.

High-quality market eggplants should be firm, well-formed, uniformly colored, and relatively heavy for their size. Produce should also be free from significant scars and damage. Proper postharvest handling is especially important because bruising, excessive heat, and improper temperatures can shorten shelf life. Commercial recommendations call for keeping eggplant around 50°F with high relative humidity because the vegetable is susceptible to chilling injury at temperatures that are too low.

Farmers may sell eggplants through several channels, including farmers markets, grocery stores, wholesalers, restaurants, and community-supported agriculture programs. For growers, appearance, freshness, flavor, cleanliness, and proper handling can influence the marketability of fresh produce.

Picking Eggplant at the Store or Farmers Market

When shopping for eggplant, look for one with smooth, glossy skin and a rich, even color. It should feel firm and heavy for its size. Avoid eggplants that have major bruises, cuts, wrinkles, soft spots, or dull skin.

The stem and cap should also look relatively fresh. Smaller or medium-sized eggplants may have more tender skin and a milder flavor than some larger, more mature fruits.

Storing Eggplant

Eggplant is best used soon after purchase or harvest. Unlike many vegetables, it is sensitive to very cold temperatures. Extended storage below approximately 50°F can result in chilling injury, including pitting, discoloration, and browning of the flesh.

Penn State Extension recommends storing eggplant in a paper bag in a cool location for up to two days or placing it in the warmest part of the refrigerator. Under refrigeration, it is best used within about four to five days, although it may last up to approximately one week.

For longer storage, you can freeze eggplant. Blanch sliced eggplant before freezing to help preserve its quality.

Uses in the Kitchen

Eggplant's mild flavor and tender texture make it useful in many different dishes. It absorbs seasonings, sauces, oils, and spices well during cooking.

Eggplant can be:

• Grilled and served as a side dish
• Roasted with herbs and other vegetables
• Baked in eggplant Parmesan
• Used in casseroles and pasta dishes
• Puréed to make baba ganoush
• Added to curries
• Sautéed or stir-fried with vegetables and tofu
• Used as a meat substitute in some vegetarian dishes

The USDA's SNAP-Ed program notes that eggplant can be grilled, roasted, sautéed, baked, or stir-fried. One cup of cubed eggplant is also relatively low in calories and provides dietary fiber.

From Farm to Table

The journey of eggplant demonstrates how many steps are involved in bringing fresh produce to our tables. It begins with seeds planted in warm, fertile soil. Farmers care for the plants until the fruits reach the proper maturity, then carefully harvest, sort, pack, and transport them. Consumers complete the journey by selecting high-quality eggplants, storing them properly, and turning them into nutritious, flavorful meals.

Understanding where our food comes from can also help us appreciate the work involved in agriculture. The next time an eggplant is roasted, grilled, or baked into a favorite dish, it is worth remembering that its journey started long before it reached the kitchen.

References

Penn State Extension. (2024). Eggplant in the Garden and the Kitchen.

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Home Garden Eggplant.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP-Ed. Eggplant: Seasonal Produce Guide.

Back to School Food Safety

Preparing for the first day of school this weekend? As you’re making your way through those long back-to-school shopping lists, don’t forget these FoodSafety essentials: 

• Insulated lunchboxes
• Gel/ice packs
• Hand sanitizer/hand wipes 

Tips to Keep Your Kids Healthy

Resources
1. Back to School Toolkit to Prevent Foodborne Illness, USDA

August 13, National Filet Mignon Day - Nutrition Profile, Recipes and Food Safety

Filet mignon is a steak cut of beef taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin. In French, this cut can also be called filet de bœuf, which translates in English to beef fillet. When found on a menu in France, filet mignon generally refers to pork rather than beef.

Some butchers in the United States label all types of tenderloin steaks "filet mignon." In fact, the shape of the true filet mignon may be a deterrent when cooking, so most restaurants sell steaks from the wider end of the tenderloin - it is less expensive and much more presentable.

The tenderloin is the most tender cut of beef and is also the most desirable and therefore the most expensive. The average steer or heifer provides no more than 500 grams of filet mignon. Because the muscle is not weight-bearing, it contains less connective tissue, which makes it tender. However, it is generally not as flavorful as some other cuts of beef and is often wrapped in bacon to enhance flavor, and/or is served with a sauce.

Preparation

Filet mignon may be cut into 1- to 2-inch-thick portions, then grilled and served as-is. One also may find filet mignon in stores already cut into portions and wrapped with bacon. High heat is the usual method for cooking the filet mignon, either grilling, pan frying, broiling, or roasting. Traditionally in European and American restaurants, fillets are most often served in a cognac cream sauce, au poivre with peppercorns, or in a red wine reduction.

Bacon is often used in cooking filet mignon because of the low levels of fat found in the cut, as fillets have low levels of marbling, or intramuscular fat. Bacon is wrapped around the fillet and pinned closed with a wooden toothpick. This adds flavor and keeps the fillet from drying out during the cooking process.

Traditional cooking calls for the filet mignon to be seared on each side using intense heat for a short time and then transferred to a lower heat to cook the meat all the way through. Filet mignon is often served rarer than other meats. Those preferring a more well-done steak can request a "butterflied" filet, meaning that the meat is cut down the middle and opened up to expose more of it to heat during the cooking process. Cook to an internal temperature of at least 145° F.

Nutrition Information

References

1. Wikipedia, Filet Mignon
2. Food Network, Filet Mignon Recipes
3. Consumer Reports, 6 food safety tips for your summer cookout

  

National S'mores Day

A s'more is a traditional nighttime campfire treat popular in the United States and Canada, consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker. National S'mores Day is celebrated yearly on August 10 in the United States. The first recorded version of the s’more recipe can be found in the publication Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts of 1927.

Ensure accurate nutrient analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 25 years of experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com

Exercise with Your Child

This week encourages parents and guardians to exercise with their children as part of a healthier lifestyle. Exercise enables children to improve their overall well-being, to maintain a healthier weight, and to reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Children need 60 minutes of play with moderate to vigorous activity every day, but it doesn't have to be all at once. 

As a parent, you can help shape your child's attitudes and behaviors toward physical activity. Throughout their lives, encourage young people to be physically active for one hour or more each day, with activities ranging from informal, active play to organized sports. Here are some ways you can do this:

•Set a positive example by leading an active lifestyle.

•Make physical activity part of your family's daily routine by taking family walks or participating in active games together.

•Give your children equipment that encourages physical activity.

•Take young people to places where they can be active, such as parks and community centers.

•Be positive about physical activities in which your child participates and encourages them to be interested in new activities.

•Make physical activity fun, such as individual sports, and recreational activities including walking, running, skating, bicycling, swimming, and playground activities (check with your local health department regarding the safety of team sports).

•Instead of watching television, encourage your child to find fun activities such as walking, playing chase or riding bikes.

•Be safe! Always provide protective equipment such as helmets, wrist pads or knee pads and ensure that activity is age-appropriate.

Sid the Science Kid-Work Your Body

More and more children programs are encouraging
physical activities.

Exercise and the Physically Challenged
Physical activity is important for all children.
Get advice from a professional with experience in physical activity and disability. They can tell you more about the amounts and types of physical activity that are appropriate for your child's abilities.

Resources.
Kids Eat Right, Make Fitness Fun for the Whole Family

National CBD Day What is Jannabis Wellness?

Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RDN, FAND is a Holistic Cannabis Practitioner, Culinary Nutritionist, Cookbook Author, and Speaker.

Prior to her journey as a Holistic Cannabis Practitioner, I followed Janice's work in the field of dietetics and nutrition. She is well known and respected in our profession and her cookbooks and meal planning strategies are very popular. I am a fan of Janice and when she decided to expand her practice to include Jannabis Wellness products - it caught my attention.

I read about her father's relief from pain after using medical marijuana, and I knew I wanted to know more. I have a son who is a quadriplegic with Spastic Cerebral Palsy and suffers pain constantly. Could this be an answer?

I read Janice's extensive References and Resources, and an article in the April 2019 Issue of Today’s Dietitian, Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RDN, describes Cannabis Use for Treating Disease. I decided to contact Janice and ordered PCR Hemp Oil Salve to massage my son's hamstrings.

My son was a bit hesitant about trying the salve, even though I told him it would not make him high. He decided to try it. With continued massage, Jake's hamstrings loosened up. It was not permanent but provided temporary relief.

Janice’s mission is to help others suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, autoimmune disorders, IBD/IBS, and other debilitating conditions. She completed training at the Holistic Cannabis Academy and now advises clients on access, proper cannabinoid ratios, dosing, best consumption methods, and cooking with cannabis in her consulting business, Jannabis Wellness.

Jannabis Wellness products are derived from medicinal hemp (legal nationwide according to the 2018 Federal Farm Bill). View list of products.

I found the literature and research compelling, and recommend the following readings:
1. References and Resources, Jannabis Wellness
2. Cannabis Use for Treating Disease, Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RDN, April 2019 Today’s Dietitian

National Root Beer Float Day

A root beer float, also known as a "black cow" is traditionally made with vanilla ice cream and root beer.

From the traditional root beer float to an ice cream treat made with vanilla ice cream and frozen root beer soda, National Root Beer Float Day was a big hit in our home.

We chose a diet root beer soda to avoid excess sugar and limit the calories. The amount of diet root beer is not limited because it has "zero" calories.

Beverage. Make sure you carefully combine the soda and ice cream. The reaction causes bubbles to form and a rapid rise in foam, which is part of the fun and can get messy.  Use 1/4 cup light vanilla ice cream. Add a straw and a spoon and enjoy.

Ices.  Add 1/4 cup light vanilla ice cream to a 4-ounce cup. Slowly pour diet root beer soda on top. Add an ice pop stick (optional). Leave in the freezer overnight.  Serve as an ice pop or with a spoon.

Ice Cubes. Freeze root beer soda in an ice cube tray. Leave in the freezer overnight. Add ice cubes to water, milk, or explore the possibilities.

August 3, National Grab Some Nuts Day

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.

August 3, National Watermelon Day - Food Safety, Nutrition, and Recipes

The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 by watermelon growers and shippers. Their goal is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research, and educational programs. The NWPB has developed marketing programs to boost watermelon sales in supermarkets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their site contains recipes, nutrition facts, fun games for children, lessons for educators, and information for health professionals and the media.

Watermelon and Food Safety
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before cutting watermelons.

2. Wash the outer surface of the melon with clean running water and dry to remove any dirt. If you purchase a pre-cut piece of watermelon, you should rinse the rind portion in fresh water and dry it.

3. Wash cutting boards, countertops, scoops, knives, and other equipment or utensils with hot water and soap to avoid cross-contamination.

4. If you refrigerate the watermelon after purchasing, be sure to keep the watermelon cool.

5. Always refrigerate watermelon once you have cut into it. Place in a covered container or cover the cut surface with plastic wrap to prevent the melon from becoming mushy.

Nutrition Facts about Watermelon

Watermelon is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, contains no Trans Fatty Acid, no Cholesterol, very low in sodium, and has only 46 calories in One Cup. Watermelon contains lycopene, an antioxidant which may reduce the risk of cancer.

Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight. It is a great way to get additional fluids.

Creating Snacks or a 
Light Meal using Watermelon

Watermelon Circles with Feta Cheese and Lentil Salad

Fun with Fruit

Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad

Selecting a Watermelon

How to Grow Watermelons

Carving Watermelon