FEBRUARY 2016
Heart-Healthy Exercise America Saves Week February 22 – 27, 2016 Try these five simple steps during America Saves Week to help yourself save automatically – and successfully: Assess Your Savings. Complete this simple 12-question assessment to find out your current standing and help you plan for the future. Evaluate your Savings Preparedness. Check off your savings accomplishments on the Saver Checklist. Take the America Saves Pledge. When you take the pledge, you can choose to receive text message tips and reminders to help you save towards your goals. Share Your Savings Goal. Take part in the 2016 #imsavingfor Photo Contest at http://americasavesweek.org/imsavingfor for a chance to win $500. Savings never looked so good. Make Your Savings Social. Join America Saves in encouraging your friends, family, and colleagues to save this week.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice. © 2016 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
Exercising on a regular basis can sound great – in theory. But when it comes to actually doing it, are you among the many who will find anything and everything possible to occupy your time instead? If every effort to embark on a new fitness plan ends with a new running shoes or exercise equipment that remain unused, it’s time to change your mindset. First of all, know you’re not alone. We all face this struggle; and the good news is that we can all conquer it. After all, you don’t have to workout like you’re training for a marathon to get your heart in great shape. It can be as simple as walking briskly for just 30 minutes a day. And the housecleaning you did to procrastinate your workout? Believe it or not, that counts as exercise, too. You don’t have to go for an actual run to get a runner’s high. That rush you get at the sight of a gleaming bathroom counts too. There are so many types of physical activity that can improve your cholesterol levels, lower your blood pressure and simply make you feel good. Visit https://www.goredforwomen.org/home/live-healthy/exercise/ to learn more tips on exercise and your heart. Source: American Heart Association E
Fudgy Fruit Celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with this easy, healthy dessert recipe.
6 Tbsp. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 large bananas, peeled and quartered
8 large strawberries
¼ cup unsalted peanuts, chopped
Directions Place chocolate chips in a small microwave safe bowl. Heat on high for 10 seconds and stir. Repeat until chocolate is melted, about 30 seconds. Place fruit on a small tray covered with a piece of waxed paper. Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate on top of the fruit. Sprinkle the fruit with chopped nuts. Cover the fruit and place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or until the chocolate hardens. Serve chilled. Makes: 4 servings Nutritional Information (per serving) Total Calories
151
Total Fat
10 g
Protein
3g
Carbohydrates
24 g
Dietary Fiber
4g
Saturated Fat
2g
Sodium
2g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA Photo: eatFresh.org
Preventing Foodborne Illnesses Each year, approximately 1 in 6 Americans get sick from food poisoning. It’s not uncommon to hear about food being recalled or a new foodborne illness outbreak daily. Most people recover without any long-lasting effects; however, those who are pregnant, the elderly or those with chronic conditions are more at risk for developing complications. Prevent foodborne illness at your home by being conscious of food safety guidelines. For instance, avoid eating raw or spoiled meats and eggs by checking expirations dates before purchasing and preparing food. Wash your hands, cutting boards and knives with antibacterial soap and hot water after handling raw meat, seafood or eggs. Never serve meat on the same plate it was placed on when it was raw. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature. In addition, avoid thawing food at room temperature; instead, defrost foods in the refrigerator and do not refreeze food once it’s been fully thawed. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, especially those that will not be cooked (like fresh apples or pears) in order to prevent foodborne illness.