Need some ‘fresh’ ideas for the kitchen?
The Root Cellar is a fresh-format grocery store located in downtown Columbia a few blocks north of the University of Missouri campus (1023 East Walnut in the newly renovated North Village Arts District). Root Cellar offers free delivery to offices with multiple subscribers. Contact Chelsea Davis at rootcellarmo@gmail.com for more details.
Are you “computing healthy”?
Do you experience back pain, wrist cramps or headaches from working at your computer all day? If so, a free Workstation Analysis, performed by the Adaptive Computing Technology (ACT) Center, may help alleviate discomfort and prevent long-term injury.
People are all shapes and sizes; therefore, not every workstation can consist of the same set-up and computing tools while providing the same level of comfort and productivity. An ACT Center staff member is able to evaluate your personal workstation, at no cost, as well as to provide suggestions on how to reduce strain and use alternative computing tools to make you feel more comfortable throughout your day.
The ACT Center believes that a Workstation Analysis can be beneficial in many ways: increase productivity, boost morale and reduce injury. Healthy computing starts with the proper posture and tools needed to make computing comfortable and productive. Visit the ACT Center’s Workstation Analysis webpage or contact the ACT Center at (573) 884-2600 to schedule an appointment.
Zumba class starting next week!
Apr. 29 – May 27 (Tuesdays). MU Hospital, Mid MO Gym. Class meets every Tuesday from 5 – 6:00 p.m. Please register and the cost is $15 ($3 per class) for the series or $5 drop-in fee. Class is taught by Megan Jones. For questions and to register please email Megan at jones.megan004@gmail.com.
Spring walking groups are still going on!
Please come join one of our spring walking groups. Walking is a great exercise; and with the beautiful spring weather around us, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy it! Here are two walking groups that are going on now:
· Apr. 2 – May 7 (Wednesdays): Walking Group. Take this great opportunity to get up and get moving on your lunch break with a 30-minute walk. Meet at Woodrail Building 7 (by the flag pole) for a short walk from 12:30-1:00 p.m. Walking group led by Emily. No registration is needed. Just show up and cost is free! For questions please email Sarah at elliss@umsystem.edu.
· Apr. 4 – 25 (Fridays): Walking Group. Meet at Peace Park from 12:30-1:00 p.m. Walking group led by Kailey. No registration is needed just show up and cost is free! For questions please email Sarah at elliss@umsystem.edu.
Eat plenty of fiber for good health
We often hear that we should get plenty of fiber to help with digestion, but fiber provides many other benefits as well, such as:
· Reducing the risk of heart disease.
· Lowering cholesterol.
· Lowering high blood pressure.
Can’t think of ways to add fiber to your diet?
· Try eating an orange at breakfast instead of drinking the juice. The orange provides three grams of fiber but the juice only provides a half of a gram.
· Add vegetables to your pizza.
· Be generous with the vegetables in casseroles and soups.
· Start the day with a whole grain cereal. One cup of cooked oatmeal provides around four grams of fiber.
· Switch from white rice to wild or brown rice.
· Beans are a great source of fiber—one half cup of kidney beans provides seven grams of fiber. Include beans in your meals two to three times a week.
· Add sunflower seeds, walnuts or almonds to salads or enjoy a handful for a snack.
University of Missouri Extension provides a great amount of information on this topic. Read the article “Eat plenty of fiber for good health” by Tammy Roberts, MS, RD, LD, a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension.
Healthy Habits recipes
Everyone likes to cook a new recipe once in a while, so why not make it a healthy one? It can be difficult to find a healthy recipe that actually tastes good, so for the next food day at work, try out one of these new healthy recipes offered by the University of Missouri Extension: Fox 4 Healthy Habits recipes. The webpage offers a long list of healthy recipes. Nutritional information is provided for most recipes.
Chronic stress leads to health problems
Because the daily stress in our lives can take its toll on our bodies, it is important to learn how to deal with stress in healthy ways. Here are a few tips:
· Make sure you have a good foundation by eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising, and getting adequate sleep.
· Build healthy relationships with family and friends.
· Use relaxation techniques and make time for yourself.
· And try to have a sense of humor about things!
More information is available in the article “Chronic stress leads to health problems,” by Christeena Haynes, MS, RD, LD, a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension.
Getting and staying motivated to change health habits
Whether you are trying to control your blood sugar, lose a few pounds or lower your cholesterol, here are some tips that Lynda Johnson, nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension, says can help you stay motivated toward your goal.
1. Cherish yourself and your health.
2. Commit to change. Be willing to move in a new direction.
3. Have confidence. Believe in yourself and your ability to change. Have a “can do” attitude.
4. Chart your course. Begin by keeping track of your activity and what you eat for a week
5. Be creative
6. Find a cheerleader.
7. Celebrate your progress.
There is much more to read on this topic published by Missouri Extension. Read the article “Getting and staying motivated to change health habits.”