Not All Snacks Are Created Equal!

By DeDe Hausmann Let’s get real here.  When you think of snacks do you think of red, ripe delicious-tasting apples or a big chunk of chocolate?  As for me I’ll go for chocolate anytime over an apple EXCEPT when I know I need that nutritious apple, and I have recently had some mouth-watering chocolate.

National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

By Kimmi Devaney As we give thanks for our families, friends and good health, let’s not forget the less fortunate. Throughout the week of November 12-20 the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness are co-sponsoring their annual National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Throughout this time, a [...]

Planning A Holiday Feast

By Diane Ruyack In our family, our favorite holiday feast is Thanksgiving!  If this is your first holiday feast or your 10th, the following list will help you have an enjoyable and successful party. Plan the meal, keeping in mind your guests’ tastes, ethnic backgrounds, allergies and any other factors.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

By DeDe Hausman In 2010 the American College of Sports Medicine, along with other prominent health-organizations, including the NAACP, the American Society for Nutrition, the Cleveland Clinic, and HealthCorps, began waging a battle against childhood obesity by declaring September as NATIONAL CHILDHOOD OBESITY AWARENESS MONTH.  And to add more credence to that, on September 1, [...]

Time for U-Pick Farms

By Diane Ruyack It is time to think about harvesting your own garden produce or checking out u-pick farms. This website will give you all the information you would need to pick your own tomatoes, peaches or blueberries that will be in season in August. There is nothing better than to pick your own fruit [...]

Welcome to Summer!

By Michelle Plummer Finally!  Summer is here and the herbs and vegetables are in the gardens and fields.  I have had radishes two times this year thanks to my neighbor and his plantings.  There is something nostalgic about people exchanging food stuffs over the neighbor’s fence….or radishes in my case.

Osteoporosis- Know the Facts

By Diane Ruyack Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. Researchers estimate that about 1 out of 5 American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. About half of all women over the age of 50 will have a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra (bones [...]

The History of the Pretzel for Free!

By Michelle Plummer I have long been amazed by the shape, texture and taste of pretzels.  From soft oven baked to crispy twists that travel well as a nutritious snack, we are unsure of the exact origin of the pretzel.  Pretzels have a great folklore from some believing they are hugs from God, a child’s [...]

Don’t Be Fooled By These Milk Myths

By Diane Ruyack It may be April Fool’s Day but don’t be fooled by these milk myths.  Athletes at times complain of cottonmouth, dryness and discomfort in the mouth and attribute it to milk.  Drinking milk does not cause this but it is due to fluid loss and emotional stress.  The optimal diet for the [...]

Help Your Kids Eat Right with Color for National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month! The theme this year is to “Eat Right with Color.” What a great way to convey getting all the foods you need – color your plate with nutrient rich foods! The 2010 Dietary Guidelines focused on children and preventing obesity. When it comes to food and nutrition, even the most knowledgeable parents can use help making sure their children are eating healthy meals. I encourage parents to take time to make sure their children are getting all of the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.