Take Precaution When Shoveling

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Shoveling Snow #2The looming winter storm projected for our area on Tuesday Feb. 4-Wednesday Feb. 5, could potentially leave behind many inches of the white stuff that is causing many of us to scream s-NOOOO-w! The DuPage County Health Department is reminding residents to take certain precautions when shoveling snow in order to stay safe and healthy.

When shoveling:

  •  Warm up your muscles. Shoveling can be a vigorous activity. Before you begin, warm up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise.
  •  Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, seek emergency care.
  •  Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for you. Consider buying a shovel that is specially designed to prevent too much stooping. Space your hands on the tool grip to increase your leverage.
  •  When possible, push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, take small amounts of snow, and lift it with your legs: Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift by straightening your legs, without bending at the waist. Then walk to where you want to dump the snow; holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine.

Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.

 

Bert and Ernie Are Speaking "Healthy!"

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muffitMarilynn Marchione in an Associated Press article on January 24, 2014 shared that Bert and Ernie jump rope and munch apples and carrots, and Cookie Monster has his namesake treat once a week, not every day. Can a Muppets mini-makeover improve kids’ health, too?

A three-year experiment in South America suggests it can. Now, the Sesame Street project is coming to the United States.

Already, a test run in a New York City preschool has seen results: Four-year-old Jahmeice Strowder got her mom to make cauliflower for the first time in her life. A classmate, Bryson Payne, bugged his dad for a banana every morning and more salads. A parent brought home a loaf of bread instead of Doritos. Read more

Free Dental Screening on February 7, 2014

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200245424-001The DuPage County Health Department’s dental clinic will be participating in the American Dental Association’s 12th annual “Give Kids A Smile Day” by offering free dental screenings to children aged 1-18 on Friday, February 7, 2014 from 9am-3:30pm.

The free dental screenings will be offered in the Health Department’s Smile Squad, a state of the art mobile dental clinic that travels throughout DuPage County serving children who need dental services.

This event will take place at two locations in the county:

DuPage Children’s Museum-301 N. Washington St. Naperville

DuPage County Health Department-111 N. County Farm Rd. Wheaton

Patients who receive free services at the Children’s Museum location will also receive a coupon to enjoy the museum after their screening or at a later date. (good for one adult admission with one paid child admission).

This event is part of the national “Give Kids A Smile Day” sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA began the Give Kids A Smile program in 2003 as a way for dentists to join with others in the community to provide dental services to underserved children. Dentists and other team members volunteer their time, and services, to provide screenings, treatments and education to children throughout the United States.

Game Plan for Safe Food Handling During Superbowl Parties

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logoWith the football season’s biggest game scheduled on February 2, be sure to follow this food safety playbook from the DuPage County Health Department so no one gets sick and everyone goes home a winner.

Many Superbowl parties have an array of appetizers and snacks set out for party-goers.  However, this type of food service, where foods may be out for long periods leaves the door open for uninvited guests –bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses.

Remember this pep talk from the Health Department for safe food handling:  “Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill.”

Below is a game plan on how to host a championship get-together:

ILLEGAL USE OF HANDS

Avoid penalties for “illegal use of hands.” Unclean hands are one of the biggest culprits for spreading bacteria, and finger foods at parties are especially vulnerable. Cooks and guests should wash their hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Also, be sure to clean eating surfaces often, and wash serving platters before replenishing them with fresh food. Read more

An easier, speedier way to eat more vegetables

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Fruit-and-veggiesAssociated Press contributor Sara  MoultonIt write that it is the same thing every year. We overindulge during the holidays, then make solemn (and quickly abandoned) promises to eat healthier and shed pounds in the new year.So here’s a sane and simple resolution that will help you achieve both goals in a single stroke — eat more vegetables.

It’s no secret that almost all vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories. Most also are good sources of dietary fiber, potassium, folate and vitamins A and C. If you did nothing more than pile your plate with vegetables, add a small portion of lean protein, and ramp up your daily exercise a bit, you’d probably find all that extra holiday baggage dropping away without having to count calories.

The only problem with eating more vegetables is that it can take a significant amount of time to prep them, and even more time to cook them. Messing with root vegetables is often a marathon. Beets require 45 minutes to steam or an hour to bake. Carrots or parsnips also can be pretty time-consuming. You can cut the cooking time if you first slice them into smaller pieces, but not all of us are aces with a knife. Read more

Probiotic Given to Newborns Appears to Help Prevent Colic

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baby-colicSHIRLEY S. WANG , in the January 13, 2014 online edition of the Wall Street Journal shared that  introducing healthy bacteria to the gut of newborns appears to decrease their likelihood of developing colic, according to a study published Monday, the latest showing probiotics’ beneficial effect on the condition.
The research is thought to be the first to examine whether giving “good” micro-organisms to infants could prevent the development of what is known as functional gastrointestinal disease, which includes colic, regurgitation and constipation.Colic, characterized by lengthy crying, is believed to be related to digestive problems and sometimes likened to an infant form of irritable bowel syndrome. The condition has long been a source of anxiety for new parents, who are often driven to try all types of home remedies to soothe their babies in the absence of any medicines indicated for the treatment of colic. A recent study found that as many as 20% of infants suffer from colic in their first three months of life. Read more

Great Video About Chiropractic Care

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spinal-health
Dr. Tim Weselak, from West Suburban Wellness in Lombard, IL, has created a great video that explains the benefits of Chiropractic Care.You can view it on YouTube at :  http://youtu.be/gwa7x_gJz4M

 

Five common exercise mistakes to avoid

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Joshua Steckler, owner of Push Fitness, a personal training studio located in Schaumburg shared the following information in a article posted in the Daily Herald Newspaper on December 30, 2013:

Thinking of hitting the gym in search of a healthier body in January? If your workouts include strength training, and they should, don’t make these common mistakes that many times cause unnecessary injury and hinder results. Read more

Rise In Obesity Leading To An Increase In Knee Replacements

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Knee replacement surgery (also known as knee arthroplasty), where the joint is literally removed and replaced with an artificial one, was once thought of as an older person’s surgery or for those with sporting injuries.  But the trend towards people under the age of 65 being referred is on the up, and new research has now pinpointed rising levels of obesity as the culprit.

The study, carried out by The University of Massachusetts Medical School, looked at 9,000 knee replacement patients and found that 55% of patients in the under 65 age group were obese, compared with 43% in the group who were 65 or older.  And of the patients in the under 65 years age group, 11% were classified as severely (morbidly) obese, compared to 5% in the older age group.  Read more

Meet The League of Illinois Bicyclists (LIB)

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The League of Illinois Bicyclists is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving bicycling conditions in Illinois. They are the statewide advocate for all Illinois bicyclists, promoting bicycle access, education, and safety. Their vision is :  “Illinois – Land of Safe and Enjoyable Bicycling for all.” 

In addition to great information about biking, their website provides  helpful quizzes for Adult Bicyclists, Motorists, and Child Bicyclists at www.bikesafetyquiz.com

The League of Illinois Bicyclists has also developed bike safety sheets focusing on safe riding skills. The single-page format can easily be reprinted in newsletters, copied for bike rodeos, etc. There are two versions: one for younger elementary school kids (Grades K-3), one for older elementary and pre-teens (Grades 3-7).  The back of each has further details for parents.

The sheets may be downloaded and printed for your use.  Limited quantities of printed copies are also available from LIB (630-978-0583).  To print a copy go to: http://www.bikelib.org/safety-education/kids/bike-safety-sheet/League of Illinois Bicycls