Launched in 2015, National Obesity Care Week is a National Campaign founded by The Obesity Society (TOS), the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The Campaign is facilitating a national conversation and shining an annual spotlight on the need for a comprehensive approach to care for those living with the disease of obesity.

For too long, obesity has been stigmatized, with bias against people affected by obesity holding back our progress in effectively treating the disease.¹ Since the American Medical Association (AMA) appropriately classified obesity as a disease in 2013, there has been greater awareness and understanding of obesity as a complex disease requiring a comprehensive care approach.²
 
While AMA’s classification was a step in the right direction, there is still much more work to be done. To further raise awareness of this disease and its needs, TOS, the OAC, STOP and the ASMBS are joining forces to launch a National Campaign, National Obesity Care Week (NOCW). The focus of NOCW is simple. These groups, along with corporate advocates, will use their communication channels to proactively advocate to Change the Way We Care.

Healthy Lombard encourages  you to join us and be a part of this inaugural multi-stakeholder initiative to make a real difference in the delivery of care to those living with obesity.

It’s only fair to share…

Try these exercises at your desk

If you’re like most of us, you spend eight hours a day chained to your chair, which can take a toll on your posture — and health.

“Remember that your hip girdle is meant to tilt, and if you don’t use it, you will lose it” says AntiGravity Fitness founder Christopher Harrison. Take a break and try these exercises from Harrison throughout the day to realign your body when you find yourself sitting too long:

Spinal twist: Cross your right leg over your left, knee to knee. Reach your left elbow over your right knee. Twist your chest to the right and reach your right arm behind your chair. Look over your right shoulder. Stay there for three deep breaths. Do the same thing for the other side.

Hip tilts: Sitting tall with hands on knees, stick your belly out, tug gently with your hands, tilt the hips forward and arch the lumbar spine. Then, relax the hands, contract your spine and pull your belly button in toward your back, coming into a concave position with your lumbar spine.

Rotation of the femur: Sit with your legs wide, shifting your weight onto your sit bones. Press your hands on the inside of your thighs, encouraging the hips to open as wide as possible. While holding your legs wide, lift your chest and take three deep breaths. Then, plant your heels and lift your toes. Bring your knees in toward each other and then out wide several times, lubricating the hips.

It’s only fair to share…

These fantastic workout ideas came from: JAMmin’ Minute® that was authored by: Detroit Lakes, MN

(Disclaimer: Please be advised the exercises hereunder may not be suitable for everyone, in every age, and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. To reduce the risk of injury all children should consult their doctor before beginning this or any exercise program. The exercises presented herein are in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling.)

Do 10 Reps of each of the movements listed below:

Spider Crawls: Place hands on floor and scissor legs to chest

Pumpkin Push-Ups: Push-ups in any position that works best for you

Bat Flaps: Scissor arms and legs forward and back at the same time

Werewolf Windmills: Arms out touch opposite fingers to opposite toes

Jack-O-Lantern Jumping Jacks: Jumping Jacks

It’s only fair to share…

Click here to download information

It’s only fair to share…

Marie Wilson of the Daily Herald Newspaper reports that in a new program being introduced in Naperville it’s being used to counter the worries and stresses of the young.

A two-part workshop called Improv for Anxious Kids and Teens on Nov. 7 and 14 is provided bySamaritan Interfaith Counseling and Artful Impact!, the nonprofit arm of the School of Performing Arts in Naperville.

Combining the expertise of licensed clinical psychologist Nancy Kratz from Samaritan and improv comedian Jonathan Keaton from the School of Performing Arts, the workshops use the principles of improv to teach coping skills to overcome anxiety.

“This workshop will actually teach kids about what is anxiety, why does my body react that way, what can I do to calm down,” Kratz said. “There will be some talking and improv activities that are fun. We can laugh at ourselves.”

While it might seem counterintuitive, the rules that govern improvisational comedy become the very tools that can help kids triumph over anxiety, Kratz said.

Continue reading →

It’s only fair to share…

Learn about the results of the community survey conducted by Impact DuPage in this  radio interview with WDCB’s Gary Zidek. During the  assessment phase of Impact DuPage, over 2,000 residents provided input on top strengths in DuPage, top health concerns, and where efforts should be focused in DuPage.

It’s only fair to share…

College of DuPage Nursing Student Olga Bojanic shared that there are many health benefits for Kefir; a probiotic yogurt. Kefir is a drink; kefir grains are the “starter pack” that are used to produce a yogurt-like substance. Kefir originated from part of Eastern Europe and Southern Asia and is derived from the Turkish word “feel good”. Over a period of 24 hours, the microorganisms in the kefir grains ferment and multiply in the milk turning it into kefir.

A 6 oz. serving of milk kefir contains the following nutrients:

• -Protein: 6 grains
• -Calcium: 20 % of RDA
• -Phosphorus: 20 % of RDA
• -Vitamin B12: 14 % of RDA
• -Riboflavin B2: 19 % of RDA
• -Magnesium: 5 % of RDA
• -Vitamin D

Each of these servings also contains: 100 calories, 7 grains of carbs, 3-6 grains of fat, organic acids and peptides.

Benefits of Kefir

Kefir is a more powerful probiotic than other yogurts.  Containing about 30 different microorganism making it a much more potent probiotic source than other fermented dairy yogurts. Probiotics influence healthy digestion, weight management, and improved mental health.

Antibacterial properties: Kefir protects against infections; it contains the probiotic Lactobacillus kefiri that protects against harmful bacteria.

Kefir may improve bone health and decrease the risk of osteoporosis. It is a great source of calcium and contains Vitamin K2 which is a nutrient that plays a central role in calcium metabolism and has been associated with a reduced risks of fractures in some studies.

Kefir may be protective against cancer. It is believed to inhibit tumor growth by reducing the formation of cancer causing compounds as well as stimulating the immune system; it is estimated to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Lactose Intolerant? No problem!  Kefir ferments in milk over a 24 hour period and turns lactose milk into lactic acid.

Kefir may improve symptoms of allergies and asthma; it helps protect against inflammatory responses for people with oversensitive immune systems.

and finally…

It is really easy to make at home!  Below is a link for more information about this superfood as well as a step-by-step procedure to make your own kefir:

http://authoritynutrition.com/9-health-benefits-of-kefir/

It’s only fair to share…