Five common exercise mistakes to avoid

exercise-14Joshua 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. Continue reading

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Boost Metabolism With
These Everyday Foods

Lizza Fuhr on PopSugar shared that you can  give your metabolism a little jump-start is not a difficult task — or even a big commitment! Take for instance, adding any of these six foods to your day. It’s such a simple way to get the body going.

  1. Hot peppers: The compound capsaicin that gives chili peppers their kick has long been connected with boosting metabolism and curbing cravings.
  2. Whole grains: Whole grains offer loads of dietary fiber and complex carbs that help speed up your metabolism. Just make sure to reach for real whole grains; don’t be blinded by pretty multigrain packages. Continue reading
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Rise In Obesity Leading
To An Increase In Knee Replacements


Knee replacement surgery (also known as knee arthroplasty)
, where the joint is literally article-2182691-1458F731000005DC-813_468x425removed 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.  Continue reading

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Fitness Fair at Glenbard East High School a Success!

IMG_5534 (1)A fall Fitness Fair was held at Glenbard East during the lunch periods on November 22nd to kick off their participation in Fuel Up to Play 60. The District Wellness Committee organized this event supported by a grant from the Midwest Dairy Council and Glenbard East’s Action for Healthy Kids, ‘Students Taking Charge’.  The event encouraged physical fitness and healthy eating.  Students participated in hula hoop, jump rope and plank contests, and prizes were awarded to the winners.  Sodexo sponsored a nutrition quiz with fresh fruit give aways. Students are encouraged to participate in Students Taking Charge by joining Fuel Up to Play60 to help plan future events.

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PROACTIVE KIDS Offered at 5 Locations

logoThe PAK PLAN is a FREE 8-week program for children ages 8-14 who are considered obese or at risk, offerings FITNESS, NUTRION and LIFETSYLE education.

Designed by a respected group of health care, education, nutrition, and athletic leaders, it is much more than a simple diet or exercise program. It is a comprehensive, all inclusive program to treat the whole child…emotionally, physically and nutritionally, built around the stability and commitment of family. 

ENROLL YOUR CHILD
If you have any interest in signing up for this winter session or would like more information, please contact Nicki Klinkhamer at 630-681-1558 or enroll directly at http://proactivekids.org/enroll-now

LOCATIONS

  • Downers Grove at/funded by  Advocate Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center
  • Oak Lawn at/funded by Advocate Christ Hospital
  • St. Charles at St. Charles Park District, funded by Cadence Health
  • Woodridge at Edward Health and Fitness Center – Seven Bridges funded by Edward Hospital
  • Niles/Park Ridge at Gemini Junior High School funded by Advocate Childrens Hospital Park Ridge Continue reading
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Five More Years – YEAH!

mou-landing-photosFive years ago, National Dairy Council and America’s dairy farmers teamed up with the National Football League and other powerful partners to empower kids to make their schools a healthier place. Since then, Fuel Up to Play 60 has reached over 38 million kids in 73,000 schools, encouraging them to choose good-for-you foods and get 60 minutes of play a day.

 The NDC and NFL, along with GENYOUth Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education are proud to announce a renewed $250 million public-private partnership to benefit America’s youth.

A celebration of the program’s success and commitment to its future kicked-off in bright lights with a halftime vignette during the Jacksonville Jaguars game on NFL Network and continues with the founders of Fuel Up to Play 60 coming together in Chicago onMonday, December 9 for the formal announcement.

Glenbard District 87 has joined FUTP60 and has received over $16,000 in grants.  Hopefully their Elementary Feeder School Districts will also start to explore the advantages of being part of this fantastic opportunity.

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Health Insurance Reminder

santaThe holiday shopping season is in full gear, and while shoppers are looking for that perfect gift for a loved one, the DuPage County Health Department wants to remind residents it is the perfect time to get themselves the gift of health insurance.  Residents now have until Dec. 23 (previously Dec. 15) to sign up for coverage that will ensure their plan starts on Jan. 1, 2014.

To help residents enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace, Enroll DuPage will be extending appointment hours at its main office (111 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton) Monday-Thursday between 4pm-8pm and on Saturday between 8am-1pm.

There are two ways residents can enroll for health coverage this holiday season.  First, if they’re comfortable navigating the marketplace on their own (and online) they can visit www.getcoveredillinois.gov.  If a resident wants some help in enrolling, they can call 888-724-0077 to schedule an appointment with an Enroll DuPage navigator.  At their appointment, they’ll receive in-person assistance in enrolling in the marketplace.

 

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Meet The League of Illinois Bicyclists (LIB)

logo_0The 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

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Holiday Hint: Eat Breakfast

cerealChristina Fitzgerald, a registered dietitian and licensed dietitian nutritionist, is the owner of Nourished, Nutrition and Wellness, nourishedliving.com and stated in the December 4, 2013 edition of the Daily Herald Newspaper that breakfast is the key for all of us to survive the day in a mentally and physically healthy way. No matter what the schedule is going to be, I insist that we all sit down for a family breakfast. That doesn’t mean that we always sit down at the exact same time, but it’s known that we’re not jumping into obligations/chores/playdates without having a substantial and healthy breakfast. When we’re really in a pinch, my on-the-go breakfasts include:

• Whole wheat waffle and peanut butter banana sandwich. Wrap this in a paper towel, hand them a milk box, and you’ve got a nourishing breakfast.

• Protein smoothies. Add cottage cheese or peanut butter to almost any fruit smoothie and not only will it blend the flavors nicely, but it will add a punch of protein that will keep the engines running

• Overnight oatmeal. If it’s a holiday morning and I need to clean or cook first thing and don’t want to deal with cooking breakfast, I serve up overnight oats. The base is equal parts oats to milk and yogurt; my kids like the blend of milk and yogurt for the added creaminess. The base is great because you can then mix and match flavor toppings to each family member’s taste.

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Give Your Family The A Gift Of Health

FE_PR_100419onparenting_daycare425x283The DuPage County Health Department would like to remind residents about the importance of getting an annual flu shot. Flu season can last as late as May and getting a flu shot is the best way to avoid the flu.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory infection that can lead to serious complications like hospitalizations or even death for some people. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu. Continue reading

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