Kansans and Friends In Weight Loss

How do you typically celebrate birthdays, graduations, and other occasions with your family and friends? Let me guess — by going out to eat or throwing a party, right? Turns out, people usually eat a lot more when they’re in a group and surrounded by delicious food! Think about the last big gathering you had — with all the laughter and chatter and good-natured teasing, did anyone pay any attention to how fast the nachos or garlic bread disappeared? The longer you sit around the table, the more you eat, and the more the people around you are eating, the more you eat, too! So the truth is, the more often you socialize at restaurants and parties, the harder it may be to maintain a healthy weight.

Starting this weekend, plan social events that are fun, active, and do not involve food. You might find you really enjoy these outings — maybe even more than going for dinner or drinks! So how about inviting the gang out to play miniature golf or take a weekend hike in a pretty area nearby? Doesn’t that sound like fun? You can all sign up for a dance class or a sports team together to make it a regular event, like your weekend dinners. If you don’t want to do something super active, that’s okay, but you should still try to think of ideas that don’t involve food — painting pottery together, for example! It’s relaxing and fun, and because your hands are occupied, you can’t keep throwing chips in your mouth!

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You feel great and are looking more fabulous each day, so why should you take time out of your hectic schedule to visit your doctor or dentist? No matter how old you are, staying on top of regular checkups is crucial to your overall well-being. Prevention is the ideal purpose of checkups, but they also afford the opportunity to catch a problem while it’s in the early stages and can be easily treated — allowing you to live long and feel strong!Mark your calendars! Here’s a checklist of appointments you can’t afford to miss:

• Mammograms: Starting around age 40 (unless you have a family history of breast cancer and your doctor recommends you start earlier), women should undergo mammograms every one to two years. These tests are in addition to monthly self-exams, starting in your twenties.
• Pelvic exam: If you are a sexually active woman or over 21, you should schedule an annual pelvic exam and Pap smear.
• Cholesterol checks: If you’re 20 and are a smoker or have a history of diabetes or heart disease, you should have your cholesterol checked regularly; otherwise you should start around age 45.
• Dental cleaning: For many, a thorough dental cleaning may be at the bottom of the appointment list. Still, even if you have a healthy smile, you should visit the dentist at least twice a year.
• Physical: Here’s a general rule of thumb for having an overall physical, even when you’re feeling fine: at 20, every three years; at 30, every two years; and at 40 and above, every year.

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If you eat less, you lose weight. Seems logical, right? Unfortunately, skipping meals can have consequences. Besides leaving you feeling listless and weak, lack of food can set you up for a major binge. Deprivation can cause hunger and cravings, and in those straits you’re likely to eat the first thing you see, regardless of its nutritional value.Thankfully, the answer to this dilemma is simple. Eat when you’re hungry! Choose vitamin-rich fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains, and you’ll easily beat cravings between meals, feel full, and help your body shed pounds. Isn’t that great?

If you’ve already binged, don’t worry! It happens to all of us at one point or another. Just get right back on track with your next meal. If you need more support, check in with a close friend or family member, or visit my amazing online community!

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A major reason that many out-of-shape men and women avoid exercise is that they feel shy or embarrassed. It can be really tough — and even overwhelming — to start working out, especially if you’re shy, terribly out of shape, or have never done it before in your life.

If you do feel that way, you’re not alone — and though the challenge to overcome your insecurities is huge, so will be the rewards once you do! Exercising is necessary for good health, and it’s even more crucial to weight loss.

Is your fear that you’ll look stupid at the gym, or that you won’t know how to use the machines? Talk to the trainers or staff at your gym as soon as you get there on Day 1. You certainly won’t be the first to ask for help, and it’s their job to show you how to get started! They are trained to answer any and all questions, no matter how seemingly dumb, so ask away! And don’t worry about what other people are thinking when they see you at the gym — chances are, they’re so worried about how they look themselves that they’re not even thinking about you.

You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish once you promise yourself to give working out a real try — and not just once, because it does take practice!

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KU health and fitness day gives kids chance to see college basketball

By Lindsey Slater

November 18, 2008

For an 11 a.m. game on a Tuesday, the stands were pretty full for the Kansas University women’s basketball game against Iowa.

The attendance of more than 3,500 students, teachers, parents and administrators representing Lawrence public elementary schools helped.

Tuesday was the first time that KU planned a health and fitness day with such a large group. Students in third through sixth grades from all of the city’s 15 elementary schools cheered on the Jayhawks and learned a thing or two about what it means to be a student athlete.

Women’s head coach Bonnie Henrickson was impressed with how well the youngsters seemed to know the game.

“Elementary school kids have great basketball IQ in Lawrence because they really knew when we needed help,” she said after KU won, 76-55. “They got loud when we needed them to be loud.”

The kids were more than happy to help cheer on the women.

“It was pretty cool,” said Anya Dickinson-Cove, a fifth-grader at Schwegler School. “Once they got the lead, it was no doubt they’re going to win.”

There were even a few future coaches in the crowd.

“They played really well today,” said Joshua Thomas, a sixth-grader at New York School. “Next time they play, I think that they should do a little bit more defense.”

Before the game, sixth-graders spent time learning about safety, nutrition, fitness and goal setting from the athletic staff and players.

Afterward, some Jayhawk athletes took to the court to answer questions.

“Being an athlete is tough,” said senior Marcus Herford, a wide receiver for KU’s football team. “It’s a tough deal, but we take it on each day with vigor.”

Junior softball outfielder Ally Stanton said she was surprised how many kids were in the stands.

“We felt like little rock stars. They’re so cute,” she said.

KU Athletics and their sponsors paid for everything for the students, from lunch to T-shirts.

And this first experience was a positive one for the school district and student athletes alike.

“We have kids that may or may not be able to do something like this with their families, so to give them this opportunity is just great,” said Anne Hawks, a curriculum specialist for the Lawrence district.

Students also had the chance to get autographs from the women’s basketball team after the game.

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Utah Firm Recalls Frozen Chicken Meals That May Contain Foreign Materials

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL FSIS-RC-043-2008 HEALTH RISK: HIGH Congressional and Public Affairs (202) 720-9113 Roger Sockman WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2008 - Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, a Springville, Utah, establishment, is recalling approximately 879,565 pounds of frozen chicken meals that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. The following products are subject to recall: 9.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE PESTO CHICKEN WITH BOW TIE PASTA” brand frozen meals. Printed on each side of each package is a production code of “8280595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best Before MAY 2010.” 10.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN MEDITERRANEAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8231595912” or “8241595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2010”; a production code of “8263595912,” “8269595911” or “8274595912,” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2010”; or, a production code of “8291595912” or “8301595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2010.” 12.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN TUSCAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8234595911” and a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2009”; a production code of “8253595911” or “8269595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2009”; or, a production code of “8292595911” or “8296595911” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2009.” Each package also bears the USDA mark of inspection as well as the establishment number “EST P-9018.” The frozen chicken meals were produced on Aug. 18, Aug. 21, Aug. 28, Sept. 9, Sept. 19, Sept. 25, Sept. 30, Oct. 6, Oct. 17-18, Oct. 22 and Oct. 27 and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide. The problem was discovered after the company received consumer complaints and a report of one injury. The company identified the objects as small pieces of hard plastic. FSIS has not received other reports of injury. Anyone concerned about an injury from consumption of the products should consult a medical professional. Media with questions about the recall should contact Company Marketing Communications Manager Roz O’Hearn at (440) 264-5170. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Nestlé Consumer Services Center at (800) 227-6188. Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

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Classes, workshops, seminars

THE FAMILY SERIES PART SIX: “I SHOULD, I OUGHT, I HAVE TO”: Discuss the guilt that typically goes along with the role of a caregiver. 1:30-3 p.m. Nov. 10, Tri-County Mental Health Services, Northland Human Services Building, Second Floor Conference Room, 3100 N.E. 83rd, Kansas City. Free. Register. www.tri-countymhs.org (913-831-3888)

Flu shots, immunizations

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST INFLUENZA: Written physician’s order and parental consent are required for those 16-17 years of age. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 6, American Red Cross, Mill-Walk Mall, 2733 Cantrell, Harrisonville. $25. For those 16 years old and above. www.kcredcross.org (816-380-4271)

DRIVE THRU FLU SHOTS: Non-perishable food items will be accepted for Harvesters at this time. Sponsored by the University of Kansas Hospital. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 8, The University of Kansas Hospital, 3901 Rainbow Blvd Kansas City, Kansas. Free. www.kumed.com (913-588-1227)

Health fairs, screenings

BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS: 9:30-11 a.m. Nov. 5, Olathe Senior Center, Multi Purpose Room 110, 311 E. Park, Olathe. Free, donations accepted. For ages 50 plus. www.jcprd50plus.com (913-782-1878)

STROKE AND OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING: The complete screening package now includes a new Heart Rhythm screening which checks for irregular heartbeat, a major risk factor for stroke. 9 a.m. Nov. 6, Wexford Place, 6500 N. Cosby, Kansas City. 9 a.m. Nov. 7, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4, 7844 Leavenworth, Kansas City, Kansas. $149 for a Wellness package. Please call to set up an appointment. www.lifelinescreening.com (1-800-697-9721)

HEALTH AND SPIRITUALITY WORKSHOP: This continuing nurse education activity will count for 11 accredited contact hours. 12:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 7; 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 8, Community of Christ Temple, 201 S. River, Independence. $75 for Friday and Saturday workshops including 2 meals. $10 discount for Seniors over 65 years. 1/2 price for students. Call for registration pricing and extra fee information. www.CofChrist.org (816-833-1000 ext. 1262)

BIRTHRIGHT EMERGENCY PREGNANCY SERVICE TRAINING: This class is to train new volunteers. Lunch will be provided. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Nov. 8, Birthright, Emergency Pregnancy Service, 6309 Walnut. Free. Registration required. www.birthright.org (816-444-7090)

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Salina Ks

Fitness, whole-health testing offered for seniors

Sat. Nov. 15th and Tues and Nov. 18th.

Fitness and whole-health testing geared specifically to seniors will be offered Saturday and Tuesday at the University United Methodist Church, 1509 S. Santa Fe.

The testing is available to the public without cost. No appointments are necessary, but advance registration is encouraged.

The tests, administered under the supervision of Evelyn Maxwell, registered nurse, include the nationally known Senior Fitness Test as well as health habits, nutrition and depression screening.

Participants may choose one of four sessions planned over the two days. The sessions, in the church’s lower-level forum, will begin at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each day. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

To register or seek more information, call Maxwell at 827-3304 or e-mail emmx@cox.net.

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