The holiday season is upon us, which for many means holiday parties, overcrowded schedules, and extra indulgent meals and treats.
Farrah Wigand, a Registered Dietitian with DHEC and a Certified Specialist in Obesity Weight Management, has provided a few healthy eating and lifestyle gifts to help you lighten up your holidays.
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How many times do we try to eat right, exercise, eliminate stress factors and get a good night’s sleep with no success? Well that stops this week! May 12-18 is National Women’s Health Week. Use this week to start a routine to keep your mind, body and spirit healthy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), taking these steps can lead to better health:
By the Numbers
According to the 2018 South Carolina Health Assessment, here are some health findings about women in South Carolina. Read the full assessment for more statistics.
If you are not as healthy as you would like to be at your current age, it is never too late to start! View the Healthy Living by Age page to gauge your health from ages 20s-90s. Think you’ve got your health covered? Find out your health score.
Unilever voluntarily recalled a limited quantity of Ben & Jerry’s Coconut Seven Layer Bar bulk and Chunky Monkey pints on April 17 due to tree nuts, including almonds, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts. Tree nuts are not declared on the ingredient list or allergy information list. If you are allergic to tree nuts and consume these products, you may run the risk of a serious or life-threatening reaction.
No reports of illness yet.
For more information, including the UPC codes of the products, click HERE.
A collection of health and environmental posts from other governmental blogs.
Five tips for healthy eating during the holidays
Holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends, enjoying each other’s company and food, lots of food! For most people who are trying to eat healthy, the holidays can be a challenge. Kristen Ziesmer, Palmetto Health’s Apex Athletic Performance sports dietitian, shares five tips to help you navigate healthy eating during the holidays. — From Flourish, Palmetto Health’s blog
CDC’s Research on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
For nearly 50 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has researched noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace, providing guidelines to help reduce risk. In 2015, CDC received inquiries from both the public and medical community about noise-induced hearing loss in non-workplace settings.
In 2016, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released “Hearing Health Care for Adults: Priorities for Improving Access and Affordability.” This report included a request that government agencies strengthen publicly available, evidence-based information on hearing loss and hearing health care. In response, CDC not only started research efforts but also raised awareness about the fact that excessive exposure to loud sounds can cause permanent hearing damage, and that taking simple steps can prevent noise-induced hearing loss. — From the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Your Health — Your Environment blog
Lead Hazards in Some Holiday Toys and Toy Jewelry
Many children get toys and toy jewelry as gifts during the holiday season but some toys may contain lead hazards. Lead is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell.
Children may be exposed to lead by simply handling toys normally. It is normal for toddlers and infants to put toys, fingers and other objects in their mouths. They may also be exposed to lead this way. — From the CDC’s Your Health — Your Environment blog
Time Management: The Key to a Food Safe Holiday
The holiday season is a prized time; it’s that festive season that seems to be here before you know it, and you wonder how you will find the time to do everything you need to do to celebrate properly with family and friends. The holidays are also when we share favorite, treasured foods with our loved ones. — From the US Department of Agriculture blog
By Adrianna Bradley
March is National Nutrition Month and DHEC has tips to help you make healthy food choices today.
“If you want to make the move toward eating healthier, choose one or two things to change,” said Phyllis Allen, MS, RD, state director of Public Health Nutrition. “Don’t instantly try to change everything you eat. When you make too many changes it will make it harder to stick with new habits.”
With this year’s theme, “Put Your Best Fork Forward,” DHEC is continuing its efforts in our communities teaching various age groups the importance of eating a well-balanced meal and living a more active lifestyle.
Healthy eating can help you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, and reduce the risk for a number of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. DHEC is actively working to decrease the number of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease with programs like Cooking Matters. The program teaches adults how to prepare and shop for healthy meals on a limited budget. Currently, the economic cost of obesity in South Carolina is an estimated $8.5 billion per year and growing.
“Parents are important role models for their children,” Allen said. “Set a good example by eating healthy and your children will eat healthy too.”
Tips to help develop better habits
Here are some tips to help you develop sound eating and physical activity habits. Remember, making small changes in your food choices can lead to better health.
Live Healthy S.C. 