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6 Tips for Healthy Food Preparation
Healthy eating is important at every age. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and...
5 Top Tips for the Farmers Market
Farmers' market season is in full swing! Farmers' markets offer tons of produce and delicious prepared foods for making healthful and delicious meals, but sometimes getting started at the market can be a bit daunting. You're in luck, though, because a few simple tips...
Micronutrients: Vitamin A
Now that we've learned about the need for micronutrients and what exactly micronutrients are, it's time to take a closer look at our first micronutrient... vitamin A. What Is It? Vitamin A is "the name of a group of fat-soluble retinoids, including retinol, retinal,...
What are Micronutrients?
Nutrients are substances that provide "nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life." They are necessary for survival. But where do you get them? Well that depends on the type. There are two major types of nutrients: macronutrients and micronutrients....
Nutrition Strategies for Hot Weather
"It’s the perfect time of year for a steaming plate of spaghetti," said no one ever in August. Hot food in hot weather is not always desirable, especially if you have to babysit a pot on the stove. With the rising temps, along with the increased costs of food and...
3 Strategies for Summer Exercise
The sun is shining, the birds are singing -- it's the perfect time to get outside and exercise. Though you likely won't be battling your way through snow or rain, summer presents its own unique considerations when it comes to stepping foot in the great outdoors. Take...
Breakfast on a Budget
Despite the popularity of diet trends like intermittent fasting, which often advises skipping breakfast, there are plenty of reasons to continue to eat this first meal of the day. Benefits of Breakfast: Eating breakfast may help with weight control. A recent...
Intro to Micronutrients
Did you know that micronutrient inadequacies are actually common in the United States? Because I sure didn't. Micronutrient deficiencies are not necessarily prevalent here, but inadequacies -- which occur when someone is getting enough of the nutrient to be outside of...
988 – New Crisis Hotline Has Launched
Today, “988” is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. By calling or texting 988, you’ll connect with mental health professionals with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National...
Health Risks of Weight Cycling
"Yo-yo dieting" and "weight cycling" are terms that refer to intentional weight loss followed by unintentional weight gain. This back-and-forth can be common for people trying to lose weight, particularly women. In addition to being a frustrating situation for clients...
Is It Time to Change Your Oil?
Altering the course of pain through diet change Perhaps it’s time to change your oil? According to a study out of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, a high-fat, Western diet can impact the risk of painful conditions in individuals already...
Refreshing Summer Treats
There's more to summer refreshment than the siren song of the ice cream truck. Did you know that you can make inexpensive and totally delicious popsicles at home? If you follow this blog, then you probably already saw the popsicle comparison post that went up last...
The EWG Released Its “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” Lists for 2021
Nearly 70% of non-organic produce sold in the United States contains pesticide residue, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Every year, the EWG ranks pesticide residue levels of fruits and vegetables based on samples taken by the U.S. Department of...
This Month: Go Fishing
Each month we have a goal to make small, positive changes to develop new habits and a more healthful lifestyle. The July topic is about adding fish and seafood to your meals. Fish is a good source of protein and it isn't high in saturated fats. There is no doubt that...
Tips for a Lighter Vacation
Now that a good majority of folks are vaccinated and airlines have resumed operation, much of the world is in travel mode. Whether you’re going by plane, train, or automobile, eating healthy should still be on your radar. Vacation is a time to relax and unwind. But...
This Month: Eat a Plant!
This month we're focusing on plant proteins and encouraging everyone to eat a plant! This topic continues the themes from the past few months which were whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Adding plant proteins easily builds upon these earlier achievements....
Frozen Fruit to the Rescue!
Ultra-processed foods are taking over grocery shelves with their added flavor, affordable prices, and long shelf-life. Ultra-processed foods including pre-packaged meals, breakfast cereals and bars, and packaged rice and pasta mixes are excessively processed through...
Get Vaxxed. Get Cash.
Cash for Vax at The Arc of Washington County You may have heard that the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland State Lottery are partnering up to give vaccinated Marylanders a chance to win big! The Arc of Washington County is also giving eligible staff the...
What You Need to Know About Your Vaccine Card
After receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, you’ll be given a vaccine card. If you receive a two-dose vaccine, you should receive your card after your first dose, which will be updated upon your second dose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),...
Let’s Talk About Sun Safety
Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get vitamin D. You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet...