Embracing the holiday season can be challenging for some, turning what’s supposed to be a joyous time into a period of blues. The combination of gloomy weather and the pressure to exude festive cheer can leave you feeling a bit down. However, there are simple steps you can take to prioritize your mental well-being.  …

Did you know mushrooms are the only source of Vitamin D in the diet that does not come from animals? When exposed to sunlight, mushrooms can produce significant amounts of vitamin D2. It’s time to make more room for mushrooms because April 16th is National Day of the Mushroom!   Mushrooms are packed with a…

Did you know that June is National Dairy Month? You may be familiar with some of the health benefits associated with dairy from the abundant advertisements in the media. Dairy milk is filled with important proteins, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and niacin. These nutrients provide several health benefits.  …

Did you know that osteoporosis literally means porous bone? Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become brittle and weak, making them more susceptible to breaking. Approximately 10 million Americans live with this disease, and 44 million are at an increased risk of developing it.   May is Osteoporosis Prevention Month, a perfect time…

The foods that you eat can have a significant impact on your health. Most chronic illnesses can even be managed with a proper diet – think diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.   Osteoporosis is another chronic illness that diet and exercise can have a signifiant impact on. Every October 20th, World Osteoporosis Dayis observed to…

Are you a fellow fish lover? Do you love trying new varieties, and exploring new and exciting ways of cooking fish? Are you aware of the seemingly endless health benefits fish has to offer?   Fish has been a staple in coastal communities’ diets for centuries and for good reason. The health benefits of fish…

May is National Osteoporosis Prevention Month! Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone that makes your bones weak and more likely to break.  According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, ~10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million have low bone density, putting them at increased risk for osteoporosis.   Even though the numbers may…

Celebrate National Osteoporosis Month this May by taking action to Break Free from Osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation, established in 1984, is dedicated to preventing osteoporosis, promoting strong bones for life and reducing human suffering through programs of awareness, education, advocacy and research.   It is estimated that 10 to 54 million Americans have osteoporosis,…

Bend Over Backwards for Milk!   One of the health highlights of May is that it is National Osteoporosis Prevention Month. It is estimated that 10 to 54 million Americans have osteoporosis, with 80% of cases being women.   Bones are living, growing tissue and osteoporosis occurs when there is bone loss or too little…

By Jackie LiPera It’s National Ceviche Day! What better time to celebrate the existence of a refreshing and flavorful dish than in the heat of late June?   Ceviche, also spelled seviche, is a South American staple that is sure to be a crowd pleaser this summer. With so many different varieties and array of…

Happy National Diary Month! Do you remember those Got Milk? Ads that were popular in the 90’s? Those advertisements were published with the intent of promoting the consumption of cow’s milk so that production in California would increase. These ads were on the right track to encouraging the consumption of milk. I am here today…

Each May is Osteoporosis Prevention Month. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by weak bones. Bones are live, growing tissues which must be cared for and maintained like other tissues in the body. They become weak as a result of bone loss, too little bone being made, or a combination of both.   There are some…

It is often assumed that Americans do not get enough vitamin D. I frequently hear stories about people going to their doctor for regular check-ups and come out with a recommendation to purchase nutritional vitamin D supplements in order to boost vitamin D levels in their bodies. The National Center for Health statistics conducted analysis…

Bone and Joint Health National Awareness Week is a global event that focuses on musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis and trauma.  During the week of October 12th -October 20th, individuals and organizations worldwide organize events and projects to bring awareness to ways to prevent, manage and deal with these disorders.   These conditions…

June is known for many things such as the beginning of summer, the end of school and warm weather, but strong teeth and bones?  Well, we can now add this to our list of why June is so great because it is also known as National Dairy Month!  Dairy is essential because it provides us…

In this Issue: Strategies for Staying Slim This Summer • Turn Your Tired Indoor Fitness Routine Into Creative Outdoor Workouts! • Fitting in Fruits and Veggies on a Budget • Get the Facts on Vitamin D • The Beneficial Role of DHA in Breastfeeding Mothers • Feature Food of the Month: Walnuts • Recipe of the Month: Raspberry Walnut String Bean Salad

Vitamin D is unique because we can synthesize all of our needs for this vitamin from sunlight. When the ultraviolet rays of the sun hit our skin, the vitamin is then converted into its active form. Even though our bodies synthesize Vitamin D, it is still an essential nutrient that we need to get from…

In this Issue: How to Maintain Your Weight Over the Holidays Getting Enough Vitamin D When the Weather Chases You Indoors “Check Your Neck”—January is Thyroid Awareness Month This February Don’t Just Wear Red—Eat Red! The Importance of Folate in the Prevention of Birth Defects Feature Food of the Month: Persimmon Healthy Recipe: Apple Persimmon…

Calcium is necessary for our heart, nerve, and muscle function in addition to proper blood clotting. Studies have shown that low calcium intake throughout one’s life is directly associated with low bone mass and thus a higher incidence of bone fractures. In addition, studies are showing a possible link between a diet deficient in dairy…

Food Serving Size IU Salmon, canned, solids + bones 3 ½ oz. 360 Sardines, canned, solids + bones 1 ¾ oz. 250 Milk, non-fat 1 cup 98 Milk, 1%, 2% 1 cup 98 Margarine, fortified 1 Tb. 60 Fortified, ready-to-eat cereals 1 oz. 40