Blog Site Discontinued June 23, 2017

Welcome. This blog site, healthy eating and food safety, has been discontinued as of June 23, 2017. I look forward to your comments and feedback regarding use of this tool to disseminate educational information.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Brain Foods

Brain Foods

In addition to keeping our bodies, healthy, we need to think about foods that benefit our brains. These foods typically have lots of color and lots of health benefits. These colorful foods typically contain anti-oxidants which are substances that work in the brain to decrease inflammation, resist destruction of cells and enhance transmission of nerve impulses.
The good news about these foods is that they are readily available and taste great. Here are a sampling of foods that benefit our brain.

Blueberries supply your brain with antioxidants that help keep cells healthy.
Raspberries and strawberries are also good sources of antioxidants.


Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acid. Plan to eat fish at least twice a week.
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and can lead to production of endorphins which improves your mood.
Bell peppers contain significant amounts of vitamin C, which helps protect brain cells.
Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Almonds contain vitamin E which contains antioxidants.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Tomatoes All Year Long

Tomatoes All Year Long

The time is ripe to preserve the bounty of tomatoes for the cold months ahead. To freeze tomatoes, begin by putting tomatoes in boiling water and when the skin splits, remove tomato from the water with a spoon and remove the skin. Then quarter tomatoes. Place quartered tomatoes in a pan and heat tomatoes. Remove pan from stove and let tomatoes cool. Then package in freezer bags or freezer containers.

Over the years, many people have shared with me that they remove the skin from the tomato and place the tomato in the freezer. It is recommended that tomatoes be blanched first (heated through) to kill enzymes present, so the tomatoes keep better when frozen.
 For more information or     UW-Extension publications on canning tomatoes and canning salsa, you may go to the UW-Extension The Learning Store http://learningstore.uwex.edu/ or contact the Brown County            UW-Extension Office at (920) 391-4610.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

CDC Releases 2010 School Health Profiles Survey Results

CDC Releases 2010 School Health Profiles Survey Results

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) is pleased to announce the release of the 2010 School Health Profiles (Profiles) survey results click:  http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/profiles/index.htm

The report  click:  http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/profiles/2010/profiles_report.pdf, School Health Profiles 2010: Characteristics of Health Programs Among Secondary Schools in Selected U.S. Sites, includes results from surveys conducted in 49 states, 19 large urban school districts, 5 territories, and 2 tribal governments that obtained weighted data.

The Profiles surveys have been conducted every 2 years since 1996 by education and health agencies among middle and high school principals and lead health education teachers.
Profiles monitors —
• School health education requirements and content
• Physical education requirements
• School health policies related to HIV infection/AIDS, tobacco-use prevention, and nutrition
• Asthma management activities
• Family and community involvement in school health programs

Accompanying fact sheets for the report click:  http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/profiles/index.htm focus on
• Chronic disease prevention
• Selected topics (health education; HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention; asthma management; and      school health coordination)
• Combined Youth Risk Behavior Survey and Profiles results (related to obesity, sexual risk behaviors, and tobacco use)

Be sure to check out the updated PowerPoint map presentations click: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/profiles/slides/index.htm that provide relative results showing how states compare in school health policies and practices.
In addition, the CDC’s “Did You Know?” click: http://www.cdc.gov/ostlts/didyouknow/index.html Web feature for August 19th highlights the Profiles data release.
Check the Web page for information about syndicating click: http://www.cdc.gov/ostlts/didyouknow/syndication/index.html the “Did You Know?” content on your Web site and registering for the weekly e-mails.

For additional information, please contact Nancy Brener, PhD, Division of Adolescent and School Health, at 770-488-6184.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Mixed Herb Butter

Mixed Herb Butter

 This time of year, it is easy to have too many herbs. These leftover herbs can yield big flavor when used in to make a herb butter. Finely chop dill, chives, tarragon, thyme, basil and/or oregano. Stir the herbs into softened butter, roll into a log using parchment or wax paper, then wrap and freeze. To use, pull the log from the freezer, slice, then top fish, steaks, potatoes or vegetables.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Raspberries Are a Tasty Treat

Raspberries Are a Tasty Treat

Summer is a great time to enjoy raspberries. Though red raspberries are the most common, there are many color varietyies such as black, purple, orange, yellow and white. Well-known hybrids such as loganberries and boysenberries also belong to the raspberry clan.
Raspberries

Boysenberries

Loganberries



Raspberries contain an antioxidant that can help prevent and fight several cancers. One cup of raspberries serves up 33% of dietary fiber, 51% of vitamin C, 61% of manganese and is a good source of potassium, folate and magnesium.

To serve the goodness of raspberries, they can be frozen. Wash them gently while in a colander and then pat off excess moisture. Place single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze for one to two hours. Then place raspberries in a freezer bag or container and enjoy this winter.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Beat the Heat with Homemade Popsicles

Beat the Heat with Homemade Popsicles

It has been a hot summer here in Northeast Wisconsin. While store brand popsicles can be pricey and high in sugar, popsicles made at home can be a healthy and tasty treat.

Yogurt or 100% fruit juice can be frozen. If yogurt is being used, fresh or canned fruit can be added. 
 Homemade popsicles can be placed in ice cube trays, plastic cups or use purchased popsicle kits. Poke wooden sticks through foil after the product is semi-frozen.
Making popsicles can be a fun activity on a hot day.


Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Eat Whole Grains

Eat Whole Grains

General Mills recently commissioned a study to look at the consumption of whole grains. Consumers feel they are getting more whole grains than they really are. Sixty percent responded that they feel like they are getting enough whole grains, but 95 percent are not.

Currently the recommendation is for individuals to consume three servings of whole grains daily. There are many health benefits to consuming whole grains including a decrease risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 Diabetes, colorectal cancer and total mortality.
In many cases, it’s tough to calculate how much whole grain is in a product by scanning the ingredient list. The Whole Grains Council is working to increase whole grains consumption. They have developed a Whole Grain Stamp Program. Manufacturers can place on food packages a “100% Whole Grain Stamp” signifying a product provides one serving of whole grains (16 grams) in one serving. The “Basic Whole Grain Stamp” indicates a product provides a half-serving (8 grams per serving).

Thursday, August 4, 2011

National Can-It-Forward Day

National Can-It-Forward Day

On August 13, 2011 join millions of food lovers curious about canning and experience the rewards of preserving fresh foods as part of National Can-It-Forward Day. Jarden Home Brands has teamed up with Canning Across America, a collective of cooks, gardeners and food lovers committee to the revival of the lost art of “putting up” locally grown food, to create the first National Can-It-Forward Day.
Gather your family and friends to celebrate the bounty of summer. Share the joy of preserving fresh food through a day of home canning parties, and online instructional canning videos.

To sign up go to http://www.freshpreserving.com/community/events/can-it-forward.aspx

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Tips to Keep You Healthy

Tips to Keep You Healthy

There is so much media attention being given to healthy eating these days. There are lots of easy ways to improve our eating habits.
Switch from tuna to salmon. Salmon has more healthy omega-3 fats than canned tuna.
Blueberries are a powerhouse of antioxidants. Since they are now in season, enjoy them on your cereal, a topper for ice cream or just as is for a great snack.
Nuts and seeds are greater toppers for salads. Croutons are typically made from salty white all-purpose flour which has little nutritional value.
Cook with canola or olive oil. Both of these oils are rich in monounsaturated fat.
Look for a set of ramekins that hold just one half cup. Use them to serve frozen yogurt, ice cream or other sweets. This is a great way to control portion sizes.
Try a new vegetable. There are many great vegetables being sold at local farmers markets. The good news is that people who eat a wide variety of vegetables tend to be thinner. Many people limit their vegetable consumption to iceberg lettuce, potatoes, onions, and canned tomatoes.
Freeze summer fruits for use in smoothies. Blending frozen fruit with yogurt and milk is a great option for a nutritious, tasty treat.