Editorial: Take Care of Your Heart

February 5, 2015 3 Comments


The leading cause of death among men and women is heart disease. Approximately 600,000 people a year die of heart disease.

There are many health risks contributing to heart disease. The first being diabetes. The health risks that can cause diabetes also cause heart disease. They include: Overweight/obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity. Excessive alcohol use also may lead to heart disease.

Obesity and those that are overweight have been of great concern throughout the country. First Lady Michelle Obama has lead a charge trying to curb bad eating habits among our youth, implementing healthier school lunches.

People seem to be busier, both parents working and less balanced meals being prepared. It seems that the choice is to buy quick and easy meals, or fast food, rather than eat healthy. Junk food is also a food choice when snacking as opposed to a good snack, such as carrots, celery and fruit.

Along with being obese or overweight comes lack of physical activity. Technology has taken people away from moving their bodies around to just moving their fingers. People need to move around! People also sit too much. Set a timer and after sitting for 30 minutes, get up and walk around for five to ten minutes. If so inclined, do some leg lifts and/or squats during this time.

After a hard day at work, it is hard to find the time to exercise. Many people just go home, eat supper and sit in front of the TV. Even 30 minutes of cardio three to four times a week will improve your over all health. Shut off the TV and walk! Lifting weights a few times a week is also highly recommended. Exercise also makes a person feel more energized and all around happier!

High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol and smoking are also risk factors for heart disease. To protect your heart, follow your doctor’s orders and take your medications. Stop smoking immediately. Your doctor can offer assistance to help you stop smoking.

Also, eat healthy and exercise.

We are all only here once! Take care of your health and your heart so you may enjoy a long, healthy, happy life with your loved ones.

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Control Diabetes

February 13, 2014 Leave a comment


If you have diabetes, it is important that you learn to control it for life! Diabetes is a serious problem, but research shows that controlling diabetes makes a huge difference. Keep your blood sugar close to normal and you reduce your chances of serious health problems such as blindness, kidney failure and amputations.

 

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension invites you and your family members to participate in a new and exciting diabetes education program. The series of programs is being offered via the two-way interactive distance education facilities. Participants will learn about current issues related to diabetes from educators with over 20 years of team-teaching experience. These sessions are designed to supplement the education that you receive from your local diabetes education team and are not a substitute for diabetes classes through your local health care providers.

 

March 10, is the first of three programs in the “Control Your Diabetes for Life” series. Based on recent research on the strong tie with diabetes increasing the risk of kidney disease we will focus on self-management of diabetes. Topics that will be addressed during the two hour program include: What’s New in Diabetes Care; Kidney Disease: Protect Your Kidney – Action Steps to Health; and Ways to Cut Food Costs. There will also be a question and answer period. Participants will sample a new recipe for a diabetic appropriate food. Team-teaching the program will be Stacie Petersen, B.S.N. and Certified Diabetes Educator; and Deborah Willcox, R.D. LMNT; of Franciscan Care Services in West Point and Debra Schroeder, Extension Educator in Cuming County.

 

The program on March 10 will be held a the Tekamah-Herman High School in the Distance Learning Classroom beginning at 7:00 p.m. Please pre-register by March 7, with the UNL Extension Office in Burt County at 402-374-2929 to ensure adequate availability of handouts. School Food Service staff may earn two hours of continuing education credit for attending this session. This program is a joint effort of UNL Extension, Franciscan Care Services of West Point, Educational Service Unit #2 and Tekamah-Herman High School.

 

 

Mary Loftis,

Extension Assistant
UNL Extension – Burt County
111 North 13th Street, Suite 6
Tekamah, NE 68061
Phone: (402) 374-2929

Fax: (402) 374-2930

Internet: mloftis2@unl.edu

Mary Loftis

Mary Loftis

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