March 23, 2008

March 23, 2008 Happy Easter

Dear GHD Member,
There are many causes for the rise in childhood obesity: increasing portion sizes, the easy availability of high fat, nutrient poor foods and fewer opportunities for physical activity. Studies have shown that parents who engage in healthier eating and activity habits are more likely to have children who mimic these behaviors. All caregivers can help shape a child’s food preference and eating behaviors by making sure that healthier options are always available. So remove all the chips and cookies and make sure that fresh fruit and vegetable sticks are present when hunger strikes.


DATES TO REMEMBER:
DeSoto High Fitness Center is open to the public from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday evenings and from 5:30-7:15 a.m. on Wednesday mornings.

P.A.C.E. (People With Arthritis Can Exercise) Class meets every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. in the DeSoto Public Library. One time fee of $5.00 includes an exercise booklet from the Arthritis Association. Class instructor is trained by the Arthritis Assoc. Call Debby at 586-4570 for more info.

Walking Club meets at the southern end (the cul-de-sac) of Walther Park every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 5:00 p.m. Contact Cliff at 586-2343 for more information. Walk at your own pace.

Indoor Walking Track at the DeSoto Senior High School is open to the public every weekday morning from 6:00-7:00 a.m.


March 27th Student Wellness Club Meeting DeSoto High School Media Center 2:45 p.m. Questions?? Contact Grace Anderson at 586-8940 or Mrs. Kidwell at 586-1050.

March 27th Better Body Challenge Weigh-In 5:00-7:00 p.m. Vineland School Gym

March 29th Storm Spotter Class sponsored by DeSoto Rural Fire Department at 201 E. Main St., DeSoto, Mo. 8:00-12:00 noon Level I & 1:00-4:00 p.m. Level II Call 586-1602 to register.

March 29th Once Upon a Time sponsored by Concerned Parents of Jefferson County & the Jefferson College Foundation. 6:00 p.m. at JC Arnold Campus. $5.00 per adult; children under 12 free. Call 797-3000 Ext. 104 for more information.

April 17th DeSoto’s Get Healthy Task Force Meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall 5:00-6:30 p.m.

April 19th Market in the Park sponsored by GHD in Walthers Park from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. This is an ideal way to share your treasures and make a bit of money after your spring cleaning. Cost of 15’ x 15’ booth is $20.00; Food Vendor cost is $35.00. No rain date. Help support Get Healthy DeSoto by participating in this fundraiser.

May 2nd Get Healthy DeSoto Golf Tournament at Raintree Country Club. Tee Time is 12:00 noon. Cost to enter 4 person team is $260.00 and hole sponsorship is only $75.00. Massage Therapist Geri Mayer of Oooo Ahhh Massage will be offering Free Chair Massages to participants. A light dinner will be provided for all participants at conclusion of tournament. Your support of this GHD fundraiser is important and always appreciated. Contact Chairperson Richard Henry at 337-2232 or Debby at 586-4570 for more information or to reserve your team space.


Did you know? Benefits of a Healthy Breakfast (info from RD Carrie Weatherholt)

According to Carrie, breakfast not only starts your day off right, but also lays the foundation for lifelong health benefits. People who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to:
· Consume more vitamins and minerals and less fat and cholesterol
· Have better concentration and productivity throughout the morning
· Control their weight
· Have lower cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease

Spinach and Feta Cheese Scramble (Eggbeaters.com)


No-Stick Cooking Spray 3 cups chopped fresh spinach ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cartoon (15 oz.) Egg Beaters with Yolk ½ cup crumbled reduced fat feta cheese chopped fresh tomato
Spray medium skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat; when hot, add spinach and pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until spinach wilts. Add Egg Beaters and cheese. Reduce heat to medium; cook 1 minute without stirring. Then stir occasionally until eggs are set, about 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately. Garnish with tomatoes. Serves 5.
Nutritional Info Per Serving: Calories 83; Total Fat 4g; Saturated fat 1g; Cholesterol 65mg; Sodium 419mg; Carbohydrate 1g; Dietary fiber 1g; Sugars 0g; Protein 11g; Vitamin A 39%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 8%; Iron 8%.