June 22, 2008

June 22, 2008

Dear GHD Member,

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and usually affects people over 40. It can cause pain and stiffness in the knees, hips, hands and spine. If you have OA, it is even more important for you to exercise. As soon as you get used to the exercise, you will begin to feel less pain and be more active in everyday activities. Exercise will help you keep your muscles, bones and joints healthy. A healthy body will allow you to stay positive, give you more energy and let you sleep better. Exercise a little bit everyday and strive to keep a healthy weight. For more information, talk with your health care provider or contact the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org on the web.

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.

Get Healthy DeSoto web site: http://gethealthydesoto.blogspot.com

June 28th
Get Fit Festus is sponsoring a 2 mile fun walk beginning at 8:00 a.m. in West City Park near the gazebo in Festus, Mo. There is no sign-up or entry fee required. FREE t-shirt to the first 50
walkers.

July 4th DeSoto Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July Celebration. Parade at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street. The City of DeSoto is sponsoring the Fireworks Display at dark at the DeSoto High School Culwell Stadium.

July 9th Healthy Lunch and Learn Seminar “ How Food Affects your Medications”. 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church at 1004 Rock Road. Featured guest speakers are Richard A. Felkel, R.PH.BS.PD pharmacist and Shane Pruitt from the Medicine Shoppe in DeSoto. Cost of session is $6.00. Reservations required. Please call Debby at 586-4570 or church office at 586-2472 by Monday July 7th to make your reservation. Facility is handicapped accessible. Endorsed by the DeSoto Ministerial Alliance.

Did You Know?
What’s So Great about Exercise? (info from Arthritis Today)
v Exercise can reduce the inflammation of arthritis and related conditions, reduce the risk of other chronic diseases and ease joint pain.
v Exercise keeps you young. A study of healthy men aged 65-74 concluded that the more physically fit and active you are, the fewer inflammatory chemicals your cells produce.
v Exercise improves endurance and heart health. Movement gets your blood flowing, increasing endurance and improves your cardiovascular health.
v Exercise helps arthritis and diabetes. A recent study shows exercise not only decreases levels of inflammatory chemicals but also increases the amount of insulin and glucose the body uses, rather than stores, by 16%.
v Exercise, not just counting calories, counts. Cutting calories can help you lose weight, but it also can slow down your metabolism. Increasing your activity level along with cutting calories is a smart way to lose weight.

Baked French Fries (diabeticgourmet.com)
2 large potatoes
½ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1/8 teaspoon paprika
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Peel Potatoes and cut into slices 4 inches long and ¼ inch wide; place in a bowl of iced water to crisp. Just before cooking, turn onto paper towel and pat dry. Spread pieces in one layer of a shallow baking pan. Sprinkle with the vegetable oil. Shake pan to spread oil evenly over potatoes. Bake 30 -40 minutes, turning frequently, until golden brown. Empty potatoes onto paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and paprika. Serve immediately.
Serves:5
Nutritional Info Per Serving: Calories 93; Protein 2g; Fat 3g; Carbohydrates 15g;
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch, ½ Fat.