Jan 302013
 

Episode 52 – Fats and Oils

“In the Middle Ages, they had guillotines, stretch racks, whips and chains. Nowadays, we have a much more effective torture device called the bathroom scale.” ~ Stephen Phillips (Photo by Julia Freeman-Woolpert)

“In the Middle Ages, they had guillotines, stretch racks, whips and chains. Nowadays, we have a much more effective torture device called the bathroom scale.” ~ Stephen Phillips (Photo by Julia Freeman-Woolpert)

Judging from all the fat-free and low-fat foods available, you might consider fat a dietary evil. However, the body requires a certain amount of fatty acids to function properly. Choosing the correct type of dietary fat can mean the difference between health and disease.

Today’s guest is Janet Hackert, regional nutrition specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

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For more information:

Do you know your cholesterol numbers?

Gateway to Health newsletter

 Posted by on January 30, 2013 at 8:38 pm
Jan 082013
 

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” ~ John F. Kennedy  (Photo by Sanja Gjenero)

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” ~ John F. Kennedy (Photo by Sanja Gjenero)

Are you trying to move from couch potato to a mover and shaker? That’s great news! You’ll feel better and be healthier.

There is no “magic bullet” for getting fit. The key is to start slow and gradually build up your strength, stamina and flexibility.

Today’s guest is Stephen Ball. He’s an exercise physiologist with some tips on making 2013 the year you get into shape.

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More information from University of Missouri Extension:

Walk Yourself to Good Health

Five More Reasons to Exercise

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire

 

 Posted by on January 8, 2013 at 7:41 pm
Nov 152012
 

“Coexistence: what the farmer does with the turkey – until Thanksgiving” ` Mike Connolly (Photo by Rachel Spauldling)

According to the National Turkey Federation, 95 percent of Americans eat turkey at their Thanksgiving meal. Since it’s likely that a turkey will be the centerpiece of your holiday meal, do you know how big a bird to buy? If the turkey is frozen, do you know how to thaw it safely? University of Missouri Extension is here to help you with these questions. Listen to the podcast or download it and listen to it later. But, don’t wait too long, turkey day is almost here.

 

Today’s guest is Tammy Roberts, nutrition specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

Check out Turkey Tips from the Missouri Families website.

 Posted by on November 15, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Oct 292012
 

There is a child in every one of us who is still a Trick-or-Treater looking for a brightly lit front porch. ~ Robert Brault (Illustration by Rainer Topf)

Halloween is a popular holiday because kids get to bring home lots of treats, mostly candy. Too much of anything always has consequences. This creates a tough balancing act for parents who want their children to enjoy the holiday, but would rather avoid tummy aches, tooth decay and too many calories.

Today’s guest is Tammy Roberts, nutrition specialist for University of Missouri Extension. She has some tips for helping children make good choices while still enjoying the fun and excitement of Trick-or-Treat.

 

 

 

 Posted by on October 29, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Oct 192012
 

The littlest pumpkins have the biggest grins. (Photo by Katrina DeLourve)

Today we pay homage to the versatile pumpkin. It’s a mainstay for Halloween decorations, but shouldn’t be overlooked as a nutritious fruit that’s low in fat and calories.

Our guest today is Tammy Roberts, nutrition specialist for University of Missouri Extension. She has tips for recycling your Jack-O-Lanterns into yummy pies, breads, soups and stews.

 

 

Find more information and some delicious recipes at Pumpkins – From Harvest to Health

 Posted by on October 19, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Jul 192012
 

“Give neither counsel nor salt till you are asked for it” ~ Italian Proverb (Photo by Bruno Sersocima)

Whether it’s added to morning eggs, or part of the crunchy taste of potato chips, we love salt.  It’s actually the ultimate spice because our taste buds respond to salt and open up making everything taste better. The problem is we’ve moved salt from a flavor enhancer to a habit with medical consequences.

The good news there are ways to kick a salt obsession. Just a little behavior modification can train taste buds to savour other flavors.

 

 

Today’s guests are nutrition specialist Tammy Roberts, human environmental sciences specialist Ellen Schuster and nutrition specialist Susan Mills-Gray. All three are with University of Missouri Extension

More tips and information:

Decreasing Salt Can Decrease Blood Pressure

Is Sea Salt Healthier Than Table Salt?

Is There a Salt That’s Healthy?

 Posted by on July 19, 2012 at 7:34 pm
May 302012
 

"The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook." ~ Julia Child (Photo by Lukas Patkan)

The transition between spring and summer is full of beautiful, blue-sky days. It’s the perfect time for picnics, camping and barbecues. But, there’s one problem with outdoor cooking. If you don’t use care with perishable foods, you, your family and friends could be battling food borne illness rather than having lots of fun.

 

 

Today’s guest is Tammy Roberts, nutrition specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

More food safety tips can be found on the Missouri Families webpage.

 Posted by on May 30, 2012 at 7:28 pm
May 012012
 

"Technology makes it possible for people to gain control over everything, except technology." ~ John Tudor (Photo by Christoph van der Bij)

This week is National Screen-Free Week.  It’s a time for all of us to take a good look at the amount of time spent with screens.  Smart phones, tablets, e-readers and all other “screen” devices take hours away from other activities such as spending time with family and friends. Don’t think “screen time” is a problem? Consider this: From January to March 2012, more iPhone were sold than babies were born worldwide.

Do you think you could do without devices for a week? How about a day? Could you put them down for a few hours?  Why not give it a try. The life you discover may be your own.

 

Today’s guests are Sara Gable, State Extension Specialist in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology and Robin Gammon, Program Manager for the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program. Both are with University of Missouri Extension.

University of Missouri Extension has some fun suggestions for non-screen activities on their Play More, Watch Less page.

 Posted by on May 1, 2012 at 12:28 am
Apr 172012
 

Abigail's winning photograph - Photovoice Missouri 2011-2012

Photovoice Missouri is a statewide health photography program and competition that’s a collaboration between the Health Communication Research Center at the Missouri School of Journalism…and the University of Missouri Extension Healthy Lifestyle Initiative.

Last August, students from several Missouri counties were given the task of showing, through pictures, examples in their communities that support healthy choices, and areas that need improvement.

 

 

All of the students’ pictures can be seen on Flickr, a photography sharing website: Photovoice Missouri

Photovoice Missouri is supported by University of Missouri Extension’s Healthy Lifestyle Initiative , assisted by the Health Communications Research Center at the Missouri School of Journalism

 Posted by on April 17, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Apr 112012
 

"Aging has you firmly in its grasp if you lose the urge to throw a snowball." ~ Doug Larson (Photo by Pierre Amerlynck)

Everyone, no matter the age or condition, can benefit from exercise. On the other hand, you have a lot to lose if you’re not active. Want to ward off the negative aspects of aging?  Then regular physical activity is your best option.

 

 

 

Today’s guests are Linda Rellergert, nutrition specialist for University of Missouri Extension and Stephen Ball, exercise physiologist for MU Extension.

Check out Exercise for the Older Adult

Click the link: Stay Strong, Stay Healthy to learn more.

 Posted by on April 11, 2012 at 11:01 pm

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