August 1: Can-It-Forward Day
Have you ever thought about how your donations to a food bank or food pantry can have a bigger impact? Many people who are food insecure are also dealing with chronic diseases such as diabetes. This is due to many factors, but by concentrating on donating can goods in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans or MyPlate you can actually make a difference. Often families and individuals struggling to put food on the table also have limited options that contain adequate vegetables and fruit. In addition, choosing canned goods that are low in sodium can be helpful for those who need to focus on blood pressure control. The next time you are asked to donate food in a food drive consider focusing on canned fruits, vegetables, and canned meats like chicken, tuna, and salmon.
August 3: Watermelon
There is special refreshment that only watermelon brings on a hot summer day. Every year when August rolls around I’m reminded that the watermelon season’s end will be here sooner than I would like. Beyond refreshment, this fruit is packed with a host of health benefits, including some that are especially helpful in the summer season. Check out what Cleveland Clinic has to say about the health benefits of watermelon!
August 5: Home Ventilation
“A well-ventilated home filters and then circulates clean, fresh air to promote better respiratory health. Proper ventilation can reduce your exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), allergens, mold, carbon monoxide, and more.
Follow these simple steps to keep your home well-ventilated:
- Use kitchen and bath exhaust fans when cooking and bathing.
- Do the toilet paper test to make sure the exhaust works properly.
- Change air filters regularly on heating/cooling units.
- Clean dryer lint traps.
- For fireplaces, make sure the flue is clear and open when a fire is lit.
Learn more about what is in your air” (from UGA Extension website)
August 7: Check Your Detectors
I have been in a rather embarrassing situation, not once but twice, having to call the fire department because my carbon monoxide detectors were going off. Although I was pretty sure it was a false alarm it wasn’t something I wanted to take chances with. Thankfully they were both false alarms. One was a faulty detector and one had just lived out its life and needed to be replaced. It is important to regularly check all your detectors in your home, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, or any others you may have.
August 9: Popcorn
Did you know popcorn is a whole grain? The Dietary Recommendations for Americans encourage 50% of your grain intake should be whole grains. If you struggle to find whole grains you like remember that popcorn and corn are whole grains! Try it with olive oil instead of butter and limit the amount of salt you add.
August 11: Saving at the Grocery Store
Saving money at the grocery store really starts long before you get there. Try these tips in my blog post about saving money at the grocery store. They may take some time to adjust to but you may find some health benefits in addition to more money in your bank account.
August 13: Brownie Bites
This recipe was from our last Kiss the Cook virtual Cooking Class for couples! Keep your eyes open for other opportunities to participate in this class.
August 15: Gastroparesis Awareness
August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, “Patients experiencing gastroparesis – or delayed gastric emptying – encounter uncomfortable symptoms since the stomach slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.
Individuals with gastroparesis should examine their dietary habits and identify foods that work best to feel healthy. Certain foods that take longer to digest, including foods high in fiber content like fresh fruits and vegetables, can make symptoms worse.” Follow the link above for more information and tips to prepare and use fruits and veggies to ensure maximum nutrition benefits with minimal discomfort.
August 17: Carbs
Carbs have gotten a bad rap in recent years, which is highly unfortunate. The reality is you have to have carbs. Your body can’t function properly without them. Your brain’s primary source of energy is carbs. The important thing to remember with carbohydrates, just like all your other macronutrients, is well-balanced and in appropriate quantities. The topic of carbs does become more complicated for diabetics, but diabetics do still need them. Check out this research-based information about carbs through the American Diabetes Association.
August 19: World Honey Bee Day
Honey is very yummy but regardless of your like or dislike of honey, or the little critters who create it, the honey bee is super important to our food supply. To learn more about honey bees you can check out what the FDA and the USDA have to say. When it comes to the honey they create keep in mind it is a form of sugar. Enjoy it in moderation in the same way you should enjoy table sugar in moderation.
August 21: Eye Health
Everyone should have their eyes checked regularly. In fact, my appointment to have my eyes checked falls this month! However, if you are a diabetic it is highly important you stay on top of regular eye exams. There are no early symptoms for Diabetic Retinopathy, but later symptoms include blurry vision, floating spots in your vision, and blindness. To learn more about Diabetic Retinopathy see this article from the National Eye Institute.
August 23: Walk-A-Weigh
August 25: Fajitas
Fajitas are super yummy and contain a generous helping of veggies! In line with our FACS of Life podcast this month on GA Seafood, try this healthy take on Shrimp Fajitas from the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Hub.
August 27: Herbs
Elevating your meals with fresh or dried herbs is a great way to reduce your sodium intake. Here is a great guide to help.
August 29: Shrimp & Grits
We love our Shrimp & Grits in the South! It is super easy to make at home too. It can also be loaded with fat and sodium, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is a list of recipe adjustments you can try so you can have your shrimp & grits and eat them too!
- Use low-sodium broth in place of options high in sodium.
- Choose species that don’t include salt or are the low-sodium version.
- If you use milk in your grits choose non-fat milk, 1% milk, or 2% milk.
- Don’t go overboard on the cheese. Reduce the cheese and consider trying a more flavorful cheese like parmesan or sharp cheddar. That way when you reduce the amount of cheese you are increasing the flavor profile of the dish.
- Stick to portion sizes.
August 31: Healthy Eating Out
There are many reasons we eat out. Sometime it is the easiest solution if we are pressed for time. Other times it’s to celebrate or spend time with friends. No matter what the reason we can still make health choices when eating out. This article from FoodTalk.org is helpful.
August 2: Breastfeeding Awareness
Breastfeeding is an important source of nutrition for babies. Though infant formulas have come a long way in supplying the nutritional needs of infants there is nothing on the market that meets an infant’s needs in the same way breastmilk does. It’s a really important start to life and dietary habits for kids. Check out our FACS of Life Infant and Maternal Nutrition Podcasts to learn more: part a | part b). Whether you are in this stage of life as a family or a community member you play a role in helping support breastfeeding mothers.
August 4: Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It is sometimes referred to as the silent killer because it isn’t always easy to tell when your blood pressure is out of control by feeling alone. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly can not only save your life but can also help you understand when you need to make adjustments to your lifestyle and health patterns to live an optimal life. To learn more about blood pressure check out this article by the American Heart Association.
August 6: Exercise with Your Child
We know from a wealth of research that parents play a very important role in their kids’ lives when it comes to developing good health patterns in a number of areas in life. This isn’t limited to modeling the behaviors themselves as adults, which is highly important, but it also entails making sure we do things with our children to encourage behaviors that are good for them and discourage those that will result in poor health outcomes. One area to engage in with your child is exercise. This can look like walks, bike rides, playing catch, playing sports, the list is endless. Find something you both enjoy! It not only helps with physical development and health but also brain health, social skills, coordination development, and many other things important to a child’s development.
August 8: Pickleball
Pickleball has become super popular, which you probably already know. This fun sport is not only an opportunity to play a fun game with others but it also provides a nice dose of physical activity. If you haven’t found something you enjoy to make sure you get enough physical activity each week, or if you’re just looking for something new to try, consider contacting your local Rec Center to see if they know of any pickleball meetups.
August 10: Sources of Protein
Protein is made from amino acids. There are 9 essential amino acids that must come from food sources for our bodies to thrive. It is recommended that we get just over 7 grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight. It’s important to note that protein comes from both plant and animal sources. Part of why this is important to understand is that when we eat a protein source we are not just getting protein, but any of the other nutrients that food has to offer. To learn more about protein check out the fabulous article from Harvard.
August 12: Right Bite – Diabetes Cooking School
August 14: Fats
Part of understanding a healthy diet includes understanding fats. Not all fats are the same. Some contribute to our health for the better and some cause problems for our health. All should be consumed in moderation and some we should try to avoid completely. Check your food labels, pay attention to serving sizes, and use the article from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to help you understand fats.
August 16: Love Your Feet
I remember when I was younger and I had friends entering military service hearing about an emphasis during training about how important it is to take care of your feet. To learn more about foot care and what to pay attention to check out these 10 tips by UCLA Health.
August 18: FACS of Life Podcast Release – GA Seafood
Don’t miss this fabulous episode of the FACS of Life Podcast as we discuss Seafood with the UGA Marine Extension Seafood Specialist Tori Stivers! Make sure to subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts to never miss an episode.
August 20: Pineapple
Pineapple is packed with vitamin C, manganese, fiber, B vitamins, and is a great source of potassium and magnesium. Here’s more on pineapple’s health benefits from Cleveland Clinic.
August 22: About Plant Milks
Plant Milks are a great alternative for those who can’t consume milk due to allergies, lactose intolerance, or cultural reasons. There are also many people gravitating toward plant milks for a variety of other reasons. Whatever category you fall into it is important to read the labels of these products. Often plant milks do not contain the levels of calcium that dairy products do. You may need to make sure you get your calcium intake through other sources. Additionally, many plant milks can be loaded with sugars, lower in protein, and higher in calories. Enjoy whatever milk you prefer, plant or animal, just remember to read labels to understand if those products are meeting your dietary goals. Learn more here.
August 24: Immunization Awareness
August 26: Cost Cutting
There are many strategies for cutting your expenses and increasing your savings. What is paramount is finding what works best for your family. Check out the article from the University of Wisconsin Extension.
August 28: Elevate Registration Event
August 30: Grief Awareness
August 30th is Grief Awareness Day. The purpose is to educate people on grief and how to create space for grief when a loss is experienced. Grief can be experienced for a variety of reasons. It could be the loss of a loved one to death. Often this is what we think of when we hear the word grief, but there are so many types of loss. There is the loss of an important relationship in life, there is the loss of full capacity one may have had before an illness ravages their body, there is loss from traumatic events, and so many more. We all experience grief and we all experience our grief in different ways and for different lengths of time. Grief really is more of a journey for each individual and community encountering it. It is important to allow the space you and others you know need to fully grieve losses. If, however, you or your loved ones seem to not be able to move through grief you may need to consider the help of a professional counselor to help.
