Check out this fun parody of “Teach Me How To Dougie” called “Teach Me How To Brushy” from the Oregon Dental Association. This is a great way to encourage kids to brush their teeth.

 Teach me how to brushy

Pull-ups recently debuted their “Potty Dance” commercials. Have you seen this one? 

 Potty dance

In a past My apple a day post, we featured  “Pack It Up” made by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

What other health related children’s songs have you heard of? Feel free to leave us the link to any other fun videos in the comments. Education can be fun!

How was your 4th of July? If it was anything like mine, you had a party with a lot of great food. This, combined with swimsuit season quickly approaching, I thought it would be appropriate to write today about weight management.

Eating a well-balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and within a normal range. As you might have guessed, fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet. It is recommended that adults get 4 ½ to 9 cups of fruits and vegetables each day. Make the most of these servings by including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet, in an array of colors. Eat the rainbow so to speak. (more…)

Some old wives’ tales, such as arthritis resulting from cracking knuckles, have not held up to scientific scrutiny.  Others have stood the test of time, such as the idea that drinking cranberry juice can help fight urinary tract infections.  The concept of fish being good for the health of the brain has also gained credibility from recently published reports. (more…)

Did you know that through ODS, you may have access to ODS eDoc? ODS eDoc gives you the ability to email or call a physician, psychologist, pharmacist, dentist, dietitian, and fitness expert when a non-critical medical issue arises. I have used ODS eDoc many times myself and cannot tell enough people about this great service! Today’s blog post features a popular nutrition question answered by our ODS eDoc team.

What’s so bad about Trans Fats? (more…)

Butter, salt, oil…and disease-causing chemicals?

Studies show that when prepackaged microwave popcorn bags are heated, the grease-resistant coating breaks down into toxic chemicals called PFOAs. The chemicals migrate into the popcorn oil, and then into our bodies when we eat it.

Lab studies link PFOAs to serious long-term health problems. It takes years to break down in the body, and the Center for Disease Control has found the chemical in nearly everyone tested.

Fortunately, there are easy ways to pop corn without cancer-causing, persistent chemicals. You can even pop it in the microwave using a brown paper lunch bag. You’ll save dollars per serving, and avoid the unhealthy food additives, too!

PFOAs have been used since 1947, but only recently has EPA started working with industry to phase them out. If you think chemicals should be proven safe before they reach the shelves, find out about the Safe Chemicals Act.

Information provided by the Oregon Environmental Council Eco-Healthy Home Tips April, 2012.

ODS is proud to join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) during March in celebrating National Nutrition Month. This year’s National Nutrition Month theme is “Get Your Plate in Shape” and encourages consumers to remember to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy on their plates every day.

Here are a few ways to “Get Your Plate in Shape” from the food and nutrition experts at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

• Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables: Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green, red and orange varieties. Add fresh, dried, frozen or canned fruits to meals and snacks.
• Make at least half your grains whole: Choose 100 percent whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice. Check the ingredients list on food packages to find whole-grain foods.
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk: Fat-free and low-fat milk have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but less fat and calories. For those who are lactose intolerant, try lactose-free milk or a calcium-fortified soy beverage.
• Vary your protein choices: Eat a variety of foods from the protein food group each week, such as seafood, nuts and beans, as well as lean meat, poultry and eggs. Keep meat and poultry portions small and lean. And be sure to choose seafood as the protein at least twice a week.
• Cut back on sodium and empty calories from solid fats and added sugars: Compare sodium in foods and choose those with lower numbers, and season your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Switch from solid fats to healthy oils like olive and canola oil. Replace sugary drinks with water and choose fruit for dessert.
• Enjoy your foods but eat less: Avoid oversized portions. Use a smaller plate, bowl and glass. Cook more often at home where you are in control of what’s in your food. When eating out, choose lower calorie menu options.
• Be physically active your way: Adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of physical activity every week. Choose activities that you enjoy, and start by doing as much as you can.

As part of this public education campaign, the Academy’s National Nutrition Month website includes a variety of helpful tips, fun games, promotional tools and nutrition education resources, all designed to spread the message of good nutrition around the “Get Your Plate in Shape” theme.  Check them out and let us know how you are celebrating National Nutrition Month!