Sunday, December 14, 2025

New routines to stay healthy

Times are trying for us right now. Our routines have been knocked off their rockers. Some may enjoy self-isolating at home while others miss the excitement of gatherings and socializing. For the moment, gyms are closed, dining at restaurants is not an option, and the things that can make us …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

WIC is here for you during COVID-19

This is an uncertain time for all of us as we navigate our way through COVID-19. Despite the turmoil, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is here for you.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Talk turkey and family health this Thanksgiving

Chronic disease affects many Americans. There are some contributing factors we can control such as nutrition, physical activity, tobacco use, etc.; however, there are also risk factors we cannot control such as age, gender, and family history. Most people have increased risks for chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO

Coffee, healthy or not?

Whether coffee is healthy for you or not, more than half of Americans over the age 18 are consuming coffee each day. According to the National Coffee Association’s National Coffee Drinking Trends 2015 report, 27 percent households own single-cup brewing machines which is up from 7 percent in 2011. Over …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

The power of the pumpkin

The holidays are upon us. Tis the season for pumpkin! Pumpkins usually make their appearance in October in time for Halloween festivities. Pumpkins are used for carving, decorations, and endless recipes, making them one of the most versatile fruits in the world. Yes, pumpkins are classified as fruit. They are …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Fiber is your friend

We’ve all been told to get more fiber in our diets. How does fiber help us and how do we get enough? Fiber is not only found in whole grain foods such as brown rice or whole wheat bread, but also in fruit, vegetables, and legumes (beans, peas, and lentils).
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Nuts for nuts (and seeds)

Various proteins and healthy fats are recommended for an all-around healthy diet. Both nuts and seeds are healthy sources for protein, and monounsaturated and polyunsatuarated fats (termed the “healthy fats”). Eating nuts and seeds can be good for your heart. Here’s why.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week 2016 runs from August 1st to August 7th. The theme for this year is about how “breastfeeding is a key element in getting us to think about how to value our well being from the start of life, how to respect each other and care for the …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Food safety for summertime fun

Summertime in North Idaho gives way to some of the most beautiful days, allowing us to spend time with family and friends in the great outdoors. Gatherings almost always include food and beverages. Nothing would ruin a party more if one of your guests or you got sick from the …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Why do we need vitamin E?

Vitamin A is good for your eyes. Vitamin C boosts your immune system. Vitamin D supports bone health. Consumers are generally aware of the basic benefits of certain vitamins because they have been drilled into our brains. One vitamin that doesn’t get much attention is Vitamin E.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Tart cherries: A functional food with many functions

Tart cherries have gained momentum as a “superfood” in recent years, most recognized as aiding athletes in exercise recovery. Although we can’t pinpoint foods as “superfoods,” we can talk about properties of foods and their proposed benefits.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Farm-to-table in your own backyard

Farm-to-table is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular among U.S. restaurants. What is farm-to-table? It can hold a different meaning depending on how one looks at it. A blanket meaning is the production process from harvest to consumption, and everything in between such as packaging and sales. However, some …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Health and fitness for our employees

May is a great month to celebrate National Employee Health and Fitness Day, which is third Wednesday of this month. The weather is getting warmer, and it is a great reminder of all the fun outdoor activities we can take advantage of — a great way to kick off health …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Dairy and alternative milks - a look inside

More and more people have been switching out their cow’s milk for non-dairy alternatives. It used to be that soy milk was the only non-dairy alternative to cow’s milk. With many more alternative milks on the market today, there is a substantial benefit for the vegan and lactose intolerant populations …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

The latest news about fat

Low fat, high fat and low carbs, no trans fat, limit saturated fat, you’ve probably heard it all! As a nutrition expert, I provide evidence-based information on nutrition topics to provide the most accurate information to consumers. Over the years, recommendations for certain nutrients may change. This doesn’t mean false …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Spice it up!

As we continue to celebrate National Nutrition Month®, we will continue with 2016’s theme to “savor the flavor of eating right.” Part of savoring food is to use a variety of herbs and spices to enhance its flavor. Did you know that herbs and spices aren’t just for flavoring, but …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Savor the flavor of eating right

March is National Nutrition Month® in which the theme is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right.” What does this mean to you? Eating slowly to savor your dish? Reducing portion sizes? Using savory spices and herbs to try new dishes? The overall intent of National Nutrition Month® is to create …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

2015 - 2020 dietary guidelines for Americans: What's new?

Every five years, the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) makes a debut to provide recommendations to Americans and their families for making healthy choices. Why are they important and what has changed?
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Baby-led weaning: Is it a solid method for feeding?

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a method for introducing solids to infants without the use of pureed food or spoon feeding. This method of feeding was developed in the United Kingdom. In the United States baby-led weaning refers to the gradual decrease of breast or bottle feedings.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Bones crave calcium and vitamin D to stay healthy

‘Tis the season of ghouls, goblins, and skeletons. Skeletons — a reminder to keep your bones healthy! Calcium and vitamin D are essential for a healthy skeleton.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Celebrate whole grains

Carbohydrates have gotten a bad rap in the recent years. I've heard, "Carbohydrates make me fat" and "I'm on a low-carb diet" or "I'm cutting out bread." What many people do not realize is how important carbohydrates are for brain and body function. Generally speaking, 130 grams of carbohydrates per …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Breastfeeding benefits baby, mom

Breastfeeding your baby provides the complete nutrition he or she needs in the first stages of life for proper growth and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other health organizations recommend and strongly encourage mothers to breastfeed infants exclusively for the first six months of life, with continuation until …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Eating like cavemen: Paleo diet analysis

The Paleo diet has become popular in the last several years, especially among athletes. Paleo is short for Paleolithic, which is the era of the caveman. The Paleolithic era is also known the hunting and gathering period and came before the agricultural revolution. That means that the Paleo diet only …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

July is National Grilling Month

National Grilling Month is here! I'm not sure who comes up with these declarations, but I sure enjoy the celebrations.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Supplements: Friend or foe?

Dietary supplements are widespread and easily available in today's market with consumers asking a lot of questions: Do they really work? Which supplements would benefit me the most? How much should I take? Are they worth the money?
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Locally grown foods: Better for everyone

It may not always be possible to choose foods that were locally grown (depending on the season and your need). However, choosing them when you are able can benefit your health and supports your local community in a variety of ways.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Worksite wellness: Sustainable changes for a healthier workforce

Promoting healthy habits in the work setting benefits both employers and employees. A healthier workforce contributes to reduced absenteeism due to illness and injuries, and increased productivity. More directly, healthier employees may reduce an employer's health care costs on premiums and worker's compensation claims. In order to control health care …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Planting healthy habits

Every year, Kid Healthy Week is celebrated in the last week of April, recognizing health and wellness efforts made by schools and their community partners to improve nutrition and physical activity habits in youth. There is a link between health status and learning. Those who engage in regular physical activity …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Public health: Building healthy communities

This week celebrates National Public Health. Each day focuses on a theme. Monday was "Raising the Grade," to spark talks about the health of our nation and measures of good health. Tuesday was "Starting from Zip," with the idea that the zip code may have a lot to do with …
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO