The Health Department is striving to increase its reach to those most in need and enhance its inclusiveness for people with disabilities. To that end, Melissa Ramel, a nutrition coordinator with Nutrition Services, along with Saint Louis University (SLU) nutrition graduate students Yiwei Zhao and Allie Howard, provided a fun, interactive series of cooking classes for seniors at the Patch Neighborhood Senior Center. Although the seniors in this neighborhood live independently, about half of the ones at this center were living with disabilities. Being able to learn beneficial skills and behaviors that could be used at home could benefit them greatly. 
 
The goal of the cooking classes was to educate the participating seniors and promote healthy living through proper diet and physical activity. This was accomplished through a series of six classes. Each of the six classes included a specific nutrition topic and a tasty recipe that participants made and enjoyed at the center. The class topics ranged from MyPlate basics to adequate hydration to the importance of protein to nutrition label reading. Each recipe was chosen based on the number of ingredients, time it took to prepare, and likeliness of reproducibility.
 
The classes were specifically tailored to allow maximum participation from all seniors regardless of ability. Each week, all thirteen participants were encouraged to help prepare the recipe and refresh their memory on food preparation safety and cooking skills. Participants not actively engaged in preparing the recipe were part of the nutrition education activities and discussions.  At the end of each class, all participants received a bag of groceries to take home. The groceries included most of the ingredients used for making that week’s recipe. This allowed them to recreate the recipes at home and enhanced their food security, a concern for many seniors on fixed or limited incomes.
 
Overall, the classes were beneficial for the participants. Through evaluation and observation, behavior changes were apparent.  One notable example according to Ramel involved the use of the water cups provided during week three.  Participants faithfully brought them to class and only filled them with water. Although the participants had varied backgrounds and ability levels, they all expressed their enjoyment with the class and continued interest in making healthier choices. In addition, working with the Patch Neighborhood Center created a new partnership, one that will allow for additional nutrition educations and cooking demonstrations in the future.
 
Seniors are one of the most vulnerable populations today.  Many are at an age where chronic diseases and disability can set in, and both support and resources may be limited.  Teaching these seniors how to apply beneficial cooking skills and health behaviors, will help them to have a better quality of life in spite of whatever challenges they face.
 
Nutrition Services is a contracted function between the City St. Louis Department of Health and Saint Louis University’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition and dietetics professionals are available to provide health/nutrition education, perform cooking demos/classes, and educate community members on healthy lifestyle changes throughout the City. To schedule Nutrition Services for your agency, please contact us at 314/657-1571 or RamelM@stlouis-mo.gov.
 
 
Written by: Melissa Ramel, MS, RD, LD
 

I remember as a little girl, Halloween was a chance to wear a funny costume and eat lots of candy. While much excitement and advertisement related to Halloween is focused on candy, it doesn’t mean you have to let your healthy eating guard down with your family. Try some of these simple tips to keep a rein on overindulging and keep the fun in Halloween.

Balance
Parents know that Halloween extends beyond October 31st; children bring home enough candy to last them weeks, maybe even months. Teaching them moderation is important so they are not filling up on candy and missing out on important nutrients. Instead of making candy and sweets off limits, teach your kids the importance of eating more healthy items and limiting the sweets and candy. Having open discussions about portions, balance, and how our bodies feel after eating certain foods will be more effective and rewarding than setting strict limits. Eating a balanced diet is also better for your teeth. Good dental hygiene in concert with limiting high amounts of sugar can prevent cavities. A great idea to make it easy for your kids to choose healthy foods would be to have options readily available. Some ideas include:

• Easy to grab choices such as-apple slices, carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, string cheese, whole wheat crackers, hummus, nut butter pouches, etc.
• On Halloween, serve a hearty hot meal before trick or treating. Kids will fill up on the meal and will be less likely to overindulge in candy.
• Have leftovers from previous meals for your kids to eat for lunch when they are hungry on the weekends or when they are not in school.It is also important for parents to model this balanced eating behavior. Your kids notice and model your eating behaviors more than you may realize.

“Eat the pleasers, skip the teasers”
Sometimes we eat foods because they are there, not because we are hungry for them or even enjoy eating them. However, we can teach children to be thoughtful about the foods they choose to eat, including candy. Teach your kids to separate the “pleasers” (the candies they really love) from the “teasers” (the ones they eat just because they’re there). Then give away or throw away the teasers. This idea will teach them mindful eating and to enjoy each bite.

Dental Hygiene
It’s no surprise that a high intake of sugar is a common cause of cavities. Dentist Dr. Ferraz-Dougherty says “it’s OK to eat that candy on halloween but it’s important to have a plan”. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends halloween candy shortly after mealtimes. Saliva production increases during meals which cancels out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinses away food particles. Another great ADA tip goes along with the idea of “eat the pleasers, skip the teasers” described in the paragraph above. Have your family choose only their favorites and donate the rest. Your teeth (and budget) will thank you if you limit your stash.  Check to see if your dentist has a “candy take-back program”. Remember it is important to schedule regular appointments with a licensed dentist for you and your family. Check out the American Dental Association’s website “Mouth Healthy” for more tips on dental hygiene during halloween and all year long. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en?source=ADAWebsiteTab

Be active
Walking from house to house can provide a reasonable amount of physical activity for trick-or-treaters and the parents who escort them. However, safety is important too. Be sure to find a safe area to trick or treat. A good rule of thumb would be to look for areas with a lot of other trick-or-treaters. Watch out for cars as you walk through the neighborhoods.  Don’t forget to check the parks in your area for Halloween events. Many parks in St. Louis host activities on or before Halloween.

With these simple tips, Halloween can be healthy and safe without ruining the fun. Check out these websites for safe places for trick or treating:

https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-st-louis-kid-friendly-halloween-events-3950369

http://lafayettesquare.org/event/halloween-parade-party-5/

Written by: Vanessa Winegar RD, LD

 Are you ready for an emergency?  Would you be able to provide for yourself and your family if disaster struck?  As the flooding happening in Texas right now has shown us, it is important to be prepared because emergencies do happen, often when you least expect them.
 
September is National Preparedness Month.  During that time, we are reminded to “Be Ready in 3” by 1) Creating a plan, 2) Preparing an emergency kit and 3) Listening for more information related to emergency response.  In an emergency, two possible scenarios include sheltering in place (staying where you are) or evacuating to a safer location.  Regardless of the scenario, having an emergency food supply is a must.
 
Right now, you may be wondering a few things: What should I put in my kit to feed my family and what specific types of foods should I stock?  How much emergency food should I have in my kit for each family member?  How much water should I have?   Here are the answers to those questions:
 
What should I put in my kit to feed my family?
The best foods for your emergency kit are non-perishable, canned or dried foods.  These are typically packaged foods that have a longer shelf life.  While this may not reflect your normal daily diet, keep in mind that an emergency is not a normal situation.  Planning ahead can allow you to make rational choices about your emergency foods and reduce the possibility of not having something appropriate to eat.
 
Many companies are marketing survival foods, foods processed and packaged specifically for use in emergencies.  While these foods may be convenient as well as easy to stock and transport, they are not necessary and are often more expensive too.  It is better to select from items commonly found in your local grocery store.
 
What specific types of foods should I stock?
Select items that are ready-to-eat and don’t require cooking.  Some suggestions include canned tuna, raisins or other dried fruits, crackers, peanut butter, trail mix, nuts, granola bars, and cereal.  (If you have any canned foods, remember to pack a can opener too.)  If you have an infant, be sure to include formula and appropriate baby foods.  Make sure all food items are stored in airtight, water-proof containers to preserve quality and keep them safe from pests. 
 
How much emergency food should I have in my kit for each family member?
Pack enough to last for at least 3 days.  A 3-day supply is generally sufficient to last until you can get to help or help can get to you. 
 
How long should I keep the food items in my kit?
If you select non-perishable, packaged foods for your kit, check the dates on the packages.  Use those dates to determine when to replace food items.  Plan to replace your food items so that the items coming out of the kit are still safe for consumption.  By rotating your emergency food items periodically, you will ensure that you have emergency food that is edible, and nothing goes to waste.
 
How much water should I have?
The general recommendation is one gallon of water per person per day, with enough to last at least three days. Water does not spoil, but may need to be replaced if not used in a timely manner.
 
What about my pets?
On a final note, pets are family members too.  You need to provide for them as well in the event of an emergency.  If your pet(s) will be with you as you shelter in place or evacuate, please have enough pet food and water to last at least 3 days.  However, because your pets may not be able to access the same amenities your human family members can (i.e. come inside a shelter), the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommend having up to 7 days worth of food and water for each pet.
 
Of course there are other items that should go in your emergency kit besides food and water.  If you need more information on how to make a plan, what else to put in your kit or how to be more informed about emergencies, please visit: http://health.mo.gov/emergencies/readyin3/.  Additionally, if you need more information about planning for emergencies when you have pets, check out:    https://www.ready.gov/animals, the Humane Society or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

​Written by Lori Jones, MS, MPH, RD, LD

When you have a tight budget, eating healthy and staying within your means can seem nearly impossible. However, healthy eating on a strict budget can be a realistic feat. See our tips below to maintain a set budget without skimping on nutrition.

1. Eat Seasonally: Produce prices decrease in summer and fall months due to local purchasing and increased availability. Farmers markets are a great option for quality seasonal produce at a decreased price. Focus on hearty greens, winter squash, and root vegetables in the winter and tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and fruit in the summer/fall.
2. Make a Grocery List: In my opinion, planning a weekly grocery list is the #1 thing to do to save money at the grocery store. If you’re like me, without a grocery list you buy what looks good to you. This often results in over-purchasing, purchasing things that aren’t needed, and forgetting your essential items. Plan your weekly meals, make a grocery list, and end up saving money. It works!
3. Limit waste: Repurpose leftovers into a second night’s dinner, plan meals that use similar ingredients so that the entire bunch of broccoli and the whole onion are consumed, and either eat your leftovers for lunch the next day or freeze them for a future meal. Rice bowls, salads, and burritos are helpful for catching the remains of last night’s meat and vegetables.
4. Be Choosy about Organics: Save your pennies by being selective on what items to buy organic. For a guide check out “processed foods: what’s ok and what’s not” on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics webpage.
5. Vegetarian Meals: Try having weekly vegetarian meals. Examples may be minestrone soup, lentil curry, or a quinoa burrito. Plant-based protein, like quinoa, beans, lentils, and tofu, are cheaper than meat products. Plus, the fiber in these products can help you stay full longer!
6. Look for sales and plan meals accordingly: If your local grocery store offers a savings card be sure to sign up, and check the weekly circular to see what's on sale. Stores often have their own app, which makes it easy and quick! Consider planning your weekly meals around what's on sale.
7. Drink more water: Purchase less sugar sweetened beverages and drink more water. This will be beneficial for not only your pocket book, but also your health!
8. Buy in Bulk: When items you frequently use go on sale, consider buying extra for storage. This is a great idea in summer/fall when most of the produce is in season. Buy extra and freeze for later use. (Just don’t forget it’s in there!)
9. Make from scratch: Making homemade meals is cost friendly, tastes good, and is healthy! The downside is that it takes more time. Consider making a double batch and freezing one batch for use on a busy night.
10. Organize fridge and pantry: Who has purchased something at the store, only to find out you already have 5 in your pantry? (Me!) Keeping your fridge and pantry organized will help you know what you have on hand and can avoid double purchasing items. This will also help you use up items in your fridge before they spoil.

I hope these money saving tips will help someone out there. My personal experience tells me that these work!

​Please comment with any experiences you have with saving money at the grocery store.

Written by: Vanessa Winegar RD, LD

​When the weather is hot and humid, exercising is probably the last thing that you feel like doing. Exercising in the heat can be hot, sticky, and downright uncomfortable when done during the heat of the day. What does this mean for those of us without a membership to an air conditioned gym? It is still important for all of us to find ways to exercise, even in the heat of summer. Getting our heart rate up has many benefits that you do not want to miss out on. Some benefits include: lower risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, improved digestion, improved mental health and mood, and lower risk for developing cancer. So, how can we beat the heat during the hot and humid summer months? Here are some tips:

1. Find coolest time of day: Check the weather to see what time of the day is the coolest. Usually this is early in the morning or after the sun goes down. Exercising during these times  can be fun and will help prevent you from overheating or getting dehydrated.
2. Find shady areas to work out: There are many shaded trails around St. Louis you can try. Check out Castlewood State Park, Rockwoods Reservation, and even Tower Grove Park for shady trails..
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids all day long to help prevent you from getting dehydrated. It's always a good idea to have water during your workout. This will also help you stay cool during your workout.
4. ​Embrace the rain: Don’t be afraid to exercise in the rain (unless it is lightening/thundering of course). Exercising in the rain can also help keep you cool throughout your workout.
5. Find cool ways to exercise: Take advantage of different forms of exercise that naturally keep you cool, such as swimming in a pool or a lake, or exercising in the rain as suggested above.
6. ​​Check heat index: When the temperature is over 90 degrees and humidity is high, forget about exercising outdoors! For those who do not have a gym membership, here are some indoor exercise ideas: fitness dvd’s/videos, speed walking at a local mall (leave your credit cards at home), or strength training workouts (using your own bodyweight).
   

Also, for more indoor exercising ideas, check out our previous blog post on exercising at home: http://www.letsmovestl.org/blog/exercise-at-home. For indoor activity ideas for kids, check out a post on our website in the lifestyle section: http://www.letsmovestl.org/massage-options.html


Written by: Vanessa Winegar, RD, LD

Parents have a major influence on encouraging healthy eating in their kids by creating a supportive environment and modeling healthy eating. It’s true that ‘kids will be kids’ and eat ice cream after a soccer game or eat cake at birthday parties, but what matters more is what they are eating most of the time.  This is where parents play an important role. Generally, encouraging kids to eat more fruits and vegetables, lean meats, plant based proteins (like beans), and whole grains is what is recommended. Getting kids involved in the cooking process is a good start to creating this supportive environment. Involve them in the whole process: planning for family meals, grocery shopping, and cooking.

​Research has shown that involving children in the cooking process will make them more likely to eat and try different fruits and vegetables. This is not the only benefit to cooking with your children. Other benefits include: kids feel like they are accomplishing something and contributing to the family; kids are more likely to sit down to a family meal when they helped prepare it; parents get to spend quality time with their kids; kids aren't spending time in front of the TV or computer while they're cooking; and they will be learning skills to use throughout their lives. You can start cooking with your child as young as 2 years old.

​Here are some ideas for cooking with younger children:
2 year olds:

• Wash countertops
• Wash fruits and vegetables
• Tear lettuce and help put together a salad
• Carry ingredients from one place to another
• Break up broccoli/cauliflower into pieces

3 year olds:

• Knead dough
• Help stir and pour ingredients
• Assist in making simple no bake recipes

4 year olds:

• Set the table
• Cut herbs with kid safe scissors
• Assist in mashing cooked beans/bananas/cooked potatoes with a fork
• Assist in making salad dressings and no bake sauces
• Assist in making smoothies

5-6 year olds:

• Measure ingredients
• Cut soft fruits and vegetables (bananas, strawberries, tomatoes) using a plastic knife

When cooking with older kids, make sure to teach them proper knife handling skills. When cooking with any age of children, talk to them about healthy foods and where food comes from. Cooking should be a creative process, so encourage kids to use their creative juices! This will make it a fun experience for them.

​Comment below with experiences that you have had cooking with your children.

Content References:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/downloads/cookwithchildren.pdf
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/kids-in-the-kitchen
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24709485
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3868269/

Gym memberships can be expensive, which means a long term membership is unrealistic to many of us. Yet, aerobic exercise is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Aerobic exercise helps reduce risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. So, instead of draining our pocketbooks, let's embrace the springtime weather through St. Louis’s many running trails. St. Louis is overflowing with great running trails. From paved to dirt trails throughout the city and county, you are sure to find a trail near you. Here is a list of popular running trails in St. Louis.

1. Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park: 2143 Creve Coeur Mill Rd. St. Louis, MO 63146                Try one of several area loops including 3.7-mile Lakeview Loop, 2.8-mile Meadows Loop, 2.8-mile Creve Coeur Connector and 2.6-mile Mallard Lake Loop.
2. Grant's Trail: 4398 Hoffmeister Ave. St Louis, MO 63123                                                       Grants trail is an 8-mile long, flat and wide path in southwest Saint Louis County.  
3. Katy Trail State Park: 2884 S River Rd, St Charles, MO 63303                                                  Katy Trail is a 237 mile trail. More than half of the trail follows the Lewis and Clark path following the Missouri River.
4. Forest Park: 5595 Grand Dr. St Louis, MO 63112                                                                       There are several trails of different lengths throughout forest park, but the perimeter of Forest Park running trail loop adds up to 6 miles.
5. Tower Grove Park: 4256 Magnolia Ave. Saint Louis, MO 63110                                                 The jogging trail in Tower Grove Park is 5 miles long, consisting of a 2-mile inside loop and a 3-mile outside loop.  
6. Castlewood State Park: 1401 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021                               Castlewood State Park is filled with hiking/running trails. Trail lengths range from 1-7 miles.

To find more running trails, look into getting the Trail Run Project app. Whether you are here in St. Louis or on vacation, with this app you will be able to easily find running trails near you. For a link to their website click here: Trail Run Project https://www.trailrunproject.com/
Content References:
CBS Local-St. Louis. Online. http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-jogging-trails-in-st-louis/       Big River Running Company. Online. http://www.bigriverrunning.com/trails/

​