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There Is Still Time to Prevent the Flu
Flu activity typically does not reach its peak in Michigan until January or February, however, flu activity can occur as late as May.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced December 8-14, 2008, as National Influenza Vaccination Week. If you were not vaccinated in October or November, it is not too late to build immunity.
Worksite flu clinics are being scheduled now through January. For questions on how to schedule yours, contact the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan's Flu-Busters Program at (248) 967-8755 or schedule a clinic online at www.vna.org.
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Cranberry Salsa
Ingredients
4 oz 100% cranberry juice blend 1½ cups diced tomatoes
1 cup fresh cranberries, sliced thin*
¼ cup ripe medium avocado, diced
½ cup pineapple, diced
½ cup scallions (including green tops), sliced thinly
2 Tbsps. lemon juice
¼ cup jalapeno peppers, chopped fine
2 cloves crushed garlic (1 tsp.)
Fresh ground pepper, as desired
Directions
Place juice into a saucepan. Boil for about 5 minutes until reduced to about 1 Tbsp of syrup. Place the reduced juice and all remaining ingredients into a medium bowl and stir until incorporated. Chill and serve immediately with favorite chips and vegetables.
*Fresh cranberries may be stored in your freezer for up to 1 year.
Nutrition information per serving: Calories 40, Protein 0g, Fat 0g, Calories From Fat 0, Carbohydrates 8g, Cholesterol 0mg, Fiber 1g, Sodium 76mg. | |
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 Diabetes Creates High Costs for Businesses
Diabetes is estimated to be the eighth most costly disease in America. The total cost of diabetes for people in Michigan is estimated at almost $5.5 million. This estimate includes excess medical costs of $3.5 million and lost productivity of almost $2 million. Employees with uncontrolled diabetes can result in lost work days, restricted activity days, permanent disability and premature death.
November is American Diabetes Month, and it provides the opportunity for businesses to help employees identify their risk for diabetes and provide information to help manage the disease. Through wellness screenings that check for blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. employees can learn their risk level for diabetes as well as information for its prevention or management depending on their risk.
Contact the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan to implement a wellness program at your worksite. |
If You Have a Cold for Flu
Antibiotics Will Not Work for You
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that many adults believe that if they are sick enough to see a doctor for a cold, they should get an antibiotic treatment. The study also showed that patients are not aware of the consequences of taking the drugs if they are not needed. But when antibiotics are misused, bacteria can become resistant.
Antibiotics will not work against cold and flu germs which are caused by viruses. In fact, taking an antibiotic when you have a viral infection will not shorten the length of the illness or make you feel better. It will only create more antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
If you do have a cold or the flu, talk with your doctor about treatment. Some suggestions include increasing your fluid intake, getting plenty of rest and using a cool-mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion. |
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 Gobble Up Some Wellness
Eating healthily is often a challenge throughout the busy, festive holiday season. Use the following tips to make smart food choices:
Having a Party?
§ Prepare some low-calorie foods for your guests such as vegetable trays or baked chips with salsa.
§ Drink water or low-calorie beverages while cooking to keep you from sampling.
§ Send leftovers home with your guests.
§ Donate food gifts to a food pantry
Attending a Party?
§ Water can help you feel full. Drink a glass of water before leaving for a party, and keep a glass of water in your hand at the party.
§ Do not arrive at the party hungry. Just before you leave for the party, snack on some fiber-filled foods like vegetables, a small salad, fresh fruit or a small bowl of high-fiber cereal.
§ Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, pretzels and maybe a little cheese and crackers.
§ Eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain you are full.
Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan can help, Certified Dieticians are availble for onsite presentations aimed at educating groups about the benefits of healthy eating and good nutrtion. Call us for more information (248) 967-8755. |
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Healthy at Work is published by Visiting Nurse Association, Inc., to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician.
© 2008. | |
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