by Dr. Gholami on February 3, 2012
In case you haven’t heard – there is a big football game on Sunday.
The New England Patriots and the New York Giants will battle each other on Super Bowl Sunday.
Whether you are a big football fan or will just be watching for the commercials here are some ideas to keep you healthy during the festivities.
Hosting a party?
The wings, the chips, the dips are all tasty treats for your guests but consider offering some healthy alternatives as well.
- Fresh fruit is a great snack food.
- Vegetables provide that crunch many crave.
- Dips and dressing can be very high in calories, so fat-free versions might be a better substitute.
- Keep your guests in mind – especially those who may suffer from diabetes or need to follow a special diet.
“Super” safe host
You certainly don’t want the day to end with someone not feeling well. Keeping food safe during the duration of your party is important. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Before handling any food, make sure you wash your hands. Also keep all surfaces clean.
- Keep foods that are cooked away from ready-to-eat items.
- Clean utensils after working with raw foods to avoid cross contamination.
- Make sure foods are cooked to their correct temperatures.
- Foods that are hot should be served and kept hot.
- Cold foods should remain cold.
Party central
If you are serving alcoholic beverages at your party make sure your guests don’t over indulge. A better alternative would be alcohol-free beverages, but if alcohol is involved have designated drivers determined for those who may need them.
Halftime fun
We all need physical activity, recommendations say 2.5 hours a week, so consider adding some fun outdoor or indoor activities to get your guests moving.
- Have your own football game at halftime.
- Encourage guests to come up with their own halftime show.
- Dance to the halftime music with your guests.
- Walk around the block.
A little physical movement will also work off those snacks your guests have been enjoying!
The Super Bowl is one event which brings people together for fun and fellowship every year. Enjoy and may the best team win!
by dr.kotula on January 27, 2012
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Italy…
Those locations all sound lovely this time of year don’t they? Besides the beautiful weather and stunning scenery – these are also popular locations because of their Carnival celebrations!
Yes, soon it will be Carnival season, with many beginning the Saturday before Lent and concluding with Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday”.
Many attend Carnival festivities for the chance to eat a wide variety of foods, taste an abundance of beverages and dance the night away.
While all that sounds fun, Carnival celebrations can have their downfalls. Venturing to these events can put you at risk for:
- Injuries from crime
- Unsafe food
- Excessive drinking
- Risky sex
- Heat-related illness
- Malaria and other tropical diseases (depending on the country)
Whether you are heading to Rio or New Orleans, keep the following in mind as you prepare for your destination:
- Do some research about the area you are visiting, paying attention to potential risks
- Consider visiting a travel medicine clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure
- Make sure vaccinations are current for all those traveling
Now that we have you taken care of before you go, here are some things to remember once you have arrived.
- Stay safe. Americans can often be the targets of crime so keep your travel to the daytime hours, stay out of dangerous areas and always travel with a companion.
- Eat safe: These celebrations draw out the street vendors. Eat food that is cooked and served hot.
- Drink safe: Only drink fluids from sealed cans or bottles and be wary of ice, unless it has been made from bottled water.
- Drink smart: If you are going to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, do so in moderation. Drinking excessively can lead to risky behavior.
- Drink smart II: In many of these countries heat-related illnesses can occur, especially if you are coming from Nebraska! Make sure you are drinking plenty of bottled water, find shade when necessary and wear your sun screen.
Once you return home your work is not over. Watch your health and see your physician if:
- You develop a fever with a cough or sore throat and you have trouble breathing
- You develop a fever, chills, headache or flu-like symptoms, especially if you were in a country where malaria was present.
These types of celebrations can truly be fun and memorable so take the time to prepare properly before you go and enjoy – wisely – your time while there!
