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The First Step

Right Mindset, Guidance Can Keep a New Exercise Program From Being Intimidating By PAUL CATALA photos by CALVIN KNIGHT When Nancy Hogan first walked through the doors of the local fitness center, she was just beginning to build the momentum to finally get on a regular exercise routine. The retired school teacher, who lives in…
The Quintessential Essential Worker

Demand for Respiratory Therapists On Rise Amid COVID-19 by TERESA SCHIFFER Inhale…exhale…. Many of us take the ease of breathing for granted. We breathe in and out all day and night, rarely giving the life-sustaining act a second thought. All that changes when we come down with sinus congestion or a respiratory infection that leaves…
Mia’s Mission

7-Year-Old Uses Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis to Teach Others by TIM CRAIG photos by FOSTER’S PHOTOGRAPHY Monique Mathews played a hunch and saved her daughter’s life. It was November 2019, and her daughter, Mia, was spending the night at her best friend’s house. However, Mia was crying after dinner because of a stomach ache —…

Publisher’s Note: Fruits and veggies – more matters month

Many may not know that September is national “Fruits and Veggies – More Matters” month. The Produce for Better Health Foundation offers the “Fruits and Veggies – More Matters” initiative as a simple, user-friendly way to get expert cooking advice, nutrition information, and shopping tips. As kids are getting back in school, it’s important…
August STATS

Minority Report 2 Number of adults (out of 10) that meet the suggested physical activity guidelines. Source: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services According to the USDA Food Environment Atlas, in 2007, 63.5% of Polk County residents met the suggested physical activity guidelines. “Physical activity guidelines for healthy adults are a minimum of…
Healthy Cook: Fill up, feel good, and get fit with a plum satisfying food

Want a cheap, portable and healthy treat for the busy days of summer? Nutrition experts say to stock up on dried plums. Sweet, earthy and luscious on the inside and slightly chewy on the outside, these half-dollar-sized dark, wrinkly nibbles are like organic raisins on steroids or little concentrated bites of an expensive ruby…