HWC Newsletter 7/07

Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita Newsletter

July 2007

in this issue

:: Positive Plate Award April 2007

:: Walk to D'Feet ALS on October 6

:: 3rd Annual Working Well Conference

:: A Healthier US Starts Here

:: Featured Park of the Month

:: Things to Know

Mission: We will promote physical activity and good nutrition for every generation living in the greater Wichita area through programs, policies, and people.

Our goal for this newsletter is to share physical activity and nutrition information about local programs, policies, and people.

Positive Plate Award April 2007

O'Naturals Café was presented with the Positive Plate Award by the Wichita Dietetic Association in June for featuring delicious, quick, natural and organic foods.

Kelli Fugate, co-partner of the Wichita franchise, is very proud of what her restaurant provides. "Our clientele has grown to appreciate our healthy and nutritious menu options available at a fast food pace."
O'Naturals also caters to a variety of special dietary needs. "They offer everything from lactose-free, wheat- and gluten-free, and low carb options," remarks Jennifer Williams, another dietitian presenting the award. Organic flatbreads, antibiotic and hormone free deli meats, and even soy mayonnaise are other choices for the health-conscious.

The award, which was created by local dietitians, highlights restaurants that make healthy eating easy and delicious by following the Dietary Guidelines.

O'Naturals Café is located at 1551 N. Rock Road (inside Genesis Health Club).

3rd Annual Working Well Conference

The Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita and community sponsors are pleased to bring you ideas to help promote positive lifestyle choices in the workplace - increasing awareness of the benefits of healthy food choices, physical activity and eliminating tobacco use. The "Working Well Conference" will help promote healthy behaviors in the workplace and everyday living so your employees can take charge of their health! For more information about this conference click here!

Featured Park of the Month

The Health and Wellness Coalition is going to start featuring one park a month in the City of Wichita to help promote our local parks and recreation areas.

This month we are featuring Chisholm Creek Park located at 3228 North Oliver. The park sits on 281.90 acres of land featuring a 1.6 mile nature trail along the Chisholm Creek which includes a wetlands area. The park is also filled with fun amenities such as two fishing ponds, open shelters, charcoal grills and picnic tables! The Great Plains Nature Center is also located within the park and is a cooperative effort between local, State, and federal governments to provide an educational oppurtunity to the public. See Great Plains Nature Center for additional information.

Walk to D'Feet ALS on October 6

Join the Fight Against Lou Gehrig's Disease

Walk to D'Feet ALS® is The ALS Association's national fundraising and awareness program to defeat ALS, a fatal neuromuscular disease also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. It is also a celebration of those with ALS and those who have lost their battle to this devastating disease. This family- friendly event is a great way for companies to promote teamwork and build employee morale while raising money for a great cause. On Saturday, October 6, the Wichita Walk will feature a D.J., games, food and an amazing airplane, motorcycle, and car show at Jabara Airport. Sign up today and help defeat ALS! Click here for more information.

A Healthier US Starts Here

Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, Senior Services, Inc., Wesley Friends, and Center for Health and Wellness, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), invite you to join Visioneering Wichita Older Adult & Health Care Strategic Alliances and other community partners in Wichita on July 13th to learn about the community wide alliances and highlight the importance of prevention for people of all ages.

Discover Visioneering Wichita and find out how you can get involved
Participate in "A Healthier US Starts Here", a Medicare Prevention and Wellness Initiative
Learn about prevention and wellness programs available in your community

Date: Friday, July 13, 2007
Time: 1:30p.m.-3:30p.m.
Location: Wesley Medical Center
Cessna Conference Room 550 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS

RSVP by July 2, 2007 to Wesley Medical Center, Wesley Friends at 316-962-8400

Things to Know

Sedgwick County Department on Aging has coordinated a dental screening and education program called the next Healthy Teeth, Healthy You. This takes place on July 18th at Linwood Senior Center - 1901 S. Kansas, Wichita from 10:15am - 12:00pm and August 15 at Northeast Senior Center - 2121 E. 21st street, Wichita from 1:30pm-3:30pm. This program is available to anyone 60 years and older residing in Sedgwick County.

Health Tip

Buying the Freshest Produce
When you purchase produce do you know how to pick the freshest pieces? Judging the best produce requires picking up, smelling it and in some cases shaking it to see if it is ripe. For fresh produce, keep these tips in mind:
· Tomatoes should be smooth, somewhat firm and have a slight aroma
· Zucchini should be medium size with smooth, glossy skin
· Cucumbers should be firm and dark green without soft ends
· Honeydew melon should be waxy while in color with only a slight green cast. The ends should give slightly
when pressed on
· Cantaloupe should have noticeable netting, smell like cantaloupe and should feel solid when you shake it- no
rattling seeds
· Peaches should feel soft but firm with a creamy or yellow skin color
When you get your produce home, remember to store it properly and eat it within a few days for maximum taste and nutrition.
For more information and resources on nutrition click here for more information.

Do you have information you'd like to share about people, programs, and policies related to physical activity and nutrition? Please share your news with Sonja Armbruster.