9Health Fair Celebrations

David, a 59 year old high school physical education teacher, had run a half marathon the week before the 9Health Fair.  He was looking good and feeling healthy.  Although David was a long time 9Health Fair attendee, this particular year he had waited until the last day and practically the last minute to attend.  He almost didn’t make it.  As it would turn out, it was a good thing he did.

David believed he took good care of himself.  He had regular check-ups with his doctor and made sure he took all the tests he was supposed to for his age.  In fact, knowing the tests he needed for his age was what prompted David to request the PSA level blood screening.  Even though his physical tests had never revealed any issues and he had no symptoms indicating a problem, he thought that having the blood test would be a good idea.

It was an excellent idea. Not long after attending, he received a call from a representative with the 9Health Fair.  His results were back and his PSA level was extremely high - 13.5 (the highest normal level is 4.0).

It was recommended that he see his doctor as soon as possible.  He did and after the doctor repeated the test and got the same results, a biopsy was taken.  The results were stunning - stage 2 prostate cancer.  It was found early enough that it had not spread, and David had surgery to remove the cancer.  He has had normal PSA levels ever since. "9Health Fair saved my life." David said. "I tell every man I know around my age to have this screening." David owned his health, took action based on the 9Health Fair test results and is now able to keep on running.

Results Reports: What Do My Numbers Mean?

Do you know what EGFR stands for or the difference between LDL and HDL? Unless you are a medical professional, you may need a little help with these and other terms that can be found on your 9Health Fair Results Report. While many of us are satisfied to see no out of range values on our results, and that is a good first step, there is a vast amount of information that can be gleaned about your health from your results report. Taking your results to your health care professional is always a great next step, especially if you have specific concerns.

There are also other resources available such as any King Soopers or City Market pharmacy where the pharmacist can interpret the medical terms for you. Pharmacists do not diagnose or treat, but they can help you understand what the terms mean and what they are testing. There is also a brochure included with your results that can help or go online to the 9HealthFair.org website. You can also call our nurses at 9Health Fair for help (303-698-4455).

Bonus: EGFR is estimated glomuler filtration rate which is related to kidney function. Read more about EGFR. LDL is the Low-density lipoprotein – the “bad” cholesterol and HDL is the High density lipoprotein – the “good” cholesterol. 

Do You Benefit From Being Outdoors?

Research has identified numerous physical and mental health benefits from being outdoors, and new discoveries of the positive impacts of nature and sunshine are increasing daily. 

According to Richard Ryan, professor of psychology, psychiatry and education at the University of Rochester Medical Center, co-author of a study reports that people who are exposed to natural elements are more socially oriented, more generous and value community more. Another experiment he was involved in found that people who spent time outdoors had more vitality and energy.

 http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-10-15-nature-anxiety-exercise_N.htm?csp=usat.me

Getting outside in nature is easy in Colorado. From open spaces in urban areas like Denver to amazing parks and trails in mountain areas, there is a plethora of scenery from which to choose no matter where you live.

June 8, 2013 is the 6th Annual National Get Outdoors Day Colorado from 9-4pm at City Park, Denver. You can participate in all kinds of activities you love and find new ones too! It’s free and fun. Go to http://www.getoutdoorscolorado.org/ for more information.

Like group activities?

http://www.cmc.org/Join/MemberBenefits.aspx

And Jeffco Open Space has a ton of trail profiles:

http://jeffco.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R108.htm

Easy outdoor activities to do with your kids:

http://www.education.com/reference/article/easy-activities-getting-kids-outdoors/

FREE, calorie counter for all kinds of activities:

http://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/calorie-calculator.asp

Out and About in Denver

Have you ever noticed that you don’t really appreciate your health until it’s compromised in some way? This month we invite you to appreciate your health – whatever the level – to get out and about. There are activities for every level of fitness and mobility in Colorado from theater, museums and live music to festivals, organized runs and cycling events. Being active and engaged can help you stay healthy in mind and body. 9Health Fair wants to help you create more of the moments that matter to you. Check out some of these upcoming events in Denver.

Without leaving Colorado, there are a wide array of events, activities and sights to see depending on your interests. You could plan an exciting and fun summer without leaving the state. Check out places and things to do.

Here are a few upcoming events to get started:

Downtown Denver Arts Festival

May 24, 2013 - May 26, 2013

Downtown Denver Arts Festival

Since 1999 the Downtown Denver Arts Festival is a fine arts and fine crafts festival that continues to be dedicated to supporting Colorado artists while also showcasing a select group of national artists . Downtown Denver Arts Festival holds its annual premier event each Memorial Day Weekend at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The fine art and fine craft exhibition features some of Colorado's and the nation's best artists with over 150,000 people expected to attend.

Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the top botanic gardens in the country and ranked as one of the top five cultural places to visit in Denver, Colorado. 23 acres containing more than 30 gardens delight visitors year-round. Denver Botanic Gardens is home to 15,000 plant species, 20,680 fungi specimens and many gardens featuring plants from all over the world that grow well in Colorado’s unique climate.
Website

Museo de las Américas
The Museo de las Américas is the first museum in the region that is dedicated to educating the public about the artisitc and cultural achievements of Latinos in the Americas on a continuing basis. The purpose and mission of the Museo de las Américas is to foster understanding of and appreciation for the achievements of the Latino people of the Americas by collecting, preserving and interpreting the diverse art, history and cultures of this region from ancient times to the present.
Website

Wild Wild West Festival

May 17, 2013 - May 19, 2013

Union Avenue Historic District, Pueblo, CO 81003

Local: 800-233-3446

Email: info@pueblochamber.net

Website

Continuous live entertainment, an International Chili Society sanctioned Chili Cook-Off, street vendors, carnival rides and more! Fri 3-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm & Sun 10am-6pm

Rate Information: Cost of Admission: $2 Kids 12 and under free

Indian Arts and Culture Festival

May 25, 2013 - May 26, 2013

Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, CO 81321

Toll Free: 800-253-1616 Local: 970-565-8227 Fax: 970-565-1155

Email: lynnd@mesaverdecountry.com

Website

Overview

Celebrate the opening of the new Mesa Verde National Park Research and Visitor Center with Indian Dances, a Juried Indian Art Market, and a Navajo Rug Auction. Special archaeological tours are offered at the Ute Tribal Park and special activities/exhibits are featured at the Anasazi Heritage Center. .

Amenities

General Information: Hours of Operation: 10-5

Free Admission

Boulder Creek Festival

May 24, 2013 - May 27, 2013

9th St. and Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 80302

Website

Overview

Kick your summer off at the 26th Annual Boulder Creek Festival! Featuring three days of events, activities, food, and entertainment unique to the Boulder community, the festival is free to the public and features something for everyone: 9 separate event areas with 500 vendors showcase everything from community arts and crafts to health alternatives and technology while five performance stages feature a spectrum of music and dance. The festival also features carnival rides, food and beverage vendors, and the signature event: a rubber duck race down the creek! 

How Does Sleep Deprivation Affect You?

For those of you overachievers and night owls who like to stay up late, you are, without even knowing it, creating a major health risk. Many people work hard, eat lean diets, and exercise; yet, most of us forget to allow our bodies enough rest, which may well counteract that challenge of staying fully healthy. Aside from the major known effects of sleep loss such as difficulty of appetite control, impaired cognitive ability and increased mood swings, a recent study reveals that there is a link between deprived sleep and increased risk of stroke. Find out more about this study from this USAToday article.

Do You Sacrifice Sleep to Exercise?

How many of you love to exercise? Do you sacrifice sleep to hit the gym every day? That dedication is admirable; however, when you end up sleeping in through your alarm, your body is telling you something. A restful physical break is important and your body is telling you so. By taking a day or two or even a week off of your rigid schedule, that will only help you gain endurance for your next workout. Consider that extra hour of sleep, or take a slow walk, or simply lounge for pleasure. Find out more about sleep and energy balance from this Mayo Clinic article. 

National Women's Health Week

This week is National Women’s Health Week, a time to bring people together in an effort to promote women’s health. As part of this important week, the tenth annual National Women’s Checkup Day is being held today and was designed to encourage women to contact their health care professionals to receive or schedule checkups, and to promote regular checkups to prevent more serious conditions.

We should all make health a top priority, and during this week, it is a good time to remind the women we know to take charge of improving their physical and mental health, and lowering their risk of diseases. Women often serve as caregivers for their families, putting the needs of others in their household first. Let’s make it a responsibility to support the important women we know and help them take steps forward to a longer, healthier and happier life.

Make sure to get regular check-ups and preventative screenings, stay active, eat healthy, pay attention to mental health by getting enough sleep and managing stress, and avoid unhealthy behaviors like smoking or not wearing a seat belt.

Commit to health by Taking the Pledge and tell your women friends to do the same. Visit this Interactive Screening Chart for recommended checkup guidelines. We all have unique health care needs and we should be able to have access to care when we need it without barriers. How do you think health care should work for you? Your voice matters; start a conversation on 9Health Fair’s Facebook page. Then tell us if you and your friends have taken the pledge.

King Soopers Registered Dietitian Tips

After your screenings this year, what will you do to stay healthy and ensure your numbers next year are right on target? May is Women’s Health Month, and June is Men’s Health Month, so try some of our healthy living tips below to help optimize your health, or find a place to start if you want to begin a healthier lifestyle.

12 Tips to Healthy Living for Men and Women

Women

1.    Include calcium-rich foods in your diet to prevent

osteoporosis and promote a healthy heart.

Women 19-50 years of age need 1,000 mg of calcium per day. Women over 50 years of age need 1,200 mg of calcium daily. Choose dairy products, canned fish with soft bones and leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and chard.

2.    Limit refined sugars, caffeine and alcohol.

All of these can worsen mood swings and the typical symptoms of PMS and menopause.

3.    Strength train at least twice a week.

Lifting weights and performing weight-bearing activities, like walking and jogging can help boost metabolism by increasing muscle mass and bone density.

4.    Add ground flaxseed to cereal, smoothies and baked goods.

Ground flaxseed not only provides additional fiber, but it has been found to be beneficial in minimizing hot flashes as well.

Men

1.    Know your numbers.

The majority of the diseases that affect men are preventable or treatable when detected early. Have your lipid panel, blood glucose, blood pressure and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) checked annually.

2.    Skip folic acid supplements.

Recent research is showing that folic acid supplements may increase the risk of prostate cancer.  Eating foods rich in folate, like green leafy vegetables, oranges and beans are still safe to consume daily and actually decrease cancer risk.

3.    Choose lean cuts of meat.

Cut back on the fat in your diet by choosing loin and round cuts of beef and pork, ground meats that are at least 93% lean and skinless poultry.

4.    Eat more red fruits and vegetables.

The red color in tomatoes and watermelon comes from the powerful antioxidant lycopene that may be protective against prostate cancer. Cooked tomatoes contain more lycopene than raw.

Both Men and Women

1.    Enjoy heart healthy fats each day (and fatty fish twice per week).

Replace the mayo on your sandwich with mashed avocado, eat a small handful of walnuts or almonds for a snack or make a homemade salad dressing with extra-virgin olive oil.

2.    Exercise for 30 minutes most days of the week.

Both men and women need exercise to strengthen the heart, prevent weight gain, and protect bones. Include strength training and cardio exercises that raise your heart rate. You can break it up into three 10-minute segments.

3.    Go fresh.

Choose fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks and meals instead of packaged snack foods and dinners. Red fruits and vegetables are have a powerful antioxidant lycopene that may be protective against prostate cancer, but aim to get a variety of colors everyday!

4.    Use NuVal to trade up for health.

NuVal scores nutrition on a scale of 1-100. The higher the score, the better the nutrition. Find NuVal scores on the shelf tag while you shop at your local King Soopers! Use NuVal as a guide to trade up for health within a food category. For example, if you normally buy a cereal that scores a 30 on the NuVal scale, see if you can find a higher score to try.

If you need more individualized help, King Soopers registered dietitians offer a variety of free services to help you achieve your nutritional goals.

King Soopers Registered Dietitian Services

All nutrition services are free!

• Nutrition classes
• Walk & Talks
• Consultations

To register for an event/consultation or ask a nutrition question,  

please email dietitians@kingsoopers.com or call (303) 778-3023.

Learn more at:

www.kingsoopers.com/healthmatters

www.citymarket.com/healthmatters

No Matter What Your Budget or Interests, Denver has Activities for You

We are lucky to live in an area rich with entertainment options to fit every budget.  Whether you are a music lover, sports fan, art enthusiast, or history buff, there are interesting activities in Denver and the Front Range every day of the week. 

Getting out and being active just takes a bit of planning, but boy is it worth it!  Nothing keeps the spirits up like trying new and different activities that provide fresh perspectives and help you be a life-long learner. 

9Health Fair wants to help everyone in our state live life to its fullest and that means getting out finding fun things to do in Colorado and attending some of the fantastic events that are here for the taking. 

Below are just a few examples of new and different activities you might consider over the coming weeks:

Heart Smart Nutritional Series: Learn how to cook delicious heart-healthy meals that will amaze your friends and family.  South Denver Cardiology’s FREE nutrition series offers fun new recipe ideas and great healthy eating tips.  Every Wednesday 11:00-11:45.  Visit www.southdenver.com/calendar-of-events/.

Backyard Chicken Keeping: Chickens provide eco-friendly fun for adults and kids, and their eggs will help lower your grocery bill. Learn everything you need to know about raising backyard chickens.  April 20, Denver Botanic Gardens. Visit www.botanicgardens.org/programs/classes/

Free Saturdays at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art: Visit the museum’s continually changing series of contemporary art exhibits that explore the intersection between art and society today. 

Every Saturday.  Visit  www.bmoca.org/

Mammoths and Mastodons Exhibit: Limited time exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science explores these titans of the ice age.  Through May 27.  http://www.dmns.org/mammoths-and-mastodons/

How to Use This Information

There’s no shortage of fun and interesting activities in Denver.  Take the time to find the ones that fit your interests, and get out and seize the day!

Protein at Breakfast Helps with Satiety Throughout the Day

Protein is a powerful nutrient that is important not just at dinner, but throughout the day. Recent research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that eating a protein-rich breakfast, including high-quality proteins like beef and eggs, leads to improved appetite control and satisfaction throughout the day, which could help combat obesity. For example, study participants who consumed a high-protein breakfast experienced a significant reduction in unhealthy evening snacking. ¹

Animal proteins – such as lean beef – are complete high-quality proteins that contain all the essential amino acids your body needs for optimal health. Even better, a 3-oz serving of lean beef is about 150 calories on average and provides about half (48 percent) of the Daily Value for protein.

Lean beef is also a naturally rich source of 10 essential nutrients and is a perfect partner for everyday breakfast favorites like whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy, making it a simple way to start your day in a balanced way. ²

Perhaps you might like to try a few of these protein-rich breakfast ideas to: 

-      Beef and Spinach Breakfast Sandwich – This portable sandwich comes together in a snap with leftover steak or roast, eggs, spinach and tomato.

-      Beef Breakfast Pizza Ole – A completely unexpected breakfast option made with pizza crust, a do-it-yourself beef breakfast sausage and eggs done to your liking.

-      Beef Breakfast Burrito – Our take on the classic breakfast burrito includes plenty of veggies and gets cooled down with a lime-cilantro cream.

Additional breakfast recipes are available on BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com

1.     Leidy HJ, Ortinau LC, Douglas SM, Hoertel HA. Beneficial effects of a higher-protein breakfast on the appetitive, hormonal, and neural signals controlling energy intake regulation in overweight/obese “breakfast-skipping” late-adolescent girls. Am J Clin Nutr 2013 Feb 27 [Epub ahead of print].

2.     U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory. 2012. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 25. Available at:http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/. 

Healthy Lifestyle Ideas: Start the Day with a High Energy Breakfast

An energy-boosting breakfast is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but many of us don’t know which foods will help get the day off to a great start.  In fact, according to a recent NPD Group survey, 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. skip breakfast all together.

Studies have shown that eating a healthy breakfast has a number of positive benefits including:

1. Weight control
2. Increased metabolic rates
3. Improved ability to concentrate/perform daily tasks
4. More strength/endurance in physical activity

But not all breakfasts are created equal.  To stay Colorado healthy, you should select breakfast foods that will help boost your energy levels and keep you feeling full until lunchtime.  These include whole grains, fruits, lean proteins—foods that are high in complex carbohydrates, fiber, proteins and good fats.  So, what specific breakfast foods should you eat if you’re looking to enhance your healthy lifestyle in the morning?  Look below for a few suggestions from Bon Appetit’s Health writers:

Oatmeal: A good source of complex carbohydrates and vitamins

Whole grain breads: Choose a bread with 3 grams or more of fiber per serving

Granola: Pick a natural brand that is high in fiber and low in sugar

Nut Butters: Not just peanut butter, try almond or cashew butter for a change--all are great sources of protein and vitamins

Eggs: Rich source of protein and will help prevent food cravings before lunch

Lean Meats: Add ham, turkey or smoked salmon to your eggs or as an alternative source of protein

Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, broccoli and other leafy greens fill you with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals—put them in smoothies, omelets or on your breakfast sandwich

Yogurt/Low-Fat Cheese: provide much needed calcium and protein great with fruit and whole grain breads

Fruit: Berries, citrus, bananas, apples, peaches and more add fiber, vitamins, potassium and other nutrients with immunity-boosting benefits

Bon Appetit: Morning Glory: 10 Energy-Boosting Breakfast Foods

How to use this Information

So, say “no” to low-fiber, high-sugar breakfast foods and stock up on these great-tasting, energy-boosting menu items.  You’ll feel better, maintain a healthier weight, and stave off hunger until lunchtime.

Time to Ramp Up Your Outdoor Activity in Colorado

While we’re sure to get a few more snowflakes over the coming weeks, it’s beginning to feel a lot like spring which means that many of us who feel like we’ve been stuck inside for the past several months, can start enjoying outdoor activities in Colorado once again.  Fresh air and sunshine are critical components of a healthy lifestyle, so now that the weather is improving, it’s time to make enjoying the outdoors part of your daily routine again.

Research has identified numerous physical and mental health benefits from being outdoors, and new discoveries of the positive impacts of   and sunshine are increasing daily. 

The linkage between vitamin D and sunshine have long been known.  Vitamin D, which enhances calcium absorption, is critical in slowing the loss of bone density which could help prevent osteoporosis and other bone health issues.  Exposure to sunlight has been proven to aid the human body’s natural production of Vitamin D in ways that vitamin supplements just can’t do as well. Learn more.

Sunshine can also have major mental health benefits.  Of course, we all know that we feel a bit more cheerful when we’re outside on a beautiful day, but there are physiological drivers that link sunshine to reduced incidence of depression. Exposure to sunlight can activate endorphins—the body’s natural anti-depressants.  Serotonin is the endorphin most commonly associated with seasonal depression disorder, and exposure to sunshine is known to drive serotonin production. 

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, other health benefits linked to enjoying outdoor activities in Colorado include:

·         Increased circulation as sunlight helps dilate blood vessels in the skin

·         Improved production of both red and white blood cells

·         Decreased blood pressure due to increased cardiac activity

·         Reduced cholesterol

·         Increased metabolism rates leading to weight loss

·         Improved liver functioning

All these benefits stem from just spending more time outside—we haven’t even scratched the surface of what good can come from increased exercise outdoors.  But one step at a time, now that spring is here, make getting outside part of your healthy lifestyle let the benefits of sunshine start working their magic.  Remember, however, if you’re going to be exposed to sunlight for more than 15 minutes, you should consider applying sunscreen.

How to Use This Information

Now that you understand real health benefits of sunshine, find ways to make getting outside more often part of your daily routine.  Walk the dog, have a picnic lunch, sit at a sidewalk café, make that next phone call from the patio.  These are all ways to work getting outside into your daily routines.

Have You Had Your Blood Pressure Checked Lately?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 3 U.S. adults have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is commonly called “The Silent Killer”. It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly because there are no symptoms in the early stages.

Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to the blood flow in your arteries. If your heart is pumping more blood, your arteries narrow, therefore, making your blood pressure higher. Blood pressure can fluctuate with injury, illness and emotional reaction; however, normal blood pressure should stay under 120/80.

High blood pressure can cause damage to blood vessels which can increase the risk of stroke, kidney failure, heart disease and heart attack. Lifestyle choices such as low stress, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and eating foods high in fiber, low in fat and low in salt will help to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. If you have high blood pressure or are concerned, see what this Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure has to say from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Have you had your blood pressure checked lately? Attend a 9Health Fair, running from now through May 11^th, where health care professionals will check your blood pressure at a free screening. Find A Fair near you, because getting the care you need, when you need it, is important. 9Health Fair is everyone’s entry point to health, and getting follow up care without barriers isn’t too much to ask.

How is Health Care in Colorado Working for You?

Do you run into barriers when it comes to health care? Access is important and you should be able to get the care you need to stay healthy without access issues or unpredictable costs. At 9Health Fair, we provide the opportunity for access to health through our 9Health Fairs. Attending a fair is a great way to get information about your health, learn about healthy habits, and then take the conversation into your home.

Our spring 9Health Fairs start March 16^th and run through May 11^th, with our traditional 9 Days running from April 13th through April 21^st. We will feature many free and low-cost health screenings, which include a variety of tests such as blood pressure, vision, lung function, oral health and more. You can also talk to a professional about your specific health questions. For locations and a list of screenings, go to www.9healthfair.org/findafair for all the information you need. We hope to see you there! After your visit, comment below and tell us about your experience! Have you been to a 9Health Fair before? Tell us about that too!

Is Health and Prevention a Community Responsibility?

The American Cancer Society has updated their guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention. Creating social and physical environments that support healthy behaviors within communities can make a big difference. See the four major recommendations and what responsibilities we have as a society to make it easier to accomplish these goals. What are your ideas about making health and prevention a community responsibility? Share with us on Facebook. 

How Often Do You Take Your Heart on a Walk?

Our heart is very vulnerable to stress, many times brought on by poor diet, lack of exercise and uncontrolled stress. Do you know that your heart is the main battery driving the circulation in your body to supply you with nutrients and oxygen? The only thing it is lacking is your reciprocation to help improve the circulation. According to a study at UT Southwestern Medical Center, some people with a low risk of heart disease over the next 5 to 10 years may still have a high lifetime risk.

See what this Nurse.com article has to say about assessing long-term heart disease risk. Then take your heart I.Q. to discover how much you know about your health and what you need to do to stay healthy. 

Do you think occasional stress can cause heart disease or just long-term, uncontrolled stress? What do you do to prevent heart problems? Share with us on Facebook. 

How is Your Stress Level?

Stress levels for Americans have taken a decidedly downward turn across the USA, except for young adults, whose stress is higher than the national norm, according to USA Today. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 meaning “little or no-stress” and 10 meaning a “great deal of stress”, the 2012 average is 4.9, but for the younger generation, it’s 5.4. Find out more about this study and what some do to combat stress in their lives. Then share your stress relieving techniques with us on Facebook. Getting the care and information you need, when you need it, isn’t too much to ask. Your voice matters.

Take a Stand for Your Heart

Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its affects, February is a month to spread the word about living healthy and finding ways to prevent heart disease. According to the CDC, nearly 1 out of 4 deaths in Colorado are due to heart disease. In the United States, the most common type is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack. You can greatly reduce your risk for CAD through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. Check out this health tool to help you find out which preventative services you may need this year. You can also use this tool to find out about the services recommended for a loved one.

Make sure to attend a 9Health Fair this spring for a variety of low and no cost screenings to make sure you are living a heart healthy lifestyle. Visit our website to find a 9Health Fair near you. Getting the care you need, when you need it, isn’t too much to ask. Tell us how you want health care to work for you in Colorado. Your voice matters.

How is Your Family's Dental Health?

With February being National Children’s Dental Health Month, it is a great time to start thinking about scheduling those dentist appointments. Taking care of your mouth and teeth starting in childhood is important in order to avoid lasting impacts on your oral health as an adult. Take this Floss.com Oral Health Quiz to test your knowledge, and then tell us how dental health smart you are on Facebook.

Have You Had Your Fruit Today?

Did you know that eating three or more servings of blueberries and strawberries per week may help women reduce their risk of heart attack by as much as a third, according to data from the Nurses’ Health Study II? Blueberries and strawberries contain high levels of naturally occurring compounds called dietary flavonoids. Check out this Nurse.com article to find out more about the study and why dietary flavonoids are so important. Then tell us if you put these fruits into your daily diet.

How is Your Heart Health?

With February being Heart Health Month, it’s a great time to think about the many things you can do to keep your heart ticking and make sure it stays healthy. Your age, gender and family history play a big part in your risk for heart disease, but there are many lifestyle choices that you can make to keep your heart in the best working condition possible. Smoking is a large contributor to heart disease because nicotine constricts your blood vessels and carbon monoxide can damage the inner lining of those vessels. This makes heart attacks more common in smokers than non-smokers. Another large contributor is having a poor diet. A diet that is high in fat, salt and cholesterol can contribute to the development of heart disease. Foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol clog arteries and are unhealthy over time. Too much sodium intake can increase your blood pressure and your risk for heart attack and stroke. Get the scoop on fats and salt by using this tool to know your fat and sodium limits. Then check out these 5 medication-free strategies to help prevent heart disease. Getting the care and information you need, when you need it, isn’t too much to ask. Share your heart healthy ideas with us on Facebook. Your voice matters. 

How Often Do You Floss?

Do you know the importance of flossing your teeth? Many different kinds of bacteria live in your mouth and they collect on your teeth and gums, quickly forming a film called plaque. By flossing, you break up that plaque on and between your teeth. Brushing removes some germs and plaque, but it doesn’t do a great job of getting in between the teeth. Flossing removes the plaque and debris, polishes tooth surfaces and controls bad breath. By flossing daily, you increase the chances of keeping your teeth longer and decrease your chances of getting gum disease. Check out these three easy steps to flossing your teeth and then make it a New Year’s Resolution to put flossing into your daily regimen.  How often do you floss? Share your flossing stories with us on Facebook. And make sure to attend a spring 9Health Fair for a free Oral Health Screening, an examination of the inside of your mouth. Visit our website the beginning of February for a list of locations and dates. 9Health Fair supports your right to have access to health care when you need it, without barriers like lack of insurance or high costs.

What's Your New Year's ReVolution?

This is a good time to rethink the way you think about New Year’s Resolutions. This year, what if the focus is on a New Year’s ReVolution, a change in the way you approach life? Instead of setting specific goals that are often too big and unattainable, focus on creating and maintaining healthy habits that stay with you throughout the year and beyond. By slowly working in new lifestyle choices, you can build on them as the year goes on. Set mini-goals, by week or month and then celebrate the little victories along the way. Staying motivated and choosing activities you enjoy are the key. The Mayo Clinic has seven tips to help you stay motivated. Take a look and then share your New Year’s ReVolutions with us on Facebook. Getting the care and information you need, when you need it, isn’t too much to ask. Your voice matters.

Are You Seeing Things?

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about this sight stealing disease. Did you know that Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness according to the World Health Organization? And it is not reversible once you have it. Glaucoma is a complicated disease in which damage to the optic nerve occurs. There are typically no early warning signs or symptoms, so the best way to stay on top of your eye health is schedule regular and complete eye exams. Everyone is at risk for Glaucoma from babies to senior citizens; however, older people are at higher risk overall and African Americans in particular are susceptible at a younger age.

Make sure to attend a spring 9Health Fair for our no-cost Vision and Eye Health Screening. Check our website in February for a list of dates and locations. Getting the care you need, when you need it, isn’t too much to ask. You should be able to get quality care without barriers like lack of insurance or high costs. Tell us how you think health care is working in Colorado. Your voice matters.

What do You Think About Health Care in Colorado?

Lena’s goal in life was to be an architect. She was taking her architecture license exam and for some strange reason wasn’t able to draw a straight line due to her shaking hands. She later found out the diagnosis.

Also known as familial tremor, benign essential tremor (ET) or hereditary tremor, this condition is a progressive neurological disease that causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, voice, legs or trunk. It is often confused with Parkinson’s disease. Because of stereotypes and a lack of awareness, many people with it never seek medical care though most would benefit from treatment. Like the 750,000 Coloradans who are uninsured, Lena does not have medical insurance and because of it, she chose the 9Health Fair to take care of her main medical concerns.

9Health Fair provided Lena with an opportunity for access to health through the many screenings available. She was able to get the assistance she needed. With health care on the minds of all Coloradans like Lena, decisions about health are too important to be left solely to others. Working together, we can move Colorado closer to that common-sense goal. What do you think about health care in Colorado? Share your opinions with us on Facebook.

April is the season of 9Health Fair. Beginning in February, check our website for specific dates and locations.