HELP TUCK SHOPS FIGHT THE BULGE

With childhood obesity rates soaring, the Heart Foundation has taken the initiative to promote healthy eating habits among South African children by taking their Edu-Heart programme a step further.

Last year, the Heart Foundation launched this educational programme, designed to assist schools in offering healthy choices at the tuck-shop and vending machines and by encouraging healthy packed lunches. The aim was to ensure that the majority of foods children consume out of the home are suitable.

Childhood obesity is a growing concern with the rate of overweight children in South Africa being 12%. Childhood obesity is linked primarily to unhealthy eating habits, but is also linked to the fact that today's children are a lot less active than in the past.

The project is aimed at primary schools throughout South Africa, and was first introduced in the Western Cape. Currently there are 70 schools in the Western Cape benefiting from the Edu-Heart programme, and plans are set to expand into the rest of South Africa this year.

How it works

Schools are given a simple questionnaire to fill in and then according to their reply, are given information packs via e-mail or fax, that will help them in choosing healthier alternatives to sell and encourage their pupils to eat. By making certain changes to their tuck shops, the schools then have the opportunity to become endorsed by the Heart Foundation.

Parents wishing to become involved can provide the Heart Foundation with their details, and receive regular updates on healthy eating tips and lunchbox ideas for children, as well as general heart health.

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Peri-Peri Chicken

500 grams chicken tenderloins

seasoned flour

1/4 cup olive oil

3 cloves crushed garlic

3 tablespoons fresh chopped coriander leaves or

Parsley

2 teaspoons chicken stock powder

1/2 red chile -- sliced

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 kilogram baby potatoes -- parboil and quarter

Peri-Peri basting sauce

Sprinkle the chicken with the seasoned flour. Mix together the oil, garlic, coriander or parsley, dry chicken-stock powder, chili and lemon juice to make a paste. Toss the chicken into the mixture to coat. Stir fry in a hot frying pan in the olive oil for 5-8 minutes until the chicken is just cooked. Add the potatoes and peri-peri sauce and warm through. Serve with extra peri-peri sauce, Portuguese rolls and fresh sambal salads, e.g. chopped onion, cubed avocado, diced cucumber, cubed tomato, cubed pineapple etc.

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PARASITE EVALUATION

Take our parasite evaluation on a regular basis to determine your risk of harbouring parasites.
In each column, circle “yes” or “no” for each question.

Score evaluation:
If you have five or more “yes” answers you may want to be checked for parasites.

Score evalutation:
If you answered “yes” to any of the questions in this column, you should make a parasite check part of your yearly checkup and/or perform a parasite cleanse once a year at least.

Parasites are a scary thing to think about, but there is hope, and they can be overcome.
Only taking a few pills once a year may not do the thing, because of the vast amount of different parasites (not all products on the market kills the whole spectrum) and the eggs that my not get killed and show up again in a few week's time. Come in and we can show you how to get rid and keep rid of these little parasites.

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HEALTH TIPS

Move More

Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster.

Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

Reduce Stress

Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts.

Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like.Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated.

Avoid difficult people when possible.

Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

Avoid Motion Sickness

Watch the horizon, or an equivalent stationary object.

Avoid activities that will exacerbate the sensory mismatch-activities that keep you from tracking the horizon, such as reading or needlework.

At sea, sit near the centre of the boat, do what you can to reduce up and down motion, and whatever you do, don't focus on the waves.

Avoid strong odours (especially cigarette smoke or engine fumes). Get as much fresh air as you can.

Alcohol and caffeine tend to amplify symptoms, so avoid them.

Stay hydrated.

Ginger, mint and citrus can offer relief from all types of nausea. Try tablets, teas or foods made with one of these ingredients.

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Health Quote of the week

Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.   Jim Rohn

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