Enhancing Your Health with Vitamin D

By Ilene Yalen, Registered Dietitian, 1/15/2010

Vitamin D is a vitamin that has been brought “into the light” more recently. It is the only vitamin the body can manufacture from sunlight (UVB rays) and it plays a large role in one’s overall health.

Vitamin D has many functions in the body. It is necessary for proper calcium absorption, which aides in bone strength and blood pressure regulation, and it is very important in enhancing the immune system. More recent research also suggests a link to warding off depression, back pain, cancer, heart problems, auto immune disorders and Parkinson’s.

by Robin Braun, 1/5/10 

To prevent illnesses associates with E coli, Listeria and Salmonella from food consumption, follow the United States Department of Agricultures 4 Steps to Safe Food Handling below to make sure your food is safe to consume.

1.  Clean. Make sure you wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after touching food and be sure to keep your preparation surfaces clean.  Wash fruits and vegetables well, especially when planning on eating them raw. 

2.  Separate.  Don't cross contaminate.  Keep meats away from produce and anything you will be consuming without cooking. 

By Robin Braun, 12/31/2009 

Ever wonder how long you can keep certain foods and beverages before they go bad?   To use it or lose, that is the question!

Well -  below is a website that you can go to and type in practically any food and find out how long it lasts.  I believe this website will save you and your family some money as well as a few grumpy tummies!

Some examples of what you will see:

• A brick of cheese:  2 - 3 weeks in the fridge, 2 months in the freezer.
• Chicken - Fresh - 1 -2 days in the fridge, 9 months in the freezer.
• Sour Cream - opened or unopened, 10-14 days after expiration date.

And the list goes on.........

To find out more, go to:  http://stilltasty.com/.

If you have any questions or comments on this blog, email Robin at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

By Robin Braun, 12/29/09

HAPPY NEW YEAR - well, almost!!!  2010 is just around the corner and you know what that means...... You guessed it....New Years resolutions abound!!   How many of us have actually stuck to one of those resolutions?  Me, I honestly have, believe or not, but only once in my whole life and that was in 1991 when I vowed to become a vegetarian, well... psuedo vegetarian. I gave up eating anything that had a face, unless it swam in the water. (I am a New England girl, I can't give up the fish, sorry!)  And I did it for 8 years!  I do eat some poultry now, but have not eaten any red meat for an amazing 19 years (though, I can not tell a lie - I have eaten bacon in the last couple of years, BUT that is it in the piggy family). 

Where am I going with this you ask?  Well - how do you keep a New Years resolution?  Honestly, I don't know. I think it is too hard and too much stress is put upon us to do something just because someone told us to. (where did the New Years resolution come from anyway!)  If anyone out there has a fool proof way to "keep" a resolution, stress free,

Can desserts be a part of a healthy diet?

by Ilene Yalen, Nutritionist, 12/15/09

Blood sugar blues

Americans consume too much refined sugar in cereals, sweetened beverages, candy, cakes, cookies, and pastries, especially over the holiday season. Sugar provides “empty calories” which means it furnishes the body with calories that have little or no nutrient value. Consuming too much sugar in a day can lead to blood sugar swings resulting in poor concentration and energy levels. Chronic over-consumption can lead to obesity, dental cavities, and nutrient deficiencies.  In moderation, desserts can be a part of a healthy diet. 

Fuel for the fight

Adults, especially firefighters and emergency personnel need to consume enough nutrient rich foods. Because of this high demand, there is little room for the consumption of non-essential foods without affecting one's health. For example, one slice of pie can be up to 400 calories, the average cookie is about 80 calories, and a 12 oz soda is equivalent 160 calories.  These empty calories equal one fourth of an adult males calorie needs! Don’t forget to factor in other highly processed foods like chips and french fries, which provide very little nutrient value and a lot of extra calories.