Thursday, December 30, 2010

Tiny Greens Organic Farm of Urbana recalls alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts

Tiny Greens Organic Farm of Urbana, Ill., is voluntarily recalling all alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts from Nov. 1 through Dec. 21 due to possible Salmonella contamination. The sprouts were distributed in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri.

Fifty-one cases of Salmonella were reported by individuals after eating alfalfa sprouts at Jimmy John's restaurants in several Illinois counties, including Cook, Kankakee, McHenry, and Will. These cases have been statistically associated with Tiny Greens, and the source of the outbreaks are still being investigated by Tiny Greens and the FDA.

Tiny Greens Organic Farm of Urbana recalls alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts - Chicago wellness | Examiner.com

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Little Bear Produce recalls fresh greens sold in Illinois and other states

J & D Produce, also known as Little Bear Produce, is voluntarily recalling a variety of fresh greens after positive tests for salmonella on curly parsley and cilantro in two cities.

Little Bear Produce recalls fresh greens sold in Illinois and other states - Chicago wellness | Examiner.com

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Whole Foods Market recalls items from Rolf’s Patisserie in Lincolnwood

Whole Foods Market has recalled items from its supplier Rolf’s Patisserie of Lincolnwood, IL. Recalled items were used as an ingredient in prepared food and bakery department products, or repackaged and sold under the Whole Foods Market Label.

The items were sold in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska.

Whole Foods Market recalls items from Rolf’s Patisserie in Lincolnwood - Chicago wellness | Examiner.com

Friday, December 24, 2010

I’m Dreaming of a Winter Storm Warning Christmas

With a white Christmas heading for Chicagoland, and lots of holiday travel, it’s a good time to review the different types of winter weather advisories, and what they mean (from NOAA). Do you know how to prepare and what to do in each situation?

I’m Dreaming of a Winter Storm Warning Christmas... - Chicago wellness | Examiner.com

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Chef Jody’s healthiest recipes of 2010

Chef Jody Emer is a celebrated chef in the Chicago northern suburbs. Certified in Professional Cookery, Bakery and Pastry, and Catering and Dining Room Management, she is currently a personal chef specializing in healthy cooking and wellness coaching. Here are some of her favorite recipes from the Chicago Wellness Examiner column this year.

Chef Jody’s healthiest recipes of 2010 - Chicago wellness | Examiner.com

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Winter solstice activities in Chicago offer celebration and contemplation

This year the Winter Solstice, which marks the longest night of the year, will occur in the Chicago area on Tuesday, December 21 at 5:38 p.m.

For our ancient ancestors, this point in time created opposing feelings of fear that the cold nights of winter would continue to lengthen and the hope that the light of day would begin its steady movement to overcome the night. For thousands of years, this perpetual cycle of the Earth and Sun has resulted in rituals and celebrations centering on the concept of rebirth.

Winter solstice activities in Chicago offer celebration and contemplation - Chicago Wellness @ Examiner.com

Go Ahead ... Drink Your Milk!

A study to be published in the January edition of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that drinking three glasses of milk per day may lead to an 18% decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.



Monday, December 20, 2010

Kroger recalls pet foods due to possible health risk

The Kroger Co. is recalling select packages of pet food sold in some of its retail stores because the products may contain aflatoxin, which poses a health risk to pets.

The recall includes Kroger stores in Illinois and Indiana, Food 4 Less stores in the Chicago area, and Jay C, Hilander, Owen’s, Pay Less and Scott’s stores in Illinois and Indiana.

Kroger recalls pet foods due to possible health risk - Chicago Wellness @ Examiner.com

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Get health for the holidays: free Will County community resource fair on 12/20

Will County Healthy Families Illinois will be sponsoring a free community resource fair Monday, December 20, from 1-4 pm, in Joliet. Held at the Will County Health Department Community Room, 501 Ella Avenue, Joliet, the fair is open to all.

Get health for the holidays: free Will County community resource fair on 12/20 - Chicago Wellness at Examiner.com

Friday, December 17, 2010

Keeping your potluck healthy this holiday

The holidays frequently bring group potluck meals — at work, at church, or at the homes of friends and family. But you want the memories of those meals to be camaraderie and friendship, not illness!

Here are some tips for keeping your food safe before, during, and after your potluck, as recommended by the McHenry County Department of Health:

Keeping your potluck healthy this holiday - Chicago Wellness @ Examiner.com

Sally Jackson Cheese recalls soft raw milk cheeses

Sally Jackson Cheese of Oroville, WA is recalling all cheese products, including cow, goat, and sheep, because they may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

Sally Jackson brand cheeses made from raw cow, goat, and sheep milk were distributed nationwide to restaurants, distributors, and retail stores in several U.S. states, including Illinois. One restaurant the Chicago area featuring Sally Jackson cheeses is Webster’s Wine Bar...

Sally Jackson Cheese recalls soft raw milk cheeses - Chicago Wellness @ Examiner.com

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Nine Days of Holiday Fitness at the RecPlex - Chicago wellness | Examiner.com

Located one and a half miles west of I-94 off Hwy 165, the RecPlex is the largest municipal recreation facility in America. The December 23rd through January 2nd fitness classes are free to RecPlex members; non-member can attend any class for $5 or purchase an unlimited pass for $25.

Nine Days of Holiday Fitness at the RecPlex - Chicago Wellness @ Examiner.com

Friday, December 3, 2010

Walk with a Naturalist in the Lake County Forest Preserves on Dec 4

The Lake County Forest Preserves are offering another “Walk with a Naturalist” session on December 4. These are one-hour guided nature hikes held at a different forest preserve each month.

Registration is not required. The fee is $1 for Lake County residents and $2 for non-residents.

The December 4 Walk with a Naturalist will be held from 9:00-10:00am at the Old School Forest Preserve in central Lake County, near Libertyville. The entrance and parking area are located on Saint Mary's Road just south of Route 176, and north of Route 60 (Townline Road).



Snowshoeing at the Chicago Botanic Gardens


Snowshoeing enthusiasts have a beautiful venue this winter -- the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Weather permitting, through February 28, snowshoeing is available from 8 a.m. until sunset daily.

[Chicago Wellness Examiner]

Friday, November 19, 2010

Healthy Holiday Tips for those with Diabetes

Holiday time is a busy time. It’s also a time for parties and dining out more often. However, for good blood glucose control, it’s important to keep a regular eating schedule. Choosing wisely when snacking and dining out can also help with weight control, blood pressure control and overall heart health.

For snacking and dining out, use these tips as a guide, from Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RD, CDE, Certified Diabetes Educator, and spokesperson for the Illinois Dietetic Association:


Friday, November 12, 2010

Sound Immersion in Gong Meditation, in Woodstock on Nov 14

The Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple will be hosting a Gong Meditation at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Woodstock on Sunday, November 14, from 3:00-4:30pm.

Led by Sacred Sound Practitioner Mark Placzkowski, and utilizing a 36' Pluto gong and 38' Sun gong, the sounds of varying frequencies wash over, around, and through the participants much as the waves of the ocean.

Walk with a Naturalist in the Raven Glen Forest Preserve on Nov 13

The Lake County Forest Preserves are offering “Walk with a Naturalist” -- one-hour guided nature hikes held at a different forest preserve each month.

The November 13 Walk with a Naturalist will be held from 9:00-10:00am at the Raven Glen (Old Mill Grove) Forest Preserve, in north-central Lake County, between the villages of Antioch and Old Mill Creek.


Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Diabetes Myths and Facts

November is American Diabetes Month. Test your knowledge of this disease with this true/false quiz from Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RD, CDE, Certified Diabetes Educator, and spokesperson for the Illinois Dietetic Association.

Small Changes, Big Difference: tips for American Diabetes Month

November is American Diabetes Month. The CDC says diabetes will double or triple in U.S. by the year 2050. That means up to one third of adults could have diabetes by then, due in part to weight gain and sedentary lifestyles.

However, there is much you can do to manage diabetes and live a healthy life. Small changes and healthier lifestyle habits really can make a big difference. Here are some tips from Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RD, CDE, Certified Diabetes Educator, and media spokesperson for the Illinois Dietetic Association.


Friday, November 5, 2010

Chicago Botanic Garden Winter Farmers’ Market

Chicago Botanic Garden Farmers’ Market moves indoors - Chicago Wellness @ Examiner.com:

The popular Chicago Botanic Garden Farmers' Market has moved indoors, and will be held on the first and third Sundays of November and December, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The market is free to Garden visitors and takes place in the Garden View Room located in the Visitor Center.

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