The Unmarried and Single Americans

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Patricia Thao

http://www.census.gov/

We want to highlight the contributions of people who are unmarried and/or living the “single life” in society. Let’s celebrate the idea of living and being single in the US. We are always told that we need to be with someone most of our life to be happy. But being happy starts within yourself. By being alone, you can discover what you enjoy doing, what you dislike, things that makes you happy, and so on. And best of all, the single life also means you are responsible for yourself.

Fun facts:

109 million – The number of unmarried people in America 18 and older in 2015. This group made up 45 percent of all U.S. residents 18 and older
88 – The number of unmarried men 18 and older for every 100 unmarried women in the United States in 2015
59 million – The number of households maintained by unmarried men and women in 2015. These households comprised 47 percent of households nationwide.

All statistics accredited to http://www.census.gov/.

Health Topic of the Day: Breastfeeding

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Patricia Thao

www.thehindu.com

Today’s health topic is all about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is usually defined as a mother providing her infant with food/milk from her breast. It was commonly practiced in the past (nowadays it is more prominent poor/rural areas) in when mothers had to provide for their babies with their own milk and the availability of baby formula or food was not as common. The practice of breastfeeding gradually faded in human society as it advanced. But recent studies showed that we should get back to breastfeeding as it was proven to be more nutritious and beneficial to both the mother and child.

What are the benefits of breast feeding?

Breastmilk has all the nutritions and antibodies passed from the mother to the infant which can contribute to the baby’s overall health and growth
Builds a bond between the mother and child
Breastmilk is easy for the baby to digest
Mothers can choose on how long they want to breastfeed
Breastfeeding can help reduce cost for baby formula/food for a period of time
For more info on the benefits of breastfeeding, click here!

According to CDC:

4 out of 5 (81.1%) started to breastfeed. High breastfeeding initiation rates, or the percentage of infants who start out breastfeeding, show that most mothers in the U.S. want to breastfeed and are trying to do so.
In Minnesota :
- Breastfeeding rate at 12 months increased from 35.8% to 41.0%, a total of 15% increase.
- Exclusive breastfeeding at three months went from 48.6 to 53.9 percent, an 11-percent increase.

“These rates make Minnesota a top breastfeeding state in the nation, ranking seventh for beginning breastfeeding (initiation) and fifth for breastfeeding at six months.

Though the percentage of women initiating breastfeeding in the Minnesota WIC Program has risen from 63 percent to 80 percent since 2001, some women face more barriers to breastfeeding and are initiating at lower rates. Minnesota breastfeeding rates vary significantly by race and ethnicity. MDH and partners promote public health strategies that make it easier for all Minnesota women to breastfeed. This work includes supporting peer counseling and breastfeeding friendly policies and practices in hospitals, workplaces, childcare settings and the community.” – http://www.health.state.mn.us/

Tips for the School Year!

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Patricia Thao

crystalandcomp.com

Staying active, productive, and attentive in school can be a challenge. Whether you’re in high school, college, or middle school, there’s something that we all need to do to be successful in school: maintaining balanced lifestyle! Here are some tips that can help you survive your school year:

Set your priorities on a list. What’s important to you while you’re in school is your grades. Although it doesn’t define your intelligence or who you are as a person, it does reflect on your commitment to academic achievement. List everything that you will be busy this year/semester. Is it your homework that you need to focus on? Or being able to take better notes? Or is doing a sport/club activity also important to you? See if you can determine what will impact you the most and what you have to focus on first.
Balance your time on a calendar or using a reminder! Timing in school is very important; deadlines, due dates, & scheduled meetings. If you know you have a lot of things to do, make sure you set at least a week or a couple days to finish. The length of time will vary depending on how much work you need to do, whether it’s a solo or group project, and the type of project.
Need help on homework? Don’t fear because you aren’t alone in this. You may be struggling in math or writing or reading but there are many experts and resources out there to help you. You can rely on your family members to tutor you, if not, there are tutor programs, and you can always turn to your peers/teachers/friends for extra help. Don’t feel like you have to take everything on your own because there are resources and people around you who are willing to help.
Make a year end goal! What’s your goal by the end of the school year? What is it that you want to achieve or maintain? It doesn’t have to be a academic goal, it can be anything. Set a goal for yourself that you can achieve; joining a photography club, getting a internship, going to the gym/working out more during the school year, or volunteering for pet shelters. The main goal is to keep you motivated towards something positive throughout the year and to have something that you want to do.

Events in September ~ Health, Fitness, & Fun!

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Patricia Thao

September is a month of health promotion and health awarenesses! Look down below to participate in each or all of the events!

www.care2.com

Family Health and Fitness Day (September 24, 2016)
- The goal of this event is to promote family involvement in physical activities and towards a healthier community.
- “Local organizations throughout the country will host family-related health and fitness events at schools, park districts, hospitals, YMCAs/YWCAs, malls, health clubs and other community locations.” – http://www.fitnessday.com/family/
“September is Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® Month is celebrating Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® Month by promoting the many benefits of eating plenty of fruits and veggies. Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® Month highlights the importance of healthy eating in keeping our community strong and healthy.” – Rightful owner
- Click on this link to find out why you should be eating more fruits!
“Every September, SAMHSA sponsors Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who recover.” – https://www.recoverymonth.gov/
- Click here to find events!
MPLS Pizza Week!
- “MPLS Pizza Club is a community for Pizza Enthusiasts with Minneapolis ties who eat, share, explore, create, & celebrate all things pizza. There is no official membership, the club is based on shared experiences, building community, and collaboration. MPLS Pizza Club was founded by Paige Guggemos in 2013.” – Rightful owner
- For specific dates & info, click here!

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Patricia Thao

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and it’s all about promoting healthier lifestyle and spreading awareness of obesity among children. It’s important to become more educated about your health so that you can better understand the benefits of leading a healthier lifestyle and the risks of making poorer health decisions. Also, the goal is to not only educate yourself, but those around you; your family, friends, peers, and more! Positive influence can make a difference in people’s perspective on living whether it is being healthier, exercising or going out more, or simply having a more positive outlook.

There are many ways to be healthier and it doesn’t mean you have to be limited in your choices. Whatever your health goal is, try some of these tips:

Try to include more fruits & veggies into your diet! Having a healthy diet includes a mix of all kinds of food that can offer your body nutrients. Also, a bonus is that you can eat a variety of things without getting bored of the same diet routine.
Cook your own food! Cooking your own food can be time consuming but have no worries, there are tons of recipe out there that is quick, healthy, and easy to make. With this, you know what you are consuming and you can better control your portions.
Exercise is important, but don’t stress over it! If find that you don’t like a tpye of exercise, try something else. The great thing about it is that there are many things that you can do to stay active. Daily things such as cleaning your house, going on a stroll to deliver mail, or walking up and down the stairs rigorously. It’s up to you to determine which workout is best for your schedule and body.

Other social media links listed down below!

Learn how one grocer in West Virginia is helping improve the health of customers by stocking toys that promote physical activity and healthy snacks in the checkout lane. http://bit.ly/2aiwILe – #NCOAM
Learn how you can take part in the effort to encourage more children in your community to be physically active and eat a healthy diet. http://bit.ly/1pirD0j – #NCOAM
Addressing obesity requires the support of communities. This National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, learn how state and local organizations can create a supportive environment to promote healthy behaviors that prevent obesity. http://bit.ly/1JS8YIE – #NCOAM

Twitter Movements!

@letsmove – The First Lady’s initiative dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity.
@CDCObesity – CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
@ACSMNews – The American College of Sports Medicine. Official sponsor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.

Info provided above belong to rightful owner.

Postcard Highlights for August | 2016

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Patricia Thao

This month’s postcards are focused on nature and self-reflection. Remember that one’s perspective determines how they see and fell about things. It’s up to you to decide the positives and negatives in your life. Also, it’s good to be reminded that enjoying the simple things over extravagant luxuries could be more self-fulfilling. It could be spending more time with loved ones, going out to your community, or trying something new.

Upcoming Events in August!

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Patricia Thao

August may be the last official month of summer but that doesn’t mean that you still can’t enjoy this summer to the end. Check out the events below:

Want to attend a local event?

WOW Event: Wednesday, August 24 at 6 PM – 8 PM
Wakefield Park
1532 Frost Ave, Maplewood, Minnesota 55109

Carnival Fun & Movie Night (Planes, Fire & Rescue starting at 8pm) Arts & Crafts – Dunk Tank – Inflatables – Kid City Booth – Nature Center Activities – Crazy Hair Station

Free Admission, Free Hot Dogs, Chips and Pop

www.teamsideline.com

The school year is approaching in the state of Minnesota. For those who need school supplies, make sure to check your local area for freebies! The 2016 School Supplies Bash is being held in multiple counties; Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington Counties. For more details & dates on where it may happen near you, click here!

Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project utilizes Jazz music, its derivatives, history, art, media and technology as a means to promote learning, communication and self-expression. This summer, the youth participants hosted free concerts all over the Twin Cities and have been hard at work learning from professional teaching artists and creating original songs and productions.

The Summer Concert Series will be hosting 4 more concerts in August from 3 pm to 6 pm:

August 17 – Powderhorn Park
August 24 – Folwell Park
August 31 – Harrison Park

Learn more about the project here – TwinCitiesMobileJazzProject.org!

Join Argent Blue is a young Hmong American band that plays a variety of genres, including funk, rock, jazz, alternative, and Hmong classics. They will host a FREE concert for the community at:

Saturday, August 27 at 6 PM – 12 AM

Rosemount Community Center
13885 S Robert Trl, Rosemount, Minnesota 55068

A free concert and dance party! Invite your friends and dance through the evening! Dress to impress!

Alcohol will NOT BE PERMITTED. Anyone who brings alcohol will be asked to leave.

Protect Yourself During Summer!

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Patricia Thao

Summer is a time of sunny days, hot temperature, and heat waves that occurs throughout the days. Make sure that you stay protected from all of these and any potential damage from the summer heat. It’s time to review what you can do to protect your health!

Belong to rightful owner.

Everytime you go out, make sure to wear sunscreen! Apply it to your body and don’t forget your face and ears. Intense sunlight on any part of your body can damage your skin and cause skin cancer.
Drink lots of water! If it is hot outside your body will sweat to keep it cool and that also means you’re losing water. Drink as much water as possible to stay hydrated and refreshed!
“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a buyer beware on the possible health benefits of Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) treatments. WBC is used to cool the body for therapeutic purposes. A person stands in a semi-closed chamber with their torso, and legs exposed to frigid temperatures for two to four minutes while their head and neck are above the machine. As with any new medical device, talk to your doctor first and learn more about this consumer update.” – Rightful owner
Summer nights means more bugs and mosquitoes are out! Wear repellent bands or/and spray on some insect repellent! Wear proper clothes (especially during summer night times) to prevent further bug bites!

Why You Should Be Eating More Fruits!

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Patricia Thao

There are definetly easy ways in which you can improve your eating habits. Whether there’s a certain goal that you want to reach, the best mindset is to start out small. Don’t focus on the end result because it’s more about what you can do now than worrying about the future!

Eating fruits is an easy way to consume healthier food and can you in providing your daily vitamins. The best part is that you can choose fruits to your liking and incorporate them into your meals. Fruits can be eaten by itself, as a side dish/desert, or in a mixed salad. The benefits of fruits varies from each fruit. Also, if you’re craving something sweet, eating fruits is a great and healthier option!

A healthy lifestyle with a good eating habits will help maintain and keep your body healthy. Of course, it is okay to indulge yourself into your cravings every now and then. Some things to keep in mind:

Try to drink water on a daily basis/as much as possible. Going on a couple hours without drinking water can leave your body dehydrated and possibly affecting other parts of your body. Your skin, lips, and hair will show signs of dehydration more than any other parts of your body.
Daily exercise is necessary to being/becoming healthy. Whether it’s short/long and doing a easy/mediocre/intense workout is up to you. Also, try to leave time (30 min-1 hour) to work out (possibly 2-3x a week).
Sleep is very important for your body to rest and reenergize! So try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night! Consistent sleepless nights can do more damage to your body than you know.

Belongs to rightful owner.

Summer Physical Activities!

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Patricia Thao

Summer is a time for outdoor activities! So put on your work out gear and get your equipments ready if necessary. Make sure to the take opportunity of the warm weather to enjoy being outdoors and engaging in summer activities. Not sure of what you should do? Listed down below are some recommendations:

Walking around your community and neighborhood is a great way for you to discover new restaurants, local stores, and sites you have not seen before.
Go running/biking/walking around local trails! It keeps you active while sightseeing and you can control your own pacing.
Play a sport! Popular sports in the summer is volleyball, baseball, & swimming! Of course, feel free to participate in any sport activity. Form your own team or play for a local team!
Rent a paddle boat, canoe, kayak, and even rent a bike. They are commonly found in areas of Minnesota lakes.

The most important thing is to have fun and be safe! Any physical activities can be harmful when done extensively so remember to let your body rest. But no physical activity is also bad for your body. It’s all about living a balanced lifestyle in different kinds of ways.

Bicultural Healthy Living

A Balanced Approach to a Bicultural Healthy Life

Author Archives: Patricia Thao