Category Archives: AAPI Communities

Laotian Cuisine

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Laotian cuisine is a combination of fresh herbs, mixed spices, and strong flavors. It has influences from all kinds of Asian cultures, but the main influences are from the surrounding Southeast countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and more. Laotian cuisine is focused on using fresh ingredients and using them in many different ways (such as making a lemon grass broth to a coconut based curry). Listed down below are some highlights from the Laotian cuisine that you should try out!

Papaya salad (Lao style)

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Yelp

A papaya salad is made from the fruit papaya where its combined with a blend of spicy, salty, and semi-sweet flavors. There are two different version of the papaya salad, Lao and Thai style. It can vary in texture and some ingredients. But the distinctive flavor of the Lao style is the padek (fermented fish/brown sauce) which isn’t commonly found in the Thai style. The common recipe includes shredded (unripe) papaya, Thai chilies, fish sauce, lime, red cherry tomatoes, and garlic. Recipe is linked here!

Larb

larbf4

3hungrytummies.blogspot.com

This dish contains herbs and spices that can be mixed with a variety of meat (usually beef or chicken is used). People usually eat this with sticky rice, lettuce, or cabbage. It can make up for a good snack or an entire meal. It’s distinct freshness comes from the basil and mint. It is also mixed with peppers, green onions, cilantros, garlic, lime juice, and more. Check out the recipe here!

Khao Pun

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http://www.therestoflhistoire.com/

A noodle dish with a coconut based curry (usually combined with a chicken broth) and is made with vermicelli noodles. There are many variations to this dish as one can customize theingredients to their preferences. A highlight are the fresh ingredients such as banana flower, bean sprouts, basil,  green onions, bamboo shoots, and cilantros. The flavors are customized by using fish sauce, salt, and the broth itself. Check out the recipe here!

Sticky Rice

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tesathome.com

The texture of sticky rice is different from other rice because it has a different texture and it sticks together much more compare to other rices. It can be eaten as it is with other dishes or as a desert by serving it with mango and coconut cream. Recipe!

Lao Sausage

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asiagreentourism.org

Known for its red color and spicy flavors, the Lao sausage is different from other sausages. You would have to taste it for yourself because it has a unique taste. It can be fried, steamed, and grilled. It is made with minced pork, shallots, peppers, garlic, lemongrass, and more! Check out the full recipe here!

Spread the Awareness of Obesity!

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AMA STEP UP Youth

“Physical education programs are being cut from schools due to competing priorities. And unfortunately, this not only hurts kids’ health, but it hinders their ability to learn as well. In order to help #ProtectPE, we all need to be informed about the state of physical education across the country and in our own communities.” – Rightful owner

Nowadays, kids are less active compared to the past due to the recent technology advancement and less funding for physical ed programs. More kids are staying inside at their school and home without getting much opportunity to be active outside and during school hours.

Obesity2011

http://www.ncsl.org/

“Obesity rates have soared over the past four decades. Today, more than 23 million kids and teenagers — nearly a third — are overweight or obese.” – http://www.preventobesity.net/

It’s important to remember that physical activity is very important for not only your health, but also to your well being. This is the true goal of help kids stay active! What are the positive benefits of being physical active:

  • Burning off energy = stress level decrease, burn calories
  • At schools, it helps students concentrate during class and in their studies when they are able to have breaks in between.
  •  Test your knowledge of physical activity in schools linked here!

Current Events in May!

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Wondering about what events are occurring in May? A few are listed down below and maybe you might want to attend some of them with your friends and families. There is something for everyone from music to sightseeing! Make sure to check around your local areas of other events that may not be posted online.

  • The Pan Asian Arts Festival 2016 is happening at MOA on May 14th from 12PM-8PM! Come enjoy free performances, games, and carnival activities! Get the chance to see the performances from Iny Asian Dance Theater, Mu Gung Hwa Korean Dance Group, Sumunar Indonesian Dance Ensemble, and much more! It’s a free event for all!
  • May is also recognized as National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM). It advocates to spread awareness and prevention of teen pregnancy. Click here for more info!
  • The Minnesota History Center is hosting the “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation: the Depression, the War, the Boom” exhibit about those who lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and the years after the war! Admissions are $11 and it would be a great experience for everyone!
  • SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week 2016 – May 15-21, 2016
    • “SAMHSA’s fifth annual National Prevention Week, happening May 15-21, 2016, is dedicated to increasing public awareness and prevention of mental and/or substance use disorders. During National Prevention Week, community organizations across the country host health fairs, educational assemblies, town hall meetings, memorial walks, social media campaigns, outdoor events, and more. This year’s theme—Strong as One, Stronger Together—recognizes that one person can make a positive difference in their community, but when we all unite together we can achieve even more.” – Rightful owner
  • Other helpful links for Minnesota events occurring in May:

NATIONAL BIKE MONTH

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myhealthoc.org

“Whether you bike to work or school; ride to save money or time; pump those pedals to preserve your health or the environment; or simply to explore your community, National Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride. National Bike to Work Week 2016 will be held on May 16-20. Bike to Work Day is May 20! ” – Rightful owner

Here are some top reasons why you should start riding bikes:

  • Save $$$ on gas! If you have to get to a location nearby or is willing to bike at a distance, then every new opportunity you take to bike somewhere will save you money on gas!
  • You get to exercise! At the same that you are transporting yourself, you are also actively moving your legs and burning off calories!
  • Sightseeing! You can enjoy viewing your neighborhood from a different perspective and take in the sights at a slower pace.
  • TIP: Always remember that your safety comes first! Anytime you plan on riding your bicycle, remember to wear a helmet and turn on your lights/wear a neon traffic uniform, if you are riding at night.

Spring Cleaning!

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http://epmseagles.com/

It’s that time of the year again to clean your house after winter! Do you know what you should be throwing out and recycling? There are many things to consider that you had stored up from the past year. Don’t stress! Here’s a quick breakdown so check out list below:

  • Have you checked if there’s any medication that has already expired? “This Saturday, April 30 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Collect your leftover prescription drugs and take them to a local site for a safe way to dispose of medication.” -usagov
  • Got books you don’t read anymore? If they are still in good condition, you can always donate them to your local organizations or sell them. If not, you can recycle them along with your other recyclable materials.
  • Old clothes/shoes? The easiest method is to donate unwanted clothes and shoes that are in fair condition. Also, you can sell them to stores, online retailers, or at a garage sale.
  • Yard cleaning! It is not always fun, but tidying up your yard will really help your grass grow and your yard looking cleaner. To recycle dead materials, buy recyclable paper bags at your local stores.

This Month in Japan | May

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kinryu_main

www.cheng-tsui.com

With the arrival of May, it signals the mass amount of holidays celebrated during this time. People can find that Japan is the most busiest time as everyone is trying to get to their destination and are going away for vacation. At the same time, it can be quite quiet in big cities like Tokyo as most people are not working and visiting other cities or relatives who lives further away. Here is what you need to know for the month of May in Japan:

  • “Japan Golden Week is a collection of four national holidays that take place within a week including Showa Day celebrating Emperor Showa’s birthday; Constitution Day; Greenery Day, a national holiday dedicated to nature; and finally, Children’s Day with families praying for the health and success of their sons.” – http://www.onthegotours.com/
    • Golden Week is in between April 29 to May 5. Make sure if you are planning to a trip to Japan during this time be aware that tourist spots, famous attractions, and traffic will be quite busy. During this time period is when many Japanese people take vacations and have time off work.
    • Children’s Day is on May 5th and it celebrates the happiness, health, and personalities of children! A distinctive feature of this holiday in Japan are the carp-like kites which are used as decorations.
  • The weather in May is probably one of the best time for people to enjoy nature and visit sites. It’s a period of when it is not too hot and before the arrival of the rainy season, so people are more likely to be outside from April to June.
  • For more info & events of Japan in May, click here!

April is Minority Health Month

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“The theme for 2016 is “Accelerating Health Equity for the Nation.” – www.cdc.gov

Image of smiling African American girl with arms crossed under chin leaning on table at school, while two other children look on - Every community deserves good health. This April we celebrate National Minority Health Month. National Minority Health Month logo - Accelerating Health Equity for the Nation.

Picture belongs to www.hhs.gov

The goal of Minority Health Month is to bring awareness of health disparities and to promote health equity among our diverse communities. It’s important to address health concerns and problems prevalent in different groups of people because there are things that we can do to help others live a safer and healthier life. Here are some ways in which people have implemented to help others:

  • Encouragement of breastfeeding among low-income and minority populations
  • Providing info on healthier food choices to children at home and school & bringing awareness to the increasing rate of child obesity
  • Educating communities that are at risk of certain health problems
    • “This first national study on Hispanic health risks and leading causes of death in the United States by CDC shows that Hispanics had higher death rates than Non-Hispanic whites from diabetes and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). The report encourages the use of community health workers, also called promotores de salud, to provide resources to educate the Hispanic community about health risks and preventive services.” – www.cdc.gov

What can you do as a participant?

  • Spread the words! Follow @MinorityHealth for great information on #healthequity & make sure to share on your social media!
  • Participate in an official (or related) events near you!

Click on the official website for info on events, social media, & more!

Planning on a trip? | Health Awareness Regarding Your Travel Destination

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Safety-While-Traveling

http://www.vacationgetawayinternational.com/

Are you planning to go on a trip soon? It’s always good to keep in mind of where are you going and the current situation of the location. So make sure to do your research of what you may need to bring along with in terms of medicines, clothes, electronics, and possibly even getting vaccinated before flying to another country. Listed down below are some places that you may need time to prepare for if you plan on visiting there:

MERS

  • MERS stands for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and is a viral respiratory illness. Cases of MERS has been reported in the Middle East and spread to, but decreased in South Korea. Click here for more in depth info.

Polio

  • There has been an increased in reported cases of polio among in Guinea, Madagascar, and Nigeria. It is highly recommended that travelers get the polio vaccine before entering the country and for people to get vaccinated again if already done so in the past. Be aware that polio can be spread through contaminated water and direct contact with an infected person.
  • Reported cases of polio has also came from Ukraine (Europe).

Zika Virus

  • The local transmission of the Zika virus has been reported in various parts of the world, Cape Verde (Africa), Laos, Burma (Myanmar), American Samoa, Bolivia, Cuba, and other countries in Central America, South America, Caribbean, and Pacific islands. Make sure to do your research!
  • “Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Women who are pregnant(in any trimester) should not travel to areas with Zika. Men who have traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission who have a pregnant partner should abstain from sexual activity or consistently and correctly use condoms during sex for the duration of the pregnancy. Women and their partners who are thinking about pregnancy after possible exposure to Zika should talk with their doctor or healthcare provider.” – “Global Travel Pinet“
  • Be aware and protect yourself for those who plan on attending:
    • the 2016 Summer Olympics scheduled to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from August 5 to August 21, 2016
    • the Paralympic Games that is scheduled for September 7 to September 18, 2016

Being Active & Involved in April

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Do you have any ideas on what you want to do in the month of April? If you don’t know and is interested, look down below of the suggestions. You possibly find something that you would enjoy.

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Home

  • Take a hike! Now that it’s April and we are heading to a warmer season, it’s time to go outside and enjoy the warmer season. Want some tips on how to enhance your hike:
    • Plan out your trip! It’s a good to get an idea and to research about the area you’re interested in hiking in. In this way, you know if it’s good for someone like you or a friend/partner if they are a beginner, experienced, or expert at hiking!
    • Wear the right gear! That also means make sure to check your local forecast. The right pair of hiking shoes will help support your feet and clothing will protect you from potential danger.
    • Bring extra food & water! Chances are you may get hungry so pack nutritional meals/snacks and water along. Make sure to always stay hydrated!
    • Bring a map/GPS/compass! It’s probably a good idea to know where you are heading and on how you can hike back to where you’d started.
    • Recommended local hiking trails: Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Minnehaha Regional Park, Fort Snelling State Park, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, and more!

This Month in Japan | April

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“Uzuki, the traditional name for April based on the lunar calendar, means “hare month.” It has been speculated that the name uzuki corresponds to the year of the rabbit in the Chinese zodiac.

For many years, the only national holiday this month was Greenery Day, on April 29. The 29th was the birthday of the late Emperor Showa so in 2007 Greenery Day was moved to May 4, and April 29 was renamed Showa no hi, or Showa Day.

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https://www.gapyear.com/

Golden Week starts at the end of April in Japan (Showa Day [April 29], Constitution Day [May 3], Greenery Day [May 4], Children’s Day [May 5]). It is common for businesses to give their employees the whole week off, making it a busy time for travel among the Japanese people.” – Credits belong to rightful owner

Other fun facts:

  • The sakura season began in March and continue towards the end of April. Visitors still have time to enjoy the cherry blossoms at local parks and gardens across Japan.
  • Roppongi Art Night is a free event that allows people and tourists to view amazing art collections in the neighborhood of Roppongi. It is an event held from 10AM throughout the night.  “Galleries that will stay open throughout the night: Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo Midtown, Suntory Museum of Art, 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, The National Art Center, Tokyo.” – http://www.tokyo-top-guide.com/

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http://www.tokyoweekender.com/

  • Earth Day (April 23-24) is celebrated in Japan through a event hosted at Yoyogi Park. It’s an opportunity for organizations to present their causes to the public and allows people to become informed of other environmental issues. Other features of this event are foods, performances, and music.
  • The 2016 Takayama Spring Festival is held on April 14-15 and it’s located in the town of Takayama. It’s known to host antique floats that are uniquely designed and decorated with lanterns. For more detail on the event, click here!

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http://incrediblephototours.com/