“With so many health issues out there, we want to help make the community a little healthier, through behavior modification, lifestyle changes and habits,” said Carlton McConnell, co-owner of Dino’s. “By coming together collectively we can, and will, make a difference in the overall health and well being of our community at large, ourselves, our co-workers, and our loved ones.”

The 2nd Annual Free Health Fair is open to the public, especially the underserved and uninsured.  Doctors and health practitioners from a variety of specialties will give their time and talents to afford the community to get checked out, tested for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, HIV, diabetes, prostate cancer, and mental health as well as other vital signs and tests.  If necessary, doctors can write prescriptions on-site.

“Undoubtedly, we all have been affected directly or indirectly by one of these terrible but largely preventable diseases,” said McConnell. “This year we will have more health professionals in attendance.  We are also increasing our advertising and promotional items to reach a larger audience.”

Booths will be set up both inside the shop and outside in the beautiful spring sunshine. Free food and refreshments will be provided, including fruit, bottled water, and other healthy snacks. Last year, Dino’s was even able to give out 30 free Ingham County health plans to those in attendance.

“Making a living is what we do; making a difference is who we are,” said McConnell.  “We look forward to working together to make the difference for so many!”

Dino’s $6.99 Barber Studio is located at 4314 S. Cedar at the corner of Cedar and Cavenaugh.  For more information contact Carlton McConnell at 517-394-7087.

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In 1995, California was the first American state to enact a statewide ban on public smoking. Michigan will become 38th state to enact some sort of statewide smoking ban.

According to the American Cancer Society, those who are exposed to secondhand smoke take in nicotine and other toxic chemicals just like smokers do. Secondhand smoke is classified as a “known human carcinogen” (cancer-causing agent). Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemical compounds. More than 60 of these are known or suspected to cause cancer.

The 2006 U.S. Surgeon General’s report reached some important conclusions:

• Secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in children and in adults who do not smoke.

• Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more severe asthma. Smoking by parents causes breathing (respiratory) symptoms and slows lung growth in their children.

• Secondhand smoke immediately affects the heart and blood circulation in a harmful way. Over a longer time it also causes heart disease and lung cancer.

• The scientific evidence shows that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

• The only way to fully protect non-smokers from exposure to secondhand smoke indoors is to prevent all smoking in that indoor space or building. Separating smokers from non-smokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings cannot keep non-smokers from being exposed to secondhand smoke.

Whether you support the smoking ban or not, one thing is certain. The ban will help reduce unnecessary public exposure to secondhand smoke, improving the health of Michiganders.

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Eat This Not That digs up the truth about seemingly healthy foods and suggests healthier alternatives. Blow are five surprising examples:

1. Worst Rollup: Applebee’s Chicken Fajita Rollup
1,050 calories

The name conjures up the same healthy images that “wrap” does, yet this one tortilla-swaddled chicken dish contains as many calories as 7 Taco Bell Fresco Beef Tacos. And that’s before the fries.

Healthier Alternative: Italian Chicken Portobello Sandwich
360 calories

2. Worst Sandwich: Quiznos Tuna Melt (large)
1,760 calories
133 g fat (25 g saturated, 1.5 g trans)
2,120 mg sodium

In almost all other forms, tuna is a nutritional superstar, so how did it end up as the headliner for America’s Worst Sandwich? Blame an absurdly heavy hand with the mayo the tuna is mixed with, along with Quiznos’ larger-than-life portion sizes.

Healthier Alternative: Sonoma Turkey Flatbread Sammie
280 calories
14 g fat (4 g saturated)
760 mg sodium

3. Worst Salad: California Pizza Kitchen Thai Crunch Salad
1,115 calories

This CPK Thai Crunch Salad is anything but healthy, with more calories than you’d absorb from 4 Big Macs. You may feel virtuous ordering a salad over “heavy” pizza, but in this case you’re much better off ordering three whole slices of the Original BBQ Chicken—altogether, they’re about a quarter the calories as this one salad.

Healthier Alternative: Original BBQ Chicken Pizza (3 slices)
525 calories

4. Worst “Healthy” Snack: Pop-Secret Kettle Corn (4 cups popped)
180 calories
13 g fat (3 g saturated, 6 g trans)
150 mg sodium

The only “secret” here is that the popcorn purveyor uses partially hydrogenated oil to pop their kernels, turning a reasonable snack into a nutritional nightmare of heart-wrenching proportions. This box has 3 bags of popcorn, which means every time you buy it, you’re bringing 54 grams of dangerous trans fat into your house.

Healthier Alternative: Orville Redenbacher’s Smart Pop! Kettle Korn
130 calories
2.5 g fat (0.5 g saturated)
370 mg sodium

5. Worst “Healthy” Food in America: Romano’s Macaroni Grill Parmesan Crusted Sole
2,190 calories
141 g fat (58 g saturated)
2,980 mg sodium
145 g carbohydrates

Lean sole served with capers and spinach-strewn orzo sounds like the safest bet on the Mac Grill menu, but it turns out to be not just one of the worst dishes in this restaurant, but one of the worst entrées we’ve found in any restaurant in America. From a nutritional standpoint, “Parmesan crusting” is akin to coating one of the healthiest proteins in the world with a blanket of fried cheese.

Healthier Alternative: Simple Salmon
590 calories
34 g fat (6 g saturated)
1,980 mg sodium

When you sit down to dinner this weekend, think twice before you order what seems to be “healthy”. Don’t let your good work during the week go to waste on the weekends.

Information provided by: Eat This Not That

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With swine flu updates dominating the media, many are overreacting and heading straight to their doctor’s office or local emergency room, even with the slightest of symptoms. They sit in the waiting room for hours, breathing the same germ-infested air as everyone else waiting to see a doctor. Where is the logic in this?

The American Medical Association (AMA) teamed up with Microsoft and personal health record provider Healthy Circles to launch an interactive flu Web site. The free site helps patients determine the severity of their own flu symptoms, or the symptoms of a loved one. Doctors can use the site to communicate with patients and will eventually be able to prescribe routine medications online. The site has been described as “Facebook for healthcare”.

The interactive flu Web site is the first step in a larger AMA initiative that will eventually include new conditions in addition to the flu.

If you are worried that you have contracted H1N1, consider using an interactive Web site first before heading to the doctor. Wash your hands, eat healthy, get plenty of rest and stay home if you are not feeling well. Take these precautions to keep your family healthy this flu season.

By Courtney Siekirk

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According to a recent study out of John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, liquid calorie intake has a stronger impact on weight than solid calorie intake.  Reducing liquid calories, especially from sugar-sweetened drinks such as punches, fruit juices and sodas helps people lose weight and keep it off.

Americans consume 150 to 300 calories more each day than they did 30 years ago.  Liquid calories are extremely hard to keep track of, especially because they aren’t as filling as solid food.

To put it in more practical terms, the average 150-pound person would have to jog for 60 minutes to burn off that morning mocha.

My advice: sip your next soda with caution.  Think twice next time you reach for that can of soda or pull through the drive-thru for a creamy afternoon treat.  Try to watch your consumption of sugary beverages to stay at a heathy weight.

Courtney Siekirk

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