News

Hanging out with UpTown Partners Business Association

Early today I went to an UpTown Partners Business Association meeting.  Uptown Partners Business Association (UPBA) is an association of businesses located in Cleveland’s Uptown neighborhoods of Buckeye-Shaker, Fairfax, Glenville, Hough, Little Italy and University Circle. They are dedicated to increasing the public’s awareness of their business members’ offerings and to organizing initiatives which enhance the quality of life for residents and the overall experience for visitors. UPBA’s members share a common goal of providing quality products and services, resulting in strong customer satisfaction and sustainable business growth. UPBA considers their businesses to be paramount to the continued growth and vitality of the area in and around University Circle.

The topic today was Facebook Timeline:  What business owners need to know.  Cindy Earl did a great job in taking us through the many steps to improve the visibility of a Facebook page.  Many of the suggestions I looked into as soon as I got back to the office.

Hats off to Laura  Kleinman and her staff for organizing this meeting.  I had a chance to network with some of the businesses located in the University Circle area and some that are outside the area.  I will be attending these meetings often.

If you would like to learn more about UPBA, click HERE.

Free Program Helps Prevent Type 2 Diabetes for the Youth in Greater Cleveland

CAAO has recently launched a Wellness Initiative that helps shares relevant information on wellness to our network in Northeast Ohio.  I was doing some research on youth programs and came across this wonderful program called Youth Steppin Up.  Youth Steppin up is a program of Early Childhood Options (ECO).

ECO started the program in August of 2011 and after eight months of service has already shown success in improving the lives of African American youth by reducing their risk of developing Type-2 Diabetes, and reducing other adverse effects of obesity, poor dietary and lifestyle behaviors.  The State of Ohio’s Commission on Minority Health selected this program for funding in July , 2011.

Youth Steppin Up includes a free youth exercise program which consist of  an instructor led exercise component (3 times per week), daily meal and snacking tracking with required weekly review, and weekly weigh-ins administered by a fitness instructor.  A registered nurse provides an initial glucose check and monitors blood pressure bi-monthly.   .  The Ohio State Extension, a Registered Dietician, and nutrition advisors teach parents and their children how to incorporate healthier food choices, portion-control, healthy snacking, smart grocery shopping, and implementation of the ChooseMyPlate Method/USDA guidelines. Mandatory nutrition education sessions are held twice per month for both parents and children.  A licensed social worker provides additional educational sessions on bullying and teasing by peers.

Doing some research I found out:

• Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.  *
• Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled. *

I congratulate the staff at ECO for developing this program.   It is much needed in the Greater Cleveland community.  To get more information on this program, call (216) 464-5300.

* This information was taking from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

Hit the Road: How to Start a Running Program

Thought this article I found would be good information to share. I am going to start running program myself after 3 months of fast walking.

According to a national survey of 6,207 people, about one in 10 jog or run as part of their weight management or weight-loss strategy. Runners edged out other dieters in terms of reaching overall weight loss goals.

Running is a challenging form of exercise that builds aerobic fitness and heart health as it seems to melt away fat. Calories burned from running vary depending on your pace, but estimate about 100 calories per mile if you run five miles an hour.

To see the full article click here.

Egg and Roasted Red Peppers

I recently tried this sandwich.

1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup baby spinach

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 slice whole-grain bread, toasted

1 egg, cooked sunny-side up

2 Tbsp sliced roasted red bell peppers

1. Heat 2 tsp oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add spinach, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Drizzle toast with remaining oil. Top with sauteed spinach, egg, and peppers. Season with salt and pepper.

Per serving: 335 cal; 24 g fat (4 g sat fat); 210 mg cholesterol; 20 g carbs; 341 mg sodium; 11 g protein; 4 g fiber

Reducing Viral Hepatitis Disparities Among African Americans

By Ronald Valdiserri, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, Infectious Diseases, and Director, Office of HIV/AIDS Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

As we observe African American History Month, we are also working to raise awareness of the silent epidemic of viral hepatitis in the Black community. You may have seen the blog post earlier this month by my colleague Dr. Nadine Gracia, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health. She highlighted some of the troubling viral hepatitis disparities in the African American community, recognizing the need for more education, screening and linkage to treatment and care.

Learn the Facts

The first step to reducing these disparities is increasing awareness about viral hepatitis:

Hepatitis B and C are liver diseases caused by viruses.

Anyone can get hepatitis B or hepatitis C, but African Americans bear a disproportionate burden of disease.

Most people living with viral hepatitis do not know they are infected.

Chronic hepatitis infections cause liver damage, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer, often with no symptoms.

Hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine.

Both hepatitis B and C viruses can be transmitted through exposure to blood or through sex.

Getting a simple blood test is the only way to know if you have been exposed to viral hepatitis.

Treatments exist for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

To read the full blog click Here