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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Free Blood Pressure Screenings
Do you need your blood pressure checked?  The 3rd weekend of each month, before and after the Saturday evening service and between the services on Sunday morning (approx. 9:30 to 9:45 and 10:45 to 11:15), a health professional is available for no-cost screenings.  We are located in the church lobby, right outside the Cafe.  

Red Cross Blood Drive
Cypress is one of the regular stops in this area for Red Cross Blood Drives.  The next scheduled date for a blood drive, held in the Cypress Cafe, is Wednesday, June 25, 2008.  The hours are from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  If you would like to make an appointment, call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVELIFE.  Walk-ins are always welcome!

Wellness Tip - Note:  These will change every month or so -- be sure to check for new tips! 

The Whys and Hows to More Fruits and Veggies
 
You have inevitably heard, “You need to eat more fruits and vegetables, "but you may be wondering why, especially if you have been avoiding these foods and seem to be doing well.  Or you may be a believer in this statement, but you are asking how it’s possible to eat more fruits and vegetables.  Whatever the case may be, here are some reasons for why eating more fruits and vegetables can benefit us and some tips for how to eat more.
 
Why?
  • They can decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke
  • They can help control blood pressure and cholesterol
  • They help guard against certain types of cancers of the esophagus, stomach, lung, mouth, pharynx, larynx, colon-rectum, kidney, urinary bladder, ovary, and prostate
  • They help prevent diverticulitis
  • They decrease the occurrence of cataract and macular degeneration, two common causes of vision loss
  • They can help to reduce the risk of birth defects

How?

  • Wash and cut fresh fruits and vegetables after coming home from the grocery store so that they can be an on-the-go snack
  • If time limits washing and cutting fruits and vegetables, buy those that are pre-packaged for a quick and easy snack
  • Use the salad bar when you go out for lunch or to the grocery store
  • To add to the taste of raw vegetables, eat them with a small amount of ranch dressing or peanut butter
  • Add fruit to your cereal at breakfast
  •  Keep dried fruit and nuts in your desk or file drawer for quick, easy, and nutritious snacking
  • Drink ½ cup of 100% juice instead of a usual coffee, tea or soda
  • Make your own smoothie by blending frozen fruit and milk and/or 100% juice
  • Place 100% fruit and/or vegetable juice in an ice cube tray to make juice cubes or popsicles
  • Spend a Saturday morning shopping at a local farmer’s market to find delicious seasonal produce at affordable prices.  To find out what’s in season, visit http://ourohio.org/index.php?page=whats-in-season

 
The latest dietary guidelines recommend five to thirteen servings of fruits and vegetables a day, depending on one's recommended caloric intake.  Bring some creativity and color to the table, and enjoy!
 
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/fruits.html
http://www.fda.gov/Fdac/features/1997/297_five.html
http://www.pbhfoundation.org/recipes/rt_snacks.php