The American Red Cross has a critical shortage of type O blood and urges eligible donors to give now to help patients facing trauma and other life-threatening situations. As a thank-you for helping replenish the blood supply, all donors who come to give blood now through June 10 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a … [Read more...]
Be a lifesaver: Give blood with the Red Cross this spring
Eligible blood donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to give blood through the American Red Cross now to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients this spring. By giving blood, donors may be helping someone like five-year-old Emery Twehues, who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia last spring. During her intense cancer treatments, … [Read more...]
Blowing smoke: e-devices hides dangers amid flashy design and alluring options
In just over a decade, public and health awareness campaigns steadily decreased the rate of American smokers to roughly 14%. While this should be lauded, it’s becoming white noise against the backdrop of increasing rates for electronic cigarettes and vaping. The Center for Disease Control and the National Institute for Drug Abuse note that while electronic nicotine delivery … [Read more...]
Bloodmobile coming to Harmony on April 2
Harmony will be hosting a bloodmobile at the Harmony Community Center from 1-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. All donors will be required to provide identification before donating, so please remember your donor card or driver’s license. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types, and blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster … [Read more...]
Free health and wellness program to those 55 and older
Active Aging in Fillmore County is pleased to announce that we will be offering a free eight-week health and wellness package to residents 55 and over. The program is called the Aging Mastery Program®. It was developed by the National Council on Aging (NCOA). The goal of this program is to empower older adults to make and maintain small but impactful changes. The classes will … [Read more...]
37th Annual Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign
Food insecurity means people do not have access to enough food for every person at all times to have an active, healthy life. This can affect people’s wellness and their ability to function at school or work. Food insecurity affects nearly 1 in 10 Minnesotans, 1 in 8 children, and the number of seniors facing food insecurity continues to increase. In 2018, Semcac food … [Read more...]
Rowing classes at Studio 223
By Maddie Smith Do you want to get in shape, but don’t idolize the idea of running alone for five miles a day in the harsh Minnesota weather? Believe it or not, you’re not in the minority! Combining healthy habits, fun times, teamwork, and self-growth is all possible at Studio 223. Studio 223 offers a variety of classes, ranging from TRX (suspension training that uses body … [Read more...]
How I practice mindfulness
There are many wonderful things about our society: TV, smartphones, tablets, GPS. While those things most certainly make life easier, they can also make life a tad bit more stressful. Staring at screens all day leave us with fatigue, eye strain, and poor posture while indulging in media at our fingertips hours every day leave our cortisol levels sky-rocketing from all the … [Read more...]
It’s never too late!
How many times have you made the New Year’s resolution to get in shape, but never did? You’re not alone, and as we age, it gets harder and harder. The thought of getting in shape is daunting, and as a result, nothing changes. Tina Kerns is excited about changing that. Kerns is the program coordinator for Active Aging Programs with Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota. “As … [Read more...]
After three recent work zone crashes, MnDOT reminds motorists to pay attention
With three recent work zone crashes in southeastern Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds drivers to slow down and pay attention. MnDOT crews have been out in the warmer winter weather doing maintenance work on the roads and repairing damage caused by drivers. Drivers have crashed into work zones, damaging equipment, and created some close calls for … [Read more...]