Our work environment shapes many of the choices we make, and can either support or hinder efforts to eat well and be active. By simply choosing the right foods and being physically active you can improve your health. We have created a guide that will make it easier for employees to incorporate healthier dietary options and physical activity into meetings.

Download the Healthy Meeting Guide and learn some tips to make your workplace healthier. You can set an example for others, and most importantly you can improve your own health and the health of your employees. So the next time you have a meeting or an event, promote good health by using some of the suggestions listed in this guide.

Check out our new web video and learn how the City of Las Vegas and other jurisdictions are implementing an after school program that focuses on physical activity and healthy eating called CATCH Kids Club. 

http://youtu.be/4OAswSIu9q4

Get the most for your food budget! There are many ways to save money on the foods that you eat. The three main steps are planning before you shop, purchasing the items at the best price, and preparing meals that stretch your food dollars. You don’t have to sacrifice your budget for eating healthy.

Back to the basics. We are used to having pre-packaged convenience foods that are pre-cooked, cut and instant. These items might save time but they also cost a lot more money. Take the time to prepare your own food, you can save by chopping your own produce or prepping meat yourself. There seems to be a common misconception that fast food is cheaper than healthy food cooked at home- but that isn’t necessarily the case.  You can plan a healthy meal without sacrificing the principle of thrift.

Look for the low cost staples. Certain foods are typically low-cost options all year round and others are not. If you are looking for protein for example, beans are almost always a less expensive option. If you are looking to include more fruits and vegetables, items like carrots and bananas are going to typically cost less on a regular basis than for example mangos or artichokes. 
 

Freeze leftovers! Prepare a large batch of favorite recipes and freeze leftovers in individual
containers. Use them throughout the week and you won’t have to spend money on take-out meals or eating out at lunch.
 

Save money eating out. Restaurants can be expensive. Save money by getting the early bird special, going out for lunch instead of dinner, or looking for “2 for 1” deals. Stick to water instead of ordering other beverages. Order a salad and entrée and share the meal between two people. Better for the budget and the waist line.
 

Plan, plan, plan! Before you head to the grocery store, plan your meals for the week. Find items that you can buy on sale and use in multiple recipes. Shop only for the items you need to prepare those meals. Make extra for leftovers in your meal plan, and be realistic about how many nights you might eat out or be too busy to cook. Not only does this strategy cut down on the amount of food you buy at the grocery store, but it also decreases the amount of food you waste. 

Get the best price. Check the local newspaper, online, and at the store for sales and coupons. Ask about a loyalty card for extra savings at stores where you shop. Look for specials or sales on meat and seafood—often the most expensive items on your list.

Compare and Contrast. Locate the “Unit Price” on the shelf directly below the product. Use it to compare different brands and different sizes of the same brand to determine which is more economical.

Buy in bulk. It is almost always cheaper to buy foods in bulk. Smart choices are family packs of chicken, steak, or fish and larger bags of potatoes and frozen vegetables. Before you shop, remember to check if you have enough
freezer space.

Buy in season. Buying fruits and vegetables in season can lower the cost and add to the freshness! If you are not going to use them all right away, buy some that still need time to ripen. Buy frozen or  canned fruits and veggies, these have the same health benefits as fresh but often cost less.

Eat more meatless meals. Meat tends to be the most expensive item in recipes.  Try making one or two vegetarian dinners a week to cut costs. Recipes based on items like rice, whole grains, beans are a great source of protein. These dishes can be filling and inexpensive.  Add seasonal produce for crunch, freshness, and color.

Nevada Moves Day April 25th:
Nevadan children are encouraged to safely walk or bike to school on April 25 as a way to celebrate NV moves day. Get outside and walk to school! Various schools are planning different events around the valley. Parents are encouraged to walk with their child to school and discuss safe walking and bicycling practices with their children. Drivers are urged to pay attention to kids on the streets on Nevada Moves Day, as well as every other day.
“Whether it’s for Nevada Moves Day or part of a daily routine, physical activity at an early age, such as walking or bicycling, helps reduce heart disease, diabetes and other obesity-related illnesses,” said NDOT Bicycle, Pedestrian and Safe Routes to School Program Manager Bill Story.

Check out our video on walking to school.  http://bit.ly/7rmdy9
 

Farms to Families Festival:

Saturday, 5 May 2012       From : 10:00am   To : 4:00pm
Location : The Springs Preserve  333 S. Valley View Blvd. at US 95
FREE event at the Springs Preserve!

If you have wanted to take your kids to the springs preserve, but wanted to do it for free, now is your chance!! Three Square, the Springs Preserve, and the Community Food Council are collaborating on a festival highlighting the role of food in our Southern Nevada community. This festival is a two-day event, during which all events and museums at the Springs Preserve, including the recently opened Nevada State Museum, will be available free of charge to the public.

Free museum entrance will be provided during normal operating hours (10 a.m.–6 p.m.). Special event programming will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Possible activities include:

- Children planting and gardening activity, including a take home potted plant
- Nutrition education
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application education and assistance
- Cooking demonstrations
- Information about donating leftover garden crops to local food banks (gleaning program)
- Information on school and community gardens
- Lectures on food or gardening
- Film screenings
- Group physical activities (Zumba, martial arts, etc.)
- Storytime for kids
 

We invite you to join with us this month and participate in TV Turn-off Week! TV Turn-off week is a fun way to promote reducing the use of television, video games and other screen devices.  Turning off these devices is a great opportunity to improve your health and the health of your fam­ily.  This can also be a great way to spend time with your family doing other activities. Cutting back on tele­vision and video games is a great way to find the time to play outside, take a walk, or try new activi­ties as a family.

TV Turn-off week is a nationally recognized event that officially takes place on April 30^th – May 6^th this year but you can implement TV Turn-off Week at your house any week you choose.
If you’d like to participate in TV Turn-off Week you may download materials from our website at http://www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org/tv-turnoff/index.php

Happy Screen-Free Week!

Spring Celebration @ Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs
Detention Basin Ribbon Cutting & One-Mile Fun Walk
Saturday, April 7 , 2012, noon - 4 p.m.
Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 9200 Tule Springs Road
Free! Join Councilman Ross for a one-mile fun walk and ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs Detention Basins. Families will enjoy a Spring Celebration with amusement rides, jump houses, crafts, games, Farmers Market, community vendors, music and much more.

Hikes!  

The National Park Service is presenting guided hikes and programs throughout the Lake Mead National Recreation Area during the month of April. For information and reservations call the Lake Mead Visitor Center at 702-293-8990, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Reservations are required on all hikes. For safety reasons please leave dogs at home.

Monday, April 2
White Owl Canyon
This is an intriguing hike that begins near the water’s edge and winds into a narrow canyon where birds of prey have been spotted. Explore a twisting wash with multiple signs of life. This is a moderate three-mile hike.

Tuesday, April 3
Liberty Bell Arch
Traverse a narrow wash through ancient river beds past the remains of a World War II-era mine. On the way to Black Canyon view a natural arch created by wind and water. This is a moderate six-mile hike.

Wednesday, April 4
Spooky Canyon
See what the power of water can do to rock on this short one mile-hike. Explore a series of slot-canyons and learn why this canyon is spooky.

Thursday, April 5
Railroad Tunnel Trail
Follow the route of the old Hoover Dam supply train through five railroad tunnels. Along the way, you will learn about the lives, hardships and accomplishments of the workers who built Hoover Dam. This is an easy two-mile hike.

Friday, April 6
Arizona Hot Springs
Come with us to explore the scenic White Rock Canyon. The trail leads directly to the Colorado
River below Hoover Dam and a well-known hot-spring on the Arizona side of the river. This is a
moderate six-mile hike.

Egg Dive
Wednesday April 4, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Desert Breeze Aquatics Center, 8275 Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, NV
What is an egg dive?
The Desert Breeze Pool will be hosting an Egg Dive on Wednesday, April 4th at 1:30pm. Children ages 3-10 are invited to splash around in the indoor pool to find floating and weighted plastic eggs. Pre-registration is required and space is limited, children will be separated by age for egg hunts. Fee is $3 per participant; children 5 and under must have an adult in the water with them and all non-swimmers must wear lifejackets. (Lifejackets will be provided.) There will also be games, crafts and goody bags for all. Register online at here or call the Desert Breeze Pool at (702) 455-7798 for more information. Hope to see you there!

Red Rock Canyon NCA Hike 
Sunday, Mar 4, 2012
This is the first spring wildflower hike of 2012 with Dr. Bob and Liz. This picturesque hike includes colorful rock formations, springs, birds, reptiles, and hopefully many spring wildflowers. Easy to moderate, 3 miles. All ages. Limited space. For more information or to register for this hike, please call (702) 515-5367.

Henderson Spring Festival
When: Saturday, 4/7/2012  10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where: Valley View Recreation Center, 500 Harris St.
More info: Celebrate the season at Valley View Recreation Center’s Spring Festival. This annual event includes carnival games, prizes, treats, and surprises. children may have their picture taken with Peter Cottontail for $2 per photo. Ages 3-12. Free.

April 7: Jump for Joy hosts “Volley Against Obesity” presented by the Outside Las Vegas Foundation at Sunset Park on April 7th, 2012 from 9:30am-12pm. Special guests for the camp will be the UNLV Volleyball Team. The event is FREE and includes activities for kids and nutrition classes for parents. To register, or for more information, visit: http://vao-eivtefrnd.eventbrite.com/

It’s march madness! Just because your bracket might be busted doesn’t mean you need to bust your waist line. Many of us will be planted on our couch watching the madness go down this weekend, while loading our plates with all the normal not-so-healthy foods like pizza, wings, and nachos. Instead try these winning tips and recipes to make your game day meal a slamdunk!
Full-of-Veggies-Chili
Ingredients:
1 large sweet onion, diced
1 large green bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (12-ounce) package ground turkey
1 large zucchini, diced
1 (11-ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained
2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added tomato sauce
2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomato and green chiles, undrained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon sugar
1 (1 3/4-ounce) envelope Texas-style chili seasoning mix

Preparation:
Sauté first 3 ingredients in hot oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in turkey and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, stirring often, 20 minutes.

NOTE: Chili may be frozen up to 3 months, if desired.

Nutritional Information
Amount per serving: Calories: 128,  Calories from fat: 14%, Fat: 2g, Saturated fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated fat: 0.6g, Polyunsaturated fat: 1g, Protein: 16g, Carbohydrate: 19g, Fiber: 3g,  Cholesterol: 0.0mg, Iron: 1.6mg, Sodium: 547mg, Calcium: 44mg

Southern Living NOVEMBER 2000  http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/full-of-veggies-chili-10000000258065/print/

Wrap ‘em ups

Makes one wrap:
1  whole wheat tortilla
½  cup ready to eat lettuce or raw spinach
¼  cup chopped tomato
2  tablespoons shredded nonfat cheddar cheese
1  ounce lean lunch meat (like turkey)
1  tablespoon low-fat ranch dressing
 
1. Spread tortilla with dressing.
2. Top with remaining ingredients and roll up.
3. Wrap in wax paper or foil and keep cold until ready to serve.

Change It Up!
• Stuff a whole wheat pita cut in half instead of making it a wrap.
• Add a wedge of avocado, leftover corn, or any other chopped up favorite veggies.
 
How to make a healthier ranch dip:
Instead of adding 16 oz. of sour cream to a packet of dry ranch dip mix, substitute 2 cups of plain nonfat yogurt. You cut over 80% calories & all the fat.
 
Tip: Rolling is easier if you heat tortilla in microwave for 10 seconds before assembling

Per serving:  212 calories, 7.5 g total fat, 16 mg cholesterol, 566 mg sodium, 21 g total carbohydrate, 5 g dietary fiber, 13 g protein, 184 mg calcium.  Adapted from Turkey Wrap-Up Recipe on www.kraftfoods.com

Other tips:

• A great thing to do is cut and prepare a big veggie tray. Set it out for people to munch on throughout the day. We like to snack and graze and this is a healthy way to fill up and not fill out. Use a light ranch dressing ( see above)  or hummus for dipping. 
•  Chips and dip are a classic game day food. Lighten up this favorite by choosing a the right dip. Try salsa,  guacamole or hummus. Use baked tortilla chips instead of the regular tortilla chips.
• Stay away from the soda and drink water with lemon.  Or try sparkling water and add a low calorie drink mix. Unsweetened ice tea can be a refreshing treat too. 

And since you might be spending most of your day sitting, be sure to get in some physical activity before the game starts. Get outside or to the park and get pumped up for the game by shooting some hoops with your kids. Take a nice walk around your neighborhood during half time to shake your “close game” nerves and burn some calories.

Pack food and beverages for the week ahead.
Spend an hour getting organized on Sunday and save time and money during the week.  Wash cut and bag fruits and veggies for the week ahead. Take your healthy snacks to work and leave them there so you dont have to remember to bring them eat day.

Stock up on nutrition.
Fill your desk drawers, office fridge, and briefcase with a healthy variety of tasty snacks, like fruits and vegetables, trail mix, fruit juice and water.  You will be more likely to eat healthy food if you have healthy food on hand. 

Pack lunch while you cook dinner.
When cooking dinner make “planned leftovers” at dinner.  Make an extra serving and pack them for your lunch the next day. This will save you money too!

Add protein to your day.
For some extra brain and body power try some nuts, seeds, soy nuts, yogurt, milk, hard boiled eggs or nutrition bars, instead of going to the vending machine.

Drink to your health.
Staying well-hydrated helps you think more clearly, be less cranky.  It also is one of the best skin treatments in the world.

Use the K.I.S.S. principle for candy.
Keep It Small Sweetie!!! Skip those king-size candy bars.  Slowly savor a chocolate kiss or enjoy a “fun-size” version of your favorite candy.
      

The Las Vegas Farmers’ Market will offer a special promotion for its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers with its Las Vegas Farmers’ Market $5 SNAP Redemption Match at all of its market locations during March. SNAP customers will receive a credit equal to a dollar-for-dollar match for up to $5 in SNAP benefits spent at the markets. The promotion is made possible by a grant from the Southern Nevada Dietetic Association and will last as long as funds are available. Market locations, times and days vary and the markets switch to summer hours beginning Sunday, Mar. 11 when Daylight Savings Time begins. For specific market days and hours, visit http://lasvegasfarmersmarket.com/. 

The health district encourages visits to local farmers markets because they provide customers with an opportunity to obtain locally grown, high quality fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers’ markets are an excellent location to redeem SNAP benefits for healthy food choices. The Las Vegas Farmers’ Market also accepts credit and debit transactions as well as wireless electronic benefits transfer (EBT). EBT cards work like a debit card. SNAP is a federal nutrition program that helps people stretch their food budget and buy healthy food. Benefits are provided monthly via EBT cards.
The Southern Nevada Health District’s office of chronic disease prevention and health promotion has videos and information available on its website, www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org  including online tips to make smarter and healthier choices, tools to encourage more physical activity, and ways to minimize health risks. The 
You tube channel offers a variety of videos, including grocery aisle tours, diabetes management, information about portion control, or how to make small lifestyle changes to earn big benefits.

Henderson:
Saturday, March 3, 2012
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Paseo Verde Park
Free to attend

The City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department’s annual Bark in the Park is an event for people and pooches of all ages. It’s a day full of demonstrations, contests, events, services, pet adoptions, and plenty of fun!

Lake Mead Hikes:

 Saturday March 3rd Bowl of Fire Hike: Use your imagination as you wander among a variety of Aztec sandstone formations that are scattered through the Bowl of Fire This is a moderately strenuous six mile hike.

Friday March 9th Full Moon Hike: Go on a easy moonlight stroll and learn more about the nightlife and history of Lake Mead NRA. Remember to bring your flashlight for this easy two-mile walk.

For more information in gerneral or to learn about other march hikes call 702-293-8990.
 

Something old and something new. A few of our Regional Parks have gotten a face lift!

Las Vegas:  Floyd Lamb park
Come check out some of the recent changes out at Floyd Lamb Park. This used to be a state park but now owned by the City of Las Vegas it is better than ever! One of the greatest changes is the opening of some new mountain biking, walking and equestrian trails. Kudos to City of LV for creating such a fantastic outdoor experience for residents! With the spectacular views of the Sheep and Spring Mountain Ranges in the distance, users can enjoy exercise and visual amenities while exploring Floyd Lamb Park. The new and improved park entrance provides a more direct and visible entry way to the park as well as a FREE way to enjoy the park on foot, bike or horse. The new entrance can be found on Racel and Cimmaron (Northwest part of the valley). http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Find/21180.htm
 

Clark County: Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road at Eastern Avenue.
A new and improved portion of Sunset Park that has been years in the making is now open to the public, providing new features such as a new 3.5-acre dog park that is three times the size of the previous dog park, multiple-use trails with signage describing the site’s history, native and drought-tolerant landscaped areas, children’s play areas, multiple shade structures for picnics, pedestrian bridges, and new access from Sunset Road along with an interior roadway.  The County made a concerted effort to not only improve the site but to preserve and highlight its historical importance
http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/Depts/parks/Announcements/Pages/sunset-to-love-video.aspx