Eat right on the road
It can be hard to eat healthy while traveling, especially if it's a work trip full of business meetings. Get some fresh ideas from Glen Ellyn dietitian Cathy Leman, who has published a booklet, "Nutrition at Work: 60 Simple Ways to Eat Healthy on the Road and at the Office." It's available for $6.50 by writing to 526 Crescent Blvd., #213, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
Here's a sampling:
• Stop at every water fountain on the way to your gate and take four big gulps. You'll drink about half a cup at each fountain and board the plane fully hydrated.
• Pack packages of plain, instant oatmeal, nuts and dried fruit. You can make a healthy breakfast using hot water from your hotel room coffee pot.
• Order double vegetables at lunch and dinner.
• Travel with food in case your schedule leaves no time for a meal. Bring a peanut butter sandwich, whole grain fig bars, apples, nonfat pudding, nuts or cut vegetables.
Healthy feet, happy feet
Do you have a foot problem? Get some free medical advice and a referral to a local podiatrist on Nov. 14, when podiatrists with the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association will answer calls about common foot ailments from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Illinois residents can call (888) 869-3338. The free event is part of a monthlong awareness campaign on diabetes and foot health.
Asthma awareness
A new survey by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and AstraZeneca shows most people with asthma don't really have their illness under control. While two-thirds of people claimed to have their asthma under control, over half suffered symptoms like wheezing, coughing or chest tightness once a week.
Specific ethnic populations are at a greater risk. Among Hispanics, 8 percent said they were diagnosed with asthma, but 58 percent reported asthma symptoms. Among African-Americans, 13 percent were diagnosed with asthma, compared to 58 percent who experienced symptoms.
-- Susan Stevens