Time To Get Up And Get Moving!
Are you one of the millions who has decided to eat healthier and get in shape this
year? The following information may help you get started.
Nashville, Ark. – A new year has begun. Are you one of the millions who has decided to eat healthier and get in shape this year? While losing weight may be your motivation, there are many benefits to improving your health.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Lack of physical activity is a major risk factor in developing heart disease. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems like diabetes and obesity. It can increase your energy levels and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Even moderate activity like walking is helpful if done on a regular basis. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the weeks.
If you are not used to exercising, start out slow. Try walking just 10 minutes at a time. Add 10 minutes each week or month until you are walking for 30-40 minutes. You can also take two walks a day for 15 minutes to reach your goal of 30 minutes per day.
Doing exercises to build your strength is important not only to your health, but also for better balance and mobility. A major key to sticking with your exercise plan is to find someone who will exercise with you. Making exercise fun is key to reaching your goals and staying on track.
If all of this sounds great and you are ready to improve your health, the Howard County Cooperative Extension Service will be offering a twelve-week group program, Extension Get Fit starting Monday, January 28 and meeting twice a week through May 1. This program will be held at the Howard County Extension Homemaker Educational Center in Nashville.
Extension Get Fit is designed to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and stamina in a fun 45-minute session. The sessions will meet on Monday and Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. The class will be instructed by Jean Ince, County Extension Agent, who has been formally trained to lead the program.
Participants will learn a series of strength training and aerobic exercises. Classes will be circuit style where participants will rotate through a fast paced series of exercises. This type of exercise is fun to do and gets the blood flowing through your body. Beginners and experienced strength trainers are encouraged to participate.
To participate in the program, you must be 18 years or older. Space is limited, so sign up now by contacting the Howard County Extension Service at 870-845-7517 or visiting the Extension Office located on the second floor of the courthouse. Cost for the entire program is $20, which covers all classes. Interested persons should pre-register by January 24.
Don’t let another year go by without improving your health. Contact the Howard County Extension Office today and register for Extension Get Fit.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Howard County Extension office as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
Recipe of the Week
This recipe is easy to prepare. Your whole family will love this low-cost, great-tasting recipe. Perfect for winter suppers!
Taco Soup
1 can chili (24 ounces)
1 can low-sodium corn (drained and rinsed)
1 can low-sodium kidney beans (drained and rinsed) or two cups cooked beans
3 cups low-sodium tomato juices
4 cups water
2 cups dry elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
In a large pot, mix chili, corn, beans, tomato juice, and water. Cook over medium heat until simmering.
Add pasta, and continue cooking over medium heat until pasta is cooked. Stir as needed to prevent pasta from sticking to the pan.
Tip: Try adding other vegetables, such as green peppers or zucchini, for added flavor.
Yield: 8 servings (1 ½ cups each)
Nutrition Information per Serving: Calories 296, Fat 7g, Protein 14g, Fiber 5g, Sodium 431 mg, Carbohydrate 44g
By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative
action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need
materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other
appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons
regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin,
religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any
other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.