Welcome to the new season of Community Health Corner! This month we focus on the dairy food group, suggest a few simple healthy dairy switches, and demonstrate a healthy white sauce recipe that can be used to lighten up many of your favorite dishes. We share some cost saving tips on when to buy generic grocery products and why you should never shop hungry. We also discuss ways to increase your daily movement through outdoor recreation (now that the weather is cooperating), learn how caffeine consumption can affect your body, and celebrate Breast Cancer awareness month with information about breast cancer screening.

Eat Better

Simple White Sauce Recipe
Use in place of cream sauces in Fettuccine Alfredo, Tuna Noodle Casserole, or your family’s favorite.
1. In a small bowl, use a fork to whisk together 2 Tablespoons cornstarch and 1 cup nonfat or low-fat milk until smooth.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add milk mixture. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in 2 teaspoons mustard. Season with dried or fresh herbs as you like, such as basil, parsley, or dill. Start with ¼ teaspoon and add to your taste.
4. Remove from heat. Serve hot.

Cooking with Low-fat Dairy

Check out our new printable resources for everything you need to know about cooking with low-fat/non-fat dairy. Click on the picture to download.

Food Cents

How much can buying generic really save you? Check out this article from Dave Ramsey that compares three different dinner recipes for a family of four based on prices at a local Kroger.

Wondering about the taste of name-brands v generic brands? Check out this article from Consumer Reports that reveals the results of a blind taste test they conducted with 19 pairs of staple foods.

Move More

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has a nifty state-wide interactive map that allows you to search for outdoor recreation activities near you. Access it here.

Georgia’s recreation guide is available here and outdoor recreation ideas throughout the state are discussed here.

If you are in the mood for more intense exercise, check out these ten outdoor workout ideas from SHAPE that you can do with little to no equipment here.

Take Care

Is your caffeine habit causing problems? Find out how much is too much and if you need to curb your intake here.

Check out the caffeine informer website for information regarding caffeine limits for adults and children here. The graphic referenced in the show is also reproduced below.

See Your Doctor

Assistance Obtaining Health Insurance
The Affordable Care Act requires that health insurance policies cover mammograms with no cost sharing as a preventative service. If you need assistance signing up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, contact our sister organization Insure Georgia for personalized assistance here.

Free or low cost mammogram resources
Through the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, uninsured Georgia residents under 200 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for free mammogram screenings. These services are provided through your local health department and select medical providers across the state. For a complete list use the service locator available here.

In addition, many Federally Qualified Health Centers offer free or reduced cost cancer screenings. To find a center near you use the Find a Health Center search map available here.

Free Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetic Screening
Georgia CORE and the Georgia Department of Public Health have teamed up to reduce disparities through a statewide initiative to screen more Georgians and increase access to testing, counseling and management for those who have an HBOC-related mutation. Access the screening tool here.

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool, available here, allows you to estimate a your risk of developing invasive breast cancer over the next 5 years and up to age 90 (lifetime risk).The tool uses a woman’s personal medical and reproductive history and the history of breast cancer among her first-degree relatives (mother, sisters, daughters) to estimate absolute breast cancer risk—her chance or probability of developing invasive breast cancer in a defined age interval.

Watch our video here and leave us a comment with what you would like to see us cover, or which tip you liked the most!